ii.0 ^^/ ./ \ \ \ ^ ^..ry^/^^i^ ^ THE Prince of Carency ; NOVEL Written in French By the Countefs D'A un o is, Author of the luadys Travels into Sjfain, Tranflatcd into English. L O NT> O N : Printed by /"F. Wtlkins, at the T)olphin in Little 'Britain. 1719. THE , - PREFACE % HIS Tranflatim ^was at i nrfl dejignd as an Amuje^ ment y ^uuiîhout any Intcntt^ on of making it ^ublick ; the Tranflator not frejum- ing to fucceed m the \Delu cacy and Tolitenejs of a 'DialeH peculiar to Heroifm ; lut as the Countejs D' Aunois is the Author of this Tkce^ and as mojl of her JVorks have had the good Fortune to meet /uuith a favourable Receptony he ims induced to hope it might obtain the like Suc^ cefs : BcfideSj he woud not have ventured to deliver it to tlx Trefsy had he not confult^ ed 'with forne 'judicious TerJonSy "who had read the Original in French, and mere f leased to honour it "with their Sanction. It mufl he ownd at the fame timey that this is not a lateral TranjLation ; for tho^ in the The ? R E¥ A C E. the French^ the Characters are ^wel/drawn^ a'^id the Adventures agreeably related^it wa s thought pv^er to retre^ich fome fur^erfiuous Répétitif mSj "whkh are frequent Ij remarked in Stories y of this Mature J ^written in that Language. As to the lafl Incident^ 'which is the Murder of Leonida^ fucceeded by the Mar^ nage of the \Prince of Carency to another Lady y that Circumjlance ^th the Con-- clujion is entirely altered \ and it's frefurndy that thofe^ "who fhall take the Trouble of com-- faring this "with the Original^ "will approve the ^ejîgn^ fince it feems unreafonable^ that Leonida^ "who ^was a Terjeclion of J^irtue and Beauty^ fhoud die a tragick U)eath ; and that the Trince of Carency, ''^ho was fo^af- Jionatly in Love "with her y fJooudy after her cruel Eatey conceive tender Sentiments for any other Lady y a Charaéîer not becoming a Hero. Howsoever y if the Tublick fioud cen- fure this Opniony the Tranflator mujl then fubmit to their unquejliond Judgment ; and he humbly hoj)eSy that m Conftderation this is hisfirjl Ejjayy they ^wiU out of their Candor and good Maturey pardon 'whatever Fault theyjindin the Attempt, THE THE Prince of Cjrenct. a|^<^^ ^ gWtg^W ^ ^^J!?l .l i. » - i - i m H E Dutchefs of Laficajler^ Daughter of Don Pedro, King of Caflïle^ cou'd not, without the greateft Concern, fee Don John^ Acccffion to a Throne where flic fliou'd have been plac'd, were, not her Fathers Misfortunes the unhappy Caufe. vShe very much foUicited the Duke her Husband to declare War againfl: him, which he was inclin'd to, only waited for a favourable Occafion of making an Alliance. At this Jundure, Ferdinand King of Tortu- gal Cwho often had Differences about Matters of Intereft with the King of Cafltle') gave the Duke of Lancafler an Opportunity of decla- ring his Intentions, and fent to him, defiring he wouM join with him in the Conqucft of their common Enemy : The Duke, without delay, fet out with a conûderable Number of B Forces, a The Prince Forces, and took with him his Wife and Three Daughters : Thefe Ladies were very beautiful, and the Youngeft, whofe Name was Catber/ne, being the only Daughter of his fécond Mar- riage, had Pretenfions to the Crown of Spa/n by Right of the Dutchcfs her Mother, who was Heirefs to that Dominion. The King of Caft/Ie, finding that two fuch potent Enemies had declared againft him, ap- ply'd to his Allies, but more particularly to Charles the Vlth King of France^ to whom he already owed many Obligations. That Prince fent him Men and Money, and Fortune decla- ring in his Favour, he defeated thcEngl/Jh and Portuguefe in feveral Engagements. The Sick- nefs produced by the Chmate, was even more dcftrudive to them than his Arms; but ha- ving weighty Reafons to wifli for Peace, and knowing that the Duke of Lancafter had left the King of Portugal with fome Difguft, he fent the Prior of Guadalupe to him at Bayonne with confiderable Offers, and a Propofal of Marriage between his Son Henry Prince of A- fturias^ and the Princefs Catherine^ Daughter of the Duke, which he reprefented to be the only Means of placing her on the Throne of Spatn\ and at the fame Time promised he fliou d have fufficient Reafon to be faiisfied with their Alliance. The Duke received with Pleafure this Over- ture of Peace, being \\\ all refped:s agreeable to his Intereft; and the Kings Ambafladors performed the Ceremony of Marriage zt Bayonne. The of Carence. 5 Tlie Dutchefs of Lancajler left Bifcay to con- dud: her Daughter to Medina del CampOy where the King receiv'd them with all the Magni- ficence imaginable. She there prefented him ii\ the Name of the Duke her Husband, with a Crown of Gold embellifli'd with Jewels, and told him with a majeftick Air, that fince flic had yielded to him the Right ilie had to the Kingdom of Caflile^ it was but juft he fliou'd receive the Crown from the Duke her Lord. The King anfwer'd, that he only accepted of it with a Defign of putting it on the Prin- cefs's Head, as foon as his Son iliou d be of Age ; the young Prince being then but Ten Years old. The Duke of Lancafler remain'd all this Time TiZ Rayonne j tho' he paffionately wifli'd to fee the King, that he might endeavour to dif- ingage him from the French Inrercfl: : But the Spanifh Monarch was too fenfible of the Ser- vices he had receiv'd, to have any wrong Pro- ceedings with the King of France in fuch a Con- jundure, therefore declined the Interview which the Duke defired ; and being indifpos'd at Burgos^ took Leave of the Dutchefs in that Place. Charles the Vlth, being inform'd of the King of Caftiles Condud in what related to him, thought himfelf fo highly oblig'd, that he chofe John of Bourbon Count oï La March ^ his Kinf- man, as Ambaflador to that Prince ; who had Orders to tell him, that he fliou'd ever em- brace all Occafions of exprefiing his Gratitude B X for 4 The Prince for the Value he was pleas'd to fet on their AlUance. The Count of La March was more capable than any of making known the Sen- timents of his King, being of the firft Rank by his Birth and Fortune, and by his great Qiialitics efteemcd one of the fined Gencle^- m^n 0Ï France. . ''^^ï' ^^'^^ ''}^l After having acquitted himfclf of his Com- miffioh to the King of Qaflile^ he contracted a Friendfliip with Don John of Velafco^ who had married a /Yd';/r/; Lady, Daughter of Ar- nauU of Solier, She had for her Fortune the City of Filalpendoy which is one of the great- eft m Cafiile, Velafco by his Birth, yielded to none but Princes of the Blood, and his Merit was equally great. Dona Maria his Wife, preferr^d the French to all other Nations, and infpired herBJusband with the fame Sentiments. The Count of La March had already fo great anEfteem for them, that confidering their vafl: Fortune was to be inherited by an only Daugh- ter, he refolv^ to propofe a Marriage between her and John of Bourbon^ Prince of Carency^ the youngeft of his Sons. Having meditated fometime on this Affair, he vifited Don John of Velafco^ and among o- ther things told him, He had three Sons, that the King his Mailer had provided for the Two eldeft, and that the Youngeft was ftill at his Difpofal. I am fatisfy'd, faid he, I ilioud have no rcafon to complain of his Fate, were he deftin'd to your Daughter: Therefore, if nothing oppofes our Alliances, I ask her for him. of C AR ElSi C Y. 5 him. Your Propofal, my Lord, ( reply 'd Don Joh of Felafco) is fo obliging, chac I have room to beUeve you fincerely wiih ir. She is yec but Four Years old, aad the Prince your Son but Eight ; to what End can we dilpofe of the Dediny of Perfons, fo httle advanc'd in Years ? That ought not to be the leaft Obftacle (faid the Count) we can fign xh^ Contradt of Marriage, and I will fend the Prince to you, that you may form him for LeoniJa. I dont quefïion but you will lik'^ him, he is a fine Youth, and his S^n.^ exceeds his Years. You will be under no Difficulty (interrupted Madam Fehifco) to perfuade us into an Opinion of your Son's Merit; it is fuf- ficient'that he is of your Illuflrious Blood, By what you are, my Lord, we judge what he may be; and I thank Heaven, that you have fuch favourable Difpofitions for Leoniduf From her Birth, I defign'd her for one of my Country, which is ftill dear to me : and Don 'John fets no lefs a Value' on ..it than L It is true (reply'd Don 'johnj I have a great Ve- neration for the French^ and am very fenfi- ble of their Defert. Judge then, added hé, with what Pleafure we accept the Offer you make Leomida^ which is as much above our Hopes, as her Merit. This Corivcrfation ended with aH the Aiïïirançes of a perfeil Fnendfliip, îind the Articles of Marriage were drawn. . The Count of La March fent his to. the King of trance^ Don John carry^d his to the King of CdJlilcT, and each çonfentcd to the Agreement. B 3 Pq« G The Prince Don John made his Daughter's Fortune very confidcrahle, and the whole Court was pleas'd with the Match. Some time after, the Count of ha March preparing for his RetUrn into France^ ask'd Don 'John of Velafco and his Lady, whether they were willing he fhou'd fend his Son to them > No, my Lord, (faid they) Let him remain in your Hands, as a Token of our Love and Efteem ; the Education you will give him, will make him an accomphflVd Prince ; and we hope you will not part with him till he has taken a perfed: Impreffion of your great Example. The Coimt promised he wou'd take all the Care imaginable to ren- der his Son worthy of being ally'd to them ;* thçn took his Leave. The King of Cajlile acquitted himfelf by the Count, of the many Acknowledgments he owed Charles the Vlth. And writing to that Prince, told him, He coud hot fufficiently praife the Merit and Condud of his Ambaflà- dor. The Count had not been long arriv'd at the Court of France^ when News came of the King of Cajlile s Death by a Fall from his Horfe, and his Son Don Henry fent an Account of it by Don John of Felajco. The Count of La March took that Opportunity to do him all the Honours of a Court, where he held a confiderable Rank, being nearly related to the King. He prefented me Prince of Carency to him, whom he found to be a finer Youth than he imaein'd: and from that Time, con- ceiv d o/ C A R E N c y. 7 ceiv'd as great an Affeaion for him, as if he had acSually been happy in the Pofleffion of LeoniJa. The Peace and Tranqmhty whicli France then enjoy'd, was foon after difturbd by an Accident that happen'd to the King ; who being ftruck with Terror and Surprize at an Apparation, fell into a Delirium, which continued for fome time. At this Jundure there was a very nice Ne- gotiation to be carried on in Spain ; and the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy, Uncles to the King, having taken upon them the Admini- ftration of Affairs, look'd on the Count of La March as the moft capable Perfon to manage it. The feeming Pretence of his Embaliy was, the ufual Compliments to the King and the Infanta his Brother on their Marriage ; the one being lately marry 'd to the Princcfs of Lancaster, and the other to the young Coun- tels of All'urquerck, who was one of the ricli- eft Heirefs's in Europe. The Count of La March, zthisArnvzUn Spain, found Don >/j« of relafco in great Favour at Court ; the King having made him High-Steward of his Hou- iliold; and Leonid tho' not above Nine\ear$ of Age, was made one of the Maids ot Ho- nour totheQiieen, and bred up in the Palace. Madam Felafco was extremely pleas d to lee the Count again ; and her Satisfadion was fo much the greater, when he declard, he iiaci never Teen anything comparable to the Beauty of her Daughter. He was fo furpriz d wheii he faw her, that he cou d not at firft exprels B 4 I'^s 8 The P R I NGE . his Adiniration ; her Hair was black and her Complexion as fair as polTible. It may be generally laid of the Span'ijh Ladies, that they have much finer Eyes than thofç of other Countries. Leoni^ias were fo full of Life and Spirit, that one coud hardly withftand their Brightncfs ; yet they retained all that Air of Sweetnefs and Modefty which becomes her Sex fo well. In Ihort, the Beauties of her Mind were as perfeâ as the Charms of hec Perfon ; and the Count of La March was fo taken with her, that had not his Glory, and the King's Service call'd him back for France^ he wiUingly, for her fake, wou'd have ftay'd longer at that Court. Some time after his Re- turn, he was fent againft the Englijhy over whom he had the good Fortune of getting fo many Advantages as oblig'd them to wifli for Peace, which foon after was happily con- cluded, with Propofals made by King Ri* chard^ of a Marriage with If ale lia of France \ but the Count of La March had not the Satis- faction to be at the Conclufion of it, being forc'd by his Indifpofition to retire to Van- tlome for fome ReUcf; and finding there, that his lilncfs incrcas'd, he did not doubt but he was, :Very near taking Leave of the World, therefore fent for the Prince of Carency^ and in a fçqlple Voice, thi}s faid to him : The Con- dition. I ani iny my dear Son, wou'd give me great Concern, had I not procured a Father for you in Don John of Felafco. I am perfuad- cd you will find no difference betwixt his Houlc ^Carency. 9 Houfe and mine, therefore perform the Pro- mife I have made for you ; marry Leonida^ ic is your dying Father's Command. Tell your Brothers how dear they have been to me, and that I recommend them to the Care of Hea- ven. Do not render your felves unworthy of your Name. Prefer Honour to Life, and never omit what you owe to God, or your King, I had rather fee you dead, than furyive a Dil-^. grace owing to ill Conduit. And as for you, my dear Child, it is a great Confolation to me in dying, to beheve your Inchuations will anfwer the Advice I now give you. The young Prince filled with Grief, fell at his Father's Feet, and in fpite of the Sobs, which prevented his Utterance, he endeavour'd to ex- prefs himfelf in Terms fo moving and gene- rous, that the Count of La March^ after fo great a Satisfaction, had little Regret in dy« The Year following SigifmiwdY.\ngoï Hun- gary^ fenc Ambadadors into Fr.wce^ to defire Charles the Sixth to afiift him with Troops, being refolv'd to engage 5 j;j2f/. ThofeMi- nifters gave the King an Account, how that the Emperor '^ohn Falealogus had call'd that Enemy of the Chriftians to his Affiftance, a- gainft the Dcfpote of Bulgaria ,• and that Ba- jazet making ufe of the Advantages he had obtain'd, woii'd not leave a Country where Vhey had fo imprudently let him enter. The King concern d at the Condition of Sigifmund^ pçriT^itted .njoft cf the Your!,! of France to ^ " make lo The Prince make an Expedition in his Favour. The young Count of î^evers^ who was then but Twenty Four Years old, put himfelf at the Head of the young Noblemen, who were very nume- rous ; among others, James of Bourbon Count of La Marché highly dillinguifh'd himfelf The Prince of Carency his Brother, made this Cam- paign with him,' and it is impoflible to ex- preis the Joy he receivM at having fo early an Opportunity of proving his Courage. The Particulars of this Expedition I refer to the Hiftorian, and Ihall only fay, there ne- V^f was a more unhappy Campaign. Bajazet having defeated the Chriftian Troops, made a- horrible Slaughter amongft the French^ and" with much difficulty, confented to Ranfom Five or Siyi. The Count of La March and his Brother were dangeroufly wounded, and made Prifoners before 1 The young Prince was not a little furpiiz'd at what he read. It feem'd to him fo tender, that he felt an extreani Dcfire to fee the Per- fon who exprefs'd fo extraordinary a Paffion for him, and expeded with the greatefl: Impa- tience, the Time that he was to return an An» fwer. He went as he ufed to do, to the Top of the Tower, and there made a Signal to the Mcflenger, who was waiting for it ; then flung his Letter over, which was written in thefe Terms. VOU are the firfi that ever made me f%gh\ ^ and the Sacrifice I offer you. Madam, of the firfi Motions of my Affetiion, ought to give mt fome Place in your Favour. I thought till nowj it was impojfihle to love what one never faw % hut the l/neajinefs Ifeely and the ardent De fire I have to fee you, convince me you are already too dear for my Peace. Ton render vie the moji unhappy of all Mankind, if you deny me the Means of making my Retributions, and entertain^ ing you with my Tranfports. Is it poffible you can refufe me that Favour, and at the fame Time exprefs fo real a Pafiion for ^ me ? What, Ma- dam, can you confient I fhoud go from a Place where you are ? Oh! rather leave me in my Pri- fion, fiînce I am defiind to wear your Chains. 14 The P R I N c E It \^as very late before the Prince retired^ in hopes the fair Unknown wou'd have kn% him a fécond Letter the fame way he receiv'd the Firfl, bat was difappointed. He went again the next Day upon the Tower, where every Thing appear'd fo filent, that he had no room to flatter himfelf with what he fo much wiihed. Is it poffible, (faid he to his Brother, who was Prifoner in tlie fame Place \\'ith him, and to whom he had told this Adventure) Is it poffible, that the Perfon who wTit this Letter, fought only to divert her felf at my Expence > The oftner I read it, the more reafon I have to believe it fincere ; for I am perfuaded there is a Smypathy in Hearts, and therefore it is impoifible to be fo touch' d with what is coun- terfeited. I am convincd of what you fay, (^reply'd the Count of La Mardi) and have my felf experienc d it, which inclines me to think fome other Reafon obliges your Unknown not to write. They pafsd the greateft part of the Day on the Top of thcTower, entertain- ing each other after this manner, till at laft, Night coming on without any hopes of a fé- cond Letter, they retired. The Prince return'd to his Chamber more melancholy than ever he had been ; but he was no fooner enter d, w^heil he faw on a little Cedar Table, a Toilet richly embroidered with the Cypher of his Name woven in Gold : The Work was perfectly fine, it covered a Scymiter embellifh'd with Jewels and a little Casket with golden Plates, which he open^ with great precipitation, and found a ^/ C A R E N C Y. 15 a' Letter in it, with a Sum that far exceeded his Ranfom. Here is what was wrote in the fame Hand with the firft. /^O young Prince^ go far from a Place where my ^ Vafton may prove fatal to you. Expe:i no more Letters from me : This is the lafl you ivill receive. Oh Heavens ! I am going to lofe you^ and lofe you for ever. Why have not I power to follow youy and render my Fortune infeparalle from Tours ? I fhall never more know your Sen- timents : Tou will forget me before it is poffille for me to think of any Thing hut you^ or ceafe to love you. My Wijhes fball ever attend you. Pity mey dear Prince^ fince I muft pafs my forrowful Life in hemoaning your Ahfence^ and my Misfor* tunes. The Prince of Carency admired the Proceed- ings of this generous Lady, and his Gra- titude was of fuch a Nature, that the mod tranfcendent PafTion coud not have made a deeper ImpreHion ; for when he confider'd he was to lofe even the hopes of ever feeing her, his violent Difpieafure took place of all the Joy he ought to have felt, at being in a Con- dition to pay his Ranfom, and return to France-, He bid one of his Guards go and tell the Count of La iL'arch, that he wanted to fpeak with him ; but firft took care to hide the magnifi- cent Prefent he had juft receiv'd. The Count came immediately to him, and faw in his Eyes an e-xtraordinary Air of Grief. As 1 6 The Prince At fooii as they were alone, the Prince flung, his Arms about his Brother's Neck. I want your Confolation, dear Brocher, (faid he) for I can receive it: only from you. See ! (conti- nued he, fliowing him the Casket and Letter) fee! what I owe to my Unknown, and the NecelTity fhe impofcs on me to go away with- out feeing her. Can any Thing be more great or noble ? Or can there be any Thing more foft or nioviog, than the Words flie imploys to bid me Adieu > Oh ! how fatal will her Gene- rofity be to me, fince I muft even lofe the Hopes of knowing who fhe is. Here he was filcnt, but after having meditated fomeTime : She loves me, faid he, and I burn with a more than equal Paffion for her. Why muft I then leave Nicopolis : In remaining here, I may dif- cover the Perfon to whom I am fo highly in- debted, and, if poiïible, obtain the Happinefs of feeing her : For Love certainly is too good a Guide to forfake me in fo fair a way. The Count of La Marché who loved his Brother entirely, was of Opinion that fo magnificent a Prefent could not come from any one but a Perfon of the firft Rank, and that if he expos'd himfelf by making an Enquiry after her, and penetrated into a Myftery that perhaps ought not to be difclo^'d, he might create himfelf Enemies, which would be of a very dangerous Confequence in a Country where neither liis Birch nor Merit could protcA him, and where the Name of a Chriftian was a Crime great çnough to deferve Punifliment. Full of thefc Thoughts ^Carency. , I y Thoughts, he conjured his Brother in the moft engaging Terms, not to perfill in a thing which Jay under fo many difficulties ; and reprefented to him, that he might not only ruin himlelfj but alio be the Occafion of undoing die Peribn whom he fo dearJy loved. Coud you ever forgive your fcif, faid he, fo Imprudent an Acîtion? The Lady loves you, and were it ppflible for her to lee you without Danger, flie >youd have found means to favour your Re- queft. Therefore, dear; Brother, let us go a- way with the Count of Neversy and embrace the favourable Difpofition Bajazet is in at pre^ l^t: . His Capricioufnefs is ever to be fear d, and fliou'd he change his Mind, what wou'd become of us ? Altho' the Count of La Marcos Arguments were very weighty, the Prince was unwiU^ ing to fubmit to them, having a ftrong Defire. to find out by what means the Casket and Scy- miter were convey'd into his Chamber. He might eafily imagine, that one of his Guards had been bribed ; but as it was hard to difco- ver the Perfon (fearing he ihou'd apply to the wrong Man) he thought fit to be filent ; To took his leave of iSficopolis^ without knowing to whom lie owed rhe higheft Obhgations. The Prince of Carencys Thoughts were con- ftantly iniploy d on his generous Unknown ; and after his Arrival at the Court of France^ he found a fecret Conlblation in making her the Subjed of his Difcourfe, with the Counts of La March and Vandome^ who equally ad-- C nijredi 1 8 The Prince mired a Paflion fo difcreet, and a Generofity without hopes of any Return. Mod Women that are in Love and make Prefents, faid they, have generally fome View, that tends to their private Satisfadion : They endeavour to gain a Heart by Gratitude, when they cannot con- quer it by their Beauty. But this Illuftrious Foreigner, faid the Prince, aim'd at nothing but procuring my Liberty, fince flie even com- manded me to quit the only Place where I cou'd have feen her. He ufed to talk fo often of her, that the Count of La March feared he had fome defign of returning to Mijia^ in order to difcover who this Charmer was. This made him entreat the Prince to write an obliging Letter to Don John of FelafcOy to put him in Mind of their Contrat, and afliire him, that he only expected his Commands to go for Spain. The Prince having yielded to this Re- queft : Confider well, faid he to his Brother, the Violence I do my felf. Shall I not be for ever unhappy in Marrying a Perfon for whom I have no Inclination ? You know very well, that my Heart is fiU'd with another Objed. It is true, reply 'd the Count, you love an un- known Perfon, who probably you will never fee : You do not even know her Name, and perhaps ftie is no longer at Nkopolis. Remem- ber, Brother, that Leonida muft crown your Felicity, fhe is a great Fortune, and very Beau- tiful. How eafy it is, interrupted the Prince to advife others, and imagine that a Heart ought always to fubmit to Reafon: But alas ! of C A R Ê:s CY. 19 alas! it too often rebels, and never fuffers greater Torments than when it is forc'd into an Engagement by the Choice of others. The Count of La March was doing all his Endea- vours to infpire other Sentiments in his Brother, which he hoped time might effedt. The Prince of Carency continued extream- ly melancholy till he rccciv'd Letters from Don John; wherein he allured him, that his Daughter ihould never be difpos'd of to any one but himfelf ; but that being very young, he defired the Marriage might be defer'd for fome Years, and advis'd him to imploy that time in Travelhng. This lad Requeft gave no fmall Satisfaâ"ion to the Prince; and as the Marefchal oï Boucicault was going then to take Pofleffion oî Genoa^\v\\\c\\ had furrender'd volun- tarily to the King of France^ he embraced that Opportunity, and went along with him to fee that great City, which paflès for one of the fineft in Europe, As fo many have given a De- fcription of it, I lliall only purfue my Story. The Marefchal did not make a long ftay at Genoa, being commanded to go from thence to Conjlantinople with a frefh Army, which became dreadful to Bajazet, The Prince of Carency acquainted the Marefchal with the Defign he had to accompany him in that Expe- dition ; but the latter being inform'd by the Counts of La March and Vandome of the Paffion he had for an unknown Lady at Nkopolis^ and knowing that he was contraded to Leoniduy Ipoke to him in obhging Terms, and reprefent- C X cd 70 The P.R:1.!NCÉ ed how much his Honour was concern d in the. Performance of his Promife to a Perlon of fo confiderable ^a Rank; declaring at tiie fame time, that if he infifted on going with him he wou d bfc forc'd to inform the Court of it.' Thefe P.ealons oblig'd the Prince to. remain ac Gefioa in the- Senator GrimalJis Houfe, wliich had been.offer d CO him in amoft civil manner. One Night 'the Prince bemg more meiahcho- ly than ufual, went alone to ;the Mole, which affords a fine Prolpcâ:, and continued^ his Walk along the Shore, till he infenfibly found him- lelf a great way from the City. How unhappy is my Fate, faid he fighing !■ I love and am be- lov'd, but know not the Objed: of my Paflion: I can hear nothing concerning her Fortune, nor give her any account of mine ; neither can I tell where to find the Lady^ whofe Generofity has only.ferv'd to deflroy my Peace. He was loft in thefe melancholy Thoughts, which were fucceeded by others of a more tormenting Na- ture. -Why, continued he, did my Father fa- crifice me to one whom I can never think a- greeable, fmce I adore another ! yet fomething tells me it is a Crmie todifobey him Oh, too Charming Unknown! cry'd he, were you but inform'd of the State I am in, you wou'd recal me to you ; but what do I fty ? That is a Hap- pinefs I dare not hope, fte paid my Ranfomand commanded me to go; it is poffible flie now loves me no more or ftrives to forget me, and in either of the two, I find but Subjecft to tor- ment mc. Thefe of C A R E N C Y. II Thefe different Refleâions were perplexing the Prince, when of a fudden Night came on, with Rain and terrible Thunder, which obhgd him to dired his Coude along the Wall of a Park, where he found a Door that led him through a long Alley of Orange-Trees to a fine Pavilion ; here he obferv'd a low Parlour, the Pannels. of wliich were gilded, and the Roof finely painted^.^:A§-. the Weather was ex- ceffive hot, the Windows were open, and there being Lights in the Room, they g;ive him an Opportunity of feeing. one of the moll beauti- ful Perfoas.in the World leaning on a Couch: She feem-d afleep, holding her Handkerchief in in her Hand, a mourning A^cil cover d half her Neck; aiid in this^ Poiiure flie infpircd both Love and Refped:. The Prince flood fojiie time at the Window, and perceiving tlut, every thing was filent, went into the Parlour^ and kneeled by her the better to confider her Chirms; (lie appear'd pale and dejedcd, and tho' alleep, fctch'd deep Sighs, which w^ere follovvd by Tears, that found a PafTage thro' her clos'd Eye- Lids. Who merits this Grief, faid he, from fo lovely a Crea- ture ? Is it a Husband or a Lover you deplore ? He flop'd here, and refleded on Chance, that had condudçd him to a Place fo dangerous to his Liberty. Then he continued ; Who can de- ferve thofe Sighs, and Tears ? He looked with Admiration on the exad Proportion of her Fea- ture% the Whitenef> of her Hands and Arms, the Beauty of her Neck, and Colour of her Hair: C 3 His 1 1 The Prince His Eyes, fix d on fo Divine an Objed:, had al- ready becray'd his Heart ; and he had not well- recover'd the firft Effeds of his Surprize, when' the Lady wak'd, who appear'd to be feiz'd with Fear, which had Uke to have thrown her into a Swoon. He attributed this, to the Cuftom obferv'd by the Ladies oï Italy ^ never to fee Men in their own Apartments, and thought flie might be marry'd to fome jealous Husband, who finding a Man in his Houfe fo late, might have fome Sufpicion, which wou'd prove of a fatal Confequence to a Perfon for whom be had already conceiv'd fo great a PaflTion. I am extreamly conccrn'd, Madam, (faid he) at the Diforder I have occafion'd, but will retire with Regret from a Place which gives me fo much Pleafure. No, no, Creply'd fhe) my Dear Lover, (flinging her Arms about his Neck) do not leave me ; I love you too well to be frighten'd, tho' my Aftonilhment is great. Be Witnefs of the Tears I flied for your Lofs. Ah ! dear Shade, why did that terrible Engage^ ment part us ? The Prince comprehended no- thing of this obfcurc Speech, yet thought him- felf happy in the Carcflcs he receiv'd; and as the Name of a Lover pleas'd him, that of a Shade furpriz d and afflidcd him. The Senfi- bility he had fhown on this Occafion . might have convinc'd this fair Creature, that he was not one of the other World ; but her Mind was fo polTefs'd with his being dead, that (he fpokc to him as to a Ghofl: ; which obliged him to fay ja a melancholy Accent ; I find, Madam, you are (9/*Carency. a^ arc deceived in favour of fome Refemblance, and I proreft^were I dead and deplor'd by you, I Ihould think my feif much happier than hving and indifFerent to you. Alas ! I am not the Ob- jedof your Love. Wiio then, my Dear, reply'd fhe with Precipitation ? What Sorrow could be equal to mine, when I iieard you were loft m returning from Nicopolis, and that after having efcaped the Fury of Bajazety it was your Mif- fortune to periih by your Ship's being blown up in an Engagement ? I own to you, as I cou'd not believe you fafe, after fo probable a Re- lation, I gave my felf up entirely to Grief. Am I not very unhappy (faid I) to have pro- cured him his Liberty by paying his Ranfom, fmce it has forwarded his End : But Oh Heavens ! Can any Joy or Surprize be equal to mine ? You are living, my deareft Lover, and your Eyes tell me you live for me ; read the Moti- ons of mine, they will convince you I live for you alone. Thefe Words were fo moving, that the Prince coud not doubt any longer but this Lady, who entertain d him fo tenderly, was his Unknown of Nkopolis, and this Opinion occa- fioiVd a Joy, which he cou'd neither conceal, nor exprefs, but thought he fliou d die in Ecftafie at his Miftrifs's Feet; he look'd upon it as a Miracle of Love and Fortune, that he fliou d unexpededly find fo furpri^ing a Beauty, and he the Objed: of her Paffion : He fix'd his Lips on her Hand, and kifs'd it with fuch Tranfports, as he had never felt before. Their C 4 Difçourfç a 4- The P R I NCE;> Difcourfc had no more Coherence, but their Sighs exprcfs'd enough the State of their Souls. Th^ Night was far advancd, when they were intcrrupced by one of the Lady's Women, who came to give her Notice that her Father was juft arriv'd. We muft part, my dear Lover, (^faid file to the Prince,) return to Genoa^ anc] in Two Days come here again, the lame Way, and at the fame Hour ; I ihall expcd you in this Pface; Muft I leave you, Madam, (cry'd he with a dejeâ:ed Atr) no, I cannot teiblve it ; OKI rather confent I flioud remain here, no Danger can alarm me where you are pr^fçnt. Vvhiic you ask, faid flie, isimpofllble -Go my Lord, all I can do for you, is to give you my Pidure, which I fat for with aDefign tofend to you when you were in Confinement. Here it is^ (^continued flie, taking it from off her Arm, and tying it on his} Let nothing in the World make you negled: lb precious a Pledge of my Affè(3:ion. He threw himfclf on his Knees.j and wou'd have exprefs'd his Acknowledg- ments to her ; but (lie left him, fearing they ftou'd be furpriz'd by her Father. She was hardly gone, when the Prince a> bandcn'd himfelf to all the Refled:ions that coud attend fo extraordinary an Adventure: Love, cry u he, what have I done for thee to merit thefe Favours? Ls thy Goodncfs lad- ing, ?.nd may not I apprehend, that by fome faraiî'hnî thou wilt deftroy a Profperity lb little expedted ? Day began tq appear^ when ' • ' he (?/ C A R E N C Y. 05 he perceiv'd he was ftill in the Parlour ; and fearing his flaying longer there might be of fome Prejudice to his adored Miftrels, he kfi die Place with Precipitation, and returnd co the Scn^itor GrimaUis, As foon as he arriv'd he threw himfelf on his Bed, but cou'd not llcep, his Mind was fo much imploy'd on the Thoughts of his Charming Unknown ; he had his Eyes conti- nually fix d on her Piâure, and fancy d in her Abfcnce, he cou d not have a Companion more- dear.. He rofe very early, and the Senator hear- ing .he was drefs-d, came to wait on him, and wonder'd to fee in his Countenance more Gaiety and Satisfaction than he had ever re- mark'd before. My Lord, faid he, (with an çbliging Air) tho' I have been in the grcatcft Uneafinefs about you, not knowing what Ac- cident might have detain'd you a whole Night alone, in a Country where you have fo few Acquaintance, I no longer doubt, but you have met with fome agreeable Adventure ; for I find you fo diffèrent from what you com- monly arc, that I cannot help congratulating you on it. The Prince, tho' a little furpriz'4 at what the Senator faid to him, (^having na- turally fo much Difcretion, as not to be capa- JDle of difclofing a Secret relating to Love) ex- cus'd himfelf as. a Man of Gallantry wou'd do on fuch an Occafian, and turn'd the Con ver- fation oil another Sub] ed, when there came one who interrupting them, tqld the Senator, fhat the Count of Fiefque was come to lee him ; o6 The Prince him. He rofe up, and faid to the Prince, This Gentleman, my Lord, is of a Birch and Merit fo diftinguilh'd, that nothing can be added to the Sentiments of Efteem and Confideration we all have for him : He has loft a Brother who was not inferior to him, and who refembled you extreamly. In finifhing thefe Words, he went to his own Apartment to receive the Count of Fiefquc. In a little Time after the Senator return d with the Count, and prefented him to the Prince, who received him after fo polite a man- ner, that he could have no reafon to be dif- pleas'd at his Vifit ; and during their Conver- fation, he look'd at the Prince with fuch Marks of Aftonifliment, that he perceived the Count had found in him the Refemblance which the Senator had juft fpoke of You look at mc fo attentively, my Lord, (faid the Prince) that I fliou d think my felf happy, cou d the Mo- tive that engages you to it acquire me your Friendfhip. That can be of no Service to a Perfon of yourDiftindion; (reply'd the Count with great Civility) it is impoffible to fee you, my Lord, and not have a particular Efteem for you ; but I own that fo perfed a Likenefs af- fecSbs me very much, and that if I were not well aftured of my Brother's Misfortune, I ihou d have fufficient reafon to doubt it in fee- ing you. They afterwards turn d their Dif- courfe on other Things, and parted with true Sentiments of Efteem for each other, The t?/CABENCY. ay The Prince of Carency pafs'd the reft of that Day and the next, in making Vifits ; and as hç dcfign'd to ftay at Genoa lo long as wou d be agreeable to his Unknown, he was defirous of being acquainted with Perfons of the greateft Conlideration there. The Senator Grimaldi ap- proving his Defign, propofed to wait on him to Brancaleon Dorids^ who for his eminent Qiiahties, was highly refpccfled iix the Repub- hck. It is not long, faid he, fmce he return'd from Sardinia^ where he went to fuccour the King of Sicily^ whom, on this Occafion, he gcneroufly ferv'd ; having adled contrary to his own Intereft, in regard to fome particular Pre- tenfions he had on that Kingdom. The Sena- tor gave the Prince a true Charadler of this Lord, and added, that Signora Dorta his Lady (who was a Perfon of great Merit} was ftill at Cagliari: If you pleafe, my Lord, (Taid he) we will go and make him a Vifit at his Country Houfe ; I am fure you will be charm'd with the Beauty, and Wit of his Daugh- ter, which may induce you to flay fome Time in this Place, for no Body can fee her with Indifferency. If flie be fo dangerous as you reprefent her, I fliou'd avoid feeing her, faid the Prince ; but I confefs to you, continued he fmihng, that the prefent fituation of my Heart puts me out of her Power. I left a Miftrefs at Nicopolis^ who entirely poflefles my Thoughts. I believe you, my Lord, (reply'd the Senator, fmiling in his Turn) but am a little afraid you were iiot fo faithful laft Night, as you fay, in the a8 The Vb IK CE the Remembrance of than amiable Straj^ger. As the Prince's Appointment was at Nighc; he haften'd to Signor Dortas^ that he might re- turn home time enough to obey the Commands of his Unknown : The Senator upon the Road told him, the young Lady's Name was Olym- pia^ that flie was palïionately in love with the late Count of La Vagne^ and that the Houles, of Fiefquc and Doria had a mortal Avcrfion for each other, which hinder'd her Father from confenting to their Marriage ; that altho' they were reduc'd tpDcfpair, yet the Obftaclcs they met with, ferv'd only to increafe their Affeâi- on ; and that the Count thought by abfenting himfelf from G ^;;^^ for fome Time, Signor Do- ria s Hatred miglit diminifli ; but this Dcp^^rr ture provd fatal to him, for foon after News came of his Death. Olympia^ far from conceal- ing her Grief, yielded her felf up entirely tp ft, which w,as fear'd ilie cou'd not out-live, l^ht Prince knowing by Experience, that of all Paiïions Love had the greateft Empire, hç exr xreamly deplord the Fate of this fair Lady- It is a great Unhappinefs indeed, faid he,; ,to, he ieparated fcr ever from thePerfon we love : la finiihing thcfe Words, they found themfelve^ near the Fioufe they were going to, fo that he cou'd not help interrupting himfelf, by praifuig it; he had fufiicicnt Knowledge in Architeâure to know a well finifn'd Building, and in this he found Order, Magnificence, and a fine Sitiia*- non. r The ^/ C AR E N C Y. 29 The Senator Grimaldi introduc'4 the Prince to Signor Doria^ who gave him a Reception equal to his Rank; and during their Converfa- tion faid, he had never ken two Perlons fo like each other, as the Prince and the Count of La Fagne, This gave the Senator an Opportunity of defiring Signor Dor ia to prefent him to Olym- pia* I couVI hardly diipenfe with my not an- fwering your Requeft, reply'd he, but that I am affurd, the Prefence of the Prince will re- new her Sorrow, and only ferve to infpire us with Pity : He ask'd them to walk into a Gar- den joyning to his Apartment, from whence they faw a vaft number of Fountains playing, whofe Waters feem'd to pierce the Clouds, and made by their Fall a pleafmg Noife, that in- Ipired agreeable Thoughts ,* from thence they went into a Labyrinth at the End of the Gar- den, and through a little Alley of Jeflamine, he led them into a Grotto, but was not a little furprizM to find his Daughter there, who had retir'd to be more at Liberty to indidge thofe Ideas that were mod pleafmg to her. How aftonifh'd was the Prince when he faw Olympia, and knew her to be the fame Lady he found afleep in the Parlour, and for whom he had already conceivM fo great a Palfion : And how great was her Surprize, when flie faw her fuppofed Lover with her Father, who feem'd to have no longer an Averfion for him. She look'd with fomeDiforder at the Prince, whofe Co.nfufion increas'd at the Thoughts of what he had juft heard of the Count of La Fagne. The 50 The Prince The Condirion of their Souls was equally painted ii\ their Eyes, and the Senator QrimaUi began to penetrate into part of the Myftery, when Olympia (advancing towards her Father) flung her feif at his Feet. Oh, Sir ! faid flie. Oh my Father! Is it poflTible that you have at lad pity'd our Sufferings, and that you your fèif reftore me my Lover ? At thefe Words the Prince cou d no longer be unacquainted with his Misfortune ; he turn'd pale, and trembUng fupported himfelf againft a Pyramid of Pebbles ; but his Afflidion being fuperior to his Courage, he had like to have expired on the Place. Sig- nor Doria^ who was poflefs'd of nothing but Olympiad Error, thought only of undeceiving her. My dear Daughter, faid he, the Prince of Carency whom you fee here, is a Prince of the Houfe of France^ who does not know you, nor did you ever fee him before ; you are de- ceiv'd by the Refemblance there is between him and the Count of La Fagne ; I wilh that too unfortunate Gentleman were not lofl:,I wou'd no longer oppofe your mutual Défîtes. Thefe Words were Daggers to her Heart ; (he turn'd her Eyes on the Prince, and fix'd them on him a great while without having Power to fpeak, then changing her Colour fainted away, and remain d without any Senfe of Life. Signor Dorîa ran for help, whilft the defpairing Prince gathering new Strength from his Paffion, took her in his Arms, and prefîing her tenderly, faid in a low Voice, (interrupted with Sighs) Have not I given you my Heart, Madam > Coud ^/Carency. 