no reason to fear I shall perhaps be obliged to keep my word if I am urged to it Rut it shall be to say nought against you than what I cannot forbear to relate VVe shall see that said Madam d' Elus to him however it is not of so small a Consequence as not to deserve the pains to think a little upon it I counsel you proceeded she as a Friend to betake your self to a place of safety in time for you know it is natural to us to love revenge As the Abbot was going to answer her a great dogg that crost the VValk chacing a Fowl run against him with such violence that the fright of it had like to have made him fall all along it is to be imagined how the Ladies laughed the Lady Sindal whose Lodging was not far came at this noise and asked what the matter was see you not anâ—wered Madamoiselle d'Armand still laughing without measure Mr. Abbot there against whom the whole Universe is set since he hath declared himself against us a dogg but even now had like to have devoured him and I believe that it was upon out account that he hath spared him for my part said the Lady Sindal I am pleased that Mr. Abbot is still of one mind and to see him resolute for in lieu of a few injuries which he will invent against us we shall receive from Monsieur d'Armenton a thousand praises and I die with desire already to hear this dispute The Chevalier d'Estapes and the Baron d'Erare upon this came to the Abbot and added to the conversation But it continued not long because the Duke sent to them to know if they would be for Hunting that the weather was fair and that they had nought to do but to get themselves ready The Ladies had a desire to be of the number they were most agreeably received nought else was thought on but breakfast the Horses and Hounds were soon in a readiness insomuch that in less than two hours breakfast was done they mounted on Horse-back and into the spacious Fields they went Dayes are not alwaies fortunate nor always proper for Hunting however this was and they relished the pleasure so well that they returned not till the Evening to Supper our Hunters were almost starved The Ladys had good stomacks and there wanted not wherewith to content them for the Table was so sumptuously adorned that I can hardly believe Paris can shew better chear they begun with little or no discourse because every one did his endeavour to feed well about the middle of Supper some discourse passed concerning Hunting But at the last they fell upon the dispute that should serve for the conversation this Evening Madtmoiselle d'Armaud failed not to set hpon Mr Abbot nor he to defend himself well The Duke took extream delight in it and observing that not only the Ladys were against the Abbot but some of the men also he told him that he must needs have a good opinion of his own strength to hope to resist so many Enemies It is not now Sir answered him the Abbot that the Women have seduced the men and that these unfortunate Creatures have turned their own Weapons against themselves to please their Enemies for so it is continued he we should call the Women since truth makes it appear that they bring upon us the greatest part of our misfortunes But when by their allurements they should get the whole Universe to themselves none should never perswade me but that the men are far more perfect than the Women and that he had that saith VVoman doth but â—ame a work which Nature had forgot to finish The Duke which had a desire to see how the dispute would pass upon so gallant a subject between two persons that had as much wit as any in the world beside intreated the company for this time to continue with him you may believe that there was none but who did willingly consent to the Dukes desire so that when the Table was taken up they sat round him as in the form of a Circle and Madamoiselle d'Armand who had ever the Office of Lieutenant to the Dutchess told Mr. Abbot thaâ— it was time to begin if he had any thing to say against them and that Monsieur d' Armenâ—on was prepared for their defence the advantage is already large enough on my side answered her the Abbot and I 'le willingly resign that priviledg to Monsieur d'Armenton if I once begin I shall be troubled to make an end and there is too much to be said in favour of my party that he will not know what to say nor answer Triumph not so much before-hand replyeâ— his Adversary lest you be overcome two manner of wayes I am to make it appear that the men are not more perfect that the women as you pretend they are and without amusing my self with any more Ceremonies Since you will have me begin I am going to set upon see it and will place the VVomen and carry their Glories even to a degree of perfection which the men shall hardly be able to attain to This perfection continued he that you will give the Men above the VVomen must be remarkable either in body or mind and I â—â—nd that in either the VVomen at least do equalize the Men they have in truth the Body more strong more light more expert and more capaâ—ble of hardship than the VVomen but you your self will own that this quality is no perfection since among men themselves they who have strength in a higher degree than others are not the more esteemed for that as to what toucheâ—h the mind it is constant that what a man understandeth a woman understands or can understand and that the apprehension is equal in both After he had said this he kept silence to hear Mr. Abbot's answer but because he made none he proceeded in this manner You know said he that there is an argument maintained in Phylosophy that these are the delicatest bodies who are lookt upon to have the promptest VVits and in this manner the VVomen ought to have the most esteem wi h their delicacy since it is a maâ—k of heir liveliness But let us forbear Philosophy and hold in if you will with experience I know there have been Philosophers enemies to women who said that Nature ever endeavouring to make â—hings more perfect if she could produce none but men and â—hat iâ— was through eâ—ror she brought VVomen into the VVorld but you must confess that there were poor Philosophers and that Nature will bring forth a VVoman when she produceth something because it is a subject so necessary to the end she tends to which is to conserve the kind We need not read any History either ancient or modern to know that there have been VVomen that have waged VVar and that have obtained Victories that they had been seated upon Throans and governed States and Kingdoms with an admirable prudence and administer Justice with
