a full Curtain of the same hung down to the ground along the side of the Rock that was covered with Moss a small Rivulet ran whose pleasing Murmur was able to inspire the most stupid with tender Sentiments Whilst Olimpia said something to the Cardinal Melora fixt her Eyes upon the purling Stream whose transparent clearness show'd the bottom stow'd with the Rock's Ornaments Shells and Pebbles The Cardinal turning observing her so intent stoop'd nearer and with an Ingraving Pen upon the Marble Pavement wrote thus Should some small Water Deity to day Be sporting here and those bright Eyes survey With eager haste he 'd fly to Neptune's Court And tell the God the Place of your Resort Then turn away those All-Commanding Eyes Lest this small Rill should to an Ocean rise And Neptune vanquish'd by thy killing Charms Should bear thee hence within his Watry Arms. See Madam said Olimpia when she had read 'em the Prince's Passion penetrates the obdurate Marble yet your harder heart still denies access Melora was amaz'd to behold the lines at her Feet thinking they had still been discoursing She had with blushes just perus'd what was written when from behind the Curtain they heard the agreeable charming found both of Vocal and Instrumental Musick Ha! cry'd Olimpia seemingly surpriz'd you mention'd the Watry Deity and I believe he has sent his Mermaids to entertain you I rather suspect an Earthly Goddess reply'd Melora smilingly looking upon Olimpia and the best way to express our thanks for the favour is silence Whilst the Italian songs with the most exquisite Musick was perform'd they din'd and after that the Princess Olimpia gave her Commands the Musick should retire The Curtain was drawn up and the delicate Organs discover'd which from the Water receiv'd their incomparable Musick and all the glorious painted seats which held the tuneful Masters whom they had heard before In vain cry'd Melora in a pleasing transport we hunt the World for pleasures when ransackt Italy can never equal what my charming Princess's Villa gives Ay but my Life return'd the Cardinal I expect the discharge of your Promise in describing the Entertainment you receiv'd Yesterday Indeed went the fair one on smiling I think these Saints Festivals are fuller of diversion than devotion To see a fat Abbot walk in state cover'd with Embroideries and looking as great as if the Triple Crown adorn'd his Head and all their Ornaments set forth in the greatest Pomp and Lustre imaginable doth it not resemble Pride and Vanity Be cautious my dear interrupted Olimpia lest you incline to the errour of the Hereticks who care not how fine their Houses are nor how plain their Churches tacitely discovering they love and esteem themselves better then the Deity they Worship I submit said Melora and will admire their glories But to what end should I describe vast Banquets of Sweet-meats and delightful Musick which is here every day excell'd That only which deserves perpetual remembrance was the Lovely Duke and Dutchess of Parma Such a becoming tenderness he express'd such a sympathy of Souls there seem'd as if one cou'd not do what the other did not like How can you praise what you refuse to practice cry'd the Cardinal in a Rapture so would I gaze all day on those lov'd eyes but then the Night the Night burning raging sighing clasping Oh forbear my Lord Olimpia stops him leave these strong extasies till that happy Night arrives see how Melora blushes Indeed said the Cardinal cooling himself with a sigh I ought to have patience since that Duke you mention'd waited long for one less fair and through many hazards at length was blest Olimpia knew Melora took delight in nothing more then hearing the Histories of Persons where the Capricio's of Fortune had been most evident and to oblige her ask'd the Cardinal if his Highness was acquainted with the particulars of their loves He answer'd her that he could procure them a full relation if they desir'd it for Francisco was bred from a Child in the Duke of Parma's Court inform'd of each minute circumstance Melora express'd great joy at the proposal and Francisco being call'd the Cardinal commanded him to sit down and to the Ladies relate the Adventures of Emilius and Lovisa Duke and Dutchess of Parma Francisco after a moment's recollection with a submissive reverence began thus THE HISTORY OF Emilius and Lovisa I Shall not attempt most Illustrious Auditors to describe the Persons of this Prince and Princess because my words cannot reach the height of their Perfections as your own Eyes may be witness but must of necessity go so far back as to take a view of the late Duke and Dutchess Parents to this He was a great Souldier and a great Politician which of consequence render'd him a great Man yet of a humour so positive and absolute that neither Sons nor Subjects durst ever contradict his Resolution Whilst the Dutchess was all sweetness and affability as oft as possible mitigating the sternness of her Lord and obliging all the World with Offices of Kindness He had two Sons one elder than the present Duke Emilius over whom he exercis'd an Authority wherein very little of the Father appear'd whomsoever they favour'd he frown'd upon always denying them whatever they coveted with eagerness Few therefore durst make their Court assiduously to the young Princes lest they incur'd the anger and jealousie of the Old Duke Only Count Bileront broke all these Rules of Policy and openly profest an intire Service and humble unfeign'd Friendship for the Prince Emilius with whom he had been nurtur'd The Duke often storm'd at that often chid the Lovely Youths for their so strict amity and often Commanded Bileront's Father to send him farther from Court Yet all these shocks they stood for Emilius who had a large share of his Mother's sweet nature drooped so when they went to part them that before he reach'd at Manhood they cou'd not do it without visible danger to the Prince's Health By that time