her which though she thinks too much yet a Fathers name makes it currant But the Lady Fidelia seeing her Husbands humour is jealous of the truth and exceedingly troubl'd at it but manages her grief with discretion till one day with tears in her eyes she privately reproves him for his lustful Desires which wrought so bad an effect on him that he resolves to remove that obstacle in order to which he hires Ierantha Fidelia's waiting-woman for 500 Duckats to poyson her which she did by infusing Poyson into some white Broth she had made her and so in eight days dispatch'd her into a better place The old Leacher inwardly rejoyces but in outward shew is exceedingly afflicted and dejected and in very honourable manner causes her to be interred While this is acting at Nice Peace is concluded between Spain and Savoy and young Castlenovo comes home where he is entertained with mourning for his Mother The old man knowing it was impossible for him to obtain his ends whil'st his Son was at home seeks a pretence to send him away and in a short time two several occasions offer themselves either to go to France with the Prince Major who was to marry the Kings second Sister or to go to Malta to get a pension during his life The young Couple like that of France best for several reasons but in obedience to his Father he must to Malta This filthy old Leacher now resolves either by fair or foul means to compass his end in order to which he gives her the sole Government of his house But e'er fifteen days were past finding her in her Bed-chamber playing on her Lute after some pauses Coughs and Kisses he vomits forth his foul affection at which enrag'd she throws away her Lute and in great passion leaves him but he in every Walk Garden and Room haunts her like a Ghost thinking to gain by importunity what he could not by persuasion But modest Perina is inflexible and grieves at his perseverance but how to quench the fire of his Lust she knows not she has no friend to retire or make her moan to wherefore she resolves to write a Letter to hasten her Husbands return which she does and sends by the hands of his intimate Friend Seignior Sabia wherein she tells him That her Honour is in danger by his absence but names not from whom and earnestly presses his speedy return At the receipt hereof he was troubl'd but fancy'd it was only a trick of his Wifes to make him speed home and so being loth to quit his hopes of the Preferment the Grand Master had promised him returns Sabia to Nice with a rich Emrald-Ring and a Letter to this purpose That he was assured of her Love and the care she took of her Honour and that he only believed it was an artifice of hers to call him sooner home which he could not yet comply with since he daily expected Preferment from the Grand Master which being obtain'd he would flie to her embraces This Letter was both a comfort and affliction to her for as she was confirm'd in his health so she was too well assured of his stay and now begins to fear her Father-in-laws wicked purpose nor were her fears groundless for he seeing iâ—treaties prevail not threatens to force what she will not freely give At which being terribly affrighted she resolves to provide for her safety which by the help of Sabia she effects who conveys her from Nice to her Father Arconeto's house where reflecting on former passages she grew sickly which made her once more send Sabia to Malta with another Letter That she is gone from Nice to her own Fathers at St. John de Maurien That if neither her Affection nor her Honour will draw him yet she begs the care of her Life may invite him and withal says That she has a secret to impart to him before she dies which she will entrust with no person but himself Whil'st Sabia is going to Malta with this old Castlenovo finding his Villainy would be discovered by the flight of his Daughter-in-law and being sure that his Son will be enrag'd at it is in great perplexity not knowing what to do Mean time Sabia delivers the Letter to young Castlenovo who wonders who it should be in his Fathers house that durst attempt his Wife which makes him dispatch Sabia away to carry News of his coming and three days after arrives there himself The joys of both parties were unspeakable but when he knew it was his own Father that sought incestuously to enjoy his Daughter he was struck with horror at the thought and resolv'd to continue at St. Iohn Maurien with Arconeto But old Castlenovo thinking what a scandal the divulging his Crime and his Sons absence would prove to him wrote a Letter to him wherein he acknowledg'd his lascivious and graceless attempt upon the Honour of so chast a Lady which he could not remember but with detestation but now Religion had vanquished Lust and he did heartily sorrow and repent of so foul a miscarriage That if he who was the sole prop of his age whose absence he daily lamented would return with his Lady to Nice he call'd Heaven and Earth to witness That for the future he would as much honour her for her Chastity as he had formerly lasciviously sought to betray it And further adds That his tongue should make good what his pen had writ This Letter prevail'd with his Son and Daughter who about eight days after the receipt thereof return to Nice where the old man with tears in his eyes confesses his error and so they were perfectly reconcil'd But alas this Sunshine will quickly be clouded for the old Dotard daily beholding Perina's Beauty soon relapsed and knowing he cannot obtain his desires so long as his Son lives makes use of the same hellish Agent Ierantha with the promise to marry her and give her down 500 Duckats more to poyson him which she for lucre of the Money and ambition of beâ—ng a Lady in less than six days effected The sudden death of Castlenovo had like to have occasion'd Perina's too who tares her Hair and betrays all the deplorable demonstrations of sorrow that can be imagin'd and so does the old hypocrite Castlenovo which she takes for counterfeit and suspects that he and Ierantha are guilty of her Husbands death and concludes that if he renews his sute they were really his â—urtherers A little more than a month after his Son was laid in his untimely Grave the old beastly wretch began afresh his sollicitations to which she seem'd not so averse as before and at last to palliate her design she yields and the time and place is appointed which being come and Castlenovo in his bed impatiently expecting Perina she softly enters his Chamber in her day-attire with a Pisa-dagger in her sleeve and bolting the door after her comes to his bed-side where seeing his breast open she stabs him to the heart and with
here saw the most rueful Sight that ever Eyes beheld After she had in some measure discharg'd her Grief in showers of Tears and lamentable Exclamations she sent for the Officers and desir'd that the Strumpet who had been the sole cause of this Misfortune might be apprehended and carried before the Governour whose Justice she hop'd would punish her according to the Quality of the Crime and her own Demâ—rits Cloissa and Lydia were presently seiz'd and carried before the Governour where the Countess spar'd no Aggravations her Passion prompted her to or the Circumstances of the thing admitted of The Governour with an attentive Ear heard this dismal Relation and express'd his Sorrow for the loss of so worthy a Gentleman and intimate Friend as the Count was and then ordered the accurs'd Lady to make her defence and withal bid her and her Maid put up their Hoods and discover their Faces which they delaying to do the Officers pulled them off when the Governour at first sight knew her to be his Wife and with surprize and wonder cryed out It is my Wife It is my Wife at which words she drop'd down in a Swound from which she never recover'd Lydia to the great Astonishment of the Governour and the numerous crowd of Spectators gave a full Relation of all these Passages which she had been privy to whereupon she was committed to Prison and a Week after condemn'd to be publickly whipt in the Market Place of Antwerp and for ever banished the City He that goes on in a constant Course of Sin runs on the Devils Errand and like St. Quintin rides Post to his own Execution whilst the guilty Cloissa conscious of her Shame dyes suddenly under the horrour of her own Crimes to prevent a more ignominious Punishment HIST. VII Rigidoro and his two Sons Carollo steals Corinna his Sister unknown from the Nunnery of St. Bridget and lives in Incest with her for which he is condemn'd to loose his Head and she burnt Erasto marries Favonia a common Strumpet Rigidoro disinherits him He Murders his Father and flyes is afterwards taken by the Turks commits Adultery with Adulla his Patron 's Wife whereupon she is strangled and he flead alive Favonia dyes miserably in the Burdellos of the foul Disease IN the Popedom of Pius Quintus Seignior Rigidoro a-young extravagant Gentleman lived at Rome who according to the modish Gallantries of the Age was a very compleat and fashionable Sinner and familiarly acquainted with Emilia a young Lady by whom he had one Daughter nam'd Corinna who to prevent the Shame and conceal the Lewdness of her Parents was privately educated and assoon as her Age had qualified her for the Vows of a Religious Life