MEMOIRES OF THE COURT of FRANCE Relating to the Amours of the Duke of Maine AND THE Marriages of the other Illegitimate Children of the French King with the Princes and Princesses of the Blood Written in French By Madam DAVNOIS the Famous Author of the Letters of Travels into Spain AND Done into English by Mr. A. B. LONDON Printed for E. Whitlock near Stationers-Hall 1697. THE Translator's PREFACE THE Lady who is the Author of these Memoires has gain'd so universal a Reputation that there 's little occasion to say any thing in her Favour Yet to recommend Her the more to the Esteem of the English World I shall observe that she is not tainted with the common Vice of French Writers Flattery but speaks now with as much liberty of the Court of France as she has formerly done of that of Spain Her Stile is sometimes Historical sometimes fitted to a free and loose Conversation and now and then interwoven with a delightful Variety of Verses and Love-Letters As for the Translation if any Hypercritick will take the trouble to compare it with the Original let him take this Declaration along with him That I have not study'd to make a verbal servile Version but have taken the freedom to add and retrench as occasion requir'd to make the Sence run clear in English and at the same time to preserve the Graces of the French If I have committed any Faults let this additional Account of the Royal Family of France as far as 't is necessary for the understanding of these Memoirs attone for them THE Royal Family of France THe King Lewis XIV The Dauphin the King's Son The Dauphiness the Dauphin's Wife now dead The Dauphin's Sons The Duke of Burgundy The Duke of Anjou The Duke of Berry Monsieur or The Duke of Orleans the King's Brother Madam or The Dutchess of Orleans Monsieur 's Wife The Duke of Chartres Monsieur's Son Madamoiselle or Mademoiselle de Chartres Monsieur's Daughter The Old Prince of Condé the King 's Cousin-German now dead The Duke of Anguien now Prince of Condé the Old Prince of Condé's Son The Duke of Bourbon his Son now Duke of Anguien Mademoiselle de Condé Daughter to the Duke of Aguien Mademoiselle de Bourbon her Sister The Prince of Conti the Old Prince of Condé's Nephew now dead The Prince of Roche-sur-yon the Prince of Conti's Brother now Prince of Conti who at this present time stands fair for the Crown of Poland The Duke of Vendosme the King 's base Cousin-German Madam la Valiere one of the King's Mistresses Mademoiselle de Vermandois Daughter to la Valiere and the King The Duke of Vermandois her Brother now dead Madam Montespan one of the King's Mistresses Sons to the King and Madam Montespan The Duke of Maine Count Verin now dead â—â—â—nt Tholouse Mademoiselle de Tours Daughter to the King and Madam de Montespan Madam de Nantes her Sister Madam Maintenon the present Favourite-Mistress to the King ERRATA Pag. 1. and elsewhere for Madamoiselle read Mademoiselle p. 4. l. 27. Would you not tell r. Would you tell p. 10. l. 10. Laughing r. Languishing p. 15. l. 1. pitying r. pining MEMOIRES OF THE Court of France c. HIS Highness the Duke of Maine as all the World knows is natural Son to Lewis the XIV It is no wonder then to see his Heart capable of the tenderest and softest Impressions being the Off-spring of a Monarch who has made and makes still the Fair Sex his chiefest Delight Madam Montespan Mother to the Duke being one Day with the King told him Sir if your Majesty would be pleas'd to match my Sons and Daughters with Princes and Princesses of the Blood I should eternally be thankful for the Kindness Madam answer'd the King I would willingly give you that satisfaction but the Prince of Conde my Cousin did not seem very well pleas'd when I propos'd a Match between the Duke of Maine and Madamoiselle de Conde his Grand-Daughter No doubt reply'd that Lady with a haughty Tone he will rather chuse to bestow her upon the Prince of Roche-sur-yon who is more able to make her Fortune Madam I can say nothing to that answer'd the King coldly But if you desire it I 'll speak to him again about it and endeavour to marry the Duke of Anguien his Grand-son to Madamoiselle de Tours your eldest Daughter As for Madamoiselle de Nantes her younger Sister I design her for my Nephew the Duke of Chartres Lord Sir cry'd Madam Montespan your Majesty don't consider what a noise this will make for the Duke of Orleans will never suffer the Duke of Chartres to marry my Daughter Madam said the King raising a little his Voice leave that to me 'T is not for nothing that I wear a Crown and would not you be surpriz'd if I should tell you that the Duke of Maine is already in Love with Madamoiselle de Chartres and that this Princess likes him so far as to make the World think that she would not be displeased to have him for a Husband That were surprizing indeed answer'd she How could Madamoiselle's high Spirit descend so low as the Duke of Maine No I cannot believe it Besides the Dutchess of Orleans cannot endure him Madam said the King there have been greater Miracles before now Love by a secret and unknown Power unites all things Sir reply'd Madam Montespan I am well enough pleas'd with that flattering Fancy but what shall we do with Count Vexin Your Majesty loves him he is the youngest of my Children and in my Opinion the most deserving That 's but your Fancy said that Monarch with a Smile The Duke of Maine has a great deal more Fire and Sprightliness than his younger Brother But Sir reply'd Madam Montespan Count Vexin's pretty little Ways are so wonderfully pleasing and endearing Yes said the King because you are more fond of him than all the rest But let me tell you Matrimony is not fit for him and therefore we must consecrate him to the Church I 'll not be against it reply'd she if he likes the Proposal But he seems to have as great a Passion for Women as his Brother who is a downright little Vulcan Why truly Madam answer'd that Prince smiling Do you think that because a Man marries the Church he must therefore renounce Women I thought you knew better things A black Coat hides a great many Mysteries of Love that would make a strange noise in the World without such a Cloak These Words were scarce out of the King's Mouth when the old Prince of Conde came in and after he had entertain'd the King according to his Desire Madam Montespan took an opportunity to expostulate with him the Contempt he had for her Son Never was Prince so surpriz'd but however he thought sit to dissemble his Uneasiness Madam said he I am so far from having any such Thoughts that I could wish the Duke of Auguien had Desert enough to merit one of
great deal of difference betwixt the Children of Madam la Valiere and those of Madam Montespan We cannot with Justicâ— blame the first she was a single Person thaâ— never lov'd any Man beside the King whereas the other is a perjur'd Woman who haâ— left her Husband for a Prince who begins to be weary of her I Foretold her this just Judgment of Heaven added Madam but she was then so great a Cocquet that she made no other answer but that we were born to our selves to enjoy the Pleasures of Life A very worldly and sensual Answer reply'd the Prince of Conti and which has but little of that Piety which that Lady begins to profess Truly Prince said the Dutchess she has a great deal to answer for if Adulteries be criminal Pshaw Madam reply'd the Princâ— smiling Father Anet her Confessor has a Secret to absolve all Sins and turn them into venial ones Pray what 's that you call a venial Sin said Madam interrupting him Our Reverend Father the Jesuits make several Classes of Sins some are Moral others Philosophical and others again Theological And of all those Sins Father Racine says none can damn a Man but the Theological Here the rest of the Company coming up to Madam interrupted their Conversation But what put this Princess out of Humour was the sight of the Duke of Maine who ran with all speed after these Illustrious Hunters As soon as this Prince had saluted Madamoiselle he came near Madam who gave him a very indifferent Reception He was us'd to such Crosses of Fortune and so was little concern'd at this blesides one of Madamoiselle's Smiles that he got now and then made him sufficient amends for her Mother's Frowns and made him look extreamly well pleas'd As they were riding along Madamoiselle desired him to hold a little Cane she had in her hand this Cane besides a Knot of Carnation Ribbands and several Diamonds had a fine Emrald with the Prince's Picture both a Present of the Duke's on which his Highness bestow'd a thousand Kisses unperceiv'd by all but Madamoiselle who told him as she alighted from her Horse Prince who did you think upon when you so devoutly kiss'd the Image you had in your hands about an hour ago Who could I think upon but your dear Self most Beautiâ—ul Princess answer'd the Duke since 't is your Image I love and venerate more than those of all the Saints in Paradise who perhaps could not have so much Power over me as your Highness How can that be reply'd Madamoiselle You know I cure no Disâ—aâ—es but rather cause Suffâ—rings if I may believe you I confess Madam râ—ply'd the Duke with an Air that made Madamoiselle laugh your Highness is more apt to make a wretched Mortal languish than He said no more and Madamoiselle who saw that Madam observ'd them took his Silâ—nce as a sign of his Love and Râ—spect The Company being separated and retir'd to their respective Houses the Duke of Maine reflected on his ill Fortune with respect to Monsieur and Madam the Dutchess oâ— Orleans who look'd upon him with Contempt He resolv'd at last to speak to the King about it but his Majesty told him That he was not like ever to compass what he aim'd at That Monsiâ—ur design'd his Daughter for a Monarch and that he had already spoke in his Favour but could not prevail But Sir reply'd the Duke I dare flatter my self that the Princess does not hate me I am apt to believe it said the King but it is not enough to have her Consent you must have Monsieur and Madam's Good will too if you propose to be happy But Duke added his Majesty be rul'd by me since you have a mind to marry disengage your self from Madamoiselle de Chartres and bend your Thoughts on Madamoiselle de Bourbon who is a lovely and deserving Princess For tho the Prince of Conde her Grandfather be not vèry well pleas'd with the Match yet I am sure the Duke of Anguâ—en will not be against it Sir reply'd the Duke of Maine methinks I should like Madamoiselle de Condé the Eldest Sister a great deal better Marriages are not govern'd by Choice and do not you see said the King that she 's design'd for the Prince of Roche-sur-yon But Sir return'd the Duke can't one serve that Prince's turn They say he has a Design upon Madamoâ—selle de Tours my Sister Yes reply'd the King but I believe the other will carry it and that Madamoâ—selle de Tours your Sister will marry the Duke of Bourbon All the Reasons the King did use were not able to divert the Duke's Thoughts from Madamoiselle de Condé in whom he found a thousand Accomplishments and as soon as he had left his Majesty he went to pay her a Visit overwhelm'd with a deep Melancholy for being in a manner forc'd to quit Madamoiselle whom he so much esteem'd and admir'd After he had been some time in this languishing Condition the old Duke of Condé died and his Death freed him from a potent Enemy because his Highness had always had a mortal Hatred for all the Children of Madam Montespan The Duke of Maine being thus at liberty and pretty well recover'd of the amorous Torments he felt for Madamoiselle de Chartres he made for a long time his earnest and constant Addresses to Madamoiselle de Condé But when this lovely Princess began to be enamour'd with the Charms of the Duke of Maine she was as it were snatch'd away from his Arms to be given io the Prince of Roche-sur-yon The Duke is mad at the Disappointment he raves he weeps pulls of his Hair grows weary of Life and swears he 'll revenge the wrong done him in his Rival's Blood The Dauphin hearing of iâ— acquaints the King with these frantick Designs who presently orders the Duke of Maine to be under Arrest till the mad Fit be over While he was thus confin'd he could not enjoy a minute's rest till he had disclos'd his Passion to his Mistress and assur'd her how unfortunate he was in his absence from her Here is a faithful Copy of a Letter he sent to her to that purpose I Have had all along most adorable Princess a thousand secret Surmizes that I should be never so fortunate as to enjoy you I now find my Fears are too true and that you are destin'd for another who does not deserve you so well as my self if Love can claim the first Title I am jealous even to Madness and this Proof of my Love is inseparable from great Passions Alas I am still fond of my own Errour which flatters me that you will still be the same What would not I have done if I could have had the liberty to love you for ever All the World seems combin'd to inform me of my Misfortune but alas I do resent it enough my self and I need no Informations to be convinc'd that you have perhaps forgotten me and are just ready to sacrifice
me to the cruellest of my Enemies who will never take the pains to deserve your Heart This is the only Comfort I have left And I do assure you incomparable Princess that if you can retain some Esteem for the most passionate Lover that ever was I shall never cease loving you in a manner equal to your Merit Be your self Judge how far my Love is like to go Du Maine Madamoiselle de Condé having receiv'd this Letter could not forbear to answer it as followeth PRINCE YOV express your Sentiments to me in so moving a manner that I find it impossible not to love But perhaps you speak the same to a great many others Take care of that for I can never be reconcil'd to a Heart that 's divided I will have it all or none and if that which is now design'd for me has still an Inclination for the Blew-ey'd Marchioness I swear I will You may guess at my meaning and what a Woman can do to revenge her self upon a Husband that allows her but a share in his Heart I must needs confess Dear Duke that I am Marry'd against my Inclinations The Prince of Roche-sur-yon would have done well not to have Courted this Match but since the Court will have it so I must at least look pleas'd with it Adieu Prince you know what I have in store for you Henrietta de Condé The Duke of Maine having bestow'd a thousand Kisses upon this Letter felt an unexpressible Joy in the Hopes his Mistress gave him to love him for ever which were confirm'd by the small Inclination Madnmoiselle de Condé had for the Prince of Roche sur-yon She will never love him said he to himself and I shall be Master of her Heart if no other Inclination robs me of it Women are inconstant and pleas'd with Variety But what do I say Perhaps my Princess will be true for ever at least I will believe her so since I cannot live easie without that pleasing tho' deceitful Fancy The Duke of Maine was thus entertaining his amorous Thoughts when news was brought him that the King releas'd him from his Consinement which was in one of his Friend's House This Friend was marry'd to a Lady whom I beg leave to disguise under the Name of Countess Brigid for which the Duke had a fancy not because she was handsom but by reason of some secret Charms in her Wit and Conversation that drown'd the Defects of her Person Therefore when the Duke of Maine receiv'd the news of his Freedom he made answer That he would not stir out till he had a mind to it himself since he had been consin'd against his Will about a Business that would have ended without noise The Duke of Marsillac who was charg'd with the King's Orders return'd his Answer to his Majesty who left the Duke to do as he thought fit The Countess Brigid whom this Prince had entertain'd with his Passion began to be desperately in Love him and before he went to his Command in Flanders under the Duke of Luxemburg she granted him the last Favours But in so ingaging and endearing a manner that the Duke has since confest that he never loved so intirely a Woman without Beauty The sweet Moments he spent in her Company made him forget all his past Misfortunes except Mademoiselle de Condé whose Image was always present to his Mind One Day as he was at Chantilli a House of Pleasure that formerly belong'd to Madam Montespan his Mother musing upon the Charms of that Princess he receiv'd a Letter handsomly seal'd up which came from his Countess with the following Words WHen I first begun to love my Dearest I thought my Passion was capable of no Addition but now I perceive it encreases to a stupendous and dreadful degree I know but one thing that can make me happy and that is my charming Prince That you Love me as intirely as I do you But how can I flatter my self with those pleasing hopes when I have nothing to entitle me to the possession a Heart of so much Worth as yours is Nevertheless I do not doubt but that you Love me a little since you still wear the Scarfe I made for you with my own Hands My Heart two has had a share in it that Heart that made me contrive all that I did for you when the God of Love wounded us both with so sweet so pleasing a Dart Oh! What Charms What Raptures I cannot forget those happy Moments which I cannot express unless I see you Haste then my Dear haste to renew them before you go to the Army where my Heart will attend you as a Volunteer I expect with impatience to see you to Night at the bottom of the Terrass Do not make me Languish after a thing that costs you so little The Duke of Maine who was then in Company could not forbear Laughing at the last Words of the Countess's Letter which were a Riddle to every Body but him and her that wrote them He admir'd the Witty Turns of that Lady and the tender Expressions of her Love to him and therefore did not fail to meet her at the appointed Hour The fine Moon-shine invited the impatient Countess to get upon a rising ground to look for her dear Lover who soon after agreeably surpriz'd her and told her Madam I am so possest with the Passion you have rais'd in me that had I not seen you this Night I would certainly have expir'd Then you Love me much said the Countess embracing him Now indeed I am the most fortunate Woman under the Heavens let 's make the most of your Presence and my Husband's Absence The Duke Regal'd the Countess with his agreeable Conversation and a great deal of playing and toying no less pleasing After that he went his way as all your Fortunate Lovers do that is a little in haste and as they say at Paris à la Masarine Some few Weeks after the Duke being in the Field receiv'd the News of Mademoiselle de Condé's Marriage which threw him into so deep a Melancholy that none of his Friends could guess at the Cause of his Concern He soon after fell sick of a Tertian Ague which he used to call an Amorous one His Physician perceiving that he was against all manner of Physick administred to him of a very handsome Girl for his Cure The Duke of Maine who knew the thing was secret made the best of this Prescription during the Campaign and rewarded well his Physician for his Remedy which had restor'd him to his perfect Health This Physical Girl who was in Boys Cloaths having done considerable Services to the Love-sick Duke return'd to the Doctor his lawful Master who as I am told has since perform'd wonderful Cures with his Recipe The Summer Expedition being over the Duke of Maine came back to Paris with the rest of the Generals and every one continued in his Winter-quarters to divert himself with the Ladies The Duke resumed his former
