of himself HIST. III. Mellinto and Valeria Mellinto Courts Valeria and is betrothed to her The Lord Beltimore falls in Love with her Mellinto out of his great Affection to Valeria and respect to her advancement retracts the Espousalls They are afterwards married she is taken by Pyrates he Swims after to the Galley and fâ—r her sake mâ—kes himself a voluntary Slave The King of Tunis undâ—rstanding their faithful Love releases both Vpon their Reâ—urn they find Bâ—ltimore dead who by Will Bequeath'd his whole Estate to Valeria in regard of her Constancy and fidelfty to Mellinto NOT far from Brundusium in the Province of Oâ—ranto in the Kingdom of Naplâ—s formerly well known for one of the best Havens in the World liv'd Seignior Mordenni a Gentleman of considerable Quality and Estate much about the same time that Massinello made his Insurrection at Naples This Gentleman had five Sons and one Daughter named Valeria who bore away the Palm of Beauty from all the Maids of that Country and as she had many Admirers was more particularly Ador'd by Mellinto a Young Gentleman of more Esteem for his great Vertue than Eminent in his Fortune between whom there was that sympathy of Affection and agreeableness of humour and disposition that the Match seem'd to be made in Heaven and they born for the mutual Love and Enjoyment of each other The Father of Valeria was much oblig'd to the Lord of Bâ—ltimore a Nobleman who liv'd three Miles off from whom upon all Occasions he had receiv'd generous Testimonies of his Friendship and Kindness for which reasons amongst other Gentlemen his Neighbours he invited his good Lord and Patron to the Ceremony of Betrothing his Daughter to Mellinto who willing to do Mordenni all the Honour he could upon so great a Soâ—emnity promis'd his Company All things were perform'd with much Pomp and Solemnity and Melâ—into and Valeria mutually Espous'd and Engag'd to Marry each other on such a day as should be agreed upon between their Friends and Relations Nothing â—ow was wanting but to proceed to the Consummaâ—ion of this Marriage the term of few days was preâ—crib'd to prepare and end it The Content of the two â—overs had exceeded all common bounds of Delight â—nd Satisfaction had not the adjourning of the Day 〈◊〉 on which they should have been United put water â—nto their Wine and moderated their Joy by ensuing Troubles Whether Valeria had added to her Natural â—eauty any secret Embellishments of Art or whether â—he Earl's Eyes were more discerning that Day than â—hey were formerly is uncertain but so it fell out â—hat Valeria's Conquering Charms so far prevail'd upon him that he lost both Judgment and Knowledge of himself and though he was very Antient and extreamly Afflicted with the Gout yet would he needs inroll himself under the Standard of Cupid where the Old and Impotent are never welcome so great was the Folly and Dotage of this Decrepid Lord. After he had made a weak Resistance to the Assault this Innocent Beauty made he yields resolving to Cure himself of this importunate Desire by Marriage whereupon he went to Mordenni the Father of this Beautiful Conqueress and weeping like a Child represented his Grief to him Mordenni took pity of him and counted it a great Honour that he should request to have his Daughter in Marriage But my Lord said he you know she is Espoused to another and this Promise cannot be broken but by the Consent of both Parties I shall reply'd the Lord Beltimore deal so bountifully with Mellinto that in obliging me he shall be the better for it as long as he lives and I will so well provide for your Daughter that both she and your whole Family shall be sensible of the good effects of it This News was carried by Mordenni to Mellinto who poor Gentleman receiv'd it as the Sentence of his Death and indeed to rend so strong a Love from his Heart was no less than to tear his Soul from his Body He could not Answer but with Tears like a Stag that stands at Bay Mordenni pressing him to it he fell down in a Swoon shewing thereby that he could not grant so hard a Request but by Death Then went he to his Daughter to try her mind who had no other Answer but Sighs and Sobs at last amongst many interruptions he learn'd That her will was in the hands of Mellinto and being Espoused to him she had now no more power to dispose of her self He then went back to Mellinto who having with incredible Convulsions of mind digested the bitter Thoughts of the Ruin of his Love which he saw so apparent took at last a Couragious Resolution and such a one as he might justly be blam'd for if not rightly understood Philosophers distinguish between Loves and say the most perfect is that which tends most to the good of the Person belov'd and that which is less perfect and respects the advantage of the Person loving is not so properly call'd Love as self-interest and design In this Mellinto desir'd to show the perfection of his love to Valeria by considering more her happiness and advancement than his own content Whereupon Mellinto told him he would though unwillingly resign his Title to the Lord Beltimore Mordenni overjoy'd at this answer tenderly embrac'd him and mixing their Tears together told him he should be eternally oblig'd to him and wou'd ever account him as much the Raiser of his House and Family as the Lord Beltimore was This news was presently carried by Mordenni to his Daughter who was so incredulous that she told him she would never believe it till she heard it from Mellinto's own mouth Presently after Mellinto came in with a dejected countenance and eyes overflowing with tears who could not endure to look Valeria in the face who he thought wou'd upbraid him with disloyalty thus to forsake her give her up to the embraces of another After they had in some measure overcome the violence of their passions Mellinto made it evidently appear to Valeria that she was much mistaken in accounting that for baseness of heart and disloyalty in him which was the greatest act of Magnanimity his heart cou'd show to renounce his own proper interest and satisfaction in favour of the person he so dearly lov'd Valeria cou'd not at first conceive this subtlety her soul being so closely united to Mellinto's that she believ'd nothing but death cou'd part them Oh Mellinto said she Dear Mellinto What hath caus'd you so easily to forsake me Call you that loviâ—g and perfectly loving to part with me I should not only have pefer'd you to a Lord but a King to the most potent Emperour on the Earth for I esteem not men for their wealth or greatness but for their own proper merits Dear Valeria repli'd Mellinto the affection I bear you works in me the same effect as death wou'd do since it separates me from you my vehement desire of your greatness makes me deprive