that excellent Dame Her Lessons say Youth with Youth must engage Since there is most fire and flame T' enjoy the sweet pleasures of Love in due time T' is fittest to tast 'em whon we are in our prime This Sung with so Divine and sweet a Voice as was that of this Ladies did not a little divert them after they had all spent their thoughts upon it they returned to their former discourses I would know said the Cavaleer what might be said of an Old Woman that might be in Love since a man ought not to love nor cannot at that Age For the Women answered him the Baron insomuch that it is to be imagined that they ought never to Love unless they are loved we may conclude that because there are no Old Women beautiful they ought not to be in Love since they cannot inspire it There are notwithstanding enough said the Abbot who forbear not to Love and I believe I swerve not from the truth if I assure you that there are Ten Old-Women Lovers to one Old Man that is in Love But at what time interrupted him the Marchioness Mr. Abbot do you think that the Women are Old I believe answered her the Abbot that as to what concerneth Love they are Old enough at Forty Alass you are too rigorous replyed the Countess d'Ermond to him smiling and you will bring a great many Folks against you to condemn the Women from loving after that Age. It is true added Madamoiselle d'Armond that you will do your self an ill turn by it for I know a Lady who hath passed Forty Years and who nevertheless shall dispute her Beauty with all the handsome Women in the Universe No no said the Dutchess the Abbot is not just in that for even as the hard-favoured Women are Old when they are first born even so on the ontrary the Fair-ones conserve their handsome Features even almost to the last and their Autumn hath this priviledge of being more pleasing and more agreeable than the Spring of the others There are some Women who in their Fiftieth Year have such beautiful remnants that they are capable to move the passions at first sight why should it not be permitted to them to love what they may find amiable Madam replyed the Abbot you may say what you please but Age effaceth all that is amiable in your Sex and I would willingly advise all VVomen to imitate the Empress Poppea who prayed to the Gods that it would please them to let her dye before she saw Old Age with which her Looking-glass did already threaten her You have declared your self so much an enemy to VVomen said the Marchioness to him that although Your Counsels might be wholsome yet we should make difficulty to follow them we must agree with you that there are but few Beauties that are able to resist time But are none aamiable but those that are beautiful and a vertuous Soul doth she never borrow a recommendation for the Body as a pretious stone doth for the Mettle that Environeth it I know not answered her the Abbot what would become of the VVomen if their beauty were not the cause that we seek them and that we shun â—he Deformed Ones Again it seldom hapneth that a fair and spotless Soul Inhabiteth in an ugly Body The Exte ior Beauty is commonly a Token of the Inward Goodness it is a character by which the Soul is known and in which Physiognomists make their whole Art consist In a word Deformity is so much an enemy to Happiness that me-thinks it is a Scare Crow to all that meet it I had proceeded the Abbot a Song given me not long ago by a Friend wherein is displayed how unfit it is for hard-favoured VVomen to Inhabit amongst Mortals so pulling it out of his pocket he read it as followeth and after desired Madamoiselle d'Armond to sing it SONG Mr. Robert Smith A woman that 's homely is ne're Alamode She 's a sight intollerable she 's fit for no place but Pluto's abode or a place that is more damâ•Œnaâ•Œble She 's able to turn the day into night Her Features are detestable The Devil himself she 'l put in a fright Her Charms are abominable But yet for all this she cannot forbear To think her self amiable And with laces and hair to deck her with care She 's another Confusion of Bable And truly of Nature she need not speak ill As not being favourable Her Face it hath power enough for to kill And is most insufferable The Abbot spoke with so much ardour and action that the Company could not forbear laughing he ought not to have apprehended that any one would take the deformed Womens parts for although there were none here but what were extream Beautiful there are none but flatter themselves on this score The Conversation dured a while it was a matter which was large and which would have produced more But I perhaps begin to tire the Readers patience and since this Illustrious Company did here Conclude I shall also do the like FINIS ERRATA Page 2. Line 6. for Ancore read d'Ancyre p. 2. l 8. Spirit r. merit p. 4. l. 30. the Lady r. this Lady p. 6. l. 26. d'Exorc'r r. d'Eparc p. 10. l. 11. amicable r. amiable page 12. l. 24. will r. which and give r. gives p. 16. l. 18. d' Exaxe r. d'Eparc page 18. l. 21. too much r. so much and l. 26. that r. than l. 29. set upon r. let you p. 19. l. 31. there r. these p. 20. l. 8. had r. have l. 10. Administer r. administred p. 22. l. 3. Gentleman r. Gentlemen page 24. l. 25. so much r. too much l. 28. this r. his p. 24. l. 10. thereof r. than p. 33. l. 24 then r. thou and l 28. r. thou hast been .30 their words r. these words p. 42. Woman r. VVomen p. 41. l. 2. Critheans r. Eritheans page 58. l. 14. seditiousness r. perfideousness p. 59. l. 18. conceived r. perceived p. 74. l. 31. me r. the p. 76. l. 16. her sake r my sake
