proportion to what his Subject had done she knew she might ever after live at ease with her Ieremy which was then the utmost of her Ambition but as our desires commonly grow with our hopes she became afterwards the Catholick Ambassadress of our Henry's future Amours One may easily believe though Denny had gain'd her to his interest yet her own made her keep from his knowledge the secret oâ— her Lady with Howard both that the gaining of Izabella might seem the harder and the reward of it be the larger She also was loth to lose our young Norfolk's frequent Presents which were considerable as being at a Kings expence and distributed by a prosperous Lover and she would often also mind herself that Nature had not given her two Hands to become rich but with one To give her her due she was more troubled with the fear that Howard should find she did betray him than she was to do it Nor did Leticia find this so difficult an undertaking as her first had been since to seduce a chaste Wife for a Subject was a more hard task than after she had made her flexible to the Duke to make her become the like to his King Towards the better effecting thereof she artificially contrived opportunities for our Monarch to see her a walking but those Rencounters were so short as they added to his passion for she never appear'd where he might long gaze on her and alwayes drest to the highest advantage But our Prince the more he beheld her Charms the more impatient he was to possess them and therefore by Denny incessantly prest Leticia The name of being a Mistress and the first to a brave and young Monarch the safety as well as benefit of such a Lover the felicity of a change from a lower Gallant to the highest were so constantly the Matinades and Vespers of the Confident to her Lady as Howard seem'd at last to have no Title but possession which though it be much in War yet is little in Love where the whole tenure is at will and pleasure whereby the way was so well smoothed for our Henry as the greatest difficulty was to find a fit opportunity that what had been concluded upon by Mediators might be ratifi'd by the Principals Leticia at length lighted on this Expedient Goodman's Birth-day being near she persuaded her Lady to Celebrate it by a Feast a Ball and at night a Masquerade The King and Denny were to be of the latter who being about one stature and dressed exactly alike the one could not be known from the other they were never to appear at once so that having Vizards and other disguises if one were in the Dance it was impossible to know which of them he was The King impatient to gaze on that Beauty he was so soon to possess danced awhile among the Masqueraders while Denny stood in a retir'd place where the Butlers furnisht those of them with Wine who were thirsty with the Exercise He was cover'd with a long stuff Cloak which was the false Scabberd to his dancing Cloaths which he was to cast upon the King when he himself was to thrust into the Masquerade Leticia had agreed when the King who passed for one of the ordinary Masqueraders should step aside pretending to drink Denny should cast on him his Cloak and leap into his place of the Dance to supply it which was to be the signal for her to conduct our Henry so muffled to her own Chamber aâ—â— thence to Izabella's which join'd unto it and on her return from carrying the King to the field of the Duel Izabella should counterfeit a fainting Fit and by her and Leticia's Maid should be carried as in a Swoon to her own Chamber Our Monarch having therefore awhile danced the sooner to view his Conqueress and fancying he might more solidly please himself with the felicities to follow suddenly leap'd to the retired place where Denny stood who immediately casting his long Cloak on the King jumpt himself in among the Dancers and our Henry by the ready guidance of Leticia was brought by a Back-stairs into her Chamber and from thence into her Ladies where all the preparatives for his reception were most tempting and magnificent She left our Monarch there in all the Heats of a longing Lover and went to Present him with what she more than imagin'd would cure him of that Fever When Leticia came again into the room of the Ball which was her signal to her Lâ—â—y she was then by accident talking with our young Norfolk but she had no sooner cast her eyes on her Confident then covering her Face and fetching a deep sigh she sunk into Howard's arms Leticia in an instant flew to her called aloud for her own Maid to help to carry her up to Bed there to give her some air and rest which she said 〈◊〉 had found in like cases would in an hour or two restore her But the Maid not being able to come suddenly enough by reason of the croud and disorder at this accident Howard who believ'd all this Farce to be Tragedy and having heard what Leticia had said snatch'd up Izabella in his arms and carry'd her up so hastily to her own Chamber that he had almost entred it before Leticia could overtake him for the croâ—d cleft itself to make him way to carry off the pretended Fainter and as soon as he was past closed again so as before she could make her way he was gotten up the stairs and had certainly gotten into the Chamber had not Leticia's repeated cryes of Hold â—â—â—d stop'd him to ask her what occasion'd them she being fled up bid him instantly set Izabella down or he would kill her for the celerity of his motion had taken away her breath which had once before hapned to her in the like extremity and then by rubbing her face so cover'd it as our young Norfolk could not see it for if he had it would have discover'd the fallacy since Izabella so blush'd at what she was going to do and so â—ugh'd â—â— her heaâ—â— that chance had like to have made use of one of her Lovers to be the Adjutant for the other as if Howard had seen her face he must have admir'd that a fainting person should have so much vermilion in her cheeks and mirth in her looks While the Confident was thus opâ—ortunely serving her Lady and pressing Howard to retire the Maid being then come to ease him of his office for sooner she could not get to them out of the throng the King was not without his alarms he had heard one hastily coming up the stairs whose tread he knew could not be hiâ— Mistresses and the reiterated cryes of Hold Hold which he knew were made by Leticia both which made him believe he was betray'd by design or some unhappy accident had discover'd him to Goodman and his Companions he therefore within the Chamber door drew his Sword and having that in his Hand he thought he was
was not worth the Pain and you thought the Fort pregnable but finding it was not you would attack another that was Pardon me Madam Wilmore reply'd if I think you mistake the Case for I never said I was for a Siege in Love That is the dull method of those Countries whose Discipline in Amours I abominate I am for the French Mode where the first day I either conquer my Mistriss or my Passion Alexander the Great lost more time in besieging Tyre than he employ'd to conquer India I instance this one example in War because you made Love a parallel to it by which Madam you may find That the greatest Generals as the wisest Lovers should be storming and not besieging what they would take If this rational method were pursued Women would be too wise to expect long approaches and Men not such Fools as to make them Nor indeed did I ever see any Woman I mean in France cry up Constancy but she was decaying for when any thing but Love is to 〈◊〉 Love 't is a proof Beauty cannot do it and then also nothing elsâ— can A young Gentleman who was my Fellow Traveller undertook to besiege a Ladieâ— heart at Monpellier in meer melancholy wilfulness because he knew she had given it to another I left him in that English Rode and while he was not gaining that Mistriss I had won and lost twenty But at