answer to return the Ambition of seeing his Daughter so great a Lady and that breach of Faith which would necessarily attend it rais'd two different Passions in his Breast and so far distracted his Thoughts that Varini might easily read the labours and troubles of his mind in his discomposed Countenance and profound Silence At last having something recovered himself he thus replyed My Lord the Transcendency of your Goodness and the noble offer you please to make my Daughter is so great an Honour to my Family that I who am highly sensible of my own demerits can receive it with no less Transports of joy and satisfaction than the Captive does his Freedom or the condemned Criminal a gracious Reprieve The next day Varini returned Berinto's Visit and made his first Address to Gloriana who being acquainted by her Father with the great professions of Kindness the Count had made to him and his mâ—re particular Respect to her gave him a reception which rather showed her deference and regard to his Quality than any delight she received from the Courtship of a Lover However the Count so vigorously pursued his Amours that in a short time he absolutely gained the Father and had been no less successful over the Affections of the Daughter had not her pre-engagement to Castrucchio obstructed the Conquest of his Flames who was fully resolved that no power should be able to rescind that sacred Tye by which they were so firmly linkt together Nor should all those empty Titles of Honour now laid at her Feet tempt her heart to Treachery and prevail upon her to forsake him to whom she had once vow'd eternal Constancy and Fidelity Castrucchio was soon acquainted by Gloriana with the unwelcome News that the Lord Varini was now his Rival in his pretensions to her which he received with a courage undaunted telling her that as no person of what Quality soever durst make an attempt upon her Vertue so he was well assured he would find as cold Entertainment in her Affections and that she who knew the Honor and Justice of his Cause was the most fit person to determine his Right which the Lord Varini with more Treachery than Gallantry endeavoured to supplant Gloriana with repeated promises gave fresh assurance of a constant and Loyal Heart which all the charms of Ambition should never be able to affect with levity nor the gilded promises of a plentiful Joynture corrupt with Infidelity But alass what Heart is so steel'd from all Impressions of Vice that Covetousness and Ambition can make no dint upon it Love too often softens the most rigid and austere Vertue which once made pliable receives the easie Signatures of those Crimes we at first so boldly scorn'd and detested This was the case of fair but inconstant Gloriana the present Temptation of Riches and Honour were so often presented to her with all the glorious Train of future Blessings that at last the gawdy show stagger'd her weaker Resolution and she rather chose the Age and Impotency of a Gouty Lord than the Youth and Vigour of her faithful Castrucchio In short the sedulous Addresses of Varini joyn'd with the powerful Commands of Berinto at last took place and Gloriana consented to the Marriage which was solemnized in the Castle of St. Brien a forthnight after with all the Magnificence and Splendor a generous Bounty was able to express Castrucchio was not long before he received intelligence of the fatal News and a positive confirmation of his own unhappy State by the treacherous Gloriana which so nearly reach'd his heart that he immediately fell into a deep Melancholy which continued for several Months upon him and had now brought him into a Consumption which his Friends apprehending the danger of advised him to remove to Padua the chief University of Italy not far from Venice for change of Air where we shall leave him to the care of the most able and learned Physicians and return to Gloriana who has now attained the utmost perfection of that Happiness she had aspired to The Count and his Lady lived at St. Brien were visited and complemented by all the Nobility and Gentry of the Country and to all appearance no persons could be more happy than Varini in the Embraces of Gloriana and Gloriana in the Love and Endearments of Varini But alas the fairest Picture hath its shade and the brightest day is closed by the dark and dismal night Gloriana had not been married above nine months before she grew pale and wan the Roses of her Cheeks were faded and the little Cupids which formerly danc'd in her Eyes were fled and gone a Cloud of Melancholy sate hovering on her Forehead and all her Actions and Discourse spoke the Resentments of a troubled and discontented Mind Her Conversation had now lost that air and briskness she was once so admired for and all her time was spent in a melancholy retirement to her Closet or in the most shady recesses of her Garden where she sigh'd away her bitter hours in complaints to the more happy Birds who free from the Tyranny of humane Laws did once a year choose their own Mates and in fresh enjoyments could bill without controul Varini was passionately concerned to see his beloved Gloriana so strangely alter'd and with all the tender expressions of Love and Kindness endeavoured to expel those Troubles which had seiz'd her Mind but all in vain Age had now made him an impotent Physician and Nature denyed him that Elixir of Life which could only cure the Longings of a youthful and vigorous Lady Gloriana declined so fast in her Health that he resolved to remove to Venice in hopes the pleasantness of the Place and variety of Company would divert her Melancholy and restore her to her former Health and Beauty and accordingly did so Varini had not been above three months there but Castrucchio who was now perfectly recovered at Padua heard of his return to Venice whither he immediately removed and courted all opportunities to get a sight of the Countess which soon after he effected Understanding she used to go to St. Mark 's Chappel to Mass he constantly paid his Devotions there where at last he spied her upon her Knees before the high Altar and not observing the Count her Husband or any of her Servants near went and kneel'd down by her It is not difficult to guess what Saint he made his Prayers to nor what was the Subject of his Petitions The Countess was strangely surpriz'd to see Castrucchio so near her and in the midst of his Discourse bid him forbear and meet her there the next Afternoon at four precisely Castrucchio in the interim suffered all the Torments that variety of Thoughts could rack him with sometimes blaming her Disloyalty to him he expected nothing but scorn and contempt and presently when he considered her first infidelity it gave him hopes she might prove as faithless to the Count whose cold and impotent Embraces could never oblige the craving desires
less abhorr'd The Commands of God the Laws of the Jews and other Nations at this day inflict death on the miserable Criminal however it has obtained more favour amongst the debauch'd Sparks of our Age who esteem it but a slight Peccadillo a piece of Gallantry and account it rather the Glory than the Shame of their youthful heat and vigorous Extravagance But let such know that God has promised by a severe threat That he will judge the Whoremonger and Adulterer nor will they find the punishment so light as they imagine This it was that brought a Deluge upon the old World and this it is which hath since overturn'd Kingdoms and laid wast the most flourishing States And as there is no Place nor hath been any Age free from notorious Examples of this Crime so also are there no degrees of Persons exempted from the commission of it Princes of the highest Dignity being as well guilty as those of more inferiour Rank and Quality But let such know that they shall both tast the bitterness of punishment for God will as soon fling his Thunderbolt on the one as the other the Princes Purple shall no more excuse him than the poor mans Rags can defend him If our Body is the Temple of God let us then keep it undefiled and not make it a Sanctuary for Murthers and Adulteries for that Holy Spirit will not endure the impurity of our thoughts much less our polluted actions our hands must not only be free from the stain of Blood but our hearts from the guilt and the very desire of Revenge Incontinency is one of the Devil's Light-Horse with which he at first skirmishes till he can draw us into those Ambuscades of more dangerous