dispos'd to the Nunnery of St. Bridget Presently after the Birth of Corinna Rigidoro married Mariana the only daughter of Seignior Placento a Goldsmith whose plentiful Fortune was above the Quality of her Family and by her had two Sons Carollo and Erasto and one Daughter Carollo the eldest was no sooner arriv'd to those years which ought to have intitled him as discreet as manly but he was eminently known through the whole City for the debaucheries of his Life and Conversation which rendred him no less acceptable to the lewd and vitious than he was abhorr'd and detested by all vertuous and sober Men. As he went one day with some Gentlemen to see the Nunnery of St. Bridget where one of his Friends had a Sister lately entered he had the Fortune to see a young Gentlewoman whose Beauty suddenly inflam'd his Heart with the wanton desires of Love which he cherished though but with slender hopes of accomplishing his Design and reaping that satisfaction he so earnestly coveted after he had inquired who she was he understood her name was Corinna but her parents unknown Corinna was no less enamour'd of Carollo and growing weary of the smart and severe Discipline she was confin'd to resolv'd to embrace the first Opportunity to discharge her self of those sacred Fetters which rendred Carollo's Courtship more easie and successful Not to relate all the Intrigues of their Love which were many dark and mysterious to prevent the suspition of the Lady-Abbess and the Holy-Sisters her Companions Carollo in two months time gain'd her Heart upon the promise of Marriage and a Dispensation from the Pope and at last by his Assistance she made her Escape Corinna was lodged at Monsieur Torquato's House his particular Friend where her Name and all the Circumstances of her Quality were so well disguis'd that nothing appear'd but what was just and honourable And here he first gained the Enjoyment of his unlawful Pleasures under the umbrage and promise of future Matrimony which he religiously swore to and she credulously believed Carollo having now satiated his Lust began to make his Visits more seldom and was soon cloy'd with the Repetition of such unchast Delights In the Interim whilst they banqueted their Senses in the fruition of sacrilegious Pleasures Corinna was discovered by the search made after her and apprehended one night in the embraces of her lascivious Paramour who was seiz'd by the same Officers and both imprison'd till the Pope and the Conclave of Cardinals were acquainted with the Fact Rigidoro was not long a stranger to the Misfortune of his Son but when he understood the Ladies Name was Corinna his Daughter and Carollo's Sister he was so incens'd that nothing could reconcile him but resolv'd he himself would rather be the Prosecutor than Carollo should not be punish'd according to his demerits This present Fury of Rigidoro was soon allay'd by his Natural Affection to his Son and Daughter but his Passion and Indiscretion had so far transported him that in the extremities of his Rage he discovered the nearness of their Relation which the Pope and Conclave being acquainted with all Intercession for his and Corinna's Life was ineffectual though Rigidoro offer'd a very considerable sum and six days after Carollo was condemn'd to lose his Head for violating the Nunnery in stealing Corinna and then committing Incest with her Corinna's Crime was no less heinous and her punishment as just and severe she was first sentenced to be Immur'd and so starv'd to Death between two Walls which Judgment the Court was afterwards pleased at the Prayers of her Father to change into a speedier Death and ordered that 3 days after in her Nun's Habit she should be burnt near Trajan's Pillar which was accordingly executed upon her Rigidoro was very much afflicted at the Tragical and Unfortunate End of Carollo and Corinna but time at last dried up his Tears and the hopes he had of being happy in Erasto and his Sister abated his Sorrows and gave some Refreshment to his distressed Mind But alas we too often flatter our selves with the expectations of Happiness here from that very Subject which proves the only occasion of our Trouble and Misery Erasto was as vitious and debauch'd as Carollo had been and no less incontinent
left leg and Paulina's right arm The furious Horses ran away with the Coach which was torn all a pieces At this instant came by Orlindo's Coach with his Page Varini in in it going to his Master who seeing the Lady Paulina whom he knew in so distressed a condition alighted and took her up into his Lords Coach and Curanto with her and so speedily returned to fetch his Lord whom he found in the same Grove dead Varini strangely amazed at this ruful spectacle cries out and tares his hair for grief not knowing what to say or do At last he resolves to stay by the body and send the Coach for his Lady and her Father Seignior Sterlin Paulina and Curanto went back to Florence in Orlindo's Coach where she had leisure to consider the mischiefs she had drawn upon her self by her violent passion and insatiable malice Seignior Sterlin and the Lady Lucretia are now arrived where they see and bewail the one his Son the other her beloved Lord with sorrows inexpressible The Criminal Judges being acquainted with the murther of Orlindo send out their Officers into the Fields to apprehend all persons they found there and bring them before them but they found no more but one poor ragged Boy who was keeping of Cows on the other side of the hedge and gave them this account That he saw the Gentleman walk alone at least an hour and then an old Fryar came to him who shot two Pistols at him and kill'd him and then the Fryar went away and he saw him no more but there was a fine Coach which stood a little distance from the Grove where a fine Lady came out and went into the Grove and after the Fryar had kill'd the Gentleman the Lady went back to the Coach and drove away They asked him what colour the Horses were and what Livery the Coach-man had on The Boy said The Horses were white and the Coach-man had a red Cloak with white Lace Varini observing this affirmed it was the Lady Paulina her Coach and Coach-man and so related in what a condition he had found them two hours before Upon this they were suspected of the Murther and the Officers at their return to Florence commanded to apprehend them which they did as they were going out in a fresh Hackney-Coach and brought them Prisoners to the common Goal of the City Two days after Orlindo had been solemnly interred Paulina and Curanto were brought before the Judges and charged with the Murther of Orlindo which they both stoutly deny'd The Boy is called to give in Evidence against them who stands to his former â—epositions but cannot think the Lady was the Fryar nor can he truly say that this was the Coach-man The next morning Curanto was rack'd but the torments could not make him confess any thing Presently after Paulina was put to the same torture which not being able to endure she confessed her self to be the sole Author and Acter in the Murther of Orlindo in all the circumstances as before represented and strongly affirmed her Coach-man Curanto was Innocent For which she received Sentence to be hang'd next morning and accordingly about ten the sorrowful Paulina was brought between two Nuns to the place of Execution where after a very penitent and religious Speech she was turned over Honest Curanto though he was thus cleared by Paulina yet by the sollicitations of Lucretia was adjudg'd to the double torments of the Rack which he patiently endured without confessing any thing The Judges therefore moved in conscience to make him some satisfaction for enfeebling his body and impairing his health decree the Lady Lucretia to give him three hundred Duckatoons which was paid him accordingly and he discharged May the reading of this Tragical History learn us all to hate from our hearts the Inconstancy and Ingratitude of Orlindo and from our souls abhor the Cruelty of Paulina who though at first she seems to triumph in sin and praise the success of her Revenge and bloody Enterprize yet the Iudgment of God immediately overtakes the bold offender and brings her to open and condign Punishment HIST. XIV Castlenovo and Perina Jacomo de Castlenovo lusts after Perina his own Sons Wife hires Jerantha to poyson his own Lady Fidelia and then his Son Francisco for which Perina murders him in his bed Jerantha ready to die confesses the two Murthers is hang'd and burnt Perina's right hand is cut off and she condemn'd to suffer perpetual Imprisonment where she dies of a Consumption BEyond the Alps not long since lived Seignior Antonio de Arconeto a rich and noble Gentleman who by his Lady lately deceased had a Son named Seignior Alexandro and a Daughter called Perina the Son the Darling the Daughter a Cast-away who bears her Fathers frowns with admirable patience but the Son building too much on his Fathers fondness grows Debauch'd and gets a Surfeit at a Banquet which cast him into a pestilential Feaver and that in three days into his Grave Perina is now sole Heiress to her Fathers Lands and Favour whom he yet looks upon with disdain which brought her into a melancholly and that into extreme sickness which was so ill resented by the Lady Dominica her