she answered that they must address themselves to Madam d'Eyrac who was a witness of part of these Adventures The Cavaleer was confused the Ladies laughed and the Dutchess told him that instead of troubling himself he ought to be glad of this Rencounter of finding some body that can relate a History which would not seem so well in his mouth as in anothers she consequently engaged Madam d'Eyrac to take upon her the trouble of relating it This Lady did it very obligingly she first smiling asked the Cavaleers permission and she afterwards began in this manner Since the Cavaleer said she hath had the discression not to name the persons of whom he spoke I believe you will not require more of me than you did of him a thousand Reasons forbid it me and it would be no great addition to the History nor augment the pleasure in any thing which you will have to hear that which I am going to tell you There is perhaps no Body here but knoweth it is now two Years sin e the misfortune that hapned upon my Family which obliged Monsieur d'Eyrac my Husband to absent himself from the Court. In this great subject of affliction I went to one of my Friends who was a Nun in the Monastery of which we speak to seek such Consolation as I might find by a retreat from the sight of all things that might cause any trouble I 'll not tell you whether what the Cavaleer hath told you be true or no because he had known these Ladies above a Year when I came thither and to speak the truth what I have understood is not much unlike what he hath related to You but I will warrant you for the truth of what I shall relate to you in what passed in my time I was very lovingly received in this Monastery there was no civility which the Abbess shewed me not and every day they would strive who could oblige me most it was almost a month that the Cavaleer had not been there I had heard speak of him sometimes as a very civil Gentleman for whom the Abbess had a great esteem and from whom she often received Letters he came a few dayes after me I presently perceived that this esteem had something of much tenderness in it and that this Friendship had some resemblance of Love The Abbess who was endued with much goodness and who put much confidence in me would conceal nothing from me she would exceedingly commend her Cavaleer to me she would rank him above the pitch of all men and would not only have had me to applaud him but to have judged her not indiscreet in these Concernes so long as things seemed to me not to go too far I dissembled but when I came to know that this friendship wrought the same effects as Love and that it excited jealousie in the two Sisters that it caused sighings and languishings that they let fall Tears I could not forbear declaring my thoughts to the Abbess and to represent to her that this Engagement might one day do her a prejudice and that an Amorous affair ought not to enter into a Monastery She outwardly seemed to take friendly the freedom I used to her but in truth this good advise caused her to carry her self but more coldly to me she could have desired something more of Complaisance from my Friendship her Disease being almost without remedy she could have desired at least that I would have supported her in it this occasioned my having less correspondence with her and that I saw her no more than by duty because I would not altogether break off with a person who hath command where I lived and to whom I had already been very much Obliged her Sister managed it something better she concealed appearances and although she had no less esteem or tenderness for the Cavaleer than the Abbess she notwithstanding acted before the world like a Maid almost indifferent She had also something more of wit than her Eldest Sister but not so much beauty I 'll begin the recital of these Adventures if the Company think it requisite where the Cavaleer left off Yesterday for what he hath told You to day is but a feeble Crayon of what You shall now hear It was when his Man had taken the Abbess for her Sister and when he had gave her the Letter which he should have given to the other into what a rage and fury did this Fair Lover enter when she had seen the Treason of this Letter the least thing her passion suggested to her was to be revenged on the Traytor to cause him to be killed a Maid in whom she trusted most and who was too Young to take the liberty to give her advise would come every evening before she went to her rest and repeat to me a part of her Follies at which in truth I did but divert myself The Abbess then as the Cavaleer hath told You brought her Sister with her to this Rendezvous where the Gentleman sailed not to be at the hour appointed his Surprizal was great as we may imagine to see the two Sisters together after what the Abbess had writ to him how she would not have any one know of this Enterview more especially her Sister he also remembred what he had writ to the other and the entreaty he made in the Letter he wrote her she should not be concerned at this assignation how nothing should prejudice her he knew not at length what to believe and of a thousand thoughts he had remaining in his Brain in the moment he saw these Ladies there was not one which came near the truth so incredible was it to him to imagine that such an accident should befall him in the midst of that cruel anguish that despight and jealousie made the Abbess to suffer she relished a most extream joy to see the Cavaleers trouble but her Sister was filled with nothing but grief for her part the Violence she used to contain her self was the rudest thing a heart could endure she could abide no longer there she must retire but it was when she had considered him from head to foot with a look full of disdain choler and indignation and without speaking to him the poor Lover who began to waken out of his first surprizal fell into a second much more cruel when he had seen in what manner she looked upon him and had fled from him I know not said he in speaking to the Abbess what I have done to your Sister that in my presence should cause her to flee I expected not this Rigor it is because answered him the Abbess â—oldly we also expected not to have seen You make so quick a return and because we have little occasion for You here Ha! if it be so as You say Madam replied the Cavaleer to her presently I swear to You You shall not keep me here much longer for I hate above all to incommode people But however Madam added he presently I