Enemies he has laid to entrap us and then charges us with his desperate Train of Adulteries and Murthers and the whole body of succeeding Villainies In Adultery he baits his Hook with the honey and sweets of the temptation paints the hidden Thorns and sticks them with Flowers guilds the Chains and studs them with Diamonds makes every curling Tress the Witchcraft of the Fair of the most soft and shining Silk which he ties up in True-Love-knots for garniture but when once we have swallowed the deceitful Potion we quickly lose the relish of those mistaken sweets and find that bitterness and sorrow were the chief Ingredients in the fatal Composition and a speedy Repentance our best and only Antidote I could here inlarge upon the various Punishments inflicted by different Nations according to the rigorous or more merciful inclination of their temper on the horrid sin of Adultery but then I should transgress the modest bounds I intended to this Discourse I shall therefore leave the Reader to the following Histories in which I hope he will receive both delight and satisfaction and conclude with the Remarque of a witty and observing Traveller The Italian says he poysons the Adulterous Wife the Spaniard stabs her the German beats her the French man puts her away and the English man won't believe it THE GLORY OF Gods Revenge Against the Bloody and Execrable Sin of MURTHER HIST. I. Grand Pre and Mermanda The proud Hautefelia hires Le Fresnay an Apothecary for 200 Crowns to Poyson her Sister in Law Mermanda then sets her Husband De Mallery at variance with her Brother Grand Pre who kills De Mallery in a Duell She afterwards gives Le Fresnay 300 Crowns more to Poyson Grand Pre which he does and being Condemned for a Rape Confesses the two Murthers and accuses Hautefelia who is apprehended and both suffer the severity of the Law HAD the Precepts of God or the Laws of Man been able to restrain the Extravagance of our debauch'd Natures within the limits of our Duty we shou'd have had not only no Occasion but no Examples of such wicked Wretches whose Lust Ambition or Revenge has made them the unhappy Arguments of humane Misery Their vicious Courses have plung'd them into Crimes which could not be expiated here but by the severest punishments both which the Faithful Historian has transmitted to us that by the Obliquity of their lives we may be perswaded to amend our own since we see that Sin always proves fatall to the Offender and an Ignominious Death is the certain consequence of a Corrupt and Vicious Life If perfect Innocence was the beauty of our Creation and that happy Dowry which God Almighty gave when at his Command the Soul and Body first espoused each other which the more Wily Serpent stole from us Oh let us not be again Cheated by the same Deceiver and sell our Integrity for the guilded Shows of Sin and Misery exchange our Glory for Shame and to satisfie one burning Lust endure the Torment of Everlasting Flames The following Histories are all Tragical and the parts of the chifest Actors writ in Characters of Blood which are not so much designed to divert the Reader with the Variety of surprising Circumstances as to afright him by the sad Examples from the Commission of that horrid Sin of Murther of which sincerely to repent is highly difficult but to make Satisfaction for Impossible When once the Golden Bowl is broke which the wise man speaks of Ecclesiastes the 12 th by the Impious hand of some bold Assassin he fills full the Cup of Gods Indignation against him which will be a draught more bitter than all the glozing pleasures Life or Fortune can sweeten with their greatest advantages Humane Laws have provided Shackles and Dungeons Racks and Gibbets not only to punish but deter such sanguinary Bravo's who if they chance which but rarely happens to escape the latest hand of Justice yet are they constantly haunted with the horror of the Crime and antedate the Torments of a future by the present Hell of an evil Conscience But I proceed to the History which is thus NEer Auxone upon the Frontiers of Burgduny dwelt an Antient Gentleman nobly descended whose name was Monsieur De Grandmont his vertuous Lady was Madamoyselle De Carny this happy pair were bless'd with a plentiful Offspring and a fair Estate to support the Honour and Grandeur of the Family They had three Sons and two Daughters of which Grand Pre who was the first and chiefest Pillar of the House applyd himself wholly to Arms and obtain'd leave to serve his Apprenticeship in the Wars under the Command of that Incomperable Captain Grave Maurice then Earl of Nassaw and since Prince of Orange Vileneufe who altogether delighted in Books was sent to Pont au Mousson and Masseron was for his Beauty beg'd a Page by that great Marshal of France who unfortunately lost his Head in the Bastile of Paris Hautefelia the Eldest of the two Daughters liv'd at home with her Parents and de Cressy the youngest had the honour to attend a great Lady of Burgundy where she receiv'd all the advantages of a Noble and Vertuous Education But see here how soon the Pleasure of Heaven can overthrow our most
himself The hour being now come and the matter carried secretly that Christineta might not hear of it they post away to the Park where they found Gasparino and Sebastiano when alighting from their Horses they threw off their Doublets and drew their Swords No less doubtful than bloody was the engagement between Gasparino and Pisani when at the third encounter Gasparino run Pisani through the heart at which he fell stark dead to the ground Sebastiano running to congratulate Gasparino for his Victory Sfondrato call'd to him to prepare himself which he did and so with various fortune they fought till providence resolving to make both parties equal losers after they had breath'd three several times Sfondrato run his enemy Sebastiano through the small of the belly and so nail'd him to the ground bearing away his life on the point of his Rapier which done their wounds were dress'd Gasparino fled to Parma and Sfondrato to Florence Christineta at the News hereof was infinitely griev'd tore her hair in fury and swore by all the Powers above the death of her beloved Pisani should be reveng'd as deep as it was now lamented Some time after Gasparino having obtain'd his Pardon returns home from whence he began presently to renew his love to Christineta first by Letters then by his Friends and at last in person She dissembling her malice thought this a fit opportunity to be reveng'd on him for the death of Pisani and finding him very earnest in his Sute appoints to meet him in the Nuns Garden at six next morning No sooner was Gasparino gone but she agreed with two Ruffians Bianco and Brindoli for 100 Duckats to murther him Gasparino and Christineta are both early up but with different intents and so are Bianco and Brindoli They all meet she walks in publick they hide themselves in private when immediately in came Gasparino and approaching Christineta with his Hat in his hand to salute her she utter'd these words Gasparino this place I first had conference in with Pisani and here I purpose to have my last with You At which words the Ruffians issued out and killed him but with some noise and resistance Christineta thinking him not dead enough runs to him thrusts her Handkerchief in his mouth and with a Stilletto stabs him many times into the body with this bloody Speech This I sacrifice to the memory of my dear Love Pisani Then throwing the body into the Well of the Garden the Ruffians fled at a Postern and Christineta went to the Nuns Church The Nuns in their