adjusted or I will cause the Captain of the Guards which the King has sent with twelve Musqueteers to come up The Count who could not comprehend any thing in all that fearing least it should be some design of the Queens on the Dutchess Or that the Bishop would revenge himself for what he had said to him in the Morning he took him aside and desired him not to reduce things to the last extremity that there was no need for him to deliver his Sword because that he had no quarrel that he should send back the Captain with the Souldiers and let him retire home with his Companion who would be oblig'd to him for it The Bishop answered that it was the Kings Order and that he was troubled to see him receive so ill all that came from him and that 〈◊〉 taken that Commission upon him but however he doing his Duty it was his to obey I obey replyed Tarnaw with an angry voice to an Order which has been given but to insult over me here is continued he laying his hand on his Sword that which shall give by Force what you refuse me and in spight of you of your Captain and Musqueteers I will retire home with this Cavalier The Bishop though of a bold Spirit knowing the Counts Valour though that it was time to call the Men up and did call them Upon which the Count taking him by the hand told him shewing him the Dutchess who had not discovered her self yet That seeing he carryed things to that extremity he should give him an account of all that should happen to that Person which he was willing to leave in his Custody And presently drawing his Sword he met the Captain whom he found upon the Staires and bid him to retire or that he would run his Sword through him The Captain answered him that he had no order to offer him any Violence but only to Arrest him You have sufficiently done your Duty replyed the Count return to the King and tell him that within this hour I will be at the Castle I give you my Word for it The Officer who thought that the Word of such a Person as was Count Tarnaw was sufficient whom he would not disoblige retired with his men below Stairs there to wait for the Bishops orders This Illustrious Prelate was in a pleasant Surprisal when the Count came again into the Chamber The Dutchess who did foresee that all the Consequences of this business would fall upon her thought it would be the best way to suppress it as well as she could She had drawn near to the Bishop while the Count was speaking to the Captain and making her self known she had not had any occasion for many words to perswade him to what she desired He was so surprised at the sight of her that she could not forbear laughing at it notwithstanding all the Disorder she was in The Bishop was not yet perfectly come to himself again when the Count returned to them The Prelate asked pardon of them both but especially of the Dutchess He informed them of the Mistake which had produced such an Order from the King how the Noise had been spread abroad that Count Tarnaw had some quarrel with Count Topor and that they had been met in the Street going to fight The two Persons concern'd not knowing that it was to the Bishop they were obliged for all this Bustle all the business was turn'd into Rallery and Tarnaw made some Excuses to the Bishop for his Rashness towards him They stood in need of him that he might manage the Dutchesses Reputation in this business She was not wanting in Care and Ingenuity to recommend it to him He was concern'd in it as well as they for he had had his share of the Rallery if it should be known that he was the mistaken Person who had first carryed the news of it to Court But he could not dispence himself from relating the thing as it was to the King and the King could not fail of confiding it to the Queen as of truth it happened Mean time the Bishop being retired with his Followers the Count reconducted the Dutchess home and after that retired to his own House where he found one of the Queens Pages who had been waiting for him above an hour with this Note I Am still expecting the account of the resolution You have taken Are things so equal that it merits such long Consideration You caused a great deal of trouble yesterday to Persons to find you out Where were you You doubtless stood in need of Councel and You were gone for it How weak you are You move pity in me my poor Tarnaw Be with me at ten I have something of greater moment to impart Peradventure that the Bishop of Cracovia may have given You some Orders from me They would be sufficiently Just But I must see You once more to know what 's to be done with you He had scarce finished the reading of that Note when another Page brought him this THere is a Noise abroad that You have some quarrel with the Count Topor that the Dutchess of Ostrog is the cause of it To believe this I must have other Witnesses then the common Report Is your blood no dearer to You You deserve not that one should take care of it I forbid You however to fight for any body soever and I charge You to come with the soonest to give me an account Your self of that difference You know what You owe me fear the effects of my Indignation The Count having read this last Note also told the Page that he would go himself to carry the Answer to the Queen and that he would be with her in a quarter of an hours time He saw the necessity there was for him to go to the Castle both to lay the Noise of this pretended Combat and to prevent by his presence the raising of new stories as of truth there were many of divers sorts spread abroad already The King having learn'd the whole story from the Bishop was pleased with Laughing at it and to say That he had never seen any honest Woman have so much Gallantry as the Dutchess of Ostrog had And presently going to the Queens Apartment he failed not to give her a fine relation of all that Adventure If Tarnaw had not been concerned she had doubtless been pleased with it but she had too great a Share in this to laugh at it as much as the thing deserved The Satisfaction she had in it was to tell it to every body because in so doing she knew the Wrong and Spight which she should do the Dutchess So that it presently became publick to which every one added Circumstances according to his own fancy for no body did know the true Cause of the Dutchesses Disguise nor what was the Count of Tarnaws design when he had risen so early in the Morning to conduct her to the Merchants he that could see her day and
THE AMOURS OF Bonne Sforza QUEEN OF Polonia LONDON Printed by T. M. for R. Bently in Covent-Garden 1684. TO THE Most Accomplish't Lady MADAM Mary-Elizabeth Manly Madam THis Title does so justly speak your Perfections in the great that it may ease me of the Modish Labour of retailing them in this Epistle you of the trouble of reading the uneasy repetitions of these Elogyes so nautious to generous minds though never so deservedly expressed which you daily receive from all parts You Madam who are so remarkably known by your own Merits that it is the same to dedicate to you as to say to the most vertuously accomplished Lady in the World And though I am full of confidence that if this wanton Queen whose story I humbly present to you were ever to have been reclaimed it must have been through the benign'd influence of so examplary a Virgin as yours I have taken the boldness to recommend this little Peace not so much to your protection as to the judicial censure of so absolute a Mistris of Languages as you are Madam in hopes that you will be a Judge as favourable as you are decerning in the endeavours of Madam Your most Humble Servant P. B. Advice to the READER Reader I Think that a Word of Advice concerning this Little Book will not be altogether useless There may be divers Persons who not very learned in the Amorous Chronicles of Princes would be ready to condemn that Liberty which I take of making the Gallant History of a Queen but the Publick may be informed that She of whom I speak has been according to the most sincere Historians one of the Princes in the World that has most caused her self to be spoken of on the Account of Gallantising And that towards the latter end of her dayes having retired her self in her Dutchy of Barr scituated in the Kingdom of Naples She died there in the Armes of Pappacoda her Lover That the Last sigh she should send forth might be a sigh of Love It is easy to Judge from those faithful strokes of the Hystorian if that the Adventures which I relate of this Princess are unjust and whether it be Imposition to give her two or three Lovers who were much more Worthy than her Pappacoda As to what concernes the Bishop I confess that there might be something of my own in those Incidents which I bestow on him But besides that from all Ages Persons of that Character have passed for the Children of Adam as well as others We see by a great number of examples that in this Age they are not over much reformed and that men lay down their Humane frailtyes but with their Lives A Catalogue of some Novels Printed for R. Bentley and M. Magnes 1. ZElinda a famed Romance 2. Happy Slave in three Parts 3. Count Brion 4. Count Gabales 5. Halige or the Amours of the King of Tamaran 6. Mad. Laviler and the King of France 7. Mad. and the Duke of Guise 8. Mad. Colona's Memories 9. Queen of Majork two Parts 10. Don Lebastian King of Pourtingal 11. Heroine Masquiter 12. Princess of Cleves 13. Obliging Mistris 14. Fatal Prudence 15. Princess of Fezz 16. Disorders of Love 17. Triumph of Love 18. Victorious Lovers 19. Allmanzar and Allmanzaid 20. Earl of Essex and Queen Elizabeth 21. Neopolitan or the Defender of his Mistris 22. Nicoratis 23. Amorous Abbess 24. Homais Queen of Tunis 25. Pilgrim in two Parts 26. Meronious Prince of the Blood Royal of France 28. Life of the Duke Guise 29. Extravagant Poet. 30. Memoiers Gallant 31. Instruction for a Young Noble Man Books of more serious matters The Moral Esaies in four Vollumes Humane Misery Vanity of Honour Wealth and Pleasure Plutoes Apology of Socrates Natural History of the Passions Bishop Andrews Devotions Vanity of Arts and Sciences The Officers of the Mouth Kalandarium Hortencey THE AMOURS OF Bonne Sforza QUEEN of POLONIA AFter the Death of Queen Barbara the General Diet of Poland having Represented unto Sigismondus their King that the Good of the State required he should Marry again He took to second Wife the Princess Bonna Daughter unto John Galeas Duke of Milan That Princess whose Beauty had made such a noise in the World was Received by the Polanders with such Magnificence and Acclamations as spread themselves into the most remote parts of that Kingdom They were such Feastings and Rejoycings as lasted so much the more by reason that the Queen did seem to take Great Delight in them and that she was the first also in inventing very Gallant Ones That Court besides the Strangers that were there at such a time was then Composed of the Gallantest Persons in Europe who in such an Occasion did all endeavour to outvye one another not only in Gallantry and Activity but in such a Magnificence also with so Prodigious Expence that the King was Obliged to put a stop to their Profusions in setting of Limits to these Festivals The Queen who came from so Gallant a Country as is Italy had heard talk of Poland as of a Barbarous Place At least she had so little expected to see what she did see there that she was wholly surpriz'd and did no longer regret so much that which she had lately left She was Naturally of a very Gallant Humour and she was Charm'd with the Pleasure of seeing the Effects which her Beauty did produce in all hearts Neither was she much insensible for her part and having found in the Court such Cavaliers as well deserved to be considered she did not scruple to mix sometimes some Sighs with those Adorations that others had for Her As there was nothing more Beautiful than her Person and that She contributed also by all her Charming wayes in the gaining of the Hearts as well as good Wishes of all Persons she presently had as many Adorers as Subjects Amongst which she would make Choice of those that were most to her mind which she call'd her Select and upon these there was bestowed sometimes a Ring sometimes a Scarfe a Bracelet a Picture other Presents and Favors which were rendered more Considerable by the Manner and Time of giving them than all that can be reckoned most sensibly moving in Love They were not only young Cavaliers that felt the Effects of this Charming Poyson But the Ministers of State also of all Ages and even those of the Gown that had the greatest Esteem and the most Power in the State She knew how to entertain them all with those little Favours each in such a certain Confidence of his own good Fortune that there was not one amongst them but flattered himself of having the best share in her Favour And in that Opinion her Cyphers and Colours were seen in all places every day did afford some Tournament or Festival for Love of her besides Moâ—â—tos Verses and a thousand other Gallantries which were Addressed to her alone Sigismond was a Prince very clear-sighted He was past fifty An Age