Emilius had past his Eighteenth Year he grew quite tyr'd of the Court the harshness of his Father's temper abridging him of all those Injoyments whereunto his Inclinations led him He sets all Engines at work to obtain leave that he may join the Venetians as a Noble Voluntier and see a Campaign hoping to raise his Reputation in the World and quit for some time a place that disgusted him After much opposition Emilius accomplish'd his desires but the Old Duke not finding in his heart to prove too indulgent orders Bileront to stay behind and perceiving notwithstanding that faithful Youth covertly prepar'd to follow him he without hearkening to the intreaties of his Friends Imprison'd him under a strict Guard If Emilius resented this ill he was very likely to meet with the same treatment So that being assur'd no other harm was design'd him but to hinder his Accompanying him he smother'd his smarting griefs and went on with his intentions Several young Sparks in
THE Inhumane CARDINAL OR Innocence Betray'd A NOVEL Written By a Gentlewoman for the Entertainment of the Sex LONDON Printed for John Harding at the Bible and Anchor in Newport-street and Richard Wilkin at the King's-Head in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1696. TO HER Royal Highness THE PRINCESS ANN OF DENMARK MADAM GReat is my Confusion when I wou'd approach an humble Awe checks my Ambition and I am afraid to lay so mean a Trifle at the Feet of Your Royal Highness But as with Heaven a devoted Heart attones for a worthless Offering so Most Excellent Princess let the fervent Zeal which inclines me towards your Service excuse this too too bold an Undertaking You are a Princess whose Presence creates an Universal Joy and Veneration in all your pleas'd Beholders We view in your Majestick Lineaments the August Air of Royal Ancestors Whilst with this becoming Majesty something so agreeably affable is join'd that your humble Creatures find their Access both easy and delightful And those who have the Honour and Happyness to attend your Royal Person plainly discover those Moral and Princely Virtues refin'd with sincere Christian Piety which Beautify and Reign in your Heroick Soul and the unequal'd Character they give raises the love of Virtue in the Breast of the most stupid 'T is said Example goes before Precept and that of all Examples we are fondest of those our Princes set before us How incorrigible then are these polluted Times when You Illustrious Madam stand a Pattern most Excellently Glorious The Prayers of all good Men daily importune Heaven on your behalf nor are their Prayers in vain nor do the bounteous Powers barely behold such worth without reward Blessings crowd around and leave I hope no wish unsatisfied Blest in the Royal Partner of your Bed that Great Good Man words that but seldom truly join Blest your Self and blessing all in that Lovely Blooming Prince the Duke of Glocester whose forward Youth Wings the breath of Fame and were her Tongues innumerable when she reports of him some wonder must be left untold Joy of the Present Age and Darling hopes on which the future one depends Oh may he Inherit the Extracted Virtues of all our Brittish Kings the Courage of our Present Soveraign but a Fortune peculiarly Great peculiarly his own Conspicuous and far above whatever went before that Succeeding Worlds may to his Glorious Name justly add the Epithet of Happy I ought now to say something in reference to the following Sheets but my ravish'd Pen hath been entertain'd upon so sublime a Theme that it disdains to descend and my heart full of Rapture that is full of your Royal Higness will only give me leave to endeavour the expressing how much I am Madam Your Royal Highness's Devoted humble Servant Mary Pix THE Inhumane Cardinal OR Innocence Betray'd ALL that are conversant in History must remember the unbecoming Sway Donna Olimpia held in the Court of Rome during the Papacy of Innocent the Tenth The Fiction of Hercules's changing Cloaths with his beloved Mistress ought here to have been practis'd for that Pope gave himfelf wholly up to Laziness and Effeminacy whilst Olimpia govern'd both in Church and State If any person wanted Ecclesiastical preferment Donna Olimpia receiv'd their Presents and Address if an Ambassador was earnest for dispatch her Interest alone could obtain it Thus she remain'd courted adored by all Caressing few unless it were the Cardinals Those she was very fond of making her Creatures that her Power might rule in all their Councils And amongst that Scarlet Fraternity Antonio Barbarino was the Man she most affected He was wicked as her vilest Wishes and cunning as her subtlest Thoughts when they formed Revenge Revenge which was her darling Pleasure Witness the Rage she for years maintain'd against her own Son only because his Wife was great and beautiful But to return to our matter This Cardinal Antonio was something cold and did not follow her Measures so exactly as she desired much she would have done to have obtained the absolute Ascendant over him and Fortune at last became obliging to her Wish She had observ'd the Cardinal in some of his late Visits to appear very sad and thoughtful she often press'd him to know the Cause whilst he for some time continued to evade her Importunity at length being alone with her and she becoming again inquisitive he ushering his Discourse with a Sigh began thus Madam the fear that I shall stand wholly corrected and condemned by your severer Vertue has thus long deterr'd me from disclosing my Tortures I know Madam you have Designs which you would give the World to effect prove but then indulgent to those dear guilty Wishes I am going to discover and here I solemnly swear to assist you with my utmost power in all your Commands of what nature soever This Promise was too kind not to gain the like Assurance from Donna Olimpia and the Cardinal proceeded Ambition only fired my Youth and led me on to Greatness but now a gentler Flame