Cells having heard the clashing of Swords acquaint the Abbess with it who with other company coming into the Garden found the Postern open saw the Alleys bloody and suspected Murther whereupon she order'd the Garden to be search'd but forgot the Well The Magistrates being advertis'd of it caused enquiry to be made among all the Chyrurgeons who having fresh-wounds came lately to be cur'd Rhanutio a principal Chyrurgeon informed them of Bianco and Brindoli who being both sent for and examin'd how they came by their wounds they said they had a quarreâ— between themselves for which they fought at six in the morning in the Nuns Garden at St. Clare which agreeing with the relation of the Nuns all was ended But Gasparino having been now missing from his Lodgings two whole nights which his Lacquey confirm'd upon examination with some other circumstances of suspicion the Judges order'd Bianco and Brindoli to be imprison'd examin'd and tortur'd which they stoutly bore without confessing any thing The Garden was again search'd and the Well which was neglected before when letting down their hooks they brought up some pieces of wrought black Taffata which Gasparino's Lacquey did affirm his Master wore when he last saw him and searching more narrowly they brought up the dead body with thirteen several wounds whereupon all concluded Bianco and Brindoli guilty A little Boy standing by ask'd what cloth that was in his mouth which being pull'd out was found to be a Cambrick Handkerchief with Christineta's Name upon it Upon this she was apprehended in the midst of her pleasures but upon examination deny'd she knew any thing of his death until she was adjudg'd to the Rack when she confessed the fact and that in revenge of Pisani's death she had hired Bianco and Brindoli to murder him for 100 Crowns The Ruffians were condemn'd to have their right hands cut off and then to be hang'd and their bodies thrown into the River Po. Christineta was first hang'd and then burnt and her ashes thrown into the Air which Executions were perform'd to the great satisfaction of Justice and all the spectators May all Christians read this History with a holy dread and remember it with horror and detestation If thou wilt shun the Punishment be sure to avoid the Crime for if the wages of sin is Death sure none but a Madman will lay out his pains to be so rewarded HIST. III. Mortaign and Josselina Mortaign deluding Josselina with promise of marriage gets her with child and then causes his Lacquey Le Verdure and Le Palma her Host to murder her and her Son Isabella Le Palma's Wife by her jealousie of her Husband discovers the murther upon which they are all taken and executed NOt far from the City of Lyons in France near Darency a small Countrey Village dwelt an honest Farmer call'd Andrew Mollard who being a Widower had one only Daughter named Iosselina whom he intended for his Heir a Maid of that blooming Beauty that she was justly call'd Iosselina the Fair. Within a league of Mollard's house dwelt a rich Gentleman who had several Children of which the eldest was Mortaign but young in years though of great hopes and nobly educated in the Families of several Persons of Honour Mortaign having now liv'd some years in Paris was desirous to see his Father De Coucye who was both aged and sickly as also to be present at the Nuptials of one of his Sisters who was to be married to a Gentleman of Avergne The Wedding being over and Mortaign weary of the diversions of the Countrey resolves upon his return to Paris but the night before his departure De Coucy fell dangerously sick of a burning Feaver which for the present put a stop to his journey During his stay in the Countrey as he was walking one day in the Fields he sprung a Pheasant which flying to the next Woods he sent for his Hawk but having rang'd far and near for several hours in quest of his Game which he could not recover he grew very thirsty and ' spying Mollard's house at a distance made up to it Mortaign seeing a man in the Vineyard demanded if he might have any Wine there Mollard answer'd Yes and guessing by his face who he was courteously invited him into his house where being set down he sent his Daughter Iosselina for Wine and what other homely Dainties his house afforded Mortaign admiring to see so fair a Maid in so
him resolved to poyson him and with her own wicked hands administer the fatal Boll To this end she acquainted her Chamber-maid Salvia with her design who for the reward of 50 Duckats consented to it and promised her assistance After her Mistress had sworn her to secrecy she sent her to procure a strong poyson and advising Mertillus to drink some comfortable Broth she had made him infused the poyson in it of which before night he died and by his Wife was privately and suddenly buried his long illness taking off all suspicion of a violent death This Tragedy being thus acted Doranta tho'a Widow was very jovial and merry and now breaks Pale ranging beyond all bounds of Chastity and Honour insomuch that her Mother and all her Relations were asham'd of her infamous behaviour Two months were scarce expir'd since Mertillus was laid in his untimely Grave when contrary to the minds of all her friends she married with Don Renardo de Polez one of her former Paramours altogether as vitious as her self who though he well knew her to be dishonest yet for the advantage of her present fortune was induced to be her Husband but that not answering his expectation he thought it high time to be wise and contrary to Mertillus his humour was very strict to her and after a little time confin'd her Prisoner to her Chamber where like a Scholar she conversed only with her Book and Needle and to make an absolute conquest over her haughty temper he despoiled her of her best Apparel her Rings Chains and Jewels allowing her little or no money Doranta tho' grievously perplex'd at this change of her fortune yet still continued in her unchast pleasures as often as opportunity gave her leave and no sooner was her Husband abroad but she had a Ruffian at home And her Maid Salvia following the example of her Mistress with the 50 Duckats given her for the poysoning of Mertillus bought her new Cloaths which procured her a Sweet-heart named Blanco with whom she wantonis'd so often that at last she had a great Belly which she conceal'd from all persons but Blanco who advis'd thereof fled into France Salvia now considering her former folly and present misery and seeing her self deserted by Blanco and no friend she could rely upon in the midst of these distressed thoughts fell into labour and was delivered of a fair Son which she strangl'd as soon as born to hide her own shame and the same evening wrapt it up in a linen cloth and with a pack-threed ty'd a stone to it and carried it to a Pond without the City and threw it in without being observ'd by aâ—y body This done she did not think it proper for her to go home to her Masters house that night but lodg'd at an Inn whose Sign was the St. Iohns head where pretending lameness which she had got by a fall she was kindly entertained But within an hour after a Groom watering his Horse there so sported and plung'd the water with his feet still pawing and snuffling and thrusting his head therein that at last the pack-threed broke and the linen cloth appear'd floating in which was found the Infant lately murder'd This brought a great concourse of spectators who all concluded it to be the Bastard of some Strumpet and murder'd by her upon which a search was made in the adjacent parts and Salvia apprehended by the Officers of Justice who upon search