last he grew wiser and then happier Vtresia being pleas'd at this Story it netled Maria the more who said She had heard of a General who because he would alwayes storm and not besiege places had never taken any Experience also teaches us that Fortresses which can soon be taken will soon be lost And Madam said Wilmore Experience likewise teaches us that some Fortresses cost more to take than they are worth when taken I who Court Beauties by dozens at once play a hopefuller Game than he who only Courts one all his life he may think he has good luck if he takes that one but I am sure I have ill luck if I take not many nor did I ever fear that she would be an unconstant Mistriss after she has been kind for if she should be it ought to be more her trouble than mine The noise which was made in the Court at the coming into it of a Chariot and some Horsemen made Izabella who seem'd least concerned in the dispute look out at the Window she knew it to be her Fathers and one of the Gentlemen coming up presented her a Letter which when she had read she gave it to Vtresia and Maria and then acquainted Brandon with the Contents of it which were That her Father being the next morning early to go into Somersetshire his Vncle being dangerously sick she was to come away immediately to him to receive his orders during his absence Izabella obey'd but exprest more sorrow for losing so much good Company than for her great Uncles danger and having with much kindness and concernment recommended Brandon's Cure to Vtresia and Maria which their growing Passion for him made a work of Superâ—rogation making also excuses to him That her Duty to her Father drew her from her actual care of him she took her leave but left Brandon more wounded by her Absence than by the Stag. Vtresia and Maria waited on Izabella to her Chariot and by many embraces in it seem'd desirous never to leave her yet the tears at their separation were the effects of their contentment for they knew how powerful a Rival was remov'd and their hopes were greater to win Brandon from each other than to gain him from her which evidences Friendship yields to Love and Sincerity to Dissembling when once we are throughly engaged in that Passion While Brandon is recovering of his wounds and those two Ladies were contriving the most promising waves to make him sensible of theirs Izabella came to her Fathers and found with him a Gentleman newly returned from his Travels whose name was Goodman he was young rich and had learn'd rather the empty and vicious Modes of Foreign Countries than the solid benefit which Voyaging well improved might have taught him a fault too common in our young Nobless As soon as he saw Izabella he startâ—ed and made a great cry to celebrate his admiration at her beauty and in short for Love which terminates in Marriage is not of the essentials of my History he fell so desperately in Love with her that being of an ancient Family wealthy and at his own dispose and my Lord being not over-able to give his Daughters Portion sutable to her Birth together with Goodman's declaring 'T was Felicity sufficient to have such a Wife the journey to the dying Uncle was put off and in three dayes our amorous young Traveller married Izabella But with so much melancholy in her Face and Heart as those few which were present at the Nuptials too visibly saw she sacrific'd her Happiness to her Duty for her Father would admit of no excuses much less of a denial Goodman finding himself in possession of so much beauty minded not so much the title he had to it as he did the enjoyment of it While our Henry was thus eternally deprived of what some squeemish Lovers are fondest of he was so happy as to be ignorant of his misfortune and was with Howard in the Lodge hourly consulting how to obtain what actually he had lost but he had made a Confident of his Rival for our young Norfolk was shot as deeply as his Prince and was as intently concerned to Cure his own wound as his Monarch to Cure his Yet he had the Art to disguise his own condition and to appear so warmly concern'd for his Masters as it planted him in a higher station in his favor He knew the best and shortest Expedient to be well with a young and amorous Prince was to be trusted and employ'd in his Amours and he more than hoped being likely to become a Love Ambassador with the greater facility to effect his own design while he seemingly appear'd for his Kings The news of this hasty Wedding was the day of it brought to Charleton and was variously entertain'd by the three chief persons there Brandon at the receiving it fell back into a Fever and Vtresia and Maria had like to have been assaulted with the same distemper but from a different motive joy and grief though most opposite passions of the Soul often producing the like effects But Brandon who from a deep sorrow for the death of one Mistriâ—s was fallen passionately in Love with another recollecting his thoughts and summoning all his reason to his assistance inquired diligently what kind of person Izabella's new Husband was and being assured He ow'd his success intirely to his Estate and Izabella 's Obedience to her Fathers positive and stern Commands he soon recover'd of his Relapses concluding That she who would make herself miserable to please a Parent would be brought to recompence her self
abler to give fear than to receive any impressions of it but those of being then disappointed of his promised felicity But on a sudden the Vacarme ceased Howard retired and Leticia having adjusted the fair Izabella's Hair and Cloaths lead her cover'd with blushes where our impatient Monarch expected her The Maid was order'd out of the Anti-chamber and Leticia having deliver'd the paâ—tiâ—g Prey into the Royal Hunters hands with great modesty and discretion retir'd into her own Chamber saying That so lovely a Subject could not be safelier left than under the protection of her own King Let us imitate Leticia's discretion and not intrude into a Monarchs secrets But while he and Izabella were doing whatever it was Leticia who had engaged some jovial Companions to entertain Goodman in the Cellar while the Company was dancing out of a reasonable apprehension the Assembly might râ—â—ent their being left without the Master or the Lady of the House and so abruptly break up went down for a moment to see that nothing was wanting and to assure them Izabella began to recover out of hâ—â— distemper and had commanded her â—â— pay them all those respects and services which it had hinder'd her from preâ—â—nting them Howard afflicted to the last degree aâ— his Mistresses indisposition was retâ—â—d out of the Dance and longing to be satisfied from her own mouth of what heâ— Confident had assured the company sâ—ole out of it and being perfectly acquainted with all the passages of the House weâ—â— up the Back-stairs to Leticia's Chambers which join'd to Izabella's and gently opening the door went softly toâ—â—â—â—â— her Bed the Curtains whereof were shut on the side Our Monarch who heard one treading warily in the Chamber concluded it could be no other but Leticia and he being then out of Function but ravish'd with those delights which had necessitated him to that Cessation and haâ—ing a lively sense of Gratitude for her who had been the chief Agent of his felicity said Come come Leticia and receive a promise from thy King of making thee happy in the effects of his faâ—â—â— as thou 〈◊〉 â—â—de him by those of thy care the fair Iâ—abella shall be the witness of this inviolable promise and this Ring taking a great Diamond from his finger shall be an earnest of the performance Howard who too well knew the voice and too clearly heard the words remain'd astonish'd and trembling as if he had met his Mother's Ghost But the King who admir'd Leticia came not to receive the offer'd security of his favor open'd