Smolensco and there to wait his further Pleasure I should of truth replyed the Count for I do no believe I have deserv'd such an Exile Merited that Exile replyed the Bishop No it is nothing to dare to lift your Thoughts to the Queen and to permit yourself to be dazled with the Favours of a Princess that leads you directly to a Precipice Me replyed the Count blushing Your self replyed the Cozen who though you should not Blush at it would notwithstanding be Condemned to Suffer the greatest of Torments if there was not Pitty taken of you and if your Accusers were not of your Friends The Count who thought that his Relation spoke after this manner but through his Zeal towards him and the Distrusts which he might have upon the account that in lieu of following the King to Hunt he had found him that Morning with the Queen did boldly maintain that it would be with great injustice that he should be accused of such a Crime and that he thought he had not need so much as to make his Defence in it But the Prelate who was naturally very Eloquent redoubling the strength of his Remonstrances with all the particularities of that Conversation which he specified did put him beyond Answering And of Truth he had Reason to be Alarum'd at the Recital of all that had passed betwixt the Queen and he in a Closet where they had no other witnesses but Love It was not likely that that Princess should have confided that Secret to such a Man as was the Bishop of Cracovia and in mean time unless some familiar Spirit had design'd to reveal their Amours he could not imagine that it could be known from any other than the Queen All these Thoughts did come and go in his Mind during the Bishops Discourse who taking advantage of the Disorder he was in did begin to draw him a most terrible Picture of his Crime and of his Ingratitude towards a Prince which did daily over-whelm him with Kindness so that awakening in him those just Reproaches that an honest virtuous Man ought to use against himself in such a Case it wanted but little that his Love was not quite extinct He produc'd some weak Reasons to excuse himself But they were overcome by so many others that he had nothing left but Confusion in which the Bishop was pleas'd to leave him telling him That in this business there was no less Concern than his Fortune his Honour and peradventure his Life also all which he ventur'd for nothing or at least for a Princess who was a Woman like others and that would leave him one day for some body else though less deserving All that admirable Discourse with that Tendency which the Count had for his Duty towards his King that honoured him with his good Will having made upon him such Impressions as it ought to do he was very much shaken and passed away some Cruel Moments he did perceive that that Passion as happy as it could be could not of Truth but cause him an eternal Repentance The Bishop was already inform'd of it and others might be so too and the King would not fail at last of knowing it if he knew it not already In so fair a way of Reflections which caus'd him great perplexity this Note was brought him from the Dutchess of Ostrog So long as your Friendship could preserve that Honour which it merited I wish'd the Duration of it But since that it only serves as a Divertisement to some be willing to let it end It was too fair not to produce Jealousy and those that were so have at last Triumph'd Expect neither Reproaches nor Complaints from me with the fame Liberty that Persons come with the same Freedom I let them retire I neither call nor retain any one But when once a Person separates without Cause the business is done there is no return Adieu Count let us no more see one another I Conjure you of it I might pitty you after what you know and might bring you into a Confusion Adieu for the last time The Dutchess had but laught at the Adventure of her Husband she was obliged to the Queen for having so well Reveng'd her and in having shew'd her what little Concern she had for the Dukes Passion But as to the Count whom she had alwayes considered as a render Friend whom she could not think of losing nothing had touch'd her so sensibly as to learn that she had lost him not but that certain Wayes which of late she had observ'd in him towards her with the Reservedness he shew'd in what concern'd the Queen whereas formerly he did Inform her of all things ought to have prepared her unto all that but be it that we do not easily believe any thing which is disadvantageous to us and that it is easy to flatter our selves she did not believe him so unworthy as to turn perfidious What a Vexation is it for a Beauteous Woman to learn of the Unworthiness of a Man that leaves her to give himself to another for whom he has expressed a thousand Slites She began to open her Eyes and to see that the loss of the Count was the Price of that Friendship that the Queen had shewed her and that she had not been the most subtle of the two These Reflexions which produc'd divers others did represent unto her the Wrong which was done her to be a thing so cruel that there was nothing she would not do to Revenge her self But as she was a Woman of Wit she would not fly out judging well that all the Noise would reflect upon her self All her Cares were first employ'd in bringing the Count back again She knew his Humour well and did understand well which way to go about it She began by that Letter which produc'd that Effect which she had promised her self for the Count who from the day before had taken the Resolution of not seeing her any more did find himself touch't with a secret Displeasure so soon as he saw that she was the first to advise him to it and that indifferency which she shew'd in her Letter did more sensibly touch him than all the Reproaches that she could have used He did Sigh He afflicted himself and from that time he thought that he should be the most Unfortunate of all Men if he should lose the Friendship of a Lady without whom he could not Live It is not unlikely but that the condition in which the Remonstrances of the Bishop had settled his Mind did much Contribute in making him receive all those Impressions But here is what he Answered to the Dutchess You would abandon me Madam when I have the most need of you I am undone if I see you no more I confess that my Weakness would deserve that Punishment But I am a Man and you ought not to be surpriz'd at my committing of Faults Though mine should be inexcusable you are oblig'd to forgive it me for if you had pleas'd
the spight which the Jealousy and the Shame of such an Affront did inspire him with He told the Gentlewoman she might tell her Lady That he would not expose himself a second time to be so ill receiv'd with that he went away and left one of his Lacquais at the Door to keep Centry and to give him an account when Count Topor should go forth The Truth of the Story was That there was no body with the Dutchess and that this Dutchess having perceiv'd the Count coming by a Window had shut her self up in her Chamber and had order'd her Woman to make all that Sport who was very Dextrous at such things and her great Confident She had thus gratified her little Ambition and had taken extream Delight in hearing her Woman relate all the earnest Desires the Uneasiness Frettings and Distrusts which she had caus'd the Count to Suffer But however she had been very glad to have spoken to him and feared lest she might have driven her Resentment too far which gave her some Disturbance all that Night The Count was returning home prepossessed with a thousand Vexations that troubled him when one of his Servants who was going to the Dutchess for him told him That the Queen had sent three or four times to know if he were at home This Advice having put new thoughts into his Head did make him take the Resolution of going that he might Consolate himself near the Queen of the Dutchesses Scornes So he directed his Steps towards the Castle He came to that Princess's Appartment where he was told that the Bishop of Cracovia was with her an ill Conjuncture for him he thinks it fit to wait his going out that he might avoid another Lecture and passing on the other side of the Appartment he enter'd into a Gallery where but few Persons resorted because that it answered unto the Queen's Closet He thought at his coming there that he heard the Voice of the Bishop It was very dark there was no light in the Gallery and he thought that he might boldly approach to the Door whence the Noise came He heard that there was some Discourse of him his Curiosity redoubled he lends an Ear unto the Key-hole and he distinguishes the Queen's Voice Tarnav said she is a Villain if he has said this but for your own quiet I advise you not to believe any thing of it I shall not believe any thing of it Madam reply'd the Bishop if that for to Punish him you see him no more I see him reply'd the Queen If I do so it shall be to Treat him as the meanest of Men. Be more favourable to him Madam reply'd the Prelate and see him not at all If you please added he I shall let him know your Mind The Queen answered not presently but after some few Moments of 〈◊〉 she said that she consented to it Upon which the Bishop who thought that he had obtained all that he 〈◊〉 wish for took leave of the 〈◊〉 and went out through the door of that Gallery with such precipitation that he had like to have surprised the over-curious 〈◊〉 There 〈◊〉 was any Surprisal 〈◊〉 to that of this Lover to hear the good services which his dear kinsman rendered him He could not guess what Cause he had to use him so 〈◊〉 There was not the least Noise imaginable at Court that he had any Amorous designs towards the Queen and but little likelyhood that 〈◊〉 Prudent a Person as He and of his Character should be guilty of that Folly which he condemn'd in 〈◊〉 so much All other thoughts bad that would have 〈…〉 mind He had but just time enough to retire hiâ—self and 't was well for him that the honest Prelate came out without a Light He let him pass by with a design to follow him soon but Fortune who was preparing more new Adventures for him that Night would have it that thâ— Bishop going out of the Gallery drew the other Door after him so that the Count found himself looked up on all sides not knowing which way to stir forth This last Trouble was almost the hight of his Despair He would not for half his life have been found alone in that place especially at that hour That might have drawn divers ill Consequences or at least divers Ralleries which had made sport at Court if it had been known that he had been obliged to pass all the Night long there and his Vexation as well as his Despair did increase aâ— of as he reflected on the Imposâ—bility there was of gâ—â—ing off with 〈◊〉 â—ome Celestial Assistance On the Queens side though he had a pasâ—â—â— it was the hour that the 〈◊〉 used to be with her and â—â—â—re would be too much danger 〈◊〉 meeâ— him there after what 〈◊〉 already discoursed abroad The other door was of proof against all his strength and in â—â—â—ing any noise he run the danger of being heard from the â—â—ngs side The Windowes were â—oo high to get off that way would endanger his life In fine there was nothing to be done but to wait with patience the coming of the Day A cruel Choice indeed for a man that had alâ—â—dy so many other Troubles to â—â—â—e off without the need of passing a whole night in such a kind of Function As he was admiring on this the â—â—â—ur of his Fate that all that 〈◊〉 long had brought him from one Crosseness to another the door was open'd on the Queene side and the King came out followed by that Princess Happily for the Count one of the greaâ— Pictures of the Gallery that warred something to be mended waâ— let down behind which he haâ— leisure to hide himself It was Sigismond's Custom every night in Summer to take some â—urnes in that Gallery before hâ— went to bed the Queen would sometimes keep him Company She was then entertaining of him with the Amourous stories of her Selects of which she told him divers as much to divert him as to gain the more Confidence from him What would you say Sir said She if that the Bishop of Crâ—covia is in love with me also I should say replyed the King that he could not be so with a more Beautiful Woman but I believe him too wise and you would have much to do to perâ—â—â—e me to it I assure you â—hat he is so replied the Queen 〈◊〉 to that height as to become 〈◊〉 us of all that come near me 〈◊〉 first Declaration of Love that 〈◊〉 ever made me continued she 〈◊〉 in his Mass Book where he 〈◊〉 me that he would shew me 〈◊〉 greatest Devotion he had â—â—â—ch consisted in five or six â—â—ts of my Picture all which â—â—â—sented me in divers postures of Saints and he at my Feet Of â—â—th I never did laugh so much 〈◊〉 all my life for never any of my â—â—vers had ever devised to make love to me after such a Pious manner â—â—â—smond who was a good 〈◊〉 could not forbear laughing also but he thought