appeared to be the Mother of the Infant Upon this she was imprison'd and threatned with the Rack and for fear of the torments confessed she had strangl'd and thrown it into the Pond for which she was condemn'd to be hang'd Being brought to the place of execution and now upon the Ladder she confessed there was one sin which she had not discover'd or repented of which was that she with her Lady Doranta had poyson'd Mertillus whereupon Doranta was immediately apprehended and confessing the fact which Salvia accus'd her of was condemn'd to be hang'd which was executed accordingly and to Salvia's sentence was added that after she was hang'd her body should be burnt to ashes Hence may every lascivious Dame learn the practice of Virtue and Chastity by the sad examples of Doranta and Salvia and take warning by Geronto not to stain their gray hairs with the scarlet dye of Murther which will bring them with sorrow and shame to the Grave HIST. VIII Ursina and her Son Bernardo Bernardo poysoneth his own Mother Ursina and afterwards kills Romeo in his Garden with a Carbine from a window For these two Murthers he is beheaded his body burnt and his ashes thrown into the River IN the Noble City of Orleance in France there lately dwelt a rich Canon of a Cathedral named Cortesius Romeo who had a young Gentlewoman to his Niece of excellent Beauty and Disposition whose deceased Mother left her very rich her Uncle Romeo being nearest in blood took her into his protection giving her all manner of Breeding and Education requisite for a person of her Rank and Quality and the better to accomplish her in all virtuous perfections carefully sent her in his Coach to Morlieu to the Lady Margareta Ursina a Widow-gentlewoman eminent both in Virtue and Piety Donna Carolla for so was she called with her waiting Maid and one Man-servant arrives there where she is kindly receiv'd by Ursina highly applauding Romeo's honourable care of his Niece who she hopes in few years will be a most compleat Gentlewoman Romeo did well to place his young Niece with the Lady Ursina but ill forgot that she had a young man to her Son named Monsieur Bernardo a most debauch'd person and one whose vitious life made him the scorn and pity of all Morlieu This young Spark seeing so sweet a Beauty and so great an Heiress as Carolla was fallen into his Mothers hands secretly courts her but she received him with contempt and indignation upon which he grew more importunate and she no less averse when Bernardo hoping no success from these violent courses acquaints his Mother with his passion for Carolla who forbids him to proceed any further unless he would svvear to reform himself which he vow'd on his knees to do and perform'd accordingly Romeo came three several times over to Morlieu to see his Niece whom Ursina entertained with all imaginable respect charging her Son during his stay not to mention one word to Romeo of his affection to his Niece But Ursina now secretly understanding by Letter from Orleance that the following Autumn Romeo design'd to send for his Niece home thought it convenient to motion it to him which she did in a fair and honourable manner But Romeo displeas'd with her ambition in desiring his Niece for a Wife for her Son well knowing the small Estate of the Mother and corrupt conversation of the Son yet taking no notice thereof he excus'd himself that he had already disposed his Niece and could not with Honour or Justice recede from
save his Fathers life but it would not be accepted so the next day he was hang'd having first freely forgiven his Son and ask'd forgiveness of him for his Mothers murder As for Augustino after this infamous death of his Father he remov'd from Rome and return'd to his Grandfather Spondy who received him with many demonstrations of joy and affection and at his death made him sole Heir of all his Goods and Estate Tho' the Vengeance of Heaven may seem to sleep for a time it still keeps a watchful eye over the impenitent offender The perverseness of Spondy causes disobedience in Servia which is punish'd by the bloody cruelty of her Husband whose barbarous Murther Heaven at last revenges by the hand of his unknown Son Augustino HIST. XVI Morosino and Imperia Imperia in Love with Morosino causes him and his Companions Astonicus and Donato to stifle her Husband Palmerius in his Bed The Murther is discovered by Morosino's Gloves for which they are all apprehended and executed IN the famous City of Venice lived a young Gentleman called Seignior Angelo Morosino who in Company of Seignior Astonicus and Seignior Donato Embarqu'd for the Islands of Corfu and Zant and after a short stay there were bound for Constantinople but by the way forc'd by a Storm they put into the Harbour of Ancona which belongs to the Pope In which place being oblig'd to stay by contrary Winds the three Merchants out of Devotion went up to Loretto where having spent two dayes in visiting the Holy Chappel on the third early in the morning Morosino leaving his â—riends in Bed went to Mass where at her Devotion he saw a young Lady incomparably fair at whose sight he was so enflam'd with Affection to her that he could willingly resign all the Powers and Faculties of Soul and Body to her Service Mass being ended he followed her out of the Chappel and seeing her only attended with a Waiting Woman and a Lacquey with great Respect and Civility offer'd his Service to wait upon her home and after several Complements which passed between them obtain'd the favour to take her by the Hand and gracefully conducted her to her Fathers House whose name was Seignior Hiâ—râ—nimo Bondino and she his only Daughter Dona Imperia Morosino at the door took his leave though she courâ—â—ously invited him in and beg'd the Honour to wait upon her in the Afternoon whispering in her Ear that so great was the present Violence of his Passion to her that he fear'd he should not be able to acquit himself with that decency as became a Cavalier to a Person of her Merits and Quality In the Afternoon he made his visit to her acquainted her with his Name and Quality his intended Voyage to Constantinople but chiefly with his constant Resolution to seek her in Marriage both of her self and her Father and so expert was he in the Art of Love that in three weeks time the Winds continuing contrary he made her many Visits and amorous Courtships and at last obtain'd her Consent to be his Wife at his return from Constantinople He then address'd himself to her Father Bondino who was so averse to it that neither his Intreaties and Perswasions or her Tears and Prayers could melt his heart into a better Temper Morosino now acquaints his two Friends Astonicus and Donato with his Affection to Imperia and brings them next Morning to see her they highly commend his Choice and use all their Endeavours to gain Bondino's Consent but he is so resolutely obstinate that no Arguments can in the least affect him This grieves the two Lovers to the Heart to see they must now be parted for the Master of the Ship had sent word that the Wind now blowing fair he should with all Expedition weigh Anchor and set Sail for Corfu Morosino seeing the necessity of his departure again moves Bondino for his Consent but he proves inexorable when going to bid Imperia Adieu he sacredly Vows to live unmarried till his Return which shall be within a year and then to marry her and as a Pledge of his Fidelity and Constancy presents her with a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger and she him with a fair Bracelet of Orient Pearl as a sign of their mutual Contract to which Astonicus and Donato