rarity because not common 't is true the word Song I have seen in many Books over a few Verses but what do's it imply without the Musical-notes put but to the Tune of Captain Digby's Fare-well over it or some other of the like nature and then it is not much unlike a Ballad if some people do not understand the Notes I doubt not but there are also some that do especially Persons of Quality and Gentlemen for whom they are chiefly here inserted the Musick was set by several good understanding Masters of that Science the Songs have been added to it since it was Englished The words of the Song in page 47. I mnh confess were borrowed and it was placed here at a particular Friends request But for the rest I am certain they are not The Female Readers I have reason to think may find cause of being less severe than others especially when they shall consider with what civility they are used here wherefore I need say no more but shall invite them to what follows as I do you who am Yours N N. THE CIRCLE OR CONVERSATIONS ON Love and Gallantry c. THe departure of the Grand Theodat whom the Belgick Pride had caused to take up Arms to bring them to Reason gave to the most part of his Courtiers who could not follow him to the War the liberty of retiring into the Country The Duke of Albane a person both for Birth and Merit known of all the Court being dispensed with from going with the King by reason of some incommodity was one of the first that by this happy occasion desired to advantage himself by the enjoyment of repose and solitude he had a dwelling about two leagues distant from Paris very proper for rural Pastimes wherein were seen in abundance of all things that might well contribute to the sweetning of a Country life Madam the Dutchess remained not long behind him who brought with her two Ladies her Friends one whereof was the Countess d'Aâ—â—â—re the other Madamoisele a'Armand boâ—â— persons of incomperable spirit and to finish a part so well begun there was yet wanting the Lady Sindals presence a Lady the most accomplish'd that ever was and who in two or three dayes failed not to render her self with the Dutchess who had invited her I swerve not from truth when I say that there were none in this House but persons well-chosen and well-deserving upon whose Visages one might discern to sparkle that mirth that produces the greatest Charm in a Company 1. The first thing done was to banish Constraint and Ceremonies and to establish for a general Law that every one should live after his own mode in the mean time they were of such an accord in all things that it seemed as though one VVill governed all the men had a free and civil commerce with the VVomen they ever beguiled the time with nought but mirth taking the fresh ayre and dancing each as they pleased and with whom they pleased excepting a certain particular respect they had for the Dutchess all the rest accompanied each other as Shepheards and Sheperdesses The Duke by reason of his ordinary indisposition was constrained to take himself to his rest something early which towards the Evening gave the company more cause of freedom not that he loved constraint for his humor was so sweet and obliging that it carried him rather to render himself familiar and complaisant to persons far beneath him Nevertheless his illustrious Guests who were not ignorant in the art of civil Behaviour could not forbear the manifesting of some Respect for his person however freedom waxing at least more general he being retired the custom was to walk in the garden where with the Musick and Dancing were proposed some delightful Questions witty Pastimes were played which were invented ex tempore and which being intermixt with pleasing raillery caused by Jocose contradictions would produce such fits of Laughter and such pleasures as are seldom tasted in all companies and which augmented daily the Cavaleer d'Estapes was most acceptably received with Monsieur de Armenton both very well esteemed among Persons of Honor and very well known in the sphere of Gallantry Madam d'Elus came also with many other persons of the same disposition which indeed did but pass by but for the time they stayed would be of the Conversations that were held one Evening when the Guests of this charming Mansion were in number above the ordinary and when they were all wearied with having spent the whole after-noon in dancing the Dutchess after a small turn in the Garden invited the company to go and repose themselves under a green Arbor where the Conversations were kept and which was called the Circle where after she had performed the usual Ceremonies to oblige them all to sit down she desired Madamoiselle d'Armand to be the first to invent some pastime which after she had excused herself she did which she said was that every one in the company should invent a several Pastime and we will afterwards make choice of that Person said she whose merit shall claim the greatest right in Diverting us and who shall be judged the most acceptable there is already mine added she and turning to the Abbot d'Arvuty one of the best Humored Persons in the VVorld and who stood just by her she intreated him to begin to tell his Pastime but the Abbot refused as thinking she had not told hers she avouched the contrary saying what she had now done was weâ—l wor ha pastime But you Madam said she in directing her Speech to the Dutchess who sees that Mr. Abbot will already not do what he is bid be so good to us your self as to command him to range him to his duty The Dutchess smiled and told her she should be her Lieutenant and that she should put all the Authority she had into her hands to the end that her Orders may be the better obeyed whereby the Lady prevailing something better commanded him a second time to find out some subject of diversion which after a long debate he did raising his discourse upon the qualities of a Mistress and upon the blindness of Lovers in not discerning any defect or blemish in them He would therefore have the Pastime that Evening be that every one should relate which of all the Qualities he could principally wish that person to be endued with which he dearly loved and since it is a kind of necessity to have some failing what then should that be he would give her After Mr. Abbot had done Madamoiselle d'Armand as Lieutenant to the Dutchess made a signe with her Busk to the Marchioness of Sindal to let her know that it was now her turn But the Dutchess replied that since she would not give her self the trouble of inventing some pastime it were but Justice to let the other Ladies enjoy the same priviledge besides that there were on the mens side persons so proper to relate any thing Curious and