may as well Languish on his Throne as a Shepherd in his Sheep-Cot For Whilst the Baroness was thus going on the Abbot of Joli coeur entered and interupted her to whom turning about she thus Accosted her self You come my Lord Abbot cry'd she in good time Mariana was just entertaining me with Trifles that she says a Woman can never engage in without concern How reply'd the Abbot what says this lovely Charmer Sure then she was entertaining your Ladyship with Love Yes the same quoth the Baroness her Tongue is Eternally running upon that Subject She has Reason reply'd the Abbot For it is the greatest comfort of our Lives Hereupon the Baroness being sensibly affected with the Abbots Address retired immediately into her Closet and threw her self upon an Angel Bed where the Abbot Sighing followed her and Approaching Trembling told her with a Mournful Air That he was but too unhappy in being so Subject to a Woman's Eyes adding withal that his Misery was the greater in that his Function permitted him to go no farther than his Breviary How reply'd the Baroness smiling Your Breviary sure is no Woman That 's certain Madam answered the Abbot yet never theless therein Lent is strictly Commanded But prethee my Lord cry'd the Ladâ— interupting and taking him by the Hand Tell me if your Misfortune should proceeâ— so far as to occasion a Woman of some Quality to Confess she Lov'd you What would you do I pray Would you immediately hang your self in her Garters Is it possiblâ— Madam reply'd Joli-coeur that your Ladyship should be so unacquainted with mâ— sincerity It is most certain I should Loâ—â— her a Thousand times beyond my fell Enough quoth the Baroness you shall be farther considered hereafter Joli coeur by this time being desperately smitten instantly throws himself at the Baronesses Feet and after boldly Advanc'd to her Embraces where what they did I am not able to give any farther Account of Let us now return to the Duke of Maine who troubled his Head but little with any Mistresses except the Fair Camilla then under Tutelage of Madam Maintenon This Prince saw his amiable Object but seldom which was the extreamest occasion of his Grief nevertheless a Marriage being proposed for him with Mademoiselle de Bourbon Daughter to the Prince of Conde the greater part of his amorous Ideas were soon effac'd This Marriage being at length Consummated his Highness for some time was conformable to the Restrictions of Hymen After which the King perceiving that one of his natural Daughters was still unmarryd resolved to bestow her on the Duke of Chartres his Nephew and this by reason of a report made him by a certain Lord that the Duke was desperately in Love with Mademoiselle de Nantes Sister to the Duke of Maine Enough quoth the King I 'll soon turn the Scales whereupon one Day meeting this Prince with his Father the Duke of Orleans in his Closet he talk't to him Roundly about the matter when his Father the Duke briskly opposed his Complying Persisting that for his part he would never consent that his only Son should marry a Bastard To whom then would you marry him replyed the King to some German Princess I care not quoth the Duke providing she be but Legitimate Oh you must pass by these trifling Obstacles quoth the King and remember that she is the most Amiable as well as Beautifull Princess in Europe I do not pretend Sir reply'd the Duke to dispute her Beauty with your Majesty but her Birth only Monsieur continu'd the King with some heat oblige me to and let it Suffice that He has no ordinary kindness for my Daughter The Duke of Orleans being one of the best Natur'd and none of the Wisest Princes in Europe soon suffered himself to be ouer-perswaded by the King insomuch that that very Night the Contract was sign'd between 'em with out the Dutchesse's Privity who afterwards coming to know it raved most Immoderately and express'd her Indignation in these Words What says she have I prevented my Daughter's Marrying the Duke of Maine and must his Sister come in her place These are some of the Kings laudable Actions who never yet had any other consideration then his VVill. Whilst the Dutchess was thus Toâ—menting her self the Marriage of her Son went on apace and being atlength Finish d the Dutchess of Chartres would needs pay her Duty to her Mother-in-law the Dutchess of Orleans Who receiv'd her but coldly and told her moreover with a great deal of Contempt that she could easily have dispenc with such a Visit and that so mean a Person as she must never think hereafter to nitrench upon her Retirement Very well might the Dutchess be concern'd at such a Compliment nevertheless some Days after telling it to her Husband he comforted her extreamly there upon and likewise endeavou'd to extenuate his Mothers Conduct But the Duke of Maine for his part was to grievously affronted at the Duchesse 's Haughty Carriage as well in regard to himself as his Sister that it was a great while after before he would be wrought upon to go to Court Altho' his Highness the Duke of Maine was now Marry'd he could yet never get the Incomparable Camilla out of his Head It was easy for him to have frequent access to her Madam Maintenon her Governess being the principal Confident of his Amours Moreover before the King pich't upon her for his Mistress this Lady was likewise Governess to Mademoiselle de Tours and de Nantes his Highness's Sisters as also to the Count of Tolouse his Brother all which reasons were more then sufficient to engage the Superiour of St. Cir to his side who entertains in her Breast even to this Dâ—y both his Pleasures and Disgusts It was necessary for a Prince so Gallant and Misterious as his most Serene Highness to have a Consident Discreet and Intriguing as the Sage Maintenon This Lady therefore perceiving how tenderly he Lov'd the Young Camilla and that it was impossible for her to disengage him after having endeavour'd by a great many Arguments to convince him of his Conjugal Tie at length resolv'd to afford him secretly the sight of this charming Creature Hereupon St. Cir was destin'd for the Rendevous where he afterwards often Surfeited upon inconceivable Delights One Day as he was at Dinner with his Dutchess the Freak took him all of a sudden to go to St. Cir whereupon this Princess ask'd him seriously what Pleasure he could find in that place Ah! Madam reply'd the Prince the charms I there meet with are a ravishing Innocence and a most intrancing Tranquility insomuch that I cannot forbear approving the Scituation of that House which is much more fine and Singular then those either of the Jnvalides or Academies of Gentlemen over and above which we may there like wise see a great number of fine young Ladies whom the King has plac'd under the conduct of a Person of eminent Virtue so that this noble Retreat may
nothing of this kind therefore endeavour to settle your disturbances and resolve Ha! What Sir will you not then believe it reply'd the Dutchess a little time will clear all and evince the Truth and grant Heaven I do not prove a Prophetess at my own costs The Prince of Conde thus having endeavour'd to calm his Daughters Afflictions left her no less indispos'd so that being willing to be farther satisfy'd he went to his Son 's the Duke of Bourbon of whom he demanded Smiling if St. Cir had any Beauties capable of charming a Prince Yes in truth Sir has it answer'd the Duke there are some even fit to engage a God especially one wonderfuly fair whom it is impossible to see without the most sensible Regret if not receiv'd and for my own part I never yet beheld any Woman so worthy of a lasting Amour How said the Prince rubbing his Forehead What do you call her What is her Name Sir reply'd the Duke 't is Mademoiselle de Oh! quoth the Prince I know her Family is she then so handsome Yes reply'd the Duke more Beautiful than an Angel and no less charming than a Cherubin I have heard say answer'd the Prince cunningly that she is engaged to a Young Duke about Court True Sir reply'd the Duke of Bourbon bluntly 't is to the Duke of Maine How quoth the Prince dissembling you amaze me it cannot be he sure the Duke of Maine who was so lately Married How can he think already of other Amours I 'll assure you I can give but little Credit to this 'T is so reported Sir reply'd the Duke I know no more Perhaps it may not be True I believe it is not answer'd the Prince nevertheless I 'll go and make a visit to the Superiour of St. Cir Perhaps I may see this Mademoiselle de whose Father I was so intimately acquainted with and who approv'd himself so true and Faithful a Friend to me upon many Accounts The Prince of Conde being arriv'd at St. Cir enquired for Madam Maintenon who readily waited on him and whom the Prince after some discourse about indifferent Matters desired the Favour of to oblige him with the sight of a young Lady he nam'd to her who was under her Tuition and likewise Daughter to one of his most intimate Friends Madam Maintenon not being able to refuse his Highnesses request caused Camilla forthwith to appear before him who soon made good the Character the Duke of Bourbon had given of her and which Occasion'd the Prince to Address himself to her after this manner Madam quoth he Fame the common Flatterer has approv'd her self very much your Enemy for tho' she has publish'd a surprising Account of your extraordinary Qualities yet by the sight of you we find you a thousand times more deserving Camilla answer'd his Highnesses Compliments with so engaging an Air that even the Prince himself soon felt the force of her Charms for some Days afterwards he told the Duke of Bourbon that he could no longer admire at the Duke of Maine's Passion for so beautiful a Creature Alas added he with a great deal of Concern if I my self were but to see her often she would infallibly force me under the like Miscarriage I remember I have read somwhere in the History of France That one of our Kings fell so desperately in Love with his Son's Mistress that what he Condemn'd before in him he afterwards approv'd of himself and from his Father soon became his Rival I should not think it proper to let the Dutchess know any thing of this quoth the Duke of Bourbon Alas reply'd the Prince she poor Woman knows but too much already her Husbands coldness easily convinces her of the Truth of it and for my part I know not what Remedy to prescribe for her ease Does your Highness believe quoth the D. of Bourbon that Madam Maintenon will ever suffer matters to exceed Modesty and good Manners I can't tell you that reply'd the Prince but the Case is a little dangerous however be you sure for your part to keep your Wife from the Knowledge of it for fear she should out with all to the Dutchess of Maine and in the mean time perhaps the Duke may weary himself out with Sighing in vain at his Beauties Feet who seem'd to me not to be a little Haughty nevertheless so favourable a beginning of an Amour does not promise any probable satisfaction to the Dutchess my Daughter in a disappointment Notwithstanding it is her Resolution to dissemble her Sentiments to her Husband and perhaps that may work some good effect upon him for we have often known several Virtuous Women reform their Husbands Extravagancies barely by their Patience and Ingenuity The Prince of Conde was Reasoning after this manner when the Dutchess of Maine came in whereupon the Dutchess of Bourbon was immediately sent for to entertain her Highness at Play Afterwards several other great Persons coming in and a Magnificent Banquet being serv'd up they fell to Discourse at Table of the several Passions that preside in the Heart of Man Alas cry'd the Dutchess of Maine Mournfully If Men did but follow the Morality of the Gospel there would not so many Vices reign among Christians Wives would be faithful to their Husbands and Husbands to their Wives Ingratitude would be banish'd from the World with all the other numerous Sins that both Dishonour the Church and Injure ones Neighbour Madam quoth the Prince of Conti smiling what your Highness has been pleased to urge is most true but nevertheless oftentimes Custom and Conversation make us what we should otherwise never have been This is very well answer'd the Dutchess let us then follow the Morality of the Court and Surfeit upon Politicks and Pleasures Is there not likewise a kind of Morality in Gallantry which provides that in Case we be not faithless we may be as wanton as we please I agree with your Highness Madam reply'd the Prince and if I were discoursing before Ladies of that Character I would take care of saying that their Affected Dresses soft and languishing Airs fancy'd mien and Coquettish Behaviour were altogether opposite to the Gospel likewise Don't be so severe upon our Sex my Lord reply'd the Dutchess I humbly beseech you for I could easily demonstrate Men are more Conquettish and Inconstant in their Tempers than we and this as they are less capable of being otherwise In a Word They never oppose their Inclinations and it would be easier for them to live without Meat and Drink than to deny themselves the Rambling Pleasure of running after pretty Women This discourse of the Dutchess made all the Company laugh being Calculated on purpose for her Husband who was just then entring the Room and which gave him occasion to answer after this manner Faith Madam Love is but a slender Diet and there are but very few that can make a Meal upon their Mistress favours it regales our Minds and Bodies indeed but nevertheless it must
your Ladyship's Daughters who in my Opinion are both perfect Beauties Madam Montespan held her peace and look'd upon the King who said with a Smile I shall make it my business to keep the Royal Family quiet Soon after the Conversation ended and Company separated Whilst others were industrious in speaking in the Duke of Maine's Favour he was busie in improving all Opportunities to give Proofs of his Passion to Madamoiselle de Chartres who was inclined to receive them kindly when she could do it without being observed One day he had the good Fortune to find her alone in her Closet and as he entertain'd her with the Force and Extent of his Love Prince reply'd Madamoiselle with a languishing Air What would you have me do for you What I would have you do for me answer'd the Duke with a passionate Eagerness I would have you love me illustrious Princess if I can ever be so fortunate as to please you Alas cry'd she with a blush how unkind and cruel you are Why would you not tell me you had a Design upon my Heart The Prince perceiving she spoke with so much Sweetness and good Nature cast himself at her Feet and told her transported with Love Divine Creature if my Fate could ever be so happy as to here he stop'd being interupted by Mauritia one of the Princess's Maids She being a Person of an easie Temper and one that the Princess entrusted with all her Secrets the Duke pursu'd his passionate Conversation The same Day the Duke of Orleans made a splendid Ball in the Royal Palace where the Duke of Maine appear'd in a very agreeable Disguise that he might the better entertain Madamoiselle with all the sweet endearing Expressions that his Love could suggest to him He was taken notice of by the Duke of Orleans who told the King of it but he made as if he did not hear him The Ball being over the Duke of Maine withdrew to his Apartment more deeply in Love than ever and abandon'd himself to all the Torments and Pleasures of his new-born Passion His Mind was still floating and toss'd betwixt Hope and Fear and distracted by two violent Passions He debated within himself what course he had best to take to compass his grand Design of marrying Madamoiselle de Chartres in which he met with many Obstacles and Difficulties He often consulted with his Mother who assur'd him that she never miss'd any Opportunity to speak to the King about it adding with Sorrow that her Influence upon that Monarch was not so prevailing as before Nothing Dear Son cry'd she with a Sigh nothing is constant in this World and the kindest Prince that is cannot always love the same Object But yet Madam answer'd that young Prince Constancy ought to be inseparable from a great Mind since there can be no true Felicity without it That 's true Dear Child reply'd Madam Montespan but Kings have their real Failings as well as the rest of Mortals and our great Monarch tho' in all other respects accomplish'd has still the Frailty of being changeable in Love He is infinitely pleas'd with variety of which Madam la Valiere made me but too sensible before she turn'd Nun. Besides I am afraid my Enemies whisper in the King's Ear what some Court-Flatterers told formerly one of the Kings of Persia who was constant to one of his Mistresses meerly upon the score of good Manners and Conscience That it was below his Grandeur to mind whether what he did was decent or undecent just or unjust since his Pleasure ought to be the only Rule and Standard of Decency and Justice This Madam reply'd the Duke of Maine is the common way of pleasing Princes Every thing must yield to their Desires surrounded as they are by a Crowd of Flatterers they can never know themselves Their Failings are artfully painted and varnish'd their Actions heightened and advanc'd by false Lights and Glitterings and their smaller Vertues canonized I know a World of pernicious Courtiers who never approach the Throne but they poison it with their intoxâ—cating Tongues most fatal to the Mind of a well-born Monarch Flattery said Madam Montespan does not stop at the Throne but diffuses and spreads it self through all the Branches of the Court You know the Dutchess of She has daily a Crowd of Admirers at her Feet who do but play the Fool with her and persuade her that she can contend for Beauty with the Angels That her Merit is infinite and capable of enchanting the whole World and with such like Fooleries they fill her Mind with pleasing chimerical Fancies But let the good Lady have as many Admirers as she pleases all their fine Speeches and flattering Nonsence will never conceal her Homeliness and Vulgar Carriage The Duke was a going to say some pleasing thing or other upon the Picture his Mother had made of the Dutchess but was interrupted by the Abbot Morcau who came to visit Madam Montespan and to give her an Account of a Commission she had given him that did not much become the Gravity of his Character The Duke of Maine taking this opportunity to leave his Mother went to the Wood of Boulogne to entertain his enamour'd Fancy with the Charms and Graces of his Mistress Sitting on a little rising ground which he found very convenient he revolv'd in his Mind all that a great Mind can think of to carry on the Scheme of his Design Some time after he went into the thickest part of the Wood and wrote in his Table Book the Copy of a Letter which he afterwards sent to Madamoiselle which contained these Words I Find at last Incomparable Princess that of all the Torments in Nature none is so quick and violent as that of Love 'T is a Pain that gnaws and preys upon our very Souls And if you do not compassionate my Condition I must soon die at your Feet the cruellest Death imaginable My Sufferings are not to be exprest And generally great Beauties like your self do but laugh at the Pains which themselves cause But as this is a most inhumane and unnatural Cruelty so you must have a Care most lovely and beautiful Person not to provoke the Wrath of the Sovereign of all Hearts who sooner or later punishes those that are insensible I know you stick at some Considerations but alas Love excludes Consideration as Consideration excludes Love You are not unacquainted with this Philosophy since there never was a more diseerning and penetrating Princess than your self Upon the reading of this Letter Madamoiselle could not forbear Laughing at the witty insinuating way of the Duke to engage her to Love He gives himself a needless trouble cry'd she with a Sigh to perswade me to Love him Alas I find I Love him too much already But I am afraid my Inclinations must be contradicted and that I am destin'd for some greater Person than the Duke of Maine Madame who over-heard her pronounce that Name came on a sudden into Madamoiselle's