31 Cou d the Count of La Vaqne love you more than I ? Who cannot think myfelf undcferving of the Declaration you made me, fmce I adore you with too much Ardour ever to change ; and I hope my Conftancy will make fome Im- preffion on you. While the Prince was fpeak- ing thus, without being heard by Olympia^ Sig- nor Doria and the Senator brought fome Water from a Fountain that was near, and having fprinkled a great deal on her, flie recovered; but finding her felf in the Princess Arms; Ah ! leave me, my Lord, faid Ihe (looking at him with a languifliing Air, and endeavouring to difengage her felf) you have deceiv'd me and interrupted my Grief, but Death fliall foon repair an Error which was not voluntary. It is impoffible to exprefs the State the Prince was in, who found liimfelf diftradedly in love without any hopes of a Return ; he heard his Miftrefs regret her Miftake, and retrad the Profeflions flie had made him ; he fecretly re- proach'd himfelf for having been inconflant to his Unknown of Nkopolis^ but cou'd not be enough furprizd at the fatal Likenefs be- tween him and the Count of Vagne^ and the Similitude of their Fortunes; they being in the Campaign of Mifia both taken Prifoners by Bajazet, fenjt to Nicopolis, and ranfom'd by their Miftriifes : Every thing had fo ftrangc an Affinity, that the Prince had Reafon to think himfelf the moft unhappy of all Man- kind. Olympiad ^2 The Prince Olympia s Women being come, they Cpofc her from the Prince, who followed her into her Apartment ; flie was laid on tha Bed, which he approach'd; but as foon asflie pcrceiv'd him, {lie turnM her Face from him aad abandon d her felf to Grief. What have I donc, Madam, faid he, to deferve your Difdain ? You have render d your felf Miitrefs of my Heart, and prevented me declaring my Sentiments to you, by generaufly confcrting yours in Terms fo obhging, that I was tranfported ; yet you now: hate me, you even deny me a Look ; and what ought to influence you in my Favour, in- curs your Difpleafure. Olympia made no An- fwer, but with a feeble Hand pulh'd him from her. Signor Doria cou'd not gucfs at the Mean- ing of this Difcourfe, not knowing that the Prince of Qanncy had ever feen his Daughter. The Senator Grimaldi fufpeded fomething of the Matter : But thought it very extraordina*- ry, that fo Infant a Paflion fliou d already have the force of the greateft Engagement. The Illnefs of this divine Creature increased, and the Prince's Defpair was equal to it^ It is impoiïible to reprefent two ObjecSs more worthy of Compaffion. Signor D^r/^, diftraded at his Daughter's Condition, defiredthe Prince to. re- tire, becaufe his Prefence augmented, her Pain, and nothing lefs cou'd obHge the other to withdraw ; but before he retired, he ap- proached her in Oppofition to what they cou'd fay, and kneeling by her Bed : See, Madam, the Afflidion I am in, (faid he, with broken Sighs ^Carency. 3J Sighs) own at lead, that I deferve your Piry, if you are cruel enough to deny me youc Ëfteem : Oh ! What have I done wirhin thcfe two Days to render me fo odious ? I love you^ Madam, to llich a Degree, that I am too well aflured if you difdain me, I cannot hve j but what am I faying ? If the Life of a Man you no longer fecm to vakie, is a Sacrifice worthy of you, I fliall prefer it as a happy Fate. No, my Lord (faid flie, endeavouring to anfwer him) I wou d not have you participate of my Ruin, only willi that after the irrcpirabie Lois I have receivVi, Death may terminate my Mif- fortunes ; I cannot help confeflmg the greatefl Concern to fee your Condition. But as I am the Caufe of it, continu'd flic, it is juft I alone fliou'd fuffer; live, my Lord, live I conjure you, forget my Weaknefs, and let me dye. In ending thefe Words, flie defired her Father, and the Senator to carry the Prince away; they told him, that as it was Olympia s Requcfl, flie ought not to be difobey'd. Overcome by thefe Perfuafions, he left the Chamber, but fo difor- der'd, that they were forc'd to fupport him. Signor Dor/j led them into a magnificent Apartment, and excus'd his being obJigd to leave them, his Daughter's lUnefs requiring his Prefence : The Senator ftay'd with the Prince, who, after being filent fome time, ask'd him if Olympia had been at Nkopolzs, and whether it was there flie had paid the Count of La Vagnes Ranfom ? He anfvver'd, flie had not been there, but that the Count, being taken Prifoner by D Bajazety 34 The Prince Bajazety writ immediatly to his Miftrefs, and his Brother, defiring the latter to fend him a Supply ; that fome AfFairs of Importance hav- ing at that time oblig-d the Count of Fiefque to go to Rome^ Olmypia fear'd his Abfence might detain her Lover the longer in his Con- finement, and for that Reafon fold fome of her Jewels, which ilie cou d difpofe of unknown to her Father, and fent the Value of them into Mifia for his Ranfom ; that as he was coming back in a fmall Veflel, it was attacked by a Py- rate, and whilft they were fighting, the Powder took Fire, and both Ships being blown up, all thofe who were on board perilh'd. This News was brought to Genoa with fo many Circumftances, that ,there was no Room left to doubt it. ; •>'^^ ^ The Prince heard this Relation with a great deal of Concern, and aft:er being awhile with- out fpeaking, he lifted up his Eyes to Hea- ven : I can hardly believe, faid he, there is a Mortal on Earth fo wretched as I am. Give me leave to tell you, Sir, that I was but Eight Years of Age when my Father fign d a Con- trait of Marriage for me with Don John of Velafcos Daughter, and on his Death-Bed, commanded me exprefsly to marry her; fome Years after I was taken Prifoner at Nicopolisy where I was ùnc-:rtiaîh'of Life, or Death, hav- ing Reafon enough to fear the worft from^^- Jazets unequal Temper, who at laft confented to receive my Ranfom, which I cxpecïtcd from France^ when a Lady, who is yet unknown to ^/ C A R E N c y. 55 to me, made my Safety her care; {he wrote to me, and fent me a Sum, which much exceeded my Ranfom ; and I muft own, her Wit and Generofity inlpired me with fo perfed: a Paffion, that I behcve, I cou d not have lov'd her more, had I been acquainted With her. Being thus fet at Liberty, I came to the Court of FrancCy where I made but a fmall Stay; my Mind was continually diftraded with the Idea of my Un- known, which detcrmind me to come here \vith the Marefchal. Oh! certainly it was the Fatality of my Stars, that conduced me. You have been Witnefsfince my Arrival of myexcef- five Melancholy ; and as it was not m my Power to conceal it, rather than trouble my Friends, I endeavour d to find out the mod un- frequented Places to be more at Liberty to in- dulge it. Here the Prince recited his Adven- ture with Olympia^ but the Thoughts of fo cruel a Difappointment oblig d him to be filent fome time ; then recovering a little, he conti- nued his Difcourfe : Oh ! Sir, faid he, think how great is my Misfortune ; flie whom I adore at Genoa is not the fame I lov'd in Mijia ; this charming Ladvj who flatter'd me with her Heart, is now dying for another; the Tragedy is before my Eyes ; I have by my Prefence been an Addicion to her Torment, and it is probable, fhe is this Minute expiring, whilfl: I am refleding on the Cruelty of my Fate. He rofe up, and was going out with Precipitation; but the Senator imagining he had a Mind to go to Oly7npia\ Apartment, ftop'd him, repire- D X fenting. 3é The Prince fencing, that fiidfe a Behaviour vvou'd highly difpleafe her, and that he ought rather, by his Abicnce, to procure fome Ealc to her difturbed Mind. The Prince was obftinate, but while they were difputing, they heard the Cries of many Women, which gave the laft Alarm to the Prince. Oh Heavens ! the Work is done, faid he (flinging himfelf upon a Couch^ It is done ! She is now no more ; I have lofl her for ever! His Tears wou'dnot permit him to con- tinue his Complaint. The Senator feeing the melancholy Condition he was in, extreamly pitied him, ncgleâing nothing, that he thought cou'd allay his Grief, which was too violent for any thing to mitigate. Some of the Servants came and told them, Olympia had juft breath'd her laft m her Father s Arms. It is hard to imagine the Agonies the Prince was in when he heard this difmal News j and as he cou'd not doubt the Certainty of it, it flung him into the deeped Defpair. Oh ! in what tender Language did he deplore her Lofs? and v/ith what CompaiTion did he move thofe, who faw him in his defolate State, which time it felf cou'd hardly alter ? He was going away without feeing Signor Doria, which Proceeding might appear irregular, did not one enter into his Affîiâions ; for he look'd upon this un- happy Parent as the Caufe of his Daughter's Death. The Senator GrimaUi reprefented, that Civility oblig'd him to condole with Sig- nor Z)<7r/^ on the Lofs he had juft receiv'd: Say rather (reply'd the Prince with fome PafTi- on> ^/Carency. 57 on) that I ought to load him with Reproaches- Barbarian as he was, to oppofe Olympïds Mar- riage with the Count of La Vagne^ which occa- fion'd the Cruelty of his Fate, and has been the Source of my prefent Misfortune. But, my Lord, (faid the Senator) do you refied:, that if flie had been happy in the Count, flie wou'd not not have met with this unfortunate Adventure. It is probable I might never have I^QÇ:^ her, faid the Prince, (interrupting him^ or if I had, I lliou'd have known who ihc was, and conlequently not have taken her for my Unknown ; and my Gratitude for the one, wou'd have protedled me from the Charms of the other; but alas! it is no more in my power: Let us go, faid he, let us go, Sir, I liave done my lall : His Tears and Afflidion oblig'd him to be filent, fo they return d to Gema. The Prince fpoke but little on the Way, and what he faid, only related to the Unhappinefs of hisDeftiny. Oh! Night! Oh! fatal Night, cry'd he, what Pleafures did you not promife me ? This Minute I ihou^d have been with that divine Creature according to her own Appoint- ment: Alas Ifliall fee her no more! herbeau- tuous Eyes are fliut for ever. Thefe Cruel Refled:ions made him very thoughtful, and the Senator took thatOpportunity tofpeaktohim : Cou'd you follow my Advice, my Lord (faid he) you wou'd endeavour to conquer two Paf- fions which torment you at once ; for you love a Lady at N'lcopolis^ whom it is likely you may never fee ; Olympia you have fcen, and D 3' lovii 5 8 The Prince lov'd her at firft Sight, ftie is now no more: I mutl own that all the Circumftances of your Adventures are fatal ; but if you call Reafon to your Affiftance, it will tell you, that your Love is only due to Leon'ula; Hie is deftind for you, and I am informed, flie is a Perfedion of Virtue, and Beauty : Why then, my Lord, Ihou'd an Unknown, or a Perfon that is no more, deprive her of the Right flic has to your Heart ? Why ? reply'd the Prince ; alas, is it in. my Power to love whom I pleafe, and forget two Objeds that fo entirely poirefs my Soul ? Love, without confulting Duty, takes PoffeC- fion of our Inclinations ; he promifes a thour fand Pleafures, and will fometimes grant fmall Favours : But oh! w4iat Bitternefs has been mix'd with thofe he has hitherto beftow'd on me ? The Senator perceiv'd by the Warmth of his Difcourfe, that his Advice, tho' very reafon- able, was ill tim'd, therefore chofe rather to pity the Prince, than condemn thofe Sentiments which were too paiïionaLC and confus'd to be eafily conquer'd. Olympia s Death was generally lamented at Genoa-, being a Lady endow'd with many Ex- cellencies : The Count oï Fiefque was cxtreamly touchVl at it. Nodiing cou'd give more Luftre to my Brother's Merit (ftid he to his Friends) than the Sacrifice of tlris fine -Creature, who defpifing Fortune that pcrfecutcd them, wou'd not fiirvivc his Fate; no Icfs than fo great an Example cou d perfuade me, that a Paffiondoes uot expire with the lofs of its Objeâ:» The ^Carency. 59 The Prince of Carency (who fpokc of her with great Concern} foon made his Paffioa known to the World : his Affliction was fo deep that it appear d in his Countenance, and tho' he u as den) d to all Company, yet he cou'd nor refufe feeing Don Fernand Beauvidez^ who was a Nobleman of Andalufia lately ar- riv'd from Spain ; and appear d to be fo fine a Gentleman, that he eafily gainVi the Frjendlhip and Confidence of all who were acquainted with him. He was at that Time diftradledly in Love with Leonidch whom he had often lecn by the Means of his Sifter Cafllda^ who w^as alfo Maid of Honour to the Q^icen of Spaînj and was Miftrcfs of fo many agreeable Turns of Wit, that Leonida prefer d her to the reft of her Companions. The perfcd Friendfliip that was between thcfe Ladies, gave Benavïdez an Opportunity of declaring to his Siflcr, the Sen- timents he had for Leonida^ which engaged her to fpeak often to the yo.ung Lady in his Fa- \our, but without the lead appearance of Suc- ccfs. As he knew flie was contraded to the Prinee of Carency^ who was then at Genoa^ he was feiz'd with fo immoderate a Fit of Jcalou- fy, that he refolv'd to make that Voyage on purpofe to fee his Rival ; and fometimc before his departure, converfing with Cafilda^ he faid to her, It is polTible, Sifter, I may difcover feme effential Defe6t in his Perfon or Humour, which being made known to Don "John of Ve- lafco and Leonida^ will give them iiich an Aver- fion to him, as may induce them to break a D 4 Match 40 The Prince Match that is not yet fo far advanc d, as to deftroy all my Hopes : But if in this happy Rival, I can Ipy no Fault, I fliall then apply to the only Remedy I have left ; he muft die by my Hand, or I by his, and in either of the Two I Ihall think my felf much happier than m my prefcnt Condition. Qafilda^ who lov'd her Brother entirely, was furpriz'd and grievM at fo violent a Refolution ; You need not go to Genoa^ laid (lie, with a Defign to dif- cover any Imperfedion in that Prince ; I have fecn thofe who know him, and have no Inte- reft '\\\ fpeaking his Praife, yet agree they ne- ver faw a more compleat Gentleman ; befides, his high Birth greatly diftinguiflies him, and Don 'John is a Man of too much Ambition, not to promote a Match fo glorious to his Family,- therefore depend upon it, you will never pre- vail with him : I advife you to make your Paf- fion known to Leontda^ before you venture on any other Attempt : The AfTedion flie has for me, may induce her to be favourable to you. Love is capricious, and there are no Meafures to be taken with it. Chance often decides the flrongeft Paffions, and if you czw meet with that Sympathy which produces the Union of Hearts, you need no other Means to make you happy. Ah ! my dear Sifter, Crcply d Benavi- dez) do not flatter mc, I have nor Refolution enough to follow your Advice ; if my Confef- jfîon offends her, (he will forbid me ever feeing her more, which muft foon put a Period to my Life; therefore I will try all other Ways before (^/'Carency. â^l I fpeak to her. CafiUa feeing her Brother fo firmly relblvM, took no further Trouble to per- fuade him to the contrary. Thus he fet out on his Journey, and being arriv'd at Genoa^ went to vifit the Prince. He could not have recommended himfclf better, than by fpeaking Olympiad Praife, and deplo- ring his Misfortune in her Lofs ; but one Day in Converfation, he fa id to him defignedly, You are not fo much to be pityM, my Lord, as you imagine, fmce Donna LeoniJa is deftin'd to be yours. I believe (continu d he, endea- vouring to difcovertlK Prince's Sentiments) you may find fuch Perfcd:ions in her, as will make you forget your other Difappointmcnts. Thefe Words rather affli(3:cd than confol'd the Prince. You fee my Grief, reply'd he, and as you arc my Friend, I muft own to you, the Engage- ment my Father has laid me under, gives me a mortal Difpieafure : Were my Deftiny in my own Power, I wouM entirely lay afidc all thoughts of Marriage ; for at an Age that o- thers are hardly capable of receiving the firil Imprefiions of Love, I have indur'd all its Tor- ments, without being blefs'd with any of its Pleafures. Whilft the Prince was fpeaking, Bcfiavîrlez had time to divert the confus'd Thoughts which tormented him ; he extreamly rejoyc d to iicar the Prince declare the Indifterency he had for Leoff/z^a; but that Joy was often interrupted with thofe Fears which generally attend great PafTions. Here he rcfvim'd the Difcourfe, and exprcfs'd ^2 jT^ Prince exprcls'd Iiimlelf with fo unafTededatiAirjthac the Prince did not fufpcdthe lead Defign. I. participate witii you, my Lord, (laid he) in your Trouble, which it; too well grounded. The moft agreeable Marriage, Time may render iri- dif/crcnt. Conilant Society, difcqvers niany tailings, and it is very rare to find any Hap-, panels in an Alliaiice contracf^ed without Incli- nation ; but thclb aie not the; only Reafons that induce me to pity you. Her^ he flopd, and feem d in a fort of Difordcr, as a Man who had faid more than he wou d willingly have done : The Prince, making. Notice of it^ I pe- netrate your Thoughts, Don Fernand, faid he^ why fliou'd you conceal any Thing from one whp has no Refecve to you ; pray tell me what you know of Leonida. I know nothing pre- judicial to her Honour, reply d Benavidez ; but I mud own, my Lord, I am ïo particularly ac- quainted with her, that I fear you will be very- unhappy if ever flie is yours ; her Humour is inconftant and fufpicious, the Haughtinefs of her Mind is infupportable to all that know her; and, in flioçt, flie is become fo ridiculous at Court, that flic woii'd meet with many Affronts, were it not for the Rank her Father holds fhere. Oh Heavens ! what do you tell me ? (cry d the too credulous Prince^ is it poffible that all thofe who fpoke of her, have endeavour'd to deceive me in, faying flie was the moft accom- plifli'd Creature they had ever feen. They only faid it to foften your Grief, my Lord, (reply'd ûf Ca^en ex. 4-^ (reply'd BenaviJez with an indifferent Air) and I û\mk my felf very imprudent for iiaving treated her with fo much freedom. You know me not, my dear Benavidez (faid the Prince, taking him in his Arms) do you think me ca- pable of receiving ill fo generous a Confidence : No, I proteft, I am extreamly oblig d to you, and what grieves me moft is, that I cannot make the right ufe of it ; my Fate is decreed and there is no dcchning it. What, my Lord! do you then intend to marry her ? reply'd im- mediately Benavidez : Alas ! what can I do, faid the Prince ? it was my Father s lad Com- mand, and I will not deferve the Reproach of having difobey'd him. For my part, cry'd Be- navidez^ I fliou'd for ever upbraid my felf, if I fuffer'd you to proceed any farther in this Af- fair ; as I profefs my felf one of your moft zealous Friends, I will fooner give my Life than fee you unhappy. You carry yourFriend- fliip too far, generous Benavidez^ ( reply^d the Prince^ it is not r.eafonable that mylndi&rcncc for Leonida fliou'd make her Relations your E- nemies ; therefore 1 am refolv'd to offer my felf a Vidim to my Father's Will, without thinking any more of what I may have to fear in the Society of a Perfon fo diiagreeable. Be- navidez began to apprehend, that if he conti- nued to oppofe the Prince in his Defign, it might give him fome Caufe of Sufpicion, fo took his Leave in the moft violent Defpair. How unfortunate am I ? (cry'd he) wliat muft I refolve on ? I adore Leonida^ and can never flat- ter 44- The Prince ter my fclf with a Return, whilft the Prince of Carency^ who loves her not, is going to poflefs all her Charms. No, I cannot bear the Thoughts of it ; I mult facrifice this happy Rival before he fees his Miftrcfs, or lofc my Life. He pronounced thefe Words with a me- nacing Air ; and like a Man almoft diilraded, was tempted more than once, to return and ftab the Prince ; but after having been Ibme Time in this Diforder, his Spirits became more calm. What ! faid he, can I with Juftice hate him, fmce he is my Rival againft his Will ? Ought not I rather to open my Bread to him, implore his Pity, and conjure him to yield LeoniAa to me ? No, this Expedient will never do, cry'd he again, I cannot repofe this Con- jfidence va him : What wou'd he think of me, Ihou d I confefs a PafTion for her, after having defcrib'd her as a Perfon undeferving of him, and advifed him againft her; he muft then be- lieve me the greateft of Villains : But let him think what he will of my Sentiments, I had rather fubmit to every Thing, than be depriv'd of the Objed I love : I fliall tell him the Rea- fons which induc'd me to fpeak of her as I did : The Force of my Paiïion will excufe me to a Perfon who is fo well acquainted with the EfFeds of Love, and has no other Motive to marry than Obedience. Bur alas ! my Hap- pinefs is not m his Power : LeoniJds» Father is the jfirft Grandee of Spah^ Conftablc of Cafltle^ and the King^s Favourite ; and fuppofe all his Engagements with the Prince were in- tir el y c/ C A R E N C Y. 45 tircly broke off, he wou'd defign a Match for his Daughter much more confiderable than I could pretend to be. Thefe melancholy Reflec- tions lerv'd to perfuade him, that to lacrificc the Prince, or implore his Aid, wou d be e- qually of no EfTed, and that he ought to find other Means to procure himfelf the only Thing on which depended his Felicity. Benavidez ftay^d fome Time at Genoa^ and the Prince propofing to go on his Travels, m hopes that changing of Places might divert his Grief, ask'd hnn whether he was willing to go along with him ? He accepted of the Offer, and the Senator Grimald't, who was perfuaded that the Prince's Afflidion w^as exceeding great, refolv'd alfo to accompany him to Rome^ being generoufly inclin'd to partake of his Troubles, fmce he cou'd no ways remove them : He had a mighty Refped andFriendfliip for the Prince, whole Merit and diftinguifhing Quahties made fo ftrong an Impreiîion on thofew^io knew him, that they couYl v\ox. help admiring him. Bena- videz had now laid a Dcfign, whereby he ex- peded to break the Prince s Meafures ; and m order to fuccced he v/rote to his Sifter, that Chance had conduded him to Getwa^ where the Prince of Carency wms deploring the Death of Olympia Doria, with whom, at firft fight, he had fallen paffionately in Love. Upon this he gave an agreeable Turn to his Letter, which render'd it very diverting, but fo ridiculoufly charaderiz'd the Prince, that he wou'd have had all the reafon imaginable to refent it, had he known any Thing of the Matter. Be- 4-6 The Prince BenavïJez defired his Sifter, by a private Note, not to negled fliowing his Letter to Leonida^ which flie as exactly performed as he cou d have wifli'd. One Day as they were both taking the Air, Cafilda told her, ilie had receiv'd a Letter from her Brother, wherein her Name was often mention'd. He has been fome Time abfent, faid Leonida^ does he not talk of returning foon. He is at prefent im^ ploy'd in your Service (reply'd Cafilda^ mali- cioufly) fmce he is confoling a Prince for whom you ought to be concern d ; and if you will promife me to be fecret, I can tell you fomc- thing in Confidence, that may be of Ufe to you. I know you are always diverting your lelf with one Raillery or other, faid Leonidaj f who really thought it was nothing but a Jeft) neverthelefs I promife you to be fecret, if that will do. Take this Letter then and read it, reply'd Cafdda^ you will fee I am in earneft, and that the Prince oïCarency in giving you his Heart, will prefent you with nothing new. Leo- nida read with fome kind of Eagernefs, what Benavidez had written to his Sifter ; then look- ing on her fmiUng, I muft confefs, faid flie, I am no ways alarm'd to hear of the Prince s Paftion for a fine Woman, and am vain enough to flatter my felf, that when he fees me I lliall have it in my Power to deface the Impreffioii flie might have made on his Heart ; I am pçr- fuaded a dead Rival can prove no ways dange- rous ; and provided I have no other to fear, I dare be aiTur'd I fliall live in perfed: Tranqui- lity* ^J C A R E N C Y. J^^ \ky. CafilJd was extreamly confus'd to fee in what manner Leonida had taken a thing, that fhe imagin'd wou'dhave vex'd her, but conceal'd her Difordcr You are '\\\ the right, my dear- eft Companion, ("(aid flie, embracing her) to promile your lelf every Thing from your in- comparable Charm 3 ; they have Power enough to eclipfe the ftrongeft Ideas of any Love, but that which you infpire. Leonida^ whofe Mo- defty was parallel to her Beauty, wou'd hear no more of thefe Encomiums, fo interrupted her, defiring flie wou'd chufc fome other Sub- jed: for their Converfation. I wou'd willingly oblige you, reply'd Cafilda^ did I not think my felf bound in FriendQiip to reprefent to you the Advantages you have over the Prince of Carency^ and hovv unfortunate you will be if you marry him : Reflect a little on what my Brother writes : Can any Thing be equal to the Weaknefs of a Man who falls diftraâ:edly in Love with a Perlon at firft fight, knowing at the fame Time he was deftin'd to be Yours ? It is eafy to judge of his Charaâer by fuch a Proceeding; indeed, (purfu'd flie, fighing) it grieves me, that you fliou'd be promis'd to One who fo little deferves you. I am fenfi- ble of the Marks yo.i give me of your AfFeélion, my dearcft Cafilda, ("reply'd Leonida) and am not lefs touch'd at the Misfortune you have made me forefee ; were I Miftrefs of my De- ftiny, I cou'd make a Choice different from that which is allotted me : I wifli my Father wou'd confult my Sentiments on that Subjedt, and 48 The Prince and not fo entirely follow his own ; but lec what will happen, I am refolv'd to obey him, and will not even endeavour to make him change his Refolution : If I am unhappy in a Perfon I do not Hke, it fhall only affcâ my felf, being determine never to give him any Reafon to complain of my Condud:. CaJtUa made^no Obied:ion to fo reafonable a Difpofition, fear- ing Leonirla fliou'd perceive fome underhand Defign, but thought (lie had made a good Pro- grefs for the firfl: Atten^pt, in difcovering from her own Mouth, that me jiôt only Icok'd on the Prince with Indifference, but had already conceived an Averfion for him, which flatter'd her, that Time wou'd procure fome other Op- portunity of praâifing fuch Artifices as flic was capable of framing. The Prince at this Time was at Rome^ and being informed of the Emperor FendiJJas Jour- ney to Rhems, where the King of France was preparing to give him a Reception, believd,on this Occafion, the Court wou'd appear in its greateft Luftrc, and that it might be taken ill if he were not prefent; therefore propos'dthat Tour to the Senator and Don Fernanda who readily confented to accompany him to the So- lemnity. Upon his Arrival at Taris he order'd a fine Equipage to be made, and from thence went to Rheims : The pretext of the Emperor's co- ming there, was aTreaty of Marriage between the Duke of Orleans's Daughter and the Mar- quis of Brande-fîhurg^ tho' fome afcrib'd it to other of C X REN C Y. 49, Other Motives. The young Princes and Lords who attended the Emperor and the King of* France to this Meeting, left them to treat by themfelves, and pafs d their Time in Pleafures agreeable to their Age ; as Tournaments, run- ning at the Rings, and Balls, which daily fuc- ceeded each other with fo much Order and Magnificence, that all the NobiUty of France endeavoured to be Spedlators of this trium- phant Seafon. The Prince of Qr^^^ry amidft thefe Pleafures, was extremely melancholy; his Unknown of Nkopolis^ the Death of Olympia^ and his Aver- fion for Leonida^ \Acre equally a Torment to him, and Benavidez entertain d him conftantly in all thefe Difpofitions. Soon after the Emperor and the King of France^ having agreed on what they came to treat of, took leave of each other ; the latter being then informed that a Rebellion had broke out iw England^ fent over a Number of Troops under the Command oii\\ç:Qom\\.oï La March t The Count of Vandome and the Prince of Ca- rency^ who were defirous of acquiring Glory, embrac'd that Occafion, and accompany'd theif Brother in this Expedition. The Senator Gri- maldi took his Leave here of the Prince, and return'd to Genoa,, but Don Fernand Benavidez went over with him for England^ where they met with fo little Succefs, that they were foon fore d back. At their arrival at the Court of France^ the Prince of Carency perceiving that the Princes of the Blood, his near Relations, Ë were 5^ The P R I N C E were it! Contefl: relating to the Regency, thought he cou d not well remain there with- out engaging in their Quarrel, fo refolv d to return to Rome ; and having told his Defign to Benavidezy who was willing to go with him, took leave of the Court, and fet out on his Journey. The mean while, Leànida and CafilJa were madt Ladies of Honour, which allow'd them more Liberty than before ; and as they waited on the Qiieen whenever {lie went abroad, many People who had never feen Leonida^ were fo charm 'd with her, that flie foon pafs'd ixi Spain for a furprizing Beauty. This Opinion did no ways intitle her to the Friendfliip of her Sex ; for tho' the Ladies at Court cou'd not difown her extraordinary Merit, yet it invited them all to envy her. CaJiUa ufed to talk very much to her m favour of her Brother, faying Things at the fame Time entirely to the Prince of Ca- rencys Difadvantage : It is true, that what ilie cou'd fay in behalf of the one, made but a flight Impreffion on Leonida ; but then the ill Charader flie gave of the other, perplexed her extremely : flie began to think her felf very unhappy m the Choice her Father had made for her, of a Prince, who had no other Re- commendation but his Birth. I cannot imagine Cfaid flie one Day to Cafildd) w hy the World will attribute fo many fine Qiialitics to a Man who is far from poneifing the lead of them, and how thofe who have fcen him, can ftudy to deceive me in his Favour. That is the Cha- racter ^ C A R E N G y. 5 I rader of the Age, reply 'd Cajilda ; the Prmce is confider d as a Man of an eminent Rank mid great Fortune ; and fuch Perfons as know ^^e is contraded to you, will certainly fet liini q/F to the greatcft Advantage : I am even fur-r priz'd at the Sincerity of my Brother, who I fear will have Caufe to repent hereafter of what he has done : It is poffible you may one Day tell the Prince what he writ to me about him, and your Difdain will be his only Reward for the Intention he had to ferve you. Ah ! know me better, cry'd Leomday and do not think mc guilty of Ingratitude ; I am too fenfible of my Obhgation to your Brother, ever to expofe him to the Prince s Rcfentment ,• and I declare to you, my dear Qafilda^ that after having con- fulted my inclinations, I am at lafl: refolv'd to i?iake good ufe of his Advice : I will throw ^y felf at my Father s Feet, and reprefent to ;him my Averfion for the Prince in fo feel- ing à manner, that my Prayers and Tears fliall prevent his concluding our Marriage. Ca- filda was extreamly pleased at this Declaration, and encouraged Leonida '\\\ that Defign, not o- •mitcing to put her in mind of the Misfortunes >vhich attend an Alliance made out of political xJMotives; and not to give her Time to change a Refolution fo agreeable, file conducfted her ifo Xyowjobns Apartment, and there left her, X}\ order to go and write to Benavidez : He^ ^^etter was iu thefe Terms ; E X Return 5^ The Prince 'Dt.turHy dear Brother^ return^ every Thing an* ^^ fwers your Dejires; Leonida believes the Pidure you fent her of the Prince^ is a true Copy of the Original^ and that Love has no Share in what you write» Oh Heavens ! how happy flooud I he y had I as much Reafon to he contented with my Deftiny as you have with yours ! But the un- grate ful^tm\<^fz has relapfed into his fir II Paf" fion^ in fpite of all the Care I took to prevent it ; be has feen Donna Blanca ; confider then the State I am in, I impatiently wait your Return to tell you my Trouble^ and heg your Confolation^ Jince nothing elfe is capahle of giving me any, Benavidez was arriv'd at Rome when he re- ceiv'd this Letter, which gave him inexpreflîble Joy : Cajildds, Afflidion had not Power to in- terrupt the Pleafure he had conceived at the Thoughts of Leonida s being difpos'd to favour his Paflion : He went to vifit the Prince, who no fooner faw him but perceiv'd fo great an alteration in his Countenance, that he could not help inquiring into the Caufe ; Benavidezy faid he, you muft have receiv'd fonie agree- ble News, for your Eyes feem to own it. I will not keep any Thing a Secret from you, my Lord, (reply'd he) I come rather to make you my Confident. Speak then with an entire Con- fidence, faid the Prince, you cannot do me a greater Pleafure. I am in Love, continued Be* navi^ezy and have fome Reafon to flatter my felf with an obhging Return. You muft know, that my Miftrefs having unjuftly fufpeded my Con* of C A RE Jsl C Y. 53 Conflancy, by the falfe Infinuations of fome of my Enemies, wou d not fo much as hear me in my Juftificacion, but forbad me herPrefence ; and the Care llie took to avoid me, had like, with my Life, to have ended my Misfortunes. I left the Court very difconfolate and retired to my Country Seat, where I found, that So- litude only augmented my Grief; therefore to remedy this 111, I refolv'd to Travel, fo took leave of my Sifter the moll diftracSed of all Mankind. She extremely pity'd my Condition, and promised, in my Abfcnce, to ufe her utmoft Endeavours to make my Peace, which at lail llie has done with the moft obHging Circum- ftances. My Miilrels recals me, ^nd now im- patiently defires my Return ; but in fpite of my Padion, I am fenfibly aiTcfled, my Lord, with being oblig'd to leave you ; for I have felt fo real a Satisfacîtion in your Company, that I coud Willi I had never known you, or that I were never to part from you. The Prince, at thefe Words, embrac'd him with great Tendernefs, which fliew'd, that his Departure touched him to the Heart: I was in hopes, faid he, you vvou'd have gone with me to the Court of Navarre, where my Brother is to marry the King's Daughter, and has defired me to attend the Ceremony. What Violence muft I do to my fecret Pain, in a Place, where nothing but Pleafure will be thought of > I cannot abandon my felf to my Melancholy, neither do I believe I can be fo good a Coun- terfeit, as to conceal it fromPerfonsfodifcern- E 3 ing ; 54 Thé Prince ing ; and if I fpcak of niy torment to my Bro- ther, I fçar he will not think it worth his Con-^ ccrn. Judge then, my dear Benavi.