hath filled my Heart yet more tormenting I am in Love O Olimpia raging mad with Love to that degree possess'd that if I enjoy not the Object of these violent Desires life it self will become a burthen insupportable Though Olimpia was declining in Age and never any exact Beauty yet so vain is Woman that she began to hope for a declaration of Love sets her Face in the best order puts on affected Looks turns her Eyes from Antonio's and seems in great expectation But he quickly undeceiv'd her by adding It is the beautiful Melora Daughter to the Marquess of Coure now Ambassador from France Fair charming as an Angel her Eyes shoot amorous Fire yet are repleat with Modesty and much I fear no Temptation though dress'd with alluring Pleasure or dazling Wealth will o'recome her ' The vicious answer'd wicked Olimpia yield of themselves â—â—or were it worth your care or mine were she not virtuous ' Leave this business added she to my conduct and provided your spoil not my Design with unseasonable Frugality I 'le ingage to bring Melora to your Arms. The passionate Priest was transported fell at her Feet embraced her Knees and promised her inestimable Treasures if she made good her Word She asked him if Melora knew him he assur'd her No for there had been a misunderstanding betwixt her Father and him and he was the only Person of his Rank that did not frequent the Ambassador's House nor had ever seen her but at Church where added he those lovely unheeding Eyes have never mark'd me with a fixt regard the brighter Stars that now alone must rule my Fate After other Discourses to the same purpose the Cardinal took his leave and that night sent Olimpia a Dressing-table cover'd with Plate valu'd at eight Thousand Crowns for he knew that Woman avaricious and took the right way to hasten her Endeavours for his satisfaction Soon after this bribed Designer did the French Ambassador a signal
Mistake ' Truly answer'd Philippo I heartily wish the Gentleman it belongs to had it for I have no mind to hazard my Life in our Italian Families to see novel Sights ' Nay if yoâ— are so indifferent reply'd the Princâ— you shall quit your Right in this Adventure to me for I am confident there is a fair Lady in the Case and am resolv'd if you desist to see her In vain Philippo us'd a thousand Arguments and talk'd till the Prince commanded his silence He was obstinate nor could a fond Bridegroom long more for the night's approach than this rash Noble Youth did for the morning As soon as ever the first streaks of day appear'd he begins his Walk Poor Philippo parts with much reluctancy and fear resolving to follow him and watch thereabouts till his Return Don Pedro carefully observ'd the Directions he had forc'd from his Friend whom he would not suffer to go with him his Fate seeming to whisper the Prize he was to gain would admit no Sharers When he had found the place he softly unlocks the door which he perceiv'd was left unbor'd on purpose and enters a lovely place beholding both to Art and Nature for its beauty He takes the first close Walk which brought him to the pleasantest Grotto your Fancy can possibly represent It was exactly four square and in every corner the knots of Trees were thick mingling their Boughs over delicate Marble Seats whose backs were painted with several Histories Long Walks with leavy Screens that shut out the Sun 's fierce Beams conducted you from every of these delightful Seats to the other In the midst was a large space adorn'd with a curious Fountain that which made this Fountain so admirable was the Statue of Venus at the head of it there was the Goddess figur'd in Marble with Adonis slain at her Feet whilst from her Eyes streams incessantly ran down bath'd the lov'd Youth and seem'd to fill the vast Cistern underneath which with an agreeable murmur still receiv'd them Beyond all this was an exquisite Garden enamel'd with choisest Flowers and Fruits The Prince had entertain'd himself a considerable time in this Charming place and began to fear the Sight the Letter promis'd was only these Rarities though to comfort him he could at a great distance espy a fair well built House and hop'd a fairer issue from it Nor was he disappointed for e're he had waited much longer he through the Trees discovers a Woman bringing four crimson Velvet Cushions which she lays two upon the ground and two upon one of the Marble Seats After she was gone our Hero seeks out a place as near this Arbour as he could that would conceal him There was no possibility of looking into it without being seen so that he is forc'd to go behind and be a Hearer only of what the Persons would say that were to possess those Seats He had scarce time to fix himself before he heard the rusling of Silks and sweet small Voices which made him conclude his Neighbours Ladies After general Discourses not material one of them said I cannot but wonder my charming Cousin that the wise Sulpitia should take delight to bury so much Beauty as yours in obscurity and confine your Youth to these melancholy Shades when but appearing at Court with you would soon raise your ancient Noble Family to its pristine Splendour For I am convinc'd no Prince of what Rank soever could look upon so lovely a Creature without laying his Heart and Crown at her Feet ' Fy Cousin said the other with a charming Voice I must needs chide you for your flattery and condemn your blaming my Mother's conduct You are sensible the riotous living of some of my Ancestors has so impaired our Fortunes that this Seat and a small Revenue is all remains In this deprav'd Age without Gold what can I expect by this little stock of Beauty which you talk so much of but vicious Adorers Would you have my Mother then expose me to Courts The thought shocks my Virgin Soul and makes me start when no danger 's near Oh! rather let Cordelia's Name pass obscurely to the Grave forgotten than be remembred and Dishonour affix'd to it A noble Resolution thought our Listener who