Aunt that she prevailed with her Brother to let Perina be with her at which the Aunt was very glad but the Niece overjoy'd Perina being thus settled there her Aunt hath a Daughter who was suddenly to be married to a Gentleman of Nice where she was chosen Bride-maid and Don Francisco de Castlenovo a Native of Nice Knight of Malta and sole Heir to Iacomo de Castlenovo a rich and ancient Baron of Savoy Bride-man who is enamour'd of Perina and understanding that her Birth and Quality answer'd his during his stay there made his court to her and in fifteen days obtain'd her consent to be his Wife with which he acquaints the Lady Dominica desiring her assistance to obtain her Fathers which in a short time she effects Castlenovo posts away home to his own Father and speedily returns with his approbation whereupon they were married in great pomp and solemnity and Perina brought home to Nice where she was honourably receiv'd by his Father with great Feasting and Mirth at which the young Couple thought themselves in Heaven But old Castlenovo being threescore and eight years old forgetting both his Duty to God and himself lusts after his young Daughter-in-law Perina which makes him wonderful complaisant to her but not daring to express his beastly Desires whil'st her Husband is at home he tells him That his Honour and the service of his Prince and Countrey invite him to the expulsion of the Spaniards out of Piedmont His Son nothing suspecting his Fathers treachery notwithstanding all his Wifes tears and intreaties takes his leave of her for three or four months and fitting his Equipage goes to the Camp Now old Castlenovo plays the part of a young Lover is still with Perina and ever and anon kissing
Establish'd fortunes and sink all our present Joys and Ripening hopes into the botom of Despair Within the Compass of a Year Vileneufe was Drown'd as he bath'd himself in the River at Pont au Mousson Masseron was kill'd in a Duell at Fontainbleau by Rossat Page to the Duke of Espernon and Hautefelia dyed at home of a Feaver Grandmont and de Carnye being thus made unfortunate by the death of three of their Children resolv'd to call home the other two which were now the only Comforts and Props of their declining Age. First from the Baroness of Lux came de Cressy who Succeeded her Sister and we shall now term by the name and title of Hautefelia After her very shortly came Grand Pre from Holland where he left many Honourable marks of his Courage and Bravery Upon his arrival the Flower of all the Nobility and Gentry came to Condole with him for the Death of his Brothers and Sister and Congratulate his happy return whom they all admire as a most compleat Gentleman in whose mien shone all the Graces and Accomplishments of a brave and generous Cavalier Grandmont observing the Martial disposition of his Son and fearing least the thirst of honour would again Transport him to the Wars and that his towring Spirit would not long endure the lazy retirement of the Country resolves to try if the softer Charms of Love and Beauty could not assail that Breast which seemed wholly devoted to the God of War For which end he proffers Grand Pre the Choice of several young Ladyes and Gentlewomen for his Wife of the richest and most Ancient families near Auxone But Grand Pre appeared wholly averse to all proposals of this Nature and thought it a high Blemish and disparagement to his Valour to be made a slave and Captive to any Beauteous she who knew no way to conquer but by smiles and the weak Artillery of her Eyes Grandmont perceiving this design would not take effect resolves to leave the Country and reside at Dijon formerly the antient Seat of the Dukes of Burgundy and now famous for the Present Court of Parliament where he hoped amongst the great confluence of Ladyes and Gentlewomen Grand Pre might at last Espye that Paragon of nature whose Excellencyes would subdue his stubborn heart and Captivate his affections which accordingly answered his Expectation On a Sunday Morning in Lent Grand Pre went to the Royal Chappel to hear Father Iustinian Preach and over against him saw a most delicate and beautiful young Lady infinitely rich in apparel but far more glorious in the perfections and Excellencyes of her mind in a word being not used to encounter with such Beautyes he was ravish'd with the Sweetness of her Angelic form and she alone the Subject of his present Devotion and future Contemplation Nor was Grand Pre less observ'd by the Lady who seeing him a proper young Gallant well attended would sometimes feast her Eyes with a Stol'n glance which presently her modesty and discretion would check her for and paint her Cheeks with those graceful blushes that Grand Pre was forc'd to do homage to her Beauty and ask pardon of that God of Love against whose power and dignity he had so long offended Sermon being ended Grand Pre took a turn or two in the Church and ordered his Page to make private enquiry who the Lady was he speedily inform'd him that she is Madamoyselle Mermanda eldest Daughter to Monsieur de Cressonville one of the chiefest Presidents of the Court of Parliament Grand Pre was extremely pleased in knowing who she was and the more in that it was no disparagement to his Quality or Family to marry with her Wherefore bidding farewell to all the bloody conflicts of the Camp he resolves his future Engagements into amorous Encounters which often prove no less fatal and dangerous and accordingly the next day with two intimate Acquaintance under pretence of other business made a visit to Monsieur de Cressonville who being abroad his two Friends entertained the Mother whil'st he made his addresses to the young Lady whose conversation was so obliging and agreeable that he now own'd no other happiness but what centred in the sole enjoyment of the beloved Mermanda Grand Pre having received so respectful entertainment in his first visit resolv'd to acquaint the old President with his affection to his Daughter which he did and having thus begun his Sute left his Father Grandmont to finish it whil'st he pay'd his daily Orisons to his beautiful Mistress Monsieur de Cressonville approv'd the Match and knowing that Grandmont had likewise one only Daughter and himself one only Son desired it might be double thereby to contract a more firm and stricter League between their two Houses which after some debates and conferences was resolv'd upon I do here on purpose omit the several Letters of Courtship between Grand Pre and Mermanda and from de Malleray Cressonville's Son to Hautefelia both because they would swell this brief History beyond its intended bounds and expressed nothing more of moment than the common Raptures of endearing Lovers in their first Addresses These Marriages to the joy of the Parents and the great content of their Children were pompously solemnized in Dijon and the Interest and Honour of both Families in the eyes of all fix'd on the firm foundations of a lasting felicity But oh the strange and sudden revolutions of all worldly happiness Our best fortune is chequer'd our greatest joys seem only given us to usher in more dreadful sorrows Some few months had passed in which the Lovers reap'd the full Harvest of their short-liv'd Pleasures when Hautefelia whose temper was imperious and revengeful began to envy the advancement of her Sister-in-law Mermanda and contemn her own Her haughty humour could by no means submit to give place to her after marriage who was her inferiour before Mermanda who was of a most gracious and mild nature liv'd happy in the affections of Grand Pre their virtuous behaviour and loving respects to each other was highly prais'd and applauded by all but the sullen and envious Hautifelia Mischief and revenge had now wholly engaged her thoughts when she resolved to change the Scene and make Mermanda as miserable in her Husband's Jealousie as formerly she had been happy in his Love and considering how to accomplish her black designs under the fairest pretences she remembred that the Baron of Betanford frequently visited Grand Pre and Mermanda upon which she might with easie arguments lay the surest foundations of jealousie and revenge In pursuit hereof the next day she sent a private Letter to Grand Pre by her Page intreating him to come immediately over to her to consult upon a point in which his Honour and future happiness were equally concern'd He accordingly came and supper being ended de Malleray after some discourse complemented him to his Chamber and took his leave when Hautefelia coming up with tears in her eyes acquainted him That to her