hastily the Curtains and with amazement saw his mistake This Action of our Monarchs recover'd Howard in part out of his consteâ—â—ation at least as much as a Man could be who saw his Mistress false and in the embraces of a Rival on whom he durst not discharge his resentments and fury Izabella at the sight of Howard shreek'd and the King attributing it to her despair at having such a witness to her kindness leapt off the Bed in fury and had in that instant given his Favourite some fatal proofs of it had not Izabella seasonably interpos'd and had not Leticia also who was newly return'd into her own Chamber hearing from thence the shreek of her Lady which she was not so ignorant as to imagine was the Product of a Rape on her Chastity come also into the Room hastily where a while she stood amazed to find Howard with the King and Izabella he with his Sword drawn and she restraining the hand which held it but her astonishment ceasing she became her Ladies Assistant in so charitable an office Howard having recovered his wite resolved to put this misadventure into the least ill fold which he could therefore lifting up his Eyes and Hands and stepping two or three paces back sigh'd and said Have I Sir in one moment so lost your favour that because fortune has brought me to see your happiness I must therefore be deprived of my own Alas Sir if this be your resolution be pleas'd to mitigate so much cruelty by one act of mercy and if you will take away your favour take away a life which can last but by it Yet Sir vouchsafe to know my Crime is occasioned by my Duty for not being ignorant of your Passion for the fair Izabella I was ambitious to bring you early and true assurances â—hat her danger was vanish'd for I knew when you heard of the one unless the other accompanied it it would be fatal to you But now I find the danger of her death is metamorphos'd into an Intrigue of Love I will presume to hope since my intention to serve you produc'd my sin your generosity â—ill excuse an effect of which that only is the cause These words spoken with a melancholy which was visibly real and great not for hiâ— fault but for his Mistresses together with her intercessions and Leticia's so conquer'd our Henry as at length to evidence he was appeas'd Howard was made the Coufident in that Love wherein he had been at first the principal the justice of Destiny punishing his unfaithfulness to his King by making an evidence of his favour his torment and yet obliging him to be seemingly thankful for it While these Disorders were thus pacifying and while they were advising on new Expedients to give our Monarchs other charming appointments in which Cabal one may think our young Norfolk without offending him was but a sorry Counsellor Fortune who usually delights to favor those whom she has begun to oblige presented them with an Accident much better than all their united and best inventions could have contrived Many Flambeaux being in the Roomâ— and Cellars where the Dancers and Drinkers entertain'd themselves the House by the negligence or drunkenness of some which held them took 〈◊〉 on â— sudden in two places and the flame 〈◊〉 greedily devour'd all that fed it as it was impossible for the King Izabella Howard and Leticia to fly out of it either by the Great or Back-stairs Denny who knew his Princes danger leap'd out of the lower Window of the Room in which they were dancing and running into the street by the gift of a handful of Gold got a Ladder clapt up to the Window of our Lovers and running it up nimbly freed them from a ruine which till then they thought inevitable Our Monarch more concern'd for his Mistriss than himself tore down the lights of it in which Howard was also very active and making a large passage that she might the less uneasily get out she first then our King and then Howard Leticia and Denny got all safely down at the Backside of the House the Confident bringing with her in a small Casket all her Ladies and her own Jewels Leticia no longer terrified at the danger took the King aside and advised him in the confusion which all the company and the street was in to convey his Miâ—triss to his own Apartmenâ— and while the World believ'd she perish'd in the Flames
him for the King he did from thence conclude That her Love would not be confin'd and having now gratifi'd the height of her Ambition by being Mistress to her Sovereign she would also gratifie her iâ—clinations by being kind to one whom she should more like Howard had a young Woman whom he secretly entertained for his Divertisement who was admirably handsom and her Ingenuity was equal to her Beauty hâ—â— he acquainted with his design and having engaged her in it he drest her in one of his Pages Liveries and prefer'd her to the immediate service of Izabella more than hopeful that so lovely a youth might not be unregarded by an amorous Lady He spent daily many hours with thiâ— feigned Page whom he call'd Horatio to instruct him in the shortest and likeliest methods to make Izabella in Love with him with express order when he had found her Passion so violent as that she was impatient for the Cure to acquaint him with it and then to leave the rest to his conduct Horatio who perfectly lovâ—d his Lord and violently hated Izabella for having gain'd the greatest share in that Heart which she had intirely possest being dictated both by Affection and Revenge proceeded on the Design with the â—eal and industry which one whom those two Passions Animates is usually inspired with Howard doubtless made a very fit choice for whoever attempts a revenge in which the Agents interest is not as well concern'd as the Principals will be served but by halfe Horatio acted his Part with such â—agacity and Diligence as in a few dayes 〈◊〉 saw Izabella was pleas'd with no Services but his that she often cast on him languishing yet burning looks and one night when she and Lâ—ticia were loâ—ked up in her Cabinet and he attending in the outward Room overheard the Confident tell the Lady If she did not suddenly dismiss Horatio she would ruine herself since what was so visible to her could not long be unseen by the King for no eyes were so quick and penetrating as a Lovers and a Monarchs And to say the truth it was hardly possible for a Lady capable of Love not to pay hers to Horatio who had all the Graces of a Man with the Beauties of a Woman Leticia who found all her Reasons and Prayers could not prevail with her Lady to discard Horatio did from thence Prognosticate her ruine and began to cast about for her own safety She repented a thousand times her having lodged Izabella in Baynards Castle where our Henry having uninterrupted access to his Mistriss the delight began to lessen and it was then that this Confident experimentally found she had not cultivated those Amours to the best advantage For Love is heightened by little difficulties and hardships and so nâ— languisheth when it meets with none 〈◊〉 it turns it to a kind of natural Marriage which is a little durable with Ardor as most Artificial ones are Though Horatio by what he had seen and heard was himself confident that his Lady was his Captive yet he was unwilling to give Howard assurances of it till by Demonstration he might convince him One morning while he was busying his thoughts to compass it Izabella as soon as she was drest dismist Leticia and her Servants and going into her Cabinet call'd Horatio thither she told him One of her Women had newly so commended his voice as she was impatient till she heard it He immediately obey'd her for he knew few if any in the world excell'd his But the words he sung were so amorous and so rarely animated by him as Izabella in the transports of her Passion kist him and then blushing said There was Magick in that Song But Horatio to heighten her Appetite retiring from her with a sigh Humbly beg'd to know what