that it was 〈◊〉 a jesting story or that at least the Queen fitted it to her own humour I swear unto you adâ—â—â— she that he is jealous of Tarnaw and that he will not have me to see him But Madam said the King in way of Admonition Do not you your self give way unto such Insolences You have such sorts of kind wayes and manners continued this Prince which in Italy would be nothing but that in such a Country as this cause divers things to be thought and said more than there is A little more Moderation in all those Outward things continued he would not ill become you What must I then reform my self replyed the Queen for my Lord Bishop's sake No Madam replyed the King but for your Own sake I must have some time â—â—ow'd me Sir said the Queen 〈…〉 my self unto the Customes of the Country and I cannot warrant you that I can ever beâ—ome â—o Barbarous and to take no longer any delight in Life or in 〈◊〉 Society as I see divers do here The King â—o whom this disâ—â—â—se did not please changed the â—â—ine and after some Turnes 〈◊〉 in the Gallery they retiâ—â— â—â—is Adventure which was 〈◊〉 Tarnaw a Scene in which he did see a Picture of the Queens â—â—â—ural humour drawn to the 〈◊〉 who would easily sacrifice 〈◊〉 that she had favoured did 〈◊〉 him much cause of â—â—â—â—â—izing on her Person all the 〈◊〉 of that Night The Incomâ—â—â—â—e Bishop with his Declaraâ—â—on was not forgot but above all 〈…〉 admit the Kings Patience who had so much Indulgency for the Queens little Sallies It is true 〈…〉 Prince had already deâ—â—â—red on this account unto some unreasonable givers of Advice â—hat if he was to have punished oâ— other all those of whom the 〈◊〉 had given him cause of 〈◊〉 plaint his Court would be in a short time quite deferted This Impunity however not the Kings Clemency did not give the Count any desire to engage any farther with the Queen on the contrary the more this Prince was Indulgent the more Horror had he of his Crime Besides that this night he was very much out of humour with Love through all those Accidents which had happen'd unto him and of which he was not yet quite rid Never had any night seemed so long and tedious to him At last Day came and one of the Kings Bed-chamber having some business that way came luckily to open the door while he was behind that Picture Never Man that was condemn'd 〈…〉 perpetual Prison could go with more joy out of his Bonds then he did out of that Place So soon as he was returned home he enquired after the Lacquay which he had left at the Dutchesse's door he was answered than heaâ— as still in Gentery on which his â—â—â—plexity did redouble He could 〈◊〉 believe that Count Topor had 〈◊〉 the night so fortunately 〈◊〉 Duchess was a woman of great Circumspection And this â—oâ—ng Count could at most serve 〈◊〉 but for Divertisement His â—â—ming to the Dutchesses was to learn Manners for it was a 〈◊〉 School for that she did call him her Son not but that she was too Young to have any of the age but through a Kindness which could not go far Yet beauteous and well-made as he was there had been some Talk about it with any other Person than the Duchess who had had the good â—â—â—une of being a Gallant without the least suspicion of Gallanâ—â—sing The Count of Tarnaw impatient to know the Truth of this sent to his Man to learn some news Word was brought him 〈…〉 all that night no Person of Note had stirred forth of the Dutchesse's This put him into greater perplexities then ever He changes his Cloathes and followed but with one single Servant he designed to surprise the Dâ—â—â—cheâ—â— When that he saw come iâ—â—â— his Chamber the Bishop of â—â—â—avia The Reception he made him with very cold I see dear Cousin said the Prelate that I came at 〈◊〉 time and that you are not 〈◊〉 early in the Morning but upon some great designâ— but you know to what Persons of now profession are obliged and 〈◊〉 that we are to obey ouâ— Mâ—flâ—â—â— Orders I bring yo◠〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 continued he which will not be very agreable 〈◊〉 What Interrupted the Câ—â—â—t first 〈◊〉 not being desirous to hâ—â—â— any thing discourse with him 〈…〉 the Qâ—â—◠〈…〉 from seeing 〈◊〉 the Bishop surprised to hear 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what he had to say could 〈…〉 now he should th◠〈…〉 by some 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 her self had â—â—eady informed him of it He â—old him that of truth it was that which had brought him â—hiâ—◠〈…〉 Queen having doubt 〈…〉 that there was some 〈◊〉 of that Conversation which â—he had had with him in his â—ountry House she had thought 〈…〉 Hoâ—â—ours â—â—e rest and the Counts good not to see him for some time but as shee did 〈◊〉 indifferently all the rest of the Court and that this Advice was 〈◊〉 sufficient Consequence to have him profit by it That she had employed him to declare it to 〈◊〉 as a near â—insman and one of 〈…〉 The Count not 〈◊〉 moved at all that the Bishop said replyed in such a serious manner as would confound any man That he knew well of what nature the Obligation he owed him in this rencounter was and that he might tell the Queen that he would obey her Orders as she desired You speak with such an Ayr replyed the Bishop it seems as if I disobliged you Once more I am perfectly instructed replied the Count of all your Bounties and in time and place I shall thank you for them Can you suspect me interruptâ—d the Prelates Not at all replyed Tarnaw but I think that I should not have over much cause of confiding in a man that should accuse me falsly to the Queen Who could accuse you replied the Bishop blushing Have you some â—ivals that can be so much concerned at your good Fortune The Count who began to be 〈◊〉 of hâ—uing his false Reasoning 〈◊〉 I hâ—vâ— some sayd he to 〈◊〉 fiercely and that should medâ—â— with any thing else than Gallanâ—â—ng That does not concern 〈◊〉 said the good Prelate in great 〈◊〉 order I know not whether 〈◊〉 concernes you or not replyed the Count But I know well that the King is informed that â—â—â—â—in man of your Character 〈◊〉 â—ound out the way of making 〈◊〉 Dâ—â—larâ—tion of Love unto the 〈◊〉 in his Mass Book The Lâ—rd Bishop not being able to 〈…〉 clearing of a thing which 〈◊〉 him with Confusion arose and 〈…〉 king an hasty leave of the 〈◊〉 Farewell said he you may 〈◊〉 profit of my Advices if you 〈◊〉 but whencesoever they 〈…〉 will let you know that 〈…〉 in need of them as much others The Count who thought 〈…〉 told him enough did let 〈…〉 â—o go himself about other â—â—siâ—ess and to execute the design which he had in his Heart as well as in his mind He went forth with that Servant and
speak and the business was done But she whose mind was moulded quite another way and who knew how many difficulties would be met with in her designes permitted not her self to be overtaken with the vain Ideas of the Young Count. She would conduct this business after her one way and said to Topor That he should only go to the Castle to learn News of Count Tarnaw and so return to her He was scarce gone from her when the Bishop of Cracovia enter'd who was come to see the Duke The pretence of his visit was taken on the business which had passed betwixt Count Tarnaw and the Dutchess This Prelate had had such a considerable share in it as did invite him to come and justifie himself towards the Husband as to the Noise it had made But his designes did reach farther They tended in fortifying the Duke in the Resentments which he ought to have of such an Affront and in offering him a means of Revenge He subtilly magnifyed through the descant which he made on each particular the Cause he had to hate the Count he set before him the shameful Consequences which attend such Adventures and pointing at the necessity there was for a man of his Honour and Quality not to let such a Treachery go unpunished he thought to have reduced him to a fit condition to make him embrace with Zeal an important occasion that there was of ruining so base a Friend The way is easy said he The King this night goes to lye out of Town to be ready for the Chace to morrow The Queen has found out some weak pretences to excuse her self from it but of truth it is to have the freedom of passing the whole night with Count Tarnaw What I tell you here continued he with a tone and ayre to render the thing most certain I have if from the Original I leave you to think if it be not a certain way of Revenge for you and if giving notice to the King of it like a true Subject You can fail of having them surprised together and of rendring your self at the same time considerable with the King The Duke strangely surprised at the Prelates proposition gave him a full Attention There was no doubt but that Jealousie which was very strong in him did find great satisfaction in that design and Vengeance did also spur him on to make use of it But his soul did find so much Unworthyness in the act that he could never consent to it He therefore told the Bishop that he could not resolve to do what he propos'd and that there were other braver wayes of Revenge That he had learn'd to use that Sword which he wore and that there was but that only way which could give him satisfaction as to Tarnaw's action The Bishop strangely surpris'd and as sorry that he had no better success in his design dissembled his Spight and Confusion and to patch things up again he seem'd to be partly of the Dukes mind of whom he begged Secrecy and retired home to think on what he had to do Church-men rarely forgive That Revenge which they forbid in others is a delicate Morsel which they reserve for themselves This had his Soul too much ulcerated with the Queens Cruelties and above all against Tarnaw It was not to be hoped that he would let scape so fair an occasion of ruining them both His Policy had prompted him at the first to make use of the Duke but seeing he was so weak as he thought as to refuse those means which were offered him as to his Revenge he knew the way of useing them himself and no body should know from whence the Blow came unless the Duke contrary to his word should divulge the Secret He takes a Pen and having the perfect art of counterfeiting his own hand writing he wrote this Note to be given secretly to the King when arriv'd at that Country house where he was to lye that night A Faithful Subject thinks he does his duty in advertising his Prince when he is dishonour'd If with a little diligence you this night repair to the Castle there will be found at any time of coming the Queen up and Tarnaw at her feet This Note finish'd he sealed it and sent it to a man who he had near the King who was wholly devoted to the Prelate but he took care to instruct him withall by what means he should make it fall into his Masters hands His Heart being at rest on that side he was to please it on the other which did no less move him He raised his Rage so far as to have the satisfaction of being Witness of the success of the Note The Queens Chamber answered into the great Garden there was a Gallery under the windows through which that Princess could descend into that Garden when she had a desire to walk The Bishop who had power enough in the Castle to cause all places to be open'd to him at all hours thought to have found what he sought for and that this Gallery was a fit place from whence to see without danger of discovery all that he desired to see This only Imagination did almost bring him beyond himself he fancied a thousand things which were to be acted in that Chamber which thoughts transported him The hour finally was no sooner come of executing his design but he took the way to the Castle and rendred himself at the quarters of him who had the care of the Garden the entry into which he soon obtain'd under specious Pretences The night was very dark He is the most satisfied of all men But he was not yet where he wished to be and having found the door of the staires of that Gallery shut he found that he had rejoyced too soon and that nothing was done yet to any purpose except his Wit or rather some help from Heaven did assist him in climbing up to that Gallery Persons of that Character are so well accustomed to implore on all accounts the assistance of the Heavenly grace that they employ their Vows Prayers indifferently on good bad things Our Prelate goes and comes seeks runs all over the Garden without lighting of any thing that could so much as second his good desires At last as he stood gazing towards the windows whence there came forth a very great light he thought that he saw something hanging on the Gallery He presently takes hold of it finds it to be a Rope and that rope a Ladder to get up thither What joy was this for him Thus was the Heavens open'd he doubted not but that it was the happy Counts Amorous Ladder and without loosing of time in reasoning whether one might with prudence adventure on it carryed headlong by his Passion he begins to climb with such Nimbleness and Dexterity as did outgo the natural disposition of his body for the good Lord was somewhat loaden with matter He was already got to the uppermost Round with his hand when