obscure a place and curiously observing each grace and feature to which was added a natural modesty and simplicity of behaviour was wholly ravish'd in the contemplation of her Beauty and vow'd to himself he would be Master of her affections how dear soever it cost him No sooner had Mortaign entertain'd these thoughts but a lucky opportunity and most favourable to his designs offer'd it self for Mollard told him that he rented a small Tenement of De Coucy who now su'd him for two Heriots and therefore intreated his good word to his Father in his behalf which he promis'd and with thanks for his kind reception departed Under pretence of discourse and business with Mollard Mortaign made frequent visits to Iosselina whose Chastity he attempted with variety of Gifts and Presents which she modestly refus'd to accept upon so dishonourable terms and assur'd him that as a chast and virtuous Reputation was the greatest part of her Fortune so she would never exchange it for the infamous portion of shame and misery Mortaign was now out of all hopes of success but rather than miss his aim was resolv'd to play his last stake and promise Marriage and accordingly told her that notwithstanding the inequality of their Birth and Fortunes he would condescend to marry her provided she would first permit him to enjoy his desire Iosselina flattering her self with the hopes of advancement consented to it and now finding her self with child which her Father likewise discover'd to his great grief and sorrow advertis'd Mortaign of it who one night stole her away from her Father's and sent her ten leagues off from Durency to a poor Kinswomans house of his where she was deliver'd of a fair lusty Boy Calintha Mortaign's Mother who knew nothing of these passages advised him to marry and proposes a match to Monsieur De Vassey the Seneschal of La Palisse between his only Daughter Madamoyselle La Varina and her eldest Son Mortaign The Parents readily concluded and upon sight the young Couple agreed so that it was now generally reported the Marriage would be suddenly solemniz'd This News startl'd Iosselina who considering she must look to her self being now dis-inherited by her Father and having no Friend left to assist or advise her she resolves to write Mortaign a Letter to re-mind him of his promise and desire some relief for her self and her Son Josselina to Mortaign YOU prevail'd upon my Honour with the sacred promise of making me your Wife 't is true I credulously believ'd your Oaths and consented to my shame but it was under the solemn pretence of Marriage and though we wanted the Ceremony yet Heaven is witness to the Contract which now you resolve to violate What though the sweetness of my Youth and the freshness of my Beauty have now lost their charming powers over you yet methinks the innocent smiles of that lively Image you have left to my care should raise some pity in your breast But if you will not advance my Fortunes yet make not shipwrack of my Life as you have of my Chastity and since all my support must proceed from you it will be high ingratitude in you to deny her Maintenance who hath given you a Son and extreme cruelty not to allow the poor Babe wherewith to live who receiv'd his life and being from You. I hope you will prove more natural to Him and more charitable to Me otherwise be assured that such unkindness will never be long unpitied of men or unpunish'd of God Josselina With this to Mortaign she sent another of the same effect to his Mother Calintha which they receiv'd when he as an unworthy Gentleman triumphs in his sin and mocks at her poverty and will neither relieve her or the Child but burns the Letter without any further concern at it Calintha's malice was so great that she not only refus'd to assist them her self but commands him that he should not supply them with any conveniencies and heartily wishes them both in another world At the hearing of this cruel News Iosselina fell into a swoon and had not some accidental assistance came in she had then ended her life and misery together Barbarous Calintha understanding in this interim poor Iosselina's residence was so devilishly bent against her that she persuaded her Landlady in a dark and cold night to turn her and the Child out of doors and suffer her to have no other shelter but the ground for her bed and the Heavens for her covering In this distressed condition with the unfortunate Babe in her arms she wander'd all night through the fields and places unknown when by the morning light she discovered a Village which she knew where she sold her cloaths from her back to relieve her self and her Child Here she continued some time in great extremity when at last forc'd by meer want and necessity she acquainted some persons with her sad and deplorable condition who advis'd to send Mortaign his Son home and provide for her self This was not so secretly discours'd but it came to the ears of La Varina Mortaign's Mistress at La Plaisse who presently withdrew her affection from him and her Father his respect which Mortaign perceiving and imagining it was upon the account of Iosselina swore he would destroy both her and her Son and the better to dissemble his design he gave orders that she should be lodg'd in a better Inn where she was furnish'd with all necessaries and further sent her word that he had provided a Nurse for his Son and would shortly send his Lacquey for him and take more particular care for her support and maintenance if she would keep things private to her self Iosselina was much rejoyced hereat and within three days Mortaign sent his Lacquey Le Verdure for the Babe which with many tears and kisses she delivered to him Le Verdure following his Masters command and being now four leagues from Villepont strangles the pretty Infant whil'st it smil'd in his face and wrapping it in a linen cloth threw it into the River Lignon Mortaign being thus rid of the Son makes a bargain with Le Palma Iosselina's Host and his Lacquey Le Verdure for 200 Franks to stifle the Mother in her bed which they perform'd and buried her body in the Garden As soon as these Villains had perpetrated this cruel murther they went over to Durency to give Mortaign an account and receive their reward which having done they continued several days together frolicking and drinking when at last Le Palma went home to Villepont to his Wife Isabella who being an old woman and he a young man she was jealous of his stay supposing he went out in company with Iosselina whereupon she entertain'd him with this salutation Le Palma quoth she you are very unkind so soon to forsake your Where Josselina For which he gave her the lye call'd her Whore and exprest himself highly passionate and angry She continued her railing and provok'd him to that degree
to forsake his admired La Hay for the hated La Frange But she being doubtful of the worst and fearing that at some time the commands of the Father might take place upon the duty and obedience of the Son like an impious Wretch resolves to send her into another world and for that purpose hires Bernardo Michael an Italian Emperick for 400 Crowns to poyson her which he promised to perform Michael being now to consider what methods he was to take concludes to insinuate himself into de Clugny's acquaintance under the notion of a Chyrurgeon who by his great skill was able to reform the crooked body of the young Lady his Daughter and accordingly furnished himself with several plausible reasons to induce him to believe it This succeeded and de Clugny having had consultation with divers other Physicians and Chyrurgeons resolves to employ him and gave him 100 double Pistols in hand to attempt it with the promise of as much more when he had perform'd it Michael being thus employ'd betakes himself to his business applies Plaisters and Searcloths outwardly and inwardly Pills and Potions into which he infused the Poyson which he assuredly knew would in ten days send her into another world whereupon he secretly went to La Hay and bid her provide the rest of the money which she willingly gave him and again swearing him to secrecy they parted and just on the tenth day la Frange to the unspeakable grief of her Parents died not without suspicion of Poyson upon which Michael was apprehended when La Hay to prevent his discovery privately sent him 100 Crowns more and promised him a rich Diamond Ring which so wrought upon him that when he was upon the Rack to extort a Confession from him he out-brav'd his torments deny'd the Fact and so was acquitted Lae Frange being thus dead De Salez resolves to go to Paris to obtain his Fathers leave to marry La Hay but the old Gentleman to prevent the same had bought a Captains Commission for him and contracted with Monsieur de Brianson to marry De Salez to his Daughter whereupon he sent to his Son to make hast to him at Paris and upon his arrival discours'd his intentions to him De Salez obstinately refused both his Commission and his new Mistress and would neither accept the one nor see the other whereat his Father in a rage swore he would disinherit him if he would not comply with his commands in three days De Salez mad on the other side resolv'd rather to dispatch his Father than leave la Hay when two nights after he found an opportunity to perpetrate his villainous design Supper being ended his Father complain'd he was not well and ordered his Clerk next morning early to carry his Water to Dr. Salop an eminent Physician who liv'd at the other part of the City No sooner in the morning was the Clerk gone but de Salez stole privately into his Fathers Chamber and finding him in a sound sleep stifl'd him betwixt two Pillows went out undiscover'd and speedily hasted to St. Honories gate and so to St. Clow. The Clerk returning from the Physician entred his Masters Chamber found him dead and almost cold in his bed at which sight crying out the Master of the house came up who vow'd he saw no person enter his Chamber and that his Son departed as