was his Crime which made her thus design his death for he must expect that punishment from his Lord should he ever hear of this favour she had then honour'd him with Izabella in all the languishments of her kindness reply'd Ah Horatio wert thou not too young to know all the Charms which attend victorious Love thou wouldst more apprehend the loss of them than of thy life This Izabella spoke in so moving and tender an Assent as Horatio seem'd touched to the Heart and therefore folding his Arms within each other and fetching a deep groan he fixed his eyes on hers so intently as if he would never have remov'd them Izabella's flames being rais'd to the last degree by these Actions told him with all the softnesses of yielding Love Alas Horatio do not I venture more than you in the discovery I shall lose not only my life but what is of much more value the unrival'd kindness of my King while you hazard you know not what but by not adventuring you certainly lose the opportunity of making your life happy and considerable For I who ingross a Monarchs Love can make him heap on you all those other contentments which I cannot present you But said Izabella interrupting herself Why do I in the Cause of Love mention any thing but Love And he who needs being Courted to accept of mine is but too unworthy of it But yet Horatio let not the apprehension of danger deter you for if your flame equals mine I can contrive at once your happiness and your security for the King of late but rarely stayes with me all the night Madam Horatio reply'd yet should he visit you any of those nights you destine to my felicity Never apprehend it said Izabella hastily I need but let him know I am indispos'd and therefore would take some rest and he is grown too respectful to deny it me Then Madam said Horatio making hiâ— Approaches to her with all the humility of a conquer'd Lover dispose absolutely of a Life which is without reserve intirely devoted to you a Life which was my torment till this auspicious moment for I pâ—n'd for that felicity which your mercy has now bestow'd upon me Yes Madam from the first moment I had the blessing to see you I deplor'd my Fate which had given to my King what could onely make me happy I resolv'd therefore to mourn away my Life and the sooner and the more pleasingly to end it I elected daily to gaze on those Beauties which could onely present me that cure for I could not so much as hope that you who so deservedly possess a mighty Monarchs heart could vouchsafe to think of conquering a Subjects Oh Horatio said Izabella how little art thou vers'd in the mighty authority of Love King and Subject are but Names of Art but Love is the character of Nature and therefore is indelible All our Sex are generally condemn'd to Ambition but they are inspir'd with Love I therefore sacrifice to both those Deities the King has the oblations extorted to the first but 't is Horatio has those which I willingly pay to the last The disguis'd Page seemingly ravish'd with these charming expressions fell on his
from one another I will not Madam so much misimploy your patience as to tell you all the Services I paid the charming Victoria nor all the arts and assiduities I used to make them acceptable to her neither will I particularize my Brothers part in the like design 'T is enough you know that after above one years languishing I had only this ill-natur'd consolation that I judged my Brother was as unsuccessful as I so that the reservedness and severity of Victoria's carriage made me often in despair and anger resolve to abandon so hopeless a Love nay I was in my heart almost despising my Brother for his not assuming the like resolution But alasâ— I soon found 't is Love which gives Laws to us and not we to Love for I so strongly renew'd my Chains as a Pennance for having intended to break them that I had merited Victoria's contempt had she but known I lov'd her so much then and had lov'd her no more formerly But as my passion increast I thought her coldness did and in all her deportment both to my Brother and me she manifested such an indifferency that I could not be more troubled at it than I was pleas'd to observe my Friend wore the same Livery While things were in this posture one morning he went out very early a Hunting my Page who was fond of that recreation very officiously waked me to give me notice of it hoping I would be a sharer in it and consequently he who usually attended me This being the first time he had designed to separate me from any of his recreations as well as businesses except that great one of his Love I resolved to follow him and learn the cause but after having for some hours fruitlesly inquired after him and neither hearing of him nor the cry of the Hounds I returned home melancholy and weary and the Servant which waited on me in my Chamber being out of the way I cast my self on a Bed with a Canopy which was in a Closet within the drawing Room endeavoring by a little sleep to abate my being tired in body and troubled in mind I had not slept half an hour but I was awakened by the noise of one walking in the same Room The curtains of the Canopy being not close shut I saw through the opening that it was the fair Victoria The curiosity of a young Lover made me continue conceal'd to discover what brought her thither I saw she was discompos'd and while she was looking in her Glass to adjust herself my Brother came in who running to her with open arms embrac'd and kist her at which she made no resistance but blushed exceedingly My Amazement and Grief at so surprizing an Accident is not to be exprest But one of the Maid-servants coming into the outward Room to 〈◊〉 it I heard Victoria say Alas we shall be discover'd unless you make haste away My Brother at this prest her much to name the hour and the signal to which at last trembling and blushing she answer'd This night at midnight and three soft strokes at the upper part of her Chamber door should be the sign for admittance But she added Forget not Sir there is nothing but a painted Wainscot between your Mothers Beds-head and mine and therefore if you speak one word it may be over-heard and I shall be ruin'd My Brother promis't her hastily an exact obedience then having again kist and embrac'd her went into the outward Chamber from whence he aloud order'd the Servant to call his Page to him and as soon as the Coast was clear Victoria also went hastily away Judge Madam I humbly beg you continued Brandon what my condition was at what I had heard and seen for I confess I am not able to relate it Amazement Jealousie and Anger or rather Fury did so torment me by turns nay sometimes all at once that I knew as little what was fit to do as what was fit not to be done Sometimes I resolved to make Friendship and Nature yield to my resentments and in a Duel killing my Brother convince Victoria she had made an unjust choice but soon that angry Resolve resign'd it self to the Sacred names of Brother and Friend Neither could I in calmer thoughts with any shadow of Justice condemn him for having done to me but what I doubt I should have done to him had my success been equal to his My Rage finding no fit object on my Brother to discharge it self I determin'd to be revenged on her and by immediately detecting her sin to my Mother get her banisht with ignominy out of a Family where her too much kindness to one of it was an affront to all the rest But then my Love or rather Pity to ruine what I had so lately ador'd shook that resolution and in a few moments afterwards intirely conquer'd it So that finding no single object on which to 〈◊〉 my Despair I was so Criminal for which Madam said Brandon to Izabella I most humbly beg your pardon as to Curse the whole Sex for since she who I then believ'd the greatest ornament of it and possessor of the strictest virtue in it had so abandon'd herself