Ornament to accompany all her actions that is rare said Madamoiselle d'Armand but me-thinks if you aâ—â— not in too great haste to make an end you paâ—â— over but lightly qualities that well enough merit a larger delineation Tell me yet continued she what this Grace is of which you speak It is answered her the Count presently what may be seen in you Madam and if you please I will not make any other Explication since it is but to regard you to divine what it is This answer caused Madamoiselle d'Armand to blush and she was doubtless going to answer him if the Dutchess had not made a sign to her not to interrupt him any more and the Count continued his discourse in this manner since I am desired to draw the Picture of my Heroine at large I will prepare my self to let you see her altogether I have already said that her Body should be well shaped I mean of a just and well composed height free and without affectation though something above the mean yet without the excess of being too Great the Opinions are very different between the Brown and the Fair for my part I am for the Brown because they have commonly most VVit As to what concerns the figure of the Visage I have ever heard say that those who have it Oval promise most Friendship as for the Eyes they are yet disputable but the Black are in my mind the most beautiful if they are full and well divided such a fair one whose Picture I draw ought especially to have her Teeth white and well ranked the mouth small and rosie coloured the fore-head and chin proportionable to the Poriphyre of her Visage and for her Qualities proceeded he I will not speak of those Vertues so common for all Women it is to be supposed that a Lady so well made as I make her wanteth not those Vertues but to distinguish her from the Vulgar sort she ought to have some particular Qualities as much civility much sweetness in all her words but in conversation especially together with a certain ready way of never saying any thing but to the purpose according to the place wherein she is and according to the humors of the persons to whom she speaks her actions ought to be very obliging and she should have a good nature so charming as might surprize an esteem in the hearts of persons of Honor she must have a lively Wit that may cause her to be admired but a sprightliness accompanied with something of gravity that may show in her as much soundness in judgment as promptness of wit She must beware praising her self for there is ever too much vanity and indiscretion in doing of it in what manner soever she ought to have the same regard in speaking which must be but little to the purpose and let affectation be avoided in discourse as well as carriage and in all things else such qualities will cause her to be considertd wherever she is while others fall more or less into the opposite Errors Let her not neglect Instruments Musick and Dancing let her also make some esteem of Poetry History and of that we call Literature There the Count made a stand as if he would have made an end or taken breath which having done the Abbot said that the Count had drawn the Picture of so rare a Lady that he could scarce believe there were any like her in the World Nevertheless said he if we comprehend what he has said his discourse was of things altogether in general and notwithstanding a few Lessons will he give the Ladies I cannot believe that his hath yet all she should have I could answer you said the Count that I am not obliged to do more than the order of the pastime which required me to describe a Lady to my liking But you Mr. Abbot continued he who imag nes what I have said to be so extraordinary that you cannot believe there are many such in the World although I have not yet done You have said me-thinks something too much be ore a Company where there is not a Lady but may be compared to her I have described and I may truly say that they were my pattern I see your design replyed the Abbot to him smiling you would make a difference between me and this Sex and cause these Ladies to be my adversaries while you in the mean time intrude your self by your flatteries to obtain their good wills but they are so just that they love truth better though it might seem to be against them than the false praises that you give them Nevertheless if my misfortune should cause it to happen otherwise I cannot but say that it is not only rare to find all these qualities in one only VVoman but that the like can be said but of few men notwithstanding that they are capable of a far greater perfection than Women to hear Mr. Abbot discourse said Monsieur d' Arwenton one would imagine that he hath a mind to speak against the VVomen but if the Count will give me leave to answer him I will have the honor to serve him as second on the behalf of these Ladies You oblige me said the Count for I likewise think that I have already done what I was obliged to do and the Ladies quarrel cannot be ill in the management of so gallant a man as you Mr. Abbot was going to speak but the Dutchess prevented him and bid him keep those injuries he had to say against them till the day following that it was now too late to have time enough to relate them that she would give him the whole Night to consider on it if he dare be so bold to expose himself to so great a hazard all the Company smiled upon the Dutchess who had turned the subject of this new dispute in so gallant a manner it was referred till the next day Here the Pastime ended and the Violins that were placed round about the Arbor having begun to play at a sign the Dutchess made them they all arose and daunced as they went till they came to the House whereafter some Civilities the Dutchess made the Company and which is usual on such occasions they all walked to their Chambers and gave the remainder of the night over to sleep CHAP. II. THree hours had the Suns beams enlightned the whole House when none of this illustrious company were stirring but Mr. Abbot who was walking alone in one of the Garden VValks Madamoiselle de Armand the windows of whose chamber were scituated on that side she call'd to her Madam d'Elus with whom she lay and beginning to laugh do you not see said she a loud to the end the Abbot might hear Mr. Abbot who is preparing his Talons to tear us to pieces this Evening he is up very early but I hope before the day ends he may recant or that hee 'l repent Ladies answered the Abbot if you have no greater an adversary than me you have