soon as himself The body was search'd but no wounds appearing it was concluded he died a natural death upon which the Corps was nobly interr'd by De Salez with all the outward expressions of grief and sorrow De Salez having with all pomp and decency perform'd the Obsequies of his Father within eight days returned to Tholouse where the old Gentleman was much lamented by all but the wicked La Hay who rejoyc'd at it and De Salez himself was so senseless and forgetful of his Fathers memory and his own Reputation that in six weeks he threw aside his Mourning and in the most gaudy Apparel solemnly married La Hay at which the whole City wonder'd Three months were hardly past after their marriage before De Salez discovered the lascivious Intrigues of his Wife whose Adulteries had now made him a Knight of the Forked Order to prevent which or at least conceal â—t he persuades her to reform her life complains to her Father but neither prevail'd for she was now grown so impudent she scorn'd her Husband and plaid the Whore before his face with open doors whereupon he resolves to divorce himself from her and took advice upon it which coming to her knowledge she vow'd not to lose her share in his Estate which was very great but to prevent him and satisfie her own malice by a present and bloody revenge To this end watching an opportunity when most of the Servants were abroad at the Vintage she stole into her Husbands Chamber and finding him soundly sleeping she drew out a Razor from her sleeve stept to him and cut his throat when throwing the Razor and her Taffata-gown which was all bloody into the house of Office she secretly got out to Church De Salez whose throat was not cut so fully through but he could cry and groan was over-heard by two of his Servants who hastily coming up heard him utter these fearful speeches That Strumpet my Wife hath kill'd me O that she-Devil my Wife hath murder'd me The Servants cried out at the Window and call'd in the Neighbours who sent for his Confessor and the Lieutenant Criminal to both which he said the same words confest the stifling of his Father and instantly died Search was presently made for La Hay who was found in the Dominican Fryars Church at Sermon from whence she was dragg'd to Prison and charg'd with her Husbands murther which she confessed upon the Rack upon which she was condemned to be hang'd and then burnt Being remanded to Prison some Divines who were sent to her so wrought upon her conscience that she confessed fuâ—ther how she hired Mâ—chaâ—l for three hundred Crowns to poyson la Frâ—nge of which the Judges having notice altered her sentence and judg'd her to have her right hand cut off and then be burnt alive De Salez his dead body was order'd to be hang'd at the common Gallows by the heels and then burnt Michael as soon as he heard of La Hay's Imprisonment fled disguised in a Fryars habit but being discover'd was brought back to Tholouse where for poysoning La Frange he was adjudg'd to be broken on the Wheel and there to remain till he was dead and his body to be thrown into the River Garrow which the same day was executed accordingly As he lived an Atheist so he died impenitently saying only this Because the World had had so much to say to Him he would have nothing to say to the World but bad the Executioner dispatch him quickly Thus do we see the Iustice of Heaven punishing the Disobedience of De Salez by the dishonesty of La Hay and the murther he had
be most safe to Stifle him in Bed between two Pillows which would leave no cause of suspition behind it Morosino after dinner invites Astonicus and Donato to a walk in the fields and there acquaints them with the design and that it was his own and Imperia's request that they would assist them in it Which Astonicus and Donato cheerfully promis'd and having sworn secrecy to each other they return'd to their Lodging where they drank a Health to the success of their great Business The next day Morosino relates all to his Imperia who overâ—oy'd thereat and Impatient of all delays concludes to have the business finisht the next night after The dismal night is now come and the clock strikes twelve when Morosino Astonicus and Donato go to Palmerius his House where at the Street Door they find Imperia ready to receive them where leaving Donato to secure the Door Morosino and Astonicus leading Imperia without their Shoes in Woollen Pumps up the Stairs to her own Chamber she gave each of them a Pillow and dirâ—â—ted them to Palmerius his Chamber where entring in whilst she guarded the Door they stifled him and â—hruâ—t a small Orange into his Mouth they gently sâ—ut the Door and with silence went back to their Lodging and Imperia to her Bed The next morning Imperia went to Mass at St. Francis Church in the interim came a Messenger with a Letter from Bondino to Palmerius which his Nephew Richardo receiving carried up to his Uncles Chamber where on the 〈◊〉 he found a rich pair of Gloves which he knew belong'd to Morosino and put in his Pocket when going to his Bed-side he drew the Curtains and found him dead in his Bed with a small Orange in his Mouth At this he made so loud an Outcry that several of the Servants came up who seeing their Master dead believ'd he had stopp'd his own Breath by putting the Orange in his Mouth But Richardo remembring Morosino's Gloves which he found and the familiar Dalliances he had often seen between his Aunt and him went presently and acquainted the Podestate with the Murther of his Uncle and strongly charg'd it upon his Aunt and Morosino on whom he crav'd Justice The Podestate being satisfied in the Circumstances sends his two Sonâ— with his Coâ—ch to St. Francis to allure Imperia thither who was no sooner come but he charg'd her and her Enamorato Morosino with the Murther of her Husband for which he confin'd her that day to his own house and sent his Officers to seize Morosino who so strongly beset his Lodging that though he and his two Friends were well arm'd they thought their best resistance would be in vain and therefore delivered up their Persons Pistols and Swords and were committed to the common Prison of the City Bondino hearing the sad News of these passages at Loretto suddenly fell sick and dyed The third day after Morosino Astonicus and Donato were separately examin'd but neither of them would confess any thing whereupon Astonicus was put to the Rack which Torments he endur'd still affirming his Innocence an hour after Donato was adjudg'd to the Scorpions who being but of a weak Constitution his right foot no sooner felt the fire but with Tears he confess'd the whole Truth in all it's Circumstances In the Afternoon the Judges sent for Morosino Imperia and Astonicus when they charg'd them with Donato's Confession who was brought in a Chair to confront them whereupon they immediately own'd the Fact and confirm'd Donato's Account of it Upon which they were all four sentenc'd to be hang'd next morning at the common place of Execution Imperia next day had notice that her Uncle Seignior Bondino had obtain'd her Pardon at which she askt the Messenger if Morosino was pardon'd too who answer'd No then said she I will dye with him and though the Judges came and advis'd her to live and all her Relations intreated her to accept the Pardon she would not be perswaded but her answer to the last was I hate Life if he must dye The next day first Donato and then Astonicus were executed then came Morosino who taking leave of Imperia earnestly desir'd her to accept her Life which now was the only favour she could gratifie him in and so was turned off Imperia was now afresh sollicited by the Judges Fryers and Nuns but she refus'd with disdain and voluntarily went up the Ladder where making a short Speech to the numerous Spectators bid the Executioner do his Office who immediately turn'd her over Thus lived and thus dyed three young Gentlemen and the constant Imperia than whom never any dyed more pitied and lamented If we would consider the pain of Sin before we commit it the Grace of God would either prevent us in it or the punishment deter us from it HIST. XVII Don Araneo and Orminta De Cortez causeth his Son Don Araneo to marry Orminta and then commits Adultery and Incest with her and by her means and for her sake poysoneth his old Wife Aspatia and makes her Brother Delrio kill her Chamber-Maid Dian. Don Araneo afterwards kills Delrio in a Duel Orminta's Brains are dash't out by a Horse and De Cortez beheaded and his Body burnt IN the City of Santarem in Portugal dwelt an ancient Gentleman named Don Alonzo de Cortez whose Wife was Dona Aspatia they had now liv'd happily in the Sacred Bonds of Marriage near fourty years and had two Sons and four Daughters all which dyed young except Don Araneo who for his excellent Parts compleat Breeding and Courtship was esteem'd a most accomplish'd Gallant and one of the prime Cavaliers in all Portugal Six Leagues from Santarem dwelt a young Gentlewoman very handsom and a Widdow named Dona Orminta to this Lady old Cortez having now left the Vertues of his Youth to grow vicious in his Age makes his address by frequent Visits and discovers the violent flames of his raging Lust which she severely checks him for and with peremptory refusals scorns and denies his lascivious Suit But he is as constant in his sollicitations as she in her disdain when at last Orminta perceiving he passionately affected her told him plainly that if he ever thought to gratifie his desires in her Love and Kindness he must first cause her to be married to his Son Don Araneo which once effected she swore to deny him nothing De Cortez wondred at this strange proposal and knew not what readily to answer to it but going home seriously consults with himself about it very willing he was to preserve his Sons Honour and Bed undefil'd that point he found very tender but alas Orminta's Beauty had so great a power and command over him that it easily conquer'd his most serious and vertuous Considerations The next day he made her another Visit but she was fixt to her first resolve and would not recede a tittle from it when like an old Lecher rather than lose the pleasure of his obscene Lust he promised to use all means