I rashly and criminally concluded all of them merited what at that time I too heartily wish'd might befall them In these Disorders locking up the Chamber door and walking many turns in it I began to grow more moderate and then my evil Genius did let me see that what I had consider'd as my highest misfortune was what I might more reasonably esteem the contrary since if I prevented my Brother in the assignation agreed on between Victoria and him which was no difficult work to perform I should both satisfie my Revenge and my Love When this fatal Project was admitted Alas with what Raptures was it entertain'd and all the dictates of Remorse for betraying my Mistriss my Friend and my Brother how chearfully were they sacrific'd to the imagined felicities which were to attend the Action In brief Madam I so cautiously order'd the Design that it succeeded to my wish But while I was in my Brothers place and in all the pleasures of triumphant Love I did hear him many times give the appointed signal at the door but you will casily believe I took care Victoria should not in whose embraces I spent the happy and guilty Night and just as the Day began to dawn having agreed with her the next Night to repeat my joyes I retired a back way to my own Chamber where having for some time celebrated my double victory I drest my self and with impatience enough waited to observe how my deluded Brother would resent so wounding a disappointment never till then having in the leasâ— consider'd what might be the consequenâ—ces of it so much the delight of involâ—ving him in it had blinded me My Chamber was next to the greaâ— Square in which the Stair-case was carriâ—ed up and from whence Victoria was to come down to the Chappel which every
the fierceness of the beginning my Mother more than feared the End would be fatal and therefore had sent two Expresses for the Doctors That I came then from waiting on her but I had found her so altâ—r'd as the change had amazed me since I thought I saw the image of Death in that face which till then had been all life I added that in a whisper she had desired me to send him speedily to her and that I would so order it as to entertain my Mother while she herself was speaking alone to him since she had something on her heart to say that till she had told him and received his answer on it she should be in torments At first my Brother seem'd unmov'd at her danger and request but I at length prevail'd with him to go where we found my Mother all in tears the violence of Victoria's Fever so greedily increasing on her The vastness of my Mothers affliction was no ill preparative to melt my Brothers heart when he came to Victoria's â—ed she resign'd to him her place and I to allow them the freer liberty to discourse drew her to a Window under pretence of seeing from thence if either of the Doctors were coming I never could learn what in particular past between them but I saw him at last kneel down by her for my eyes were still turned that way and laying his lips to her burning hand seem'd thereby to seal her Pardon But my Mother who apprehended such Visits might be hurtful to the fair Patient ordered us both to retire I cannot better parallel his Grief than by telling you Madam it was equal to his late Fury and as we walked together into the Park he discovered to me how the day before he was secretly married to Victoria for he knew he could never have obtain'd my Fathers consent to do it since her Beauty and Virtue was all her Portion He further told me with groans that he trembled to think 't was his Brutishness had reduc'd her to the deplorable state she was then in and informed me afterwards of their Assignation her failing and his resentments at it a Relation which alas I knew better than himself That though he more than feared 't was his outragious Passion had flung her into the Fever yet she could not be brought to acknowledge to him it had done so But she had beg'd his forgiveness for deluding him in such moving Words Actions and Tears as those confest to him that Truth which he could not extort from her Mouth That he had beg'd her Pardon on his knees for his Crime which she had granted him with a tenderness so charming that her forgiving him in such a manner had wounded him as deeply as his Barbarity had her This Account he gave me in so much affliction and disorder that it brought on accession to my griefs which till then I believ'd were uncapable of any The share which he thought I bore in his misery heightned his friendship and made him beg of me a thousand Pardons that he had till then concealed his Marriage from me which was the first and should be the last offence he would be guilty of but that now my lively sense of his grief had extorted from him that Confession which else he would not have made for he fear'd when ever his father knew it if he should also learn I was acquainted with it 't would involve me in his disgrace the apprehension of which only had hitherto sealed his lips sâ— that he never had been seemingly unkinâ— to me but to be really the contrary We then in many embraces renew'â— our friendships Soon after we saw one of the Doctor Gallop by us we hastily followed him to learn his judgment of Victoria's conâ—dition upon which both our own depenâ—ded In brief Madam the Physitian awhile felt her Puâ—se and shook his Head and having apply'd all that his art and kindness could dictate he told my mother the seventh day in great grief That his Patient had more need of a Priest than of him And that his skill deluded him if some distemper of the Mind had not reduc'd her Body to so dangerous a state But Madam Brandon continued I perceive your Generosity and Compassion has made you too large a sharer in poor Victoria's sufferings I shall not therefore augment it by particularizing all the fatal passages of this Story 'T is too much you know all the Physitians Care and Art all my Mothers Kindness and Assiduities all my Brothers Pardons and Tears and all my Groans and Submissions could not in the least prevail with Victoria to live her scrupulous Virtue made her judge my Clinic was her own and having lay'n one night in my Arms she concluded herself unworthy ever after to lie in my Brothers and that she was only fit for those of death To which she hastened with such earnestness and resolution that those who knew not the cause admired at the action and I who knew it deplored it with such excess that the effect of my sin was believed singly the product of my good Nature The Ninth day of her Sickness was the last of her Life and had like to have been of my Brothers and mine For before she locked herself up with her Confessor and after she had taken an eternal Farewell of my unconsolable Father and Mother she gave one half hour of her hasty time to me and one full hour to my poor Brother but what she said to him to mitigate his sorrows heighten'd them since to lose for ever so much Beauty Virtue and Goodness was above the power of Consolation and from the hour of her death he courted his own What she said to me was consonant to her admirable Virtue and made me more in love with her Mind than I had â—ver been with her Person The nearer her illuminated Soul approached to the happiness she now enjoyes the greater the lustre of it did shine and though she spoke to me innumerable excellent things yet I shall relate to you but this one She conjur'd me to flie from Sin for when it is committed none can foresee how productive it is in Evil nor the utmost conâ—sequences which attend it You thoughâ— she added that I had been unchaste anâ— that gave you the opportunity to be sad Buâ— you did not imagine that by satisfying on voluptuous desire it should plunge you 〈◊〉 Incest the death of your Mistriss anâ— alas I fear that of your Friend and Broâ—ther All these were not your design but 〈◊〉 one Sin they became your guilt and by youâ— sorrow I see they are your punishment However she continued puâ—â—ing towards mâ— her pale and trembling hand I forgivâ— you and have in tears beg'd of God to do it Ah! by this so pregnant a Sin be for ever frighted from committing another This is the last Request I shall make you and if you grant it 't will be the greatest blessing you can bestow upon your self The