now long'd to see her Face Some time after they rose to walk the Prince then crept near as possible and putting the leaves aside beheld the brightest Beauty upon Earth He stood immoveable and if the Ladies had look'd that way with half his Attention they must have discover'd him Cordelia was dress'd in a Gown of green Damask the Sleeves were becomingly tucked up to her Shoulders and trim'd round with white and red Knots like Roses Her shining Hair in careless Curls partly cover'd her lovely Neck the rest exactly puff'd adorn'd with many pretty Ribons and some Jewels I have describ'd her Garb said Olimpia smiling and pointing to a large Looking-glass that hung in the Closet but you must look in yonder Mirrour to see her Person Melora blush'd and Olimpia went on The Prince at this moment banish'd from his Breast the Idea of all the Court-Beauties he had ever seen and gaz'd on this Master-piece of Nature so long till he had imprinted Cordelia's Image too deep for time ever to deface Whilst the Ladies far from guessing at an Observer finish'd their Walk and went in leaving Alphonsus like one who had seen a Vision all surpriz'd When he began to think he summons his rambling Humour to his aid and the improbability of obtaining his desires This and much more he thought but all in vain her Shape her Mien her charming Face then her noble Mind surpassing all secured him her Slave for ever He resolv'd a thousand Projects in his working Brain which way to obtain access to her Sometimes he tormented himself because he had not spoke to her when she was there now pleas'd with the hopes she would return In these restless Cogitations he spent most part of the day As the Evening began to approach Don Castro who had often visited the outside of the Wall was in a great Consternation he fear'd some mischief had befaln the Prince and knew not what Method to take to be satisfy'd At last not being able to remain longer in suspence of his safety he went boldly to the Front of the House and knock'd at the Gate the Porter came and when he had open'd it says Don Castro Pray Friend what is become of a Gentleman that came this morning into your Garden If you have done mischief to him all your Lives even to the highest of your Family must answer it The Fellow all amaz'd cry'd out I suppose Sir you are either mad or have mistook the House for we have no Gentlemen ever come within these Walls since my Honour'd Lord is gone to Heaven at the mention of whom the Lowt began to make a Face as though Tears would follow Don Castro whose Fears were augmented by this Fellow 's as he thought pretended
Acquaintance can produce a violent Affection ' I grant you replies the Fryar that Love increases and grows to a height by continual Conversation but still I say a beautiful Idea seen once may make an impression either in Man or Woman sufficient to take away their Repose ' Ay take their Hearts away also to my knowledge said the Prince earnestly The Ladies both laughed at that and Cordelia told Aminda she must now acquiesce since the Gentleman declar'd against her Argument upon his own knowledge The Fryar hastened the Prince to take his leave seeming impatient to talk with him When they were walking homewards his Introducer told him that the time he had limited for his Kinsman's stay was almost expir'd and ask'd what progress he had made with this desir'd Freedom which his Industry had procur'd Alas said the Prince sighing Love hath made a far greater progress in my Heart than I in my Designs Adding his Reasons to believe Cordelia was already in Love with another which was a Thought oppress'd him more than he could express I believe you are mistaken reply'd the Fryar for I have this day heard from Aminda the whole story of the Garden-Rencounter She tells me her beauteous Cousin hath often sigh'd since and mention'd the Cavalier she there saw with advantageous commendations This Discourse occasion'd the beginning of that Dispute you heard part of of loving at first sight No News ever surpriz'd and pleas'd Alphonsus like this Kind hope which like its contrary despair is a Lover's attendant began now to give him great assurances He embrac'd caress'd and bounteously rewards the Fryar then flies to communicate his Joyes to his Friend When Castro had heard him out and discover'd there would be no great obstructions to a Marriage he began to consider the weight of the Concern and take the freedom his friendship allow'd to tell the Prince that though when he saw him so passionate that his life seem'd to be at stake he had foolishly enough talk'd of a Marriage yet now in cooler thoughts reflecting upon Otho's Temper who was ambitious beyond measure it must needs involve him in endless troubles Besides his long absence from Court would give nourishment to such Factions whose growth might entangle him past his best skill to disengage himself But Alphonsus's heart was too deeply prepossess'd by Love for such saving Counsel to enter and if the loss of one must be ventured the Dukedom would be in danger of running the hazard before Cordelia However to sooth his Favourite he alledged some State-Reasons for his absence minding him of his Father's jealous Nature who abhorr'd his Subjects should make their Court to his Son whilst himself was so well able to wield the Reins of Government This you know went the Prince on broke the heart of my elder Brother whose Actions still our Royal Parent frown'd on because the people admir'd them too much Then it follows whilst I am absent from Otho I am nearer in his Affection Therefore dear Friend says the Prince embracing him tenderly assist me to obtain my Mistress and I will return time enough to my Father Princes easily perswade though their Reasons are weak because all are willing to oblige them He found it hard to speak alone with Cordelia so that he resolves to write and get the Fryar to deliver it The way was easie to purchase his consent Gold and noble Entertainments