possible to prevail with his Son to marry her and at his return home motion'd the Match to him Don Araneo after a short time of Consideration told him he very well approv'd of it especially since he was pleas'd to direct his Affections in it and some time after rode over to St. Estianne to make his Court to her who seem'd wondrous coy on purpose to draw him on with more Vigour and Earnestness While thus the Father under-hand and the Son openly courted Orminta Dona Aspatia Don Araneo's Mother by many strong reasons sought to divert him from her and peremptorily on her Blessing forbid him to marry her adding that if he did more Misery would attend those unhappy Nuptials than was yet possible for him either to know or conceive Don Araneo ponder'd on these Speeches and for a month forbore to visit Orminta which made her frown on De Cortez who inquires of him what made him so strange and cold in his Affections to Orminta Araneo made a very modest Excuse wholly concealing his Mothers advice to him in it Orminta was mad to see her hopes of Don Araneo almost frustrate and asks De Cortez the cause of his Sons Aversness who told her he suppos'd it was his Mother who had diverted him whereat in a rage she told him The old Beldam his Wife must first be sent to Heav'n before he can hope to enjoy her or she his Son on Earth and withal voluntarily offer'd to make a Visit to her and poyson her which De Cortez would by no means admit of but promised speedily to perform it himself Upon this she took care to provide him the Poyson which he administred to her in preserved Barberies which he observ'd she lov'd very well and often eat of so that in three days after Aspatia dyed whereat Don Araneo wept bitterly not in the least suspecting she was poyson'd Orminta understanding Aspatia was dead is marvellously pleas'd and in three months after De Cortez and she dealt so politickly with Araneo that he married her and brought her home to his Lewd Fathers House who as often as he pleas'd commits Adultery and Incest with her but so clandestinely that for two years Araneo had not the least inkling of it But Dian her waiting Woman took notice of this unlawful familiarity of hers with De Cortez which her Mistress understanding beat her severely for it and twice whip'd her naked in her Chamber and dragg'd her about by the Hair which Dian resolving to be reveng'd for acquaints her young Master Araneo with this foul Business between his Wife and his Father at which he was so amaz'd and griev'd that he scorning to be an eye-witness of his own shame and their grievous Crimes which had now made them as unworthy of his Sight and Company as they were of his Love and Respect took horse and râ—de away to Lisbon and from thence went directly to Spain resolving to make his Residence with the Court at Madrid De Cortez and Orminta seeing this his sudden departure which they were conscious would make apparent to the World those horrid Crimes they had so privately indulg'd themselves in and knowing that none but Dian could have made this Discovery to her Husband she provides her self with rods intending the next morning to glut her anger and Indignation with a sharp Revenge but Dian having notice of this the night before takes Horse and rides home to her Fathers House and there from point to point relates all the former passages and publishes the Adulteries of her Mistress Orminta being advertiz'd hereof sends for her Brother Delrio and acquaints him with the base Treachery of her Maid against her Honour protesting both her own and De Cortez his Innocency which he too credulously believing bids her be of good cheer and he will soon take such Order that her maids Tongue shall no longer spit her envenom'd malice against her inâ—ur'd Reputation Thus to make good his promise to his Sister Delrio rode over to St. Saviours and there by night waiting at the Door as Dian came out in a dark night ran her through the Body in two several places upon which she fell down dead without speaking one word and he posted away to Santarem being neither seen nor discovered As soon as he came thither he inform'd his Sister what he had done who infinitely glad thereof gave him many thanks and now bent her whole malice against her Husband Don Araneo cunningly provoking her Brother to accomplish it which he thus exasperated by her Policy vows to effect that he would immediately fight him if he did but know in what part of the World to find him in When behold as it were to bind him to his promise news of his Residence at Madrid is accidentally brought him by a Servant purposely sent to Santarem with these ensuing Letters the one to his Father the other to his Wife Araneo to De Cortez WAs there no Woman in the World for you to abuse but my Wife If Nature would not inform you that I am your Son yet you are my Father and it should have taught you to have been more natural to me more honourable to the World more respectful to your self and more religious to God than to have made your self Guilty of the foul Crimes of Adultery and Incest the least of which is so odious to God and detestable to Men that I want Terms to express it The shame and infamy whereof has made me leave Portugal for Spain and forsake Santarem to live and dye at Madrid I wonder that you in the Winter of your Age which makes you fitter for your Grave than my Bed should be guilty of so unnatural a Crime which if you do not redeem with Tears and Repentance I fear you will be as miserable as you have made me unfortunate Araneo Araneo to Orminta IF the consideration that I was thy Husband could not in Grace deter thee from the Commission of that foul Sin of Adultery yet the remembring that he was my Father should in Nature have made thee both abhor and detest the Incest What Devil possest thy Heart with Lust and thy Soul with Impiety I cannot tell But since thy inordinate Lusts have brought Misery to me and shame to thy self I no longer esteem thee my Wife but look on thee with an eye of Indignation as the World does of Contempt Araneo De Cortez and Orminta at the reading of these Letters were stung in their Consciences and curse Dian and her Memory yet they resolve to bear up their Reputations in the World and by the Justification of their Innocency sollicite his return and to that purpose write to him in the most plausible Terms that devilish Hypocrites could invent gilding over their Impious Adulteries with Pious Pretensions Don Araneo having receiv'd these Letters was too prudent to be impos'd upon with their Flatteries or credit their fair words and that they might know his Resolution neglecting his Father
Ingenuity and imagins himself blessed and fortunate In this manner the two Lovers live together take hold of all Opportunities to converse together and enjoy each other no Clouds appeared to interrupt their Joy and all things ran with a smooth and even Current Among the many Servants they kept there was a Maid called Paretta who fell desperately in Love with Cotys would never be out of his Company and at last grew so troublesome to him that he was forced to slight and disrespect her that he might rid himself of her importunity This she took in evil part and supposing the reason of his unkindness to her was the Love he had for some other Person narrowly watched him and at last discovered the Kindness and Familiarity between him and Petronella Paretta who resolved to be revenged on her hated Rival watched all Opportunities to take them together believing she should find them unchast in their Dalliances which accordingly fell out not long after when seeing Morella one Evening go into the Garden and Cotys immediately follow she made hast after them and found the Door fast on the inside which the more increased her Suspition and remembring there lay a short Ladder in the Barn by the help of it mounted the Garden Wall and privately conveyed her self near the Arbor where she saw Cotys and Marella who were talking together and presently after her Lady descending on a Ladder made of Ropes from a Balcony into the Garden whom Cotys presently led into a close Arbor of Iessamines at the further end of which they caress'd each other with amorous Embraces whilst Morella waiting at a distance watch'd the Doors and Windows to prevent a Discovery The next day Paretta pleased with the opportunity she now had of being revenged on the disdainful