Sovereign than himself ENGLISH ADVENTURES BY A Person of Honour The Second Part. WHen Brandon was a while recover'd of his fainting and had learn'd where he was by the Servants appointed to attend him and to whose favor he owed what he receiv'd he blest those wounds which had produced for him such advantageous effects As soon as his Physitian had told the company he might be seen he received the Visits of all those Beauties and she in whose service he was hurt was the most assiduous about him but though her being so proceeded chiefly from her gratitude and good nature yet he hoped 't was from a more obliging cause so apt are Lovers to entertain what they most desire Yet the great Familiarities he had seen betwixt Izabella and the handsom Gentleman she was walking with before her late Adventure gave him no little alarm which was much heightened by his never being able to learn from her what or who he was though he often and exceedingly prest it yet still Brandon flatter'd himself with a belief that so mean an action of his Rivals would ruine him in his Mistrisses favour and when he trembled at the remembrance how partial Love is and how it will overlook all faults in those to whom it is once given yet he would again console himself with the belief that who was kind to a Coward might be soon induced to become so to a Man of Valor While he recover'd by the help of such pleasing hopes the Comedy was Acted and soon after most of the Assembly dispersed themselves but Izabella continued with Vtresia who was newly married to a Lord so young as he was sent to Travel and had committed the care of his House his Lady and his Estate to his Sister some seven years elder than he her Name was Maria and though she was handsom yet not so to the degree she desired whereby not being overlikely to be cryed up for a Beauty she resolv'd to be esteem'd for her Judgment and Discretion Maria therefore to make her Sister-in-law pass the time of her young Brothers absence the least unpleasantly that she could had got all the good company of the Neighborhood to that meeting and by many other divertisements endeavor'd to do therein what she had design'd Vtresia and Maria being almost never separated from Izabella and she at 〈◊〉 hours seldom absent from Brandon those four persons spent not â—ll their time And though Brandon chiefly made his Addresses to Izabella yet he could not but observe in Vtresia's looks something which seem'd to tell him she was somewhat more than civil Nay at last Maria herself became so diligent about him as it appear'd rather the effect of Kindness than Care whereby Brandon found he had most favour from two where he was not so covetous of it than from one where he most desired it His condition permitting him only to divert the Ladies by his discourses he attempted to do it that way and was so successful therein that they admired the Charms of his wit as much as those of his good looks One Evening while Izabella and Maria were enjoying the cool of it in the Garden Vtresia came to visit Brandon but instantly made as if she would retire pretending she was told her two friends were then with him But Brandon so civilly and pressingly conjur'd her not to deprive him of the blessing of her company because he was deny'd the happiness of theirs that she blush'd and obey'd He thought this was a fit opportunity to learn from her what Izabella had still deny'd him and therefore earnestly beg'd her to know who the Gentleman was that â—n her friends distress had so criminally abandon'd her Vtresia who found by the manner of hiâ— asking the question how much he waâ— concern'd in it assur'd him She was not a little troubled that her friends Injunctions had tyed her therein to Silence But she added maliciously and smilingly I am mistaken if I guess not at the cause of your inquiry and therefore all I can do towards satisfying you is that 't is a person whom Izabella loves so entirely as I believe you would repeat worse wounds than those you have that she lov'd you as well Brandon sigh'd and blush'd and Vtresia being thereby more peek'd told him I know not what temper the Beauties hearts are of in France and Germany but if they are of the same as ours 't is an unhopeful attempt to remove a Lover who has once gotten the possession and whatever your success may have been in those foreign Countries let me advise you to take care how you embark your self in a Passion for Izabella who I doubt you will find is as constant as fair At the close of this warning Izabella and Maria having ended their Walk came to visit our Gallant and Vtresia perceiving they were surpriz'd to find her alone with him told them in some confusion how it had hapâ—â—n'd Their entertainment that evening was of Love and Vtresia being of a gay humour began to inveigh against the Formality of making it in Spain and Italy and the dulness of it in Germany Maria to keep up the discourse made a satyrical one against the Levity of the French Courtship alledging That Love which is one of the most intent Acts of the Soul was by their airy humor turned into ridioulousness This Contest was hardly begun when one of the Pages came to acquaint Maria and Vtresia that Mr. Wilmore was come to wait on them They were loth to leave Brandon and it had been uncivil not to entertain Wilmore Vtresia therefore asked Brandon If he would allow them to receive the Visit in his Chamber And added To incline you to it I believe his conversation will divert you for he has been bred in France and makes it part of his business to introduce their Modes especially in Love amongst us and I fear I shall need his help to maintain my Argument against my sister Brandon having assur'd them That though the Stranger should be the very worst company in the World yet he had much rather admit of his than be depriv'd of the honour of theirs Wilmore was call'd in and when he had paid his Civilities to all the Company Vtresia engaged him to be her second against Maria a Province which he willingly accepted and then began so ingeniously to Raillé those who were constant in Love without the speedy hopes of a return making thereby an Amour a solemn business when the nature of it is pleasant and gay that he set all the Company a laughing But Maria who to continue her assum'd gravity and discretion said with much seriousness That it was in Love as in War where a General should be cautious how he undertook a Siege but being engaged in one he ought to dye or carry the place Then turning to Wilmore she told him Do you think Sir had you beleaguer'd a Fortress you would sufficiently Apologize for raising your Siege by saying the Conquest