are both Witnesses This done they took Horse for Ancona and presently Embarqu'd for Corfu and Constantinople Bondino three months after provides her another Husband old Seignior Palmerius a rich Merchant of Ancona at least sixty years of Age and withal of a deform'd Personage and morose and sullen Temper but this old Dotard is so taken with Imperia's Youth and Beauty and the encouragement he received from Bondino that he comes to his House and makes down-right Love to her In the Interim her Father had charg'd her to receive him with all Respect and accept his Affections which with Tears in her Eyes she flatly told him she could not Obey she was fixt already and would marry no Person but Morosino Bondino with Fury in his Face told her he expected no other answer but her dutiful Complyance with his Commands and in a Passion left her to the Company of old Palmerius who enter'd at the same time and with all the kind Expressions he was Master of offer'd her the intire command of himself and his Fortunes in Exchange for her Love and Affection She told him If this was all his Errand she did assure him she neither would nor could dispose of that which was already in the possession of another and so left him to his own Meditations Palmerius returned to Ancona but two months after to the great Joy of Bondino made a second Visit and now both day and night they importune Imperia to consummate the Marriage and to that purpose her Father gives her good Words and Palmerius rich Gifts and Presents but she will neither hear the one nor accept the other however Palmerius grows obstinate in his Suit and her Father resolute in his Commands to avoid which she locks her self up in her Chamber and concludes that her only preservation can be in the Company of Morosino whose Return she earnestly desires and accordingly furnishes Seignior Mercario her faithful Friend with Gold for his Journey and this Letter to her beloved Morosino Imperia to Morosino COuld you measure my Affections by my Sorrow for your Absence you could hardly tell whether I love or grieve more for I am assur'd that all the Seas between Ancona and Constantinople are not able to wash away your Memory from my Heart and Soul Nor can the Sands of the Shore compare in Number with those Sighs and Tears I daily offer to you If then I am as dear to you I heartily beg you will leave Constantinople and come to Loretto for my Father Bondino is ready to force me to leave my young Morosino for old and wither'd Palmerius Iudge now how unkind you will be to send an Excuse and not bring your self Farewell my Dear
reconcil'd Three months after Paulinta appear'd big with Child to the great Satisfaction of her Husband and in that time had behav'd her self with that Prudence and Caution that no Man was more ready to accuse her than he to Vindicate her Honour from the Calumnies and Aspersions of such malevolent Tongues At her time of Travel no Husband was more tenderly concern'd for a Wife than Roderigo for Paulinta and being told they had small hopes of preserving the Child but less of saving her he wept bitterly At last it was resolv'd her Case was desperate and their best endeavours to be employ'd in care of the Child for whom like a second Caesar they made his way by Incision The Father impatiently desired a sight of his Son and Heir which he had so heartily prayed for But oh the Horror and Confusion it had the exact resemblance of a Goat in the Face with a long grizly Beard but in all other parts of excellent Shape and Feature At this dreadful sight Roderigo immediately lost his Wits ran raving about the House crying out O wicked and forsworn Wretch and three days after dyed stark staring Mad. The monstruous Birth expired within few minutes after it was born Don Pedro followed his old course of Revelling all night with his drunken Companions and being at the Tavern when this tragical News was brought he smil'd at it and told the Company who were supriz'd to hear so sad a Relation that he could spice it with a Cup of Mirth and so began the Account of his Debaucheries with Paulinta and how by the Confederacy of De Blinco he had betray'd her to his wicked Lust which being heard by the Company with Horror and Detestation he was immediately apprehended by an Alguezile and carried before the Magistrates of Corduba and Orders issued out for the taking De Blinco who was brought in the same Furr'd Gown and Corner'd Cap and by the Evidence and Confession of Don Pedro who also produc'd his Note for the Receipt of the last fifty Duccatoons with his Hand and Seal He was condemned to be first whipt through the Streets of Corduba with Scorpions and then sent to the Mines at Peru. Don Pedro though a Gentleman receiv'd the Punishment of the most infamous Malefactor by being branded in the Forehead and then sent to the Galleys where he continued two years and was then taken by the Turks and carried into Argiers where he lived and dyed in the Misery of perpetual Slavery Laura to avoid her proportion of Punishment made her Escape from Corduba and her Body was five days after found miserably torn and mangled in the Wood of Macardis Thus Don Pedro like the wily Serpent in Paradice first tempts Paulinta to inquire those forbidden Secrets of De Blinco the Devils Emissary which have no Record but in the claspt Book of Providence for which he is justly Branded with an ignominious Letter Adulterous Paulinta suffers her Punishment where she first enjoy'd the Pleasures of her Sin and De Blinco is whipt here with Scorpions and Furies hereafter HIST. IV. Parmel and Cleandra Dr. Parmel by an Opiate Powder debauches Cleandra gets her with Child and marries her Cleandra in Revenge commits Adultery with Seignior Makenti her former Lover Dr. Parmel first gives her the foul Disease and then designing to poyson her by mistake poysons himself Cleandra dyes miserably in the Lazaretto and Makenti lives infamously having lost his Nose and both his Eyes SEignior Conto was â— Gentleman of great Worth and Abilities who upon the Death of Seignior Bardi was one of those many Candidates for the Procuratorship of St. Mark at Venice which was now become vacant But Fortune not favouring his designs and the potency of his Adversaries prevailing against his Interest though no Person had better deserv'd of that Republick lost it upon this seeing the merit of all his former Services disesteem'd retir'd from Venice in discontent and fixt at Marli his Country House five miles distant Seignior Conto was Master of a very considerable Estate and blest with one only Child a Daughter and nam'd Cleandra whose native Beauty vertuous Education and the Honour of her Family made her highly valued by all but amongst the crowd of Suitors who made their Addresses to her Seignior Makenti a Person of great Estate and a Gentleman of Venice was that happy Man who had gain'd the Affections of the Daughter and Respect of her Parents and in the Opinion of the World would carry the beautiful Prize from the rest of the numerous Pretenders At this time a young Gentleman whose name was Seignior Parmel having lately commenced Dr. of Physick at Padua whose Father had been Seignior Conto's intimate and familiar Acquaintance at Venice came over to Marli to make a Visit to Seignior Conto and his Lady who at first sight was so enamourâ—d on the Beauty of Cleandra that though his discretion forbid him making any publick Application to her who was a Fortune beyond his reach yet he flatter'd himself with hopes of Success if he could by any means divert the intended Marrige between her and Makenti In this Design one lucky Accident