^ez^ what Confolation your Company wou'd be to mc; fmce you not only dcplor d my Fare, but Ibf- ten d my Misfortunes, and in all Rclpc(51-s have appear^ the bcft of Friends: Oh, ho\v neceflary wou'd your Affiftance be in this Junc- ture, and how extremely fliall I regret your Abfence ! But thefe Confidcratiôns arc too weak to oppofe what your adorable Miftrefs commands, and your Inclinations invite you to obey. Go then (continu'd he fighing) go and taile thofe Pteafures which arc prepar'cl for you. He finiili'd thefe Words with fo de- jected an Air, that it wou'd have created Pity in any one but a Rival ; for when once we adore an Objeâ:, we conceive an Averfion for thofe who are Obftacles to ourHappinefs, and have no longer Power to be jufl, even to the Merit of any other Votary. The Nuptials of the young Princefs of /Vj- varre were celebrated with a Pomp and Mag- nificence equal to the Occafion ; all manner of Diverfions were given at the King's Expence, to make that Solemnity as fine as poflible ; but in the niidfl of thefe Pleafures, the Prince ap- peared loft in a Diftradion of Mind, which was too great for any thing to alleviate ; however he affêded a Gaiety which he was fo little us'd to, that the Counterfeit was eafily perceiv'd. What makes ypu fo very melancholy, Brother > (faid the Coynt of l^,a March to him onç Day) of C ARES C Y. 55 I fee the Violence you do your Inclinations when you are in the bed of Company : It woud be better for you to break off with your Friends, aad give your fclf up entirely to your own Humour. You make me an indifferent Return, interrupted the Prince, for the Care I have taken to conceal my Chagrin ; but I pro- teft to you, that it is of fuch a Natui;e as can- not be conqucr'd ; therefore, dear Brother, I will take your Advice, and in banifliing my -Iclf from a Place where my Prefcnce is dilagree- able, avoid Reproaches, which very much af- fed: me. Thcfc Words made the Count of La March fenfiblc, that to rally him upon his .Grief, was a certain Way to augment it; and as he lov'd the Prince dearly, and found many ihining Qiialities in him, he cmbrac'd him with the grcateil: Marks of Affedion. What, dear Brother, (laid he in an obliging manner) is it pofiible you ihou'd take a Thing fo ferioufly, which was only defign'd as a Jell ? Do you ^think, that for fo flight a Matter your Compa- ny cou d be difagrecablc to me ? No, do your felf more Juflice, and never fufped mine. So unfortunate a Man as I am, reply 'd the Prince, has ever room to fear, and if you knew what . it is never to have feen one Miftrefs, and to lofe another as foon as you had conceiv d a Paffion for her, you woud not add to my Pain. The Count couM not help fmiling at the Fan- tallicalnefs of thefe different Adventures. You do not pity me then, faid the Prince, nor com- prehend how one can fuffer fo much with fo E 4 little 1 56 The Prince il little reafdn ; you think it ridiculous in me to figh for a Peribn I. do not know, and for one that is now no more ; but Oh i 'thefc Two Things are the principal Caufc of my Melan- choly. The Count of La March pity'd him ex- tremely, , and omitted nothing aftet wards that ÇOU d confole him. By ^l^isTimc Bey^avi^ez was arrived at Ma- Jr:J, where he found a great Alteration, the King being dead, and the Care of his Son Don John's Education (who was then but Twenty Two Months old) left to Don Diego Lopez of Cicniga^ and Don John of Velafco ; which Mark of the King's Efteem for theie two Lords, in repofmg fo great a Truft in them, gave a migh- ty Addition to their Fortunes and Power. The Court was very much divided at that Jundture 5 the Infanta Don Fernanda Brother to the late King, having a confiderable Party, was offer'd the Crown, but he generoully declind it, and had the young Prince proclaim'd King; which was performed to the great Satisfaction of the Queen, who (after her Son was fettled on the Throne) retired to Fi/Ia Realtor the Benefit of the Air, and agreeable vSituation of the Place. It wacS here that Leonora^ Wife to Don D'/ego Lopez-, întroduc'd her felf into the Qiiecn's Fa- vour, and had fo great an Influence over her, that whatever fne ask'd, was immediately granted; flie had a great deal of Wit, but of fp dangerous a Nature, that thofe wlK)fmcere- ly efpous'd the Q^ieen s Intereft, began to lofe i:J]eir Credit by her rnaiieioiis Infmuations, ^ which ^ C A R E N C Y- 5 y which made them in a little time conceive as great an Avedion for the Sovereign, as for the Favourite. Thus was the State of Affairs when Benavi- Jez came to Villa Real^ where he (laid fome Time before he cou'd find an Opportunity to fpeak with his Sifter ; becaufe, during the firft Days of Mourning, it is the Cuftom in Spain^ not to admit any Perfon into the Palace except the Family ^ but as foon as the Queen cou d be fecn, he was introduc'd into her A- partment, where he found Leonida and CafiUa. It is impoflible to exprefs the different Agita- tions he was in at the Sight of Leonida^ who might have difcoverd his fecrct Thoughts, had file perceiv'd his Diforder. After having fatisfy d the Qiiccn \w fome Particulars relating to his Travels, he haften d to his Sifter's Apartment ; but was agreeably furpriz'd, when pafting through a Gallery of Paintings, where Cafdda had defignedly invited Leontda to walk, he met them, and faluted Leonida with much Refped:. Give me leave. Madam, (faid he} to acquit my felf of the Commiftion I receiv'd from the Prince of Ca- rcncy^ who charg'd me to aiTure you, that he will be foon here, in order to conclude a Mar- riage to which you are deftin'd, tho' unknown to each other. It is an equal Misfortune to us both, ("reply'd Leonida with a dejeded Air) and the Particulars you writ to Caftlda relating to the Characftcr of that Prince, have fo tormen- ted me, that I have omited nothing ever fincc, wdiich 5» Th PaiK G E which I thought jcooi'd periuade.my Fatkèr. to change his Rclblucion ; but he ib ftriôtly re-; gards his Word, that hitherto my Prayers and Tears havx had no Power to move him. Be- naviJez fetch'd a deep Sigh, and after a Mo^ ment s Silence ;The Prince defired me, Madam, {faid hc> to lend your Piâure to him, and I muft confcfs it won d be a Trouble to nie cq fee him receive that Favour, had he not a.Pro- fpeâ" of being happy in the Poiredion of the Original. I cannot difpofe of my Picture, in- Eerrupted Leon:^a, without my Mother's leave, therefore it depends on you to ask it of her, fcut in my Opmion, it is entirely unneceffary : The Prince will fee me too foon for his Peace or mine. I am not amiable enough to efface the Objeéts which poflefs his Heart, but I will uy, by my Obedience, to delerve his Efteem. Madam ! faid Benavidez^ fince you content to it, i will tell Madam Feiafco, that it is the ^incc your Lover'^ Requetl. Speak to whom you pleafe of it, replyYi Leon'iJa^ with an Air JQÏ Contempt, but do not call fo fantaftical a dPerfon my Lover.; I can never like a Man that •falls m love with all he fees, and even witii thofe he never faw. As ihe had finilh d thefe Words, Madam Fe- lafcoy who was going to the Qiicen's Apartment, cnrerd the Gallery : She knew .Befiav}dez hzd ,been.a great while with the Prince of direneyy which made her fuppofe there was an intimate Friendlhip between them ; and as her Concern for a Prince who. Avas contraded to her Daugh- ter Ah! Brother, (^faid ilie) he is the ungrateful Objed: that troubles my Peace, and remembers no more the Obligations he owes mc : I fliall find ibme Eale in relating to you all that has happend. 6o The Prince happened ; and as a difappoiiited Pafllon is lefs difcreec than a fuccefsful one, I am going to inform you of what you lenovV but very ini- perfedtly. Don Henrïquez was on Board the Fleet with the Admiral his Father, when one Day as the Queen was hunting, and w^e all at- tending her^ Donna Blancas Horfe flatted, and not knowing how to manage him, ran away with her ; Several Cavaliers rode after her, who were invited to ferve her, either by Inclination or Intereft, flie being perfed:ly haadfome, and Daughter to Leonora^ who was tlien the Qiieen s Favourite. As I am natu- rally politick enough, I endeavour'd to reach her before the reft, when I faw her from the rifmg Ground I was on, fall in a Valley; I rid as fall: as poffible to her AlTiflance, where I no iboner came, but the firft Thing that ftruck my Sight, was a Cafe fet with Diamonds, which dropM out of her Pocket v^hen flie was thrown off her Horfe ; I took it up, and had no other Reafon for not returning it inftantly, but the Curiofity of feeing w^hat was in it. Donna BUnca v\ as in a Swoon when the reft of the Company came up ; they immediately gave her what they thought wou d reftore her to her Senfes, being fiun'd with the Fall; and as footi as flie came to her felf, (lie perceiv'd (lie had loft her Piâ:ure-Cafe,which was fought for, but in vain. I took notice of all her Motions, and her Uneafinefs increased, with the fear of not dnàing what was fo dear to her ; This gave me c/ Carengy- ér me the greater Inclination to keep it, with the only View to mortify her, being one of the fined young Ladies of the Court, and Daugh- ter to the Favourite. ' As file had receiv'd no Hurt, fhe went up to the Qcieen, but appear'd fo melancholy, that her Mother exprefs'd much Concern. I was impatient to be alone, that I might fee what was contained in the Cafe ; but how can I tell you Brother, or at leafl in telling you, ought I not to dye with Shame ? I had buc jull caft my Eyes on the Pifture, which was inclos'd, when I found fuch Motions in my Heart as furpriz'd me, being what I never feJt before. I was charm'd with the noble Air and Youth of a Gentleman, whofe Features were fo admirably well drawn, that I cou d no ways doubt but it very much refembled the Perlbn whom it was defign'd for; I gaz'd at it with Delight, and, tho' unknown to me, I thought it was impodible to fee any Thing more love- ly. I did not confider at firft, how dangerous my Curiofity might prove, fo imploy'd fome Hours in admiring this fatal Picture, whofe Idea it was not in my Power to deface : It threw me into fuch ReRedions as generally fucceed exceffive Tranfports. Oh ! unhappy CafilJa^ cry'd I, what fubtil Poifon hath feiz d thy Heart ? Art thou fo tired with thy Liber- ty, that thou muft lofe it this Day > I know not who this is that feems fo Charming ; I am well inform'd that he is in Love, and is belov'd, fuice Donna Elancay who is fo beau- tifulj 6è "The Pr I n c e tîfui, is the Guardian of his Pidure, which Ihe fliow'd by her Uneafiiiefs to be very dear» to her. What hopes then can I have of anyi Relief, and to whom mail I apply my felf .^ Shoud not my Birth and Modefty be iUfficiertt to impofe Silence on me ? ^\'hat ! cou'd I pronounce the Word I love, and pronounce in in Favour of a Man, who knows not the V^-* lue of fo great a Sacrifice : No, my Eyes iliall Ibonerbe VVitneis of m.y Rival s Vi(9:ory, and I will die before I expofe my felf to the Shame, which muft needs fuccced liich a Confefllon ; But (faid I a Minute after) is it poffible that in fuch a little Time, Love coud have niside fo great a Progrefs ? I am forc'd to lay à Command on my felf, not to fpeak of my Weaknefs, and I have formed a Rival without having a Lover. I confefs to you, Brother, this caus'd fo great a Change in me, that I began not to know my felf: I was continually Thoughtful, and Solitude was the only Thing I courted : I fear d to difcovcr my Pain, or leek for Means to know the Author of ir. If I fliow this Pi- éiure, thought I, Donna Blama will be inform'd I have it, and then I ihall be obh'g'd to return it; fhe is beloved, and info great Favour, that I dare not declare my Sentiments, much lels <:ontend with fo dangerous a Rival. Two Months were over before I cou'd hear any Thing relating to this Affair ; I fometimes enquired what young Lords were abfent ; a- mong others, they named Don GarciayDon Tedro d^ AvilaSy ^' C A R E N C Y* ^5 êjvllas^ and Don Frederick Hefîriquez : Ho^ cou'd I know whether the Mah that poflefs^ my Thoughts, was either of them. I endea- vour'd to be acquainted with their Charader; but thofe, who were lb complaifant as to dts fcribe them to me, inftead of giving me fome light in the Matter, left me more in the dark and in greater Defpair. I made it alfo my Bufmels to difcover, whether Donna Blanca had not a known Engagement, which I was perfiiaded was the only Thing cou'd fatisfy me ; but they told me, Ihe was too imperious to receive the AddrefTcs of any of the Gran- dees. I knew the contrary, tho' I was not at liberty to declare it ; fo that I languilh'd be- tween fmall Hopes and cruel Fears. Donna Blanca was taken ill of the Small-Pox at this Time, and there was a Necefllty for her leav- ing the Court. I cannot help confcfUng that I was extreamly pleas^d at my Rival s Misfor- tune. Heavens! cry'd I, juft Heaven! make her as ugly as poffiblc, that the Pafiion of her Lover may turn to a mortal Averfion. The Thoughts of this gave me Ibme Eafe, tho' I look'd upon my being in love with a Perfon I did not know, as the greateflUnhappincfs that cou'd poflibly attend me. How wretched wou'd be my Fate, faid I to my felf, if this Pidurc with which I am fo charm'd, fhoud only prove the Painter s Fancy, and that I fliou'd never fee its Original. I refledled at laft on which wou'd give me the moftUncafmefs, to fee Donna Blanca ador'd by him I lov'd, or never é\ The P R I ;n C E never to have hopes of feeing the Objed of my Palfion. Thefe, in my Opinion, were two cruel Extremes ; for I cou'd not determine my felf on either, and therefore conchided I was the moft unfortunate Perfon in the World. My Mind was in this Situation, when in the Queen s Apartment, thinking of the Odnefs of my Adventure, I went to the Window, from whence I faw two Noblemen, followed by many Attendants; the youngefl of the Two fo perfectly refembled the Piâure, that I did not at all doubt but he was the Original, al- ready fo dear to me. In the firft Motions of my Surprize I fetch'd fuch a Shriek, and threw open the Safh with fo much precipitation, that every Body took Notice of it ; and tho' the Queen did not leem to mind it, the firft Lady of the Bed-Chamber did, and reprimanded me feverely. I recover'd the Diforder I was in, as foon as poffible, and told her, I was deceiv'd by taking the young Lord for my Brother, whom I impatiently expected. The Affair pafs d in this manner, and I did all I couy to fupprefs the Agitation, which might attend the firft Sight of a Cavalier, whofc Shadow had fo much difturb'd my Peace. In fpite of all the Refled:ions I had made, I was feiz'd with fuch violent Emotions when the Admiral and his Son enter'd the Queen's Chamber, (for it was they) that I had like to have fwooned. Don Frederick Henriquez ap- pear'd fo thoughtful, that I was griev'd to the > Soul. I ought not to flatter my felf, faid I, that ^/ C A R E N C Y. éjj that: Donna Blanca is indiffèrent to fiim ; In his Looks I read my Misfortune : He fympachizes with her in the Condition ihe is in, and thinks none here worth his Notice. Oh Barbarian : (^cryd I to my felf) you think of nothing but your Miftrefs ; cannot you turn your Eyes on me, and fee the deplorable State of wretched Cafilda > But, Brother, I am afliamM (faid flie, interrupting her fclf^ I am alham'd of unveiling my Wcaknefs to you, and expo- fmg to yourCenfure, Thoughts ïo offènfiveto the Modefty of my Sex. I fhall only tell you, that the Qiieen came out of her Clolet, and the Ladies made a Circle about her, when the Admiral gave her an Account of her Naval Force : I refolv'd at that Inftant on a Thing that will appear to you no lefs bold than pre- cipitate, which was to write to Don Henri- quez ; therefore without confulting Reafon, or confidering the Confequence, I took out my Tahlettcsy and addrefs d him in thefe Terms^ /IFfairs wherein the Heart is concern d^ ought not ^ ^ to he defer d\ 1 deplore the Condition of yours. Give me an Opportunity of f peaking to youy and you fhall be indebted to me for your Peace, Let Secrecy be the Proof of your Gratitude. At Wght I fhall expect you on the Terrace-Walk under the tVindow by DianV Statue : I there fhall acquaint youy my Lord^ with fome Circumflances in which you are particularly concern d. When I had finiflVd my Letter, I was at a Icfs how to convey it to Don Henriquez ; at F laft 66 The Prince laft, I refolv'd to truft the young Count of Oropez with it ; his Pofl: of being firft Querry to the Qiieen, gave him (as you know) an Opportunity of entertaining us often : He had a great deal of Wit, and having on feveral Oc- cafions obferv'd his Difcretion, I made a Sign to him, and he came to me. I have affured one of the young Ladies Cfaid I to him) that you can keep a Secret, and hope you will an- fvver my good Opinion of you. There is no- thing in my power, Madam, reply'd he, that I wou'd not do, to convince you, I am not un- deferving your generous Sentiments. It is not my Secret (faid I bluiliing} I am going to in- truft you with, but that of my particular Friend, w4io has a mind to perplex Don Henri- quez : She has juft writ on my Tahlettes^ I de- fire you will find an Opportunity to make him read it, and do not forget to return them to me. I (liall never negled. Madam, the leaft of your Commands (replyM he fmiUng) tho' I cannot fay, you have charg d me with fo o- bliging a Commiffion as you wou'd have me think. One Word more, faid I, be allured, I am not concern d in it ; but noc withftanding, fliall ever acknowledge the Favour ) ou do me in obliging my Friend. Oropez left me imme- diately, and acquitted himfelf of what Ivvilh'd with great Addrefs,- while he was with Don Henriquez-i I was extremely uneafy at this im- prudent Step, but was not long fo, for Oropez came back with va'jtallettes^ where at the End of my Letter, I found this Anfvver. / ^Carency. 67 1 l^ever coud flatter wy fe If that any P erf on was -* interefted in the Concerns of wy Hearty hut now I am ha f pier than I irnagind. Tour Conj- wands fhall he exatlly ohey d. I affure: you of Secrecy ; and as for Gratitude^ it is the leafi Re- turn I can malce fo much Generojity. Thefe Words fo agreeably flatter'd my Ima- gination, that I long'd for Night with the great- eft Impatience ; in the mean Tmic, I made a thoufand Refled:ions which gave me hopes, and entertain'd me till' the appointed Hour. The Night was very dark, and hearing Ibme Body approach the Window, I threw up the Safli, and ask'd in a low Voice ; Don Henriquez, is it you? Yes, Madam, (laid he) iris the Man in the World who is molt indebted to you ; but at the fame Time I cannot help faying, that the Advantage you have over me is too un- equal, fince you know me, and I am not only unacquainted with you, but evei a ftrangcr to what induces you to favour me with this In- terview. I will fatisfy you prefently (laid I, in a trembling Voice) and that you may not fufpecStl lent for you hirher on a frivolous Sub- jed-, know that I am CafildaBenavidez ; there- fore, my Lord, do not ufe any Dilfimulation, but tell me, upon Honour, whether you are ftill in Love with Donna Elança ; if you will not be fincere in this ConfelTion, I have no- thing farther to fay to you. Don Heuriquez feem'd very much furpriz'd at the Qiiefticn, and having paus d a while, made me this An- F 2. fvver; 68 The Prince fwer ; Donna Blanca is lb charming, that her Chains are glorious ; and fince you believe I am her Captive, I will not fcruple to own it. Thefe Words threw me into a very great Con- fufion. What ! do you love that perfidious Creature, reply d I, who has made a Sacrifice of you, and even difpos d of your Picture to convince your Rival how indiferent you are to her > With that I took a Light, which I had hid for fear of being difcoverM, and obliging him to come nearer, I flievv d him his Pidure, and look'd at him fo tenderly, that he might have read my Thoughts. Don Henriauez^ after having view'd it, turn'd his Eyes on me, and I perceiv d the Surprize was agreeable to him ; but as what I had told him was very unexpect- ed, he ask'd me how I came to know that he lov'd Donna Blanca^ and by what Misfortune he had forfeited her Efleem. I can eafily fa- tisfy you both thefe Qiieftions, reply^d I ; your Abfence having baniih'd you from your Mi- llrefs's Heart, Don Diego Cunlga made his Ad- drefles to her, and was favourably receiv'd : His Father, you know, is one of the firft Gran- dees, and (lie being very ambitious, eafily con- ceiv'd a Paffion for him, of which flie cou'd not have given a greater Proof, than facrifi- cing your Pidure to him. His Vanity was fa- tisfy'd, but his Love, inftead of increafing by the AfTurance he had of a Return, made him flight her, and even difcontinue feeing her, which file refented fo much, that it had Hke to have been the Caufe of her Death : He endea- vour'd ^Carency. (}^ vour'd to perfuade me, I was the Occafion of it ; for that if he had not feea me, Donna Elan- cas Impreffion wouM never have been effac'd : But as I had no Inchnation to beUeve him, and did not give him fo obhging an Audience as he us d to receive, to alter my Difpofition towards bim, he brought me your Picture, told me e- very thing that pafsM whcn^ flie gave it to him, and beg'd I wou'd accept it as an Evinccment that he never more wou d renew his Addrcfles to her. Altho' I look'd on him as an unthinking young Gentleman, I took the Pidure, and I proteft to you my only Motive for fo doing, was to undecive you in relation to your un- grateful Miflrcfs ; for tho' I had no Acquain- tance with }'ou, I frequently heard lb much in )^ourPraife, that it gave me no final] Concern to fee you thus betray d by a perfidious Wo- man, and therefore I refolv d to do all in my ^ Power to dilTuade you from ever thinking of her more. I will take your Advice, Madam, Cfaid he, m a great Pailion) and Don Diego Cuniga fhall find at his Return from Sev'il, that if I am not a dangerous Rival, I am at Icafl a troublefome Enemy ; but, Madam, (continu'd he with a milder Voice,) I hope you will aflifl; me in my Revenge on Donna Blanca ; you liave been pleas'd to acquaint me with her Per- fidioufnefs, and I fwear, I am already difpos'd to have an Averfion for her : Were you but con- cern d in my Intereft, I fliou^d certainly be rc- ftor'd to my fclf, which happy State I only F 3 defire, yO The P B I N C E dcfire, that I may be the more able to lay my Heart at your Feet: I dare aflTure you, Madam, that Conitancy has ever been my Virtue, and I am fo well acquainted with Love, that you will find in me a PaiTion, if poiïible, equal to your Beauty. It is too late (f reply 'd IfmiHng) to anfwer a Propofal which you woud not have made me, had you iefs reafon to be piqu d; but as I am inclin d to wilh, that your Words were fincere, it will be a Pleafure to me, when I find your Conduit engages me to determine in your Favour: In the mean Time, be very lecret in regard to what is paft; your Compli- ance in this v/ill be an eafy way to eftablifli you in my Efteem. I did not give Don HenriquezTimt to make me an Anfvver, but parted from him with fo muchSadsfaâ:ion,th2tI wou'd not have chang'd my Deftiny for that of a Queen : My Mind was all that Night imploy'd on pleafmg Ideas. Donna Blanca is fick and abfent, thought I, and will not appear at Court of a long Time ; it is pofTible her Sicknefs may deface her Charms, and a Millrels who is fufpecfled to be incon- ftant, having loft that Attradive, will find it a hard matter to juftify her felf : Befides, I have admirably well fucceeded in my Stratagem : Don Hcnr/quez is inclin'd to like me, and thinks he has Caufe enough to break off with her. What have I then to fear ? I fliali have made the Conqueft of his Eleart before ever my Ri- val can be able to conie and difpute it with me. I of C A RElSi CY. 71 I appear'd the Day following at Court in a rich Drefs, which every one admir'd, having a particular Interefl: in adorning my felf to the befl Advantage ; and I difposd every Thing lb well, thzt Don Henriquez came and affiired me, he had no reafon to complain of his Miftrefs's Proceedings, and that he was fo entirely pleas'd at the Dilcovery I had made him, that it lay wholly in my Power to render him the mod conftant of Lovers. This Declaration was at- tended with all the Courtfliip that cou'd be cx- peded from a Man pafTionately in Love. How great was my Fehcity in thofe Days! I was blefs'd with all, that Love and Gallantry cou d infpire. But, Oh Brother ! I am ready to die when I call thefc Things to mind, and have nothing now remaining but mortal Grief. Are you entirely difcngag'd (faid I fometimes to him) and cou'd you refift Donna Blanca^ fliou d (lie endeavour to regain your Heart > You muft needs fufped my Sentiments, reply'd he, to queftionwhat I woud do in fuch an Occa- fion : I take Heaven to witnefs, charming Ca- filda^ that were Ihe as conftant as I cou d have wifli'd her, and more beautiful than ever flic appear'd to me, I fliou'd no longer confefs her Power. Tho' hisProteftations tranfported me, yet I had room to apprehend, that when he faw my Rival, a Difcovery might be made in which I fliou'd prove very unhappy. I fe- cretly reproach'd my felf with my Perfidiouf- nefs,and fear'd fome Punifliment wou'd attend it, which was fufficient to make me uneafy ,• there- F 4 fore yi The Prince fore I prefs'd Don Henriquez to follicite his Fa- ther's Confcnt to our Marriage, that they might afterwards join in their Rcquefl: to the Qiieen about it ; which being once granted, I fliou'd have no longer realbn to fear ; He reprefented to me the fantadical Humour of the Admiral, but promise he woud apply himfelf with the grcateft Care and Addrefs, in order to pre- vail with him. Thefe Afllirances extremely flatter'd me, and I was expelling the Effedts of them, when one Day the Qiieen went to take the Air in the Forcft of Javalks^ attended by her Ladies who were ridingby her open Chaife; but we were hardly got to the Height of a lit- tle Hill, when we difcover'd in the Plain fome Men on Horfe-back which we knew to be Moors : They were engag'd with Spaniards^ whom they chargd fo vigoroufly, that we thought them in the grcateft Danger : We faw at the fame time a Lady at the Foot of the Tree, appearing to us in a Swoon, with fevcral Women about her, who, by their Adions, ex- prefs'd much Concern. The Qiieen ftop'd at fome diftance, and faw this Engagement with great Uneafincfs ; but Don Henriquez^ who had follow'd us, came up to her, and defired leave to go and fuccour the Spaniards ; which her Majcfty having affented to, and commanded fome of her Guards to at- tend him^ he attack'd the Moors with lb much Bravery, that the Scene was chang-xi-tn an in- ftant, and they being no longer able to oppofe lïim, \yere oblig'd to fly for Safety. AU this while o/ C AR E N C Y. 75 while my fearful Thoughts were iniploy d on the Dangers he was exposed to ; I was praying for his Succefs, tho' already Conqueror ; and as I obferv d all his Adions with a watchful Eye, I faw him approach the Ladies, who were ftill frightened, tho' their Enemies were fled. Don Flenriquez had fcarcely turn'd his Eyes towards them, when fpurring his Horfe, he rid full fpeed from the Place ; but perhaps he con- fider d., that fo great a Slight to the Lady (who was Donna Blanco^ might difpleafc the Qiieen, fuppofing Ihe took Notice of it ; therefore his Politicks, or rather my inevitable Misfortune, forcing him to return, he went up to her, and alighting, faluted her very coldly ; but what he faid what fo fliort and confus'd, that in fpight of her Attention, llie coud not comprehend it. I owe you my Liberty (faid ihe^ my Lord, for which I lliall think my fclf eternally obliged to you, tho^ I am perfuaded you knew not in whofe Caufe you fought. No, Madam, (an- fvverVi he) I was a Stranger to whom I ren- der'd this Service : I proteft, that had I known how far you were concern d, I Ihou d have had Occafion for all my Generofity to fupport me, in fighting for the moll: perfidious Pcrfon in the World. And for my part (reply'd Donna Blanca with an Air of Pride) I retrad my Obhgation, fince you confefs your felf unworthy of being my Deliverer. She faid no more, becaufe one pf her Women was near, (from whom I had f]]is Relation) but call'd for her Chaifc, and went 74 r/:^^ Prince went to meet the Queen. Don Henriquez left her, and came up firfl: to give her Majefty the Particulars of what had paiVd, and to let her know that it was DonniBlanca he had reliev'd, who had hke to have been carry 'd off by the Moors. At this Name I was Thunder-ftruck, and my Imagination contrivd a thoufand Ways to torment me, reprefencing all I had to fear from fo fatal a Rencounter. Can any Misfortune be equal to mine, faid I ? Donna Blanca taken by the Moors^ was going by her Captivity to deliver me from all the Alarms her Return cou'd be capable of giving me : She is refcu d from this Danger, and owes her Safety to the Arm of Don Henriquez : I have now every thing to apprehend ; he is juft come from her, and I doubt has difcover'd my Treachery. I know not whether I deceive my felf, but his Looks tell me he loves her flill. The Thoughts of her being inconftant might have cured him, but nothing can do it, if he is once convinc'd of her Innocence : I fliall appear a Monder to him, and become the Objed: of his Averfion. Heavens ! what fliall I do, if what I dread fliould happen ? Whether Don Henrtquez would liot talk to me for fear of being taken Notice of, or that he had no mind to it, I cannot tell, but he did not fpcak to me all that Day. Don- na Blanca^ who had not iç, Tniprifonnient, and the diftradlcd Condition of Don John of Fe'/^/c'^andhisLcKly, as well as his Concern for a Perfon to whom he was contrad:ed, and the Neccflity he was under of ufmg his utmoft En- deavours to find her, together with his Indif- ferency for her ; all thefe united, perfcdly con- founded him. He made an ineffeilual Attempt to Ipeak to Be^tav/dezy who was fo llrid:ly guard- ed, that he judg'd the Affair he was accus'd of wou'd meet with no Favour, if once convici)"- ed, unlefs the Qiicen's Goodnefs v/ou'd prevail With her Jufiicc. He heard that Leonora was her Favourite, and having a (Irong Inclination to be ferviceable to his Friend, he made his Court to this old Lady, who, tho' as proud as great, coud not but conceive a particular Efteem for the Prince. Don John and his Lîidy were fo charm'd with him, that their Satisfac- tion wou'd have been compkated, had not his Prefence renew'd all the Grief which the Lofs of Leonida occafion d ; fo that nothing cou'd moderate the Afflidion of thefe difconfolate Parents. The Prince of Carency was prcfented to the Queen, who received him with a Refped: equal to his Birth and Merit. Donna Leonora ufed to fpeak fo often to her of his fine Qiiahties, that file foon perceiv'd her Favourite look'd on him with ^n obliging Eye, and that he triumph'd G 4 ^« 88 The Prince ill her Eilcem over the other Princes and Gran- dees of the Court. He conftrain'd himlelf as much as polfible to obhge her, being invited by no other Motive than to ferve Benavidez. Oh ! had he known, that he was working for the greateft of his Enemies, and one who was endeavouring his Ruin, he woud have left him to his evil Genius. One Day as the Queen was walking in thç Palace-Gardens, attended by moH: of the Court, Donna Leonora affedcd to keep at fome di- fiance, which the Pnnce of Carence perceiv- ing, he went and faluted her ; Ihe receiv'd him very gracioufly, and ask'd him if he wou'd go with her into a green Arbour that was not far : After he had return'd her Comphmcnt, he led her to the Place, where being fet down, flic fpoke to him in this manner. Do you take this Opportunity I give you, my Lord, of en- tertaining me, as a Favour I feldom grant to any ? Your Youth, Wit and Qiiaiity are fuffi- cient Motives to make ypu admired ; but as^ have no Inducements to create a Paffion, be fo kind as to tell me, from whence proceeds the defire you have of converfing with me, Is it the EfTeét of a Sympathy, that is frequently found between two Hearts, and for which no reafon can be aflign'd ? The Prince was very much furpriz'd at what he heard, but flill had a mmd to obtain her Favour on the Account OÎ Bsnavuhzy without intending to make any Declaration that might: didinguidi a Lover pom g Friend. He look\l at iier fome time ^s ;; f ono of Ca re n c y. one aftonifli'd, which entirely confounded Leo^ nor a. You ought, Madam, (faid he) to be convinc d, that you have highly obhg'd mc in condefcending to this Interview ; which is au Honour I have this long time wifliM for ,• but if you will give me leave to improve this Oc- cafion, let it be m behalf of the unfortunate Benavidez : I know the Queen has ib juft an Opinion of your good Scnfe, that ilie will readily aflent to any thing you are pleas'd to promote : Grant him your Protecftion, it is the greaccfl Favour I can ask. Your Petition is not very great (jcply^dLeonoray in an angry Tone) when you imploy for another the Op- portunity you ought to embrace for your lelf : Is it poffible, my Lord, that you can think of your Friend's Intercft, and negleâ: your own > Oh ! I fee too well, that I am deceiv'd : there can be no Paiïion where there appears fo much In- diffcrency. This embarafsçi the Prince more than ever any Thing had done, yet he try'd to conquer himfelf, and taking her by the, tiand; You know very little, Madam, (faid; l)c} the Language of my Eyes, when you form fo ill a Judgment of my Sentiments, as to doubt of my PafTion : Your Charms are the only Subjcd: of my Contemplation, and the Fear of offending you was the Caufc of my Silence. This obliging Confidence, my Lord! reply'd fne, equally flatters my Vanity and Love ; for I cou^d not think my lelf lb happy in your Favour: I am. infinitely pleal- çd H the Confeffion you have made pie, and ^o The Prince and fince you wou'd have me ferve Bemvi- dety I promife you to do ite(fc(5taally ; whe- ther he be innocent or guilty, he fliall be let at Liberty. The Prince made his Rétributions to her in fo grateful a manner, that ilie was perfectly charm'd With him : but as he was tired with this difagreeable Converfation, -he impatiently rofe up and took his Leave. '^^ When he was alone, he abandon'd himfelf to thofe Reflétions which were moft painful to him. Heaven, jufl: Heaven! cry'd he, what am I referv'd for ? I find my lelf intangled in an Amour with the ugliefl: of Women, ai]d who is the only one that ever gave me a fa- vourable Audience. Oh! I love my Unknown at NkopoliSy and Olympian Memory is ftill dear to me. Leonïda^ prevented by fome Fatality, has chofen rather to fly her Father s Houle, than yield to his Commands. Now mud I, to ferve my Friend, counterfeit a Paflion for this Favourite, who is an Objed: fitter to in- fpire Averfion, than a more obHging Senti- ment. Tho' he reproach'd the Cruelty of his Fate, yet he did not omit paying his Devoirs every Day to Leonora^ whofe Paffion rofe to that Violence at laft, that fhe determined to m.arry him, which was the thing in the World he leaft thought of. She fent to him, and defired he wou'd come to her ; which having obey'd ; my Lord, faid flie, if in the Profefiion you have made me there is more Truth than Complai- fance, and that you are touch'd as much as ^/ C A R E N C Y> ^I you woud perHiade me, you cannot give me a greater Proof of it, than by uniting your De- (liny v/ith mine. I Will not trouble you with a'Detail of my Birth and Fortune, all Spam cafl inform you of both ; but lliall content my fôlf with afiuring you that you will find m me fo good a Friend in becoming your Wife • My Wife! have you fiich a thought (cry'd the Prince, interrupting her.) Here he was filent,* but perceiving his Mitlake, he endeavour'd tù recover it, and afTuming a tender Air ,• fuch an Alliance, Madam, faid he, wou'd infinitely pleafe me, if I were notengag'dtoif^;/i With this flie burft out into a Flood of Tears. You weep, Madam, faid he, and I have reafon to believe you are concern'd for me» Do you think this Affair will have any other Confequence, than my being oblig'd tQ quit Fîlla Real ? I am no Subjed of Spa'tny neither is a Man of my Rank to be infulted without Revenge; and I am aifured, that if J^eonora ko:?, me no more, llie will foon forget mc. Then prepare to depart, my dear Son, freply'd Madam Felafcoy embracing him ten- derly} I will take my Daughter wirh mc into frayfce if flie is living, and nothing fliall alter the Refolution I have taken to make her eter- nally yours, , Tho' nothinc[ cou'd be more obliging than the Aflurances Madam f^elafco gave the Prince, yet he did not extremely wifa for the Perfor- mance ; cf ,C AR È NC V. 93 mancc : He was in hopes, thaCu either LeoniJ^ Wou'd not be found, or that her *Averfion for him wou'd continue ; in which Cafe, the Mar- riage of Courfe mull: needs break off^ and he wou'd be no longer under the Obligation of executing his Father's Commands. He imme- diately took leave of Don John of FelafcOy being refolv d to go away the fame Night, ia order to join the Count of La March (his Brother) who was waiting at Seville for the Infanta Don Fernanda to march a gai nft the 7)1^(7^5. He retired early to his Apartment, and gave Orders, that all things fliou'd be. ready for his Journey ; but Leonora (who had Spies over the Prince's Aâ:ions) was fbon acquainted with his fudden Refolution ; and feeing flie had no Means left to prevail with him, ran and threvr her felf at the Qiieen's Feet, conjuring her with Tears in her Eyes, to take pity of her Weak- nefs. The Prince of Carency is parting. Ma- dam, faid ilie ,• he abandons me, and I Ihall be the wretchedeft Creature in the World, with- out your Majefty is pleas'd to protedt me. The hopes of being his Wife, (flatter'd by his Afliduity and faithlefs Proteflations) made ïo deep an ImprefTion on me, that it was not '\\\ my Power to decline a PafTion, which wou'd have united our Deftinies : But the Traitor has de- Ceiv'd me, and I am going to lofe him for ever, unlefs you give immediate Orders to have him feiz'd. What Pretence cou d I have to ad: in that manner, (reply'd the Qiieen, with that Complaifance which was ufual to her^ he '\% con- 94 Tbe Prince contrafted to Leon'ula, and Don Jolm oF re/àfiè is in great Power : He has Friends and Rcia^ rions in this Court, and fliou'd I undertake to break his Daughter's Contrad: in favour of you^ It wou'd be doing him the greateft Injullic^. Befidcs, with what Authority cou'd I do it ? I have no Power over that young Prince t Don't you know he is related to the King of France, and that a Man of his Qiiality is not to be dealt with like other People ; then con*- fider, that the Count oï La March^ his Brother^ i is actually at Seville, and is Son-in-Law to the King of Navarre ; all thefe Things are to hè weighed with Deliberation. Ah Madam ! rcl ply'd Leonora, I do not intend to expofe your Majefty when Iintreat you to detain the Prince j you have a good Pretence to do it, without my appearing any ways concern'd. There Û -an intimate Friendftiip between liim and Benà- miJez, and wou'd it not be fufficient to make the World underftand, that the Prince lias a Hand in the Rebellion ? Your Authority dif- penfes you from giving an Account of your A(5tions, and who dares inquire into your Con- *du(3: ? The Prayers and Tears of this old Fa--^ vourite prevailed at laft with the Queen, anii flie confented that a Captain of the Guardi fliould go immediately, and put the Prince under Arreft ; which was no fooner executed, but the Qieen had him brought before her, and having orderM every Bady to withdraw, fpoke to him in thefe Terms ; What, my Lord, faid flic, cou'd one have thought you capable of ô/^ C A R E N Ç^ï. 95 of betraying us ; an4 that under the Notion of a Friend, ypii- wçre privately çpnfpiring with thpfe^ who intended, to deliyer up fome Towns of this Kingdon? to the Barbarians ? Don^ preçend, Prince^ ;to fay any thing in your Dc- fence,i for nothing can jultify you: I am too well infornVd of your Intreagues ; fo prepare yoMJ: felf to undergo the Puniihment you dç- ferve.:. Your emnent Birth vvill not protect: you without my Favour, and if I grant you your Life, it fliall at leaft be at the Expence of your Liberty. Donna Leonora loves you, rny Lord, and; has already interceded for Grace; if you will marry her, I may in re- gard to her, forget the pernicious Defigns you had.form'd agajnft this Kingdom. The Prince heard, with all the Refped imaginable, what the Qiicen had to fay ; then anfwer'd her with a noble and un- daunted Air ; My Heart is incapable, faid he, of forming fo mean a Defign, as that which your Majcûy lays to my^.Charge, and I have too much Interefi: in jultifying myfelf to çonfcnt that you fliould forget my Cnn>e in Confideration pf Leonora. No, Madam, I refufe the Mercy you offer mc, and demand nothing but Juftice; which I have no Caule to fear be it ever fo fcvere. Go then. Ponce, faid the Qiieen, you fliall be ftriClly guarded, and fevcrcly puniflhcd if guilty. He was conduced from thence, to the fame Caftle where Benavidez was Prifoner, and con- fin'd feveral Days, with Orders diat no Body fliould c}6 The Prince Ihould be admitted to him: However, Ûilà Affair could not be carry'd on With fo much 'Secrecy, but thzz Don John oîFeldfco wasinfor-^ mcd how ill they ufed the Prince, for whom he had fo great à Value. He âddrefs'd hirri- felf to the Qiieen about it in very warm Termsj and even threatned her with the King of Frances Refentment ; but ihe was refolvd to venture at all, and fhow no favour to him, un- lefs he rnarry'd Leonora This imperious Favourite (who Was the on- ly Perfon that had leave to fee the Prince) came one Night into his Chamber, ridily â^ dorn'd with Jewels, but fo frightful as to hef Perfon, that he could hardly prevail with him- felf to look at her. Nothing fhall be impof- fible to nie (faîd flie, my lovely Prince, taljiing him by the Hand) I have every thing ivi my Power, and if you will marry me, I ptomifè to deliver you out of this hdfrible Prifon ; but if you are too proud, and defpife me^ be af- Hjred, you fliall pafs the reft of your Dayâ here, or end your Life in a more tragick Mail- ncn Ha ! (continued fhe, perceiving in his Countenance a great deal of Anger mix'd with difdain) Do you conceive lefs Horrot for tlixi Block, than for my Perfon ? I am not young I confcfs,' yet fuch as you fee tlie, I can make the Felicity of the greateft Princes in Spain^ who daily offer rhe their Sighs arid Vows, which with mine I facrifice to yoU. See, my my dear Prince! See, what a fliamcful pai*c you make me adl ; I blufli in confelTmg rrîy Weak-^ ^ C A R E N G Y. 9y Weakneft, and your Obligation to nic ought to be the greater : I, who make all the Court tremble, dm here before you, like a Vidtim, uncertain of Life or Death, waiting its Doom ; fay then, will you decide my Fate ? You are the only Man that can make me happy, and without you, I am for evet wretched. Whilft Leonora was fpeaking, the Prince of Qarency felt lb violent an Averfion for her, that he cou d hardly command his Paflion ; but having over- come Vi a little, he faid, with a very indiffe- rent Air : Are you not yet fatisfy'd with what you make me fuffer, and will you for ever perfecute me with a Paffion, to which I can make no Return ? I declare, that in my Thoughts, the Misfortune of being belov d by you, is one of the greateft that could happen to me; and fuice my Sincerity offends you, purfue your Rage, and let your Vengeance fall on a Man, who can reproach himfelf with no other Crime, but that of having given you room for fome Time, to believe he cou'd like you. After thefe Words, he was filent, and whatever flie cou'd fay to