Chamber and said to her Princess What 's the meaning of this I perceive the Duke of Maine has made a strong Impression on your Heart which ought to be the Price of something above the Son of an Unfaithful Woman In Germany and several other Countries they look upon such Persons with utmost Contempt and had rather Match with a common Gentleman than with a Prince basely Born Madamoiselle made no answer to her Mothers Advices but only fetch'd some Sighs which convinc'd Madame that she had a great Tenderness for the Duke Nay then 't is plain you Love him said she with a severe Tone but who is it that has rais'd so injurious a Passion in your Breast And how can a Princess like your self thus poorly stint her Desires when she can have her Choice of many Illustrious Princes In short assure your self I 'll never consent to such Baseness said the Dutchess of Orleans leaving Madamoiselle in the deepest concern for the contempt she express'd for her Lover This young Princess was irresolute and perplex'd when Mauritia came in to whom she unbosom'd all her Sorrows This Maid though of a soft and easie Temper as I said before had still a great deal of Judgment and Discretion and was not wanting in giving good Advice to Madamoiselle upon this Occasion The Princess having heard her out with great attention told her Alas my Dear if you knew what strange Motions I have to struggle with you would pity me Madam reply'd Mauritia how is it possible that a Person that has so much strength of Mind as your Royal Highness should be thus hurried and transported by her Passions Do but resist their first Impressions and be sure of Victory You do not speak as if you felt what you say Dearest Mauritia reply'd Madamoiselle with a laughing Air perhaps you never Lov'd in your Life or if you did 't was so faintly that you can scarce distinguish betwixt Indifference and Love I confess Madam said Mauritia that when a Woman loves in good earnest 't is a hard matter for her to command her self But however we must be rul'd by Reason and your Highness is sensible that the Duke of Orleans your Father will never suffer you to Marry the Duke of Maine were he the most perfect and Accomplish'd Person in the World Barbarous Duty cry'd Madamoiselle cruel Reason you do but rack and torture a Heart that calls for your Assistance Why said she looking upon a Nightingale she had in her Chamber why cannot we live like those innocent Creatures who follow the inclinations of Nature without vexatious Fears Madamoiselle left her Confident and went to walk alone in a Solitary Place The Duke of Maine who burn'd with Impatience to know the Effects of his Letter and being inform'd where she was met her there in some few Moments Madamoiselle was a little surpriz'd at the sight of him and changing Colour told him Duke you come in very good time to divert me from a Thought which was like to carry me very far May a Man be so bold reply'd the Prince as to ask you the Subject of that Thought which undoubtedly was a pleasing one Prince answer'd Madamoiselle with a little Concern and Disorder you had the greatest share in it Is it possible Madam cry'd the Duke transported with Love is it possible Divine Creature that my good Fortune can be so great Perhaps said Madamoiselle with a Smile you did not expect to hear News that flatters all Hearts you men love to please No question Madam said the Prince especially so Illustrious a Princess who is the Admiration of the Universe and the Delight of the Court. Do not rally your Friends reply'd Madamoiselle giving him her Hand which the Duke kept close to his Lips for a quarter of an Hour without speaking one word What means this Silence said Madamoiselle Laughing has some secret Charm robb'd you of your Speech Yes incompâ—rable Princess I am no more my self cry'd the Duke grasping Madamoiselle's Knees my Fortune is so great and uncommon that I cannot but be amaz'd at it Your good Fortune is not yet compleat said she with Sorrow If I was at my own Disposal I would soon resolve upon the Choice I am to take But you know I depend upon the tyrannizing Authority of a Father Alas Madam said the Prince making some steps backwards why did not you leave me in this pleasing Error And why would you acquaint me with my Misfortune My Heart did already flatter me with the hopes that you only depended on your self and that I was to be one day the happiest Man alive He could not make an end of these Words without falling at Madamoiselle's Feet who had much ado to recover him out of his Surprize You grow Pale and Faint Prince said Madamoiselle perceiving that he began to come to himself You want Courage where there is most occasion Are Words able to shake your Constancy thus 'T is with a bleeding Heart that I tell you this News no less fatal to my quiet than your own But assure your self that what I do now or shall be oblig'd to do hereafter will be much against my inclination The Duke of Maine stood Speechless all this while and left Madamoiselle because he saw the Duke of Orleans making towards them whom he knew would not have been very well pleased to find him with his Daughter in so retired a place The Duke of Orleans who is very suspicious and distrustful got upon a rising Ground to see whether he could descry any Body going down from the Castle and having perceived the Coach of the Duke of Maine he gave Madamoiselle very sharp and biting touches upon that Subject to which Madamoiselle made no return but express'd a great deal of Discretion and Modesty Afterwards leaving his Royal Highness to his own Thoughts she withdrew to her Closet to reflect on her present condition Monsieur who is Jealous even to Fury in whatever concerns him finding that his Daughter was gone from him flew into such a Rage as cannot be express'd He enquir'd of his Men where she was and went presently to her and affecting a composed Countenance told her 't is against my Will Daughter that you entertain the Duke of Maine your Mother is extreamly displeased with it you must expect to find her Resentments break out before it be long But how can you Love a Person who upon many accounts can bring nothing but Dishonour to the Royal Family Alas Sir cry'd Madamoiselle I perceive a thousand violent thoughts in your Mind to Ruin me And I reply'd Monsieur see you 'll never be satisfied till you are in the Duke's Embraces but you will soon repent it I do nothing that I ought to be Asham'd of answer'd Madamoiselle if I have a small Esteem for the Duke of Maine I think he does deserve it and your Highness cannot blame me for it 'T is true I have just now been with him in the Arbour but 't
was innocentiy done on my side for I never thought he would have come to me there We always seek the Company of those that love us reply'd Monsieur with a sharp Tone and if the Duke of Maine was not sure of the Conquest of your Heart he would not be so eager to find you out Madamoiselle perceived well enough what her Father meant by that and being endow'd with a strange ready Wit and admirable Address where are those malicious Tongues reply'd she with assurance that have inform'd your Highness that I Lov'd the Duke of Maine so far as to make him run after me My own Eyes have told me so reply'd he going away and I want no other Witnesses Alas cry'd the Princess when she found her self alone I must loose you dear Duke and with you I must loose my Repose for ever Here her Tears and Sighs stopp'd her Voice and Mauritia who by this time was come in soon perceived by her Paleness and down-cast look the trouble and anguish of her mind Alas said she mov'd with pity in what a deplorable condition do I find your Highness You love Madam added she and that 's enough to make you Miserable That 's the cause of my Despair my dear Mauritia answer'd Madamoiselle all the World will talk of my Weaknesses my Heart is grown rebellious and unruly and consults nothing but its Inclinations It never was in my power to do otherwise than I have done therefore my Dearest pity my Misfortunes and consider my cruel Fate which makes me lead a pitying languishing Life and will shortly I fear hurry me to my Grave Mauritia being gone according to her Mistriss's Command Madamoiselle fell into a deep amorous Melancholy and gratify'd all those Griefs and Uneasinesses that can be conceived by none but those that have lost the Persons they loved The Duke of Chartres her Brother did somewhat alleviate her Pain by a thousand little Stories he told her of several Court-Ladies that were very busie and industrious in getting Admirers But said that Prince Smiling it signifies little to Conquer us the difficulty is to keep us when Conquer'd Most Women fancy that because they have Charm'd a Man at first he is presently their Slave for ever but truly they are mistaken we do not sell our Liberty at so cheap a rate No doubt Brother said Madamoiselle disguising her inward Troubles No doubt you are one of those uncertain Conquests I cannot tell dear Sister returned he Smiling The Duke of Maine however is more eagerly assaulted than I Five or six of our First Rate Beauties have this Morning Besieg'd his Heart with a numerous Army of gentle Leers amorous Glances and passionate Ogles which are like to carry it soon upon easie Terms The Duke of Maine's Heart Besieg'd reply'd Madamoiselle with an uneasie Concern and what will this poor Prince do to get out of this Danger He must reply'd the Duke of Chartres send for all the Artillery we have in Flanders to his relief or else he runs great hazard of loosing his Heart That 's an impregnable Fortress Brother said Madamoiselle the Duke of Maine has hitherto bid defiance to all the most conquering and dangerous Ladies and will he now surrender without resistance No I cannot believe it and I know something that perswades me to the contrary 'T is true return'd maliciously the Duke of Chartres that when a Man's Heart is once possess'd by an inclination it is a hard matter to make any sensible Impressions upon it He loves you Sister and how could he then feel the Darts of others The Duke of Maine answer'd Madamoiselle is not so deeply in Love with me as you are with his Sister every Body talks of the Passion you have for her they say you Love nay adore her even to Madness That 's a little too much and I am not so far gone reply'd the Duke of Chartres 't is true Sister added he Madamoiselle de Nantes is a most adorable Creature for besides that she is a perfect Beauty has a thousand agreeable charming and endearing Qualities she is Mistress of a great deal of Wit and good Nature a thing rarely found in your Sex which generally is all made up of Malice These Compliments Brother said Madamoiselle are not very Engaging But however I will acquaint you that you have a Rival no way inferior to you in any thing than can please a handsom Lady And who is this dreadful Rival said the Duke Cannot one be acquainted with his Name 'T is the Prince of Roche sur-yon answer'd Madamoiselle who has a great Passion for her For Madamoiselle of Tours the Eldest Sister you mean reply'd the Duke of Chartres with a disdainful Air for I am sure the Younger will never love him Who can answer for her Heart Brother return'd that Princess smiling A Lady's Faith is a small Assurance when expos'd to a thousand Temptations She may indeed swear an Esteem to her Lover but Oaths that pass between Lovers are easily given and as easily broken And how can any body build upon a Passion which is born one day and dies the next without so much as knowing the Principle of its Rise or the cause of its Fall Aristes and Eugenius two Great Philosophers discoursing one day by the Sea side about the original of that Passion did define it in few words Aristes said to Eugenius That Love is an agreeable Conformity that unites our Hearts and a secret Sympathy from which arises one of those je ne sçâ—y quois not to be express'd by words Certainly Sister reply'd the Duke of Chartres it is a very difficult matter to know the secret Tie that sastens us to the Person belov'd Our Love represents her more Beautiful than the Angels and without any Fault with relation to us who wou'd be sorry she shou'd be otherwise Madamoiselle and the Duke of Chartres were thus pursuing this agreeable Conversation when Madam interrupted them and told Madamoiselle she wanted her Company to visit the Princess of Conti. Madamoâ—selle readily comply'd with her Mother's desire and went where-ever the Dutchess of Orleans was pleas'd to carry her The next day following was spent in Hunting And the Prince acquainted Madam with the Marriage of the Prince of Roche-sur-yon with Madamoiselle de Tours Daughter to Madam Montespan And what 's the meaning of this New Match said Madam to the Prince of Conti The King you see Madam return'd he smiling takes care of his Children It seems he does answer'd Madam but methinks his Majesty might very well spare to Marry Princes of the Blood with such sort of Persons Have not we Marquisses Barons and Gentlemen enough in Francc to bestow them upon without Madam reply'd the Prince your Highness will see more than all this if the King lives He first began with me when he gave me the First Fruits of his Amours Madamoiselle of Vermandois whom I have marry'd tells me that often enough Prince said Madam I make a
Visits to the Princess of Roche-sar-you who always receiv'd them kindly and 't was in those Visits that he fell in Love with Mademoâ—selle de Bourbon the Princess's Sister All the Thoughts of the Court were presently bent upon this Match but whether the Duke had a mind to shew his Resentment for being refused before or whether he was still fond of a single Life and averse to so solemn an Engagement his Marriage was put off till another time In this interim he fell in Love with a Marchioness that made great noise at Court both by her Youthful Beauty and Sprightly Wit The Difficulty the Duke met with was to find a way through a Multitude of Admirers that Night and Day laid close Siege to that Lady However he slatter'd himself with some hopes as most young Men arâ— apt to do upon the account of his Birth his good Meen his Wit and all that can dazle the Eyes of a young Person who enters the World and loves to be Courted The first time he saw the Marchioness whose Name you must suppose to be Cliodora was at an Acquaintance of his that Charming Person was employ'd about pickiâ—g and stringing fine Pearls for Bracelets when the Duke came into the Room where she was he approach'd her with a bashful and respectful Look and stood a little while gazing upon her not daring to speak to her but growing a little more bold he kneel'd before her and told her Madam your incomparable Charms strike dumb the boldest of Men I could not my self resist their force the first Moment I saw you I have begun to adore you My Passion is violent and if you can be so cruel as to deny me your Pity give me leave at least to expire at your Feet the most Vnfortunate of Mortals The Marchioness consider'd a little before she answer'd the Duke at last looking upon him with a Blush Prince reply'd she I am strangely surpriz'd at your Discourse your Passion can be no better than Criminal and my Duty forbids me to love you and betray my Husband Madam said the Duke with a sorrowful Look you have pronounced the Sentence of my Death and I care not to live any longer if you rob me of the Hopes of pleasing you Cliodora whose Temper was apt to receive the first Impressions of Love and who begun to feel something more than an Esteem for this new Adorer whom she thought extreamly Charming went out of the Room upon some pretence fearing lest her Tenderness should triumph over her Reason she begun to hug her self for standing this Trial without giving any hopes to her Lover But alas Love which subdues all by an irresistible force soon instam'd the Marchioness with a fire that she never felt before She loved the Duke from that very Moment but with so strong a Passion that never was a Woman so troubled and so uneasie and tho' she 's now very careful to avoid the sight of her Conqueror the God of Love whispers in her Ear that she must yield ere it be long The Duke who was still disappointed in his Endeavours to see the Marchioness abroad took one Day the Resolution to visit her at her House and had the good Fortune to meet her alone more Charming than the very Angels Cliodora was then in a careless but magnificent Deshabillee with Hair tied up with Amaranth-colour Knots and large Diamonds and her Breast half naked What Raptures did our Lover feel at the sight of so many Beauties He forgot in that moment all his other Mistresses nay he forgot his very self since he lay Speechless and as it were in a Swoon at the Feet of this lovely Person who looking upon him with languishing Eyes compleated the Duke's Defeat This Prince having recovered his Amorous Enthusiasm clos'd his Lips to one of the Fair Marchioness's Hands and bathing it with his Tears told her Madam if I commit a Crime in loving you your self are the cause of it your bright Eyes have inchanted me forgive me Divine Creature and consent to my Desires The Marchioness who by this time was in great Disorder made no answer to the Duke and sâ—emed to approve his Design by her Silence The Duke made use of so fair an opportunity to snatch some amorous Kisses Afterwards he went away fearing the Discovery of so charming and desirable a Mystery Being return'd home he reflected on his Behaviour with the Marchioness and was asham'd of his Bashfulness and Timidity I have been blest said he to himself with the sight of those Beauties that have heightned my Passion and raptur'd my Soul to the highest pitâ—h Those Eyes sparkling with Love those slâ—ming rosie Lips seem'd to bid me go farther than Respect and yet instead of improving the blest Occasion I have been at the Feet of that incomparable Person but a stupid faint hearted Lover As the Duke was thus arguing the Matter walking and fetching great Steps about the Room he spied upon his Table a Letter from the Countess Brigid who upbraided him with his Inconstancy and want of Faith The Letter contain'd what follows THE small trouble your Highnâ—ss has been at to preserve my Heart shews but too plainly how little you care for it but Heaven be prais'd I am not so blind but that I see all your Faults much better than you imagine The Wanton-ey'd malicious Marchioness that you visit so often and for whom I am told you are Mad will never be constant to you Poor Creature She 's in love with every new Face and compassionates the Sighs of all the World In a Word your Highness burns his Incense upon a very common Altar You will perhaps take ill at me what I say about your new Mistress and think that I am Jealous I own I love you so far as to be so even to fury but I will moderate my Transports and banish if possible your ingratitude from my Thoughts since it is not in my power to hate you The Duke having perus'd this Letter flung it down again upon his Table with disdain and said Do you think Madam that a Man can always love you at the same rate Faith I have other things to mind and my new born Passion finds me more business than any I ever had Besides you can boast of nothing that can come in Competition with my Charming Cliodora her Rosie Lips hr Lilly-Complexion her bright killing Eyes her sweet delicate Breast in short all her Lovely Person does Captivate my whole Heart nay I love whatever she touches and at these Words looking upon a Diamond-Ring he had on his Finger and which he remembred Cliodora had had on hers he kiss'd it over and over a thousand times Amorous Extravagance Not to be conceiv'd by any but those who have been so passionately in love as the Duke was The Count of Thoulouse his Brother who came to him in that very Moment could not forbear laughing at his Folly and ask'd what he did kiss with so much