did all things with him After a thousand alterations Alphonsus under the borrow'd Name of Pedro sent these words To the Charming Cordelia O Love plead my Cause and tell the Charming cruel Fair she must forgive the Effects of the most violent Passion Mortal ever felt If I have took a Disguise which becomes me not ador'd Cordelia impute it to Love's boundless force and wonder only at the Influence of your Eyes that with their first Glances could wound so sure as to fix me your Slave for ever The same person who beheld you in the Garden longed to gaze nearer at that resplendent Light and now like the Moth my liberty is lost to fly Since then my lovely Captivator you have laid me in such fast Fetters make them easie with your Smiles lest your Rigour destroy one who only lives to approve himself the Faithfullest of your Servants Pedro. The Fryar takes charge of it and as soon as he comes to Sulpitia Cordelia ask'd him if his Kinsman was return'd to the Monastery He answer'd her only with a sign to speak with her unobserv'd she understanding what he meant goes to a bay Window and beckon'd to him to follow her examining what he had to say That Kinsman is not the Person you take him for nor indeed any Kin to me begins the Fryar though in you he reposes a mighty Trust when he ventures his Life in your hands 'T is true he has prevailed with me to connive at things which neither ought to have been done nor when done reveal'd as I suppose this Paper will inform you giving her the Letter She paus'd at first and was about not to receive it till considering her Ghostly Father was the Deliverer she condescended and with an amazing Look retir'd into her Closet to peruse it When she came back she told the Fryar with a compos'd Countenance he was culpable in a high degree and that his guilt transcended the Genleman's for the severest part of the World sometimes winks at youthful Extravagance but that He whose business it ought to have been to deterr men from folly should incourage them in it was unpardonable Then she urg'd his Infidelity in so horribly betraying that great Trust her Mother repos'd in him When the poor Priest had patiently heard his Charge for his Excuse he alledged the danger the Cavalier was in of making some desperate Attempt upon his Life how assured he was of the Honour of his Intentions and the sincerity of his Affection Then he fell to extolling the Nobleness of his Temper the sweetness of his Nature not forgetting the greatness of his Estate and in conclusion press'd hard for a favourable Answer But Cordelia whose Wisdom far exceeded her years would return none only said she was content to conceal their Crime because they had made Love of Her the pretext for it With this cold Comfort the Fryar returns to the impatient Prince who with a Diamond had just wrote this Distich in the Window How slowly do the tedious minutes pass That drop through expectation's narrow glass Our Messenger out of breath with haste and heart-broken his News was no better in a sorrowful Tone delivers his story But the Prince who receiv'd it more contentedly than the Fryar durst hope for since his Mistress neither banish'd him her sight for ever nor was inrag'd to excess did not wholly despair of kinder moments Then in his Arms he hug'd the dear Procurer of his Happiness and told him he long'd again to view that fair one's Eyes now she knew their Power That Longing shall soon
conceal'd The grateful Friar faithfully promis'd his utmost assistance and Castro began his Perigrination to seek an Estate that wanted a Purchaser In this time of absence there happen'd a Contrivance at Sulpitia's that was very near ruining all their Designs Lusetta whom I mention'd at the beginning of the story being discarded for her infidelity repairs to the Kinswoman who had set her at work and meets again with Don Ferado where discoursing of these disappointments she gives such a lively Description of the Beautiful Cordelia that rekindles his Curiosity So nothing now will satisfy him without seeing her But the means there was the difficulty After many irresolutions Lusetta remember'd a humour of Cordelia's how she was always very fond of seeing the Trifles stragling Women carry about to sell In this dress Don Ferado is disguis'd buys a world of litte Pictures fine Beads and such Trinkets goes with them and hath immediately admittance into the House The young Ladies having notice come about him the was not a moment to seek which was Cordelia but so amaz'd at her Beauty that he stood gazing without power to move Cordelia blush'd to see the Woman as she took her to be look so earnestly and minded her of her Things This rous'd the Spark a little from his Contemplation yet still his Eyes could fix on no other Object When she had furnish'd her self with the Toys she fancy'd most he was dismiss'd He returns in love to that degree that he thought of nothing but proposing a Marriage though it was absolutely inconvenient his Circumstances requiring a Fortune having many Sisters to Portion Yet so amiable Cordelia appear'd that whatever Consideration interest offer'd Love turned the Scale and he follows his desires with precipitation employing a Friend the very next day to solicite Sulpitia who approves of the matter gives leave to his Seranades several of which were perform'd before Cordelia knew from whom or so much as guess'd her Mother was consenting Till that discreet Lady thinking it proper to sound her Daughter's inclinations began to break the design to her First commands her to follow into the Lodge and shows her Don Ferado bravely accoutred prancing upon his great Horse Words cannot express Cordelia's surprize her Mind was already fill'd with an Idea too admirable for Ferado ever to hope an Entrance and compar'd to the Prince her partial Heart being prepossess'd with Love made him appear beneath her regard much less esteem She pretends indisposition and retires to her Chamber Sulpitia saw her much