him, he vvou'd not make her any Anfwer. She ran out of his Chamber like a Fury, threat'ning him with fpeedy Death, and from thence, went diredtly to fee Benavïàez^ who was very uneafy (as one may well conceive) having been difappointed in his Defign relating to LeoniJa, and not knowing whether ilie was ftill at his Houfe, or whether, fuice his Con- finement, her Father had not found her out, H and 98 The Prince and marry'd her to the Prince of Caremy ; be- fides, he cou d not tell but the Crime he was accusd of, tho* innocent, might cofl him his Life. Thefe Reflections were tormenting him, wlien he faw Leonora coming into his Cham- ber ; he cou d not imagine the Caufe of fo un- expecScd a Favour, and juft as he was going, to make his Retributions to her, flic began in thefe Terms. Benavidez (faid fhe, with a Voice that exprefs'd the Motions of her Soul) your Life or Death now depends on the beft of your Friends; you are impeach'd, and be- heved guilty : The Prince of Carency^ who loves you entirely, is actually a Prifoner with you in this CalHe, and I am willing to- let you know, that I have conceived a particular E- fteem for that Prince ; you fliall have leave to fee him, and be fure you ufe your utmofl; En- deavours to perfuade him to marry me, in which Cafe, I anfwer for your Liberty ; but otherwifc, you will have Caufe to fear both for him, and your felf ; Farewel. Remember now, that your Intereft and mine muft be the fame. After having fpoke to him in this man- ner, ihe gave him no time to make any An- fwer, but went away with great Precipita- tion. Benavidez^ who before was defpairing, cou'd not hear this News without being extremely pleas'd : He rcfolv'd to ufe his utmofl Addrefs in perfuading the Prince ; and as he knew the Influence he had over him, he flattered himfelf with of C ARE NC Y. 99 With eafily overcoming all Difficulties; What a Happinefs will it be, cry'd he, if he yields to Leonoras Defires 5 I fliall then be fute of my charming L^ as yet, known where flie is ; my Houfe has this Ti'eafUre Hill in its Pofleffion, and afToon as I obtain my Liberty, I will go and vifit her ill her Retirement. After having imploy'd his Thoughts on fo agreeable a Changé of For- tune, he could tioc help reproaching himfelf with the treacherous Patt he had adlcd towards his Friend and i6'(7;;i^fi • Noj faid he, t fliall never enjoy a real Felicity, (ince I mufl be obliged to deceive two Perfans, who fo entire- ly dcferviî my Affedion, and will be inconfo- lable^ when they come to know one another^ to find their Deftiny chang d by my Perfidi- oufnefs. Thefe Refledions gave hini fome Concern ; but as his I-ove tranfcended his Friendfliip, he refolv'd to arm himfelf againft all Remorfe. Whilft he expeded, with great Impatience, to fpeak with the Prince of Carency^ Don John of Velàfcù Was ufmg all his Endeavours to get him out of Prifon. He at laft brib'd one of the Guards, who having brought Ropes and a File, help'd to cut the Bars of his Window ; and the Night being very dark, they both e- fcap'd on Fîôrfes that Were waiting for them. But this could not be done fo fecretly, as not to alarm fome of the Guards, whp heard Ha. a ICO The ,? H I N c K. a Noife in the Prince's Apartment, which they enter'd,^^nd perceiving hisFhght, went imme- diat^iy to give Notice of it . to Leonora» This News niade her' fudouç.: She ordec'd feveral Horfi^men, who vverê>aU devoceçl qq ;hcir Inte- reft, to purfue him; ^4 W^s fo confounded, thgit W'Jiciiout kn9wing[what flie faidj (he com- manded them to take/ different Ways^ and told em,'tl>atincafc th^jt 9yertook him^ and cou'd not prevail with hîm.iîO return^ they fliou'd kill hjm: But after Jhçy.had left her, and thé firft Effeds of hei: P?ifflon were over, flie re^ fleciled op the cruel Gomîtiands jliçh^d given, an4: didnot at all dx^ubt but they wou d be too well executed by thofe Villains. What! crj'd Ihe, am i going to be the Murderer , of . â Man, for whpm I wou d -willingly lay down my Life ;; and do I conyeyr the Poinyard to his Breaft; Oh. unjuftFàte! Why are you not contented with taking from me the ObjecS I love, vVithout making me the Author; of his Death? Being thus prepoiïèfs'd with difmal Thoughts, {he was no more Miftrefs of liec ielf ; ihe lent immediately to countermand her inhuman Orders ; but ^ alas ! it was too late, they had kill'd the Prince in fpite of bis brave Refiftance, which was fo great, that he wou'd not have been overcome but by a vail Supe- riority. Leomra was faluted with this News at Fi/la- Realy which Ihe receiv'd as one who already expected it, and had no other Thought, but that of dying. The Prayers and Tears of the L d Qiieen i of C A II E N C y. ÎOI Qiieen were of no force. She tore her Hair and wounded her Face, 'M'\à her extreme Grief foon forwarded her Death, which made fome Atonement for the Barbarity Ih^had jufl: caus'd to be acSed on one of the fined Princes in the World. : Don John of Velafco and his Lady were in- confolable for his Lofs, reproaching themfclvcs for not giving him a fulTicient Guard,- they regretted him as if he had been theif own Child, and loaded with Imprecations the Me- mory of Leonora, Benavicbz not be i fig fo ftriftly guarded as before, was foon inform'd of the Prince's Death ; but his Love triumph'd over his Gratitude, which made him perfcdiy inlenfible of the Misfortune of a Perlbn, who had lov'd him fo entirely. ' Whilft thefe Things were paffing at Court, Leonida and Cafilcla^ under th.e Names of Feli- cia and Beatriciay were furangely alarm d in their Solitude; the Gentleman who had left them fafe there, acquainted them with Beijavi- dezs being made aPnfonerof State, and accused of having a Correfpondence with the Moors. Cafilda at this News, was refolv'd to go back to Villa-Real^ in order to intercede for her Bro- ther, and do him what Service flie was capa- ble of; but Leonida^ who fcar'd to remain there alone, reprefented to her,- that as Leono- ra was not her Friend, and that through her means, flie had already lofl: the Qiieen's Fa- vour, her Prefence inftead of mending her Bro- ther's Affairs, would make them worfc ; that H 3 be. loi l^he Pb IK C E befides, flie wou'd have the Mortification of feeing Henriquez. marry'd to Donna Blancaj which wou'd only renew her Grief; Thefe Argunients wou'd not have prevail'd widi Ca- fiUay had flic not apprehended, that in leaving LeoniJuj who m the mean Time might return to her Father's Houfe, Bemv'tdez woud lofe all the Fruits of hçr artificial Management ; which Confidcration prevented her Journey. Leonida and Caftlcïa us'd often to walk in a Foreft near their Houfe ; and oqe Evening, as they were fitting by the fide of a Rivulet, a Horfe ran by, in a full Gallop, which frighten d them very much, feeing no Body on his Back; they quitted the Place haftily, and as they were in their Way tpwards the Caftle, their Surprize was much greater, when they per- çeiv'd two Men lying on the Ground wound- ed, and cover'd with Blood ; fuch a Sight was very frightful to thefe young Ladies, who be- lieving they were dead, durft not approach them, but ran home, and calfd fome of their Servants, with whom they immediately came back, in order to give Afiîftancç to thefe two Qcntlemen, if happily it were not too lace. The Ladies now having fome Attendance with them, came up to thefe unknown Cava- liers, and found that one of theni was already dead, and the other ftill breathing. Leonkla, who had hitherto feen all Mankind with In- difTcrcncy, fecm'd to have fomeching more than Compaffion for the Misfortune of this Stranger,, v/hom onç might judge, by his no- ble of C A K E 1^ C Y. 10 :j ble Air and Drefs, to he of the firft Qiiality ; and 2iSCafiUa appeared robe equally concern'd, Leonida did not lb much wonder at the EfFeds it produc d in her. Oh ! what pity wou'd it be (cry d Leonida^ looking at Caftlda) fliou'd this Stranger die ; but what hopes can one have of his Life ? Ic is poflible, he is now expiring. In laying this, llie fprinkl'd Water on his Face, and laid his Head on her Knees, whilft Caftlda caus'd a fort of Carriage to be made with the Branches of a Tree ,* at lafl: fetching a Sigh, he open^d his Eyes, and perceiving Leonïda^ made an Effort to ipeak to her ; but his Spirits being wafted, he fell into a Swoon, which gave them reafon to believe his Life was in danger. Leonida and Cafilda (whom I muft now call Felicia and Beatricia^j when the Carriage was finifli'd, order'd their Servants to lay the Stranger on it, and thus they convey'd him to their Houfe, in great Silence, being perplcx'd with fuch a multitude of Thoughts, as wou'd not admit of any Interruption. As loon as they were there, they fent to Carmona for a Surgeon, who after having probed his Wounds, told them they were not Mortal : This agree- able News chang'd the Scene of Sorrow, into tliat of Joy. Fe/ic/awcnt to his Bed-fidc, and by this time he had recover d his Speech, which he imploy'd in returning Thanks for her Gcnerofity. I can no longer deplore (laid he, in a feeble Voice) the difmal Adventure that h^d happen d to me, Cw.cc it gives me an Op- H 4 portunicy 1 04- TJx Prince porcunky of knowing the mod defcrving Perr; fon in the World ; but I fear, Madam, my being in your Houfc may incommode you, which extremely lellcns the Satisfaction I jhou'd have to be where you are ; In faying thcfe Words, he look'd at her with fo much Admiration and Pleafure, that had ftie under- ftood the Language of his Eyes, flie woud have eafily gucls'd at the Motions of his Heart. Do not be uneafy, Sir (rcply'd flie) you Ihall want for no Afiiftance, nor h?.ve reafon to ap- prehend we fee you here with Difpleafure ; you are now m a Condition wherein Silence and Reft are equally neceflary, which Reafon induces me to leave you : with that, ilie retir'd, and left Beatrkiahéxmà her; who, as foon as Felicia was gone, approach'd the Bed, and faid to him ; Tho' may Sifter hath alTured you how defirous we are to be ferviceable to you, yet I muft repeat the fame, and conjure you, Sir, to have no other Thought but that of recovering your Health. It will be no eafy matter. Madam, repiy'd the Prince, to recover in a Place, where the Objcdsl fee, may prove more Dangerous to nie, than the Wounds I have receiv'd. Beatricia ("who did not doubt but thcfe Words were ad- drefs'd to her) feem'd not to comprehend their meaning ; but taking leave of him, went to Feli- cias Apartment, and ask'd her what the Stranger had faid to her. She, without diflembling, gave her an Account of their Converfation, which very much pleas'd Beatricia. I muft pnfefs, faid ilie, he exprefs'd himfelf more o- of Carency. 105 bligingly to mc than he did to you : Thefe Words gave Ibnie Uii^finefs to Felicia^ with- out knowing from whence it proceeded. Beatrkta (who was in a different Difpofition of Mind) proposed to her feif, that the only means to banilh Don Henriquez from her Heart, was to yield it to another. Whatever Trouble a new Inclination may give me, thought llie, it never can be equal to the Pain I endure^.. The Man I love, is now in the Arms of Donna Blanca^ and all my hopes on that fide are vaniflVd ; but in placing my AfFedion on fome other Objed: it may be kindly return d. I had Caufe enough to apprehend, that Felicia wou'd appear more beautiful than me, in the Eyes of this lovely Stranger, but his Words have convinc'd me of the contrary, and I am rcfolv'd to be favourable to him, whatever may be the Event: Love is a pleafing Tor^ ment. The Prince of Carency continued ill fome time ; and during his lllncfs, receiv'd daily Inflanccs of the Generofity of thefe Ladies, particularly /^(f/ic/Vsobhging Behaviour to him (on all occafions) made him dcfirous to exprefs his Gratitude. He began to think his Prefer- vation was chiefly owing to her tender Care, and by Degrees fell defperately in Love, which threw into the following Reflexions : How difficult a Task will it be, to make an Impref- fion on that unpradis'd Heart? Her modeft Looks, and the Bluflies which cover her Cheeks, every time I cad my Eyes on her, evince io6 The Prince evince how little fl^ his acquainted S^itli' Love ; and dare I flatter my fclf with fuccecd- ing in fuch an Attcmpc ? No, I muft not hope forfo great a Favour from Fortune. I was be- lov d at Nkcpolis by a Perfon 1 never knew ; I no fooner became Captive to the Charms of a Lady at Genoa^ but Death fnatch'd the dear Objed: from me ; and lately as I arrived at Vil- la-Real with a Refolution to marry Leonida^ I was informa of her Flight and Averfion to me. Alas! my unkind Stars were not fatisfy'd to àfflid me with all thcfe Misfortunes. They have Tent me a greater one; Leonoras Paffion for me ! Her defpcrate Rage caus'd me to be treated in this barbarous manner ; and her Cruelty wèu d ftill threaten my Days with the greateft Dangers, were ihe inform'd that I liad efcap'd, and was now in this Place ; but Oh ! how can I refolve to leave Felicia^ who is already more dear to me, than the Life I wou'd endeavour to preferve ? All I can do in this diftrciïed State, is to change my Name : I am inclin'd to believe, that as I was taken for the Count of La Vagne at Genoa^ I may pafs for the fame here, wliere I am not known. If it be my good Fortune to render my Senti- ments agreeable to this lovely Charmer, I fliall never wifli for a greater BlefTing. I do not doubt but flic has an AfTedion for her Sifter, therefore I muft addrcfs myfelf to her, and ob- tain Favour, if poftible by her means. The Prince us'd often to entertain himfclf after this manner, betwixt Hope and Fear. Beatricia of C A R E N c y . 1 07 Beatrkia one Morning rofe earlier than Fe* iiciay and went to fee the Prince, who was a- wake, and had reded very ill all Nighc. Affoon as he faw her enter the Chamber, he thank'd her for fo obliging a Care, and told her, he hop d .fne had repos'd much better than he had done. I muft confefs, Sir, faid flie, I have felt fome Uneafmefs, which I muft lay to your Charge, fincc it proceeds from the Curiofity I have to know who you are, and the Uncertainty I am in of being fatisfy'd on that Subjeâ:. You judge very unfavourably of my Gratitude, Madam, reply 'd the Prince, if you think me capable of not obeying your Com- mands. I am of Genoa, and of the Houfe of Fiefqne ; my Title is the Count of La Vagne ; I have been iome Years in my Travels, and as I was riding thro^ the neighbouring Foreft, iii my Way to Seville^ I was aflaultcd by Rob- bers : I did my Endeavour to refift them, but their Number overpower'd me, and left mb. Madam, in the Condition you faw me. I know your Family, my Lord, reply'd Beatricia^ and cou'd have judg'd in feeing you, that your Extradion was illuftrious. The Count oi La Vagne Cfor now I muft give that Title to the Prince of Carency) interrupted her, to enquire after Felicia^ but with a kind of Impatience, which did not very much pleaie Beatrkia, who in a cold manner, made Anfvver, flie had not as yet fecn her. As Ihe was fpcaking, the Surgeon came in to the drefs Prince's Wounds, fo die thought fit to retire. She went diredly from thence to Felkias Apartment, who was juft 1 08 JJjC P R I N C E\o juft rifing. What, faid flie to Beat r id a, drefs'd already ! How comes it, Sifter, you are up fa early! I can give you no other Rcalon, re- ply'd flie, only I was afliam'd to lie a Bed fo fine a Morning : But will you believe I have been to vifit the Stranger, and that I know his Name and Country. You may as well fay, interrupted, Fd'//c/f^, that you know alio the Secrets of his Heart. No, reply'd- jB^'^^ric/^ fmiling, I am very fincere, and can allure you, our Converfation ended with his acquainting pie., that he is o( Geuoay and is call'd the Count of La Fagm As you are to vifit him next, perhaps you may learn fomething more. I have not fo much Curiofity as you imagine, ireply'd Felicia^ and I fancy I fliall trouble him tut very little with my Prefence. Accordingly file did not go into the Prince's Chamber till late in the Evening, being then inform'd, he was very ill ; for his Uneafinefs at not feeing her all that Day, and the Pain occafion'd by his Wounds, had thrown him into a violent jFever. As foon as llie approach'd his Bed, he look'd at her with much Tendernefs, and faid, I flatter'd my felf more than I ought to have done. Madam, in thinking the Conditio on I am in, had mov'd your Pity, fincc I find at prefentj nothing touch'd you but the fad Afped: of a dying Man, pierc'd with Wounds, and lying in a Sea of Blood. You abandon me, charming Felicia^ and take no Care to preferve the Life of an unhappy Wretch, who is indebted to you alone, for the fmall Share r:;7. . -he of Gar e noy. 109 he has left: of ic. I would not incommode you with a Vific, my Lord, reply'd FelkUy my Sifter having told me this Morning, thatiin the State you are in, nothing was more neceflary tUaa Repofe. No, no; Madam, (faid he, interrupti ing her) you have not thought on me. Donna Bèatricia did not hinder you from coming ta fee me ; your Eyes convince mfe of the Truths and you only wi(h my Recovery, to banifh ms your Prefencc for "ever. Hé; faid tSis with an Air fo moving, that fhe cou d not help fhowing in -her Looks more Affcdion, than IndifFeren^ cy, : You have been here fo little a while, xe- ply'd Jlie, that I hardly have had time to con-' fuit my Inclinations, yet give me leave to aflure you, that I find nothing in them to your Preju-> dice ; and fliou'd very much regret my having known yau, if I thought in leaving this Phcc^. you wou'd entirely forget me. She cxprels'd" thefe 1 aft Words bluiliing, and .with fome Fear, which charm'd the Prince, who w^s going to make his Retributions, when Beatricia enter'd the Chamber, m fome Diforder : One of my? Women, my Lord, faid ihe, who is juft rç-^ turn'd from walking in the Forcft,. found this: Picture in the fame Place where we firft faw you. I fuppofc it is yours, and the Perfon it reprefents, is too charming, not to merit all your Affedion. The Prince told her, it was^ true, the Picture had been recommended to his Care, and receiv'd it with a deep Sigh. It- was that which Olympia Dor/a had prefented to hipi. This gave much Uneafincfs to Felz^- "^ no The PrÎ NCË ciuy who cou'd not help defiring to fee it, bii^^ had hardly turn'd her Eyes on it, when hat Mind was fill'd with Trouble ; which to con* ceal, file retired to her Clôfet, whcife being a- lone: I thought, faid flie, I had only CaJiUd to fear ; but alas ! my Fate is much more fc* vere ; for certainly the Perfon he loves is thé iTîoft beautiful Creature in the World, and his Paflion is recum'd, fince flie has given hînl her* Picîlute. If he fliou'd ccafc to love her oil my Account, it would be a Perfidioufnefs that might give me room to fear in my turn a re-» fembling Deftiny ; and if he is confiant to her, what can I hope ? She yielded her fclf up to thefe fad Refledions, and leaving them fot o- thers more tormenting : Oh ! continued flieL. cou'd any thing be more fatal than this laft Adventure > I flew from the Prince o^Care^wjf becaufe my Parents wou d have me marry con- trary to my Incliilaiion. I thought my felf^ fafc in this Foreft, where I only apprehended to meet with wild Beafts ; but thcfe fierce Ani- mals have done mc no harm :It is a Stranger, a dying Man, that has deprived me of my Peace, and made me acquainted with Sentiments, t thought Lconidas FÏeart incapable of receiving. A fliower of Tears attended thcfe Words, and flie refolv'd never more to fee this dangerous Cavalier; for which reafon flic feign'd an In- difpofition, and confin d her fclf to her Bed ; butcou'd not help enquiring aficr the Couilt, who was now extremely ill. His Fever was very raucli increased by his not feeing FeJic/ih and 1 1 c/Carency. m and his anxious Refledions fo tormented him^ nbatfhe thought of nothing but Death. Hé was in evident danger, when Beatrlcia enter'd Felicias Chamber all m Tears. There arc no hopes left Sifter, cry'd ilie ; the unhappy- Count is dying. If you have a mind to fee him before he expires, you have no time to lofe. Felicia was not prepar'd for this difa- greeable News, which had like to have throwaf her into a Swoon ,• but being a little recover'd," fhe repented the obftinatc Refolution (he hacl made, to fee him no more. She thought now iiiç was going to lofe him for ever, and thac^ fuch a Lofs wou'd make her the moil unfortu.-' nate Perfon in the World. Ye Powers above (cryU flie going cowards his Apartment) give me the Count of La Vagne^ were he never to love me, fliou'd he even hate me, let liini live. She ran into his Chamber whilft he was in a^ fainting Fit ,• his Eyes were (hut, and he had neither Voice nor Pulfe. She approach'd him, trembhng, and raifing his Head, laid it oa her Bofom, bathed his Face with Tears, and at that Inftant was more to be deplor'd thanf him flie lamented. At laft he fetch'd a deep Sigh, and opening his Eyes, was tranfporced to find his dear i^f/ic/^ near htm, and fo touched at his lUnefs : He look'd languifliing at her,; and making an Effort to fpeak ; Ah ! divine Felicia^ faid he, is it you that gives me Affi- ftance, and are you come to fave me froni Death ? You need no longer fear, for a Life I I 12 Thè Pr IN C E I cannot lofe, fince its Prefcrvation is become your Concern. My Lord, reply'd Ihe, (low enough to be heard only by him) believe me, your Life is very dear to me, and I wifli no- thing more than its continuance. If you knew what you have made me fuffet, you • ' .' ' .. Here Beatricta interrupted them by her Pre- fence, fo they cou'd not purfue their Difcoutfe : Bur thefe few Words produc'd fuch wonderful Efîèjûs m the Count, that he daily recovered. How much were thefe Lovers to be pitied, not knowing each other ? Chance had conT. t-riv^d to maice them meet, yet it was their un4* happy Deftiny, not to enjoy a Blefling for which, they wou'd have facrific'd every Thin^' Such is the Misfortune of fome PerfonSj^ #ho purchafe the moft innocent Pleafures at the Expence of a thoufand Torments. Felicia.^ accempany'd by her Sifter, went often to fee the Count, who obferv'd the Care flie took^ never to be alone with him ; but he could not defire Beatricta to give him an Opportunity of entertaining Felicia ; for tho' of all Mankind he had the leaft Vanity, yet he perceiv'd by her Looks and Expreffions, that flie had fome favourable Thoughts of him, and confe^uent- ly an improper Perfon for a Confidant. But one Evening, hearing flie was gone into the Foreft without her Sifter, he caus'd himfelf to be drefs'd ; and tho' he had hardly Strength enough to walk, yet went to Felicias Apart- ment. She ' ^CaRENCY. 11^ She couM not help being very much furpri- zed, \vhen flie faw the Count, who fell at her Feet without having power to fpeak one Word. He took her Hand and kifs'd it with fuch Tranfports, as exprelVd the Motions of his Soul. Felicias diforder was not inferior to his. They looked at one another, as if they had met after a long Abfence ; at laft the Count broke Silence : You have infpired me. Madam, faid he, with a Paflion fo tranfcendent, that you muft needs have perceived it in all my A- d:ions, and I muft confefs, I thought you took fome Pity on me, but I have too much Caul^ to believe the contrary, fin ce your Looks ex- prefs the utmoft Indifference. Oh ! judge how uneafy I am at this cruel Uncertainty. I now come to know my Fate, and conjure you, a- dorable Felicia^ to tell me what I muft exped". My Love is fuch, that nothing can ever make it change, and were I Sovereign of the Uni- verfe, I would lay it at your Feet :, Here he was filent, and Felicia reply'd with as much Grace, as Modefty; My Concern wasfo great whilft you were fpeaking, my Lord, that I did not confider you were on your Knees. I beg you will rife if you are defirous I fliould fay any thing to you. He obey'd her Com- mands, but fear'd to caft his Eyes on lier, be- ing like a Man, who expeded to .hear the Sentence of his Death. We are both in a diiP. order:, faid ihe, which we might have avoided, had you not fpoke to me of your Paftion. I muft confefs, my Lord, to my Shame, that xL I the the fame Inclinatioh which engag'd you to en- tertain me, has prevailed with me to heat you. What more can I fay of my Weaknefs (canti- nued flie bkifhing ?) I difcovered patt of yott^ Sendments, and endeavoured in Vain to con^ ceal mine. I had never lov'd anything before,^ find my Stars have decreed you Ihould becômb agreeable to me ? yet do not diink to take any Advantage from fo rtncere a Coiifeiïion, fmcé I declate my Mind this time, With a Rélbluti^ on never to fpeak to ybu tîîdre ) but without having a defire to penetrate ifttb^the Caufe, I cannot help telling ydu the Fear I âm>in, of being made a Sacrifice to another, whom, per^ haps, you might love bettét than me. Oh Madam !• cry'd the Count, (in a Raptute) judge better of a Mart whom you have juft loaded with your Favours, and do not fafpele to You. What Authority has your Sifter to lay fo cruel a Rcftraint on you ? I lee her Uneafinefs, my Lord, reply'd Felkia^ and to (how the'Confidence I have in you, I will own to you, flie is not my Sifter, nor even related to me; I would have let you fooner into the Secret, had I found a favourable Opportunity. Oh Madam ! How obilging is this Declaration, reply'd the Count, and what Reproaches do I owe myfelf, for not having acquainted you with the Circumflanccs of my Life ? The Hours I pafs'd in your Company were fo tranfienr, tli^ti chofe to imploy them in con- feffing the Power of your Charms. We both of us have err'd, my Lord, reply'd /^^//V/^, m neglecting to inform each other of fome parti- culars, which are encntial to our future Feli- city ; yet if I may judge of your Heart by my own, it had no fhare iq this Omiflion, and Ï promife to give you a faithful Relation of all that has pafs'd from my Infancy: You will then find it is not without Caufe, that I dgh fometimes, and com.plain of the Rigour of my Fatç; but you muft prepare your felf to ovcr- I 3 com? 1 1 8, The P B I N C E come a great many Pifficulties, if you per- fevere in your Love for the unhappy Felicia» Oh Madam! reply'd he, no Difficulties can e- ver alarm me ; I have Love and Courage cp affifl; me,' and if ypu, çfpoufe my Intereft, all Things will be eafy to me : But, faid flie, fup- pofe I were contradjedto another,,. wh^çvvould you do ? At thefe Words, the Counç. changed Colour. What do you tell me, Madam, cry'd he, contraded! Oli Heavens! To\vhaçMis^~ fortunes am I doom'd ? Do not affliâ: your felf, my Lord, reply'd ftie, L am yet Miftrefs of my Deftiny ,• can you think I would receive your Addreffes, if I had an Inclination for a- ny other? No, fuch a Proceeding wpuld ren- der my Heart unworthy of you.: Thefe Aflu-. ranees gave fome Eafe to the Count's Mind, , who was juft going to exprefs his Satisfadion to his charming Miftrefs, when Beatricia came and troubled them with her Prefenct^. ^|"f^'* . Her Jealoufy was now increafed to ^ fuch a degree, that ihe was even diftraded, when file faw them fpeakiog to one another, and af- foon as flie was alone, fhe abandoned, hcrfelf to the moft violent Defpair. I am not be- lov'd, faid flie, and I flatter'd myfelf, that I had infpired the Count with fuch Sentiments as would have been agreeable to me, but he is entirely devoted to Felicia, He adores her, and flie triumphs over my Weaknefs. What do I fay, continued flie ? (after having refleâed fome time) perhaps if he were acquainted \^'ith the Motions of my Soul, he would ad another of'Ç A R E N C Y. \ I^ anothec Part,. . Al>! • ^hy:;:c}id I not declare my TliQughts tp hiro, ati^ x^hy flioulJ I ac-. cufe him of being the Cauft of my Torment, fmce he does not knovv the Indifpofitioi:! I am ta? I muft either inform him of what I feel, or refolvc to fee him coi^ftant in his Paffion for my Rival. i. After having pafs'd die greateft part of the Night in JRefledions of nhi^ Nature, (he role early and feait to the Count, defiring he woulcl- meet her in the Garden. This unexpe(5ted Meflage gavQ him lame Uneafinefs, notvvich- flanding. he obey d her Orders, and as foon as ihe faw hiiBv her Mind almoft: chang'd in rela- tion to tl>^ Sii'bied-, that induced her to fend for him. He ask'd hej: obligingly what^ were her Commands, to which Ihe anfwered in thefe Terms V your healch, My Lord, is fo perfectly recovered, thuc I fear we iliall lole you foon ; and as I have fome reafon to be convinced our Company is not indifle-rent to you, I take this occafion to afTure you, how pleas'd we fliould be to fee- you remain here ; yet I cannot help faying, I have endeavoured in vain to difcover, whether my Sifter or I have the Precedency in you Affèd:ions ; per- haps this Queftion may iliow my Indifcretion, but I believe you a Man of too much Honour, to leave me in an Uncertainty ; therefore let your Inclinations determine in favour of ei- ther of US; I will do you all the Service m my Power, and if you make me your Confi- dant, it fliali no ways lefVçn my Friendftiip for I 4 you. no Tlx Prince you. The Count (who was above a* ny diffimulacion exprefs'd much Pleafurc at the Opportunity ihe gave him, to de^ dare his Sentiments. Nothing can be more- generous than your Proceeding, Madam, faid he, and I iliould be unworthy of yoar Good- nefs, if Idid not repay it with Sincerity, I am in Love, it is true, and you would lia ve been the Objedl of it, had I not feared my Paflion might offend you: Young /^f//c/df has captiva- ted my Heart, and I conjure you to favour me in my attempt on hers; I fliall in return, Ihov^ my Erteem and Gratitude to you for fo confi- derable a Service. Beatrkia^ at thefe Words; was Thunderflruck, and would have fallen down at his Feet, were it not for a Tree that llcod by, which fupported her ; (he made a vain Effort to conceal her Grief; her Colour chang'd, and the Tears which ran from hef Eyes, difcovered part of her Sufferings to the Count who faid many obliging Things to her by way of Confolation, and protefted, he would for ever do his beft Endeavours to ferve her; bur all he could fay was not capable of gluing her Satisfad:ion ; Love requires Love, and it is, an offence of the higheft degree to offer any other thing in Return. About this time Don Fernand BenavrJez (who was innocent of the Crime, laid to his Charge, having no more Leonora for his Ene- my) began, after the Death of this Favourite, to be heard in his Juftification ; he wrote the pattiç.ulars to Qajilda^ and withal, that hç was in ^Carency, laî in hopes of being foon fee at Liberty afteir which he would immediately go to fee Leontda. This (he kept fecret nil (he had penetrated in- to the Sentiments of the Count; but when (he found all her hopes were deftroy'd, (he thought of nothing but tormenting thele happy LoverS' in their Amour. What! laid (he; (hall I fuffer this ungrateful Man to be blefs'd with the fight of my Rival, and omit acquainting my Brother^ with an adventure^ wherein he is lb much con-^ cém'd? He doats on LeoniJa wliilft (he loves' the Count of L^ f^agnCj and is equally be- lov-d. My Brother and I, without doubt/ muft be the Vidims of their Paffion, and he will load me with eternal Reproaches, for ha- ving admitted fo dangerous a Stranger intoi his Houfc ; I mud facrifice \him to my Re- venge, for what can I expecS ftom his Cruel- ty? My Sighs and Tears, had no Power to' move his Pity, and fuice nothing can prcvaif with him, I will punifh his Barbarity. I have^ but this Remedy left, and caniiot flatter myl defpairing Soul with any other relief. ~ '^ Having tormented her fclf with thefd»' confufed Thoughts, (lie wrote a Letter to her Brother , wherein (lie gave him thé Particulars relating to what (he knew of the Count of La Fagtte ; teUing him at the fame Time, that he had conceiv d a Pafiicn for LeoniJa^ who return 'd it with Sentiments lb o- bilging, that (he believd it wou d be impofLble to diiengage them, unlefs he took very fecret Mcafures. fienavidez'^^s flrangely affed"eçl with ^ this this News, wbidi he ceceiv'd cjieDay theQyeien! bad order'd his Liberty. What! j(faid he to. the- Gentleman, who had accompany d the young Ladies to his Caftle) have I depriv'd the Prince: of Carency of the Pofîèflion of this excellent Creature, to yield her to the. Count of JLa Vagne : I thouglit I had conceal'd her in a place fo retir'd, that flie wou'd have efcap'd the mod penetrating Spy ; yèt the Cruelty- ofi my Fortune has fo contriv'd it, that ilie (hoad find iw that folitary Foreft, one of the hattd-> fomeft Men in the World expiring, and prew vchc his Fate hy leaking his Prefervation herl Gare, which Lfibar has rob'd me of Leonidds^ Heart : My Confinement coft the Prince his Life, whofet Oenerofity engagd him to make his AddreflTes to Leamra with the only View of procuring my Liberty. By what FataHty, conv titjued lie, does the Count of L^ Fagne live>i 1$ not he the fame whofe Death Olympia Dor'tm fo much deplord, that her Grief terminated' her Days ? Has he fo little Gratitude, after- loving a Miftrefs who died for him, to make a. fécond Choicer Her Impreflion ought to have been everlafliing, but I will punifli his> Inconftancy to her, and his new Pafiion fori Leonida^ who has made me already commit too many Crimes to leave my Fehcicy impec-^* fedl : I mud give fome Eafe to my bleeding Heart, by depriving this too happy Rival of his Life. Thefe violent Reflexions were fol4 low'd by many others, for he thought that if he kept LeoniJa longer at hisHoufe, as Chance ha4 o/Ca re n ç y, 1^5 had made her acquainted with the Count of JLa Fa^ne^ a Uke. Accident might expofe her to the fight .of fome Perfons, who knew her, and woud inform Don jf,(?i;/i^ of her Re- treat/ ^. /tîA ÎjfJC Love and Jealoufy wou d not permit hirn to, {i^y any Time at Fi/Ia Real ; he had no fooner feeh. tlie Qiieen, and rcturnd her Thanks for; his Liberty, but went privately to Port (h^ kealy ill order to difpofe every Thing for t\\Q, carrying off of Leonida to Morocco^ where hp wais fiire to be in high Eftejepi^ having' fcyeral Relations of. great Diftiadion \\\ Bar- hary- •:;.-. ■ . ^ ■■ ; *." /.>:;• • t j . fe'iihere made arv Agreement: with a Captaift of a Sliip, chen \>^enc to his Country Seat; bup ftopd.firfl; in the .Forcft, and fent for his Stew- ard, XO whom he gave a Letter to CaftUa^. with Oifders to dcUyer it into het own Hands: he was not long expcdling an Anfw^r, for he fa w her coming with the Man he had feat. Benvtvidez went up to her, and-afrer having epibcac'd her tenderly, fought (^j: \ the molt conceafd Place ; to rcntertain her r*. c 'And her^. tliey took Refolutions fo contrary to^ the Feiin city of the Count and Leon'tda^ -that it had; like to have deprived them of jtheir Livesv; Oh ! how far were they from forclceing theia Misfortune? fmçc at this Tim^ they werç n^aking Proteftations of eternal Love, and lit- tle thought th^iB^navidez and his Sifter were propofing Mean^ to difappoint them. CafilJa 104 TJo€ Pr I N c eV- CafiUa told her Brother flie had fufRcient Reafon to be convinc'd, that the' Count'is Ad- drefies to Leomda were favourably receiv'd. 1 will crofs their Paffion (interrupted Benavidéij with a furious Air) I am refolv'd to feize on Leomda^ arid <:arry her to Morocco ; you fliall go with us, btit before we part, I mufl: facti-' ficc the prefumptuous Count of La Fapte to my Refenthienr. What, Brother! cry d ihe, (ahnoft: diftridled) will yoit not be content to poflefs your Miftrefs, without my going with you to a Place for which I have fo great art Averfion. I do not intend to rfè any Violence to your Inclinations, fafd he, in making you" this Propofal ; but I fuppofe tfe fame Motive which invited you to abandoii the Count ani* enter into this Retirement, may engage you' to go elfevvherc ; heverthelefs, Sifter, you ard* under no Cofiftraint : The only thing I dcfir^( you will do for my Satisfaction^ is to contrive* a Way for me to be hidden this Night in the' Count's Chamber, that I may have tlie Plça- fure of ftriking a Heart that dares adore Leo^ niJa. Sufpend your Defign, Barbarian, Cinter- rupred CafiUa m her firft Tranfpôrts) I am slàj Kttle able to hear you as fécond your Cruel-^' ty ; the Count's Life (liall not be in' your. Power till your have taken away mine/ Wh^' do you fay, Sifter, (cry d BenaviJezy extrenie- ty furpri7/d?3 I can hardly believe what T hear. Is it poftible, that you love this Stranger, and have already forgot Hinriquez ? Are yoti deftind ever to make Choice of ungrateful Men: of C AK E NCY. lag Men ; remember how your firft Lover treated ^you^and what, you are to expeft from this ? Do you imagine, that after having a Pafiion for Leonida^ and being beloy'd by her, he can change his Mind in favour of you ? This is very difobhging, reply'd Cafildà^ but I hope every f hing, and flatter my felf with his Love, if he fees her no more. Seize on her, fly with her and leave me here with him. Will it be confident with your Honour to (lay alone with the Count, faid he ? What will the Count think of it, if once it is known at Villa Real ? They will think nothing to my Prejudice, re- ply^d flie ; the Count mufi: be mine, or I re- tire into a Monaflry, fo that I fhall have but little Reafon to be concern'd at the World's Opinion, whether good or ill Fortune attends me. Do you confider, Sifter, faid Benavidezy that your Afïedion for my Rival, may put him hereafter in a Condition to difpute Leoni-: da with me ? I wou'd have fliown his Corps to her defaced with Wounds, and her hopes being deftroy'd by his Death, flic wou d eafily confent to make me happy. What an Error it is, reply'd Cafilda^ to fuppofe that fo horrid a Scene cou'd introduce you into her Favour,* file wou d ever reproach you of the greateft Cruelty ; yet if you believe his Death will ferve your Defigns, fay you have kilfd him, tho' its uncommon to boaft of fuch a Fad*, >vere it even true. ^^Benavidez perceiving his Sifter lov'd the Count too paflionately to confent to fo cruel ii6 Thâ Prince 'an Acftioilitîi Compliance to her, as welf as out of fear of her making any Difcovery, wou'd no longer infill upon it. To fhow my Affec- ^tion for ybu, dear Cafilda^ faid he, I fubniit to 'your Pleafure, only oblige mè in being lecret. He had brought With him three Men devoted to his Intereft, wha he wa^ fure cou'd carry off Leoniday without being difcover'd ; there- fore having taken efFeitual Meafures with Ca- JiUa, the Defign was foon executed to his Sa- tisfaâion. .