Passion My Hand Brother return'd the Duke which has touch'd a most lovely thing Nay then reply'd the Count I have nothing to say to it since you commit an agreeable Folly But pray tell me Brother what part of your Mistresses Person is that you have touch'd Her Mouth reply'd the Duke That 's the nearest place to the Heart said the Count That may be return'd the Duke But alas I find that Heart impenetrable and 't will cost me a great many Sighs before I arrive at the height of Happiness Your Mistress is very cruel I perceive said the Count smiling I thought a Cavalier like you could not languish above a Day you must not stay till she surrenders of her own accord but take her at unawares while she gives you an opportunity For my part added he I never told a Woman twice I lov'd her You are happy reply'd the Duke But how can a Man wrest Favours from a Person who will not grant them and has Reasons not to grant them I never was for using Violence and had rather die for Love than force any thing from a Woman that she will or cannot give All for Love will ever be my Motto A Man ought to get a Woman's Heart and that point once gain'd the rest follows of Course That 's none of my Temper said the Count bluntly if I was Born under the Planet of Venus I would pillage and rob in all the Dominions of Love You have shewed it to Julia answered the Duke of Maine The poor Girl flies you like a Monster and swears she never saw so bold a Man as your self Pshaw Brother said the Count she cries before she 's hurt The Duke of Vendome has done more to her than ever I did but because he went a soft way to Work she has made no noise about it Well that shews however reply'd the Duke smiling that Gentleness and Patience go a great way with the Ladies The Duke of Vendome like a cunning Sportsman catches the Hare without putting her to the Squeak The Duke who came in to them interrupted their Conversation and ask'd them whether they would give him their Company to the Opera I had rather go to a Play said the Count of Thoulouse I hear reply'd the Duke of Bourbon interrupting him you are in Love with Christina she that Acts the most passionate Parts Who I answer'd the Count in a Surprize Faith Love is none of my Business I am too boisterous and inconstant and would soon assault a Woman's Honour or turn Deserter If you be of that Humour reply'd the Duke taking him by the Hand you 'll find but few Women that will have any Kindness for you But I wonder you are not asham'd so to prophane this Noble Passion than which none is more worthy of a great Mind for my part I look upon the Pleasure of Loving as the most refined and sweetest Enjoyment of Life I am of your Opinion said the Duke of Maine and I take a Man without Love to be like a dark dull melancholy Day In short Love makes Life pleasant which otherwise would be tedious and troublesome The Count of Thoulouse perceiving that the Conversation ran still upon Love gave the Duke of Maine a Pat over the Shoulder and told him Faith Brother 't is a little uncivil to take so much Delight in teazing a Man at this rate Come let 's go to the Italian Play-house These three Princes took Coach presently and went first into the Pit and afterwards upon the Stage Arlequin Acted that Day the Emperour of the Moon and the Count of Thoulouse who still had the late Conversation present in his Thoughts ask'd him Whether People made Love in the Moon just as they do here An 't please your Highness reply'd that famous Mimick without any manner of Concern which set the whole Audience a laughing Well said the Count go on with your Business The Play being done these Princes return'd to their respective Apartments and the next Day the Duke of Maine went to Visit the Marchioness who distrusting her own Heart thought it a piece of Prudence to avoid his sight Therefore she stole through a back Gate and went to walk in the Garden not thinking she had been perceiv'd by her Lover Thus being at liberty and alone alas cry'd she how incomparable is my Prince in means to Charm me 'T is in vain I fly him since my inclination to love him surmounts all opposition Troublesome Duty do not tell me I owe my whole Heart to a Husband Love wrests it from me by force and will She was a going to say more when the Duke oâ— Maine who had got into the Garden and hiâ— himself behind a Tree made some noise whicâ— gave her notice he was there Ah! cry'd she â— is it you Prince that thus come to surprizâ— my Freedom and Innocence Alas addeâ— she with an enchanting Air if you knew how weak I am when I see you you woulâ— not thus break in upon my Solitude For to tell you all nothing is so tormenting to me as the Duty incumbent on my Honour neither to see nor love you I dare not follow the tender Inclinations I have for you for fear of splitting on a Rock and breaking the Sacred Ties of Matrimony All this Madam reply'd the Duke is not sufficient to oblige you to fly me for the more you know me the less danger you will find in my Company I know too well answer'd she somewhat uneasie what my Heart thinks of it I do not blush to own that I find infinite Charms in your Person that I am pleas'd with every thing you do and look upon the necessity of your Absence as the greatest torment imaginable But then what secret Reproaches of violated Duty should I be expos'd to if I gave you an opportunity to see me in private No that step is too slippery for a faltering Heart Therefore your Highness must be satisfied with these Reasons and not endeavour to involve me in endless Misfortunes As she made an end of these Words she ran out of the Garden with such swiftness that the Duke of Maine had much ado to follow her And having intrench'd her self in a dark Alley without the Garden the Duke told her smiling Madam I think I had best send for Canon to beat you out of your Retrenchments What do you mean to fly me thus If I had been more bold in discovering to you all the force of my Passion perhaps either out of Kindness or Gratitude you would have done for me what you will undoubtedly do for another who will not deserve it so well because none can ever love you so sincerely as I do This Madam added he is what drives me to Despair The Marchioness having heard him out Prince cry'd she with a most passionate Voice Alas Your Presence does but tear open those Wounds which would heal up of themselves if you were absent I use all that the Art of Love
dictates to avoid that fatal Rock on which I am afraid to split in the very Harbour The Duke perceiving her dying Resolution fell at her Feet and stop'd her against her Will This small but seasonable Violence wrought so much upon the Heart of this Lovely Person that she staid for a considerable while with him and seem'd to give consent to all the moving and tender Expressions of his Passion Oh! sudden and unaccountable Change But alas What 's impossible to Love when he designs to Master a Heart It seems as if all Nature were made for him since nothing can resist his Power The Fair Cliodora experienced it in that occasion having often summon'd in vain to her assistance both Duty Chastity Faith and all the Sacred Obligations of a discreet Wife to her Spouse Now cry'd she am I surpriz'd conquer'd and speechless at once At this she yielded to the fond Caresses of her Lover who embrac'd her most tenderly and look'd passionately upon her to find in her Eyes the Sentence either of his Life or Death The Marchioness casting a languishing Eye upon him said Alas I am ruined All my fears are come upon me and the cruelest Death would now be a Blessing Here she broke off shedding a shower of Tears in the Duke 's Arms. The Shades of Night coming on the Duke both out of Decency Kindness and Love conducted her to her House entertaining her all the way with the most endearing Expressions and having taken his leave left her in the cruelest Agonies imaginable This Night was to the Lovely Cliodora a Night full of Horrour Uneasiness and all that can be most tormenting in this Life And as she was of a Tender and Amorous Temper and had never before felt so violent and engaging a Passion she took an exact Review of all that the Duke had said to her which had made a deep impression in her Heart Atonia one of her intimate Acquaintance who surpriz'd her in Bed the next Morning found her so changed that she ask'd all in a Fright the Reason of that sad Metamorphosis Alas My Dearest said the Marchioness with a doleful Voice if I should tell you the Cause of my Misfortunes you would be so surpriz'd and astonish'd at the condition my Heart is now in that you would certainly pity my Miserable Fate Madam reply'd Atonia I compassionate your Trouble without knowing the particulars of it Can you believe said the Marchioness resuming her Discourse that I Love the most perfect and accomplish'd Man alive Fame indeed has not done him Justice but Heaven has bestow'd on him those Charms that are able to enslave the whole Creation Atonia who ought all this while that the Marchioness spoke of her Husband told her Madam I have long since known the infinite Merit of your Illustrious Husband Here she paus'd a while and the Marchioness resuming the Discourse Alas cry'd she how happy should I be were I only Charm'd by my Husband's Merit But another possesses my Heart and I cannot forbear loving him in spite of Duty Honour Faith and all that opposes the Torrent of my Inclinations How Madam reply'd Atonia in a Surprise you love another besides the Marquiss your Husband I do return'd Cliodora I do dear Atonia love another against my Will and my Heart has yielded to the most perfect of all Mortals But who is that happy Mortal reply'd Atonia with a serious Air who has found the way to captivate your Heart which seem'd to be an impregnable Fortress How often has the Count of made vain attempts upon the Citadel of that Fort which perhaps surrenders now without resistance to a less formidable Conquerour Alas Cruel Atonia answer'd the Marchioness with a dying Look if thou knewest how my Heart my Reason and all the Powers of my Soul have strugled with this Passion thou would'st not speak as thou do'st I have couragiously encountred all that can Charm a Heart and 't is no great wonder to see Victory side with the stronger The Duke of Maine triumphs over my Resolution and 't is that powerful that charming Conquerour that puts me to these Agonies 'T is not to be imagin'd into what astonishment those Words cast Atonia who looking fixedly upon the Marchioness told her Madam what 's now become of that great Vertue and Reserve which made your Ladyship the Admiration of all the World I cannot tell my Dearest cry'd Cliodora falling into a Swoon in which she continu'd for some time without either Speech or Motion but at last recovering her Spirits Faithful Spouse cry'd she I have been treacherous to thee by breaking my Marriage-Vows Then looking upon his Picture that hung by her Bed-side she went on in these Words Oh! why must I break thy Heart by this intolerable Grief Fatal unlawful Love thou art ready to undo me and precipitate my Days into an endless Abyss of Sorrow and Misery Guilt begins to triumph over Vertue and crushes me under the abominable Weight of Vice O Heaven that seest the trouble of my distracted Soul calm this dreadful Storm by some gentle Influence She had scarce done speaking when the Marquiss who for some Days had been a Hunting with his Friends came into the Room and sat down upon the Bed by her He express'd his usual Kindness to her and finding her extreamly chang'd he ask'd her the cause of it with a great deal of Concern Cliodora as you may imagine was not such a Fool as to own her Frailty but on the contrary she conceal'd and dissembl'd it and forc'd a seem'd Satisfaction at the dull Caresses of her Husband Some time after being left alone with her Confident she told her Dear Atonia a Husband is still the same thing and Love is pleas'd with Variety But Madam reply'd Atonia smiling how can you expect always to find that pleasing Variety in a Galant I can't tell reply'd careless the Marchioness however 't is requisite to pass from one amorous Engagement to another were it but to keep our Hearts in ure which otherwise would grow dull and insensible You preach a fine Doctrine said Atonia smiling but I am afraid your Precepts are dangerous and proceed from loose wanton Thoughts which you ought rather to suppress Alas how can I said she rising from her Bed See! here comes the dear Charmer that has raised them whom I cannot shun At these Words the Duke of Maine came in and ask'd her how she had spent the Night Very uneasily dear Prince reply'd she Atonia who perceiv'd that her Company might be troublesom went out of the Room immediately and left 'em to themselves The Duke thus alone with his Mistress entertain'd her with his Passion which said he is arrived at its highest pitch then I fear it will soon decline reply'd Cliodora since Philosophers tell us that things being come to their perfection begin to decrease and return to their centre My dear Angel answer'd the Duke passionately I am above Philosophers and I 'll teach them by the
duration of my Love that they are but a Company of Fools 'T is true that by an unsearchable Decree of Heaven all things are changeable in this Life but for my part I will always be the same to you These sweet Hopes my dear Life said the Marchioness clasping her Hands about his Neck do ravish my very Soul and shew me the utmost extent of my Felicity Will you then ever love me without alteration I will answer'd the Duke who swore upon the Faith and Honour of a passionate Lover frail Security that future Ages should admire the Constancy of his Love The Marchioness took his Word for it and was pleas'd to believe all he said Some time after the Duke of Maine being at the Princess of Roche-sur-yon's House had a sight of the young Princess Illida and was so taken with her Conversation that he fell passionately in love with her 'T will not be amiss to draw the Picture of so accomplish'd a Person both to entertain the Reader and that he may guess who she is The Princess Illida was a tall proper black Woman her Shape free and easie she had fine large sparkling black Eyes level with the rest of her Face a white and lively Complexion the prettiest little Mouth in the World Ivory Teeth set with regular symmetry a charming Smile a look Noble and Great and yet sweet and engaging with the finest Voice that ever I heard in my Life All this were more than sufficient to raise a great Passion in the Duke of Maine who is naturally very susceptible of Love so that finding himself at liberty he disclos'd to her that very Day all the Sentiments of his Heart and the Princess who was not insensible return'd very obliging Answers to all the fine Speeches he made upon her Beauty The Prince of Conti who died about the time retarded for a while the amorous Affairs of the Duke because the Princess Illida was a Relation of his The Days of Ceremony being over the Duke went to see her at the Princess Dowager of Conti's The Princess having a great Tenderness for her advised her to have a care how far she should embark with the Duke who said she changes his Mistress's oftner than his Clothes Oh Heavens what 's that you say cried the Princess Illida Of all things in the World I abhor Inconstancy most Madam reply'd the Princess of Conti this is a very nice point Fhench-men are of a fickle Temper and generally false to our Sex tho' never so true to their own and I heartily pity all the Women that engage with them in an amorous Commerce which of all others requires Honesty and Sincerity Well Madam said the Princess looking upon her my Engagement is not so far gone but that I may break it Yet I must needs own that if any Person besides your Higghness did tell me this I would look upon it as a piece of malicious Jealousie to undermine the Duke of Maine in my Esteem but because no such thing can ever enter into my Thoughts I shall take my Measures according to your Advice I hope you will reply'd the Princess of Conti and if you don 't you must expect to lose the good Opinion I have of your Discretion This Caution added she is the same I gave lately to a Lady of my Acquaintance who answer'd me briskly Why Madam should we lose precious Time 'T is fit to Love as soon as possible Hearts born for that Passion are spoil'd when they are without it The poor Fool added the Princess has since found by Experience that it is much better to have no Lover at all than to have one Inconstant For my part if I had a mind to have a pleasant and lasting Amour I would pitch upon a Foreigner or some Cavalier older than my self that might take no advantage of his Youth What would your Highness do with a Foreigner said the Princess Illida They are generally but a sort of Clownish Ill-bred Dull Persons unless they travel through France Italy and other Countries and when so they commonly learn the Manners they see abroad and are not a jot the better than the rest No Men can be more tender more amorous more changeable or more jealous than the Italians they Love sometimes even to Madness but their Passion is of no duration The Spaniards are much like the Italians but that they have not so much Spleen and Malice The English have something very insipid they are presently for killing their Rivals or hanging themselves As for the Dutch their Love is so cold and so dull that the hottest Lover of 'em all shall not speak five Words that can please his Mistress in a whole Year Pray of what Country would you then have your Lover said the Princess of Conti breaking out in Laughter I fancy you must get one among the Turks or Moors Fie Madam reply'd the Princess Illida smiling If I would have a Lover to my Fancy I would chuse a German or Switzer A very fine Choice I vow return'd the Princess of Conti why the Germans and Switzers are so heavy so dull so clownish and unpolish'd Madam said the Princess Illida interrupting her they are downright constant honest Men. The Duke of Maine who surpriz'd these two Princesses soon made them change their Conversation Alas said the Princess of Conti perceiving the Duke made his Addresses to the Princess Illida Prince I think you are neither German nor Switzer Why that to me Madam reply'd the Duke Must a Man be German or Switzer to please this incomparable Beauty Yes he must return'd the Princess They are constant downright and honest Faith Madam reply'd the Duke smiling 't is because they have not the Wit to be otherwise But is Constancy such a mighty thing in Love Ah! cry'd the Princess Illida how maliciously Cunning is the Princess of Conti to make People confess their own Faults Nothing in the World is so fine and charming as Constancy and without that solid Quality all Enjoyments would be unpalatable and breed disquieting Thoughts The Duke of Maine perceiv'd presently what malicious Trick the Princess of Conti had put upon him to make her Relation have an ill Opinion of him and without making any reply took his leave and went away The Duke was no sooner come to his Apartment but he bent all his Thoughts to remove the ill Impressions the Princess of Conti had given the Princess Illida which were so deeply rooted that whatever the Duke of Maine could say to her was not able to undeceive her of the Prejudice she had conceiv'd against him The Prince was so desperately mad at it that he expostulated the matter with the Princess of Conti in very big sharp and contemptuous words and ever since that these two Persons have had an irreconcileable Hatred for each other But to return to the Duke of Maine here is a Letter he sent to the Princess his Mistress to endeavour to bring her back from her
Estrangement The Duke of Maine to the Princess Illida MADAM YOur Vnjust Reproaches have hereft me of my Rest and if you continue to have so ill an Opinion of me and banish me from your dear Presence I must fall an infallible Sacrifice to your uncharitable Judgment and Severity You see what Sin you are like to commit and what Remorses of Conscience you must expect if I die I am grown so faint and weak that I have hardly Strength enough to write to you This Weakness most adorable Person ought to give me a Title to your Heart and without the Possession of so inestimable a Treasure I can never hope to love happy You may triumph over my Passion and use at pleasure the Power you have over me since the Condition I am in will not suffer me to do any thing in my own defence save only to assure you that what the Princess of Conti told you of me is nothing but Falshood She is a malicious Woman that cannot endure to see a Man sigh for any other than her self as if she was Mistress of all the Accomplishments in the World And as she comes infinitely short of those shining Qualities and Perfections that Nature has bestow'd upon your self so she cannot but have a mortal Jealousie to you Farewel Illustrious Princess and do not deny the humblest and most passionate of your Adorers the Favour of believing him the most Faithful and sincere of all Mortals Du Maine The Princess Illida received this Letter very kindly and moreover told the Gentleman that brought it that she long'd to see his Master The Duke no sooner receiv'd this News but he immediately flew to his Mistress and casting himself at her Feet begg'd of her to hear him but for a Moment I will hear you as long as you please reply'd the Princess The Prince perceiving an amorous Tenderness in her Looks told her Madam I am overjoy'd to see the end of your Indifference which could have no other cause but the malicious Insinuations of the Princess of Conti whose true Character I have given you already 'T is true I have had several Mistresses which I never lov'd long because they had not the power to keep me Their Charms were too faint to please above a Month a Man of so nice a Palate as my self you alone most charming Creature are capable to fix my Love Prince reply'd the Princess smiling a Month nay a Week is a long time for inconstant Lovers they seldom like a Mistress at the second View If all Ladies were like your self incomparable Princess said the Duke with a passionate Air Men would never change their Mistresses but rather impose upon themselves the agreeable necessity of loving them for ever These are Compliments you make to all our Sex reply'd the Princess and Men of your Temper have always a full Stock of fine Things to say to the Ladies There 's no general Rule without an Exception return'd the Duke there are indeed a sort of Men that cannot live without an Amour and those we call General Lovers Then they love out of Habit and Custom reply'd the Princess and therefore their Passion is nothing but an Amusement Habit and Custom have undoubtedly a great share in it answer'd the Duke and a great many Men don't look upon Love as a serious business The reason they give to colour their Fickleness is that it is impossible for a Heart to be possest by two Passions at once and that the last impressions are generally quicker and stronger than the first And according to this Principle they change their Mistresses as often as their Periwigs being