disturb'd but was wholly ignorant of the cause Cordelia instantly acquaints the Friar with this affair declares her aversion and desires him to inform Don Pedro. The good Man goes about it with speed and dispatches his Intelligence to Ferrara according to his directions This information comes to the Prince just as Castro had sent word of an Estate he had pitch'd upon The Priest's news heartily tormented Alphonsus however he was infinitely pleas'd Cordelia order'd he should know of it The careful Friar had writ every circumstance of Don Ferado's Fortunes and the Prince with reason look'd upon him as a formidable Rival being a Neighbour which in all probability would induce Sulpitia to embrace his Interest before the Prince's who must of necessity be often absent that is if he kept his Quality conceal'd which he could not without running great hazards avoid Therefore he resolves to remove this Don Ferado and to that end gets by other hands a Commission for a Regiment of Horse and sends to him with Orders that he should speedily repair to Court Ferado could not imagine what secret Friends had done him this favour however he was advis'd by all his Acquaintance to embrace it they convincing him how much it would conduce both to his profit and honour Great was the Conflict Interest and Glory were powerful Arguments but eager wishes and fierce desires all centr'd in Cordelia were more pleasing These dear tormenting Flames he nourish'd but Cordelia blasted for there he could discover only frowns disdain and freezing coldness All that love him urge his going and flattering hope perswades he may return Crown'd with Lawrel at which the Cruel Maid overcome by Constancy and Courage may yield to longing love Such thoughts at length prevail with him and he sets forward to the Court of Ferrara just as Alphonsus had left it who posts away to Castro takes care for the payment of the Money that was to be given for the Estate puts servants into it with orders to furnish the House neatly and with riches suitable to his pretended Quality though he spar'd Magnificence He had made himself very fine and brought many considerable Presents for Cordelia and having put all things at his new Mansion in their design'd Posture he hastens with Castro to his Belov'd Mistress As soon as ever they arriv'd at the Village the Friar was acquainted with it who flies with the news to Cordelia and humbly desires her from her Subject yea and Slave Don Pedro to prepare Sulpitia with a full relation of all the foregoing adventure The young Lady trembl'd at the Task but Love mann'd her Resolution and she on her Knees relates the story to her Mother Sulpitia's Amazement when she heard these unexpected Practices is scarce to be conceiv'd however being a Woman largely indowed with Wisdome and Descretion she perceiv'd her Daughter's Inclination by her palliating the crime of his disguise and representing every action favourably of this cunning Lover's Therefore she consider'd being ever indulgent to her Daughter if she should now interpose her Authority she might sooner break her heart than bend it These thoughts induce her to give way to his coming setting her self to inquire after his Estate which finding according to his word and being afterwards by his Conversation acquainted with his Merit grew very fond of him freely giving her consent towards the obtaining his ador'd Cordelia Whom he with all love's Oratory pursues falls on his Knees embraces hers weeps and talks till he forces a Confession till she blushing acknowledges her Affection owns she hath lov'd him from the first moment she saw him The Transported Prince longs for the Consummation of his desires and presses with his utmost Rhetorick a speedy Marriage Which is at length agreed to and perform'd in Sulpitia's Chappel by the often-mention'd Friar before Sulpitia Aminda and Castro None ever appear'd over-joy'd or fond like this Amorous Prince his doting still increas'd every time he saw her he seem'd captivated anew and as in a well drawn Piece the longer we gaze the more graces we espy so her charms to the admiring Alphonsus were endless yet still his interest bound him to keep his Quality conceal'd being a secret he durst not divulge to her Thus privately they liv'd and enjoy'd themselves for two years the Prince being often absent and long which he always said was occasion'd by his place at Court Just as the first Year of Wedlock was expir'd Cordelia
whom the love of glory had kindled a Warlike Fire forsook the soft pleasures of the Palace and waited on the Prince This Noble Cavalcade having left Parma directed their course towards his Holiness's Galleys where they design'd to imbark after staying some time at the Port till the Fleet were ready to sail As the Prince having all his things Embark'd was walking on the shore he felt somebody take him by the Cloak and turning he saw one in the garb of a Common Souldier but looking more heedfully Oh how pleas'd was he to behold his lov'd Bileront such Joy fill'd their delighted Souls there was no room for words At length a hundred Questions throng together which as confusedly are answered Bileront whose sweet Eloquence cou'd move things almost inanimate for next to that I account the stupid sort of Men had with his Promises and Presents prevail'd upon a Centry to let him have his Cloaths in which he drest himself the Fellow putting on the young Lords and over them his own Cloak and thus they both escap'd Now Emilius's wishes were compleat and the faithful happy Friends went in all haste aboard I will not trouble your Honours with a description of the War only say of these they were a second Pylades and Orestes always fighting by each other always undertaking the greatest dangers and always Crown'd with Glory The Campaign ended they with several of the French Nobility Voluntiers likewise went to France and in that Court spent their Winter In the mean time the Dutchess of Parma long'd to see her