advantag'd him more than all his Wit and Invention could do for there happening a Quarrel between Seignior Makenti and Seignior Lassuno upon discourse of Seignior Conto's missing the Procuratorship of St. Mark after several sharp Expressions on both sides Seignior Lassuno drew his Dagger and suddenly stab'd Seignior Makenti into the Breast four inches deep and immediately made his escape Chirurgions were sent for who drest Makenti's Wound telling him they hop'd to make a good Cure of it for though it was very deep it had miss'd the Vitals which in six weeks time they effected The great loss of Blood Makenti suffer'd threw him into a Consumption upon which he was remov'd to Padua where he continued for three months with small hopes of Recovery In this time Dr. Parmel made frequent Visits at Seignior Conto's and by his insinuating Carriage and Behaviour had gain'd a more than ordinary Friendship in the Family but yet considering the vast dis-proportion between his Quality and Fortune and Seignior Conto's never durst discover to the Father or Daughter that Love and Affection which lay smothering in his Breast After several Considerations how to effect his Purpose at last he resolv'd to try how far the misterious Secrets of his own Art and Profession could assist his Design and accordingly one day prepar'd an Opiate Powder which he had compounded of such Ingredients as he thought most proper and waited an Opportunity to give it Cleandra in such a Vehicle as would admit no Discovery Three days after in the Evening Dr. Parmel came down from his Study and found Cleandra in the Kitchin making a pot of Chocolate for the Entertainment of some Friends in the Parlour Cleandra offer'd him a Dish who thanked her and said he would accept it upon Terms that she would drink another which being agreed too he
saw young Walter enter the Chamber with a drawn Sword and a Parson with him who told him with an angry look Captain either salve the Honour of an house which you have now wâ—unded by marrying my Sister or receive the Iust reward of Lust and Treachery either make Editha your Wife or satisfie me by your Death The Captain would have risen from the Bed and made his defence but Walter set the point of his Sword to his Breast and Swore he would Run him Through if he did not declare his immediate Consent which he was forc'd to and the Parson having done his Office they left him and his Bride to their now Lawful pleasures The Widow was amaz'd next morning at the Relation her Son gave her of Editha's marriage with Grantzford which she could not well credit till a little time after they came to beg her Blessing She consider'd it could not now be help'd and after some grave reprehensions accepted their Duty and caused their private Marriage to be publickly celebrated Some time after Iuderina found her self to be with Child and Endeavour'd to prevent her Shame and disgrace by taking such things as might cause Abortion but in Vain her great Belly now discover'd it self and was known to the Widow who too late found what a Viper she had Entertain'd in her Family and what Injury she had done her self by that Wenches Beauty who first caused her to lose Grantzford and now had drawn away the Heart of her Son and inticed him to Lewdness But least these two foolish wantons should marry together and so utterly ruin the Fortune of her Son she resolv'd to separate them and accordingly sent him back to Leyden and Iuderina over to Flanders to lay her great Belly where not long after she was brought to bed of a Girle and thus became a Mother before she was a Wife and had a Child before she had got a Husband Iuderina being recover'd of her Lying In the Child by order of the Widow the Grand-mother was taken from her and put to Nurse in those Parts and she turn'd out of doors to seek her fortune wiâ—h some small pittance of Silver scarce enough to defray her Charges to Amsterdam whither she extreamly long'd to go hoping to get into some Service or by making an Advantage of her Beauty to inveagle some Tradesman to marry her With this inâ—ent Iuderina went to Amsterdam where she no sooner arrived but she found her Money all spent and her self in a most miserable and forlorn Condition By great fortune she got a Lodging which happen'd to be at a most Infamous and Notorious Bawdy house where she behaved her self with so much Simâ—licity and seeming Innocency told so fair a Story of her Misfortunes without one word of Truth That the Bawd her Landlady believ'd her and under pretence of commiseration to her present Want but more in hopes of making a good Market of her kindly and comfortably reliev'd her In a short time Iuderina's Beauty was fam'd of which she knew how to make the best Advantage and so well improv'd her Talent in those wicked Courses that she had now considerably inrich'd her-self by prostituting her long lost Maiden-head to seven or eight wealthy Dutch Cullies who all swore and really believ'd they had it for which they roundly paid Having thus advanc'd her Fortune and being unwilling to Expose her self longer in a place so infamous she privately withdrew and took Lodgings between the Stadt-house and Exchange where she chang'd her Name to Angelica and pass'd for a vertuous young Lady whose Brother was a Merchant and suddenly Expected from the Indies Not long after it happen'd that a Gentleman of good Fortune call'd Mine Heer Vandretch had some short repartees with Angelica under her Vizard at the Play-house who was so taken with her Wit that he would not leave her till he had seen her Face which appearing to him beyond Expectation handsome he grew passionately in Love with her and carried her home to her Lodging in his own Coach Angelica had cunning enough not to be surpriz'd with his first Offers of Kindness nor alter'd with those rich and Noble presents he made her which he wondring at believed her Counterfeit Vertue was real proposed a Cosiderable Settlement a Stately House Gilded Coach and rich Liveries if she would consent to live with him and be his Mistress which she at last agreed to rather out of passion and respect to his person than that such generous Offers had any power over her Chaste and Innocent mind She now goes abroad in her Charriot sits in the Boxes at Plays with all the bravery and Impudence of a Kept-Mistress or more Notorious Strumpet Being one day at the Play-house she was seen by Captain Grantzford whom some business had brought to Town who presently knew her and much wondred to see that Beauty which ever appear'd to him with a more than ordinary Lusture now so resplendent with Jewells and all the dazling Embellishments Art could invent He could not but confess that she who before appear'd a twinkling Star of Beauty was now become an illuminated Sun Bright and Glorious The Captain made his Complement to her which she receiv'd with more favourable Expressions of respect to him and in a Short time they became so intimate that he often visited her where he was blest with those ravishing Delights he had so long Coveted in vain This Amour of Grantzford with Angelica was at last suspected by Vandretch who surpriz'd him at the botom of the Stairs one Night as he had newly parted with Angelica and with his Sword Ran him to the Heart of which he immediately dy'd Vandretch sent for a Friend and acquainted him with his present misfortune dispos'd the care of his House and Goods into his hands disrobed Angelica of all her finery turn'd her out of Doors and then made his Escape but in his way to the Brill was unhappily drown'd Angelica having Sav'd a little money put her self in a plain Country dress remov'd to a remote place in the Town where she took a Convenient Chamber and professed herself a Saint going to all the private meetings she could hear of where she Sigh'd lifted up her Eyes made Faces was diligent at Lectures and Expoundings so that in a little time she began to be taken notice of and attracted the Eyes of many a young Zealot and Amorous Puritan She changed her Name to Mabella though Iuderina and Angelica the Hypocrite were the same in Heart and mind as Mabella the Saint At length the Piety and Devotion of Mabella was taken Notice of as well as her Modesty and Beauty by Titus a Young Brother a Linnen Draper who was resolv'd not to Marry out of his own Tribe and only wanted a Wife to make him Happy She observ'd his Eyes to be often fixt upon her and tho' he took Notes and wrote in Characters none else could Read he look'd as if he had been drawing her Picture