captivated by the Fair and the Black by turns The Princess could not forbear laughing at the pleasant Way the Duke made his Court to her and told him it was a vain attempt to resist his Address and the Charms of his Wit since 't was but losing one's Repose without getting the Victory Would to God Madam cry'd the Duke of Maine grasping her little Lily-white Hand which he kiss'd most amorously I were Master of that Merit you are pleas'd to give me but my small Skill and Genius contradict the good Opinion you have of me Not at all reply'd the Princess and I am sure you deserve the Character I give of you Can I flatter my self that you are perswaded of what you say returned the Duke I really am reply'd she with a Charming Look and for all my Disguises my Heart tells me that you are not indifferent to me These pleasing Words accompanied with the Charms of the Princess so transported the Duke with Joy that had he not been supported by a Table he had fallen like one in a Trance at the Feet of his Dear Charmer At last having recover'd his Amorous Extasie See Madam cry'd he what Raptures and Transports your Divine Perfections cause in me every thing speaks in my favour to persuade you of the strength of my Passion and nothing can alleviate the Torments I endure but the hopes that you do not doubt my Sincerity The Princess whose chief delight was to see her Adorers languish made as if she believ'd by halves the Protestations of his Passion 'T was her Humour to keep several Lovers at a Bay and lead them about into a Fool 's Paradise without caring ever to be at any great Expence for them while the deluded Fools were at a great deal of Pains for Favours in Reversion The Duke of Maine was one of these tho' I cannot tell whether his Address and incomparable Wit have not raised him above the Fortune of his Competitors The amorous Commerce betwixt the Duke of Maine and the Princess Illida could not be so secret but that it came to the knowledge of the Marchioness Cliodora who loved him desperately Love that never sleeps but is continually upon the Watch discover'd it in a very pleasant manner One Day as these two Lovers were together in an Arbour by the Side of a House where the Marchioness happen'd to be she heard through the Wall one that said Madam I shall willingly give you my Picture since you ask it in so engaging a manner But do not you think most adorable Princess that I shall envy its happiness in being near you when I shall sigh after your dear Presence He paus'd here a while and the Marchioness being curious as all the rest of Women are went nearer the Wall and knew the Duke of Maine's Voice but could not justly tell who was the Lady he spoke to Now am I betray'd said she loud enough to be heard that false Man loves another can any Misfortune be so great as mine is The Princess Illida who is very fearful and timerous hearing a strange Voice and doleful Complaints desired her Lover to take Coach again and return Home He presently obey'd and having carried her Home took his leave till the next Day when they appointed to meet near the Forest of Vincennes towards the Close of the Evening The Duke
of Maine who had a suspicion that the Marchioness was acquainted with his new Intrigue was at a loss how to manage a Woman so Jealous and so Troublesome At last to rid himself of her in as civil a manner as possible he counterfeited being Sick and acquainted her by a Letter that his Physician had order'd him to forbear conversing with Women upon pain of Death and that to cure his Melancholy he had prescrib'd him the Waters of Bourbon where he would go in few Days The cunning Marchioness smell'd out the Plot presently and perceiving her Reign was at an end she prevail'd so far upon her own Love and Jealousie that she receiv'd the Duke's Letter with great Indifference and made as if she believ'd all he said tho' she was sure of the contrary Here is the Answer she sent him upon his feign'd Illness and his going to the Waters of Bourbon ALas Fair Prince what would I not do to restore your Health A barbarous Feaver is like to blast your Lily Complexion and you are going to the Waters to put out its fire But I think your new Passion that has kindled it might quench it as well without going so far to deprive me of your dear Presence Alas How fortunate were Lovers in the first Ages of the World They were still loving still Constant and Faithful they never parted one from another and Treachery never wrested the Lover from the Mistresses Arms. Oh! Happy Times whether are you fled Why does not Heaven grant us now so great a Blessing I would not feel the cruel smart of your Departure Nor would you be delighted with change but rather place your Happiness in the Sweets of Constant Love Cliodora The Duke of Maine is so penetrating a Wit that he saw presently his Feint was discovered How cunning cry'd he is that Woman she seems contented to lose what she cannot have yet I am mad she shews no more Jealousie Alas She lov'd me not and I was a fond deluded Lover But why do I repine I ought to be glad of the Indifference since a nobler Passion possesses my Heart These Thoughts kept a long while the Duke of Maine seriously employ'd He was in suspence whether he should go to see the Marchioness or no. And one Evening as he was walking irresolute upon that Subject he found himself near that Lady's House who being then at her Window drew in assoon as she saw him The Duke for all her seeming Disdain pull'd a little Bell which was the Signal of their Secret Loves One of the Marchioness's Women led him into a dark Parlour where having perceiv'd under the Table and in a corner some Arms that us'd not to be there and considering besides that his Introducer had lock'd him in he begun to suspect something and leap'd presently out of the Window and made his Escape through the Garden The Marchioness who as I said before was jealous of her Love and Reputation even to Madness had taken the Resolution to murder him privately to revenge his Infidelity for that purpose had sent for some Men who were coming in great haste Mask'd and Disguis'd As soon as she enter'd the Room where she expected to see her false Lover she was so surpriz'd to miss him there that she fell into a Swoon and was Speechless for a while At last having recover'd her self she thank'd those Gentlemen who had taken this opportunity to be reveng'd of an Assront the Duke of Maine had given 'em at Play Cliodora who seem'd to be all Good Nature was indeed a Snake hid under Flowers She was now inraged to see her self disappointed in her Revenge and rushing with fury upon the Woman that had conducted the Duke into the Parlour Traitress cry'd she laying hold of her Neck thou hast betray'd me by causing the most perfidious of Men to escape my just Resentment He will now make me infamous to the World by publishing what wicked Design I had upon his Life but thou shalt be the Victim I 'll offer to my Revenge As she pronounced these Words in the greatest Passion imaginable the Marquiss came in with Sword in his Hand thinking that there were Thieves in his House But how surpriz'd was he to see his Wife with dishevel'd Hair a Dagger in her Hand Curses in her Mouth and wild Despair in her Looks putting a string about her Woman's Neck who I am told had formerly been her Nurse The Marquess prevented this fatal stroke cutting with his Sword the String that was ready to strangle this innocent Creature who as soon as the Tragi-comedy was over both out of Gratitude and Revenge put into his Hands all his Wife's Letters which were the proofs of her Infidelity He being a Man of much Honour and very touchy where his Reputation was concern'd enquir'd so nicely into all his Wife's Intrigues that being fully convinced of her Treachery he caused her to be put into so severe a Nunnery that she had the very Hair of her Eye-brows shav'd off The Duke of Maine who had underhand much contributed to the Marchioness's Confinement during Life was abundantly revenged without noise The Archbishop of Paris who was his Friend as well as of the Abbess of that Convent being acquainted with all the Story gave Orders to have the Marchioness now and then severely Disciplin'd as well for her other Sins as for this last Offence against the Duke which would have cost her her Life had he deliver'd her up into the Hands of Justice What is it that a Jealous Woman is not capable to do said the Duke one Day to his Friends without telling them the cause of this Complaint The Devil himself is nothing to her she is all Dissimulation and stops at nothing that is wicked to be reveng'd The Princess Illida who had these Words reported to her believed they were spoken upon her Account because some Days before she had shewn a little Discontent at a Present which the Duke of Maine made before her to Madamoiselle de Bourbon whom he always look'd upon as his future Spouse All these little Quarrels being over the Duke resolv'd to give a Diversion to a thousand Troubles he felt in his Mind and refresh his Heart which was tired with so many different Passions In order to that he made a Campaign in which he bent all his Thoughts upon Honour and Glory seldom or never remembring his Mistresses Being return'd home he paid his ordinary Visits to the Princess Illida who receiv'd him with Coldness and Indifference This was enough to disingage the Duke of Maine who cannot endure to be slighted and from that very moment he resolv'd to make another Conquest The Person he had a design upon was Madam Olida Wife to a Baron of great Reputation and intimate Friend to the Demoiselles de Tours de Nantes Sisters to the Duke As soon as he had made an Acquaintance with her the King Married the Duke of Anguien otherwise the Duke of Bourbon
to Madamoiselle de Tours and 't was during those Rejoycings that he declar'd his Passion to the Baroness unknown to every Body but the Duke of Bourbon who told his Wife Madam I verily believe the Duke of Maine is in Love with our Baroness That may be reply'd the Dutchess for he is so inconstant and changeable in Love that I believe in a little time no Woman will give him the Hearing Oh! How I hate Inconstancy There 's no Treachery like that of being Persidious in Love Madam return'd the Duke smiling that 's the Fashion now a-days and therefore you ought to have better Thoughts of the Duke your Brother but however I would advise him not to Marry till he has sown his Wild Oats Sir reply'd the Dutchess he will always be the same All your Cripples are exceedingly Amorous because of the Choler which is predominant in their Nature and excites them to love Pray Madam where did you learn this Philosophy said the Duke Sir reply'd the Dutchess I have it out of Plato's and Socrates's Works which treat of Philosophical Physiognomy and of all the Signs whereby we come to the knowledge of the Natural Inclinations of Men. As soon as Dinner was over the Duke of Bourbon who is very curious sent for the Works of Socrates and Plato and the Company being met in a fine Parlour every one look'd for his own Temper and Inclinations in those Philosophers The Duke of Maine whose Wit is full of Life and Sprightliness begun the Conversation and said that it is the Remark of Galen and Aristotle in several Places That a Man's Genius and Manners are often shewn by the Stature and Habit of his Body and that your little or middle-siz'd Men are generally ingenious Hippocrates said the Prince of Conti interrupting him was of Opinion that all those who profess Physick ought to be skill'd in Physiognomy otherwise they are apt to commit gross Errors and I do not wonder to see my Physician often at a loss to know my Distemper because he is no good Physiognomist Monsieur Pinac Archbishop of Lyons was so well acquainted with Physiognomy and Metoposcopy that having one Day look'd fixedly upon the Duke of Biron he foretold him his satal End to a Hair Passions said the Dutchess of Bourbon are infallible Indications of ones Temper as for Example Sadness proceeds from Choler and a brisk airy Humour from abundance of Blood 'T is no wonder then reply'd the Prince of Conti you are generally so Jovial and Gay As for Madamoiselle de Nantes said he looking upon her she has a moderate Melancholy which is a sign of good Sense Right answer'd she smiling for Aristotle tells us that the Virtuoso's of his Time were for the most part of a Melancholy Humour True Sister reply'd the Duke of Maine but here is a place where Galen with the same Philosopher speaks of two sorts of Melancholy the one is tempered by the Blood and Choler and the other by Phlegm the first produces Wit and good Sense and the other Inconstancy Fickleness Deceit and Ill-nature if one durst accuse you of Inconstancy Brother said the Dutchess of Bourbon with a malicious Coldness I fancy he would not wrong you much tho' you be so full of Mirth and Gayeâ—y Is it possible said the Baroness Olida for the Duke of Maine to be Inconstant That 's a Frailty too much below the greatness of Mind of a Prince like him I Madam Inconstant reply'd the Duke Alas when I Love my love is solid constant and without bounds That 's true return'd maliciously the Dutchess of Bourbon because 't is a General Love Besides you love like a Master that must and will be obey'd I confess Madam reply'd the Duke smiling my Passion is Masculine and greedy and wants something to feed upon A kind Look or a gentle Smile may inspire me with Love but that 's too thin a Diet to satisfie me To what excessive height dear Brother you let your Passions go answer'd the Dutchess Your Love is Rash Wanton and Undiscreet Princess cry'd the Duke of Maine you must pardon those Excesses which slow from my very Nature I cannot look upon a Handsom Well-shap'd Woman with a Complexion of Lilies and Roses Cherry Lips and Sparkling Eyes without burning with a raging flame But said the Duke of Bourbon taking him by the Hand when you are in those amorous Raptures with your Mistress do you ever find the Happy Minute Faith you are very curious reply'd the Duke of Maine smiling I never met with any but Unkind Ill-natur'd Mistresses that have made me pine and languish Do not dissemble return'd the Prince I know a certain Lady that has a Passion for you which is not much for her Reputation Pshaw said the Duke of Maine Laughing a Woman may have one or two Amours in her Life without wronging her Reputation provided she have the Address to conceal them the Sun is sometimes lost in an Eclipse but shines afterwards as glorious as ever Indeed said the Baroness Olida affecting a great Modesty these are new Morals to me I cannot imagine how a Woman can be accounted Virtuous and Innocent when she parts with her most valuable Treasure to a Man The Duke of Maine interrupted this Conversation rising from his Seat and singing these Words No Heart is proof against the Shafts of Love When darted from my Mariana's Eyes A very moving Stile I protest said the Dutchess of Bourbon smiling a Body must be no less Amorous than the Duke of Maine to be inspired with those fine Expressions I fancy he loves like the ancient Gods especially like Vulcan the dear fond Husband of Venus Faith Madam reply'd the Duke I should be made to be one in the List of Vulean who marches at the Head of Cuckolds Pshaw said the Dutchess smiling you would bear it patiently since there are thousands to keep you in Countenance The Duke of Maine fetch'd a Sigh and look'd sad at these Prophetical Words and to divert his Melancholy Thoughts he went to walk alone in a solitary Grove that was in the Garden some few Moments after he return'd to the Company The Ladies who saw him coming went a little way to meet him and taking him by the Arm every one ask'd him with a sort of impatient Eagerness Where have you been Prince Where have you been The Duke made as if he did not hear what they said and having consider'd a while what he should answer he told them boldly Ladies we have thank God no Inquisition in France and I 'll say no more This sharp Answer put the Ladies to the Blush and netled them so that they went away mad and enraged Every one spent that Night pretty quietly except the Baroness Olida who being offended by a Prince that she could not hate Alas said she what Contempt has been the Reward of my impertinent Curiosity But Oh! what a Passion do I feel for him Surely he has Enchanted me and his whole
Person has a powerful Ascendant over my Heart This last Thought as well as the Adventure of the Day before kept her awake all Night Her Women who heard her speak brought her a Light by which she wrote what follows A Letter from the Baroness Olida to the Duke of Maine IT were but Justice Vngrateful Prince if you had as ill a Night as my self after your scornful Indifference Yesterday in the Afternoon Your Highness pretends an Esteem for my Person and yet perhaps you never so much as think of me Alas if you will take the Pains to merit my Heart it will certainly be yours for I see my Capricious Stars will have it so Yet do not mistake me I should be glad to joyn with you in a sound and agreeable Friendship seasoned with a thousand innocent and easie Pleasures but as for Love that 's a troublesome uneasie Passion that I always have avoided and therefore if your Designs are bent that way pray withdraw your Forces and look for a Heart that can suffer more than mine You and I are well at home and so let 's stay where we are It was now pretty late when one of the Baroness's Women came in to tell her that Madam Maintenon ask'd for her Lord said the Baroness rising in haste what Business can that old Bigot have here Her Conversation sure will run upon nothing else but Mortification and Meritorious Works Ah Madam cry'd Madam Maintenon you are very sleepy I must give you some Tea or Coffee to awaken your Spirits which is much better than the Poppies and Opium your Physician prescribes you Madam reply'd the Baroness there 's no occasion for it I only slept to day later than ordinary You look very pensive return'd Madam Maintenon no doubt but somebody has entrusted you with a Business of Consequence that keeps your Thoughts thus employ'd Not at all Madam answer'd the Baroness with a melancholy Air when a body is in your Company one may very well be excus'd from troubling one's head with the State These Fatigues Madam reply'd la Maintenon ought to take up but little of our time whilst the Affairs of one's Heart are much more considerable Yoâ—r Lady ship iâ— very pressing reply'd the Baroness smiling to require a sincere Account of my most hidden Intentions I own iâ— Madam answer'd la Maintenon but withal I know my self discreet and believe I am capable of keeping a Secret Then Madam continu'd the Baroness I have no Secret to disclose and consequently can have no occasion for a Confident Therefore pray Madam continu'd she let us discourse a little of your Affairs and enquire how you do to preserve your fair Camilla whom I hear every body is catching at Certainly that wonderful Beauty must have more than one Admirer at Court. Most certainly reply'd la Maintenon maliciously that young Girl is every where but too much belov'd Nay 't is said moreover his Highness the Duke of Maine is desperately smitten with her At this the Baroness began to blush and spoke not a word after Whereupon Madam Maintenon being curious would needs know the cause of her silence To which the Baroness reply'd in a negligent manner That the matter was very indifferent to her and therefore she should not give her self the trouble to discourse farther about it Madam Maintenon well knowing the utmost secrets of her Heart could not forbear smiling and teazing her farther with her ill Nature thus Truly Madam our famous Camilla makes a wonderous noise at Court. Cannot Mademoiselle de Nantes cry'd the Baroness interrupting her being almost ready to burst with Jealousie oppose this aspiring Beauty I know not that reply'd Madam Maintenon but I believe she has already got the Advantage to be pretty well assur'd of her Loveâ— before-hand For my part quoth the Baroâ—ess in a scornful Tone I should take but little pains to secure to my self such a ramâ—ling Spark as the Duke he has Mistresses iâ— every corner The Brown Black Fair Burâ—â— whatever they be all have Charms enough to engage him for a day or two and longer you know he never cares for loving any body And what would you require more reply'd la Maintenon from a Prince whose only Business is his Diversion I wou'd have him answer'd the Baroness either resolve to be constant or not pretend to love at all Where can you expect to find such Lovers now-a-days answer'd la Maintenon The Age we live in Madam is sickle throughout and would you have its Particulars more constant If matters be as you say Madam reply'd the Baroness for my part I shall wish to die a Maid I am confident that 's the surest way to be easie Very well Madam continu'd la Maintenon but pray of what use is Reason when one's Heart is once wounded We grieve and groan but are never the better for it often happens that whatever is made use of to oppose this Passion does but augment instead of diminishing our Torture Madam reply'd the Baroness ready to laugh when I was a Girl I had an extravagant Passion for a young Cousin of mine who was too near of kin to marry me My Mother observing our Familiaâ—ity forbid me to come near him but which had no better effect than to encrease my Inclination to see or write to him insomuch that the poor Youth would often wish me a sharp Lecture that he forsooth might reap the Benefit of my Disobedience It is a defect of human Nature Madam reply'd la Maintenon to desire that most which we are strictest kept from as likewise to reject and slight what we enjoy and have in our power Whilst the Ladies were thus Moralizing each other one of Madam Maintenon's Pages came to acquaint her his Majesty requir'd her Company immediately which occasion'd her forthwith to withdraw The Baroness thus finding her self alone reflected seriously upon all had been said to her and after having strictly examin'd into the Duke of Maine's Conduct she immediately broke out into immoderate Laughter together with these words Such a Lover as this shall never put me to the expence of a Sigh where a Man can have a Passion in five or six places at once we may well suspect him of a Trick and in whom for the most part a rambling Humour takes place of common Constancy Nevertheless this faithless and unsetled Prince has a thousand times sworn to me that he was born to Love and that where-ever he once six'd his Affection he was but too strictly engag'd ever to enjoy any future Quiet But continu'd she is there any likelyhood of truth in his Words when we may observe him oftner change his Mistresses than his Cloaths Nevertheless if but a little Jealousie could any ways have an Influence over his wandring Temper or awake in him but the least remembrance of my Charms which he formerly profess'd an Esteem for I would then make use of such occasion to obtain what I have always most ardently desir'd These amorous Thoughts