^;^':^. '^S'l ': That Evening his Sifter invited "X^W/<^^ to take a Turn in the Park, and by degrees led her into an Alley, which conveyed them to- wards the Foreft; till at laft,. Night coming on, and Leonida hearing a Noife, was going to retire when ilie was feiz'd by Benavidez and his Men : In fpite of the Fright flie was *in> flie endeavour'd to difengage her felf from them, and having fufficient room to believe ^it was a Plot againfl: her, flie cry'd out, repeat-^ ing feveral Times the Count of La Fagm's^ Name, and call'd him to her Succour ; but a- las, he did not fufped his Felicia was in danger, who was carry'd off, and gone a great way before he heard of her, or his own Mif- fortune. Cajilda took care the Count fliou d know nothing that Night of what had pafs'd, to prevent his purfuing her Brother; but fent to him the next Morning, and defir'd he wou d come into her Apartment, having an Affair of Confequence to communicate to him. As fooa as he entered her Chamber, (he affecfted to be: mclan- melancholy ; There is no Friendfliip, faid flie, but Love can diflblve : You were Witnefs, my Lord, of that between Felicia and Me ; She is Hot my Sifter, I muft confefs, yet I never êoud have imagind (he wou'd abandon me iil fuch a manner. Read this Letter which (he left on her Toilet ; it was juft now deliver d to me ; you will find it equally regards us. The Count in taking it, exprefs'd as much Un- eafinefs, as if he had known it to be a Met fenger of ill News ; it was written in thefc Terms. "« ''^* 'J HTHE Jffeâiôn'you have for your Br other y and your Fears of expofirtg him to any Danger^ xoere the Motives that hinder d me from acquaint" ing you fooner, with his and my Dejign. Tou cer- tainly mud have opposd it^ had you known I arh going away with him this Night. I coud wijhy Sïfier^ yàur Love for me woud invite you to come ^0 us at Jaen ; you may afure your felf I Jhoud ie over - joy d to fee youy and hear, that your Sentiments for the Count of La Vagne, have met with a kind Return. / leave him with yoa^ fo hope you will have no Canfe hereafter to com- plain of his Indifference. As I have a particular Efteem for him, I de fire you will inform him of i»hat you know concerning my Affairs^ that he ^ay he convincd, it is no more in my Power fo difpofe of my Heart \ and remember ,, my dear Cafilda, that if r made my Refolution a Secret^ you ought to Mgive me, fince Faults of Love deferve rather Pity^ (hon Ang^r. This I 28 The Prince This fatal Letter threw the Count intoibch an Agony, that he was like a Man who fek the Tortures of an approaching Death ; he turn'd pale, and all his Senfes abandon'd him. CafiUa ( who was prepared for this difmal SceneJ took care that Ipeedy Afliftance fliou'd be given him, and by the Help and Force of Remedies, he foon came to himfelf ; he opend his Eyes, and feeing feveral Perfons about him, made Signs to them to withdraw; which they obey'd, and left CafilJa with him m the Chamber : He look'd at her fome time, with- out being able to utter one Word ,• at laft, having recover'd his Speecli, he faid in a feeble Accent; It was unkind in you. Madam, to acquaint me with the greateft Misfortune that cou'd ever happen to me. No, my Lord, in- terrupted C^//^^, I do not deferve a Reproach; it is but reafonable you fliouM be inform'd of /^f//V/^'s Sentiments ; after what flie has done for Beyjavi^ez. Who is this you name, t\\t Prince fuddenly reply 'd : I name Don Fernand Eenaviflez my Brother, faid (lie, and the Lady who went here by the Name of Felicia of Leon^ is Leenida of Velafco ; her Father had contracted her to the Prince of Carency^ who is highly diftinguifli'd by his emiaent Birth and perlbnal Merit ; but having conceived a ten- der Affedion for my Brother, (he preferr'd this Retirement to the Court, and wou d not wait the unwelcome Arrival of a Pcrfon to whom ^her Father had deftin'd her. We came away together from ViOa Realy and ever fince, (he has of C A k E N C Y. 129 has continued a mutual Correfpondcnc-: with my Brother; her going away with him lall Night, is an Evinccmeiît of this Truth. Tlie Prince, at thefe Words, broke out into fo paf- fionate a Grief, that it wou'd have movM the moft inhuman Heart with Pity. O cruel For- tune! cry'd he, will you never ceafc to perfe- cute rne ? Was it then Leonida I faw, and to whofe potent Charms Î yielded, only to make me more wretched, through her Inconflancy > The ungrateful Fair betrays and flies me ; and that dear Friend too, that fame Eenavidez for whom I facrific'd my felf,. he is the Man who lias impos'd on my Credulity ; he is in Love tvith the Womdn to whom I am promis'd, and the Traitoi: defcrib'd lier to me as a Monder, to make nie conceive an Averfion for her. Is this all the Reward I mufi: exped:, after having ààord Leoriida, and fo entirely lov'd Eenavidez^ Cajîlda was in the greated Aitonifliment imagi- nable, to hear the Prince exprefs himlclf in thefe Terms. She eafily underdood by his Difcourfe, that he was the fanie Prince of the Houfe of Bourhonj whom the Count of La March his Father Iiad contracted to Leonida i but her Surprize was the greater, becaufc f!ie thought the Prince, not finding Leonida at Fi'lla Realy was remrn d to France ; and as ihe knew nothing of his Adventure with Leonora^ llie cou d not well conceive, by what Accident he had been attacked in the Forcd, and why he had changM his Name : Thcfc different Cir- Gumdances wholly employed her Thoughts. K The 1 30 The Prince The Prince, on the other fide, cou d not mode- rate his Grief; he was Hke a Perfon deprived of his Senfes ; what with Sighs, Tears and Menaces, no Man ever appeard in a more deplorable Condition. What need you, my Lord, faid flic, exprefs fo much Concern for Leonida > She never lov'd you : you fee flie has prefer'd Bemvidezy and forgets even the Rules of Modefty, to follow her Lover : Why then will you fuffer fo much for an ungrateful Woman, who merits not your Confideracion ? Oh, Madam ! cry'd the Prince, I know not what I do ; my Defpair is fo great, that I am no longer Mailer of my Reafon ; my Misfortunes are not to be comprehended ; I find my felf betray 'd by a Perfon, who was contraded to me from her Infancy, and by a Friend to whom I had confided the Secrets of my Soul. Le ont day who feem'd to approve my PaiTion, has deceived me, and added Con- tempt to her Ingratitude ; flie knew I ador'd her, yet the perfidious Fair received my Vows, only to facrifice them to another. Juft Hea- ven ! revenge me of this perjur d Beauty : But what do I fay, continued he, a Moment after > I have not Refolution enough to wilh her the Punifliment flie defervcs : She is dear to me in fpite of all, and I will do my utmoft Endea- vours to regain her. Oh ! I love her, and love her to Diftradion. The Force of my Refent- ment muft fall on the Traitor Benavzdez ; his Blood fliall atcone for the Affront I have re- ceivU You might do what you fay, my Lord, ^Carency. 151 Lord, inrerrupttd CaJIUa^ if Leonida lov'd him lefs \ but you have fufficiçnc Caufe to beUeve by the Letter (he left, and his Fhght, that Ihe is now marry d to him ; They are gone together to 'jaèn \ Don Alonzo^ who is Governor of that Town, and my Brother's Uncle, approves his Paffion for her, and will protcdt him ; Believe me then, the Defign you form is impratica- ble. Do you think Benavidez wou'd have made fuch a Step, without taking all neceflary Meafures for it ? Don '^ohn of Felafco is one of the greateft Men in Spain^ and my Brother knowing his Power, has carry 'd her to a Place where he defies his Enemies. His Precautions (interrupted the Prince) will be ineffedual a- gainft me ; I neither fear Danger nor Death, and if I revenge my Wrongs, I fliali die with Content* Live, my Lord, (reply 'd Cafilda blufliing) Oh ! live for me, fince my Paffion for you is rranfcendent* Think with what Plcafure I re- ceived you into this Houfe ; and tho' your Re- tributions were no Ways equal to the Great- nefs of the Favour, yet nothing cou'd prevent the Fatality of my Deftiny, which not only forces me to love you, but even deprives me of my Peace and Liberty. Ah, my Lord ! can Sentiments fo tender make no Impreflion > My Fortune is great, and my Family one of the firft in Caftile ; then let our Hearts be fo united as we may be for ever happy. I will leave my Friends and Relations to follow you XO the utmoft Bounds of the World. While K % CafildA 1 3 ^ The «Prince CafiUU was thus declaring her Mind to the Prince, and flattering her lelf with Succels, he walked diftradedly up and down the Cham- ber with his Arms crofs'd, taking lb httle no- tice of her Difcourfe, that he neither look'd at her, nor made anyAnfwer ; buthke a Man iit a violent Paffion, was leaving the Apartment^ without knowing what he did, or where to dired: his Courfe. CafîUa (who cou'd not bear the Thoughts of lofmg the Prince) had no longer Reafon in her Words or Adions, but ran and ftop'd him^ with her Face drown d in Tears. Will you go. Barbarian, faid (lie ? What! will you fly me, and abandon a Woman that adores you, to fol- low perfidious Leonida ? Leave her with my Brother- defpife her, and to compleat your Revenge, even forget her, fince by her Beha- viour Ihe has rcnder'd her felf unworthy of your Love. My Qiiality '\^ equal to hers, and Vvhat I have fuperior to her*, is my Conftancy : But what do I fee? Oh Heavens! cry'd flie (looking at him) with what Ligratitude ani I rewarded ? You leave me to expofe your felf to the greateft Dangers : you 'She wa5 going to continue her Difcourfe, when the Prince interrupted her. Whatwou'd you have me do, Madam, faid he ? Can I love any thing but Leonhla ? and were I capable of a Change, cou'd it be in Fayour of the Sifter of BenaviJez ? Ah ! do you deprive me even of Hope, which is not deny'd the moft Unfortu- nate ? ( rcply'd flic, fliedding a Shower of Tears, of C A R E "N C Y. Î Ç5 ^ Tears, Where Fury had no Icfs a Share than L(»ve;) but inhuman as you are, dont think ro hve in Peace with your Cruelty ; I will find means to torment you, and make you re- pent the httle Regard you have to my Suf- ferings. The Prince did not flay to make any An- fwer to Cafilda^ whom he Icfc in her Chamber, without either Strength to follow him, or Power to fpcak a Word; but was meditating on lèverai violent Defigns, being divided be- tween Love, Jeaiouly, and Delpair. After this Scene, it is not to be imagin'd the Prince wou'd rem:7in in BenaviJezs Houfe. He refolv'd immediately to go to Canmr?ay where he thought he might hear fomething concerning Leonida; and as that Town was in his way to Jaen (which was the Place men- tioned in her Letter to CafiUa) he was in hopes, by a ftrid: Enquiry, to difcover the Road Be- navidez had taken. With this Dcllgn he fet out, but cou'd not help complaining of the Adverfity of his Fortune. Can I ever flatter my felf, faid he, with the Poflcîllon of a Heart, that has fo inhumanly becray'd me ? What Motive cou'd induce Leonida to ad in fo de- ceitful a manner ? Was vc only to facrince mc to Benavidez >• No, I cannot harbour fuch in- jurious Thoughts of one, who appear d fo mo- defl: and virtuous. Then calling to mind, that file l\ad told him fne w\as engag'd ; Why, cruel Creature, (faid he, as if he were fpeaking to her) why did not you entirely confide iw mo ? K^ 3 '^'^^ I ^4. The Prince You are cngag'd it's true, fincc I am the Man to whom you arc concraâed. Wc fliou'd have known each other, and perhaps you might have iov'd me ; but inftcad of aÂing fmcerely, you have carry'd your Perfidioufnels to an Ex- tremity. You Hften'd to my tranlcendcnt Paf- fion, and flatter'd me with a Return only to make my Defpair proportionable. Had hisDiftradionbeenof a more moderate Nature,it is probable he wou d have apprehend- ed farther Confequences from the Fury and Re- fentment of Leonora^ (^for as yet he was not inform d of her Death;} befides, he had no mind to go to Seville^ for fear of feeing the Count of La Marché his Brother, to whom he wou'd be obhg d to relate his Adventure with Leonida^ and the Error flie had been guilty of, Nvhich he cou d not refolve, being of a gene- rous Temper, and incapable of faying any thing to the Prejudice of a Lady he Iov'd fo entirely. Thefe Obilacles at another Time wou'd have embarafs'd the Prince, but in this Con- jundure, they did not in the lead affed him, for his Thoughts were wholly imploy'd on the Meafures he fliou'd take to recover his dear Leonida, He arriv'd at Carmona^ and tho' in a Spanijh Drefs, was prefently known to be a Foreigner by the Fairnefs of his Complexion, and Colour of his Hair; he carry'd in his Countenance fuch Marks of Melancholy, that no Body cou'd fee him without Concern. The Governour of that Place was foon acquainted " V ■' ^ " with ^Carency. 155 with his Arrival ,• and as he had receiv'd Or- ders from Court, not to let any Stranger pals tliat Way, without Examination, hearing he was a Perfon of QiiaUty and a Foreigner, out of a Comphment he paid a V'ifit to the Prince, who receiv'd him with fo much Poliienefs and Grandeur, that after a fliort Converfation and many Offers of Service, the Governour invited him to accept of an Apartment in the Caftle. The Prince return'd his Civility in a moft obliging manner, and defired to be cxcus'd, becaufe his Affairs woud not permit him to ftay above one Night at Carmona ; but the o- ther, unwiUing to be deny^d, repeated his Im- portunities, and with much Difficulty, per- fuaded him to comply with his Requeft. A noble Entertainment was prepar'd in the Caflle for the Prince, who coud not liipprefs his violent Chagrin; which the Governour pcr- ceiv'd, but wou'd not enquire into the Caufe. He undcrflood by his Difcourfe, that his De- fign was to go to Jtj^'rt, and as he had a Sony who commanded a Company in the Citadel of that Place, and whofe Name was Don Gahrîel dAgular^ he told the Prince very obligingly, that if he approved of ir, he wou d write to him, in order to acquaint him with his Arrival there; and added, that if it were in his Son's power to ferve him, he was fatisfy'd he wou'd negled: no Opportunity of cxprciïîng his Readincfs, This free and gallant Behaviour of the Go- vernour, engaged the Prince to accept his OR K 4 fer i:^(d The P Ki N c E fcr with the fame Freedom. He knew no Body at jfjiT^ ; and as he wanted the AlTiftance of fomc Pcrfon in whom he cou'd confide, to en- ter privacely the Citadel, where he thought Bcnavi^ez and Leonida were retired, he the mere willingly cmbrac'd fo favourable an Oc- caficn. The next Day having made his Ac- knowledgments to the Governour for his ex- traordinary Favours, he took Leave of him, and left Carmona^ but not without acquainting Don John of Velafco with what had pafs'd, that he might ad: on his fide for the Recove- ry of Leon'ula. Never was Surprize greater, than that which his Letters caus'd at Court j for Don John and liis Lady were perfuaded thé Prince had been kill'd by Leonoras Aflaflins. One may imagine how great v^'as their Joy, when they heard Heaven had preferv'd him, yet it coud no ways alleviate their inexprcffibJc Grief for the Loft of their Daughter. They immediately thought of means to get her away from Jae'n^ where they believ'd Ihe was ; but whilft the Prince is on his Journey thither, let us fee what becomes of unfortunate Leo- n'lJa. As foon as Don Fernand Benavidez had brought her out of the Park, he fat her on Horleback before him, and held her with fuch Force, that all the Efforts flie made to difcn- gagc hcrfelf, were i\\ vain. Shecry'd out, and implored Heaven and Earth for Succour. She caird thq Count of l^a Fagne to her AfTiftance, but hçr Cries aiîd Tears had no Power. He '' - led of C A R E N C y] 15-7 led her through uncommon Ways, over Moun- tains and Rocks, where the Ecchoes anfwening her Complaints, rather augmented her Sorrow, than leflen'd it. Whoever you be, faid llic to BemviJezy you are the mod unjuft of Mortal^, to ufe this Violence with me. I never gave any One Caufe to treat me after fo cruel a manner. Why will you take Plea fare in didurbing the Peace of my Life ? By what Authority dq you acS thus ? If my Father has fent you, I ana difpos'd to obey his Orders, without being under theNcccriity of travelling all Night with a Troop of Men, as if I were a Criminal. Oh! let us flop (continued flie, feeing he made no Anfwer} I conjure you, carry me back to the Place where you found me ; you need not ap- prehend my Efcapc, fince I am alone there with a young Lady, whofc Brother is now Prifoner at Fi/!a Real^ and were he at Home, he has too great a Rcfped: for my Family, to oppofe my Father's Commands. Here her Tears interrupted her Complaint, and forc'd lier to be Tome time filenr. She began to be perfuaded, tliefe Men were come to take her away by the Order of Don Johyt^ wlio flic rhoiighr had been informal of the Place of hcc Retreat, and of the Count of La Fagnes be- ing there. She tenderly regretted the Abfcnce of her Lover. If he knew (faid flie to herfelf) where they are carrying me, Ifliou'd have lels reafon to be uneafy ; for certainly he wou'd ibon find means to fee me. His Birth and ■ '•' " " Merit 15I The Prince Merit are fufficient Recommendations to inti- tie him to my Father's Favour, who being once convinc'd of the Averfion the Prince of Caren- cy and I have to each other, won d undoubted- ly confent to break ofF the Match, and yiel4 me to the Count. Thus flie travell'd all Night, entertaining herfelf with Refledions of thi^ Qiiality. As foon as Aurora difplay'd her gilded Beams, £f^;;/<^^ endeavoured to know the Perfon who was carrying her off; But Heavens ! cou'd any furprize be equal to her's when flie faw it was BenaviJez ? At firfl: flie had not power to fpeak, her Tears prevented her Ut- terance, w^hilfl a Thoufand difFerent Ideas prefented themfelves to her Mind. She at laft cry'd aloud, (no longer doubting of her Mis- fortune) are you become my Enemy Don Fer- nanda, you who offer'd me your Houfe to con- ceal me, and i\\ whom I had that Confidence. Do you thus break through the Laws of Ho- fpitality, and force me away in this manner? — Don't accufe me unheard, Divine Leomday (faid he, interrupting her) my PafFion for you vvou'd never have fliin'd, had you beendeftin'd to the Prince oïCarency by your own Inclination, as you are by the Will of your Parents. I faw with dehght the Birth of your Averfion for him^^ vyhich flatterM me, that after procuring you ^ Retreat from the Perfecutions of your Father, whofc Authority and Refentment are not to be oppos'd, your Juftice wou'd oblige you to turn your Eyes on rne, and iiKlinc you to think. (pf C A R E N C y. 1^9 think, I was nor fo ardently devoted to your Service, without loving you to Ditlradtion ; but whilft I was an unfortunate Prifoner, de- prived of all that cou'd give me Pleafure^ you were entertaining the Count of La Vagney whofe Life you had fav'd : I was inform'd of his Paflion for you, and of the favourable Re- ception you gave him. What! were all my Pains and Cares dcfign'd for this Stranger ; and did I expofe myfelf for no other reafon, but to procure him an Opportunity of declar- ing his Love to you ? Was there ever a Deftiny more unaccountable ? I conjure you. Madam, to ccafe tormenting your felf ; you have no juft Caufe to grieve. It is not your Fa- ther's Houfe you regret, neither is it the Prince of Carency^ fmce your Difdain for him is fo great, that you chofe rather to quit the Court, than fee him ; but you figh for the Count of La Fagnç^ his Abfcncc occafions all thefe Tears ; what Madam ! ought you not to prefer me to him > Do me Juftice ; fufpend your Refentment, and you will approve my Condud. Ah ! cry'd Leonuia, your Offence is too great; you have behav'd yourfelf like a Traytor, and you mufi: exped: nothing but my Hatred, and that of my Family. If it be true you love me, as you fay you do, ufe other pieans to gain my Favour : Redore me my Liberty, and let me have the difpofing of my Delliny ; you may afterward difpute your Ti- tle to me with the Count, and deferve by your Services that Precedency, wjiich you ap- prehend it\.o Th Prince prehend I give him. You have one Advantage he has not, which is my being already under fome Obligations to you, and lb far I acknow- ledge my Gratitude ; therefore I wou'd not have you forfeit the Eftccm due to fo peculiar a Merit ; but don't think you fliall ever prevail with me, by Force, or by a difrelpeétful Beha- viour; your prefcnt Condud is a fufficienc Motive to render you odious to me ,• y-et upon Condition, you will obey me, lam v/illing to forget your Oifence, and pardon the Raflmeis pf a Paffion, which pcthaps you were not Mafter of. I penetrate into your Thoughts too well, Madam, (reply'd Benav'uicz) to let my felf be deceived by a Difcourfe, you wou'd not have made me, had you been at Liberty to declare your Sentiments. The Count has an indifpu- table Advantage oyer me; he has had the good Fortune to acquire your Favour, biit as for my part, you ever look'd on me with all the In- diffcrency imaginable: Your Words bear more Policy, than good Nature, and your Heart fpeak's for my Rival ; befides, do you think me credulous enough to believe, your Anger can be fo eafily appeas'd. No, I ought not to ran the hazard of lofing a Treafure, I have already in my Pofleflion. Therefore Madam, for my Paffion's fake, pardon my not complying with your Rcqueft: ; refolve to be mine, fince by that means you can render me the happielt of Mankind. I will go with you to any p;^rt of the World. You fliali be Mif- tref^ (^ C A R È N C Y. l/^\ trefs of your Defliny and mine ; then I wiH obey you for ever. Ah! Barbarian, (cry'd Leonida^ in a mourn- ful Accent) Iwou'd fooncr facrifice aThoufond Lives, if I had 'em, than confcnt to be yours. It is not without reafon, you fufpecSted my Words. I had no other Dcfign in fpeaking to you, as I did, but that of retrieving my Liber^ ty, and flying you as the crueleft of my Enemies. I fee nothing cnn deceive a Man who is too great a Mafter of DilTimulation, not to dive into the Thoughts of others. You may eafily judge, that as my Averfion for you is infinite, fo is my Refcntment of the Injury you do me ; but you fliall not glory long in your Treachery: I had rather caft my fcif into the Arms of Death, tho' never fo dreadful, than Hve with you, ; yes, I can find the Way to die, and in dying, meet with too great a Fehcity in my defpairing Condition. Having fpoke thefc Words with much Anger and Emotion, flie wou'd not fay any more, nor even look at him, tho' lie us'd his utmoft Endeavours to appeafc her. This was the de- plorable State flic was in, when Benavidez em- bark'd with her at Porto-Real^'m order to fail for Morocco^ which PaiTage was then very danger- ous, becaufe the Spaniards having lately defeated the King of Tunis s Fleet, the Barbarians were fo enrag'd,that they fvvore they wou'd be revenged, and give no Q^^arter to any SpaniJl)Yc&L Leonida was hardly cmbark'd, when a hand- fome young Lady came o her iw a refpecSful manner ; 14^ The Pu i NCE manner ; her Features were very regular, and her Countenance fo fvveec and agreeable, that Leonidaj tho' her Grief was inexpreflible, fix'd her Eyes on her with a lecret Plealure. Heir Name was Inea ; (lie was Daughter to the Captain of the Ship, and fliew^d an extraordi- nary Defire to be ferviceable to our Diftrclîèd Fair, in her Afflidlion. lam extreamly oblig'd to you (faid Leonhla to her) for the Concern you exprefs, but I beg you will give yourfelf no farther Trouble ; The Condition I am in, neither lets me feek, nor wifli for Relief: Oh! leave me to my Defpair, fmce nothing but Death can eafe me. I have no Defign to dif- pleafe you, Madam, reply'd Inea^ but I think my felf under an Obligation to ferve you, in all that lies in my power. I can eafily per- ceive your Trouble is exceeding, and that your Thoughts are entirely imploy'd on fome great Difafter; but I am perfuaded, we ought never to difpair, fince the crueleft Fate may re- ceive a favourable Change. Charming Ineaj iaterrupted Leonida^ (having heard her Name) I am almoft without hopes. We are bound for Africa^ and the Traytor who has forced me away, is carrying me into a Kingdom where he has great Power. Alas, who is it that will corne to my help? Neither my Relations, nor Friends know any thing of my Misfortune; no body is acquainted with it, but a Woman, who is even as perfidious as himfelf. Thefe Words made her call x.o \\\mà Cafilda ^^ and fo fatal a Remembrance, occafion d her to ilied a Torrent ^ C A K E N C Y. I ^5 reiit of Tears. O Traytrefs ! faid flie, (as if flie were prefent} what have I done to you, to deferv^e this from your Hands ? 'Tis you that help'd your Brother to carry me off, and by your wicked Contrivance, I am now come to this Difgrace : You have ill rewarded the Af- fection I had for you. I hardly fuffer'd the Count of La Va^ne to make Profeffions of Love to me, becaufe I knew you had a Paflion for him, and cou d I have difpos'd of his and my Deftiny, I wou'd not have given you the leaft Uneafinefs. You had no fuch generous Senti- ments for me ; it was by your means, your Brother knew the AfTedion I had for this Stranger, and at a time, that you pretended you were not deceiving me ; by your fâlfe Ca- refTes, you drew from me all my Secrets, which you have ungratefully abus'd, and on- ly fought my Ruin by fuch a Difcovery. She pronounc'd thefe Words with a Paffion juftly infpir'd, and thought by unloading her Mind, Ihe might give fome Eafe to her over-burthen d Heart. Benavidez flattering himfclf with a fuccefs- ful Voyage, whenever he fpoke to Leoniday entertained her with his Paiïion, and faid, he hop d that as flie faw a Neceffity of fubmitting to her Fate, flie wou'd confent to make him happy. This Difcourfe flie heard with Con- tempt, and had fo little Regard for his Sighs, Tears and Menaces, that flie never turn d her Eyes on him, but was thinking how flie cou'd efcape the Hands of her RaviJher, which fhe wou'd 1 44^ The Prince v/ou'd have couragioufly done by chufing Death, had nor the Seiiiimencs of Rehgion oppos'd lb cruel a Relblution. As Benavtdez knew his Prcfehce was odious to her, he fel- dom appeared • but vVas in hopes, time wou'd make an Alteration in his Favour, and pro- posed, as foon as they Were arriv'd at Morocco^ to find means to make her obey him, if he was not fortunate enough to rendei: himfeif agree- able to her. • The Wind being fair, they fooii reach'd the StreightS oî Gibraltar^ and entcr'd xh^ Méditer-, rean^ where having fail'd fome time, the Sea- men iliouted for Joy in feeing the Coaft of A- frica^ and did not doubt, but they iliou d make the Land in a few Hours. Leonida^ at this News lamented her unhappy State ; flie weiit upon Deck, and calling her melancholy Eyes over the vaft Ocean ; I am looking into the Skies Cfaid flie to Inea) to fee whether I caii difcover any dark Cloud, or Sign of an ap- proaching Storm ; I wifli you were not with me in this Ship, then fliou d I be the more willing to perifli here : But alas ! ho\V calm is the Sea, and how fercne the Air ? We fliallfooa i-cach Africa, and I have nothing left my wea^ ried Soul, but cruel Defpair. Her Head was leaning on one of her Hands, and her Neck bathed v/ith Tears that ran from her beauteous Eyes. In this Pofture Inea was endeavouring to give her fome Confolation, when fuddenly flic cry'djOHeavcns here are too great Ships coming up to us under fullfail; how unfortunate ilioud we be of C ARE N C Y. 145 fee, if they were Enemies ? Thefc Ships be- longd to the Qiieeii of /^?^, and had difcover'd by the Flag of Benavidezs Ship, that they were Spaniards^ which was a fufficient Motive ro attack them, War being declard at that time between the two Nations ; they came up to them, and tho' there was a great înequahty of Force, yet the Captain wou'd notfurrender without fighting; Benavidez fecondcd him in his Defence with all the Courage imaginable. It diftraûed him to think, he was going to lofe a Perfon he lov'd mofe than Life, and lofe her m fuch a manner ; fmce it wou'd either be by his Death, or her Captivity. Thefe difmal Thoughts made him believe, he iliou'd hâve power enough to defend his Miftrefs ; you fliall fee this Day, Madam, faid he, whether I dcferve to be preferr'd to the Count of La Vagne : I will facrifice the laft drop of my Blood to deliver you from the Danger, you are threaten d with ; but if I dye^ Adorable Leonida^ remember I dye for you ; and that, had not my Paflion been the Caufc, I wou'd not have committed thofc Crimes, for which I have incurr'd your Averfion. I don't think (faid {he, v^ ith an Air as full of Pride, as Coldnefs) that I am any ways ob- lig d to thank you for what you are going to ad: in my Defence. I cannot fall into Hands more barbarous, nor more odious to me, than your's. Benavidez had no time to make her an Anfwer ; he ran above Deck, and did fuch Adions as one woud have though incredible, had he L burn'd 1 4-6 The Prince buni'd with a milder PafTion ; but this brave Spaniard 'sySiS not long able to fuftain the over- powering Force of the Moors: Thofe that cou'd have feconded his Courage, were already wounded ; and as he was alfo pierc'd with Wounds, he was forc'd at laft to yield, and let his feeble Body take Place ainoiig the Enemies, he had jufl: facrific'd to his Rage. The young Prince Ahelhamar^ who had jufl: fought him, admiring his Courage, did not fee his approaching End, without fome Concern ; he commanded that nothing fliou'd be negledt- ed to reheve him, and was going to fpeak to him, when he was inform'd, that feveral La- dies were found in the Cabbin. Leonida ap- peared among them like a Qixecn in the midft of her Subjedls ; he was furpriz'd at her fupe- rior Beauty, and tho' Fear was (till painted in her Face, and her Eyes had lefs Power than ufual, yet her Charms had fo great an Influ- ence, that the Prince from aConqueror became almofl; a Captive. Benavidez knew her tho* dying, and made an Effort to rife, and fpeak to her. You are reveng'd. Madam, faid he, 'of an unfortunate Man, who never could have been eapable of difpleafmg you, had not his Paffioii for you been proportionable to his Offence. Don'c envy me the Confolacion of believing, my Memory will not be odious to you, and that the Lofs of my Life may attone for my Crime. Leonida^ mov'd at fo melancholy a Sight, and hor own Condition together, cou'd notreltrain her Will fhe not have Room to load- me with Reproaches, which muft be fucceeded by her Averfion? He was now ruminating on a Thoufand different Projeds : Firft, he- had no Mind flie Ihou d land at Sallee ; then he thought how he might carry her off at his Arrival there ; and after all, wou'd thus exa-- mine himfelf ; From whence proceed thefe Mo-» tions ? Sure I am not in Love ? Have I had Time to conceive a Paftion for this Fair Stran- ger? No, no, faid he, it is only the EfFed of Surprize and Admiration, which will have no farther Confequence, and I fliall forget her in ceafmg to fee her ; yet if fhe fliou d become^ dear to me, continued he, I can ask her of the Qiieen, who, I believe, will not refufe me One Slave out of fo great a Number : Celimcty in making me a Prelbnt of this Young Lady, whom I might have kept without her Confent, ^Carency. 155 will fhink file highly obliges me, and I dare aflure my feif, llic will be ready to give me fuch a Proof of her Goodnefs, at a Time that I have Preteiifions to greater Favours. This Opinion composed a little the Agitati- on his Mind was in, but its Calm was not long : Ah, Mula^ faid he, it is not Celima alone can oppol'e my Good Fortune ; Felicia is the Perfon who mufl decide my Deftiny. Can I flatter my felf, that flie is not already en- gag'd ? If flie has an Inchnation for any One in Spain^ I mull not expcd: flie will be favour- able to me; I fliall appear in her Eyes as a Tyrant, that forces her from the Arms of the Man Ihe loves. Mula us'd all Arguments to perfwade him into a better Conceit of his Per- fonal Merit ; but as in Affairs of Love, the Jeaft Uncertainty is a cruel Torment, he pafs'd that Night betwixt Hope and Fear, without taking any Refolution. At the firfl Appearance of Morning, he grew impatient to {to, Felicia^ and hearing flie was up, went to her Apartment: She received him with much Civility, but feem'd extremely de- jedled, which gricv'd Ahelhamar^ who us'd ma- ny tender Words to exprefs his Concern. Af- ter a fliort Converfation, flie beg'd Leave to go upon Deck ; he readily confented to her Requeft, being defirous to embrace any Op- portunity of obliging her, and immediately order'd it to be fpread with a Rich Carper, and Cufliions of Cloth of Gold, then condudl- çd her to the Place that was pfepajd, and fat dowi^ 156 The Prince down by her under a Magnificent Canopy. They were fome Time without fpeaking to one another; for Felicia having turn'd her Looks towards the Coaft of Spain^ cou d not forbear melting into a Flood of Tears, which threw Ahelhamar into fo deep a Melancholy; that he had no Power to interrupt her. At laft (he recover'd a little from that Excefs of Grief, and broke Silence : The Refped: that is due to you, my Lord, faid flie, ought to make me conceal my Affliction in your Pre- fence, but your generous Compaffion hinders me from laying fo great a Violence on my Spitics ; I muft let my Sorrow take its Courfc, fince it is the only Relief I can expeCl in -my deplorable Condition. Here, forc'd away from my Friends, my Country, and a confiderable Forrune, I am fuddenly become Slave to a Q^ieen, who perhaps will not grant me my Li- berty at any Rate. Alas ! my Lord, Is there no Means left to deliver me from this Misfor- tune ? The Prince, no longer Mafter of his Paffion, flung himfelf on his Knees, and tak- ing her Hand, Divine Stranger, faid he, judge better of your tranfcendent Charms : You are not yet arrived at Sallee^ and tis in your Choice not to go there at all : I adore you, amiable Felicia-, for it is impofflble you fliou d not infpire fomerhing more than Love: If fuch Sentiments merit your Favour, here I lay my Fortune at your Feet; do notdifdain the Vows of a Prince, who in Right ought now to be King of iRf;?. Oh, that I had a Crown in my ^ C AR E N C Y, 157 Pofîèfîîon, I wou'd place it on your Head, if you thought me worthy of wearing it with you; yet I have fome Friends left, and a San- d:uary to go to ; Come, Madam, then let us away, fo that I polTefs you, all my Ambition will be fatisfy'd. Ah, my Lord, (faid Felkiay interrupting him,) do not follow the Dictates of an Infant Paiïion, which may caufe you to blufli hereafter ; confider you are fpeaking to a Chriftian Captive, who has Gratitude and Ge- nerofity enough, not to accept Offers, which might occafion your Ruin : I am indebted to you, it's true, yet think what I owe to my felf. It wou d be impofTible for me to confenc to go with you, without being the Author of your Difgrace, and my eternal Shame. The Difference of our Laws and Religion, the Ine- quality of our Fortunes, and our little Know- ledge of each Other, all Thefe oppofe fuch a Defign; and fhou'd I leave my felf to your Care, you your felf wou'd tax me with the greateft Imprudence. Continue, Madam, (re- plied Alelhamar with Impatience,} and rather fay, you love fome Perfon in Spain, Say, cru- el Creature, you have an Averfion to me, which is the only Motive of your Confidera- tion. Ah Felicia ! How eafily might we over- come all thefe Difficulties, were you infpired, like me, w^ith a tender PafTion ? And how lit- tle wou'd you refled on the Confequences of an Engagement, which flatters us with fo per- fed a Felicity ? But alas ! I fee too well, you prefer the Qiieen of Fezs Chains to that Li- berry i<î The Fringe berty I now offer you. Here leaning his Head upon his Hands, he filenrly exprels d his Pain with Sighs that prevented his Utterance : Fe^ licia continued fpeaking to him with much Sweetnefs and Prudence; but foon forgeting he was near her, flie rclaps'd into her former Affliction, at the Thoughts of her unhappy Deftiny. They were Both in this Situation, when the Admiral (who at a Diftance had obferv'd them fome Time,^ approach'd the Prince, and ask'd him whether he was difpos'd to Eat ; Who having rccover'd from the little Diforder he was in, made Anfwer, it fliou d be as Felicia pleas'd. This beauteous Lady, blufh- ing, faid to him, You do not refled, my Lord, that I am a Captive here, who alas, has no Command. Ah, Madam ! reply 'd he, (fpeaking to her in a low Voice) you know too well the unlimited Power you have, where- ever I am, and no Body feels the Effed- of it more than I : If your Empire is fo great in Misfortunes, what wou'd it be at another Time ? In ending thefe Words, they were in- terrupted by the joyful Shouts of the Sea-men, who had juft difcover'd theCoafts of the King- dom of Fez^ which News ftruck Felicia with Confternation; for whilft flic was at vSca, file had fome Hopes, that either a Temped wou d arife, and cafl them upon the Coaft of Spaitiy or that the Spanijh Fleet, which was then A- broad, wou'd retake em ; but flie was too well alTurcd, that being once landed at Sa/ke^ fhe cou d not any more cxpcd: to be relieved. of Cai^êkcy. 159 Ahelhamar^ on his Side, thought Death Icfs terrible, than parting with this Young Lady, whom he wou d foon be obhg d to yield up to the Sultanefs ; and as he had not mucli Time to remain with her, he employ'd thole Hours in reprefenting his Paflion to her in the foftell Language, Love and Refpedt cou d infpire ; but Ihe receiv'd his Addrefles with fo much Coldnefs, that he began to delpair of meeting with an obliging Return. They were now arriv'd at SaÛee ; and as Alelhamar cou'd not refolve to go himfelf, and prefent Felicia to the Qiieen of Fezy he told the Admiral he was indifpos'd, therefore defi- red he wou d excufe him to her Majefty for not waiting on her. He approach'd Felicia at the fame Time, and laid, it's you, Madam, that hinders me from making my Court to Day ; for I cannot attend you to a Place where you go with fo much Reludlancy ; but be af- fured, that in Spite of your IndilFerency, I fhall not omit any Thing to dehver you from your Confinement. You are too generous, my Lord, reply'd flie, in endeavouring to con- tribute to my Satisfadlion, wliich will be pur- chas'd very dear, if it fliou'd hereafter give you the lead Chagrin. Alelhamar retired exceeding melancholy, and foon after, Felicia^ Inea^ and the Reft of the Slaves, were fet on Sliore by the Admiral's Command, in order to be fent to the Qiieen. Alas! my dear /;>;^^, faid Felicia^ (looking at her with a dcjecSed Air,) wc fee our felvcs going î éo The P R t N C Ë going into Captivity ; and, till now, the civil Treatment of Abelbamarj prevented us from feeling the full Weight of our Misfortunes : This Prince now leaves us, and the fine Pa- lace we fee, is to be our Prifon. At thefe Words, flic coud not reflrain the Courfe of her Tears, and Inea kept her Company in this dif- mal Scene, till they alighted at the firft Court of the Caftle, from whence they were imme- diately carry'd to the Queen. They found her feared on a Carpet of Gold, beautify 'd with Diverfity of Colours, and round her were feveral embroider'd Cufliions enrich'd with Pearl ; flie was drefs'd in a Turk- ijh Habit of Silver Brocade, Flower'd with Crimfon, and Button d with Diamonds and E- meralds; her Girdle, which was fet with Pre- cious Stones, girded a little Poigniard to her Side ; Part of her Hair was tuck'd under a Muzlin Veil, ftrip d with Gold, and the reft hung in Trèfles down her Neck ; her Eyes, which were Large and Black, tho' languifliing, ihin'd with irrefiftible Luflre; but m her Mein was painted fo much Pride and Haughtinefs, that it rob'd her of Part of her Charms, and rendered her awful to All that approached her. Leonïda (attended by the Women who were taken with her,) came and (lung her felf at the Queen's Feet, who thought her a furpriz- ing Beauty ; flie chofe her and Inea to be of her Chamber, and gave the reft to the Admi- ral to difpofe of as he pleas'd. The Qiieeii knew Leonida was a Spaniard by her Drefs, there- ^Carency. îél tiiercfbrc fpeaking to her in that Language, àsk'd her Name, and to what Part of the World file was going when they took her ; to which {he anlwer'd, her Name was Felicia^ that a Gentleman had run away with her, who told her, he intended to carry her to Morocco ; but that he had been kill'd in the Engagement, and file thought her felf too happy in her Misfor- tunes, to fall into the Hands of fo great a Qiicen. She finifli'd thefe Words with lb weak an Accent, that Celima eafily perceiv'd flie w^as under a great Affliélion. She extremely pity'd the Youth of this Lady, whofe noble Air per- fwaded her, flie was of Eminent Birth. Be un- der no Concern, Felicia^ faid flie, to her; I lliall extend my Goodnefs to you ; there are greater Troubles than thofe you are to under- go in this Palace: You mufl: not judge of Fe- licity by Appearances, and I know nor, after enquiring into your Condition, and that of fome Sovereigns I have heard of, but your's is more Happy; for, 1 believe, added ilie, your Heart has prefer'd its Liberty, being uncom- mon for One at your Age to receive an Tm- preflion of Love. Leon'tda made no Reply, but looking on the Ground, chang'd Colour, and fetch d a deep Sigh. Celima^ who only fpoke to her in this Manner to difcover the Motions of her Heart, obferving her Diforder, perceiv'd flie was touch'd with a fecrer Paffion, but did not take any farther Notice of it. A little after, the Governefs of the Slaves or- dered Felicia and Inea^ to follow her to that ' M Parc i6a The Prince Pc^rt of the Palace afTign'd for their Ufe, where {he made em change their Cloaths; and as they were to wait on the Queen, fhe gave them very rich Stuffs for their Drefs : They generally went Bare-headed, with their Hair falling negligently on their Shoulders, and a^ a Mark of Servitude, wore Golden Bracelets, and Chains on their Arms ; when they attend- ed the Qiieen to any Place, they had large White Veils of an extraordinary fine Stuffl which cover'd their Head, and Part of their. Face. . Felicia appeared as beautiful in this new Ap- parel, as in that ilie had juft put off, and her Adions were accompanied with fo much Grace, that nothing feem'd ftrange to her. They car- ried her into a Room, where they were teach- ing the Slaves to fmg, and play upon Inftru- ments, which furpriz'd her extremely, not ex- ped:ing to fee fo great a Number of Handfom Creatures, as if Qelima had the Privilege of choofmg them out of all the Courts in the U- niverfe. Thefe Captives fliow'd no lefs Admi- ration in feeing Felicia ; they all came up to falute her, and amongfl them, ilie obferv'd a young Lady, whofe Air was fo Majeftick and Charming, that flie took a particular Delight in looking at her ; bur what increas'd her At- tention, was, the Fancy flie had to have feen her fomewhere before, and that flie was not unknown to her : They exprefs'd an extraor- dinary Civility to each other, and as there ï^ generally a greater Sympathy between unfortu- nate ^Carency. 