Cotys acquaints Polissus with the Infidelity of Cotys and Treachery of Petronella who had thus shamefully abused his Honour and prostituted her self to his Servant and Slave Polissus struck with the horror of this Relation examins her o're and o're finds no disagreement in her Tale but too much reason to believe the Truth of it and now fears this was some former Lover of hers in disguise To discover the certainty thereof he acquainted an intimate and familiar Friend with it and by his advice pretending one Evening to walk abroad upon a Visit they secretly conveyed themselves into the Garden where they lay close and undiscovered Two hours after entered Cotys and Morella and presently after Petronella descended from the Balcony by the same Ladder of Ropes Their ears were the first witnesses of their Amorous Parly and it was not long before their eyes discovered their Filthiness when in the midst of their lustful Pleasures they surprized them with their glittering Scymiters in their hands which struck the Lovers with a horror and consternation beyond the power of words to express Petronella implor'd nothing but present Death from his own hands which he had not Mercy enough to give but reserv'd her for a more infamous and shameful end Turning his Eyes from her with all the passionate Expressions of Abhorence and Detestation he called in his Servants and order'd them to bind Dribellus who was immediately dismembred before her Face and thrust out of Doors to seek his Fortune Morella was stript and bound to a Tree and scourged with the Twigs of Hazle till the Skin was Flead off from her Back and then banished the City Petronella was carried to her Chamber where she continued Prisoner till the next Morning when she was brought before the Magistrates and upon evident Proof of the Adultery was condemned to undergo the Raphination or Punishment of the Radish which in those Countrys grow to a great magnitude which they force up their Bodies Thus the wretehed Petronella suffered when she had in vain begged to be strangled and dyed the most ignominious and shameful Death the Art of Man could invent Petronella dyed very penitent confessing the wickedness of her Crime and begging pardon of her Husband was both pitied by him and much lamented by all who knew the Quality of her Birth and vertuous Education Thus we see the Tragical End of unlawful Pleasures which like the Apples of Sodom appear fair and beautiful to the Eye promise a Thousand Happinesses by their bewitching outside and false appearances but within are either nothing but rotteness or upon the first touch crumble into Dust acd leave us to Shame and Misery here and eternal Damnation hereafter HIST. III. Don Pedro and Paulinta Don Roderigo marries Dona Paulinta Don Pedro de Castello by the assistance of John de Blinco the Astrologer and Laura her Waiting-Woman commits Adultery with her Paulinta upon her delivery of a monstruous Birth dyes Roderigo runs mad Don Pedro is branded in the Forehead Blinco whipt through the Streets of Corduba and sent to the Mines and Laura torn in pieces by Wild Beasts AT Corduba in Spain lived Don Andreo Rametzi who was a Person very considerable in those Parts both for his Estate and Quality and a peculiar excellency he had in dispatch of Business of the greatest moment in which he was indefatigable For these Reasons in the year 1579 he was made Proveditor General under Don Iohn of Austria to whose care and provision were committed the Arms Ammunition and all other Naval Preparations for that huge Armada which was compleatly furnish'd out in 1588 and design'd for the Invasion of England and utter Extirpation of the Reformed Religion This Gentleman died in the year before at Cales of a malignant Feaver and left three Sons of which Don Roderigo was the eldest who upon his Fathers Death being Master of a plentiful Estate left the Command he had in the Fleet upon some disgust and returned to Corduba where within a Twelvemonth he was married to Dona Paulinta the only Daughter of Don Camillo a rich and wealthy Citizen The young couple lived with great content and satisfaction in their mutual Love and Affection during the first three years of their Marriage but being not yet bless'd with any Children those desired Fruits of their Conjugal Vows the discouragements of their vigorous Embraces bred discontent and each blam'd the other for the want of that Happiness neither could give These Differences between Roderigo and Paulinta increas'd to that height that Roderigo forsook her Bed and often with opprobious Taunts call'd her Barren Doe all his Satyrical Expressions were still pointed with Reflections on her Sterility which she unable to bear with her wonted Patience and Submission complained to her Relations of the unkindness of her Husband and desired their Intercession often saying she believed he would be a contented Cuckold upon condition he was but a Presumptive Father These Discords were in some measure reconcil'd by the Mediation of Friends but the occasion of them was now grown the chat and entertainment of every Feast and at last reached the Ears of Don Pedro de Castello a young Gentleman whose
saw young Walter enter the Chamber with a drawn Sword and a Parson with him who told him with an angry look Captain either salve the Honour of an house which you have now wâ—unded by marrying my Sister or receive the Iust reward of Lust and Treachery either make Editha your Wife or satisfie me by your Death The Captain would have risen from the Bed and made his defence but Walter set the point of his Sword to his Breast and Swore he would Run him Through if he did not declare his immediate Consent which he was forc'd to and the Parson having done his Office they left him and his Bride to their now Lawful pleasures The Widow was amaz'd next morning at the Relation her Son gave her of Editha's marriage with Grantzford which she could not well credit till a little time after they came to beg her Blessing She consider'd it could not now be help'd and after some grave reprehensions accepted their Duty and caused their private Marriage to be publickly celebrated Some time after Iuderina found her self to be with Child and Endeavour'd to prevent her Shame and disgrace by taking such things as might cause Abortion but in Vain her great Belly now discover'd it self and was known to the Widow who too late found what a Viper she had Entertain'd in her Family and what Injury she had done her self by that Wenches Beauty who first caused her to lose Grantzford and now had drawn away the Heart of her Son and inticed him to Lewdness But least these two foolish wantons should marry together and so utterly ruin the Fortune of her Son she resolv'd to separate them and accordingly sent him back to Leyden and Iuderina over to Flanders to lay her great Belly where not long after she was brought to bed of a Girle and thus became a Mother before she was a Wife and had a Child before she had got a Husband Iuderina being recover'd of her Lying In the Child by order of the Widow the Grand-mother was taken from her and put to Nurse in those Parts and she turn'd out of doors to seek her fortune wiâ—h some small pittance of Silver scarce enough to defray her Charges to Amsterdam whither she extreamly long'd to go hoping to get into some Service or by making an Advantage of her Beauty to inveagle some Tradesman to marry her With this inâ—ent Iuderina went to Amsterdam where she no sooner arrived but she found her Money all spent and her self in a most miserable and forlorn Condition By great fortune she got a Lodging which happen'd to be at a most Infamous and Notorious Bawdy house where she behaved her self with so much Simâ—licity and seeming Innocency told so fair a Story of her Misfortunes without one word of Truth That the Bawd her Landlady believ'd her and under pretence of commiseration to her present Want but more in hopes of making a good Market of her kindly and comfortably reliev'd her In a short time Iuderina's Beauty was fam'd of which she knew how to make the best Advantage and so well improv'd her Talent in those wicked Courses that she had now considerably inrich'd her-self by prostituting her long lost Maiden-head to seven or eight wealthy Dutch Cullies who all swore and really believ'd they had it for which they roundly paid Having thus advanc'd her Fortune and being unwilling to Expose her self longer in a place so infamous she privately withdrew and took Lodgings between the Stadt-house and Exchange where she chang'd her Name to Angelica and pass'd for a vertuous young Lady whose Brother was a Merchant and suddenly Expected from the Indies Not long after it happen'd that a Gentleman of good Fortune call'd Mine Heer Vandretch had some short repartees with Angelica under her Vizard at the Play-house who was so taken with her Wit that he would not leave her till he had seen her Face which appearing to him beyond Expectation handsome he grew passionately in Love with her and carried her home to her Lodging in his own Coach Angelica had cunning enough not to be surpriz'd with his first Offers of Kindness nor alter'd with those rich and Noble presents he made her which he wondring at believed her Counterfeit Vertue was real proposed a Cosiderable Settlement a Stately