very well be term'd an agreeable Amusement But reply'd the Dutchess having some reason to distrust from his Earnestness Prince will you Swear for I cannot but be a little Jealous to see you go so often to a place where I know you have no business Madam answer'd the Duke can you suspect me of so base an Action Loving you so tenderly as I do reply'd the Dutchess I do not suspect However cannot but Ah! Madam cry'd out the Duke Embracing her can you then believe me capable of salsifying my Faith to you Not altogether reply'd the Dutchess but in part I must distrust you and if you should injure me sure you would but imitate your Father Lewis the Great and Illustrious who never yet made any great Scruple of breaking his Marraige Vows I am not like my Father in that Madam answer'd the Prince coldly No matter cry'd the Dutchess leaving him I must go and entertain a Lady just come to Visit me Prince you are at Liberty you may act your Pleasure The Duke thus seeing his Dutchess gone made use of this Opportunity and immediately Posted away to St. Cir where being arriv'd he presently enquired for the Lady Governess and was soon convey'd to her Apartment and from thence by Madam Maintenon as speedily to Camilla's Chamber who was then busy Embroidering in Gold and Silver He first Addressed himself to Madam Maintenon Observing her Conduct in Domestick Affairs and telling her that if she had lived in the time of the ancient Romans she would certainly have had the Education of all their Senators Daughters and consequently received great Honours and Advantages from that wise Common-Wealth Your Highness reply'd the Governess with a Modest and Pious Air is always pleased to regale me with an account of my Defects Say rather your Virtues Madam answer'd the Duke levelling at the same time a Passionate Ogle at his Mistress who kept on Working without so much as once looking up My noble Prince reply'd the sage Maintenon to prevent ill is as great a Virtue as to Redress it and in that I shall endeavour to exercise my self where I am not capable of greater Archeivments But I must beg you Highnesses Pardon for a Moment the necessary Affairs of the Family requiring my so doing The Duke of Maine finding himself thus alone with hiâ— Lov'd Camilla acosted her after this manner How happy Dearest Creature am I to meet so charming a Person in a place no less a Favourite of Nature Afterwards observing this fair Ladies Cypher on the top of her Cabinet he cry'd out sighing God! Is there any thing more Engaging good and better Fancy'd But continued he would it not be much more agreeable if my Name were added to it Sir reply'd Camilla smiling if your Highness's pleasure had been known before we would have seen what might have been done Oh! Divinest Creature cry'd the Duke throwing himself at her Feet you are but too good Is it possible your Heart should ever correspond with your Words Upon this the faiâ— Nymph blushed and Answered only with a Sigh To what must I attribute this silence Madam continued the Duke Must I explain it in my Favour or receive it for my Doom Do as you please Sir answer'd the bright Creature a little fearfully How reply'd the Duke all on Fire am I then so happy Give me but thy dear Hand and I will confirm my Sincerity with my Lips Then snatching it close to his Mouth for about a quarter of an Hour he afterwards released it with this Asseveration When I neglect any thing to convince thee of my esteem may I never more de serve thy Encouragment and therefore Dearest permit me but to make use of this happy Opportunity to inform thee of the Conquest thou hast gain'd over my Heart and I shall then reach the very utmost heights of all Happiness Camilla being no great Talker was easily silenc'd at this Narration and the Prince at the same time flattered himself with not being altogether Repulsed Do not wonder Dearest of Chaâ—mers continu'd he striving to Kiss her if I ravish a blessing from those lovely Lips for I am all on Fire when I but see thee and when I do not the bare Memory of thee furnishes me with but too severe Proofs of thy Absence My Prince reply'd the Nymph All Men in general have ever made it their business to deceive us poor Women they lead us into Snares and never care for coming near 'em themselves Alas Madam reply'd the Duke sighing In adoring so bright a Creature I would willingly run all hazards 't is what I have already begun and which I will endeavour to finish at the Expence of my Life But Sir insinuated the Bright Camilla all this while your Highness forgets your Marriage Vow I would fain know what Advantage can any Woman expect from Doting on one who must reasonably be supposed to be an others Ah good God! reply'd the Prince If I had had so much Power over my destiny as to be altogether yours I should have been truly happy But Quarrel not with your Lot Prince reply'd Camalla briskly You might not have been so happy as you imagine Why so lovely Charmer cry'd the Duke with a Melancholy Air for pity's sake give me your Reason My Lord reply'd Camilla I am by no means endued with any of those Qualities you expect for I am Indifferent Jealous and often times in a very ill humour No matter Bright Angel answer'd the Duke it may be some kind Planet may move in my Favour and one time or other make you more Reasonable Your Highness is a little too Vain in my Opinion cry'd the fair Camilla smiling But which does not altogether unbecome a Person of your Quality Nevertheless when you shall be no longer lock'd up in Hymen's Fetters continu'd she pleasantly it may be I may be better advis'd from my Heart How endearing are these Expressions Madam reply'd the Duke I can never be enough thankful for ' em But Alas added he with an Amorous Air these Blessings are but imaginary and I would have 'em real Camilla who read the Duke's Passion in his Eyes forbore speaking for some time at last said my Prince I must not wholly abandon you to your tender Reflections I observe you Uneasie Melancholy and as it were buried in excess of Thought What would you have me to say charming Creature reply'd the Duke waking as it were out of a Trance you will not own you Love Who told you so reply'd Camilla ready to Laugh Your self Fair Inhumane answered the Duke looking languishing upon her you take Pleasure in Murdering all that look upon you by which means you will shortly dispeople France and expose us to the insults of our Neighbours This is to carry the Hyperbole too far my Lord cry'd Camilla Are Men ever kill'd without Arms or Blows Sure then they must be like â—â—ies that are caught Flying and Stifled with a squeeze No lovely Fair one reply'd the Duke
the Wounds that Murder us proceed from your Eyes and it is impossible but that every Man that sees you should dye at your Feet I never knew a Gentleman yet die with Love answer'd Camilla pleasantly unless it were in Paper where the Passions had been warmly represented by some Agony but for my part I am resolved never to favour any Languishing Flame a little Fire to rellish Pleasure would be much more to my liking That might well be Madam reply'd the Duke if a Man were but Master of himself when a true Lover has no Spirit Resolution nor Gaiety but is always Heavy Timorous and Drowzy like an Owl at Noon day moreover he is both a trouble to himself and Friends and a Plague to every body else minding nothing but Woods and Willows to tell the Story of his Grief to Then I find cry'd Camilla a little coldly Love-Martyrdom now a days is more tolerable than heretofore when Pyramus and Thisbe willingly let out their Souls to enjoy each other in the Shades Thanks be to Heaven the World is mightily come off from those Frensies and we may now despair without danger either of a Dagger or a Halter Times are extremely mended indeed Madam answer'd the Duke the methods of Loving in our Times it must be Confess'd are much more agreeable for now if we cannot soften an Heart by Sighs we endeavour only to do it by Tears and not by violent Remedies Camilla finding her self mov'd by the Dukes Conversation which has frequently approv'd it self dangerous to those he really Lov'd could not refuse him some little Liberties which yet did not arrive at any great Scandal But alas it was now time for Madam Maintenon to return whereupon the young Lady being just ready to Shipwrack her Reputation hearing her Governesses Voice hastily caught up her Fan to refresh her Countenance which you may imagine had been sufficiently heatedin refusing what she most desired Madam Maintenon always being inclin'd to favour the Princes Amours said not one Word to her nor seem'd in the least to take notice of what had passed but as a kind Indulgent she-Friend presently turn'd the Discourse another way A little while after she conducted his Highness to a Pleasant Grotto at the foot of a small Hill covered all over with Green Moss and Planted with an infinite number of sine Orange Trees here she entertain'd him with the sight of a great many pleasant Statutes such as Jupiter and Venus the Muses Apollo Diana in her hunting Habit and Love levelling a Dart at her a little farther she shew'd him several Heroes amongst which was the Grand Louis with Mars supporting his Arm and Victory presenting her Lawrels Here is the Representation of a Man observ'd the Duke whose Memory will be as lasting as his Actions are daring 'T is certain reply'd the Governess that his Noble and Heroick Atchievements shall out live Time and future Ages will be sufficiently employ'd but to do Justice to his Merit His Majesty has so refin'd all the Pleasures of his Court by the Innocency of his own and made himself a most absolute Master of his Passions even at a time when Vice is so very difficult to Conquer What Prince what Hero continu'd she can be equal'd to our mighty Monarch If he makes Laws he Obeys 'em and Reforms Libertines barely by his unblemish'd Piety His Predecessors have busied themselves only in building stately Structures and raising vast Pyramids to Vanity when his chiefest Aim is to Model the World after his sublime example Cirus Alexander Caesar and Augustus have no body I dare promise here on Earth will dispute the Succession to their Virtues with Lewis the Great All the Kings Atchivement Madam reply'd the Duke are equally Illustrious and Admirable and which I do not question will fare better than those of Antiquity which are to be found only in History when times to come shall not only write but talk incessantly of his Glories The Duke of Maine perceiving the Night come on apace immediately took leave of the Superiour of St. Cir and hasted home to his Spouse who all this while attended him with great Impatience and who at his first Entrance asked him Sorrowfully where he had been so long from her With my Mistress Child reply'd the Duke merrily I could not possibly get from her sooner I have known many a true Word spoke in Jest answer'd the Dutchess But pray what is that Beauty which has so great an Influence over you I know none charming enough about Court therefore sure it must needs be one of Madam Maintenon's Serraglio hereupon the Duke blush'd and said nothing which was sufficient reason for the jealous Dutchess to have but an ordinary opinion of his Conduct nevertheless thinking it fruitless she said no more to him at that time but immediately went out At Supper she had another Fling at him but to as little purpose as the former for he had scarce heard three Words before he took a Candle and went up to his Chamber leaving his unhappy Consort to drown her griefs in Tears Next Day his Highness went a Hunting with the Dauphin and after Dinner posted away afresh to his bright Camilla who hearkned to ' him yet more and more favourably For a Week and above the Duke spoke not one Word to his Dutchess his fullenness being upon this occasion without Paralell where upon she thought it but reasonable to complain to her Father the Prince of Conde who promis'd forthwith to acquaint the King but she entreated him by all means to forbear giving him to understand that her Misfortunes then might reach but too far when they should rather bestifled and Suppressed her Husband being but Young and therefore likely to see his Errour in ashort time Madam reply'd the Prince you Reason like A she-Philosopher but I would fain know who is this Lady that presumes to entrench upon your Right That Sir I cannot satisty you in as yet answered the Dutchess but I have reason to suspect Madam Maintenon to be the Cause she never yet wanted Fuell to feed a Volatile Flame She has under her Tuition where withall to occasion Jealousys enough besides I could never fancy that foundation to be so very free from Vice as is commonly imagin'd O Heavens Exclaim'd the Prince you certainly do her a great deal of wrong Can you think she would encourage Vice in a place which is consecrated to Vertue Ah Sir reply'd the Dutchess I am but too well acquainted with her Genius I know her to be a passionate Lover of Intrigues and that that Holy Habit she Wears is but the better to disguise her Hipocrisy I dare assure your Highness he Women are not always busied about the Litany Moreover she is a great Confident of my Lords having as it were brought him up and therefore tho' he was dispos'd to Intrigue elsewhere it might be reasonably Conjectur'd she would not give him leave Madam answer'd the Prince I can believe
be when we have well Din'd before This thought of the Dukes made every body Laugh likewise and all thereupon were of Opinion that there were false Moralls in the World as also of different kinds don't ye know continu'd the Duke that those Thieves who do not kill have one kind of Morality and such Women as cannot Cuckold their Husbands another Both these pretend an Obligation to 'em for not driving things to Extremity so that almost every body has a Morality according to his own Fancie I likewise am resolv'd to have one of my Choosing and intend Faithfully to obey the Dictates it Inspires You have had one a good while my Lord reply'd the Duchess which has fill'd your Head top full of generous Notions and Madam quoth the Duke interrupting her being unwilling to enter into particulars of his Conduct with his Wife nothing confirms Friend ship more than a lasting Conversation and t is therefore that when I was a Boy having an Extraordinary Kindness for the fair Cephisa the amiable Object will never be root'd out of my mind What a malicious Creature art thou Prince quoth the Duke of Bourbon clapping him on the Shoulder to endeavour to make my Sister believe thou couldst have a greater respect for any other than her who Loves thee so dearly Prince reply'd the Duke angrily If I had but thought I should ever have been a slave to a Woman I would never have been Marry'd but as it is let my Wife Pursue her Inclinations and I 'll follow mine He had no sooner spoke this but he instantly left the Company with out so much as a Word more Ah! cry'd the Prince of Conde dissembling his Displeasure see here is a Prince rash and Violent but who nevertheless being Young there is some hopes of his reforming All the company agreed with his Highness and afterwards taking a Turn or two in the Garden plac'd themselves in a green Arbour which might better be call'd a little Isle being surrounded by a small Stream which fell thence into a green turfed Bason causing an agreable Murmure but which nevertheless did not interupt the Conversation a whit Every body except the Dutchess of Maine was affected with this pleasant Retirement but she Melancholy and Heavy soon return'd to her Apartment I must needs be very unhappy said she sighing to one of her Confidentes to have a Person of the Duke of Maine's humour to my Husband who 't is plain will never fail to follow the Footsteps of his Father Lewis the Great and his Mother Madam Montespan who is the most Voluptuous and Libidinous Woman in the World and if I had but minded my Grand-Father the deceas'd Prince of Conde who had a most distinguishing Head and could foresee things at the greatest distance I had never consented to this Mariage which is like to give me so much trouble and Vexation Madam answered the Confident a great deal of Care must be taken in the Choice of what one Pitches upon and likewise to know why we prefer one thing to another that we may be able to give an Account when requir'd If any body blame your choice whose fault is it Your illustrious Spouse perhaps pleas'd you without knowing whether the esteem your profess'd for him was well grounded or not we must know how to limit the bounds of our Passion and Admiration without suffering it to transport us beyond Reason Thou sayst true my dear Marchioness reply'd the Dutchess I did not examine far enough into the Duke's Temper before I suffer'd my self to be overcome by his Wit Address and a certain foolish wanton Air which we Women are not able to withstand And lastly into his false pretended Love which nevertheless he swore a Thousand times to be sincere and without Ceasing Ah Madam answer'd the Confident these are the ordinary means that render our well meaning bubbled by the Treachery and Perjury of Men who never fail to deceive us whenever it comes into their Power No doubt your Highness has shew'd but too much Fondness and Kindness to my Lord Duke There would have been less danger in giving some Innocent Proofs of your Passion to a Lover who for Family Reasons could not marry than to shew so much Love to a Husband I have experienced what I assert to my loss and therefore I hope may be the better Credited I own Madam reply'd the Dutchess that Marriage seems to me a Rock design'd to Ship wrack Humane Felicity as likewise that 't is my Opinion Love ought only to be a Sojourner with us during our Infancy and that we would do well only to marry Fools or great Lords to keep up our Families But to enter the Matrimonial Noose with design either to meet with Happiness or Content is an extream Folly True Madam answer'd the Marchioness All the Attendants of Hymen are vain Hopes and tedious Disappointments and that to be truly Happy in this World the best way were to turn Philosopher that is to enjoy the present take no Care for the future and to make Indifference and Quiet our chief Favourites These Lessons reply'd the Dutchess Mournfully were admirable for those that could Practice 'em but on the contrary How many do we Daily see in the World who make a thousand Resolutions never to marry Yet by a fatal Lot most opposite to their Intentions Course the Bridal-God about like Mad People till by that Ignis fatuus they are led through Brakes and Briers into the very Whirlpool of all Misery Madam reply'd the Lady don 't your Highness know which is the best Path to follow in this Labyrinth you should never suffer your self to be Guided by Passion but altogether by Reason and Interest But answer'd the Dutchess What shall they then do that Love has the greatest Power over Constraint you know is an inexpressible Torment I grant you that reply'd the Lady but where their Misfortune is so great as to favour a Man before they have marry'd him he will not fail afterwards to believe that they can have the same kindness for any Body else When we design to take any Man to our Arms we ought only to acquaint him with our esteem for his Merit and conceal the Love we have for his Person Will a Man think you Madam interposed the Count of Tolouse walking up to 'em be content with such Indifference I have Over-heard continu'd he part of your Conversation I cant tell that Sir reply'd the Lady Smiling Men I grant you must be made alittle much of otherwise they 'l scon desert Nevertheless continu'd he In case of Husbands it must needs be a grievous Misfortune to an honest Man to dote upon a Woman whose slame is wholy Extinguish'd But for my part I declare my self an utter Enemy to Marriage and my reason is because the last Mistress I had play'd me false when I afterwards observing in her Eyes that she had a mind to come on again I thank'd her kindly for her Love and sung