165 nàtePerfons than others, thefe Two Fair Cap- tives mutually contraded a particular Friend- Ihip. From thence, Fel/ciay in her new Drefs, was carry d to the Qiiecn, but made no Stay in her Apartment. Soon after, Abelhamar (for- getting he had defired the Admiral to make his Excufes to Celima, for :not paying his Court to her that Night,) ran impatiently to the Pa- lace, and feemM extremely uneafy, when he percciv'd Felicia was not with her. He did not prefume to mention any Thing concerning her, but the Queen faluted him in thefe Terms: You have brought me a lovely Spaniar^^ whom you fliall fee prefently in her Slave's Drefs ; I am perfwaded, you will not think her lefs beautiful than before ; and I mufl: tell you, I have learnt fmcc your Departure, thatlhe who was taken in the Ifland of Sardinia^ is the Daughter of Brancakon Doria, her Name is 0- lympia^ and here flie is, (continu'd the Qiieen, feeing her enter the Apartment) llie will inform you of fomething particularly fur- prizing. Celima commanded lier to entertain the Prince with her Story, which flic obey'd, and Felicia coming in at the fame Time, ap- proach'd 0/kw/>/<^, who began the enfuing Re- lation. A young Count extremely Handfom, and of a Merit fo fliining, that -he was univerfally admir'd, fell in Love with me ; I made him no difobliging Return, thihking my Father wou d be very well fatisfyM to give me to a Perfon M X of 1 64 T/?^ Prince of his Qiiàlity, and one who had highly diftiti- guiihd himlclf in the World. His Confenr^ my Lord, was the only Thing wanting to make us Happy; but alas! we little forefaw the Difficulties that oppos'd our Defires. My Father difpieas'd with this Nobleman's Family, look'd on him, and all his Relations, as Enemies ; however, for a long Time, his politick Reafons oblig'd him to conceal his true Sentiments, which he difcover'd, when my Marriage was proposal to him ; it was then we knew with, mortal Difpleafure, that Time only cou'd relieve.us; wx both labour d under all the Vexation, that fuch a Difap- pointment was capable of giving us ; and as our AfFed:ion daily increas'd, we cou'd not de- ny our felves the Satisfadion of private Inter- views; my Father was acquainted with out Proceedings, which, bein'g' oppofite to his In- clinations, made him fo angry, that he told me ia the greateft Paflion, he wou'd revenge my Difobedicnce to him on the Objed: I lov'd^ Thefe Menaces caus'd me to tremble for this young Lord, whom I conjured to abfent for fome Time, and foon after, a glorious Occafi- on invited him to go Abroad. Bagazet had conquer'd a great Part of the Levant^ and the King of ////;/gc7ry endeavouring to beat him our of it, apply d himfelf for Succour to moll of the Princes of Europe^ who readily knt him sll pofliblc AflTiflance. Tho' I confider'd this to be a long and tedious Journey, and even app.i^chetided ail jilve Dangers the Count might -^ I^ U be of C A R E 1^ C Y. 165 be expos'd to, yet through the NecfeflTity of his Abfence, I leconded the Defire he had of going to M/J//a. We exchâng'd Vows of eternal Conftancy to each other, and the Grief we felt at parting I thought wou d have coft us our Lives. The Event of the Campaign was very unhappy, the Chriftian Troops were defeated, and the Count taken Prilbner, which News I heard with a Concern, not to be dcfcrib'd ; I fenc him Money to pay his Ranfcm, and was. ex- pecting his Return with the laft Impatience, when I received an Account of his Death. Ic is hard, my Lord, to imagine, how cruelly fuch a Lofs affèded me. I coud no longer reflrain my Sorrow. I perfecuted my Father with Reproaches, and wou'd not permit either my Relations or Friends to fee me; I thought Life it felf infupportable, and beg'd of Heaven to fliorten its Date, that I might be eas'd of the Torment I then endur'd. This was my melancholy Condition, when flumb'ring one Night, my Mind filld with my Misfortunes, I fuddenly awak'd, and fav/ a Perfon near me, whom at firft I took for the Shade of my Deceased Lover : Such an Appa- rition wou'd have terribly frightened me, had my Paflion been lefs violent. I found afrcr- \vards by his Difcourfe, that far from being with a Phantom, I had Caufe to believQ he was the fame lovely Man, fo dear to me. At this Sight, I abandon'd my felf to all the Joy, that cou d attend fuch a Surprize, and flicwM Ml to léé The Prince to this Cavalier all pofTible Marks of Affedj- on; he was cruel enough not to undeceive me, and I was not fenlible of my Error till the Day following, when by Chance, my Fa- ther brought hiin into a Grotto, where I had retirM to indulge my felf with the plcafing Thoughts of the Count's being reftor'd to Life. I was then inform'd, this Gentleman, whom I had taken for him, had never fceu me before, which fenfibly touched me ; I was fo alliam'd of this Miftake, that my Affliction had like to have put a Period to my Days. My Father was extremely mov'd at my Condition, and as J knew his Sentiments, I did not doubt but he wou'd oblige me in any Thing I defir'd ; there- fore embracing the Occafion, I conjured him in molt preiïing Terms, to give out that I. was Dead, and permit me to go to my Mother, who \vas then m Sardignia^ which he readily allented to. I had not far from Cagliary an Aunt, who was Abbefs of a famous Monaflry, that lay in a Vvildernefs near the Sea-Side, where I intended to end my deplorable Life, conceal'd from the Sight of any Objed:, that might renew my Sufferings. My Father, notwithftanding the Chagrin this Separation gave him, difpos'd every Thing for my Departure, and the News of my Death was fpread Abroad, without any One's chinking it fuppos'd. I immediately left Genoa^ and my Voyage had nothing Remarkable iq k ; for I foon arrivM in Sardignia^ where my Mother receiv'd me, and without Deliberation ■ ■ ■■ '^■- ' ' ■ con- /?/" C A R E NC Y. 167 confented to what I fo much vvifh'd. She car- ryM me to her Sifter, who was the Depofitory of my Secrets, and having changM my Name, I Jed a Life fo retir'd, that without being of the Number of the Dead, I cou'd not be reckoned amongft the Living ; but I us'd often to be a- larm'd with Letters from my Father, preffing me to quit my Sohtude in order to return Home, which made me apprehend, he wou'd ufe his Authority to compel me to it ,• there- fore I went and flung my felf at my Aunt s Feet, and conjured her to give me the Nun's Veil ; that having once made Vows, my Rela- tions might lofe the Hopes of my returning a- gain into the World. She at firft oppos'd my Requeft, beUeving flie ought not to make fuch a Step, without the Advice of my Friends ;■ but at laft my Pray- ers and Tears prevail'd on her. She defir'd the Bifliop of Cagliary to perform the Ceremo- ny; and as it is the Cuftom in that Place, for the Perfon who takes'^the Habit of a Novice, to go with a Number of young Ladies, to hear the Prelate in a little Chappel by the Sea- Side, I went out drefs'd in a long Gown, Bro- caded with Silver, my Hair hanging loofe on my Shoulders, and my Head crown'd with Flowers \ my Companions were alfo drefs'd in White, and in this Manner we form'd a Pro- ceffion along the Shore. It's now, faid I, my Dear Count, that I am going to facrificc to you the reft of an unhap- py Life, which was deftin'd to be your's, M 4 Were i68 The Pk I N Ç E Were you fenfiblc in the Region where yoi| arc, of what I do for you in this World, yoii wou d rejoyce to have infpir'd me with liich Senamcnts. I was loft in thefe ThoughtSi when I heard a great Noife; the Cries of my Companions oblig'd me to look behind me, where I favv fevcrai Men following iis with theij: Swords drawn. I cndeavour'd to make my Efcape, but two of them-being come up to me, carry'd me off, with fome of the young Ladies ; and having forc'd us into a Boat, row'd imme- diately up to their Ship, where we were under Sail before any one cou d eome to our Aiiiftance. One may eafiiy imagine, that fuch a Sur^ prize terrified us extremely; but it w^as no- thing to the inexprefilble Grief which fei?:'d us, when we found our felves in the Hands of a Cvrfaïr of Algier^ neither our Prayers nor Tears had Power to fofcen him; all his Thoughts were fix'd on making the moft of our Captivi- ty. He foon loft Sight of Sardignia, and after having taken other Prices, fteer'd his Gourft towards Sallee^ being fure to f^ll fome of us to the Qiieen, who was pleas'd to chufe mç (^as you know, my Lord,) out of a Motive of Pity ; for I was fo very melancholy, that none cou'd fee me without Compaflion. It never came into n^y Head to acquaint my Father with my Captivity, nor did I wifli the Recovery of my Liberty, which I was going 10 offer a^ a Sacrifice, when the Corfair took mei It was equal to me, to be iliut up in the Palace oiSalke^ or in a Mon^ftry; fince I hafl ' nq ^/ C A R E N C Y. 169 np other Defire, than that of leaving the World, and paiîing the Remainder of an unfortunate jLife without any Engagement. In this State, were my Affairs, and I daily receiving new Favours from the Qiieen, when a Merchant of Genoa^ who deals in Jewels, came to this Court. Her Majeily being defirous to fee what valuable Things he had to difpofe of, fent for him, and I was near her, when lie entered the Apart- ment. He no fooner caft his Eyes on me, but Ijeerpd aftoniili'd ; for he did not doubt of my being Dead, as it was reported ; yet m feeing me, he had Capfe enough to believe, I was Br(^yicaleon Dorian Daughter; fince he had fpoken to me too often at my Father's Houfe, not to know me again; and as he immediately :P<^rceiv'd I knew him, it fp confirm'd his O- pinion, that he defir'd Leave to fpeak with me, which he obtain d of the Qiieen. Is it poffible, Madam, you fliou'd thus negledt AVriting to your Friends, who fo infinitely love you, and are lamenting your Death at Genoa^ whilft you are Living, and a Slave at Saike ? Who bemoans me ? (faid I, with a melancho- ly Accent :) Do you believe, that after the fa- tal Deftiny of a Perfon, who was dearer to me than Life, I cou'd find any Relifli for the World ? No, as piy Paflion was great, fo was my Sorrow ; and no other Motive induc'd me to fpread Abroad my pretended Death, only 1:0 retire into fome Solitude, and there forever regret the Lofs of a Man I fo dearly lov'd. In finifliing thefç Words, I burft out in Tears, 9 yo The Prince ^d the Jeweller fixing his Eyes on me with Ad- miration; you deferve a better Fate, Madam^ faid he, and I cftcem my felf happy, to have met with this Opportunity of alluring you, thé Gentleman you actually deplore, did not perifli as it was related ; he arriv'd at Genoa a little after the Report of your Death, at which he was fo touched, that his Trouble is not to be defcrib'd; he admitted me to fee him often, but his Grief wou'd feldom allow him to fpeak, and whenever he broke Silence, it avas with your Name ; he afterwards fell dan- geroufly ill, and as foon as he recover'd, went to Travel; but he is now return'd to Genoa^ and I can give you Teftimonies, Madam, of his eternal Love. We were in a Place pretty diftant from the Qiieen, who cou'd not hear our Converfation ; but I was fo tranfported at this News, that (without knowing what I did, or confidering why,) I ran and flung my felf at her Feet ; at firft I was not able to fpeak, my Eyes gufli'd out with Tears, and I look'd at her in fo mov- ing a manner, that fhe ask'd me feveral times what was my Requeft ? The Merchant being a Man of Senfe, came up, and explain'd the Meaning of my Diforder ; and as I had time to recover my felf during their Difcourfe ; Ah Madam ! faid I to the Queen, I entreat your Majefty to give me my Liberty ; I am now wil- ling to live, and wifli my felf at (j^;/(7j, fince my Misfortunes are at an end. No Creature was more wretched than I, and now, none is more happy. I protcft to you, Madam, I daily faw the jo/'Garency. lyi Jtlie Light with Pain, having as I thought, loft the only Perfon that cou'd make my FeHcicy, and defir'd Death to terminate my Miferies, as it had done his. I cannot call to mind all I faid to die Queen, who waspleas'd to hear me with a great deal of Condefcenfion; and being inform'd who I was, as a particular Proof of her Eileem for my Family, flie rcftor d me to my Liberty, for which I return'd her Majefty repeated Thanks. I ^sk'd the Jeweller a great many Qiieftions, and defir'd he wou'd procure me Conveniencies for my Partage in the next Ship that iliou'd fale for Gema; but after hav^ ing made more ferious Refledions, I thought it prudent, not to put my fclf into my Fa- ther's Power, till I had firfl: confulted the Count, and taken Meafures with him to llic- ceed in our mutual Defires, without running any Rifque of meeting with new Obftacles. After thefe Confiderations, I v/rote to him by the fame Merchant, who is return'd to Ge.- tfea^ in order to bring him here ; This is^ my LordjWhathas pafs'd during your Abfence, which the Queen commanded me to relate to you. Ahelhamar thank'd her Majefty, and after- Wards Olympia^ for whom he had always fliown a particular Value. You have no reafon now to complain. Madam, faid he to her ; Hymen^ is going to reward you for all the Pains Love has made you fufFer : You'll foon fee the Ob- jeat they were fay- ing) I perceived he was talking to her with a, great deal of Emotion ; at laft I faw him fling' himfelf at her Feet, and taking her Hand, kifs'd it fo ardently, that I no ways doubted but he had jufl: dcclar'd his Paiïion to her,-' which meeting with an obliging Reception, occafion'd thole Tranfports in him. Oh H V vens ! what a Sight was this to a Perfon in my Condition ? I wou'd no longer obferve them, of C AR E N CY. IJJ them, but wenr into an Arbour at tlie end of the Ally, not having Strength enough to fup- port me, nor Power to refill the Courfc of my Grief. There I threw my felf on the Ground, lean- ing my Head on a Bench, and covering my Face with my Veil, I ihed a Shower of Tears. Oh ! how cruel is my Deftiny, faid I ? Don Ramire and Mathilda love each other; flie has heard his Declaration, and given him a favourable Audience, for which, he made his Retributi- ons to her on his Knees, and I can never flat- ter my felf with the Hopes of being dear to him. Here my Sighs and Tears made me per- fedly afliam'd, and I was as mad at my own Senfibility, as at his IndifFerency ; but had I known what was paffing between him and my Sifter, I fliou d have had as much reafon to be pleas'd, as I thought I had for the con- trary. In fine. Madam, after a Converfation that turn d on different Subjedls, Don Ramire^ urg-^ ed by the Violence of his Pain, deliver d his Thoughts to her in the following Manner : Charming Mathilda I I muft intruft you widi a Secret, on which depends the Peace of my Life; be pleas'd to hear me, and let me find in you thofe generous Difpofitions, that may contribute to my future Happinefs. As flic believed he was going to difclofe a Secret to her, wherein flie was chiefly concernd, fhe thought fit to keep him under fuch a Reftri- âion, as not to allow him too much Liberty. N You 178 The Prince You ought, Sir, aiifvver'd die, to difcover your Pain to a Perfon of more Wit than me ; I have not Experience enough to give you any Advice, and there are certain Things I do not defire to know. Be alTur'd, Madam, interrupt- ed he, I have too great a Refpcd: for you, to fay any thing that cou d give you the leaft difplealure ; moreover, you have nothing to fear, fmce you are not inccrefted in this Affair. I am only going to tell you, I have a Paflion for hea, whom I adore ; I hope my Succefs from your good Offices, and conjure you to grant me your Favour in this Requefl. la finifliing thefe Words, he flung himfelf at her Feet, and his Thoughts were fo entirely taken up with what he was faying, that he took no notice of the different Emotions, which ap- peared in her Looks. All, that Rage, Shame, and exceffive Love cou'd make one feel, join d at once, to torment her. You love my Sifter, (faid flie, after being fome time filent,} and you chufe me for your Confident, without confidering, that as I am the eldeft, my For- tune muft be fettled, before hers:' I am fo of- fended at the Injury you do me, that were 1 more revengeful than I am, I wou d inftantly puniili your IndifFerency. Go, Sir, continu d flie, fpeak to her your felf ; I fliou'd render you but a very ill Oflice ; with that flie left him, and no Man was ever feen in a greater Confufion. He walk'd fome time in the Ally, refleding on what had pafs'd, and was now convinced, Mathilda, having difcover'd her Weak^ } ^ C A R E NG Y. 179 Weaknefs to him, wou d leave no Arc unpra- (Sis d to difappoint his Paffion for me. Don Ramîre^ pcrplex'd with thefe Thoughts, came into the Arbour, where I told you, Ma* dam, I had retir'd, and was not a lirtle fur- priz'd to find mc there. As for my Part, I knew not what Refolution to take, whether to go, or ftay, when he put himielf on his Knees by me, and intreating me to hear him, Adorable hea^ faid he, the Condition I am reduc'd to, does not permit me to be any longer filent. I cannot doubt of your Aver- fion, fince you not only debar me of your Converfation, but even turn your Eyes from me. I have us'd all pofTible Means to. decline a Pafiion, which I fear will difpleafe you : Buc as the Torment I endure is httle inferior ta Death, whatever Ufage I am to receive from you hereafter, only think, I daily die for you. I cou d not imagine, Don Ramire^ (reply'd 1} you were fo capable of Deceit, but your Condud: convinces me of the Truth. You try in vain to perfwade me. This Diffimulatioii is vvorfethan the Offence, and I know what I am to depend on. Go, Sir, I am refolv'd ne- ver to fee you, nor fpcak to you more. End- ing thefe Words, I ran from him, in fpight of his Endeavours to prevent me, and left him w^ith an Air, fo full of Pride and Anger, that he told me fince, he had like uo have expired on the Place. His Defpair was fo great, that (being retired to his Chamber") he was taken ill with a violent Feaver, which obhg'd him to keep his Bed. N i « The 1 80 TZ:^ P R I N C E The mean while I went into my^Clofet,' where being alone, I abandon d my felftoa thou land cruel Reflexions. Were I only to contend w4th Mathilda^ thought I, there wou d (till be hopes of obtaining fonie Advan- tage over her ; but the Cafe how is fuch, that fliou'd Don Ramire yield his Heart to me, me- thinks I wou'd rejcdl che Offer. He is a Tray- tor, who tells me, he has Sentiments for me, which he has not. He fays the fame to my Sifter, and loves neither of us ; at leaft I have caufe to complain, fmce he chufes me for the Subjed: of his Raillery. Oh ! what Fatahty deludes me, to love this perfidious Man ? I fear he knows the AfTedion I have for him, which is a Misforrune, I cannot bear. Thefe Thoughts forc'd a Flood of Tears from my Eyes, whilft I endeavoured to banifli him from my Heart ; and I was thus deprcfs'd with Sor- row, when my Mother fent for me : I went down to her Apartment, and appear'd lb de- jeded, that my Sifter (who examind every Motion of me} did not doubt, but I was come from Don Ramire s Chamber, and that his 111- nefs was the Occafion of my Melancholy ; tho' at the fame time, I knew nothing of the Matter, nor wou'd I enquire after him, think- ing he did not deferve fo great a Favour, there- fore I return'd to my own Chamber again, without hearing his Name once mencion'd. Mathilda pcrfifting in her Love for Don Ra- mire^ told my Mother the Converfation they liad together in the Garden, and defir'd, flie wou'd of Carency. 1 8 1 wou d be favourable to her, in laying her Com- mands on me, to ufe him with fo much Indif- ference,- as might deftroy his Hopes of ever attaining to my Affecftion. This, my Mother promis'd her, and all Ihe cou'd wilii o\\ that Subjed:. The next Day, I heard the Conditi- on he was in, who little thought, I had the lead Concern for his Ulnefs, tho' I mufl; con- fefs, it gave me much Uncafinefs, and Com- panion foon took place of my Anger ,• yet I wou'd not go to fee him, whatever Pain I fuf- fer'd, in denying my felf that Satisfadion. Ah! how great is my Misfortune, cryM I, not to have Pride enough to fupprefs a Paffion, which fo immoderately difturbs my Mind, and yet have fo much Refentment, as to deny my felf the only Pleafure this World can give me ? How is it poffible, I can be fo cruel to a Per- fon, whofe Idea is never abfent from me, and whofe Life I wou'd purchafe with my own ? By this time, his Feaver was fo violent, that the Phyficians were of Opinion, nothing but his Youth cou'd fave him. I was in my Mo- ther's Apartment, when they came to acquaint her with the Danger he w^as in, faying, they beliçv'd him very near leaving the World. At this News, I was fo feiz'd with Grief, that all I couM do, was to reach my Chamber, where I fell in a Swoon, and contmu'd fo almoil ari Hour. I had with me a young Servant, called 7>- reza^ who lov'd me entirely ; and as flie was no Stranger to my AfFedion for Don Rcimtre, flie N 3 help'd l8î Tlx P^i N C E ^, help'd me to conceal the Defpair I was in. No,' cry\i 1, (when I was a little recovcr'ct,) lean- not let him die, fpite of bis Ingratitude : I find the Prcfervation of my Life depends on his. Heavens, (^continuM I, bath'd in Tears) flior^ ten my Days, and give Health t;o' Don Rat mire; for alas, without him, what . can I ex-?> pect, but unconceivable Paiu ? I proteft to you, Madam, I laid a thoufand diftraded Things, the Recital of which, wou'd tire you ; for lure, no Sorrow was ever equal to mine, I was thus tormenting my felf, when my Mo- th*er came into my Chamber, and her Prefence fo furpriz'd me, that I had like to have relat- ed to her the Subjeâ of my Grief. ,She had nift been Vvith Don Ramire^ who conjured her in a WxO?i prefling Manner, to let me favour him with a Vifit ; adding, that after fo great a Satisfad:ion, he fhou'd contentedly aie : She told him, any thing he defired fliou'd be granted, then came to prepare me for this In- terview, telnng me how I fliou'd behave my felf. Don Ramirez faid flie, is fo near Death, that what I am going to enjoyn you, I believe, is unnecclTary ; yet that I may have no Caufe to reproach my felf, I command you, hea^ to fliow him all the In- difFerency poflible, in cafe he fpeaks to you of his Paifion. I ihall obey your Orders with Plcafure, Madam, reply'd I, tho' I am per- fuaded, if he intended an Alliance in this Fa- piily, he never had a Thought of me. You ;i^ake a|i unleafonable. Declaration (interrupted of C A RE N C Y. 185 my Mother, in a fevere Tone) for I know he loves you to Diftradtion, and it was very im- prudent in him, to chule your Sifter fora Con- fident; as being your eldeft, flic ought firft to be provided for ; befidcs, it's my Will, pray tell Don Ramire lb, and that I had rather fee you dead, than his Wife. My Iviother fpcke to me with fo much Heat, that I cou'd not difpute the Truth of what flie faid. I prefently comprehended her Meaning, and inftcad of a Traytor, as I thought him before, I now found he was a Man of Honour, and the conftanteft of Lovers. This no ways foften d my Pain ; for tho' I was over- joy'd to know his Paflion was fincere, yet on the other hand, I faw my felf at the point of lofing a Pcrfon, I then efteem'd worthy the Sentiments I had for him ; and my Alarms con- tinually perfuaded me, nothing cou'd mitigate fo real a Misfortune. The Impatience I had to fee him, wou'd not permit me to fay much to my Mother. I left her, and took Tereza with mc to Don Ramire s Apartment, which I had hardly cnter'd, and approach'd his Bed, when he turn'd himfelf towards me, and reach- ing out his Hand, faid in a weak Voice ; Come, Madam, come and receive the lad Breath of a Man, who never figlf d for any one but you 5 tho' your Injuftice accus'd my Heart with De- ceit. The State you fee me in, ought to con- vince you, there never was a Paffion more per- fed. It's for you I die, adorable Inea^ (con- tinued he, prefling my Hand,) it's you alone, N 4 who 184. 2^5^ Prince who is the Caufc ; and fince it was my Fatc^ not to defcrve your Eflecm, I think my (elf happy not to furvivc your Averfion. In finifli^ ing thcfe Words, he look'd at me with Eyes drown'd in Tears, and fell into a deepSilencç, which I did not preicntly interrupt, being either in Dilbrder, or pleas'd to hear him men^ ricn a Paflion, I began to beheve, and wa^ Wiihng to approve. At laft I fpoke to him j Ceafe to reproach me, Don Ramire, faid I ; ceafe to complain, and think only of recover- ing ; I am unfortunate enough already, and (did not want this laft Stroke to compleat my Ruin- Muft I lay afide the Modefty of my Sex, and in fpite of Shame, confels I love ycu > Oh ! confider what a Sacrifice I make you, when I own thofe Sentiments, I have fo long endeavour'd to conceal. I thought ypu had an Inclination for my Sifter, which gave mc piuch Uneafmefs ; all your Civilities to her, I us'd to attribute to Love j and what very much increas'd my Tormenp, was the Action you did fome Days ago, when you flung your felf on your Knees before her in the Garden. I concluded, you were entertain- ing her with your Paffion, which made me re- tire to the Arbour, where you found me, in order to indulge my Grief ; that was the Caufe of my upbraiding you ,• but now, Sir, you rnay be fatisfy'd ; for I have punifli'd my felf feverely, and ypu are fufficiently reveng'd. In finifliing thcfe Words, I burft out in Tears, and this Gentlemaiij who before cpu d fcar'cely fpea^ ^Carency. 185 fpeak, cry'd aloud, with Tranfports of excef- five Joy, Ah charming Inea! why was my Happinefs fo long unknown to me ? I wasjuft going with my Defpair 10 end my Life ; buc fince you have dcuver'd me from the Arms of Death, I am refolv'd to live, and live to ferve you alone. Here I interrupted him, to ac- quaint him with my Mother's Intentions, which he protcfted, he never wou d comply with. I reprefcnted to him the Neceility there was to affed an Inclination for Mathilda^ m order to carry on our Amour the more fuccefs- fully. He told me his Honour wou'd not fuf- fer him to ad fuch a Part, and that he thought it more prudent, to fpeak diredly to my Fa- ther concerning our Marriage ; but as I knew ipy Mother's jealous Humour, I was fatisfy^d fuch a Condud: wou'd highiy ofFejid her, and that no vScheme wou'd fuccecd fo well, as a feign d Paffion for my Sifter ; which Opinion I at laft pcriuadcd him to apprpve. I cannot deny you any thing, Madam, faid he, fince my Life is yours. Difpofe of my Deftiny as you pleafe, I am devoted to your Commands. In fliort, Don Ramire promis'd me to make his Addreflcs to my Sifter in fucl^ a Mannçr, as might incline her to believe he defign'd to marry her. As foon as I left hisf Chamber, I went to my Mother, and told her, what he li\id on that Point, which pleas'd her extremely ; and as for my Sifter, nothing CP.uld equal the Joy flie exprefs'd, at lb agree- able a Change^ : ■ ' ^^ ^ We 1 86 The Prince We us'd every Day to vific Den Ramire, du- ring his Illnefs, and whenever I was alone with MathilJa, I conftrain'd my felf to exag- gerate the Affedlion he had for her, which I really repeated fo often, that fometimes I was afraid I fpoke the Truth*. Thus we manag'd Affairs till he recover'd; and my Family look- ed Upon him as MathiUds Votary. Abouc this Time, the Governour oï Porto Real) (^whofe Daughter had been newly marry'd) gave an Entertainment, with a Ball at Night, to all the Nobility of that Place. We were invited to this Àiîembly, which was much greater than any we; had ever appeared at before. Don Ram'ne^ who was to be of the Party, exprefs'd fome Uneafmefs at my going thither, fearing my Charms, as he told me, wou'd create him' many Rivals. Indeed, tho' I had no extraor- dinary Conceit of. my felf, I cou d not con- demn his Jealoufy, but rather approv'd it, and thought I had Reafon to return him rite fame Compliment. We faid a great deal on that Subjeft, till at laft, I took it into my Head not to go there at all, and was meditat- ing on fome Stratagem to favour my Defign, when my Mother fent to let me know, fhe was ready, and only waited for me. I imme- diately went to her, but firft made Don Ra^ mire promife mç, whatever happen d he woud |iot leave the Ball, till he faw my Mother and Sifter Home again. We all went together to the Governour's^V pon Ramire gave his Hand to my Mother, who (?f Garency. 187 who was follow'd by my Sifter; and as fot my pare, juft as I ftep d out of the Coach, I defigacdiy fell down, and pretended I had fprain d my Foot, fo that I cou'd not appear at the Ball. My Mother (difpleas'd at this Accident, u^hich fhe did not know to be a Counterfeit,) fenp me Home, and Don Ramïrô ilay'd with them, very much furpriz'd at what I had done, being fenfible, it was a Sacrifice I made him ; he Jiad not Rcfolution enough to ftay by MathiUa, during all the Entertain- ment, but took an Opportunity, whilfl: flie was dancing, to go and place himfclf in a' Corner of the Room, and there wrote to this? Efîeâ: on his Tablets. 77/ //^ T Torment Joes your Ahfence grve me^ adoralle InQSi? Here you leave me^ expos d to the Smiles of a Woman I hate. Horn do you think it pojfihle for r,ie to he comflaifant to your Sifter^ mhen you are not ly ? As foon as you were gone^ my Thoughts like your Shadow^ follow d you* Alas, this Moment^ àhfent from you ^ Who is more unhappy than I> And how fortunate Jhou d I think my felf were I paying Homage to your beau- teous Eyes ? Mathilda ("who was naturally uneafy) not fee-^ ing Don Ramire by her, looked every where for him, and at laft perceiv'd him Writing on his Tablets: She went and took him out to dance the Sarao^ which you know, Madam, was in- Vented by the Moors ,• every Cavalier leads his Lady iS8 The Prince Lady with one Hand, and carries a Torch in the other. My Sifter, as flie was dancing, found it eafy enough to take his Tablets away, unknown to him. The Dance being ended, file went afide, in order to examine them. You may eafily judge, at reading what was wrote in em, how enrag'd flie was, to find her lelf thus betray d, and the Preference given to me; having fo good an Opinion of her own Merit, as to believe, it wou'd have infured her from this Misfortune.^ Nothing cou'd be equal to the violent Paffi- m\ fhe was in ; yet during the Ball, fhe en- deavoured to conceal it ; and what help d her nioft to diflemble, was, that (to do her Ju- ftice) as Ihe is very amiable, Don Sanche of GufmanySon to the Governour, who was a fine Gentlen^an, but extremely vain, addrefs'd himfelf particularly to her, and flie thought, flie cou'd not have a better Opportunity to cure her PaflTion, and be reveng d of Don Ra- fnire, than giving a favourable Reception to this Cayalier ; therefore, llie immediately gave him to underlland, my Mother wou d be will- ing he (liou d vifit us : Altho' we are not fond of Company, faid flie, yet. Sir, your diftin- guifn'd Birth and Merit intitle you to a Pri- vilege, others cannot pretend to. This Invi- tation highly plças'd him, inafmuch as he had already declar'd his Paffion for my Sifter, and cou'd not well exped: a Return, unlefs hq \Ygte admitted to pay his Revoirs to hen ^ • ^/ C A R E N C y. I 8^ Mathilda prepared my Mother to receive him, but did not mention the Adventure of the Tablets,- fhe only told her, that as flie was not very fure of Don Ramires Heart, a Rival might give him fome Jealoufy, and in- duce him to conclude a Marriage, he daily -feem'd to decline. While flie was ftudying Means to fatisfy her Revenge, Don Px^amirs acquainted me with the Lois of his Tablets^ which he fear'd were fallen into the Hands of my Sifter : Tho' I take hctlc Notice of her Behaviour towards me, faid he, I obferve within thefe few Days, flie treats me with aa affed-ed CiviUty. I cannot well penetrate into the Caufe, nor Ihou'd be any ways uneafy a- bout it, only I apprehend, (lie is inform'd of what we had agreed fliou^d be kept fecret : If you will give me Leave, continu'd he, to declare my PafTion to your Father, we fliall foon know what to depend on. I muft confefs, Madam, the only Motive I had to make a Myftery of it, was the Plea- fure of being fecretly bclov'd by a Man, whom I efteem'd fo worthy my AfFcilion ; therefore I defired he would ftay fome Time longer, before he difcovered his Sentiments. Confider, Don Ramhe^ faid I, that our Condition is not fo unhappy, as you imagine. We hve together in the fame Houfe, and in Spite of the jealous Eyes, which continually obferve us, we fee one another every Day, and our Love is mutual. Such 1 90 The Prince Such as thefe were our daily Convcrfaci- ons, when we perceiv'd by Don Sanches ardu- ous Courtfliip to my Siller, that his Paffion for her had receiv'd a new Addition. We thought flie treated him with fo much Diflin- d:ion, as perfwaded us he wou d loon be hap- py in her Favour, which extremely overjoy'd us, for we waited nothing elfc to perfed: our Felicity. How blefs'd will be my Days, faid Don Ramire to me, wlien without Oppofitibn, 1 fliall poflefs thofe Excellencies, I now a- dore ? Ah ! dear hea^ does your Heart fyrn- pathize with mine, and may I hope to find in you thofe Endearments, which none but tender Lovers can truly relifli ? If once I ani fo forcunate, as to obtain that Willi, continu- ed he, no Thought of any other Happinefs (for fure there can be none) fliall ever dwell in this Bofom. My Vows fliall be dedicated to you alone, and the Height of my Ambition will only be to merit your Love. Alas, Madam ! you may imagine, thefe ob- liging AlTurances from a Man, I fo entirely loved, made the Days pafs like Hours ; but will you believe, that Vv hile we were exped- ing the Conclufion of my Sifter's Marriage with Don Sanche^ her Jealoufy increas'd to fuch a Degree, that it woud not give her a Moment's Peace. She was more taken up With the Thoughts of Revenge, than with the Care of pleafing a Pcrfon, who was propofing to her fo advantageous an AUiance. I heard that one Day, Don Sanche having defired Leave 1; of C A R E N C Y. -I Çl Leave to fpeak to his Father about it, flic fudi- denly changed Colour, and her Eyes exprels'd a more than ordinary Grief: I can no longer be filent, faid flie to him, in a Caufe, wherein you are interefted ; fince you confefs a Paffioa for me, and feem willing to unite your Defli- ny with mine ; let me tell you. Sir, yon mufl firft deftroy the Hopes of a Rival, to whom I am already engag'd. Don Rainire has obtain- ed the Conlent of my Family, and impatiently expeds an Anfwer from his, to terminate eve- ry Thing. Before I faw you, I was not a-: verfed to him ; but alas, I cannot now think of my Fate, without Horror. I do not doubt, but your Love and Courage united wiil re- leafe me from this Engagement, fmcc nothings except my Liclination for you, cou'd induce me to decline it. Here her malicious Tears interrupted her Difcourfc, and by this Scrota- gem, Don Sanche v/as eafily pcrfwadcd to un- dertake any defperate Thing againft Don Ra- mire. He aflured her, he wou d foon maka him renounce his Pretenfions to her, if he had AfTurance enough to oppofe him in a Place, wdiere his Authority was great, and in an Af- fair, where his Heart was fo particularly con- cerned ; adding to thefe Words, all that Love cou'd infpire. This made MathHda believe, Don Ram/re wou d rather yield her up, than engage in her Qiiarrcl, or that if he anfwerM the Challenge, out of a Point of Honour, he wou'd have a potent Enemy to contend with. She mufl: have 1 9i2 The Prince have been very revengeful, to enter into a Sen- timent fo oppofite to thofe of her Sex ; for flie imprudently cxpos'd at once two Pcrfons, who were very dear to hen Don Sanche im- patient to come to a Decifion with Don Ra- rnire^ writ to him that Night, in Terms which lliow'd an infupportable Pride. He thus ad- drefs'd him. nr H E Tajfwn 1 have for Mathilda, will mt ■^ admit of a Rival I am inform d you are min€y tho it little concerns me : Tou know who I am^ and that you ivill he dif appointed in contend- ing with me ; therefore I advife you to he fecret in this Affair^ and generoufly yield a TretenfioHy you cannot dif put e without Rajhnefs, Don Ramirey was highly provokM at read- ind this haughty Billet ; and tho' he knew it was a Plot of my Sifter's, yet he wou'd not let me into his Refolutions, fearing I might oppofe em ; but immediately recurn'd Don San- che an Anfwer, in thefe Terms. n^ H E Indifference I have for Mathilda, coud not have engagd me to difpute her Heart with any one^ hut your felf It's fuj^ci* ent you admire her^ for me to oppofe your Pre- tenfions ; and in Return to your Liherty with me^ I advife you never to fee her more^ unlefs you intend^ with your Life^ to fatisfy my Refent- ment. As ^ C A R E N C Y. 195 As Don Ramire believ'd, ïo violent: a Begin- ning wou'd have a fuicable Confequcnce, he wenc the next Day to a Place, where he thought he might meet him, (as he efîectually did.) Don Sanche no fooner pcrceiv'd him, but came up, and faid in a low Voice, with- out the leaft AfTedation ; Well, Sir, are you difpos'd to meafure your Sword wi#i mine ? I am difpos'd to punidi your Infolence, rcply'd Don Ramirey and fliall exped you on the Strand by the Sea-Side, W'here no Body may prevent us. They fcparated on this, and Don Ramire went to the appointed Place. He was hardly there, when he faw Doa Sanche coming up to him with menacing Looks. They both immediately drew, and made fcveral PafTes at each other : Don Ra- mire parry'd thofe of his Enemy, and fooa put him in fome Diforder, till at laft, he gave him a mortal Wound, which hardly lei't him Life enough to confefs the Author of his Fate. As for Don Ramire^ he returned Home, with fo much Serenity in his Countenance, that it was to be admir'd : Fie did not even think of taking the leaft Care of his Safety, and feem'd as if fome fecret Charm detain'd him. Alas! I am perfwaded, that fatal Charm was my felf. He fpoke to me with a Freedom, I couM not attribute to any thing, but the Greatnefs of his Soul; and I had no P.oom to fufped the Misfortune, which had jufl happened to him, when of a fudden, the Governour and his O Guards, 194- The Prince Guards, lurrounded my Father's Houfe, and fivarch d him from my Arms, in Spire of all I coud do to oppofe 'em. Thofe Moments I cannot call to niind, with- out the greatefl Concern. The Governour, who was perfedly diflradtcd, as well as in- confolable for the Lofs of his only Son, came himfelfy, on purpofe to facrifice Don Ramire to his Rclentmcnt. I do not at all doubt, but as he was feconded by a flrong Guard, he wou'd have kiUd my Lover before my Face, had not 1 prevented him by (landing between 'em, and to fave him, exposed my felf to all the Danger ; for tho' I am naturally fo time- rous, that even the Sight of a drawn Sword ftrikes me with Terror, yet I afTure you. Ma- dam, on thatOccafion, I behav'd my felf with fo much Refolution, that I am convinced, to be Brave, iu is fufficient to be m Love. Don Ram ire J \\ ho faw with the utmofl: De- fpair, the Danger which threatened me, was like a Lyon, defending himfelf againfl a Com- pany of eager Huntfmen ; he wounded fome, and avoided the Fury of others ; but alas, his Courage, and the little Affiftance I cou d af- ford him, did not hinder them from feizing, and carrying him inimeJiately to Prifon. I thought at that Time, my Soul wou'd have departed from its Habitation, my Blood turn'd fo cold iw my Veins. I would have fol- lowed Don Ram ire y and fliar'd his Misfortunes, had not my Mother and Sificr prevented me. Mathilda, more hke a Fury, than a reafonable ' ' " Créa- ^Carency. 