House Gilded Coach and rich Liveries if she would consent to live with him and be his Mistress which she at last agreed to rather out of passion and respect to his person than that such generous Offers had any power over her Chaste and Innocent mind She now goes abroad in her Charriot sits in the Boxes at Plays with all the bravery and Impudence of a Kept-Mistress or more Notorious Strumpet Being one day at the Play-house she was seen by Captain Grantzford whom some business had brought to Town who presently knew her and much wondred to see that Beauty which ever appear'd to him with a more than ordinary Lusture now so resplendent with Jewells and all the dazling Embellishments Art could invent He could not but confess that she who before appear'd a twinkling Star of Beauty was now become an illuminated Sun Bright and Glorious The Captain made his Complement to her which she receiv'd with more favourable Expressions of respect to him and in a Short time they became so intimate that he often visited her where he was blest with those ravishing Delights he had so long Coveted in vain This Amour of Grantzford with Angelica was at last suspected by Vandretch who surpriz'd him at the botom of the Stairs one Night as he had newly parted with Angelica and with his Sword Ran him to the Heart of which he immediately dy'd Vandretch sent for a Friend and acquainted him with his present misfortune dispos'd the care of his House and Goods into his hands disrobed Angelica of all her finery turn'd her out of Doors and then made his Escape but in his way to the Brill was unhappily drown'd Angelica having Sav'd a little money put her self in a plain Country dress remov'd to a remote place in the Town where she took a Convenient Chamber and professed herself a Saint going to all the private meetings she could hear of where she Sigh'd lifted up her Eyes made Faces was diligent at Lectures and Expoundings so that in a little time she began to be taken notice of and attracted the Eyes of many a young Zealot and Amorous Puritan She changed her Name to Mabella though Iuderina and Angelica the Hypocrite were the same in Heart and mind as Mabella the Saint At length the Piety and Devotion of Mabella was taken Notice of as well as her Modesty and Beauty by Titus a Young Brother a Linnen Draper who was resolv'd not to Marry out of his own Tribe and only wanted a Wife to make him Happy She observ'd his Eyes to be often fixt upon her and tho' he took Notes and wrote in Characters none else could Read he look'd as if he had been drawing her Picture
And Liv'd together many years after happy in the fruition of a Reciprocal Affection and intire Friendship till time at length put a period to their days and gave immortality to their Names which still bear Record as a Glorious Example to future Ages Thus we see a Sincere Friendship is the strictest Allyance and most Noble Relation Orestes is better known by his Friend Pylades than by Agamemnon his Father Hence do we conclude That he that follows Vertue and Embraces her shall be Crown'd with Glory and Honour HIST. II. Aleran and Incmar Aleran and Incmar two Faithful Friends Incmar falls in Love with Yoland the Marriage is â—bâ—tructed by her Parents and the day appointed for her â—spâ—â—sals to Hâ—golin Aleran and Incmar steal her away in Mans Hâ—bit â—nd fly to Briemberg where forc'd by want they 〈◊〉 themsâ—lves Souldiers The Town is Sack'd Incmar and Yoland are kâ—lâ—'d in the Breach Aleran lives to tell the sad Tale and dyes of his Wounds They are all Three Buried in one Grave IN the time of Alexander Farnesâ— Prince of Parma the Marquess de Varaâ—hon receiv'd Orders to block up Briemberg a very strong little Town near Rhâ—â—â—erg under the States of Holland This Brave Captain made his Approaches with so much Courage and Policy that at lasâ— upon a general Assault the Town was taken by Storm the inraged Enemy gave no Quarter nor any respect to Age or Sex Honour or Riches all was now become desolate and submitted to the absolute and intire Conquâ—st of the Marquess Particular Care was taken to buâ—y the Dead for fear any Infection should corrupt the Air amongst whom two Soldiers were found in the Breach so closely Embrac'd that nothing but that unhappy state they were in seem'd able to divide their Bodies The Enemy seeing these two reasonably well Cloath'd strâ—pt them quite Naked when to their great Amazement they found one of them white as Snow of wonderful Beauty excellent Proportion and a Woman The Marquess who was a Gentleman that made great Account of Love and Valour being acquainted with it was curious to know the reason of this memorable Adventure which prov'd so unfortuate in the Success It seem'd strange to him that an Armed Venus should be found there enchac'd in the Arms of Mars he passionately desir'd to know who these two Lovers were that he might pay a suitable Honour to the Memory of their Courage and Fidelity At length he was told that a Soldier who was extreamly wounded and had yielded himself Prisoner to a Burgundian Captain had offer'd to satisfie him in the Truth of this Amorous and Warlike History The Prisoner being in that desperate Condition the Surgeons thought it very unsafe for him to stir whereupon the Marquess went to see him accompanied with several of his Principal Officers that he might learn from his own mouth the particulars of this strange Event The Sick Man resuming an extraordinary Courage upon the appearance of the Marquess made this Relation My Lord I render Thanks to Heaven which hath given me so much Life as I wish for to yield in so Honourable Company the glorious Testimony which I owe to my Love and to my Friendship which done I shall dye in peace for I can no more live without Friendship than move without a Soul that indeed is my Soul the Intelligence which actuates this Body and gives Life and Vigour to all my Faculties My Name is Aleran my Birth Noble my Country is the Landgraviat of Hessen the Place that saw my entrance into the World is Melsignam near unto Cassel I entred into so strict a Friendship with Incmar a Gentleman Native of Rottinburgh who had been bred up a Page to the Landgrave that we were commonly call'd The Inseperable Those Impatiencies which Lovers feel when they are from their Mistresses we felt whensoever we were asunder We liv'd in the same House lay in the same Bed had but one Purse one Table the same Servants the same Liveries the same Retinue and when any of our Servants were Ask'd unto whom they did belong they answer'd to The Two Friends if those that are but one may be called Two It happen'd once when we were at Melsignam my Friend saw a fair Maid in Company nam'd Yoland whose Graces so surpriz'd his Heart that all his Thoughts and Meditations were fix'd on this Beautiful Object I presently judg'd he was stung with Love and he acknowledg'd as much to me at first asking for he conceal'd nothing from me Truly said I I am very glad you have address'd your Affections to a Gentlewoman with whom I have some Interest and Acquaintance and who is at a distance ally'd to me and by these Advantages I hope to make your access more easie to her My Friend with Tears of Joy in his Eyes told me it was the most grateful piece of Friendship I could offer to him and earnestly begg'd of me that I would contrive some way that he might the next Evening be happy in her Company This and all other good Offices I perform'd with that Success that my Friend was now assur'd that all his Respects to the Beautiful Yoland were answer'd with a reciprocal Passion Thus Incmar by frequent Conversation at last won Yolands Heart but how to come to the possession of her Fair Body that Ornament of Nature seem'd a Task more difficult there was some Obstacles which appear'd Invincible if any thing can be so to the Almighty Power of Love Raoul Yoland's Father was Married to Graciana her Step-Mother upon condition that a Son of hers nam'd Hugolin should marry this Gentlewoman assoon as their Age made them capable of those Nuptial Ceremonies which Raoul in consideration of Graciana's present Fortune which was very great had sacredly obliged himself to without any respect to the content of his Daughter who certainly could never take pleasure in the Embraces of such a monstrous Deformity Hugolin had a Back higher than his Head able to ease Atlas of his Burthen as well as Hercules had the rest of his Body bore any proportion to it But he was so little one would have thought he had grown in no part but his Haâ—r since the Day of his Birth His Shape was like a middle siz'd Bowl his Complexion a little whiter than an Ethiopian's near the Colour of a Sick Spaniard his Lips big his Cheeks flat his Eyes almost lost in his Head and this Figure supported by two Legs so small that the Ears of Corn which totter in the Field with the least breath of wind have a fairer foundation these were the Columns of this Mighty Hercules With all these Remedies to Love what could be bred in the Heart of Yoland but an utter abhorrence and detestation whilst my Frieâ—d was adorn'd wâ—th all those Graces which render a Gentleman Compleat and Amiable Hugolin soon grew Jealous of Incmar and challeng'd Raoul's Promise to his Mother Graciana who seconded her Son's Request with that importunity to her Husband