her the following Words Who er'e can calm his Passion was True An Heart that once could Love will always do This is to treat Love like a Soldier quoth the Dutchess of Maine smiling and to let us know moreover that your Passion never strays out of call of your Reason but yet there is some thing remaining in your Eyes that perswades me you still have more than ordinary kindness for your Mistress And Im ' of opinion those verses the Duke of Chartres sent a Lady who pretended she could Love no longer are very proper to be apply'd to your Case How easie is a Flame renew'd Whose Snuff retains but too much Fire So is a Lovers Heart subdu'd By the least Spark of a Desire I am of the same Opinion Madam reply'd the Count and have some times practis'd accordingly but as to this Lady I have determin'd to persist in my Resolutions because she has often repeated the like Inconstancy Love it must be granted Sir reply'd the Dutchess whether True or False is not very easy to be withstood Madam Interrupted her Friend who had not yet offer'd her Sentiments As I have said before your Highness sees that it were best to turn Philosopher and Dote only upon the Arts and Sciences for all other Love is but a Torment The Conversation run still upon this Subject when the Duke of Maine enter'd the Chamber who after having taking due notice of the Company clap'd himself down upon a Squab Couch and fell to Reading a small Novel call'd The Jealous Wives Certainly quoth the Count of Tolouse looking over his Shoulder this must be a very pretty Book Nothing pleases me so much as to see a Woman play her Part well that way And on the contrary reply'd the Duke bluntly striking his Hand upon the Table nothing to me is so a greater Torment The Dutchess hereupon cast down her Eyes and Answer'd not one Word and soon after entering her Chamber fell to her former Agony and shed abundance of Tears which the Duke yet took no care to wipe off Good God! exclaim'd the unhappy Princess How deaf is this Lord to my Griefs and how regardless of my Sighs The Duke of Maine hearing her Lament could no longer forbear going to ask her with a great deal of Concern what she ail'd Do you then my Lord ask me that Question reply'd the Princess very sorrowfully I have but too too sufficient Reason sure whilst I have learn'd that you Love me no more but have altogether bestow'd your Heart on another What a Fantastical humour quoth the Duke have you Madam got in your head your Sex are ever fond of these sort of Fancies to disturb ye I tell you Madam if you will believe me I am still and will always be yours and tho' I may not continue the same triffling Dalliance that attends Love in its Birth I have nevertheless the same kindness for you Marriage and an entire Possession of what one Loves dispises this Foolish niceness I am satisfy'd my dear Duke cry'd the Dutchess throwing her Arms about his Neck but notwithstanding you must give me leave to fear you do not Love me only 'T is but your groundless Fancy Madam quoth the Duke as I told you before Come rid your self of these unkind Suspicions which are little suiting with your Temper and Quality Alas reply'd the Dutchess sighing then I have been basely misinform'd for I have been told Dearest that you Love Mademoiselle de to Distruction who 't is reported is the greatest Beauty of all Madam Maintenon's Serraglio The World then knows more than I my Dear answer'd the Duke The Lady you speak of is indeed wonderfully Handsom but the Access to her Heart is no less difficult and besides if she were never so easy to Conquer a marry'd Man as I am sure would sigh at her Feet but with a very ill Grace There are some Coquetts in the World reply'd the Dutchess will give themselves the hearing of all a Man can say to 'em for Diversions sake but is it possible for any Woman to resist you who have the greatest Talent imaginable for such Addresses The Duke laught heartily at his Dutchess's Compliment and grasping her close to his Bosom told her she was a little Impertinent Gipsy and took Pleasure in vexing him But continu'd he be assured dearest my Heart shall be altogether thine therefore if you would oblige me let me hear no more of these Distrusts adding moreover Jealousy never becomes a Person of your Birth I know its cause is grounded on Love but having no just Foundation I hope you 'll have regard for the future both to my quiet and your own But will you then swear to be Constant Prince quoth the Dutchess for must Persons only be believ'd on their Oaths in this Case Madam reply'd the Duke I thought you had known me better than to distrust me Ah Sir quoth the Dutchess sighing but that part of a Man is always most Subject to vary therefore whilst the Dutchess was going on with her Reflections a Servant of the Dukes interupted her bringing his Lord a Letter The Dutchess at this being a little surpriz'd hastily caught it out of his Hand but not being able to maintain her Conquest she was soon forc'd to let go her hold and leave the Prince at Liberty who retiring into his Apartment shut to the door and read these following Words from an old Mistress of his the Countess Bridget YOur Silence and Indifference Prince equally injure my Love which is but too much in extream How can you have the Heart to cause her so much Torment whom you have so often Sworn to Love all your Life long The Hostages your Highness sent as a Pledge of your Faith impatiently wait their Return But Alas how long is your Promise in performing which has so often Charm'd me but with its Memory and which at present gives me the greatest Delight Alas VVhy is so small a Favour refus'd me after my frequent Protestations that I Love you more than ever and in spite of your Inconstancy that your Company will be still dear to me But Alas to how little purpose is it to write to you after this manner since you have no more pity left for your poor unfortunate Bridget This is in the Mouth of every Body which occasions me an acknowledging Blush Ah Cruel Remembrance of my Infamous Action to comply with your Request Ages to come will Condemn my Ingratitude and Infidelity to my Husband for your sake whilst I am assur'd of no better recompence than the Cruellest remorse of Conscience that ever was though I must at the same time own is is some times Alleviated by my Love however Ungratefull Prince when I think how you have rejected me as the very worst of Women I cannot but disdaine the unworthy Usage so unbecoming a Person of your Character neverthelesâ— if you should ever think fit to be sorry for your past Omission T is odds but I could
be so weak as to pardon you and this to make good that Maxim which says That whoever but once Lov'd well can never by any means be brought to Hate The Countess Bridget The conclusion of this Letter pleas'd the Duke infinitely insomuch that he read it over several times before he could put it up She 's in the right quoth he they that have once bestow'd their Hearts can scarce ever afterwards be made to call 'em back But your Misfortune rejected Countess continu'd he was not to have charm'd me to that Degree Your Chains were easily broken being not over strong and according to all Appearance you have abundantly more Love for me than ever it was possible for me to have for you Thus his Highness entertain'd himself some part of the Night but assoon as Day peep'd he was engag'd to mount on Horse-back to go a Hunting with some Lords to all whom he shew'd the Countesse 's Letter after having torn off her Name Are Ladies then us'd to bestow their Favours so Prodigally quoth the Duke of Bourbon laughing I know not who your Correspondent is but nevertheless am sure her Stile is none of the least Passionate Oh! T is a Lovely Creature reply'd the Duke of Maine smiâ—ing and any body else perhaps would be glad of what I refuse Would she think you my Lord quoth the Duke of Bourbon I have a Friend has occasion for such a Female There 's not a fitter for his purpose reply'd the Duke of Main providing her Husband don't come to know it Oh! quoth the Duke of Bourbon I thought she had been some Virgin who had had a mind to Communicate her Maidenhead â—oh my Fâ—iend will never care to have to do with a Woman that has a Husband I believe you may keep her to your self my Lord continu'd he t is plain she knows you or she would never have writ so kindly Yes answer'd the Duke I have some small knowledge of her her Name as I remember is Madam Freelove I 'll assure you she was no ordinary Charmer in her first Husbands Days It may be quoth the Count of Tolouse she is now some worn out Peice who is weary with Traversing the Streets and therefore would get yoâ— to put her off to my Brother for conveniency No by my Faith reply'd thâ— Duke of Maine she is a very lovelâ— Creature Young Blith Bonny and one you would be glad of with all you Heart Having spoke these Words he immediately set Spurs to his Horse and galop'd towards asolitary Wood where entering he instantly leap'd off his Saddlâ— upon a green Bank and sung these Worâ— Whilst I am cutting and Slashing Abroad And courting deep Wounds from the fiery God You cry your concern'd for the Hazards I ruâ— Yet when I return Oh Oh how how little you Burn My Wounds you neglect and my Love you do shuâ— The rest of his companions did tâ— like every one complaining of the Cruelâ— of his Mistress except the Duke of Chotres only who affirm'd that he never yâ— found any Woman false nor ever wâ— in Love above sour and twenty Hours â— all his Life How vain is this Spark râ—ply'd the Duke of Maine about to ralâ— him This does not at all my Lord quoâ— he suit with your Character you shouâ— ever find fault with Women nay tho' thâ— were never so kind It is Loves Poliâ— â—nd who ever does not follow it will never â—ucced well in his Amours Women Love Men that are discreet and to whom they â—an the safer confide their Favours also â—overs should not only be discreet but likeâ—ise Secret otherwise they might quickly Dethrone their little Emperour O the â—rand Love-Politician cry'd the Duke of â—hartres He is a Prodigious Proficient in â—ese matters and no doubt was never deâ—eiv'd but in Madam who could not â—ove him because Why these Aenigma's â—y Lord reply'd the Duke of Maine you are very wanton methinks and perhaps fancy you have some very easy body to â—ally with But have a care Prince you â—ay otherwise raise a sury that wont so easily be laid I care not a Fig quoth the Duke of Chartres provided it be from â—n Enemy and particularly him I mean Whilst these two Young Princes were â—us Jarring the rest of the Company preâ—ail'd with them to return to Paris where â—e Duke of Maine was no sooner arriv'd but â—e imediately posted away to St. Cir and â—aving found out his Charmer Camilla in â—e of the Grotts reading a Romance he â—ccosted her after this manner What dost â—on do here my Heavenly Hermite quoth â—e can solitude so well suit with thy â—vely Temper I was reading Sir reply'd â—amilla rising from her Place of two of â—aesar's Wives one whereof was Cornelia whom he valu'd so as to make her funeral Oration himâ—elf and the other one whom he fancy'd a Coquette and whom therefore he thought fit to banish giving for reason that were she so or not when the rumour was once spread aspot would sooner appear upon his Cloath than anâ— others as also that a wife of Caesars must never be suspected tho' guiltless What quoth the Duke could Caesar partâ— with his Wife without being well assur'd of her Crime It may be she was Inocent It may be so too reply'd Camilla but I find continu'd she with a very engaging Air that great Men of former Ages have always had their blindsides as well as ours oâ— these Do you doubt that Madam reply'd the Duke Men have ever been Meâ— since their first Creation would you havâ— 'em exceed their Model Adam was noâ— perfect you know after his Lapse But stiâ— added he these Illustrious Heroes of paâ— times never lov'd so truely as I do theâ— Passion was limited when mine has nâ— Bounds Then yours in time will be Giant Passion quoth the Lady smiling you suffer it to proceed farther but havâ— a care my Lord it may else come to Scalâ— the Skies and receive the like Fate witâ— it s once Metamorphos'd Brethren or elâ— run wandring all over the World and waâ— it self to a Pigmy with its Fatigue Yoâ— Love after this rate will be a Vagabonâ— and Fugitive Fie my Lord you must by â—ll means call it Home and confine it to a decent Standard What do you rally after â—his rate Adorable Beauty quoth the Duke the Person whose Torments you occasion fie this is not Generous continâ—'d he with one Knee upon the Ground you may well think one Day to answer for all these Homicides Who I reply'd Camilla briskly I never yet was the occasion of any Man's Death Ah! too Cruel added the Duke you will infallibly soon be of mine I feel your Eyes already sunk â—eep into my Heart You abuse your self Prince reply'd Camilla merrily I have â—othing wherewithal to Wound you Ah good God! continu'd he growing Pale â—o not force me to explain my self farther â—hich Word he had scaâ—fe utter'd before â—e fell flat in a Swoon at her Feet who â—evertheless
could noâ— forbear smiling aâ—l the â—hile at his Amorous Enthusiasme What iâ— it after this rate Cruel and Pityless cry'd tâ—e Duke coming a little to himself that you treat your sincerest Admirer Can you sâ—e me dye thus Prostrate without remorse Ah! Cruelty without Paralell Must I then eâ—pire without the least hopes of Comfort your coldness and indifference wiâ—l not a â—hit abate my Passion that but encreases â—o fiercely every Day and I must without your Pity infallibly Sacriâ—ice my Life a â—iserable Spectacle to your Incredulity O Heavens reply'd Camilla blushing and Sighing deeply Embrace me Prince and do not reproach me of a Crime that perhaps I am the farthest of any of my Sex from being guilty of but you know Sir a young Woman of my Condition must be Cautious of She was going on with her high flown Cordial to Cure her Love-sick Duke who all this while listned in most attentive manner to his kind Physician when Madam Maintenon came in all of a sudden and surpriz'd ' em Who could havâ— thought Camilla you had been here quotâ— the designing Governess the Company yoâ— have had is but too good for so Mean â— place tho' so Ingenuous a Person as mâ— Lord Duke perhaps may however find somâ— Charmes in it Madam answer'd thâ— Duke making her a very low Bow yoâ—â— Ladyship is pleased to Flatter me agreeably and the Praises which proceed from yoâ—â— Mouth are more estimable then choiest Jâ—wels But those from our fair Camilla Mouth quoth the Governess I presumâ— would be much moâ—e acceptable to yoâ—â— Highness The Fair alwaies add a grace 〈◊〉 the Words they speak especially in Love Eyes But I have not that good Fourtâ—â—â— Madam reply'd the Duke with this 〈◊〉 Lady She looks upon me sure as one of 〈◊〉 worst of Enemies and treats me with Indiâ—ference and Coldness accordingly Pâ—â—haps that 's but your Fancy my Loâ—â— quoth Madam Maintenon who had a great deal of good Will towards his Highness Camilla sure is not so indifferent as you may imagine for on the contrary I am well assur'd she is more than ordinarily sensible of your Highnesses Merit and good Qualities Blest Saints exclaim'd the Duke How endearing are these Expressions Is it then possible so Divine a Creature should ever be capable of receiving Impressions of Love Do you believe my Lord reply'd this Lady that the fair are any ways incapable of that Passion if you do you are much deceiv'd for I can assure you they are oftentimes more easily wrought upon than the Homely and Deform'd Afford me but a Proof of this Dear Camilla reply'd the Duke in a wonderous Extasie your generous Governess permits you to hearken to me and I dare almost promise Commands you to do it This I hope dearest will be some relief to your Fears and Modesty and for which I shall be eternally oblig'd to Madam Maintenon who takes so great notice of my Sufferings Yes reply'd the Intriguing Governess I do allow Camilla to Love your Highness but that with a necessary restraint for a Young Lady may easily dâ—ive her Passion so far that she can hardly return without danger of Shipwrack There is a certain Rock she may meet with in the way that has baffled many a good Pilot. And what is that Rock Madam quoth the Duke Perhaps striking there is the greatest Satisfaction and sinking more the Desire than unskilfulness of the Pilot. It may be so reply'd the Governess but Ah Madam continu'd the Prince but how shall we do to cool our selves of Your Passion quoth Madam Maintenon laughing even Sigh often and Breath strong and so refresh your selves Ah but Madam reply'd the Prince would Sighing prevent your being blown up by your Passion Yes yes I warrant reply'd the Lady being unwilling to let his Highness explain himseâ—â— any farther upon that Subject But Sir pray what News from Court None Madam that I know of reply'd the Duke except that the Dutchess of Portail has lately fatted a Young Fellow to distil him in a Limbeck to make yer young again Are you in earnest my Lord answer d Madam Maintenon Is that old Dauber quite bereft of her Sences Sure she well deserves the name of the fair French Antiquity ' Tiâ— certain Madam reply'd the Duke she works at it with the extreamest Diligence she loses no time Why this Action of herâ— is Abominable quoth Madam Maintenon she ought to be complain'd of to our Reverend Fathers the Jesuits Alas continu'd she making a sign of the Cross for so frail a thing as outward Appearance that Women should be so Devillish as to damn themselves Well Madam added the Duke but she has a greater folly than all this still if you would give me leave to tell it which is this A young Lady who liv'd formerly with her but now with us told me that in Summer time her Footmen were us'd to refresh her with a great Taffeta Fan as large as a Mizzen Sail and which she was wont to say was the greatest Cooler imaginable no more for pities sake quoth the Governess holding her sides and ready to burst with laughing I believe your Highness has invented these two Stories on purpose to entertain your Mistress but if they be true I am of Opinion many a Soberer Body goes every Day to Bedlam Faith Madam reply'd the Duke the young Lady told 'em me very seriously for Truth and I am apt to believe they are so This last whimsy cry'd Camilla is at this Day practis'd in the Indies where perhaps this Lady has been in a Dream or a Frenzy But no more of this hideous Creature pray my Lord cry'd the Governess I protest the very thoughts of her makes me Sick Why Madam quoth the Duke your Ladyship ask'd me News and I thought none could be more Diverting These are such indeed quoth the Governess as ought to put either in the Gazette or the Post-Boy Pray let them then my Lord cry'd the fair Camilla Maliciously such Ridiculous Fancies ought to entertain the World at a cheap rate Madam reply'd the Duke her History would indeed furnish out an admirable Monthly Account I believe so too quoth Camilla and I fancy moreover that her Company must needs be very diverting to her Friends if she has any For Camilla was proceeding in her Discourse when News was brought that her little shock-dog was just dropt down dead of an Appoplexy Impossible is it to imagine what stifling Grief this Fair young Lady imediately conceiv'd upon this relation Nay in the Dukes presence who promis'd her one a thousand times more beautiful Alas exclaim'd she Sighing deeply Adonis so was her Dog's name was incomparable Madam quoth the D. I can easily Redress your loss Impossible cry'd Camilla sobbing he was a Dog that excell'd all of his kind But my Lord added she if your Highness has any thing like him let me beg him of you I promise thee dearest of Charmers reply'd the Duke catching her Hand and Kissing