which he fancyed might be some of his People that he had sent to learn what passed on that side He lost no time there was none to lose and knocking two or three times at the Queens Chamber door he caus'd a great Amazement in those two Lovers The Queen strangely affrighted rose with her Gallant to endeavour to get him off but too late the other doors were already seized on Fear increases she doubts not but that it is the King She knows not what to do No place secure to conceal the poor Tarnaw in there was nothing but the Chimney which us'd to be lock'd up She runs there with him but no hopes of opening it All thing conspire their Ruine There 's greater knocking than ever The Queen is past all hopes at last Tarnaw makes a last attempt and the danger giving him a double strength he breaks the lock and maugre all other Obstacles he opens the Chimney and finds it garnished with two persons which the great Distraction he was in did not permit him to discern at first The Queen who was in too great a Disorder of mind to perceive it thinks of nothing seeing that door open then to run at that they knocked at and finds that it was the Duke of Ostrog She remain'd confounded at it at first But having a little re-assur'd her self through the joy she had that it was not that which she feared she set her self in a kew of quarrelling with the Duke and asked with what Insolency he durst come at that hour thus to disturb her in her Chamber to kill her with Fear It is not time now Madam replyed the Duke very seriously and with a loud voice to treat me ill I have seen all I have heard all And what have you seen or heard interrupted that Princess With what Authority do you come to examine my actions Authority Madam replyed the Duke I know what I owe you But I give you notice that he that has all Right here the King is in the Garden The King in the Garden replyed the Queen changing her tone then you do revenge your self my Lord Duke It would not be against you Madam answered the Duke that I would revenge my self I can ruin you I can save you but make use of me you will have occasion for it for the King is not here for nothing Would you be generous replyed the Queen to that hight to forget You need not to fear any thing from me Madam replyed the Duke and Count Tarnaw needs not to hide himself It should not be in such an occasion as this that I would appear his Enemy But who do I see added he crying out my Wife At these words the Queen also having turn'd her head did not see with less surprisal than he the Dutchess of Ostrog and Count Topor coming out of the Chimney with Count Tarnaw They stood staring on one another without one word speaking as if there had been a kind of Enchantment amongst them that had rendr'd them speechless But their Souls did not express themselves the less through their Eyes and Actions each conveying their sighs on what concerned them most above all the Queen the Dutchess and the Duke who being agitated with different sorts of Passions had different Motions which sometimes led them towards Jealousie sometimes towards Shame This dumb shew was succeeded by another scene which was no less troublesome which began at the Kings entring This Prince very much troubled at the Bishop's mischance who he thought to bee dead had caus'd him to be taken up by his People which he had with him and having given order to some body to take care of the unfortunate Prelate and to put him without noise into some Chamber not willing to lose one moment of time for fear of any surprisal he caus'd two armed men to go before him and advanced towards the Queens Appartment He went up the Gallery of which he had a key and causing his two Guards to stay at the door he went into the Queens Chamber At first his Wonder was great to find her in such company but his Joy was not less for he had no desire to find her guilty That Princess who had a Presence of mind most admirable did no sooner see him but running towards him Ah! Sir at this hour to return so unexpectedly doubtless that some extraordinary business has happened The King was still so disturb'd at the troublesome Distrusts which had brought him there especially at the sad sight of the Bishop of Cracovia that he could not answer any thing to the Queen which made that Princess to continue in this manner You doubtless think it very strange Sir to see such Persons here who according to a great deal of reason should not be together But I was willing to end what I had begun I thought continued she that I should do a thing which would please you in reconciling the Duke and Count Tarnaw together and I have taken the most interrest'd Partyes for witness I have heard the Justifications of the accused and finally they are all agreed The King did seem to be well satisfied with that Accomodation having no great difficulty of adding faith unto that which the Queen said seeing that no Person in the Company durst contradict her But for all that he had a design to cause those three Lords to be arrested if not on his account at least on that of the Bishop's death of whom he would know who was guilty when one of his Servants came and told him that the Bishop was better and that his greatest hurt was his Ancle out of joynt This news having in some measure setled the Kings mind He appeared something more chearful but he being tired with his late journey he would go rest himself putting off till the morrow the further clearing of all that nights Adventures The Queen followed him and the rest of the Company went where they pleas'd and I draw the Scene FINIS
fit to entertain Jealousie especially with a young Wife of her humour and so Beautiful as was the Queen But she had the Art of Dissipating all those shadows her self making the King privy unto the Folly of all her Lovers of which she made Sport with him This kind of pretended Sincerity would quiet that good Prince's mind and judging that it was Reasonable he should have some Complaisance for a young Princess who could not so readily lay aside the Customes of her own Country he permitted her to live after her own manner Thus the Number of the Select did daily encrease There were but three Ladies only that were not well pleased with that Princesses Actions above all the Fair ones which she did not Love They were almost all forsaken by their Lovers The Queen could not endure that any thing should be done for Love of them and whoever did attempt it was presently out of Favour The Dutchess of Ostrog was the only Person that did somewhat uphold the Honour of the Ladies of the Country She was a perfect Beauty who did bear one of the first Ranks at Court and the Person who at the very first had given the most of Jealousie unto the Queen She had not all that spritely Ayr nor that Pleasantness that the Beautifull brown Ladies have as had this Charming Princess But she was a Woman of a great Presence of a Pleasant Aspect and of an Excellent Stature with these might be added her Fair Complexion her Eyes and all the Features of her Face with her Hairs of a Dazling Brightness She was a Lover of Pleasures and of Gallantryes and yet for a long time she did pass for a Discreet Woman which is the Art that Women of Wit use It was at this Dutchess's that the most Rational Persons of the Kingdom did daily resort and that was call'd the Little Court but such a little Court as frequently did give the first Motion unto all that was acted of most Gallant in the Greatest The Count of Tarnaw was as the Head of it He was the best shaped Lord of the Kingdom who had the greatest Wit Brave Gallant Generous Beloved of the King and of all the Court. The first Spight which the Queen had a mind to shew the Dutchess of Ostrog was to deprive her of that Lord who was worth divers others of that Court. And in so doing she did not only satisfie that Womanish Vanity of Carrying it above all others but she follow'd also the Inclinations of her heart for Tarnaw was one of the most amiable men of the World He was intimate Friend unto the Duke of Ostrog and it was thought that he might hold some place near the fair Dutchess also but not peradventure that went so far as to Gallantise At least that was so well manag'd that the Publick who is but little indulgent on such kind of things did more favour the Dutchess than it was wont to do in regard of other Ladies for till then she had not been suspected But the Queen who was yet full of all the Maximes of her own Country and that was not of opinion That a man of Wit and a Beautiful woman could long see one another without Consequences did not doubt but that Tarnaw was with the Dutchess in Title of Gallant after the highest manner She put in use all her Charmes to make assault in point of Beauty with that stately Lady There was nothing but Kindnesses and Complaisances for Tarnaw Presents and such wayes as were yet more ingaging than the Presents themselves that would speak much but all to no purpose for no hearing nor seeing could be procured Tarnaw did alwayes shew an unparallel'd Constancy for the Dutchess's Party Not but that this Cavalier as well as the rest had found that there was nothing more Charming than the Queen and that if he had followed the Tendency of his own Heart he had submitted unto the necessity of not casting one 's Eyes on that Princess without adoring of her But that Croud of Adorers which he did continually behold about her and which she received did take him off In this he thought it a point of Honour not to do as the rest did but to remain inseparably tyed unto the Dutchess The Queen who was not accustomed to so much Resistance vexed at a Proceeding which she looked upon as an Injury offered to her Beauty by the Count did in a moment pass from all these Sweets unto mortal Hatred and did shew nothing but Contempt for him But that was not yet sufficient Womens minds run more naturally unto Revenge she was studying of one which should Content her For she could give it the satisfaction of Triumphing over her Rival and of ruining the Count which was by causing her self to be belov'd by the Duke of Ostrog The Duke was a man of Wit who through the Character of General which he had as well as by his Birth did hold one of the first Ranks in the Kingdom He was very much consider'd by the King and he did understand very well his Duty but he had Eyes and an Heart that were made just like oother mens And what cannot a Beautiful Princess do that employes all her Charms to corrupt the Fidelity of a Gallant man The Duke of Ostrog surrender'd himself and so soon as he was permitted to be heard he offer'd Vows and Homages Life and Fortune and all that he could offer But as he had more measures to observe than the rest of the Selected he did more Closely manage himself and would not allow that his Passion should have any other Witnesses than the Queen and his own Heart That Princess who had her Designs and who desired no further of Love then the Noise and Rumour of it did not well like the prudence of her Gallant It availed nothing to be belov'd by the Duke except the Dutchess knew of it She did all that she could to let her know it which would sometimes put the discreet Husband into despair And there were some moments in which he would repent of having engaged himself so far And if it were with Love as with other things that one might rid one self of it at pleasure he had peradventure renounced unto that which he had for the most-Charming Princess of the world but the most Dangerous also and the most fit to disturb a good Family It was not that he lov'd his Wife more than Courtiers usually do but he had no mind to set her so ill an Example He knew that she had very good Arms wherewith to revenge her self of his Perfidiousness and the less faithfull of all Husbands takes no delight in being deceived by his Wife The Dutchess of Ostrog was not blind She was one of the first that perceived her Husbands ill wayes and that div'd into the Queens designs But she did but laugh at it with the Count Tarnaw The Machines of that Princess having not had a good Effect that way they had no
better a success neither on the Dukes Part. It was in vain that she attempted to make him Jealous of the Count with his wife He had a great opinion of the Dutchess's Virtue And he believ'd Tarnaw to be so much his Friend and so honest a Man that he would have thought he had done them a piece of Iniustice in barely suspecting them of Perfidiousness The Queens Spight and Jealousy did still increase through all those fruitless Endeavours But the Hatred which she had for the Count could not last so long because that it was Affected only She was during some dayes very much out of humour and at last to please her self she must come to a new Onset on that Heart that was insensible but only to her She thought it necessary to bring her Rival near unto her own Person again and to shew her more Kindness than she had done The Dutchess being Taken with that Charming Bait of being well at Court again perceiv'd not the Poyson which lay under it There was nothing but continual Feastings and parties of Divertisements where Tarnaw was sure to be one This Cavalier did begin to perceive that men were not always the same and that it was very dangerous to be too often a Spectator of those Charms for which one may have had some Disposition of being inflamed He did find the Queen more Beautiful than ever and he was full of such Cares and Diligence in serving and following her as he had not had before The Dutchess took notice of it and she would tell it the Count. She told him by the bye that she could perceive some change in her Conduct but far from making use of any Means unworthy of her heart whereby to oppose it through an height of Ambition she did contribute unto some pretty Entertainments which she might at least have interrupted by her Presence As for the Duke he was not so easy to be handled he was the most impatient and the most Jealous of all Lovers He was presently strangely Allarum'd at the Counts fresh Pursuites He knew his Merit and of all his Rivals he could not see any so much to be fear'd as that was He imagined that his own Passion was very secret and that there were no danger of speaking of the Queen to the Count. He one day at the Running of the Ring took occasion so to do He was in course with his Friend drawing near him Take heed to your self said he lowly for there are great Designs on your heart I fear nothing answer'd the Count smilingly and it has been long since of proof against the most dangerous Assaults You know not reply'd the Duke what Enemies you have to do with they are two delicate Eyes continu'd he which command here and that have observ'd you ever since your coming in It is very difficult to resist them While he was speaking to him in this manner his Eyes were fixed upon him to endeavour to discover by the change of his Face what pass'd in his Heart And perceiving some Alteration of his usual Colour You blush added he then you know what I aim at You are Catch'd already and peradventure the Happiest of all men Say rather replyed the Count that I am the most Ungrateful of all men after the Care that is taken to shew me the good Will that some have towards me but I know my Duty and I will do it Very weak Reasons Count replyed Ostrog those that Duty produces against Love and you are not Ungrateful since you acknowledg your Ingratitude Confess the truth to me continu'd he without giving of him any time to answer You would fain make use of your Discretion with me but yet I know that you answer very well all those favourable Intentions which are had in your behalf I