195 Creature, loaded me with imprecations and Reproaches. The Death of Don Ram/re, laid Hie, (hall revenge me, as well as the Perfoii whofe Fate I deplore. The Traitor fliall be a Sacrifice to the Governour's juft Refentmenr, and my Heart can receive no real Pleafure, till the bay comes, that he is to lofe his Life. The Violence of my Grief wou'd not pcrmic me to make any Anfwer ; my Eyes faid e- nough, and t have well experience, that ex- "ceffive Affliftion makes every Thing, but its Caufe, indifferent to us. Who can reprefent, the Torture I lay in, all that Night ? As foon as it w^as Day, I fent to fome of Don Ramire^s Friends, defiring they wou^ acquaint me with what they knew con- cerning his Fate. I was then inform'd, he had been examined, and the partial Judgmeilt of the Court had already condemned him, the Governour being rcfolv'd, not to fhow him the leaft Favour; but as there v/as a Form to ba obferved in the Tryal, they had permitted an Acquaintance of his, whofe Name was Don Tiefloy to plead in Defence of his Life. Far from finking under this Misfortune, I receiv'd new Strength from its Extremity : It is no Time now to llied Tears, cry'd I ; the Safety of my Lover, is what I mufl think on. Terefa^ continued I, you were ever faithful to me, and are the only Perfon, in whom I can confide ; go, run, and buy me a Suit of Mens Cloaths, for I am refolv'd to fee Don Ramire • 1 can pretend I am Son to Don Tîello^ who O z fends 196 Tk Pk INGE fends me to inform him of what is pafling in his Affair, and by that Means I lliali be ad^ mitted to enter the .Prifon, where \ve may take Meafurcs together for his Efcape. Ah^ Madam, take Care what you do, reply 'd flie ; if you are known, wdiat will become of you > I am not in a Condition, faid I, tliat will per- mit me to apprehend any thing. We mud en- deavour to fnatch Don Ramire from the G07 vernour's Revenge, and. when he is lafe, I fliall have Time enough to think on what re- lates to me. In ending thcfe Words, I oblig- ed her to get me tjie. Cloaths, which I imme- diately put on, and fancy'd in that Drefs I might very w^ell pafs for a young Cavaher. Night being come, I ordered Terefa to take the Key of my Chamber, and give out I was ill in Bed; then went out in this Difguife, proteded by none but my Guardian Angels. If by Misfortune, faid I, Don Tie/Io, Cwho has gcneroufly ofïèr'd to defend Don Ramire^ llioud be with him, or perhaps come in, whilft I am there, what mufh I do, and how jQialll extricate my felf from fuch a Difficulty ? Love, faid I ! oh Love, for whom I fuffer un- conceivable Torments, be favourable to mc this time! you fee my deep Concern for the Danger, which threatens my Lover; I have little Hopes, and every Thing to fear, unlefe his Safety becomes your Care. When I was arriv'd at this fatal Prifon, I hardly had Strength to fupport me; my Spi- rits were feeble, and I found my felf in much Dif- of C AR EJ< C Y. 197 Diforder. The firfl: Pcrfon I fpokc to, was the Jaylor's Daughter ; I told her, I was Don 7"/- e/Us Son, Friend to Don Ram/re^ and was come to inform him of the State of his Affairs. At thefe Words, Ihe prefs'd my Hand, like a Perfon in fome Concern, and faid, Ah, Sir, the unhappy Gentleman is loft, if you do not take fpccdy Meafures to fave him. I know more of that Matter than you, continued (lie, and perhaps intcreft my lelf as much. The Place we Were in^ was fo dark, that I coud not fee her Face, tho' I had a great Curiofity to know the Perfon who exprefs^d her fclf fo feelingly ; but I faid in a trembling Voice, pray tell me, what you have heard concerning him. All the Judges, reply'd flie, are devoted to the Gcvernour, and Don Ramire v»'ill be condemn d without Appeal; I have endeavoured in vain to find an Opportunity of fpeaking to to him, but never cou'd fee him, fince he was brought here, cover'd with Blood and Duft; and in that difrnal Condition, he appeared to me the handfomeft Man, I had ever feen. Alas, how fatal was that Sight to me ? I was fo touch'd with his Misfortune, that all my Thoughts c- yer fmce have been employ'd on his Safety, and I am happy enough to have found an Ex- pedient, which cannot fail. Here flie was filent, but after a little Paufe, affum'd her Difcourfc ,* and fince you are his Friend, continued flie, I ought not to conceal iïoiyï you, the Difpofition I have for him; I 3 muft 198 The Prince muflconfefs I lovehini,ag^dmyAfre(2:ionisrais'4 to fuch a Degree, that I ani refolv'd to deliver Iiim from hence, if m giving him his Life, he will dedicate the Remainder of it to mc, and render my Fate infeparablc from his. Tell hirn^ how near the Danger is, fince he wjU not have common Mercy fliown him, and that if he can purchnfe his Life on thefe Terms, I am ready to ferve him : I know he is a Man of Quality^ and the vaft Difproportion there is between us ; but the Condition, I hope, will make me acceptable to him : 1 fliall for his fake, expofe my Family to the Governour's Refencment, who will believe my Father contriv'd his Ef^ cape, and perhaps, punifli him accordingly. How often have I faid to my felf, Laurea! unfortunate Laurea! ceafc attempting a Happi- nefs that meets with fuch Difficulties. What! has my PafTion for a Stranger, Power enough to make me forfake my Parents ? Alas, Sir, I have difputed with my felf, tîU I am no long- er Miilrefs of my Reafon ; I cou d facrifice every thing for him ,- he is dearer to me than Life, and the Danger he is in, afFeds me be- yond Imagination. " AfTure him from me, that my Heart never recçiv'd an Impreffion before, I am young, and tho not beautiful, may pafs for agreeable. Oh ! how happy fliQif d I think my felf, if he did but like me ? And cou'd his Paffion proceed more from Liclination than Gra- titude, I iliou'd die tranfported : Yet, ftid fliq to mc, as you are particularly acquainted witl^ himj pray tell me, whether he is not already L ;1 " V:l It is no time now to refled:. I cannot ballancc your latereft with mine. You muft hve. Sir, tho' you Uvc for another : WhiJfl: unhappy /- tjea, (retired to feme remote fohtary Place) Will be dead to you, and to the reft of the World. Don Rum/re heard me with Surprize, and made me this R.eply; Do you- think, Madam, I fnall not always prefer Deaih.to an inglori- ous Life, and that I am capable of making you the Sacrifice ? No, unfortunate as I am. Love and Refolution are my Companions, and nothing fliall ever make me change. Here, I coud not reftrain my Tears, which he perceiv- ed, and faid, ccafe weeping, my dear hea ; Why will you add to my Calamities ? Oh! ra- ther conceal your Trouble, fince it is in vain to advife me to fuch an Alliance. Muft I fpeak to' you no more of it? (reply'd I, fighing) Are you then refolv'd on your Death, and mine, and will your Love and Courage, be of no other Help to you, than to let you fall a Vidlim to an inccns'd Parent, v/hofe only Son, you have dcftroycd ? At leaft, ftrive to fave your felf ; promifc every thing to Laurea^ and perform what you plcafc. You know me ve- xy little. Madam, interrupted he, if you be- lieve, 1 can be lo perfidious : This young Creature will depend on my Aflurances, and I cannot refolve to deceive her. Heavens ! What Ihall aoi TJx Prince {hall we do then ? cry'd I : Your tender Scru- ples, are very ill timed; Do you confider, how near you are the Danger, which threat- ens you, and that your Fate is ahnoft inevita- ble > I beg of you, I conjure you to comply with Laurea^ tho' you are dearer to me thati Life. Alas! if I law the leaft Ray of Hope, do you think, I wou'd defire you to ad fo contrary to my Peace ? Oh my Dear! my c- ternal Love! continued I; don't facrifice your felf to our mutual Affedion, but yield to my lafl: and earneft Requeft. A Deluge of Tears followed thefe Words, and my Spirits were fo faint, that I cou'd hard- ly continue my Difcourfe. Ah ! how fatal will your Pity be to me, cry'd he ? Your Trouble pierces my Heart. Don't be fo dejedted, charming Inea^ Heaven will take care of us. Yes, faid I, Heaven wou'd take care of us in- deed, if you did but fécond its Lifpirations. Has not Providence fent you Laurea > Oh ! name her nor, reply'd he ,• I conjure you, by all the Powers of Love, never to mention her more.. You are refolv'd to perifli then, faid L I wou'd live for you, anfwer'd he, but if it be not pofTible, I will at leaft die confiant, and be fptisfy'd with giving you the laft Proof of my Fidelity. Here in a deep Silence, he em- braced my Knees, and moiften'd my Hands with his Tears, which gave a new Courfe to mine. My Breaft, was filfd with Grief, and in this fad Moment a Thought came into my Head, which I fancy'd might bq execute-d Without much Difficulty, Don'Ç of Carency, ao5 Dont be againfl: all the Ways there are left to prelerve your Life, faid I, but fvvear by your PalTion for nie, that you will ftrictly fol- low the Advice, I am going to give you. Its unnecelfary, you ilioud engage me by Ca:h, to obey you, reply 'd he ; you know I am de- voted to your Commpnds, and tho' Î cou'd not confcnt to deceive Lanrea^ you mud not judge from thence, of what I am capable of doing for you. Well, faid I, you fliall have nothing to fay to her ; I will be with you a- bout this time to Morrow, and wc mull ex- change Cloaths ; you fliall go out in mine, and immediateiy repair to Don Tiello, who will have Notice of it : There are VelTcls going oui a Cruifing, and as you have Relations at the Court OÏ MoroccOy you may find an Oppor- tunity of going to a Place, where you will be out of the Power of your Enemies. What, Madan] ! cry'd he, and Içave you here a Pn- foner, in my room, expos'd to the Fury of your Relations, and the Governcur's Rcfent- rr\(:nt, Muft you be facrific d for my Liberty > No, I had rather die before your Face. 1 am not bafe enough to refolve on any fuch tr.ii^g. I fee very well (faid I to him, in an angry ^cne} that I muft ufe all my Authority to îpake you obey me. Since you compel me to it, Sir, I command you to prepare your fcif rp go off, in the manner I told you ,• I pro- teft if you continue to be obfl:inaL'e, I neve^ will fee you more, I rctraû the Proinife I ijiiade you of being yours, and difpenfc yo^ ' ^ '■ ■ ' ■ ' of io^ The Prince of all your Vows to me ; fo that now being free, xye may difpoie as we pleafe of our Defti- nies. Never was Man in a greater Confufion, than poor Don Ramire-, when he heard mc utter thefe Words, he flung hinifelf at my Feet, and look'd like one difl:rad:ed: Are you then refolv'd. Madam, to hate me, and make another Man happy ? laid he ; what Crime have I committed to deferve fo many Misfor- tunes ? I only refufe to fly this Prifon, bccaufe I wou d not leave you here ; fure this Proof of my Paifion cannot be fo cruel an Offence ? Why will you add one Torment to another ? I muft be abfolutely obey'd, reply'd I, fince in leaving me here, I run no Rifque ; Laurea will get me out, and it's with lier, I fliall take Meafures for that Purpofc ; therefore if you love me, do not oppofe my fetting you free. Alas, Ma- dam ! difpofe of me as you pleafe (faid he in a dejeded Manner^ I am wholly yours, and never wou d have difputed your Power, were it not for the fear I was in, of expofmg you to inevitable Dangers. I am now fatisfy'd, anfwer'd I ; for be alTur'd Don Ramire^ if I lov'd you lefs, I fliou'd not have been fo dif- pleas'd with your Refufal : At thefe Words he paffionately kifs'd my Hand, and with tender Regret we feparated. The Jaylor being told by a Soldier of the Guard, that I wanted to have the Door open'd, came and conducted me out, but I was uneafy, not kc'mg Laureaj who (having veil'd her felf> of C-A R E N c Y. ao5 was {landing in a darkPaflagc near the outward Gate, where on a fudden I heard her fay. Hold, Sir, pray let me know what News from the Perfon you have juft fccn ; he acknow- ledges your Generofity with the higheft Grati- tude, Madam, faid I, and will make you Mi;? ilrefs of his Fate, being refolv d to live only for you. I fear you flatter me, rcply'd flic, for I am eafily deceiv'd, but if you do. Heaven will punifli you both. Noj faid I, do not fufped: his Honour, nor mine, you fliall never have reafon to repent your generous Sentiments, but when will you fet him free.-* As foon as poiïible, anfwer'd flie ; my Father, and the Soldiers who guard him eat together ; I intend to put Opium in their Wine, and when they are afleep, fteal the Keys, fo let him out. But what will become of us afterwards, continu'd Laurea,^ You fli^H embark together, faid I, and rejoyce at your good Fortune, far from Porto-Real ; thus I left her, and flie fcem'd highly pleas d at the AflurancesI gave her. I was going towards home, when I thought it very neceffary, Don Tie//o û\o\\d be inform'd of what had pafs'd; therefore I v/ent to hinr, and told him I had us'd his Name to be admitted into the Prifon, which I hop'd he wouM ap- prove ; that I had been trying Means for iiiy Friend's Efcape, and as I did not doubt of fuc- ceeding, we had agreed he fliou'd come to him as foon as he was free, being perfuaded he Avou'd be fo generous, as to take care of his Safety, till he had found a Ship to carrjr him 2o6 Th Prince him to Morocco. The Circumftancc is very lucky, laid he, for my Brother hes now in the Road, and only waits a fair Wind to fail for that Coaft 5 be aiïur'd I fliali neglcd: no Op- portunity of ferving him. After this Anfwer, I defir'd him not to go the next Day to the Prifon, becaufe I was to be there, and fliou'd pafs for his Soti ; fo left him without being known, and my Mind was more compos'd, than it had been ever fmce Don Rdmire^s fatal Confinement. By this time I Was come home, where I found Terefa waiting for me. I related to hetf all that had pafs'd; but when I recolleded, I had advis'd Don Ram/re to lay his Liberty at Laureas Feet, I thought, I cou'd never have been capable of ading fo contrary to my Sen- timents. What coud I do Terefa, faid I, for were he as weak as I have been, and had Fear made him inccnftant, by this time, I fliou'd fee him no longer mine ; and on the other fide, had I not us'd this Stratagem, ia a few Days he wou'd be no more in the World. I found fomc Eafe in entertaining her after this manner moft part of the Night, and re- prefenting to her his extraordinary Paffion and Conftancy, his Defign of going to MoroccOy and mine of meeting him there. I ought not to diftruft, faid I, the Promife he has given me, fmce he declar d he rather wou'd chule Death, than be contradcd to his Deliverer ; and if 1 can get my Jewels (which arc in my Mother's J^eeping) nothing fliall prevent my making this Voyage. of C A R E N C Y. 287 Voyage. Terefa told m^y ic was eafy enough to get into her Clofet, and if I wou'd carry her with me, llie wou'd take upon her to get 'em, tho' flie fliou'd hazard her Life for it. Her Affedion to my Service fo fenfibly touch'd me, that I cmbrac'd her, and promis'd never to forfake her. You mufl go out with mc to Morrow Night, continu'd I, difguis'd in Men s Cloaths, for fear my Relations (perceiving my Fhght, and the Lofs of tlie Jewels) fliou'd feizc you ; as Don Tkllo is a Man of Honour, and in our Prifoncr's Intereft, I will meet him be- fore I go to the Prifon, and tell him my Refo- lution of flaying in Don Ramires Place ; I fhall defire him at the fame to protecS you, and procure us a Ship to follow him. But, Ma- dam, reply'd flie, what will you do with Lan- reuy whom you intend to deceive, under the Notion of your being Don Ramire ? She will follow your Fortune, and if flie difcovers who you are, may give you a great deal of Trou- ble. This requiring fome Refled:ion, every thing I had to fear, prefented it felf to my Imagination all that Night, and tormented me a thoufand different Ways. The next Morning I pretended I was ex- tremely indifpos'd, to prevent my Mother's fufpedting I had any Defign ; and as foon as it was Dusk of Evening, Terefi difguis'd, entered my Mother's Clofct, and took the Jewels, as we had propos'd it ; then I went diredly to the Prifon, where Laurea was expecting me. Without any Light ; I told her, I was refolv d to !5o8 The Prince •\ , to expofe my Life for her, and Don Ramiy?^ Service, afliiring her, I wou'ci carry them to a Ship which woa'd foon put ^em out of the Power of their Enemies. My Face is in your Hands, reply'd flie, and provided I am with him I love, carry me where you pleafe : I am now endeavouring his Liberty, and do not doubt, but I fhall lucceed in v/hat I undertake. I return'd her Thanks in the Name of Don Ror mirCj then hiding my felf with my Cloke, werit to the Jaylor, whom I complimented iti few Words, and defired the Favour of feeing Don Bamire, as from rny Father ; you fliall fee him this Night, and no more, (faid he to me, in a rough manner} for Orders are given, that none but Don Tiello ihoud be admitted, and if the Governour knew I fufFer you to fpeak to him, he wou d make me repent it. This unexped- ed Reception ftun'd me : Alas ! thought I, if we do not improve this Opportunity, we are all undone. ■ ■- -"" Don Ramirej as foon as I cnter'd his Cham- ber, receiv'd me in his Arms, and faluted me with fo much Tendernefs, in his Words and Adions, that it fliow'd at once, his Love and Gratitude. Come, my Dear, faid I, let us make good ufc of this precious Moment; put on my Cloaths immediately, and give me yours ; cover your Face after the fame man- ner, I did mine ; and if you meet Laurea^iS you go out, tell her, Don Ramire depends en- tirely on her Friendiliip : 7'ur good Fortune equally depends on my Life^ I flpall take care of it^ as an Offerings no longer inine^ hut confe crated to you. Come then fpeedifyj my Angela and let us hy our t/nioHy tafie immor^ tal Pleafures. My leaving this Place^ is defer d no longer than the finifhing this Letter. I am goings and fhall ex pea you with Impatience^ prO" portionalle to the Happinefs of our next meeting : Adieu-, my Soul^ Adieu my only Dear; we fhall have no Reafon^ I h ope y to complain hereafter of Fortune^ fince our Pajjion furpajfes every things that has ever heen known in the World. I muft tell you, Madam, I had taken Terefa with mc to the Prifon, by which means I made her acquainted with Laurea-, who fup- pos'd her to be a young Gentleman, and our intimate Friend. As they us'd often to meet in a Place, they had appointed for that Purpofe, Laurea coud not help faying one Day to her, that file was very uneafy, concerning whatlhe Jliou'd adl in favour of Don Ramire^ and that flie had a mind to leave him in Confinement ; for what can I hope from him ? continu'd flie; Tmay depend on a great deal of Chagrin on ac- count (^jTCarency. Q13 count of my Father, who will be profccnted for his Efcape ; I fliall be the occafion of the Ruin of my Family, and how do I know, but I may be loft with them. It's true, I am pro- mis'd every thing from Don Ramirez yet my Birth is fo inferior to his, that nothing lefs than an extraordinary Paffion, cou'd induce him to condefcend to our Alliance ; befides, he has never Ç^(^{\ me; and when we are once embark'd together, inftead of loving me, per- haps he may hate me. Oh! I think my ielf already abandond by him, and fet afliore on fome defert Idand, where Death will be the Recompence of all my Pains. Terefa trembled at what die heard this young Creature fay, knowing I cou'd only make my Efcape by her means, fo omitted nothing to bring her back to her firfl: Intentions. Generous Laurea^ faid file, I am perfuaded, if you knew the Perfoii you propofe to fcrve, as well as I do, you vvou d never change your Refolution ; he has all the Sentiments of a Man of Honour, and I am fure, his Paffion for you will be eternal : The Chimeras you frame to your felf, have not the leaft Foundation ; I therefore conjure you, to be confiant in fo important a Caufe, which will undoubtedly contribute to your good Fortune, as well as his. Laurea^ afliam'd of having fliown fo much Inequality of Tem- per, made fome Excufes, then relblv'd again on her firfl Defign ,• I am wilHng to believe you, faid flie, and to convince you of the Truth, be here exadly at Two after Midnight ^ P3 I 114 The rl^-R^i N CE I will biing^ Don ■-:/?^Mw to you ; every thing isj ready for iiis Efc.nrpé, an}d you may take Mcafurcs for our D^p^rcuLC. Terefa^ extream- ly over joy'd at thefe Words, left her immediate- ly,< and went to,jDon.Ti6'//p to tellhim, Doq Rmircs y^iend, whom he bad -feen in Priib'n, woud; be .that Night -let free, and defired, he woîLi'd prepare^ Sioop for their go- ing off ; but, coH^iiiiid flie, how fliall.wedif- cng^ge.'pur felve^ifrom L^^/'^^îï, who v/ill do us all. the 'Prejudice in her Power, if once flie per- ceives we have betray'd her. When flie comes aboard, daid he, and finds it is not Don i?^- wires Concern, llie will be too happy to reruri; home, without difcoveripg any thing, for fear they fhou'd charge her with having an Hand m his Efcape ; and if feme imforefeen Accident does not happen, I am perfuaded, we Ihaii ma- nage this. Affair to our Satisfaâioii. As I çQu'd not tell, what Hour Laurea had appoiiîtçd to fet me at Liberty, I began to be very much tired with my Confinement; but in the dead of Night, I was reliev'd of my Un- eafiueft, when I heard my Door open Ibftly, .^.nd faw the Jaylox's Daughter ; being wrap'd iii my Cloak, I advanced towards her, with my Facç almoft hid, fot f^^^^ ^'^ lliou'd difco- vcc t was not Don Ramire : I embrace her v;ich the grcateft Marks of a violent Paffiou, but.faid httic to hdr on the Score of my Gra- tirude • flic v^as m fach,Diforder her felf, that I believe it wou d have been hard for her, to ■pz':zc\^^ the Deceit, had flic even fcen my • ' fe^?^ ^Carency. ai5 Face. In one Hand ihe had a dark Lanchorn, and in the other a Bunch of Keys, lb vvithouc laying any thing to me, flie made mc a Siga to follow her, which I did, and we pafs'd ail the Soldiers who were fafl alleep, as ihe had contriv'd it, by putting Opium in their Wine. Thus w^e left the Place without the leafl Ob- flacle ; but a^ Ibon as wc were in the Street, file took hold of my Arm, as if ilie wore afraid I fliou'dfly her, chng'd-to me fo clofe, that I was hardly able to walk. Don Tkllo, and Terefa^ were waiting for me in the Place they had appointed, from whence, we went together to the Sea-fide, where we found the Boat belonging to the Ship, which was to carry me to Morocco. The Night was very dark, and Laurea made me a thou- land Carefles, I cou'd but very ill return, being in pain to know, what woud become of this young Creature, after Ihe had difcover'd ths Plot. We were not long a making up to the Veflel, and as foon as we came on board, Don Tiello carry'd us into the Captain s Cabbin ; but, Madam, how fliall I tell you the Surprize I was in, when I found this Captain to be my Father, who was no lefs aftonifli'd to fee Te- re/a and me, after all the Enquiry that had been made about us throughout the w^hole City. Don Txe//oy knowing he profcfs'd a great Friendlliip for Don Ramire ^ had trufted him with the Secret, and declared, I was that unhappy Gentleman's Miftrefs, who had refolv'd to follow his Fortune into Moroccaj P 4 in M a 1 6 Tkc Prince ifi Man s Difguife ; he darted back three or four Steps, and not being Mafter of the firft Effèâs of his Paflion, was going to draw his Sword, when I flung my felt at his Feet : Oh Sir J faid I, forgive me ; remember you are my Father, and vouchfafe to hear, before you punifli me. I embrac d his Knees, and wet his Hand with my Tears. Tho' he entirely lovM me, yet in this Occafion, he fliow'd his Re- fentment, by making me many Reproaches, and at laft, bid me fay what I cou'd, tojufti- fy my fclf. I knew my only Remedy was, to confeft the Truth, which T did in lb feehng a Man- ner, that it mov*d liis Compaflion. He was very well acquainted with Don Ramires Me- rit, and had been thoroughly concern d for his Imprifonment ,• but being inform'd of his Efcapc, he exprcfs'd an entire Satisfadion. My Father left us to go into another Cabbia with Don Tie/Ioy who was very much his Friend. I fee, faid he, you are furpriz'd, as well as me, at what has happened ; you were certainly a Stranger to heas Flight, and did npc think, it was her you had put into my Hands. I protefl: to you, reply'd Don Tie/Uj I am under a Confternation, which I cannot cxprefs. I can't fay I have committed a Fault; for perhaps, it may turn to Advantage, that the Affair has pafs'd after this Manner ; but if you will make me perfedly eafy, I beg you will grant me your Daughter's Pardon, whate- V'Ç2 Reafons you have co be difpleas'd with |icr. 0/ C A R E N C Y. I 7 her. You fee, fhe is contracted to Don Ra- mirey who is a Man of Birth and Fortune, and in my Opinion, you cannot difpofe of her bet- ter, than uniting her Deftiny to his. I agree with you, reply'd my Father,- but his Pro- ceedings to obtain hea^ without my Confent, highly offend rae. I receiv'd him into my Houfc as a particular Friend, and wou'd have willingly given my eldeft Daughter to him ; was it nor a very ill Return, he made to fo much Civility, when he engagd this young Creature to difguife her felf, and follow him hke a Madwoman ? If you remember what /- ftea has related to us, reply'd Don TieZ/oy flie is alone culpable; yet of all Crimes, thofe which Love makes us commit, are molt excufcable, and efpecially in a young Pcrfon, who has fo little Experience. Forgive her then, I conjure you, added he, and you will confer an Obliga- tion on me, which I fliall ever acknowledge. My Father, who was already difpos'd to fa- vour me, embracing Don Tielloy faid to him, I am confiderably indebted to you, for enter- ing fo generoufly into the Intereft of my Fa- mily, and will forget I^eas Crime, fince you defire it ; if Don Ramire has a real Paffion for her, I ihall rejoice at the Match ; and as a Proof of my Satisfaction, I will carry her to Morroccoy in order to conipleat their Happi- pefs. This Convcrfation ended m my Favour, as rou fee. Madam, which I little expeded ; for was in the Cabbin fo extremely alîtided. a J 8 Th Prince th^t I may fay, no Sorrow cou'd be equal to hîine. What will become of me, (faid I.-^q Terefa) I am for ever unfortunate ? I loofç my Libetrty, in the very Moment, I thought my fcif Mifttrefs of my Deftiny, and I am now in the Power of a Father, who will have no Mercy of me. Alas ! poor Don Ramire^ I muft never fee him more ; he ,will certainly think I am Dead, or Inconftanc,. and either gf .the Two will drive him into Defpair ; I fliall be deliver'd up to my Mother and Sifter'^ Scr verities, which is a Misfortune, I can never endure. ^ nnmo ^j Whilft Ivyas fpeaking, Laurea look'd at m<ç with the Eyes of a Fury: Don't you déferle the Fate you have met with, faid flie ? Nay, çvçn more than what feems to threaten you. You have deceived me, perfidious as you are, and improv'd my Weaknefs in Favour of your Lover. I have juft delivered up my Family to the Governour s Refentment, but don't think to elcape me ; you fliall be my Vi(5tim, as I am your's. In pronouncing thefè Words, flic flung her felf upon me, and I do not doubt, but wou'd have ftifledme, had not Terefa come to my Affiftance, as well as my Father and Don Tielloy who hearing a Noife, ran, and freed me from this mad Creature's Rage; ( flood in want of their Help, for I did not refill her, prefering Death to an unhappy Life. . Don 7/>//6» faw very well, to what a Condi- 'tion my Grief had reduced me, and negleded liQthing to eafe my troubled Mind ^ he bçg'd of C AKEyi cr. 219 I wou'd no longer afflid my felf. I have pre- vaird with your Farher, Madam, faid he, and lie has promise me to carry you to Morocco. I had not patience to hear any more, but up- on thele Aifurances, went and flung my felf at my Father's Feet, and embracing his Knees, exprefs'd my Gratitude^ he told me with a great deal of Goodncfs, that, as .it was Don TielWs Requeft, he forgave me^ and confent- ed I. fliou'd marry Don Ram/re, At thelb Words if^aurea cry'd aloud, and made fuch Complaints, as wou'd move any one with Pity ; I knew. by my felf what flie fuffered. Alas ! (faid ï^ to Terefa) were my Cafe like hers, how wretched fliou'd I be ? She loves Don Ramire, and was flatter'd with the Hopes of pa-fling the reft of her Days with liini, but now chofe agreeable Thoughts are all deftroy'd. Sne loves him lef$ than you imagine, reply 'd Tif/'^yi, and if I had not done my utmoft to make her.purfue her firft Intentions, I very much doubt the Per- formance of what file proniis'd you. Here, Terefa related to us what had pafs'd betwceu them, as I have already inform'd you. Ma- dam ; and Don Tiello told Laurea^ the beft Thing file cou'd do, was to return to Porta- Real before Day, that her Father might not know of her having a Hand in the Mattery fo he took his Leave of us, and carrying her with liim into the Boat, they both Vv^ent a- fliore. I had but jull Time to change my Cloaths, • when you came on Board, and your Trouble, Madam, CIO TJdc Prince I Madam, interrupted the Plcafarc I began to taftc, at the Thoughts of feeing Don Ramire, who as yet has not heard of my Misfortune ; he will leave Morocco^ perhaps, m Hopes of finding me at Porto-Real; his Pafiion may make him forget the Danger, which threatens him at that Place, and I know not whether I fliall ever fee him more : I have alfo loft Tore- fay who was fo true to me ; this poor Crea- ture was fnatch'd from me, by one of the Offi- cers in the Admiral's Ship; my Prayers coud not prevent her being carried off by this Bar- barian ; and I afllire you. Madam, had it not been for you, Ifliou'd have funk under the Load of innumerable Calamities. Here hea endeavoured to hide her Tears, bur couM not reftrain their Courfe. Felicia em- brac'd her, and us'd many tender Expreffions to fofcen \\tx Sorrow. Alas, my Dear, faid llie, I my felf am very unfortunate, and did you know the cruel Torments I endure, you wou'd own, you are not alone to be pitied ; but I confider, it's Time for you to retire ; I have kept you up too long. I am fenfiblc. Madam, replyM Inea^ I have tired your Pati- ence with the Recital of my Adventures, but that's a Fault which attends all unhappy Lov- ers, fince the only Confolation they have left 'em, is that of lamenting their Fate. You do me Injuftice, rephed f^/ici^, if you have fo dif- obliging a Thouglit ; I am extremely pleafed with your Compliance ; and to convince you thereof, I will to Morrow, in Return, confide the ^Carency. aai the Secrets of my Life to you. In finifliing thcfe Words, flie embrac'd her again, and /- »i€a went to her Bed^ Phœhus had no fooner gracd the watery Plain, but young Inea (impatient to hear Fe- Ucia% Adventures) rofe, and laluted her with a plcafant Morning : I wi(h, my Dear, (faid Felicia to her,} I had not closM my Eyes all Night, for I have had a frightful Dream con- cerning a Perfon, I very much efteem ; he ap- peared to me in the greatefl: Dangers, engag d with the Moorsy and vanquifli'd. Oh, how my Soul is alarm'd ! Your Mind is fo poflels d with difmal Ideas, replyM/we"^, that you mufl: not be furpriz'd, if they affêd you in your Sleep; yet, Madam, Dreams are not to be taken Notice of Alas, faid Felicia^ tliey wou'd make no Impreflion on me at any other Time ; but what have I not to fear at pre- fent, being far from my Country, and from a Friend, whofe Abfence is the chief Caufe of my Uneafinefs ? Tho' I own to you, Ahelhu' mars Padion for me, is no fmall Addition to my Woes, fince I muft be continually on my Guard againft the PurUiits of a Prince, who has fo much Power in this Court. Unhappy Creature that I am ! Were not my Misfortunes great enough ? Why muft the few Charms I have left, ferve only to render them the more infupportable ? Don't add to your Afflidion, Madam, faid Inea^ the Prince has too much Refped: for you, to ufe his Authority in Op- poficion to your Inclinations, and you may eafily 212 TIj€ Prince eafily imagine, as foon as- your Relations are- inform'd of your DeilitiryJ' they will employ all their Interell to reUeve you. I fliouM be in the Wrong to doubt their AfTedlion for me, reply'd Felicia weeping, tho' m their Opinion, my Behaviour merits no Favour. Oh ! that I rather owed my Liberty to the Man, whofe Prefence now wou'd make me happy. I find you are in Love, Madam, (faid /;;(f^, inter- rupting her.) I confefs it, reply'd Felicia blufliing; and finceyou have given m.e fo great a Proof of your Confidence, I promife you mine, and will inform you of my Weaknefs. Felicia began immediately to relate her Story, from the time her Father had contracfted her to the Prince of Carency^ but her Difcourfe was often interrupted with Tears, which the Thoughts of her Misfortunes extorted fironi her ; I am not only concern'd, faid flie, at my being feparated from the Count of La Fagne^ but inconfolable, when I think, how Cafilda betray'd me, after having chofe her for my Friend, and lov'd her fincerely. I condemn her, reply'd Inea^ and wonder how any one cou'd be fo perfidious, efpecially to a Perfon, who no ways deferv'd fuch inhuman Ufage. They were talking in this manner, whcrt the Governefs of the Slaves came, and bid eiii drefs themfelves, in order to wait on the Qiieen to the Mofquez, where they were ôblig'd to attend, tho' Chriftians. Felicia, during^he Ceremony of thofe Infidels, took fuch care to hide felf in her Veil, that altho' Alelhamar fought of C AR^ N C Y. Ca^ fought her with a great deal of Attention, he coud not diftinguiih her from the relt of her Companions; he did not doubt but this Af- fed:acion was dcfign'd, which fofenfiblygriev'd him, that he retired to his Apartment, and wrote the enfuing Letter. TT/'HAT Crime have I committed^ lovely Feli- cia, to deferve your Aver [ton ? Tou fly me y and even deny me the Satisfaclion of feeing your ieauteous Face. Can you he offended at a Pajfiony your Charms have created ? What Violence have [ not done my felf tofupprefs my TranfportSy rather than incur your Difpleafure ? Oh ! treat me with lefs Severity ; my Love is worthy a more ohliging Return^ ftnce I am feeking Means to procure your Liherty^ which I hope to effeây infpite of the Queens Oppofition. Celima being returnd from the Mofquezi order'd that fome of the Slaves Ihou'd come and work by her ; Felicia was of the Number, and as Ahelhamar was watching an Opportunity to give her this Letter, he ap- proached her, and flip d it into her Lap, which lie thought ftie had perceiv'd, and wou^ have taken care to hide it; but it happen d other- wife, for the Qiieen (who was inform'd of the Prince's Sentiments for Felicia') feeing him put a Paper into her Work, found Means to take it, fo was convinc'd of the Truth, and ex- tremely pleas'd this young Spaniard made no Return to Ahslhamars Paffion. The Qiieen had ^54 The Prince ' hadafecretAverfioncohim, thoMiisonly Crime was that of being lawful Heir to the Crown flie was in Pofleffion of, which was a fufRcicnt Motive, to make him difagreeable to her. That Evening, Celima took a Walk in the Palace Gardens, and as flie had a Mind to fpeak with Felicia^ flie calFd her, as it w^ere, to lean on her Arm, and advanc'd towards à Terrace-Walk, from whence one coii'd difco- ver the Sea-Side, with a moft dehghtful Prof- pecft; there flie fate down, and looking at Fe^ licia with a graceful Air ^ Tho' you have not been with me long, faid flie, I have a particu- lar Kindnefs for you, and am willing to tell you, that if you have a Mind to merit my Af- lediion, you mufl entirely banifli Ahelhamar from your Heart. I am inform'd of his Senti- ments, and know part of your's 5 but it's ta be fear'd, that a young Creature as you are, (having no other Engagement, and being flat- tered with the Hopes he gives you) might fa- crifice your Virtues to your Ambition; yet I cannot believe, you wou d confcnt to be his Mifl:refs ; for that is all you muft exped: from a Man, who certainly never will Marry you. I do not know, Madam, anfwer'd Felicia^ (with a great deal of Modefty) who cou'd fpeak to you of the Prince's Sentiments ; but if youf Majefl:y is inform'd of mine, you are convinced 1 have receiv'd his Offers in fuch a Manner, as ought to deflroy all the Hopes, my Mis^ fortunes might have given him ; the Conditio on I am in, Madam, continu'd flie, has not made of C A R È 1< C Y. 125 Iliade any diflionourable Impreffion oa my Hfeart, and I blefs Heaven, to find your Ma- jefty ib oppos'd to a Thing, which I cou'd not think on, without the greatefl Horror; for in my Opinion, it is more glorious to die, than live a Life deftitute of Virtue. What! faid the Queen, woud you fooner chufe Death, than be Miftrefs to Ahelhamar ? Who woii'd not, as well as I, Madam, (repli- ed Felicia^ and what other Thought cou d en- ter into one's Head ? This Refolution is my only Comfort, fnice I know it to be an effc- d:ual Way to deUver me from an infamous Paflion. But if you have a Lover in Spaia^ faid the Qiieen, do you confider, that in dy- ing at Sallee^ you never will fee him more? Suppofe there were any One, for whom I had an Inclination, replied Felicia^ I fliou'd be the more ready to die, as being the (Irongeft E- vincement I cou'd give him of my Conflancy ; for if it were my Misfortune, not to live for him, I never wou'd for any other. Ha, Felt- via! faid the Queen, fmiling. What do you tell me ,• is it poiïible that Cufid hath already fummon'd a Heart fo young ? But alas, there i^ no Age free from his Empire; in one Moment the fatal Dart is lanc'd. Ending thefe Words, ihe figh'd, and remain'd fome Time in a deep Silence. All the Ladies who attended the Qiieen, were Handing at fuchaDiftancefromthe Place where flie was fate, that llie cou'd fpeak to Felicia without being heard ; here, faid ihe, (taking aaé The Prince the Prince's Letter from her Bofom,) fee what Ahelhamar has wroce to yovi. I believe you are vircuous, tlierefore cannot fufpcd: your Condud:: When you fee him, take no Notice of my knowing his Sentiments ; but advife him, not to perfevere in his Dcfign ; for in- flead of procuring your Liberty, as he promi- j fes, perhaps he may lofe his own for the reft of his Days. This llie pronounced with a me- ^ lancholy Accent, then rofe, and returnd to the Palace. Felicia^ overjoy'd at what the Qi^ieen had faid to her, join'd Inea^ whom flie defired to ftay with her in the Garden, and they both went, and fate down in the fame Place, which Celima had jufl: quitted. Notwithftanding all the Misfortunes that afflid: me, (faid Felk'ta to her Companion) I have Caufe to blefs Hea- ven, for the Difpofition the Queen is in^ Ihe forbids me receiving the Prince's Addrefles ; think, my Dear, how willing I am to obey her, and whether flie had Need to ufe her Au- thority on this Occafion. I congratulate you, anfwer'd Inea^ fince it adds to your Comfort, but I cannot conceive out of what Motive flie oppofes a Thing, which ought to be indiffe- rent to her, unlefs flie has her felf taken an Affedion for him. I am apt to believe, faid Felicia^ her Thoughts are employed on fome Objedt, and that her Heart is not