Darling Son and having at length obtain'd Bileront's Pardon she writes earnestly to her dear Emilius that he would return He obeys his indulgent Mother's reiterated desires and again with his Favorite Bileront graces the Court of Parma His Travails had extreamly added to his natural perfections and though he was not Heir Apparent yet his eminent accomplishments drew all admiring Eyes towards him Nothing now was to be seen in the Palace on the Dutchesse's side but Balls Masquerades and such other demonstrations of Royal Pleasures At one of the Balls a young Lady having danc'd in a Persian Habit with a particular mien and charming smoothness Emilius ask'd who she was saying he had not observ'd her amongst the Beauteous Train before though he thought she excell'd them all He was straight inform'd her name was Lovisa Daughter to Don Henrique and Donna Elvira who were as he knew both great Courtiers and had Dying left this their only Child to the care of the Dutchess that her Fortune was very opulent and her Person very taking For his not seeing her the reason was she had been some days in the Country and return'd but the night before This adds the Prince's Informer is an account of the fair Lovisa who is call'd the Dutchesse's Ward and ador'd by all Emilius getting near her told her in a whisper that she was unjust her Beauty being enough to fix all Eyes upon her she ought not to excel so transcendantly in Dancing too but let some more indifferent do that and obtain a glance Lovisa blushing at the Prince's praises answer'd him we must expect your Highness full of the French Gallantry and whatever Object you are pleas'd to rally is oblig'd to bear it That place was too publick for a longer Conference but the Prince was wonderfully pleas'd with her and talk'd of nothing else all the night to his dear Billeront Soon after he paid Lovisa a visit and finding her Conversation as full of charms as her lovely Face he was never so well pleas'd as when with her His Mother the Dutchess saw this growing Friendship but hating nothing more than venturing Emilius in another Campaign and considering Lovisa was a great Heiress whose Ancestors sprung from a Branch of the Royal Family he also being the second Son should he fall in love with her the match would not be so disproportionable These reasons made the Dutchess not only connive at his often Visits but also conceal them from the Duke Lovisa's Apartment lying through the Dutchesse's the Duke thought he had been with his Mother whilst he and Bileront spent their time more pleasantly They had form'd a Party for their particular Conversation which they call'd the Friendly Society and made several pretty Laws amongst themselves with suitable Penalties if they infring'd them One was to communicate to all the Campany every Letter they receiv'd be it Love or Gallantry Nay if it was business some Person was to inspect it cursorily over and witness to the rest that it afforded no diverson Happy was he that could partake the satisfaction of this ingenious company which was compos'd of the highest young Quality Their discourse was made up of pithy relations or viewing the newest works of the writing Wits Censuring or extolling those labours of the brain according to their Merit Emilius coming one day before the usual hour for their meeting surpriz'd Lovisa alone reading a Letter which she blush'd at and hastily put up when the Prince came in Ha Madam cry'd he eagerly running towards her have I caught you breaking one of our greatest Laws She blushing still answer'd 't was business This augmented the Prince's curiosity and he said very gravely you know Madam our Statutes are that if Letters are full only of business one is just to overlook that and report it to the whole Body of our Society Now I being here first claim the privilege of seeing it and satisfying the rest She insisted 't was in her power to chuse the Person she desir'd should see it but finding the Prince really earnest unwilling to displease him she gave it him which he read thus for said Francisco I having the happiness to know each particular of this Intrigue took Copies of all the Letters to help my Memory Don Alvarez to Donna Lovisa Madam My Dear Niece I Hope you will esteem the proposal I here send you as a testimony of my Kindness and believe that my continual study is for your Advantage and Honour The young Count Lodowick is now preparing to kiss the Duke's hand and make a handsome appearance at Court his Estate is large and the World justly calls him a Gallant Man He is already in love with the report Fame brings us of you I don't Question but your Sight secures your Conquest pray let me hear your Opinion of him I am My Dear Kinswoman Yours Alvarez The Prince sigh'd and 〈…〉 as he read this Letter and giving 〈◊〉 Lovisa again said I don't like this Marrying 't will spoil our Society I 'll give my Vote that it shall be High Treason for any of our Ladies to Marry Nay then returns Lovisa laughing we shall have a very pretty Character Twenty Years hence a Company of Old Ill-natur'd Maids better forsake the World quite and become holy Nuns Well answers the Prince I find all my Joys are at an end You must be in Love now and we bear all those absences of Mind so