You see Ladies said Monsieur d' Armenton how Mr. Abbot doth alwaies indeavour to interrupt me if you were not a party concerned I would intreat you to inflict some punishment upon him but the greatest prejudice that I can do him I believe is to continue my Story without amusing my self with what he saith In the time thereof Sextus Pompeius a very beautiful Lady presented her self before the Senate of Marseilles to obtain this Tragical Grace and having made them see â—he necessity there was for her Repose to be delive ed from the miseries of Life she took the Cup where the Poyson was and spoke so resolutely and with so little fear of death that Sextus Pompeius himself was troubled to the heart and the w ole Senate could not forbear weeping after they had agreed that she should die If this story be true said Mr. Abbot alas how many poor Husbands have there been at Marseilles that have gone to demand of the Senate permission to die to be delivered from their VVives Alas replied the Countess d'Ancyre to him instantly in the same note how many unhappy women are there would drink this Poison now were it the custom for to deliver themselves from the cruel bondage wherein their Husbands keep them VVhat can a miserable woman do added Madam d' Elus where this must not remedy when as the weakness of women obligeth them to suffer all without murmuring It is true replied the Abbot to them that the men are nota little obliged to this weakness without which the women who lova them but little would put more weight upon their shoulders than they could be able to bear The Duke was the first that laughed heartily at this Reply and the Ladies laughed so that the dispute was some time delayed after which Monsieur d' Armenton who had a desire to give the Abbot an answer to what he had said viz. that the womens love was but small to the men when is it Mr. Abbot said he that you heard or read of a Husbands testimony of his love to his wife like to that of Camma for her Husband Sinnatus I know no more answered him the Abbot abruptly what you mean by Camma than I do by Sinatus and all that I c n say to you is that if I would here recite the lamentation of poor Husbands you would soon confess that the women were Female-devils There was not one Lady of the company but was set against him and each did their indeavour to evil-treat him one with her Busk another with het â—an the third with a Cane that the poor Abbot cried out like one in despair and complained that he was martyred for the Truths sake He would notwithstanding this not revoak what he had said only to sweeten it and for â—eâ—aration of Honor he Named them charming Devils The Ladies at last let him be at quitt the Noise ceased and they gave ear ro Monsieur d' Armenton who went on with his discourse as followeth Camma said he was a very beautiful woman and there was nothing did equal it but her virtue her duty was that she esteemed above all things Signorix a principal man of the City where she lived became in Love with her and he used all the meanes he could to endeavour to perswade her to yield to his desire and to give his Love content but it was all to no purpose nothing could shake the fidelity of so discreet a woman Signorix believed that Sinnatus her Husband was the only obstacle that spoiled his pretensions and that if he caused him to be killed he should overcome half the resistance his Mistress made It was easie for him to find the meanes but it made him not the happier and all his addresses after this Homicide gave him less encouragement than before which caused him at last to resolve to demand her of her Parents in marriage who fearing the power of Signorix used all their Arguments to perswade Camma to it and they importuned her so much that she condiscended or rather seemed to do it they conducted her to the Temple of Diana where Signorix waited to do the Ceremonies of Marriage You know I suppose what these Ceremonies were and that a Cup is presented to them out of which the married Couple drink in token of Alliance and Friendship Camma had prepared a drink which she had by her which was no other thing than a violent poyson that she had given her Mayds with order to bring it to the Temple to her and having demanded it when she came to drink she drank half and presented the rest to Signorix who drank it without difficulty not imagining that the Ceremonies of his Marriage would be those of his death After which this Woman was so transported wiâ—h Joy that her design had so good effect she cast her self at the feet of the Statue and pronounced these words Great Goddess thou knowest my heart thou knowest how often I would have dyed to follow my dear Siwnatus Thou knowest with what grief I have out-lived him and that the only hope of revenge hath kept me alive till now and now I have done my duty I dye contentedly and will go to the only man I loved while I lived and will love after my death if the Gods will give me leave and then wicked wretch continued she in addressing her self to Signorix who thought to have supplied the place of him whom thou hast murthered thou shalt go to the Sepulchre after thou hast sacrificed to the shadow of my dearest Spouse Signorix furiously amazed at their words and being already cruelly tormented with the effect of this Poyson presently commanded remedies to be brought to him but they came too late and Camma was so happy that as she lay upon a bedd expecting death she understood that the Tyrant was departed then was it that her joy redoubled and that lifting up her eyes ro Heaven she thus invoked her dear Sinnatus Dear Spouse said she now since I have given thee the last tokens of my Love and Fidelity and that thou hast received my tears and the revenge I owed thee not having any thing else to do for thee in this world I avoid it and bid adieu with a sincere heart to this life which without thee is insupportable Come my dear Sinnatus O come to my Soul that denres nothing more than to embrace thee In ending these words she ended her Life and spread her arms abroad as if she would really have embraced her Sinnatus I believe said the Abbot to him that you have a mind to make these Ladies weep What I say to this is that if this History be true I know very well that there are no more Camma's now in the world but if there were such to be found yet these Examples do not prove that which you did say that there should be women from whom the men have received great advantages Is it possible answered him Monsieur d'Armenton to relate