answer them so ill reply'd Tarnaw who would put an end to this Conversation that never did man deserve Death so much as I do In all that Discourse which made an end of confounding the Poor Duke there was not only some Vanity on the Counts side but there was Malice also He was not ignorant of his friends Love towards the Queen and he design'd to punish him for his not confiding in him in concealing it from him The Sport ended Tarnaw had the Prize which consisted in a Picture of the Queen which she was to give her self As he drew near her to receive it she told him softly That long since he might have had greater Advantages if he could have told how to have made the best advantage of his good Fortune The Count surpriz'd at those words whose fence he understood very well did answer in some kind of Disorder That there could be no Advantages that he could prefer unto the Honour of serving the greatest Princess on earth You should reply'd the Queen serve Persons after their own manner and then you might succeed But continued she turning her head to observe if any body did hearken this is not a business to discourse of before so many Persons Come this Evening at nine on the Terrasse which answers to my Closet and you shall know what I have to say to you on that account After this she suddenly turn'd her self towards the King who was speaking to some Ladies and gave him her hand to go a walking The Counts mind was so fill'd with these last words that he thought it fit to retire home to think there on a business as important in its Consequences as any that ever had yet happened to him He did perceive how far that Rendezvouz would go which was to have him speak his whole Thoughts and the Danger which he did run of a total Rout. He was invited unto it after a manner that could not be resisted his Honour as well as his Heart did find a thousand Charmes in it The Triumph was Illustrious and there was no Life which he did not think well employed in exposing it on so Glorious and so Charming a Subject as that was With these or such like Thoughts did he entertain himself till the hour of Assignation which was no sooner come but that he incessantly rendered himself on the Terrass There he found the Queen expecting of him already who receiving him with an Ayr full of Sweetness You see said she Count that this is but on your account Here I meet you singly only one Woman with me that I confide in The King is at play and we shall have some Time to discourse here of our business In the Confusion that the Count at first was at the sight of that beauteous Princess he wanted a Voice to answer with which is an ordinary Effect of Love The Queen took notice of it with Delight leaning against the Railes which overlook'd the Garden she purposely gave him time to recollect himself But at last perceiving that he did not yet begin to say any thing the Impatiency she was in to continue her Design made her to pass over some certain Laws
of Manners unto which Persons of that Rank and Character rarely confine themselues when it is Love that guides them Well Tarnaw what must I be the first to speak What think you of the Sentiments that are had for you I know my self Madam he reply'd with a respectuous Gravity that little Merit that I find in me will not permit me All is permitted you said the Queen interrupting him and you but too well know your own Worth You have done all that you could to inspire divers things to your advantage into Persons and perhaps that you have not succeeded ill but when you had perform'd the most difficult part you should have gone on You should speak and not please your self in suffering such Pains as peradventure others share in with you In a word Count added she I know that you love me I know it your Eyes your Actions and even your affected Indifferences all has told it me Your Heart is mine permit it to act without Constraint and lay aside all these Thoughts which seem but to render you the more miserable Tarnaw unto whom those very words alone could have inspired Love had he not been already in Love with that Charming Princess replys What pleasure take you Madam said he sighing in rendering me the most Criminal Person in the World Is it a Crime to Love me answered she Yes Madam replyed that Lover and the greatest that ever I committed in all my Life so to dare to lift up my thoughts unto my Soveraign But though I should expiate it with my Death I find that I could not repent it that it is my Fate would have it so together with your Charms against which there is no Resistance The Queen could not contain the Joy which she had upon this Declaration so full of Transports Love me said she to him with a Charming Smile if it be a Crime I l'e bear the half of it and I shall endeavour to render it so mild to you that you shall have no cause of Complaint In ending these words she gave him her hand which that Lover took trembling But which he Kiss'd with such a Passionate Ayr as any Lover could do Some moments of Silence which pass'd afterwards between them were no less tender and passionate than their Discourses but the Queen more accustomed than the Count unto those Extasies of Love beginning to smile in a kind of Malicious Return But what will become of the Dutchess of Ostrog said she when she will know the Wrong I do her in robbing of her of such a Heart as yours She will never pardon it me in all her life time The Dutchess of Ostrog Madam replyed the Count does not take so much the interest of my Heart but though she should it would be a Sacrifice which I should offer you without any great Repugnancy It may be Madam added he smilingly in his turn that you would have more in Sacrificing to me the Duke her Husband If that the Duke replyed she is capable of giving you any Disturbance you will soon be delivered of it I consent said She further that you regulate your self towards the Dutchess after the manner that I shall treat her Husband I will never see her more reply'd the Count and I said the Queen will rid my self of the Duke to morrow These Protestations which setled the hearts of these two Lovers in respect of those Rivals which each of them had to fear did conclude by such tendernesses which the Queen let loose as quite made an end of the formerly insensible Tarnaw Those favours which come from Persons of that Rank have this advantage that all charme even to the least Trifles a Look a Smile and Hand given in season a Gesture the least Tenderness Transports and Dazles Tarnaw scarce knew what was become of himself and did answer but by halves and confusedly unto some Amorous Questions which the Queen made him whether he would love her all his life time and whether he was very well pleas'd with her till that at last that Charming Princess who perceived him so transported with Joy and Love as that he seemed Inchanted and to have but one moment of Life left Let us go Tarnaw said She let us go hence for we might be here a little too long it may be I think that for the first time that you have seen me in private you have very far advanced your affaires The Count who had been half the time kneeling before her did rise and sighing gave her his Hand to lead her but perceiving that She design'd to return to the King he intreated Her to permit him to retire home because that he thought himself not strong enough to conceal the Excess of his Joy before such Persons as draw Consequences of all things as Courtiers use to do The Queen approv'd of this Gantleness and told him That to have so Prudent a Lover as he was I was the way to make Love last a long time The night which follow'd that Entreview was for the Count incapable of yielding any Rest Not that the Remorse which he ought to have of the Crime which he committed against his King or that the Fear of the dangers that he exposed himself unto did disturb him Love had already got too high an hand over him to afford the least return imaginable unto Reason It was the raptures of Joy which a thousand Charming Ideas of those render things which the Queen had had for him which did still promise him greater favours He slept not yet the night did not seem the longer for that on the contrary he did make it last into the middle of the following day so that it was already Dinner time when that a Servant came to give him notice of it and at the same time to tell him that the Queens Page waited to speak with him The Page was immediately brought into his Chamber who presented unto the Count a Packet from the Queen in which there was a Scarf and this Note I will not forgive it you Count if you have slep't one single moment this night for Love would have treated you better than me and you would not love me half so well as you ought to do or that I would have you to do I send you a Scarf against the Justing which is to be perform'd next Thursday You shall take for your Motto these words Tanto piu alto e Tanto piu ardore We go a Hunting come you also for I should but ill divert my self if I should not see you there While that the Count was thus busied the Duke of Ostrog who through the great Friendship that was between them was dispenced from Ceremonies being come in he perceived the Page the Scarf and Note which the Count was reading with so great an Attention that he was in the midsts of the Roome before he had perceiv'd it The confusion he was in when he first perceiv'd him was great The Duke asked him whence
came so fine a Present It is without cause you make me this question reply'd the Count who would not mince the matter out of season you have seen the Queens Page and you doubt not but that it is from her Liberality that this favour comes I was affraid of deceiving my self reply'd the Duke and did not think that an ungrateful Person that deserv'd death from Her was worthy of so much favour If all those unto whom She has made such Presents reply'd Tarnaw were guilty you had been so long since One must be born reply'd the Duke under as lucky a Planet as yours to dare to adventure in a Careere so full of precipices as that is It is the Danger reply'd the Count which affords the Pleasure as well as the Glory of the undertakeing Farewell said the Duke going I wish that you may come out of it with the good Fortune which you deserve I shall take counsel upon that replyed the Count when the Enterprise is resolv'd upon but it shall be from the most happy that I shall take it The Duke being gone out in this manner Tarnaw thought of the Answer he was to send to the Queen which you may see here What hopes of sleep Madam when you leave me in the Armes of a God that does so little converse with it yet how restless and troublesome as he is to others I can say that he has treated me so well that I should wrongfully complain of him He has done nothing but continually spake of you to me He has represented you to my mind with all those Charms which render you adorable There is no Joy equal to mine Aid him Madam if it be possible to redouble it though he should take away my Life with my sleep I should not complain I have kiss'd a thousand times that curious Scarf How great and glorious is my destiny and with the esteem of so Great and so Charming a Princess how few mortals are so bless'd as is Tarnaw He gave that Answer to the Page and call'd to be dress'd The Conversation which he had had with the Duke came again into his mind he was his Friend and he pittied him but that which troubled him most was on the account of the Dutchess He could not think on her without Confusion She had always been the Secretary of his thoughts They had rallyed the Queen a thousand times together he had boasted of a Contempt for all that Princesses Bounties Mean time he is gone how many Reproaches was his Weakness going to procure unto him He resolv'd not to see her more in this he satisfied the Queens desire and at the same time did free himself from that thing which caus'd him the most Trouble This being once concluded after this manner he would no longer think on the Duke or Dutchess to relish the full Joy of such a fortune as his He prepared himself to go to that hunting and was there presently after the Court. The Queen had taken the Dutchess of Ostrog with her and that night they were to lye in a house of Pleasure belonging to the Bishop or Cracovia who was one of the blessed number of the Queens Selected The Duke had not follow'd the Court in the Troubles or rather Despairs he was in He sought after nothing but Solitaryness Yet after divers vexations of mind on a thousand different Resolutions on which his heart floted being got on Horse back he came there towards night But whereas every one was very busy in those Divertisements which the Bishop had caus'd to be prepared and that moreover this Prelate the most troublesome and most assiduous of all the Election under pretence of making the honours of the house did not abandon one moment the Queen The Duke the unfortunate Duke could not all that night find one occasion to speak unto her in private And the Court withdrew betimes also because that the King had a mind to hunt again the next day when the Queen being fatigated with that daies sport dispenc'd her self from going Besides the Fatigue She had her private Reasons also And the King was no sooner up and got out of his Chamber but sending to seek after the Dutchess of Ostrog she caus'd her to come to Bed to her as she us'd to do with her best Friends to talk or laugh the rest of the Morning Do you not know said she to her what the Duke of Ostrog would have with me who desired last Night that he might have a quarter of an hours Audience on a business in which he sayes his Life is concern'd If it be not a Love concern Madam replyed the Dutchess