Vice-Admiral with too much Wine and that evening in disguise attempted once more to win the chast Christiana but was by her Steward who found him in a private Room next the Ladies Bed Chamber suspected for some Robber there slain The Excess of Wine which Codrinus drank cast him into a feaver of which he dy'd Christiana whose honourable Name had travaild to the utmost Coasts of Fame was afterwards married to the Duke of Guise with whom she liv'd long and happily 'T is said of Eve that her greatest misery on Earth was that she had too lustfully affected the forbidden fruit when only charm'd with an exteriour beauty the Vertuous Christiana considering this mighty truth would not admit of the Serpents various temptations to tast the forbidden Pleasures though fairly guilded with the outward gaudiness of Imperial Dignities She consider'd that her Lust might by chance make her seem great upon Earth but was certain that her Chastity mould entitle her to Honour amongst the Angels in Heaven HIST. II. Of Samina Romindus after a close Siege having taken the Castle of N attempted a Rape upon the Lady Samina but she is rescued by the Lord Arminius who is afterwards espâ—used to her Romindus in another attempt fires the House where the Lady Samina lay by which means conveying himself into her Chamber he would have defiled her but she to preserve her Chastity stabs her self with his Dagger He finding himself defeated murder'd himself by her side IN the time of the late Rebellion Romindus for under that Name I shall disguise him who was one of the chief Agitators of the unhappy Civil Wars laid close Siege to the Castle of N whose Noble Lord and Governour Earl Lucius hath by his Loyalty and Valour left his Name firm in the Records of Glory Romindus whose factious base and treacherous spirit render'd him odious to the Family of Lucius inspir'd with a particular malice upon his Daughter Samina's slighting him resolv'd if possible to make the Castle their Funeral Pile and Samina's blood a Sacrifice to his Revenge since he could not violate her Honour that Guardian Angel of her Chastity Therefore with a strong Power after the effusion of much blood Lucius and his small Army being toil'd in defence he enter'd the Castle took Lucius and his Lady Prisoners and searching for Samina found her at her Devotions in her Closet and now imagining that to save her Parents from the Sword the Castle from Flames and her self from certain Death she would prostitute her Honour to his Lust with a smooth speech he aâ—taqu'd her in this manner Why are you so unkind fair Lady cruel to me your Parents and your self You that have Charms enough to soften Rocks why Madam are you so obdurate Say not hereafter that I am bloody it is for You this heap of dead have perished for You such Seas of blood do flow on every side 't was You that rais'd these storms within me and Your Beauty drew the hot-brain'd Souldier on Your Beauty set an edge to every Sword Oh powerful Woman O wonder-working Charms Yet see fair Lady low as your feet the Conquerour lies down I sheath my satiated Sword the anger'd God of War I banish hence I am all soft as Love Oh then be kind Samina whose Devotion he interrupted started up from her knees on a sudden and with an austere countenance said Hence thou Curse of Nature thy Lust is hotter than the flames of Hell that wait thee Saist thou so my scornful Lady doth the aspect of grim Death seem no more terrible than so Madam your Fathers blood perhaps may soften you your Mother too shall die the Infants who are Innocent shall not escape my Sword and You obdurate Lady who affect such a Religious Pride shall first submit to my Embraces and then shall be a common Strumpet to my Souldiers But still your Beauty moves me to compassion If you will save your life your Parents and the Infants 't is in your power speak quickly Madam Yes replies she I will speak quickly for câ—nsideratiâ—n cannot move Samina swerve from the Rules of Virtue If they must perish 't is not in my power to purchase their ransom You ask too large a price I cannot give my Honour for their Lives but yet be merciful Yes Lady since you waken my revenge I 'll shew you mercy presently and drawing his Sword in a great fury went down designing first to present her with her Fathers â—ead and by degrees of cruelty win her to his arms But see the interposing Providence of Heaven which protected them in the extremity of danger for e're he could accomplish his design the Kings Party under the Command of my Lord Arminius whom the Earl had sent for came in to their aid and with such a violent onset assaulted the scattered Army of Romindus that he overthrew them in an instant destroying 1300 and putting the rest to flight among which Romindus escaped My Lord Arminius was with wonderful joy received by the Earl who informing him of the Treachery and Lust of Romindus from whose Sword he had protected him added that his Estate and Life were at his Lordships service Arminius who had long respected Samina found his desire now more eager than ever and therefore took this opportunity of urging his Love to her which Samina and her Parents out of gratitude soon and thankfully accepted of The Earl whose Estate was larger than my Lords blest him with a considerable Dowry with her and the Nuptials were solemniz'd out of hand The Charms of this chast and beautiful Samina still drew after her many Admirers whose Lust could not admit of limitation though they knew her fix'd like Heaven above the reach of the Damn'd the Gulph of Marriage being betwixt them but with the same constancy the same loyalty to her Honour renounc'd them all with scorn and detestation After the happy Restauration of His Majesty Romindus who had hid himself from the stroke of Justice despairing of mercy from his too much injur'd Monarch and wanting a supply of moneys to maintain him in his concealment knew not what course to take his Life and Conscience being equally burthensom Long he waver'd doubting what to do till at length by the suggestion of the Devil his malice to Arminius who defeated him and his equal Lust and Envy to Samina whose Charms had tempted and deluded him he resolv'd to enjoy her yet to be reveng'd and die but fearing the Courage of my Lord Arminius in whose Arms she liv'd secure he employ'd a servant with a counterfeit Letter to my Lord to acquaint him that his Father was near the point of Death anh required him to attend him that evening as he valued his Blessing The Earl surprised at the News little suspected the villanous design of Romindus neither did he believe the message to be other than real therefore took Horse with some few Servants and with all speed posted away to Court Romindus then