has given you to my Wishes Flatter not your self with vain Idea's said she sadly The Duke I know will never yield and my Foreboding Heart whispers this is the last time we e'er shall meet in Peace Am I thus Blest cry'd the Transported Prince to perceive such a concern at the detested Thoughts of Parting My once severe but now more Charming Fair What shall I say or how Express my Joys Lovisa who had hastily discover'd more of her Heart than she design'd felt her lovely Face glow with Blushes and walking from the Prince a great Glass more plainly show'd her this disorder Emilius following smil'd to see the becoming Confusion that Excellent Maid was in And forgetting that it was the publick Room of State and the hour of Visiting Caught her hand and kist it with a happy Lover's Ardency whilst two or three Ladies enter'd The equal surprize of that Amorous Pair confirm'd it to be more than a common piece of Gallantry However the Ladies out of Respect took no notice of it there but once remov'd the Blaze was set abroad which Lodowick began and it was grown the only News the Court was full of Every Body had got the story Prince Emilius Ador'd Lovisa and happy was she could first Communicate it to her Friend The Duke was last inform'd because all lov'd the Prince and fear'd his being displeas'd At length an old Courtier one who had liv'd even past the remembrance of his Youth thought this Match inconvenient and politickly resolv'd to tell him He heard the Relation with a fierceness beyond that which his own rugged nature gave Unthinking Unambitious Boy said he just as the other finisht have I for this with pains obtain'd to bless his Nuptial Bed with Isabella the wealthy Princess of Mantua and doth the idle Slave to his Passions worship the fading Beauties of a Bauble whilst the choisest Jewel of a Crown is offer'd With this he flew to the Apartment of the Dutchess His Eyes carried Rage that every cringing Courtier shrunk into a Corner and durst not meet their Fury The mild and ever gentle Dutchess trembled at his sight before she heard the story When with Frowns ushering in his words he thus began You Madam I suppose have fondl'd up your Son to this like a true Mother but unlike my Wife indulg'd his humours 'till inevitable ruine has got within his grasp Nor wou'd you yet cry hold rather than your Child shou'd grow uneasy give it the Poyson I thought your Son haunted your Apartments not to learn the Rudiments of Honour they are seldom to be found amongst the Women Alas my Lord interrupts him the Affrighted Dutchess I know not what you mean No no went he on you have not conniv'd nay perhaps desir'd that Rebellious Boy Emilius to make Love to your fair Favourite Lovisa But mark me Madam For by Heaven I swear let this be remedy'd or you will find the consequence will give you cause to tremble I know the Maid is Virtuous said that good Lady with all imaginable Mildness her Birth is Noble since her Blood is mixt with yours but that my Son or Loves or Courts her witness the Heaven you swore by I know not My Blood replies he all inrag'd the stream has run too far and all that 's Royal is lost But were she my Brother's Daughter and a Bar to my designs made me retrench my words or promise given Cloyster or Death shou'd force the stubborn Girl and set the way clear before me Therefore I charge you School your Son and dispose of her else I who have been the Partner of your Bed these Thirty Years will ever after prove a Stranger and a Foe This said he left the weeping Dutchess Poor Emilius was just going to his Mother there to open all his heart and beg her kind Assistance to mollify his Father He sent Bileront before humbly to pray the Dutchess she wou'd in her Cabinet hear him on a subject that was to him important Bileront streight return'd and told the expecting Prince the Duke was gone thither with an angry Brow Emilius fear'd the worst and staid conceal'd till the Duke return'd then going to the Dutchess in her melting Eyes he reads his Fate and stood a while immoveable That sweet Princess no sooner beheld her Son look so pale and deeply sad but her Tears increas'd For the Duke had rightly charg'd her in that particular She excelling most Mothers in Fondness The Prince first broke silence and respectfully askt her if he might know what his Father had done to cause those Sorrows First Answer me says the Mourning Dutchess are you so Unhappy to love Lovisa Pardon me my Mother said Emilius in a moving tone nor call me Unhappy in loving and being belov'd by that Virtuous all-deserving Noblest Maid This Declaration touched the Dutchess nearly and she word for word told that despairing Prince what his Incensed Father had sworn Therefore added that Wise yet tender Mother quit thou thy unauspicious Love before the threatn'd storm comes on it hangs just breaking o'er our Heads and if thou persist falls upon all Quit my Love answers the Prince passionately Ah! Madam E'er you resolve to be obey'd please to hear how great a Villain you wou'd make your then abject Son Lovisa most perfect of her Sex by nature reserv'd and cold unapt to Love One who lays not out her wondrous stock of Charms to catch at Hearts but declines her modest Eyes nor Triumphs nor rejoices in her Conquests This I saw and lov'd her for 't pursu'd her with a Passion violent and unfeign'd I sigh'd I kneel'd I pray'd nay quite Unmann'd I even Wept before her She saw I joy'd in nothing but her sight My alter'd Face show'd the pangs my aching heart indur'd Mov'd at last she kindly heal'd my Suffering with gentle pity And shall I quit the dear relenting Saint I who drew her to love's bewitching Mischiefs against her Inclinations almost forcing her tender heart guarded with an aversion to Mankind now shall I quit her Oh! never sooner I 'd quit my Birthright turn Lunatick Naked travail the inhospitable World feel first the distracting grief needs must seize my Dear one shou'd I prove so basely Wicked to forsake her Leave me said that tormented Mother for this but increases the Woe that my heart is already too full of The Dutchess seeing the Prince thus obstinate resolves to try a gentler subject He being gone she sent a Page of Honour to call Lovisa to her That Noble Maid had heard nothing of these Disturbances and readily obey'd entering the Cabinet with a chearful Countenance But when she saw the Dutchesses sorrow her heart sunk downwards and she appear'd just such another Statue as the Unfortunate Emilius did before Come near my Charming Charge said the Disconsolate Dutchess thy dying Mother left thee to my Care Have I not been careful of thee Speak boldly Lovisa and accuse me if I utter any untruth Royal Madam answer'd the