smiling I know not what it can be A concern of Love replyed the dissembling Queen If it concerns me I assure you that you shall have the Pleasure of it I have long known Madam replyed the Dutches that he has the Honour of sighing for you but I forgive it him for it is almost the infallible destiny of all those that have the honour of approaching you You are a Commodious Wife replyed the Queen but I know not if you should have as much Indulgency for an other than an Husband Either Husband or Gallant reply'd the Dutchess when ever they leave me for so beauteous a Princess I shall have nothing to say The Queen did not think the Dutchess very sincere on that point but she had wherewith to put her suddenly to a Tryal And returning to speak of the Duke She told her that she had ordered the Duke should be told that he might see her that morning and that if she would lye close behind her and promise not to discover her self She would give her the satisfaction of the whole Entertainment The Dutchess who would have bought such an Opportunity on much more difficult terms than those which the Queen propos'd did easily agree unto it and promis'd her to observe all her Orders with all her heart So that the houre being come the Duke was admitted He appear'd with a pale and macerated countenance approaching the Bed whose Curtains were but half drawn and kneeling on one knee before the Queen You see before you Madam said he in a low and doleful voice the most passionate of all mortals but the most miserable and the most desperate also you shall see him for the last time if you take no pity of him Whence comes this despair Duke reply'd the Queen of what do you complain I know continu'd that unfortunate Lover sighing that it is not for a Subiect to complain of his Queen But if that the liberty which you have given to my sighs may in some measure Authorise my complaints certainly it is in this occasion when betraying the hopes that your Eyes and your too Charming Discourses for me had caus'd my heart to receive you give marks of your Tenderness unto a man who cannot have deserv'd them through a real Zeal And who is that happy man reply'd the Queen It is not necessary Madam reply'd
I had been less Guilty help me then to get out of it since that I freely confess it to you Spare if you please neither Reproaches nor Chidings All Remedies will be sweet to me so they serve to bring me back to my Duty again All my Joy and all my Glory ought to be limited in being wholly yours This Note seem'd to have somewhat settled his Mind and as if he had already gain'd much over himself thus to have writ to the Dutchess He thought himself almost free from that dangerous Love which he had for the Queen But Lovers know themselves very little and all those Resolutions are but false Revolts which serve but to re-ingage them the more This was Evident in the Person of the Count of Tarnaw who notwithstanding all that the Bishop had told him and all that he had writ to the Dutchess with all his Reflections and great Designs of returning unto his Duty could not forbear going to the Justing which was to be perform'd that Day and there to wear the Queen's fine Scarf The Dutchess had a great mind not to be there but the Queen found out a means to ingage her to it in sending to her the Prize of the Tilting which was a Heart of Diamonds to give to him that should get the Advantage If she could have guessed that the Count should again win the Prize doubtless but that she had dispenc'd her self from serving the Queen in that respect but there being other Cavaliers as Brave and as Dextrous as he and that besides she would be very glad to see whether he would wear that Scarf after that which he had Writ to her she yeilded unto her Rivals desires Never had the Count appeared with such Gallantry as he did that Day and his Dexterity as well as good Meen was admired by all The King was Charm'd with it as well as the Queen who without the least regard or management call'd out to every one to have them observe all that this dear Lover did perform The Dutchess was the only Person that seem'd not concern'd at all and she did appear with so much dullness as oblig'd two or three times the Queen to ask her what she Ailed but her Trouble was very great seeing that she could not constrain her self The Count at last was the Conqueror and approaching to the Dutchess not without Blushing to receive the Prize If you wanted nothing more said she with a cold Air but this Heart to be Contented you are now very happy and not staying for his Answer she turn'd to Count Topor a young handsome Lord who of late did Visit her with some Assiduity and who gave her his Hand to lead her home Tarnaw would have stayed her but the Queen whose Eyes were never off of him call'd him finding him dull she ask'd him what the Dutchess had said and whether there was an absolute Rupture or a Reconciliation betwixt them No Madam he reply'd it is neither the one nor the other but her Coldness surprizes me Does her Coldness surprize you Tarnaw reply'd that Princess Is it not that you repent already your Abandoning of her The Count would have justified himself from such a Censure but she gave him not time to Answer and making sign to him to be silent Go said she follow your own Inclinations I will have no Heart that in the least wavers in giving it self wholly to me Think on it and give me your Answer this very Night This Lover who did see that the place was not fit for the clearing of such a business did not insist any longer for to be heard and retired to put off his Armour Never was Man more agitated than he his mishap proceeded from being too happy His Heart was too much burdened with two the most Charming and most perfect Objects on Earth one of which was capable of satisfying the Ambition and of pleasing the Desires of the most Ambitious and most Passionate of all Men. But he was to chuse and he knew not which to leave In following purely Love he tended towards the Queen she had such soft and tender Wayes such a Complaisant winning Ayr and even sometime such pritty passionate Expressions as Enchanted him But then to absolutely abandon the Dutchess with whom he had Contracted a kind of Habitude Tenderness Society and Confidence that was renouncing a world of Pleasures that was tearing himself from what there was for him of most sweet and agreeable in this Life The Queen had Chang'd for Love of him she might well change again for Love of another There were divers Examples of her Inconstancy and he would not flatter himself with being capable of of setting Limits to it The defects of Temper are rarely amended Unto all those Reasons those which concern'd his Duty were added which the Lord Bishop of Cracovia had made him too well to understand to forget them so soon In fine he resolv'd to keep the surest side which was that of the Dutchess and as he had need of her Assistance to bear that Victory over his own Heart he was no sooner unarmed but that he went to her Long since he had the Priviledge to go in there with the same Liberty that the Duke himself did use and after he had inquir'd if the Lady was there he went directly to her Chamber where he found a Gentlewoman at the Door who told him that there was no going in That refusal surpriz'd him he for whom the Doors were there alwayes open he inquired the Reason and he was Answered that my Lady was busy and that there was some Body with her He would know who that some Body was The Gentlewoman who was Tutor'd thereto would not tell or at least would be pressed to it to render the Mystery more important He pressed he intreated and at last he learn'd that it was the Count Topor The Count Topor replyed he to himself alone in a Chamber with the Dutchess where I must not enter On this he busied himself some time without any desire that Notice should be given of his being there he had a desire to see whether that secret Entertainment would last long He sat down near the Gentlewoman entertaining her with divers indifferent things while his mind was an other way But as he grew weary every moment of waiting so long he rose and sat down again at least a dozen times At last Impatiency did so seize him that he desired the Gentlewoman to go ask her Mistress whether he might not Entertain her a moment She made some kind of difficulty on the Orders which she had received from the Dutchess but at last she seemed to be perswaded through his Importunities and return'd to tell him for answer That the Dutchess did desire him to excuse her and that she could not see him till the Count Topor was gone This second Refusal more Cruel yet than the former quite breaking the Heart of Count Tarnaw He arose in good earnest and yielding unto
wholly taken up with his Distrusts he took the direct way to the Dutchesses Palace to-wards which he was no sooner come but that he saw a man come forth which was something near the Count of Topors pitch and who under a disguise did endeavour to hide his face with a kind of Robe or Cloak which was then worn He follows him accost's him and speaks to him He presses him to discover himself telling him that it was to no purpose to hide himself that he knew him and that he was sure he was the Count Topor The other said not a word goes on his way still with as quick a Pace as he could and lets Tarnaw talk on He who would be fully informed of the business seeing that there was no likelihood of being satisfied that way looses his patience speaks with a more loud 〈◊〉 tâ—reatning voice of falling on this 〈◊〉 know person whom he is absâ—â—â—tely resolved to know but he having a Servant and the other none to have no Advantage over hâ—m he sent him back After which renewing the Assault You the happy Lover of the Dutchess of Ostrog said he to him you shall 〈◊〉 escape me I am single as well as you and for the Trouble yâ—â— give me you must make me Sâ—arer in all your adventure or we must cut one anothers throats Leâ— get into this house continued yâ—â— being then just before a Merchants door which he knew very well and there we shall take measures more at leisure to satisfy me one way or other This unknown person having made no difficulty to follow him Tarnaw asked for a Chamber where being locked in with his pretended â—â—â—al Come it is time to leave off this Cloak and speak clearly said he for there are but us two here The pretended Count of Topor sitting in a Chair still muffled in his Cloak did neither answer or move When the impatient and furious Tarnaw coming near him took the end of his Cloak and did pull it with such a force that taking it from him he failed but little of throwing him down Chair and all The stress he made and his Fury did hinder him at first from seeing with whom he had to do but having laid his hand on the hilt of his Sword to be in readiness in case the other should require Satisfaction he cast his eyes on him and perceived that it was the Dutchess What an amazement was his Never was man more confounded He no sooner was come to himself again but casting himself at the Ladyes feet Is it possible it should be you Madam said he with a voice which sufficiently shewed the Trouble which he had or that Error he had committed How will you forgive me so rude a Violence Yes Count I forgive it you replyed the Dutchess smilingly and I confess to you moreover continued she causing him to rise that you never did any any thing in your life that has pleased me so much as this for by this I know that you have still some Kindness for me and that the Queens Charmes have not wholly driven me out of your heart Say rather Madam replyed the Count That that Princesses Charmes have not so much dazled me but that I acknowledge my fault I had begg'd your pardon yesterday for it continued he if you had not been so cruel as to refuse hearing me for a young Rivals sake with whom you were doubtless comforting your self of the losâ— of me The Dutchess laughing confessed to him that little piece of Malice and told him the Sorrow which she had received by it afterwards and that in the Trouble that it had put her all the night long she had disguised her self as he then saw her to go seek him at his own House and make up some kind of Accomodation Tarnaw abandoning himself unto transports of Joy and of Thanksgiving for the Dutchesses Kindness he told her all that his heart could conceive of most tender This Conversation on which it is not necessary that I should extend any further had in fine such Pleasures and Delights that none but very passionate persons can be capable of conceiving But in another place there was at that time such things preparing as would preâ—ent them from enjoying long their mutuâ—â— happiness The Lord Bishop of Cracovia alwayes in readiness and evermore Curious had not fail'd at his going from the Count of Tarnaw to leave one of his Servants behind to watch him The Equipage in which he had found him so early the Trouble which he had seen on his face and all that he had said to him more than all the rest had raised divers Chimeras in his head and he would gladly have known what was his Design if it concerned not the Queen who had taken the pains to oâ—â—go him by advertising so â—â—â—ely this Lover of all that he had to say to him from her This Servant was subtle and twixt Man and Man there is an entire Confidence so that this had no great â—asâ— in informing himself of what he would know He learnt that the Count of Tarnaw had some broyl with the Count of Topor and that he was to seek theâ— him at the Dutchess of Ostrog He saw them whisper together in the Street and had follow'd them to the Merchants door where he left them to go give his Master a just account of it who failed not of rendring himself immediatly at Court and of informing the King that there was a Quarrel betwixt the two Counts on the account of the Dutchess of Ostrog The King who loved Tarnaw exceedingly and who did very much consider the Family of the other which was one of the most Ancient and most Illustrious of the Kingdom did presently give order to prevent this mischief and the Lord Bishop of Cracovia being the man which he thought the most proper to bee employed in such a business he sent him with a Captain of his Guards and some Musqueteers to arrest them both in the Kings Name The Lord Bishop did take upon him with delight this Commission They all go together to this Merchants house and without any noise that they might not fail of their Aim the Prelate gets all alone up to the Chamber where he had been told those Gentlemen were he knocks without saying a word the door is opened and he finds the Count Tarnaw in conference with the other Cavalier who were doubtless very much startted to see him You see sayes the Bishop to Tarnaw who was the first that he met with how I am appointed all this day to trouble you but I do acquit my self more willingly of this Commission then of that in the Morning I come to arrest you both in the Kings Name To arrest us replyed the Count more surprised then ever and the Reason I pray you Of reason replyed the Bishop you know there is sufficiency Deliver both your Swords continued he and give me your Word that you will not stir from hence till all things be