her leave to go about it as well intentioned for him as he could wish and he as full of hopes as the first lay of such a â—ommerce could reasonably bestow on him While all this was Transacting in the Strand the King was entertaining his Ministers at Court they retired just as Howard came thither who having resolved to serve his Masters Love seemingly but really his own made so unwelcome a Narrative of Izabella's fondness if not doating on her new Husband which he had discover'd by her onely Confident whom he had won with large Gifts and larger Promises that our Monarchs Passion being heightned by the difficultieâ— he found resolved to overcome all Obstacles And because he esteem'd it but a half Victory to conquer by the Title of King he strictly commanded Howard never to discover who he was till he became successful yet by him he sent Leticia such Presents to be his Sollicitress under the name of Tudor that had she overcome her Lady as much as the Gifts did her the King had been happy and she rich But though Howard presented her with his Kings Giâ—ts yet it was for himself and she had with such celerity planted in her Ladies Heart a Contempt for her Husband that she was the apter to listen to her Confidents Elogies in favor of our young Norfolk who by a thousand little services and assiduities insensibly gain'd an interest in Izabella's esteem and soon after in her Affection for no progress in nature is more expeditious than from liking to loving Howard who judg'd notwithstanding these prosperous Advances he should have a hard Chapter of it unless he got the friendship of the Husband as well as the affection of the Wife set himself about it and effected it with such success as he was scaâ—ce more impatient when he was out of Izabella's company than Goodman was while out of his whereby had he been jealous of Howard even that Passion could not have render'd him more inseparable from Howard than his friendship did that which gave a beginning to this kindness was by this accident Goodman one evening returning from the Theatre with Izabella was unexpectedly assaulted by a Hectoring Crew in the streets and being pull'd out of his Coach by them had suffer'd at their hands what they had pleas'd By chance Howard returning also from the Play his Chariot followed Goodmans and hearing his Mistriss shreek look'd hastily to find what might be the cause of it and seeing those Ruffians begin to Bastonado Goodman he leap'd out of his Chariot drew his Sword and followed by his Pages and Footmen soon rescued his Friend by wounding and putting to flight his Assaulters Goodman who never was guilty of any one act of courage but that of marrying Izabella was so sensible of this deliverance and so taken with the generosity and valor of his Deliverer as from thenceforth he dedicated that life to him which he confest he had preserv'd Howard pretending an apprehension that they might attack him again became his Convoy and went home in the Chariot with Izabella and him but she paid him so many thanks for what he had done for her Husband as he began to fear she approv'd it As soon as they were got home Goodman was advised immediately to be let Blood and withdrew to do it and Norfolk in that juncture made his approaches so successfully both by the Preparatory and present assistances of Leticia as some from that hour believe he possest his Mistresses Heart who not having had her Education in a Court or so much as ever frequented one though she contemn'd her Husband and lov'd her Gallant yet she much scrupled to act any thing which might evidence the truth of either so innocent yet sensible is Nature till Art and Example has deproved it Goodman who from a Countrey education in England and an Academical one at Saumar had leap'd into the Licentiousness of London and by his Fathers death into a plentiful Fortune soon thought he should pass for a man that smelt of the Village unless he was in the first File of the debauched and therefore so assiduously addicted himself to such Company as he soon Commenced Doctor of those Liberal Sciences This false step was not forgiven him by Leticia nor soon after through her instigation by Izabella who inclining to revenge it to the height was persuaded by her Confident nothing could merit that Appellation but being as kind to Howard as Goodman was to many others The Hate she had to her Husband and the Esteem if not Passion she had for our young Norfolk made him as they say sooner successful than otherwise he would have been But when once he had obtained her last Favors she abandon'd herself so intirely to the dictates of her Passion as she repented she had so long deny'd herself the pleasures she then enjoy'd But Howard who found it less difficult to gain her Love than to disguise his success from his King did every day by new inventions endeavor to wean him from a Passion in which he prophesied he would be unsuccessful Sometimes he would at once condemn and admire the Rigidity of her Virtueâ— and at other times the vigilance of her Husband who by himself or incorruptible Spies was never absent from her and then would tell his King Though he acknowledg'd she was charming handsom yet if Beauty were only what he would enjoy in case he would make use of his zeal and industry in the duty of his service he durst undertake in a few dayes to bring into his Embraces as captivating a person as Izabella But our Henry who had Idea's of Izabella too pleasing to be remov'd or peeked with the glory of succeeding in his first Amour or with the difficulties he found in it resolv'd unmoveably to persevere in his design and therefore ordered Howard to pursue it to the utmost Yet believing it difficult if not impossible to vanquish so obstinate a Soul as he judged Izabella's to be by the report of Howard unless he discovered he was her King and having positively declar'd to him He scorn'd to owe his Victory in Love to his Title ashamed to descend from his first height he called into his Cabinet a young Gentleman named Denny who he esteem'd and trusted and there disclosing to him his Passion for Izabella employ'd him in it allowing him to discover 't was her King was her Servant Denny who knew how much his future hopes depended on his present success gave himself up absolutely to the management of it and being supply'd unlimitedly with Money and Jewels he quickly learn'd the influence Leticia had over her Lady and won the Confident to betray the Mistriss for whatever is to be sold in such Markets he who bids the highest is certain to be the Buyer Leticia had so well improv'd her Fortune in the first Voyage that she had readily embarked in any second but greedily became the Factress for a King who if he did reward her in
not so soon I reply'd my business had been disappointed in part She observed I was surprized to find a Page with her alone and therefore told me with new blushings She had been unkind to Horatio to please herself for one of her Women had so exceedingly commended his voice while she was at her dinner as longing to hear it she had made him lose his own to give her that satisfaction and just as she was persuading him to sing I had interrupted them This smooth Relation I seem'd to take for good payment and therefore I chid him for needing to be persuaded to obey his Lady Horatio therefore immediately sung but so charmingly and the words being of the power of Love he so animated them by his actions as though your Mistriss Sir stood on her guard yet I too clearly saw what I so much dreaded for never Love spoke so significantly in looks as in hers to him The lively sense of your affront transported me to that degree as I durst stay no longer in the place but begging Izabella 's permission to employ Horatio for one hour on a pressing business I took him with me out of her Cabinet into my own where locking the door I asked him with an accent which made him tremble How he durst be alone in a Closet with his Lady He reply'd It was by her Commands not by his seeking I bid him on your life never again repeat that presumption He answer'd Then Sir I beseech you take me out of her service for while I am in it 't is both my duty to obey her and your Commands that I should do it and she is never without company but she calls me alone into her Cabinet where she is so kind to me Villain I reply'd furiously How kind Alas Sir said Horatio you ask in so much anger as I dare not tell you Tell me I answer'd drawing out my Punniard or I 'll kill thee He immediately said but shaking with fear I will discover all so you will promise me my Pardon Discover said I to the least circumstance or thou art dead and when I have heard all I will