gave me a Note she had writ to me which contained this SIR DO You think I desire your death You know me too well and you may be perswaded that though You had done me all the Injuries imaginable You may in one word as soon make me believe I am deoeived I know not of what Letter You speak it is above three dayes since I received any from You come and tell me what it is You mean for I should dye with displeasure if fearing that I am in the wrong You should thus depart I lately have heard something which I shall tell you it is reported that my Sister could never Oblige You to reside here with us this Evening But if You love me more than her would You not do something more for me I pray return I am in a humor to forgive you all and if You desire to evidence to me a true testimony of Your love it must be this Evening or I shall not sleep till I have seen You I shall expect You till two in the morning in the great Arbour in the Garden I shall measure the strength of Your Love by the smalness of time You will give me to wait for You. Adieu As soon as I had read this Note I mounted on Horse-back and in a very little time came to the Garden wall where I knew of a place that was not difficult to climb up having potwithstanding found the door open I made use without going further of so favourable an occasion it is true it surprized me and I did truly believe that Egidia had found out a way to open it I bid her Lacquey tye the two Horses to the foot of some Tree and to make hast without any noise to advertize my man to prepare himself at the time given to depart with me After I had given this Order I went or to speak better I flew directly to this Arbor where Egidia waited for me it was at that instant when the Abbess returned to the Garden-gate that she found my Horses that she took them for those her man should have brought and that she used them to render me that extraordinary Visit But not to continue longer in the relation of a small History which doth already begin to seem long I will only tell You that Egidia received me in this Arbour with a joy which made me forget all the evil usage I had received from her that we both of us passed some moments in very much tenderness and that the brightest day that could be never seemed so pleasant to me as did this charming night I spoke to her of the Letter which I had sent her she was surprized and assured me that she had not received it we presently thought that it was fallen into the hands of the Abbess and that my Servant must have been mistaken or have betrayed me In fine after many justifications on both sides after I say many tokens of new Friendships of sighs and languishings where Lovers abound in a sweet reconciliation I proposed to her to carry her away as you have heard from Madam d'Eyrac I urged her so much and in so many wayes that at length she consented and prepared her self to follow me I confess I was a little surprized to see her so soon returned but who had then thought on the Abbess I saw her Masked she was in a riding Garb she scrupled not to go with me and in a word if my Horses had been ready there is no doubt but if she was willing I should have carried her away for her Sister I will not stay to tell You the wonder that seized me when I saw her re-enter the Garden and shut the door upon me I thought at first that she had a mind to jest but as her railery lasted something too long for people that had no time to loose and that she came not although I called never so loud I thought to my self that this was no jesting I imagined that she feigned to follow me only to put this trick upon me and that I had been the most abused of all men then was it that shame spite and disdain excited terrible tempests in my Soul which joyned to the displeasure of not knowing what were become of my Horses nor what might be become of my self put me into such despair that complaints reproaches and injuries came forth of my mouth in multitudes against Egidia this Offence seemed to me the greatest that any Gentleman could receive I considered it every way and there was no circumstance but made it plain to me I retired in this manner into the Village for there was no other way for me and I lodged at my Ancient Host's where I passed away a much more cruel night than I did the first time I came there I recollected in my mind all the services I had rendred to this Ingrateful One all the false promises she had made to me and wondring that I had not discovered the lightness of her Humor I accused my self both of Imprudence and Blindness and I joyned to the first of my Despairs an Indignation against all that I had done that concluded my ruine Oh the extravagant Discourses I had this night O the useless designes I made in truth those that love extreamly are subject to a great many Follies It was no sooner day but I asked my man for Ink and Paper to write to her but it was with so much trouble and disorder that I often blotted out what I had writ to her nothing could content me sometimes it seemed as though I complained too mildly and sometimes I was afraid to offend her I had sometimes a desire to take an eternal Farewel of her and a minute afterwards I would repent it This is the Letter I sent her MADAM YOu should not have showed me so much favour for to have revoaked it so soon nor have come so near the Door to leave me so abruptly it was my bad Fortune that my Horses were out of the way You saw at least that it was not my fault and You should rather have given me some Consolation than to have used me with that rudeness and cruelty as to forsake me without speaking a word But why above all did You shut the door upon me Why flee away did You fear any Violence from me and why however did You promise me so much happiness if You had no desire to render me happy I see well what I must imagine by all this and that my greatest misfortune was not in having loved You too well but in having believed that You loved me the mask is now taken off and without giving You the termes of Ingrateful or Perfideous I will leave all reproaches for You to make to Your self while I pass the rest of a miserable life in a place happier for me than this and bid You adieu This Letter was given her by a Lacquey who an hour after brought me another from her and told me that she was