divers ages and to consolate my self of my affliction I have but too many examples before my Eyes I aym not at Count Tarnaws life all his Blood would not make the Dutchess the honester Woman and should my Honour depend on that only I well see that there would be no Return of it All that I can do is to wait till he be Married to render him the Change The business being thus turn'd into Rallery the King was over-joy'd to see him take that Course which he did second with divers solid reasons giving a great deal of Praise unto the Dukes Conduct That Action was after that as an happy Plank for all those that found themselves in the number of the betrayed Husbands there being nothing indeed more ridiculous in the World than to cast ones self away for being dishonoured by a Woman Give me those Wise and Prudent Persons as was the Duke who on all other accounts was an Example of Vallour as well as of Cuckoldship here He going from the King a Gentleman brought him the order from the Queen He presently thought of the promise which he had made the Dutchess but he was to obey or rather he was to yield unto that Byass which carried him that way He did appear so constrained and so perplexed at the fight of that Princess that she could not restrain from Laughing and letting her self go unto her usual Humour which was free and full of Gayety Well my Lord Duke said she have you not a very honest Wife and is not Tarnaw an undoubted Friend Friendship Madam said he is Subject unto such Treacheries but the Count is yet more guilty in point of Love he will be sooner pardoned for having betrayed a Friend continu'd he then the fairest Princess in the World The Queen answered him Coldly That she did take no further care of that business than so much as would make her Sport If I was concern'd in it continu'd she I should think the Persons sufficiently punished with the Confusion it hath brought upon them But how have you resented the business And how do you carry your self towards Tarnaw The Duke gave her to understand that he was not a man that would take so much to heart a business of which he was not the Master that which way so ever it had come to pass he thought that it fell to his Wifes share to take upon her all the Blame of the adventure seeing that it was she that had committed the Fault That as to the Count he expected from Time and Opportunity some means to revenge himself like a man of Honour but not as a declared Enemy The Queen having said some pleasant things on his Maximes which she well approv'd of the Duke replyed That he had Copyed them out of the Practice of the greatest men in Antiquity and that he did not use in things of Consequence to regulate himself by the common Opinion The Queen who was desirous to fall upon that which did concern her self the most reply'd That all that was very well but that howsoever it was probable he would not permit Tarnaw to continue having the same Assiduities with the Dutchess Why not Madam replyed the Duke who presently perceived that this was that thing the Queen did wish for The mischeif is already done continu'd he and it would be a great Folly in me to be so cautious where there is no Remedy That should have been done in time and season What would you endure said the Queen with some trouble I shall not only endure said he interrupting her that he should do as he has formerly done but I will go instantly from hence to seek him and intreat him so to do That is to be very Complaisant replied she and this may very well be called to be a Commodious Man But to let you see continued she the little Concern I take in it Know that I am pleased at your going to see the Count and I do Order you at the same time to bring him here to me You may think it may be that I have a mind he should ask me Pardon continued she and that we should be reconciled Your example might be followed and peradventure that I should not find it difficult to imitate you if I had no other cause of Complaint against him but know that he has offended me by a more sensible way than that the of Dutchess and that it is three dayes since I have given Order unto the Bishop of Cracovia to tell him from me that he should never more appear before my presence The Duke both surprised and rejoyced at this news asked the Queen if it were possible that the Count should give her any cause of treating him so ill Yes replyed she and were it not for the Noise that it might make in the World I had spoken of it to the King But I cannot better punish him continued she than in confounding of him before you and in reproaching his Unworthiness my self in person At this proposition the Duke was in his Dumps and could have wished that the Queen had persisted in her first Resolution or at least that she had charged some other with that Commission But there was no way to avoyd it she would absolutely have it that it should be him that should bring to her the Count and that he should be Witness after what manner she would treat him The Duke was too clear-sighted and did know the Queen too well to fall into that Trap. But that Princesses Charmes did so dazle him that if his life had been at stake he could not refuse what she required of him This is cruel Madam said he thus to exact from my obedience so hard a Task I shall do it however continued he seeing that you command it But the Repentance of it may cost me my Life Upon this he took leave of the Queen who promised him to set this Constraint which he did to himself for her sake upon account Count Topor very proud of the Honour that this noise had done him of being in love with the Dutchess had a mind to become so in good earnest He undertook to visit her more frequently then before But knowing that a Passion according to Form ought to begin by a Declaration he was divers dayes in meditating one which might please his Mistress They were fine words which he composed afterwards writ but which he did blot out as often as he writ them and when he was resolved and had agreed upon those which he would use he had forgot all again so soon as he came before the Dutchess so that he was forced to stand to those which the Publick had made for him The Dutchess could easily perceive a change both in the Humour and Manners of the Count. She might have guessed at his design and at some other time she might have diverted her self with it But at that time she was not capable of any Pleasure and her mind wholly taken up
with Tarnaws concerns could not find time to examine the bashful sighs of Young Topor He kept her Company He had a graceful sweet Disposition which in that seat that her soul was in then did better please her than all the Entertainments of the most refined Wits that daily visited her But that which made her the more to consider him was that he had been very useful to her in recalling back the wavering Constancy of weak Tarnaw and that he might yet serve her in other designes The Count Topor had a good Access with the Queen not so far as to be in the Number of the Selected which did take up all the cares and pleasures of that Princess For she would have none but such men as were ready perfected and not such as were yet to be modelised And those of Count Topors age she would send to the Dutchess as to the School of Tenderness but all that had the appearance of a well-made and accomplished man had access in her Appartment And therefore Topor might pretend to a good Reception there For he was a very beautiful Youth and nothing was more regular than his Person The Dutchess that went no longer to Court thought that she could not find a man more fit than that Young Count by whom to be informed of all the proceedings of her Husband towards the Queen and that in that disposition of heart which he had for her he would embrace with Zeal that occasion of serving her As of truth she had no soonner proposed the business to him but he promised to have an Eye on all the actions of the Duke and that there should pass nothing in any thing that she had a desire to know but he would give her a most faithful Account of it The Young Count was quick-witted and very dextrous and that Commission suting with his Genius there was no fear that any thing should escape his Diligence The Duke had no sooner been with the Queen but that the Dutchess was informed by her young Spye of that Visit and of the long Conference which he had had with that Princess and that presently after he had taken Horse to go seek the Count of Tarnaw These news did much alarum the Dutchess she feared it should be some design of a Combat though she had been told that the King had taken care to prevent that mischief But for the Duke at his going from the Queen who could not but be vexed against Tarnaw to immediatly go to seek him that could not but foretel Evil. In the trouble which that caused her she was a thousand times on the point of running her self after the Duke when at last this Note was brought to her I Have newly received a visit from the Duke And you may imagine how great was my Surprisal But that which will amaze you more will be to learn that he is come here to bring me to the Queen I obey but fear you nothing for this is but an ill way to my heart and at my coming from thence I am more yours than ever Tarnaw This Note instead of composing her mind did cast her into a thousand times more terrible Perplexities She had almost rather that the Duke and Count had fought than to hear of that tender Combat which was going to be betwixt her Lover and her Rival She could not forgive the Count for exposing himself to it It was as to her an absolute Treachery and whatever should happen of it she was resolved to renounce for ever all that Tenderness which she had for him To which did follow such Impatiencies and Vexations as none but a woman can well conceive It is confessed that the Count might very well have defended himself from obeying an Order which was not delivered to him with that Authority as did speak that the Queen would necessarily have it obey'd The Duke was too much Interested to acquit himself of his Commission with Candor But a Queen who did send his very Rival to see after him a Queen so Charming as that was had not need to make use of an absolute Authority There was a kind of Ambition in obeying her such as could not easily be passed by by such a Person as was Count Tarnaw Not but that he did hope in spight of all the dangers he was to run through to preserve his heart wholly for the Dutchess as he had writ to her but there was too much Presumption in the very writing of it That heart had once already yielded it self and was not grown stronger since that time He came then into the Queens Presence who excellently well acted the part of an offended Princess The Duke would have withdrawn but she stayed him to be Spectator of the scene as she had promised him There was nothing but Slights and Scorns and even Injuryes for the Count who well knew that he but too well deserv'd them both in respect to the Queen and in respect to the Duke but finding that he was not charg'd with Particulars and that he was taxed but in General because the Queen would not specify before the Duke the faults he had committed he had so much Insolency as to tell the Queen that he knew not of what she could accuse him and did in a kind of malicious way press her to declare his Complisses and Accusers At which that Princess being more enraged than ever she Banish'd him from her presence The Duke the too happy Duke charmed with the success of his Journey did by an excess of Generosity implore the Queens Grace and demand pardon for Tarnaw but that incensed Princess told him that she would never see him more and that she would have him to carry that Order from her to him The Duke answer'd her with an humble Voice yet such as did express the joy of his heart That he was ready to obey her but that it was a very nice part for a Rival that it was very probable the Count would not give any great Faith unto that which he should say to him if she had not the Bounty to give him that Order in Writing which the Queen who was allmost dead with Impatiency of being rid of him did grant presently After which adding some little Kindness unto the Joyes which the Duke already felt she did so raise his Spirits that he scarce felt himself He at last tore himself from so many Inchantments quite lost with Love But he was no sooner at the Castle gate but he found he had left upon the Table the Queens Order so that he was forc'd to return for it was the most essential piece of all his Commission He entered the Chamber somewhat abruptly and there he finds the Count Tarnaw with that Perfidious Princess It is easy to imagine how great was his Amazement but not the Vexation Rage and Fury of his Soul Oh! Heavens cry'd he aloud is it possible I should be thus play'd upon The Queen who was extreamly surprised to see him