consider if thou art capable of mercy Horatio then said I think Sir she is in Love with me for when we are alone she has more than once embraced and kist me and she has appointed me this night at midnight to steal to her Bed Traytor I reply'd Dost thou not know she is thy Kings Mistriss Wert thou my Brother this shall be thy last hour But because thou hast confest thy sin I give thee a few moments to reconcile thy Soul to Heaven and therefore lose them not in fruitless begging of forgiveness from me for dye thou shalt Horatio therefore immediately fell to his devotions but every minute with floods of tears he look'd trembling after me for I still kept my Punniard in my hand and when I thought he had prayed long enough I advanced to kill him But O God Sir how was I surprized when opening his shirt he discover'd to me the breasts of a Woman but so white and so firm as could the fury I was in have admitted Love his tears had so softened my temper that his eyes might have stamp'd it on my heart How said our Monarch interrupting Howard for till then he had listned to him but in all the agonies of offended Love a Woman What could be her design And why was she so long revealing her Sex That Sir said Howard fill'd me with new wonder and when I asked her the cause she told me her Vncle to whose care her deceased Father had left her fell in Love with her and would have forced her kindness which to avoid she had fled from him disguis'd in mans apparel And I well remember Sir continued Howard how one day walking in a Field near the High-way I saw him in it and admiring his beauty which was fitter for the Female Sex than that she then personated I stop'd him and believing by his travelling on foot he was necessitous I asked him if he wanted a Service and if he would be one of my Pages He told me he would most willingly I therefore entertained him gave him my Livery and prefer'd him to Izabella who it seems being taken with his face diligence and voyce and mistaking his Sex bestowed on him her Love by which he confest to me he hoped so much to benefit himself as before she could finally discover the fallacy he might obtain gifts sufficient to maintain him for his life and a young Gentleman with whom she had exchanged her heart This Sir is all I have to tell you but that I keep Horatio lock'd up in my Closet from whence he cannot escape till I know the honour of your Commands concerning him and what your pleasure is on all these discoveries The King awhile walked in his Cabinet with looks which too evidently discover'd the agitations of his mind and then turning to Howard embrac'd him and with a sigh said Thou hast done me at once the highest service and disservice imaginable for thou hast told me that which unknown and unreveng'd had rais'd her contempt of me and known has rais'd my Hate of her Then pausing awhile he continued Oh Howard how unjustly are Monarchs envied for their Power and Greatness when the inconstancy of a Mistriss out-braves both and when even my Love to her cannot fix hers to me she forsakes the Embraces of her Captiâ—'d King to Court those of an imagined aâ—d despicable Page Ah why do we allow any of that Sex to compose our Ioyes when they could hardly be eclips'd but by their Infidelity Howard who found his Prince more sensible of the intended Affront than he could well have hoped chang'd his Battery and casting away all those Reasons with which he had arm'd himself to provoke his Revenge began seemingly to dissuade him from it being not ignorant that whoever opposes his Princes Love without proving the Mistresses crime as certainly contributes to the heightning of it as whoever pleads for the pardon of a Mistresses Inconstancy renders her the more uncapable of obtaining it For the Love and Revenge of a Monarch are so tender a part of his Prerogative as he will only allow himself to be the Dispenser of their Effects So that when Howard began to beg him to remember She was not actually but intentionally Criminal Our Henry taking him up short reply'd She who has resolv'd to be False is so And when our young Norfolk added That Izabella never lov'd any man but her King He answer'd 'T is more than she herself knows and she believes the contrary And lastly when Howard desired him to consider How Natural it was for the Young to be Captivated by the Lovely He briskly reply'd 'T is at least as Natural and certainly more Iust for an injur'd King to punish the Offender To which he added No No She that can Love any but her own Monarch after she has obtained his Heart
Safety so highly depended He therefore followed Horatio to learn it which when he had done his Amazement Grief and Anger equal'd those of all the rest The King in the mean while having his heart pierced with Izabella's last words and actions and trembling with apprehension lest she might be then performing what she had menaced him with started out of all his thoughts and ran to her Cabinet door where he heard her sigh with such excess as set on 〈◊〉 again his breast and with fiercer flames than ever yet had invaded it He both knocked at the door and called but she neither would open it or answer him This made him unite all his strength to force it She knew well enough by the voice and by the attempt who it was but having begun so fortunately to extricate herself out of that ruine into which her mistaken Love had so far precipitated her she resolved to perfect what was so far advanced and therefore just as our Monarch had torn open the door she got into the Window which was over the Thames and made as if she would have cast herself out of it But the King as she designed catched her in his Arms and then by all the humiliations of a penitent Lover so movingly beg'd her Pardon for his guilty suspicions which had been seemingly but too well grounded and so passionately conjured her to cast off a despair which at once had so frightned and pleased him since it was the sublimest evidence of her Love and Grief as by degrees she gave him some hopes she might not be for ever inexorable Who will not admire at the extravagancy of Love and at the vicissitude of Humane things when the greatest Monarch of the World is reduced to beg Pardon of his Subject for her own fault while she is more troubled she could not Act it than she would have been had she committed it And yet her sighs and tears that an imagined Page is found to be a Woman which aggravated her fault she makes pass even in the judgment of her King as the proofs of her Innocence Thus the World delights to abuse us and yet we delight to pursue those pleasures by which we are abused and to Court them neglect our solid Happiness every one flattering himself with a belief that he is the happy person who shall fix the wheels of Love and Fortune both which will yet be as perpetual in their motions as the Sun in his But while the King and Izabella are peecing up all misunderstandings while Leticia is contriving how to recover the favor of her Lady or failing of it to raise her Fortunes by making the lovely Talboise the Monarch of our Monarchs heart while our young Norfolk is contriving by a second design to repair the unsuccessfulness of the first and while even Horatio is upbraiding his destiny with frowardness and unconstancy for having blasted a design which he thought was so admirably well contrived let us return to Brandon who seems justly to complain we have too long neglected him since his Actions are to furnish the greatest and most surprizing Events in our following Adventures The End of the First Tome of English Adventures ERRATA PAge 4. line 3. read in for by p. 12. l. 4. r. so for for ib. l. 10â— 11. leave out had not ib. l. 15. r. so aâ— p. 1â— l. 15. r. no for not p. 16. l. 14. r. which for wheâ— p. 41 l. 1 r. Francis the first p. â—7 l. 21. r. started for â—â—â—iled p. 96. l. 27. r. soon for â—ooner