something more of Indulgence for those whom we may call true Lovers If a Young Lady answered the Count must love a man it must be those with whom she hopeth to be Married and then I should not condemn her although she showed him some tokens of esteem Nevertheless I would have it be with so much reservedness that her Vertue might find nothing wherewith to reproach her heart I will assure You a Lady cannot be too cautious upon this Article and that the men have now so much presumption of themselves and are so much accustomed to promise themselves all from their own merit that the least favour flattereth them and maketh them withdraw from their duty Tde Count interrupted the Abbot seemeth to be Feed by the VVomen to speak against the Men as was Monsieur d'Armenton the other day to tel untruths in favour of these Fair-ones I thought said the Marchioness that Mr. Abbot had no more to say against us but now his desire to be chastised is come again Courage Sir added she in smiling the Btave Ones like You are not amazed at stripes You used me too illy said she Abbot the first time for me to dare to adventure any more But however were it necessary for me to expose my Life for the Truths sake I would maintain it well that there hath been nothing said on Your behalf in all there hath hitherto been spoken Stay replied the same Lady to him til Monsieur d'Armenton be in a humor to answer You for I believe he is preparing notwithstanding he hath been so long silent I Madam answered her d'Armenton I swear I have not such a thought because that all that the Count hath spoken I find so just and reasonable that they must be Void of Sense who are not for him and who dare to contradict him For my part replyed the Count I expose here neither party and I only speak what belongeth to Reason and a good custom against abuse and false appearances But to return where I was there are I know not how many VVomen who desire nothing more than to be esteemed handsome to have at their Train a multitude of Lovers of which they make a Trophy and who serve as a Triumph to their Beauty they employ all meanes for these Conquests and make no difficulty to make advancements to their ruine and these proceedings contributâ— to satisfie their Vanity they stray from thaâ— modesty and bashfulness to which their Seâ— engageth them they endure certain discourses they permit some languishing Glances in sweetly clofing the eye-lid and keeping it halâ— shut by which they think that sweetness must enchant all those that dare to behold them in a word they are knowing in the art we call Gossiping but these are weaknesses unworthy those VVomen we speak of It is true also that I am not for those nice ones who are more than Savages and who bring their Vertue even to a point of delicacy that for the least word they will discountentnce people I think there is a Medium to be kept and which I would counsel an understanding VVoman to follow I say that a Ladies merit is much greater when the Conquests she maketh are meerly due to her own Vertue and when the good Behaviour and Grace she hath in all her actions draweth hearts to her Love is much more solid when it is grounded upon esteem than when it is upheld by Beauty alone Esteem may ever continue and Beauty fadeth and a Lover who is tyed to particular Features is subject to very many accidents and cannot Love but in Fear whereas he that suffereth himself to be enclined to Vertue loveth without molesiation and ceaseth not to love till death a man who shall love a Lady as I say will be satisfied with the least regard he receiveth from her A simple civility shall in his mind pass for a considerable fâ—vour I know not said the Baron who these men are who think their services well requited in so small a matter and I know not said d'Arignan whether there are many VVomen in the world so good House-wives of their Favours I believe answered the Countess d'Ermond that You see none here who give You not a very true Example I avow said the Cavaleer that what the Count said is not so extraordinary but some of it is practised by many VVomen But it is also true that he is something scrupulous in certain matters and that there is even injustice in it not to permit a Mistress to give some manner of Hope to a poor Lover that shall languish for her that one day at least he may be Loved I have seen VVomen added he whom Beauty rendred them perhaps something too proud who at the only words of Love would seem to be extreamly angry but in the end these Obstinate Beauties have if not submitted at least grown very mild and the services importunities sighs and tears have worked so upon them that they have also taken delight to love such a one were the most rigorous person in the world that could resist at the sight of a languishing Lover whom she sees upon his knees to her A heart though Obstinate is not insensible and it is a difficult thing to escape loving when one is perswaded of a persons merit there is nothing sometimes that in endreth truer Love than Obstinacy when Overcome and those Hearts which are the difficultest to win are those which are most moved You imagine said the Marchioness to him every one to be like your Religious Ladies Not so answered her the Cavaleer but you will confess that if all VVomen were as the Count would make them they would not be very amiable and very few wise men would love them Perhaps said the Count to him that all people would not be of your Opinion as You are not of mine but however if You took notice I said not that a Mistress should bring a poor Lover to despair I am not for such Barbarous Counsels I avoid Extremities in all things and my Opinion in this was that a Lady ought to grant no other than a tender Friendship and Esteem and it is with this a Gentleman may rest satisfied from such a Lady I spoke of It is true continued he that in Love the Pallates are as different as there are difference in Beauties and that one cannot Regulate all Lovers to one and the same point there are of them who seeing a Lady of a humor something serious and who is accustomed not to do any thing but what seemeth very civil will be taken with a certain respect for her that they scarcely dare bring their desires to love they will rather love another whose languishings words and glances may give them leave to hope I also know others who care little for the Artifices and all the outward appearances of certain Beauties who ignorize nothing of Gallantry they will sooner engage themselves to a Fair-one whose humor seemeth full of sincerity and who