it greedily before Madam Maintenon thou shalt have one as beautiful to the full Hereupon the Duke immediately took leave of the Ladies designing to make a small Theft upon his Dutchess without her Knowledg but which nevertheless was very difficult for him to do she making frequent Reviews of her little Dogs many of which she lov'd equal with herself notwithstanding Polidor was in a short time obtain'd by a Stratagem the Dutchess little fuspecting her Duke for a Shop-lifter His Highness soon after Dinner hasted away to his lov'd Camilla with his Prize who as ill Luck would have it could not by any means fancy Polidor so charming as her Adonis Nevertheless thinking her self Oblig'd to accept what his Highness had took so much pains for she began to dry up her Tears and make some shew of Comfort whereupon the Prince believing he had absolutely restored her to her Gaiety took her up in his Arms and mounted her upon the Table where he immediately began to renew his Amorous Addresses But Camilla like other Beauties being a little incredulous would give no great ear to his Courtship Is it credible quoth she with a charming Air that your Highness should have so great a kindness for me as you profess I am not ignorant that great Lords as well as meaner Men have very often been apt to disguise their Thoughts the beter to suceed in their Intentions This you should not say Madam answer'd the Duke without being sure of it But nevertheless you may be prudently confident that I am none of that number Granting it so my Lord reply'd Camilla you are notwithstanding one of those who often die in Paper without ever coming near the Elysian Fields Do you look upon us Men then Madam quoth the Duke as Robbers that seize whatever comes in our way Yes Prince answered Camilla pleasantly It is requisite only to be Man and in Love to commit any sort of Robbery I know a Friend of mine continu'd she that whenever she is left alone with her Lover presently crys out Thieves Thieves being certain that he comes to steal somthing Alas reply'd the Prince t is only her Heart he has a design upon and that comonly is shut up too close to come easily at I fancy quoth Camilla the Mad Lover is a very uneasy part to Act A Man methinks looks but very Sheepish Dying at a Woman Feet who oftentimes almost bursts her self with Laughter at the comical Figure Would you then most cruel reply'd the Duke ridicule a Person in such a condition Of all Human miseries none is greater sure than that of rejected Love which Inexpressible Torment has only its Gâ—ief for its Comfort and Dispair for its Encouragement Well Heaven be prais'd quoth Camilla interrupting him your Highness is not like to Die of that distemper What would be your Fate if My Fate Madam reply'd the Duke very disconsolately would certainly be very Miserable if you could not Love me Me or another my Lord quoth Camilla rallying I suppose 't would be all one where you Lov'd No Charming Innocence reply'd the Duke I shall never Love any like your self and all Words are but too wanting to express my sentiments of your Conquest Yours I am entirely you are my Sovereign Sway my Heart at pleasure and Providing I can but find the Philosopher's Stone to please you I shall think my self more then ordinarily Happy This Philosopher's Stone My Lord quoth Camilla is a Chimera and in my Opinion the best way to find it were to cease looking after it But this Pretious Stone quoth the Duke snatching her up in his Arms and Embracing her this precious Stone every body Aims at and would be Master of tho' at the greatest Expence For my part added he I would willingly give all I were worth in the World to have but a Right to call thee my own My Lord quoth she you would not think me worth your Charge after you had had me a little while for I am but a Jilt Whimsical and of very ill Principles at best The wors then for you fair Inconstancy reply'd the Duke But if there be any means to Convert you Command Diamonds Pearls Gold whatever you can fancy either in Dream or Thought and you shall have 'em incontinently what would you more Cannot this Obtain me the favour to Stand off reply'd Camilla with a haughty Tone repulsing him with some earnestness can your Lordship think I will be guilty of any such Baseness No all the Riches in the World could never extort but the least Complyance from me To this the Duke reply'd very respectfully and was not a little disappointed to meet with so surprising Qualities and worthy even of a Queen After a little farther Tryall he left her to her self retiring into a Neighbouring Solitude where he intended to make a few Reflections upon her Conduct Her Generosity begins he does not at all favour my design these Women of nice Honour are the worst in the World to deal with Nevertheless continu'd his Highness she was once kind to me but Alass How little did that happy moment last since her Virtue soon summon'd her Modesty to her relief and the Passion she before profess'd for me soon Vanish'd and Ceas'd Whilst the Duke was thus wandering thro' the Forrest he unexpectedly met his old Friend the Marquess of Verrille who likewise came thither upon the same account These two Lords were both in Love but after a very different manner whereupon the Duke with Mournfull Tone began thus with the Marquess I believe my Lord quoth he one Wind blew us both hither to Expostulate with our Discontents O reply'd the Marquess but I presume nevertheless our case is far different for where Hymen forbids your Highness any strict Ingagment Me he baffles tho' I am willing to list under his Standard Ah! Dear Fellow-Sufferer continu'd the Duke whilst that I Love a certain Lady who makes me no reasonable Returns be thou Judge of the Extremity of my Grief my Life is altogether Dependent upon her will and her Absence moreover is my Death I must confess I am not able to guess at the Person you so Affect reply'd the Marquess Smiling but nevertheless I would advise your Highness not to set your Heart too much upon her since you are already so comfortably dispos'd of Ala's t is not in my power to forbear Dear Marquess answer'd the Duke my Passion is but too vehement to admit of any Opposition and If you knew this Lovely Creature as well as I do you would willingly forego all other Ingagements to die at her Feet The Marquess hereupon flung himself into the Dukes Embraces and beg'd of him to know who this Charming Beauty was Which secret the good natur'd Prince but too soon disclos'd for â—is future quiet Being afterwards sensible how dangerous it is for a Man to commend his Mistress even before his Friend Camilla by this time being vigorously attack'd by the afforesaid Marquess who
was the Wittiest and most Accomplish'd her utmost Wishes could expect as likewise of Noble Birth soon yielded to his engaging Address The Duke of Maine therefore having some Reason to be Jealous one day meeting him coming from St. Cir Accosted him with a heavy Countenance after this manner Marquess you that so often have approv'd your self my Friend are now no more so but a dangerous Rival as likewise the most Cruel of all my Enemies Ah my Lord reply'd he catching him by the Hand so far am I from being your Highnesses Enemy that I am unavoidably become my own in not being able to resist the Charms of that Beautiful Creature you Love I have us'd all endeavours to overcome my Weakness but notwithstanding find 'em all fruitless and of none effect Then you Love Camilla quoth the Duke angrily and with Contempt But have a Care Marquess otherwise you may be but too sensible of your Treachery For what will you then pretend to do Prince reply'd the Marquess boldly will you offer to oppose me I Love this Beautiful Charmer beyond any possibility of resistance The same do I added the Duke with the like furious Air I Love her in spite of my Will to disingage my self as likewise without Hopes as I wish you do and this give me leave to tell you Sir coming up to him Ah Cruel Friend continu'd he putting his Hand to his Sword I fear this Casuist must at last be the Decider of our difference When you please my Lord reply'd the Marquess I do not wear a Sword to any better purpose than to Defend my self Then I find continu'd the Duke from the very best of Friends we must become the greatest of Enemies being Rivals But with all my Heart since it is so determind Here Marquess quoth he give me your Sword and take you mine let us see in whose Favour Fortune will declare herself Which done they began to fall to it Pell-mell when having exchang'd several passes by chance two Fathers la Chaise and Bourdalou happen'd to come by who seeing two young Lords Attack each other so vigorously immediately interpos'd with their utmost diligence to prevent any farther mischief and after Preach'd Peace to 'em without knowing the least occasion of their Quarrel My Lord Duke of Maine soon Condescended to their Mediation being unwilling to make any farther Noise for fear it might come to his Dutchesses Ear therefore suffer'd his Hand to be given to the Marquess by Father la Chaise who all this while knew nothing of the true Cause of their Dispute Thus being made seemingly Friends the Reverend Fathers conducted 'em to their Cloysters with so much secrecy that there was not the least Rumour of it got Abroad Notwithstanding this Accommodation the Duke could not but treasure up a great deal of Malice for the Marquess who likewise bore him no less Ill-will insomuch that when ever they were like to meet in the Streets the one endeavour'd to avoid the other with a great deal of earnestness Camilla you may imagine was very much puzzled to manage these two Lovers equally especially since she had so great a kindness for the Marquess One Day as the Marquess was pressing her to declare in his Favour he said Ah! fairest Camilla I can but too well perceive how much you prefer the Duke of Maine to me But He could not go on farther because she suddainly interupted him asking seriously why he thought so Why I think so Madam answer'd he why I am convinc'd by the kind reception I observe you always give him even in my Presence No doubt you think him more deserving for Reasons best known to your self It is my desire to make your Fortune when I am confident the Duke intends nothing but to ruin it I understand you Sir reply'd Camilla blushing but however what would you have me to do you see Madam Maintenon forces me as it were to be Civil to him he being her Favourite and besides he is assuredly a Person of that Merit that must needs Command every Bodies esteem Ah! t is this your esteem Madam cry'd out the Marquess that will certainly be the cause of my Death And moreover how do I know but that you go something farther but however it is certain my Love will endure no Competitor Then you must needs have me to your self I find Sir reply'd Camilla laughing but nevertheless this is a piece of Vanity does not at all displease in a true Lover to suffer no Partner Then I find Dearest Camilla reply'd the Marquess in a Love-Fit you are pleas'd to agree with me in my Assertion But however prethee tell me thou Loveliest of thy Sex canst thou but have the least kindness for me Your Questions a little too rash in my Opinion Sir quoth Camilla merrily It is but a little while since I have first known you and would you have me Love already No my Heart is not so easily wrought upon continu'd she and perhaps may never Whilst they were thus debating the Duke of Maine enter'd bluntly the Room where upon the Marquess immediately decamp'd leaving the Field of Battle to his Highness who like an experienc'd General in Loves Wars began instantly to Muster all his Troops of Sighs Complaints and Languishings which he had always about him and which he immediately drew up at the Incomparable Camillas Feet where he began his Harangue thus Will you never cruellest of your Sex put and end to my Grief I suffer more on your Account then the very damn'd in Hell pardon the Simile for where a Person is Skrew'd up to my Pitch of Jealousy the very worst of terms suit his Condition best and yet you will have no Compassion Yes quoth Camilla when my Heart can assure me you have gaind any considerable conquest for these terms of Damn'd Miserable Wretched and a Slave savour more of a Romance than Reality But Madam reply'd the Duke for the most part your Sex are not to be wrought upon unless a Man give himself to the Devill for security Good you are pleas'd to rally I find My Lord quoth Camilla But does your Highness seriouly believe that we Woman dont know when we are truly belov'd when nothing is so easy to discover by a Mans Actions I cant tell that Incomparable Charmer reply'd the Duke darting her a favourable Look But I know you have not yet been pleas'd to discover mine I am sure continu'd he sighing t is no small time since my Honour Liberty and Heart have been in your Fetters and yet you would never think fit to take any notice of ' em Have I had the possession of 'em so long then answer'd Camilla Merrily I thought they had a great while since been Banish'â— Paris for Fugitives and Vagabonds Pariâ— has never had greater Possession of mâ— reply'd the Duke than now and particularly St. Cir were you now are and where you may likewise find my Grief engraven in lasting Characters Where abouts pray my Lord quoth
Camilla Laughing for my part I can see no such Hieroglyphicks Here on this very Spot bright Angel reply'd the Duke here you may instantly see me bury'd and this is what I would have carv'd on my Tomb. Here Lies the most Unfortunate of Lovers who expir'd at the Feet of the Cruel and sure my Lord there was never such an Epitaph as this before added Camilla Interrupting him and besides wrapt up in such Terms and to have these effects Expir'd at the Feet of the Cruel c. Ha! Ha! continu'd she laughing why did your Lordship ever hear of any one that really dy'd for Love Certainly if there were any such he ought to be extreamly priz'd being the only Phoenix of his kind that ever was Why if this were so another must Consequently arise out of his Ashes and to besure then eâ—â—ry Woman would immediately put in to be his Mistress Faith Madam reply'd the Duke pleasantly he would then have enough to do to Content ' em How did your Ladyship say All Women Alas Poor Phoenix he would be well employ'd sure to hover his Wings over so many Beauties For my part I should think one or two sufficient to keep a Man considerably in play Take then two for your share reply'd Camilla smiling and moreover choose her you like How may I take any notice of your Words Madam continu'd the Duke singing as follows Youthful Iris Swore to Love me But why did youthful Iris Swear Not that she meant e're to approve me But shew how Fickle Women are And Men I dare assure your Highness reply'd Camilla are yet more Fickle for they change with the Wind and Sail with the Tide A Feaver Green sickness Small-Pox or some lesser Evil makes them quit their Mistâ—esses Incontinently and if you but ask 'em the Reason of their so suddain alteration they 'll tell you that if she could but have continu'd her Charms they would never have vaâ—y'd their Love so that we find Gentlemen how extreamly our Sex is obâ—ig'd to you to forsake us at the very fiâ—st Approach of a Misfortune This mâ—kes me of Opinion that you are more in Love with your selves than us and that we are not a little unwise when we have any thing to do with you Why Madam â—â—ply'd the Duke iâ— all Women were of your Mind Love would be altogether idle such a cold and wild Constâ—tution would frighten him and he would be forc'd to return to Spain or Italy from whence he came Is Love then a Spaniard or Italian Sir quoth Camilla feigning Ignorance Yes Madam reply'd the Prince he had his Birth and is always best supply'd in hot Countries But have a care Exclaim'd he I am almost gon already What a Dart have you just now shot into my Heart Your Imagination wounded you only reply'd Camilla Laughing And you may be term'd Embevecido that is drunk with Love for your Highnesses Passion is wrought so very High that I can't fancy you any ways in your Witts and therefore this Spanish Word may very properly be apply'd to your Condition Call me what you Please Madam reply'd the Duke and bestow upon me whatever Qualities you fancy I shall never take it amiss providing you 'll have but the least kindness for me Call me Jack Tom what you think fit or Snubbee as our late Chancellour did his Mistress it will be all one on the foregoing Conditions These familiar Terms please infinitely in Love The King our August Monarch would never permiâ— his Mistris La Valiere to pay any distant Respect to him nay he would have her always call him my Life my Love my Joy and by other such-like endearing Expressions But nevertheless I cannot promise my self so great favour and perhaps must despair at last of your ever Loving me as long as I live Will you then Despair so suddenly Prince reply'd she with a tender Air Matters do not move so much sure to your Disencouragement and particularly what then cry'd out the Duke transported most Adorable Creature will 't thou then give me but the least glimpse of farther Hopes What welcom News to my Lovesick Soul Permit me a little to embrace thee as an Acknowledgment of the Pleasure I have conceiv'd upon this extraordinary Juncture Camilla who was naturally good humour'd could not refuse his Highness some small favours which yet did not in the least entrench upon her Honour but which nevertheless a little grated her Modesty for tho' the Duke was extreamly civill yet she could not but Blush often in his Arms which might very well have enflam'd his Highness to some farther Attempt had not the superiour of St. Cir sent one of her Ladies to see what Camilla was doing This Sister Hyppolita reported to Madam Maintenon that Camilla was engag'd at hawty tawty with the Duke of Maine and moreover that she observ'd her Cloaths were a little rumpled How quoth Madam Maintenon in an angry Tone will she â—hen suffer herself to be rumpled by that Prince Does the Wind blow in that Quarter I 'll soon teach her how to behave herself and as speedily show His Highness the way home The Prince believing Hyppolita would give no favourable account of his Conduct thought fit to endeavour to prevent her Malice and therefore met Madam Maintenon as she was coming towards ' em Madam quoth he I question not but you have been told wonderfull Matters but I 'll assure your Ladyship there is little or no Truth in 'em I know very well Sister Hyppolita's Malice who loves to make more of a thing a Thousand times than it is She told me indeed Sir answerd the Governess smiling that you had towz'd Camilla about to some purpose You must needs know of what Consequence this may be in my House tho' at bottom I dont think there can be any great harm in such Waggerys providing that you understand me I do Madam reply'd the Duke laughing but I 'll Assure you there has been no such thing intended here Your basely mistrusted however My Lord answerd the Governess for our good Sister Hyppolita told me quite another story It may be so quoth the Duke But can you think Madan continu'd his Highness that this good Sister would not suffer herself to be rumpled sometimes as well as another No certainly reply'd Madam Maintenon for the Nuns of St. Lewis renounce the Pleasures of Love by their Vows Good reply'd the Duke of Maine laughing but don 't your Superiourship know the Flesh may somtimes contradict the Spirit For my part I can't believe the Sisters of St. Lewis are so very Insensible as you would make 'em and for example I have observ'd Sister Angel send her Eys abroad a Piqueering thro' the Grates more than once That 's but your groundless fancy my Lord quoth Madam Maintenon she is the most devout of us all that poor Girl implores our Holy Patron Night and Day to sortify her mind against Carnal Thoughts which might else interrupt her Devotion The