Misfortune would so have it that an unlucky Spirit on the suddain loosen'd the Ladder to make him break his neck He had a Leg out of Joynt and that was not all neither for his Back his Head his Armes and all the other parts of his Body were made sensible of so cruel a Fall Never was such a Disaster none but one so hardned unto misfortunes as he was could endure the pain and live At the first he let go a very great Outcry which he could not retain after which using great violence with himself to refrain from making any further noise he endeavoured to drag himself as well as he could towards that door he had come in at He had rather have dyed a thousand times than given that satisfaction to the Queen and the Count to let them know that it was he Oh! Vnfortunate day cryed he to himself What a Night hast thou provided for me He was creeping as fast as he could suffering in h s Soul as well as in his Body such paines as it would be difficult to imagine when he saw some People with a Lanthorn which was coming towards him He was not in a condition to avoid them Who goes there cry'd a Man He was so out of himself that he knew not the Voice and without speaking his Name he desired him to call some body to assist him in an Accident that had befallen him What 's that I hear said another Is it not the Bishop of Cracovia Ah! My Lord replyed the pityful Prelat with a strange surprisal finding that it was the King Pardon an unfortunate Wretch who is going to give up the Ghost if no pitty be taken of him Sigismond the Prince of the World the most tender mov'd as much as he had been affrighted at this discourse inquired of him what he ailed and whether he was wounded and what he was come there to do But the unfortunate Prelate whether through the Anguish he felt by his fall or the Trouble he was in at the Kings presence did on the suddain loose his speech and fainted away Now that I may not confound my Recital with divers Incidents one upon another which would be difficult to unravel all at once as they happen'd that night I shall begin to clear this concerning the Bishop The Duke who had a more generous Soul than that of the Prelate not being able to resolve on the ruine of his Rival through such means would not however neglect such an Advice but designed to advantage himself by it if not as an open Enemy yet however as a Jealous Lover He had had the same thoughts of that Gallery as the Bishop had But he was so cautious as to fit himself with a Ladder of Rope which had already served him in other occasions better peradventure then this was He came to the Garden and through the means of some Iron hooks which he cast with strength of arme on the Gallery having found the means of fastning his Ladder he had got up very happyly leaving his Machine hanging that in case of necessity it might alwayes be ready to descend The Queen was in her Chamber with the happy Tarnaw without the least care or fear having no other witness but Love relâ—hing all the delights which that God is capable to afford The Bedside on which they were was so disposed that all could be seen that was done there from the Windows whose Curtains by ill fortune were left undrawn so that the over-curious Duke did see with his own eyes such things as sufficiently did punish his Curiosity The Queen was seated on a pile of Cushions of Crimson Damask and the Count near her on the Carpet which cover'd the Estrade having his fine head negligently resting on that Princess knees who passing her hand over his face Well Tarnaw said she will you escape from me any more and shall I again be put to the trouble of seeking for you I will infuse so much Love into you added she with some passion before you get out of my hands again that you shall have no more eyes but for me I consent to it my Princess answered this Lover with a passionate ayr Redouble if it be possible that heat that I feel for you It can cost me but my Life But the pleasure to dye for so charming a Princess is better than the happiest Life that the Heavens can give You have forgot the Dutchess then replyed the Queen languishingly Ah! Madam replyed that Lover I have forgot all and I only remember that I love and that I am beloved of all that which is most charming in the World That is not enough yet replyed the Queen I have something more to exact from your passion What can you ask of me Madam replyed he but what my heart will rejoyce at the performance of I will have you continued the Queen to tell me your whole story with the Dutchess Tarnaw began to sigh You sigh said that Princess Yes Madam replyed that Lover I sigh because that I cannot guess at the pleasure you can have in a Recital which can no longer have any thing that 's pleasing for me and much less for you But the Queen being resolved to be satisfied the Count was forced to put himself in a readiness to obey her The Duke who till then had open'd his Eyes and Eares unto things that did burst his heart was preparing with this story for such a Regalia as would make an end of killing him And I verily believe that this time he had wished to have been both deaf and blind But he was to follow his destiny Courage said he Let us use the utmost of our Patience When a certain noise which was coming from that side his Ladder was on through the stress which the Bishop made in getting up made him turn his head and oblig'd him at the same time to go see what it was He no sooner perceived that it was a man whose Curiosity it may be did carry him unto that Boldness as to know for what use the Ladder was there but loosening presently the Hooks he sent him down again faster than he had a mind to go He heard him cry out but he little troubled himself with it his soul was so fill'd with Spight and Rage that there was no room left for Pity and Compassion If he had known that it was the Bishop he had consolated himself by it of part of his troubles for he loved him not and that was the only Pleasure that he was then capable of He for some time after still lent an ear to observe whether this Adventure would not have some other conclusion He thought the man very patient to make no more noise than he did But he was strangely surpris'd when he heard the Kings voice he knew it too well and it was too different from others to be mistaken He did not well apprehend what He said but as he thought He was speaking to the man that was fallen
some other discourses to make that might flatter his Vanity Tarnaw who had prepared himself for a worse Reception rather animated than abashed at the Queens small Anger did fall upon his Knees before her and told her That he knew already the causes of Complaint which she might have against him That the Duke had lately told him part of what his Jealousy had made him say But that she ought not to believe a Rival nay a desperate Rival And then continuing to justify himself with a tender and passionate Aire he put the Queens mind into a quiet Temper again who wished more than he to believe him Innocent There was no more words made of this business but jesting at it The Duke and Dutchess were brought upon the List and the Adventure of the first made their divertisement Love had his turn also I confess that there was no great time left for that because it began to be Late and that the Bishop of Cracovia had already demanded two or three times to be admitted to pay his Devoirs to the Queen Nevertheless those Moments that were left were very well imploy'd and because that in Love there are certain Links of favours by which one easily and necessarily go from one to another peradventure that that day the bold Count had gone very far But the troubled Prelate of Cracovia of all the Selected of all the Lovers the most Vigilant and the most Jealous was at the door who was the fourth time asking for admittance to salute the Queen and admittance could no longer be refused him without great Consequences because that Tarnaw was with her That was a Mortal blow for the Cavalier to bear But the Queen who was already sensible of her own Weakness carrying it above the Reasons that the Throne and her Duty could afford was not it may be sorry for it The Bishop came in with an Ayre as perplexed as were our Lovers There was a general Silence which made them all think on divers strange things Our two Selected stood gazing at one another and the Queen was making an end of dressing Heavens keep all honest Lovers from a Rival of the Mass-Book Those are terrible Lords This here had not been so earnest without Reason in coming to disturb so agreable a Conversation He knew what sport was there His Closet answered to that in which was the Queen and through the means of two concealed holes one might see represented in a great Glass all that was acted there and all that was said was distinctly heard This Prelate was one of the best shap'd men of the Kingdom and that had the most Wit And seting aside Gallantizing for he was not reprehensible on that point he was assuredly a man of great Worth He knew how to appear outwardly and he had an Art of agreeing Piety with human frailties so that passing for a great Gallant he was however esteemed a very honest man so true it is that in all things there is but the Way of doing them He could speak most perfect Italian and he was one of the first that ventur'd to Gallantise the Queen The Rarity of the thing pleas'd the Queen and without considering any scruples as being of the Patrimony of the Church She pleasingly gave an Ear unto his Sacrifices and Prayers She was come out of a Country where abundance of those Examples were frequently seen and it is but in few other places that Fault is found with it The Lord Prelate through the easiness which he found to have his Sighs well liked and approved of did admire himself and did attribute the Effects of it unto his good Qualities and not to the Queens Gallantizing Humour He was so proud of it that he would have dared Love it self to have been his Rival So that thereby may be guessed what wonder was his when that he heard the sweet Conversation which his inconstant Queen had with the Count and when he saw the Bounties with which She honoured him How often was he tempted Oh Heavens to go Stab that too fortunate Count at the Feet of that Princess Finally some certain returns unto his Sacred Person reducing him to Reason again the Armes dropp'd from his Hands and he was contented with going to interrupt that too cruel Mistery All that he said to the Queen after the long Silence into which his almost lost Senses had at first plunged him came forth as from a Man that was brain-sick The Count retired and the Queen who was weary of the idle Storyes of this Priest found out a way of ridding her self of him The King who had a design to go lye at Cracovia that Night returned in good time from Hunting and so soon as Dinner was over the Court went towards that City where it arrived late So that our Lovers had no opportunities of seeing one another that Night as doubtless they had designed They were forc'd to content themselves with some publick Devoirs amongst which some Looks and Sighs were intermixed which promised some other kind of Favours the day following The Count retired himself with a very contented Heart of that dayes Success for he imagin'd that he was got to such an height of good Fortune that there was but one step more to advance to be entirely Happy The Dukes thoughts were quite of another nature In that Despair he was he had taken leave of the Court for some Dayes and was retired into the Country where he entertained the Rocks and Woods with his Misfortunes The Lord Bishop had Cares that were no less burning than his yet he had not gone that way to work Solitude did appear to him a means to increase his Sorrows rather than to diminish them Lovers of that temper have good strong Stomacks they digest all things and are never disgusted He arose early in the Morning and without trouble because that he had pass'd that Night without Sleep and went directly to Count Tarnaws House to have some Conference with him He was his near Kinsman and through the Dignity of his Office he thought he had right to give him some Brotherly Remonstrances Distributive Justice would have required that he should begin by himself but that which is a Crime in another is a Trifle in those Directors of Consciences He came into his Chamber and with a free and chearful Countenance which was very usual with him My dear Cozen said he doubtless that I awaken you a little too early you that are an happy Lover that Sleeps not always when you would but there are certain Businesses in hand in which I should not shew my self a good Relation should I neglect them and I do believe that you will be something oblig'd to me for interrupting your Repose The Count having answered the Prelates kindness with civil Complements the Illustrious Cuzen pursued in this manner Would you not be very much surpriz'd said he if I should bring you now an Order from the King for to have you retire to