entirely free from Love ; for when flie ask'd me, whether I had any Engagement, I perceived flie grew of a fudden fo penfive, that it was fome Time be- of C A R E N C Y. 12 y before flie cou'd recover her felf ; yet I cannot think flie Hkes the young Prince, for as Hie is Miftrefs of her Deftiny, I fuppofe flie might make him her Husband if it were her Plea- fure ; I. rather beheve, flie intends to keep him under an abfolute Submiiiion to her Will. Can flie be fo httle acquainted with the Moti- ons of a Heart, interrupted hea^ to imagine Ahelhamars Sentiments will receive Laws from a Sovereign, whom he has fome Reafon to hate? As for my part, I know it wou'd be impofllble for me, either to Love, or not Love, by Command ; I might fo far prevail with my felf, as to be filent, or to counterfeit an Lidiiîèrence, and yet I cannot tell, whether I flioud ad that Part fo well, as to pleafe thofe w^ho wou'd lay fuch a Duty on me. I fliall not difpute w^ith you on that Subjed:, re- plied Felicia ; but between us, I efteem it a great Happinefs, that my Liclination is fo ready to comply w^irh the Queen's Com- mands. As flie had finiflied her Difcourfe, flie per- ceiv'd a Man near her, whom by the Light of the Moon, flie knew to be Ahelhamary which not a little furpriz'd her; flie rofe in order to run from him, but he took hold of her, and faid, Do not fly me thus, cruel Feli- cia ; I am unfortunate enough, to have heard your Converfation with Celima^ and cou'd wifli my felf dead, rather than give you the Difpleafure of feeing me once more at your Feet. Here he was filent, but after fome Time, Q, z con« aaS The Prince continu d in this Manner ; What ! did I think One, whom I Jook'd on a Divinity, woud ap- prove of the unjnft Queen's Barbarity, and re- duce me to the iaft Defpair, by an inhumane Ui>ge ? Take Care, ungrateful Feliciay how you behave your felf towards me. I am not here among étrangers, and Celima (who woud fain dilpoie of my Heart, as flie does of my Crown} may find. Fortune is not alw^ays con^ ftant, and that Ufurpers have ever Caufe to fear. My Lord, rephed Felicia^ I perceive you heard what the Queen faid, relating to you ,• I muft not concern my felf in Affairs of State, and fuice you know my Sentiments, I fiiall make no Difîîulty in confeffing them. It is true, I was fenfibiy pleas'd to receive a Command fo pofitive, and conformable to my Inclination, for I cannot love an Enemy to my Country and Rehgion. Why have I treated you like an Enemy ? anfwerM the Prince : What Advantage did I take of my Viâory > Was iz a Crime to love, and ferve you ? I am fenfible of all you aded for me, interrupted Felicia^ 2in\\ my Gratitude is equal to your Favours; accept of it then, my Lord, as .he only Return I can make, and it's even more than the Qtieen will confent to. The Pii'nce falling into a violent Paffion, lean'd himfeif againft a Ballifler of Marble Pil- lars, which boarded the Terrace-Walk, and looking at Felicia^ with Defpair in his Coun- tenance ; I fwear, faid he, by our great Ma- homet^ and by my Love, that if I don't enjoy you, of Carency. ai9 you, I will put the Kingdom of Fez into De- iolation, pull down from the Throne the un- worthy Princefs who fits on it, and burn this magnificent Palace to Allies. You fliail fee, Felicia, what fuch a Lover as I can do, when he finds himfelf defpis d. Your Eyes iliall caufc more Confufion amongft us, than any Revo- lution ever did. Oh Heaven^, my Lord ! cry^d Felicia; can any thing be more dreadful, than fuch Defigns ? What ! for an unfortunate Slave, as I am, wou'd you difturb the Peace of this Nation? Are not my Woes great e- nough already ; muft you attempt to force me away from the Qi^iecn, after I have declare to you, that I will refolve on Death, fooner than confent to your Defires ? My Lord, fincc I muft confefs it, I am in Love with One m Sj>ain^ and 1 will as willingly give my Life, as marry any other ; Ablence it felf fliall ne- ver lefien my Affedion for him : I know the Way to be conftant, and preferve my Heart for One, who Noj I can hear you no longer, (faid the Prince, interrupting her) you endeavour to diftrad me, with the cruel- eft Things, you can imagine ; but in Time, I will be revengd on you, the Qiieen, and that dangerous Rival. Finiiliing thefc Words, he left Felicia. Her AfHidion was fo great, that flie had hardly reach'd the Palace, when (lie was feiz- ed with a violent Feaver, which continu d all that Night. The Governefs of the Slaves went next Morning, to acquaint the Qiieen of a 3 if, ^5^ Tlx Prince it, who feiit Olympic^ Dor/a to (lay by her. Asf fooii as Felicia law her cuter the Chamber, file faid to her, with a latiguifhing Air; The Condirion I am in, Madam, will only give you Uneafinefs, and the Company of lb un- fortunate a Creature as I, can be no ways a- greeable to you. I cannot tell, whether it be a Pleafure to you, to fee me, anfwerd Olym- pia; but I know very well, nothing can give me .a greater Satisfacîîion, than being with you ; and tho' I am in Expeâation of the on- ly Happinefs, that can blefs my Days, yet in quitting this Palace, I cannot help regretting the Abfence of my charming Felicia- How obliging you are, my deareft Companion, (re- plied flie) but alas! I ihall have the grcateft Cauie to regret, when I fee you no more. What Confolation wou d it be me, were I go- ing with you to Genoa; I have fome Reafonsf to wifh it. I will not prefume to ask 'em, faid Olympia^ fearing you fhou d think my Cu- -riofity too great,- but if you will tell me, why you are fo defirous of going that Voyage, I fhall rake it as a mighty Favour. I will grant your Requeft, replied Felicia^ as foon as my Health permits me, and fliall defire you alfo, to acquaint me with fome Particulars, relating to a Perfon of that Country. Which Olympia promis'd her; and after having flaid fome Time with her, flie went, and gave the Queen an Account of the Condition flie was in. The mean while, Felicia and Inea entertained pach other v»'ith their Grief, whenever they found I ^ C A K E N G Y. 251 found an Opportunity of being alone. Shou'd I inform the Qiieen of Ahelhamar's Menaces, (fdiià Felicia, to her Friend) flie woud take llich Mcafiires as might fecure the Peace and Tranquihty of her Kingdom, and by fending me for Spain^ dehver me from his Violence ; but (continuai flie, after a Moment's PaufeJ what Reproaches fliou d not I dcferve, fuppo- fing this young Prince was only urged by his Paffion, to fpeak as he did, without having any Thoughts of executing fo ralli a Defign, and that upon my Information, he lliou'd be arreftcd ; then his Difgrace, and perhaps the Lofs of his Life, wou d be owing to me ? What an ungrateful Return iliou'd 1 m.ake, to the obhging Sentiments he conceiv'd for me, from the Beginning of my Misfortune? Inea approv'd very much her prudent Confiderati- ons, and reprefented to her, how willingly the Qiiecn wou'd embrace that Pretence, to make a Sacrifice of Alelhamar^ whofe Paffioa file only oppos'd, with a Defign to provoke him to ufe her with Difrefped, which wou d confequently bring him to inevitable PuniQi- ment ; and were it otherways, it wou'd not ftand with Reafon, that the Qiieen fliou'd con- cern her felf with any thing fo much below her, as a Slave, Felicia \y2i% of Z^^f^'s Opini- on, and thought there was fo much Probabi- lity in what (he faid, that flie chofe rather to, be filent i\\ the Matter, than make a Difcove- ry, which might be the Caule of greater Dif- orders ; fo implor d the Affiftance of Heavea Q.^ for a 5 2 The Prince for her Deliverance. As for hea, flie had al-r ready writ the Particular's of her Voyage, tq her Dear Don Ramire^ and was impatiently waiting his Anfvver. Ahelhamar^ whofe Paffion was grown defpe- rate, retired from the Queen's Palace to his own, and there confia'd himfelf with his faith- ful Mula: Ceafe flattering me, faid he, and don't make me hope any thing, from my Sub- miiïïon to the Queen, and Felicia. I now am ^00 well inform'd, of what I mud expec!^ from their Cruelty. As I was walking in the Pa- lace Garden, diflraded and melancholy, I perceiv'd at a Diftancc, Celima foUow'd by her Women ; and to avoid paying my Court to her, I retired to a Grotto, under the Terrace- Walk, w4iich I had juft enrer'd, when the Qiieen leaning on Felicia^s Arm, came, and feated her felf in a Place, where I cou'd di- ftinéily hear all they faid ; no Mula^ it is not poffible, to exprefs the intolerable Averfiou ihe has to me, and with what Difdain flie fpeaks of me ; flie has given reiterated Com- mands to that lovely Captive, to fly and hate me, who (ungrateful as flie is) not only re- ceiv'd 'em with Pleafure, but even promis'd Celima more than flie requir'd of her; and it was not long before I felt the EfFedl of it, for as loon as the Qtieen wa5 gone back to the Palace, and I coli'd find an Opportunity to fpeak to this young Slave, flie confirm'd with a mofl: rigorous Air what I had already heard, and morcpvcr told me, fl^e was m Love with One ^/ C AR E NC Y. 253 One in Spain^ and that nothing in the World ihou d ever make her change : In a Word, I find there is no Time to be loft ; I muft im- mediately adhere to the King of Tituans Pro- pofals; that Prince extremely refents Q/zw^'s Refufal ; a flighted Paffion demands Revenge, and he looks on me as One, who is capable jof adifting him. Before I had feen Felicia^ I woud not favour his Defigns, thinking the CV.ieen might chufe me to Reign with her ; Now I lee my Error; iLe not only hates me, but even oppoies my Happinefs, where- ever I leek ir. If I may be permitted to give you my Ad- vice, my Lord, (reply'd Mula^^ I am of Opi- nion, you iliou'd Ipeak to Celimay before you enter into the King of Tituans Intereft, and try whether you cannot bring her into a more favourable Difpofition for you ; tis probable, flie may make fomc lerious Refledion, and for her ovrn fake, not provoke you to ad: any Thing defpcrate. I am willing to make that one Seep more, faid the Prince, tho' ever fo nice ; but as I believe the Queen has a Dcfign to take me up, let us be prepared for the Wonl : If I am put in Arreft, do you go to Tunis ; tell Ifmael^ the Number of Friends I have in this Court, and manage Affairs fo, as by his Afllft- ance, and theirs, I may obtain my Liberty, ; poiïefs my Love, and be revenge. It was late before Ahclham^ir had ended his Convcrfation, which prevented him from go- ing the nçxp Morning to the Qiiccns Apart- ment, •1'54 • ^^^^ P^ IN CE ment; and the firfl: Thing he heard, was Feli- 'cias Illnefs. This News caiis'd him to be ex- tremely uneafy ; he loon forgot all other Pro- jects, and fix'd his chiefcft Thoughts, on feek- ing Means to fee the Perfon he iov'd,- which met with fome Oppofition, Celima having given Orders he fliou'd not be admitted into her Chamber; and as for the Governefs of the Slaves, he cou d not flatter himfelf with the Hopes of gaining her, being an old Woman, entirely devoted to the Queen's Will ; fo that he was almoft defpairing of Succefs in his Enterprize ; but what is not Love capable of ,^ It conquers all Difficulties. The Prince, being young and handfome, re- folv'd to difguife himfelf in Woman's Cloaths, in order to be prefented to the Qiieen by a Captain of a Ship, with whom he was par- ticularly acquainted. He was a perfeâ: Ma- fter of the Spanî/h TonguQ, and did not doubt, but he might eafily pafs for One of that Nati- on. He told his Defign to Mula, who ufed his Endeavours to divert him from an Attempt, which might prove fatal to him ; but his Ar- guments were of little Weight, where Love had fo great an Influence. He order'd imme- diately his Phyfician to be call'd, and bid hini give out every where he was dangeroufly ill of a Feaver, and that it was convenient he fliould fee no Company. This News being talk'd of at Court, the Sea-Captain brought him to the Palace, among feveral other Slaves, wliich he had lately taken, The Qiieen took of C AR E N C Y- ^55 |i particular Notice of Ahelhama'r'^ and ask'cj him fome Qiieftions, which might have puzled him, had not his Wic been previîiiing, and his Rephcs fo ingenious, that they did not give her the leaft Sufpicion of a Difguife. The Governefs of the Slaves having ask'd his Name, he told her, he was call d Eugenia^ and that he was a Native of the Kingdom of Gj- Jlile : The Queen order'd, ilie iliou'd be con- cluded to Felkiay who perhaps might know her, and be much pleas'd to fee One of her Country. Ahelhamar was fent in this manner to Feli- fia^ who was in Bed, very much indifpos d. He no fooner entcr'd her Chamber, but feeing her in this Condition, he turn'd pale, and fpem^d fo dejeded, that it wou^d have pitied any One, that was prefent at this Interview. As- Felicia and Inea believ'd, this new Slaves Afflidion proceeded from her late Misfor- tune, they were no ways furpriz'd at the Dif- order flie was in, but endeavour'd by their kind ExprefTions, to fofcen the Rigour of her unhappy State. . The amorous Prince thus continu d with his dear Felicia^ and the ofrener he faw her, the greater were the EfFeds of her Charms,- which at laft fo potently influenced him, that he couM not refolve to quit the Palace, eflccm- ing himfelf too happy \\\ the Company of his adorable Miftrcfs. He had fo many Perfedi- pns, that it wou'd have been caiy for him to make the Conqueft of the Queens handfomeft Slaves. 5^6 TJx Prince Slaves, had he made the lead Purfuit: towards ic; but his Heart was entirely fill'd with Feli- cias Idea, and all his Thoughts were employ- ed on the only Care of pleafing her. She alfo very much conirbuced by her in- nocent Careflcs, to detail him. Their Hu- mours agreed fo well, that flie defired as a Favour, they wou'd let Eugenia flay with her during her Illnefs. There is a fecret Charm in your Converfation (faid {lie, fometimes to her} which gives me a much greater Pleafure, than any I can find m that of my other Com- panions. It is the EfFed of my Love for you, beauteous Felicia^ that infpires you with this Sympathy, replied the paffionate Prince, and how blefs'd ftiou'd I be, were I as dear to you, as you are to me ! but, contiriu'd he, if you will give me Leave to tell you my Thoughts, I believe you are indifferent whe- ther belov'd or not. Alas ! how great wou'd be my Felicity, Canfwer'd Felicia^ winh a me- lancholy Tone) were I fuch as you reprefent me : You little know my Sentiments ; rhey give me more Uneafmefs, than my unfortu- nate Captivity. What, Madam, faid the pre- tended Eugenia^ is it poffiblc, that after hay- ing wholly refign'd my felf to you, you wou d make anything a Secret to me ? If your Heart is touched with a tender Paffion, will it not be a Comfort to you to make nie your Confi- dent? What iliall I fay to you, replied F^/ic/^.> I can only tell you my Weaknefs, and confefs an Engagement, v/hich is fo dear to me, that* of C AREU cr. 057 k fills my Soul at once with a Thoufand dif- ferent: Motions. Thele Words cruelly affefted the Prince, who cou d not utter one Syllable, but turning pale, he fix'd his Eyes on her, and continii'd fome Time in this Pollure, as afto- nifh d at what Hie faid, tho' flie had already declar d her Sentiments to him in the Garden : At lail: he endeavour d to fpeak, and with a b.rgui filing Accent, faid, I ihoud not be fur- priz d, fo perfed: a Creature as you were a- dor'd, yet, Felicia^ I flattered my felf, that far from having loft your Liberty, you were free from any Paffion. This Opinion pleas'd me extremely, for although we are of one Sex, I mull tell you, I take delight in gaining the AfFed:ions of a young unpradis'd Heart, who is unacquainted with Sentiments fo defl:rud:ive to our Peace. This made me conceive a par- ticular Friendfliip for you ; but I undcrftand, yourDifdain for fome, is equal to your Weak- nefs for others. Oh! what Shame and Difor- der do you caufe in me ? (replied Felicia^ co- vering her Face with her Handkerchief,) I ex- peded in telling you my Secret, you wou'd have pitied, and confofd me; alas! do you upbraid me, Eugenia ? Your Severity will compel mc hereafter to fear, and fly you. The unhappy Prince, at thefe Words, flung himfelf on his Knees, and taking her Hand, kilVd and bath'd it with Tears ; his Speech was fup- pref.'d with Sighs, which wou'd have been llifficient to difcover him, were it not that Felicia had a ftrong Opinion of his being of lier 2^8 27?^ Prince her own Sex, and did not in the Icaft take Notice of his palhonate Expredions. hea entcr'd the Chamber, whilft they were in this filent and melancholy Condition : What is the Caule of this Sorrow, faid fhe ? Is this the Way, Euqenia^ you entertain our dear fick Lady? You have, without doubt, faid fomething to her, which renews the Re- membrance of her part Misfortunes. I have faid nothing to Felicia^ interrupted the Prince immediately, but what was agreeable to her, therefore do not accufe me ; I wou d undergo any Pain my felf, rather than aggravate hers. Alas, Inea! faid Felicia^ here cruel Eugenia has been reproaching me with Sentiments, I have for a Perfon, whom flie her felf wou d love, were fhe as well acquainted with him as I am. No (replied Eugenia) I am convin- ced of the contrary ; I even have an invinci- ble Averfion to this unknown, who perfidiouf- ly robs me of your Heart, which is a Crime not to be forgiven. This is no Subjeâ: to create a Difpute between you and I, faid Fe- licia; the AfFedion we have for a Lover, or a Friend, is of fo diffèrent a Nature, that the one does no Prejudice to the other. Give me Leave to tell you, cry'd the young Prince, that when a Heart is touch'd with a powerful Paffion, it s incapable of receiving any other ImprefTion. Then you don t believe I love you, Eugenia^ interrupted Felicia^ I know not what to believe, replied the Prince ; but what I am afliir'd of, is, no Creature can be in greater of Carency. ^39 greater Dcfpair. As he ended thefe Words» Olympia encer'd the Chamber. It is given out in the Palace, faid flie, that Prince Ahelhamar^ having counterfeited a Sick- nefs, is gone away fecretly, in order to af- fift Ifmael^ King of TuniSy who intends to de- clare War againil the Qiieen; which News has fo much alarm'd her, that flie has given Or- ders to fearch his Apartment, in fpite of what his Phyfician fays to oppole his being feen ; and if it be poffible to penetrate into the Queen s Sen- timents by her Uneafinefs, flie is in a great Ap- prehenfion concerning the Confequence of this fudden Departure. The Qiieen's Thoughts and mine are as different as our Intereft, replied Felicia; flie is concern'd at the Prince's being gone, and I am overjoy'd at it. Jhelhamary who had not interrupted Olympian Difcourfe, cou'd not help looking earneftly at Felicia ; that Prince is very unfortunate, faid he, that his Abfence fliou'd give you fo much Pleafure: I perceive the Love and Refped: he has for you, meet with a very unkind Re- turn. What is become of that Complaifancc you fliow'd us at firft, my dear Eugenia, re- pHed Felicia ; you equally blame me for hav- ing an Inclination, and for not having one. I think it wou'd not be reafonable for me to have any other Sentiments iox Ahelhamar; and I am even affar'd, that if I liked him, you your felf wou d condemn me. Try,. Madam, continu'd Engenia, ftrive to love die Prince, were it only to be reveng'd, and to punifli me for ^4-0 The Prince for my Capricioii(li:fs ; I promife you before it be Ion g, I will renderhis PalTioa verydifa:- greeable to you. I fliall not give you thac Trouble, replied Felicia, my Conftancy might then be brought in QucRion ; it is dangerous to make fuch Tryals. Thelè Words fenfibly af- feited Ahelhamar, whofe pafTionate Looks ex- prefs'd fuch Emotions, that is was furprizing Felicia^ Inea and Olympia Uifpeitcd nothing extraordinary under the Difguife. But what Advantage did the young Prince receive from this Stratagem ? He faw Felicia^ and daily difcover'd fome tranfcendent Charms, which inflam'd him the more, and increased his Defpair, when he refleded on the Senti- ments flie had for him ; for his PafTion was noC only violent, but fo nice, that he wou'd not have been fatisfy'd with the PoiTeffion of het Perfon, without that of her Heart ; and as he knew he had no Share in her AfFecSion, it threw him fometimes into fuch a deep Melan* choly, as coud not be conceal'd. Bcfides, the Queen being informed of Ahelhamari Counterfeit Sicknefs, his going off^ and part of his Defigns, gave Orders, that thofe Oifi-* cers, who ferv d him, and couM give her fur- ther Light into the Affair, might be taken up, and examinM : She was alio raifing Troops, repairing the Fortifications of the Town, and taking all Meafures neceflary to fecure her felf againft the Lifults of an Enemy, whom flie thought already with the King of /i/»/V, tho' every Day in her Chamber, and fome- timeâ ^ C A R Ë N C Y. ^34. 1 times lying at her Bed's Feet ; thus the amou- rous Prince eledled his Fehcity, in a Confine- Bient, where he was expos'd to a Danger he did not apprehend, and good Fortune was fo favourable to him till then, that his Difguife did not give the leaft Caufe of Sufpicion. Felicias Illnefs, tho' extremely violent, did not continue loiig ; her Youth and good Conftitution contributed very much to her fpeedy Recovery, and gave her Strength e- hough to walk in the Palace Gardens. The Court at that Time was fo attentive on the Preparations of War, that the Slaves were not fo ftfia:ly watch'd as ufual. One Day F^/i- cia^ Olympia^ Ineci\ and our Counterfeit Euge- nia taking the Air, had turn'd their Steps to- wards a pleafant Terrace-Walk, which afforded a moft agreeable Profped: ; but the Weather changing, there fuddenly rofe a High Wind, fuccceded by terrible Thunder and Fîail, which obhg'd them to run for Shelter into a little Summer-Houfe, that had a View on the O- cean. Felicia and hèa were looking out of a Window, and had been fome Time obferving the Sea, which furioufly came, and broke a- gainfl: the Rocks, making a horrid NoiXe, when they perceiv'd a Ship fn the greateft Danger ; flie had loft all her Mafts, and thus tofs'd from Wave to Wave, was waiting the fatal Moment. Thefe young Ladies were mov- ed with Compaffion at fuch a Sight, and con- cern'd fot thofe who were on Board: They R implored 04^ The Prince implor'd the AfTiflancc of Heaven, and whilft they were making Vows for their Safety, the Wind decided their Deftiny, for the Ship was driven afliore, and there entirely wreck'd. It was a mofl: difnial Scene, to fee how thefe unfortunate Wretches ftrove to fave themfelves, but their Efforts were fruitlefs ; they All . pe- rifhed exxepting One, who was happy enough to reach a little Rock,, wl>i4i;l^y,aç. a. fiijajl Diftance from the Shorc^. ^.,^y.^^^^a y^^.^^\ The Storm being allay'd, fome Fifliermeh, who had feen the Shipwreck, took their Boat, and row'd towards the Rock, where they found the Man I mentioned in a Swoon, and as cold as Death ; they took him and brought him aflioar, where they immediately lighted a Fire, and gave him all the Help they were capable of. Thefe Things happen d fonear the Summer- Houfe, where our young Captives were reti- red, that they cou d eafily fee the Condition this Stranger was in ; but how great was Fe- licia and Olympia s Diforder, when they knew him to be die Count of La Fagne : They wou d have exprefs'd their Satisfaction, were it not for the Fear they were in of his being Dead, It is he, (cried Olympia in her firft Tranfports) it is certainly hfmfelf. Felicia on the other Side, (preffing Inea and Eugenia s Handsjf cou'd no more be Miftrefs of her Moderation; Oh Heavens ! faid flie to them, my deareft Companions ,• there is the Man whofe Abfencc has given me fo much Difpleafure ^ he appears now. 1 '^ C A R È N C Y. 045 jlôw, juft as he did when I found him in the Foreft ofCarmona, where he had been attack- ed by Robbers; the Pidiire of De.^th was painted on his Face : I was then in a Conditi- on to affift him, but now alas, I am forced ro fee him perifli, without being at Liberty to give him any Help. Whilft fhe was thus fpeaking to hea, and the difguis'd Prince, Olympia left 'em, and nin to a Door adjacent to the Sea-Side, which flic causM to be opened without any Difîîcuky, and in a fmall Time reach'd the Place where the Count was lying : As foon as Felicia per- ceived the Concern, and Care flie exprefs'd in affifting him, fhe knew not what to think. I àm well perfwaded, faid {he, they are both Natives ofGe^joa, and perhaps Relations ; but methinks her AfFedion is very great, fmce flie weeps as well as I, and embraces him in fuch a pafTionate Manner. The mean while Aielhamar (enragM and jea- ïous^was acting the greateftViolence on himfelf, in not difcovering to her who he was, that he might refolve on the immediate Sacrifice of this dangerous Rival. T^eas Thoughts v/erc alfo confus'd, and flie was hardly able to fpeak a Word. The more flie confider'd Olympiad tender Concern for the Count of La Vagtiej and the fecret Confolation flie feeniM to derive from his Prefence, the more flie figh'd, aiul fent her Wiflies to her faithful Don Ramire ; in a Word, it is not to be conceived, how torment^ cd they all were by different Caufes of Unea- R X fmefs. 24.4- î^-^^ Prince finefs. But how was lovely Felicias Mind employ'd all this while, and what were her inward Motions, when flie faw the Count re- covered from his Swoon, who appeared in Tranfports of inexpreflible Joy, at the Sight QÏ Olympia? He kiis'd her Hand, and fix'd his Eyes on her's, as if Fortune had fnatch'd him from the Arms of Death, only to lead him into perfed: Felicity. Am I then bctray'd, (cried Felicia^ in a faint Voice) and can I believe what I fee ? Is the Count of La Vagne in Love with Olympia ? You ought not in the leaft to doubt it,^ (anfwer d Eugenia^ who was very willing to confirm her Sufpicions) and if you flatter'd your felf with being belov'd, you are miftaken in the Heart of that Traytor ; any one may fee by his Adions, that he has a Paflion for Olympia. Do not have fo ra(h an Opinion of him, interrupted Inea ; it's proba- ble he has fome particular Reafons for ading as he does ; perhaps the Count is inform'd of Prince Ahelhamars Paflion for Felicia^ and as he is come in order to ranfom his Miftrefs, he thought it convenient to conceal his true Sentiments, the better to fucceed in his De- figns. What Pleafure you take in being de- ceived, ("cried Eugenia^ who cou'd not bear to hear her exprefs her felf in this Manner;) have you already forgot that Alelhamar is ful^ pedcd to be with the King of Tunis^ and con- fequently there are no Meafures to be obferv'd with him ? But the Count knows nothing of it, interrupted Felicia^ and I am inclin'd to be. of Carency. 245 believe, Iriea has interpreted the Sentiments of his Heart. How great is our Weaknefs when we love, faid the Prince i we fcarcely can cre- dit our own Eyes, we are fo inclin d to em- brace any Thing which flatters our Wifhes. indeed Eugenia , rephed Felicia^ you always re- prefentThings in the falieftColours : What have I done to invite you to take fuch Dehght ia tormenting me. The Prince, who percciv'd (he was difplcafed, faid no more to her, but re- folv'd m himlelf to make the Force of his Re- venge fall on this happy Rival. Olympia fent to acquaint the Qiieen, that the Count of La Vagne was call on the Shoar, but had efcaped Death, and beg'd Leave to pay his Rcfpecls to her Majcffy. Çelima (^who was exceeding melancholy, and apprchenfive of the Confequcnces oï Abelha- mars Revolt} declined feeing this Stranger, not to let him be Witnefs of her Atîîidion,- bur fent back to Olympia, to tell her, flie might bring him to the Palace, where flie ibou'd have an Apartment prepared for him in One of the remote Pavilions, having given Orders that he ihou'd be receiv'd with a Diflindion equal to his Birth; to this llie added, how willing Ihe fliou'd be to admit him, were flic not in- difpenfibly oblig'd to attend fome Affairs of the higheft Moment. She gave Orders alfo, that they ftou'd fiipply him with all NecefTa- ries, and feveral Slaves immediately brought him Variety of rich Garments, that he might plçafe his Fancy. WhiKl Olympia went to re- R 3 ' tiCT 046 The Prince turn the Qiiccn Thanks for her Favours, the Count was concluded through the Gardens ^ çhe Palace. ,v/ Felicia, hea 2nd Eugenia, were walking ia an Alley, which had a View on the Sea-Side, when the Count of La Fag^^e came up pretty near to them; Felicia perceiving him, her Heart fluttered, and flie grew fo faint in an Inftant, that had not hea fupported her on one Side, and the difguis'd Prince on the o- ther, file would not have been able to fland; but the Count (\\\\o had no Caufe to remark her Motions, tho' in Favour of himfelf) pafs'4 by the Ladies, and only faluted them with much Refped:, without taking any particular Notice of Felicia. As foon as he was gone far enough frorri her not to be heard ; Oh Heaven! cry'd fhe, i^ it poffible he can be fo much Matter of hi$ Temper, as not to fliow fome Tendernefs in his Eyes ? He looks as if he had never feeii me: What means this Indifference, heaè Ar.Q thefe his Tranfports ? Oh ! What mufl I think of his PalTion ? Madam ! reply'd hea^, is not his coming hither to fetch you away, a fuffi- cient Motive to convince you of his Fidelity > hea only deceives you, interrupted the Prince, for I have fcen many Perfons in Love, an^ can aflure you/ that altho' they were in a con- tinual Reflraint, and obhged to be on tlieic Guard in the Prefence of jealous Obfervers, yet their Paffion difcover'd it felf in their Eyes ^ad A^ior^s. Why Ccontinu'd he, addreffing ' "' him- of C A R E N C Y. ^47 himrelf-co/;;d'j) do you really think the Count of La Va^/ie was overjoy d to fee Felicia > He did not lo much as change Colour, nor even fix his Eyes on hers : No, no, his PafTion is not fo violent as you imagine ; and if you continue Ipcaking in his Favour, you only do it with an Intent to footh our Friend's Pain. Don't torment me in this Manner, cruel Crea- ture, cry'd Felicia \ am I not unfortunate e- nough already ? Why will you perfift \\\ faying fuch vexatious Things to me? Have you re- folv'd on my Death ? I take Heaven to Wit- nefs, reply'd the Prince fighing, that I have no fuch Intention ; you wou'd certamly judge more favourably of my Sentiments, were they well known to you. Felicia fearing it wou'd be taken Notice of at the Palace, that fhe had been fo long Abroad, returned fpeedily to her Chamber, which ilie no Iboner entered, but wrote to the Count in the following Terms. 1 Have mwfome Reafon to flatter my f elf, that ^ Heaven will foon put a Period to my M is for- tunes-, fence Love and Generofity have invited you here to your FeliciaV Deliverance. Flow fl) a II I exprefs my Joy^ my y^jfeâion, and my Grati- tudey and when fhall I be at Liherty to entertain you with my tender Sentiments ? Alafs I what Violence did not I do my f elf in feeing you fo near me^ without fpeaking to you ; hut how was It pof- fihley y ou cou d pafs ly me with fuch an Air of Jndiffe rence ? / mufi çonfefs it very much affetled R 4 ^M ^48 The Prince me, and tf I may tell you my Thoughts j I almojl [uffeàed your Fidelity, I began to fear ^ you had devoted all your Tranfports /^^ Olympia; this exr tremely augmented my Uneafinefsy heing an Effetl of my Delicacy, which you mujl pardon. Let we know how I am to behave my felf hereafter in this Court, and dont negleS: any Thing to pro- cure us a fpeedy Departure- I hope Fortune will influence the Interefl of our Hearts, and crown cur Sufferings with eternal Felicity* This Letter cou'd not be convey'd to the Count without forne Difficulty. Felicia bid Inea read it, and conjured her to find Means to have it immediately dehver'd into his Hands. I cannot think on any Way, reply 'd Inea, but to carry ic my feif. Your felf! cry à Felicia^ how will you venture to do it> Leave that to me, Madam, anfwer'd Inea, I will run any Pafque to ferve you. This is very generous, my dear Companion, faid Felicia-, then thank- ed her for fo obliging an Offer, and defir'd her, fince flie was willing to render her fo confiderable a Service, not tp defer it, Olympia was now in the Queen's Apartment, and the Count in his, but being extremely im- patient to fee his lovely Miftrefs, he ftep'd in- to the Garden in Expeûation of meeting her; It was a fine Moon- light Night, and as he was walking with his Thoughts wholly em- ployed on the Happinefs he promis'd himfelf^ m the Pofieflion of a Lady, for whom he had fo tranfççndent a Paffion ^ ypung Mea (wrapp- ed ^/ C A R E N C y. 249 ed in her white Vail) accofted him, and faid, read this Letter, my Lord; it comes from a Perfon who ought to be dear to you. The Count open'd it, and was llirpriz'd not to know the Writing; after having read it over, and over, without conceiving the Meaning, it came into his Head, that it was a Jeft 0- lympia had imaginM to divert her felf, fo faid to ïnea^l defirc you will tell the beauteous Lady, from whom I receive this Favour, that I intend my felf to be Bearer of the Anfwer. As Iriea was going back, fne perceiv'd a Woman at a Diilance covered with her Vail, who was coming towards her, and fearing fhc fliou'd be known by her, flie pafs'd on the o- ther Side of the Pallifadocs, and went into the long Walk, where flie found Felicia^ who taking her under the Arm, faid to her in a low Voice; you will think me very impati- ent to know what the Count has faid to you, but that is not the only Reafon which brought me hither. I was looking out of my Cham.ber- Window, waiting your Return, when I faw a Woman crofs the Garden with great DiH- gence, and go, as it were, towards the Count's Pavilion : I muft confefs, my dear hea^ it gave me much Uneafinefs, and I madeallpofli- ble Hade to follow her. As far as f cou'd di- ftinguifli, file appeared to me to be Olympia, and I beheve it is her. Oh ! Inea, how my Heart akes ! and in what Torment is my Mind, for fear of lofuig the Objcâ: of my Love ? Judge more favourably of the Çouqt, faid hea, in- terrupting ^^o 'Tlje Prince terrupting her ; he read your Letter with an extreme Attention, and addrclîing me in very obliging Terms, alTur'd me, he wou'd anfwer it perfonally. It's very well, continu d Feli- ciuy but let us go on without making a Noifc; we may perhaps, difcover where that Pcrfon is going, whom I mentioned to you. In finifli- ing thefe Words, they walk'd on, hiding themfelves behind the Pallifadoes ; and hear- ing fome Body talk in an Arbour, which was at the End of the Alley, they drew near. The Count of La Vagne and Olympia^ were converfing together in this Place ; it is impoffi- ble, Madam, faid he to his Miftrefs, for me to exprcfs the Defpair I was in, when I heard of your Death, and the Circumftances wdiich pre- ceded it ; they fo intirely afïeâed me, that even Life began to be odious to me, and never was Mortal in a more defolate Condition. But how tranfported was I, at the unexpecStcd Change of Fortune, when the Jeweller Cwho had feen you in the Queen's Apartm.ent) iw- form'd me, that the fame beauteous Olympia^ whofe Lofs I was deploring, was actually living, and at ^S^//^^; judge I well con- ceive, my dear Count, faid Ihe, interrupting him, what might employ your Thoughts in Two fuch different Occafions ; as our Affedli-* on is mutual, we fympathize in all the Plea- lure and Torment, which derives from our good or bad Fortune ,• you may imagine after what I fuffer'd for your iuppofed Death, how exceflive was my Joy,, when I heard of your Safety. (?/* C A R E N C Y. 251 Safety. I have told you already, faid the Count, that your illuflrious Father has given his Confent to our happy Union, receiving my Propofals with fuch extraordinary Marks of Friendfliip, that I niuft confefs, I fliou'd have fufpedled fo uncommon a Favour, were it not that my long Sufferings give me a Ti- tle to fo great a Reward. Yes, continued he, moft divine Olympia^ you are now to be mine, and I for ever yours. As they w^ere fpeaking in this manner, a doleful Voice interrupted them, which (repeating thefe Words, I am dy- jng^^ gave 'em to underftand, that fome Per- fon very near the Arbour, was taken ill. Thi$ induc'd them to difcontinuc their Convcrfati- on, tho' ever fo delightful, in order to affifl the Lady, who was complaining fo difmally. They look'd on every Side, without per- ceiving any one, but hearing fome Noife behin4 the Pallifadoes, they approached and h\v Inea^ holding in her Arms, Felicia^ in a Swoon. Ah, my Lord! don't come near, cry'd Inea^ weeping; your Prefence wou'd become fatal to felicïa^ and you, Madam ! (continu'd ihe, fpeaking to Olympia^ I beg, as a Favour, flie may nor fee you. What Averfion can flie have to us? (reply'd they both at the fame Time,) We do not know her, and it wou'd be ftrangc flic fliou'd hate us Vrithout Caufe. This is not a proper Time to explain Matters, anfwcr'd Inea; all the Affiftance I defire of you, is, to run to the Palace, and fend us fome Help. Olympïçi, '^51 The Prince Olympia Cwichout making any ï\eply, tho' extremely aftonifh'd at what flie heard) went to give Notice to Eugenia^ and feme other of the Slaves, of the Condition Felicia was in, and the mean while the Count ftaid by her. No, faid he to Inea^ I cannot go from you, till you have unriddled this Secret to me ; was it not you that jufl now gave me a Letter, which I do not underftand the meaning of > One wou'd think by your Air and Words, that I had difoblig'd this Fair Lady; but alas! how cou'd I have done any thing, either to defervc her Anger, or your Reproaches ? It's impoffi- ble, reply'd Inea^ to diflemble better, and con- ceal with more Confidence, the horrideft Per- fidioufnefs, that Man cou'd ever ad: againft a Lady of Birth and Merit. Don't expedt, my Lord, that I will explain Things to you, which you know better than L The Count OÎ La Vagne cou'd not have help'd laughing at fo odd and obfcure an Anfwer, had not the Condition Felicia was in infpired him with great Compaflion, and finding Inea feem'd dif- pleas'd at his remaining there, he refolv'd to retire. By this Time, fcveral Slaves were come to Felicias Help, and among others, Eugenia^ ox the difguis'd Prince, who feeing her in a Swoon, exprefs'd his Afflidion in Terms So pafTionate, that his Counterfeit was foon dif- cover'd. Unfortunate Eugenia^ (cry'd he, in a doleful Accent} thou art going to be depriv'd of the only Objedl of thy Love. Felicia! my dear of C A R E s C Y. 255 dear Telicta ! to what a fad State are you re- duced ? Divineft Creature, if I lofe you, my Death fliall fucceed yours, fince I cannot live without you» Whilft he was talking in this manner, Inea and her Companions were throw- ing Water on Felicias Face, but as their Aflift- ance cou'd not recover her, they carry d her to her Chamber. The Prince, as you may ima- gine, furpafs'd the reft in attending his fick Miftrefs ; as foon as flie was Iain m Bed, he late by her, and forgetting himfelf, his cxcef- five Grief forc'd from him fuch Expreffions, . 4$; were not becoming his Female Difguife. - -"j The Governefs of the Slaves, who watch-^ fully obferv'd every thing, took Notice of his Words, and examining earneftly Eugenids Features, difcover'd Prince Ahelhamar^s Refem- blance. She ran immediately and related what had pafs'd to the Qiieen, who was not a lit-; tie furpriz'd at this uncxpedled Adventure.^ It was late at Night, therefore Ihe wou d not call a Council, fearing it might alarm the Peo- ple, who were already under great Apprehen- fions from the King of Tunis s landing, fo de- fer'd, till next Day, taking any Refolution a- gainft the Prince. He little knew the Danger which threaten d him ; all his Thoughts were then employ'd on the State Felicia was in, nor cou'd he refled: on any thing more tormenting. She fcarcely recovered her Speech,but lamented being reftor'd TO a Life, which at that Time, all Things ren- der d burthenfome to her. Inea^ apprehending that 354 The Prïncè that the Violence of her Afflidion, woU*cf^ force her into fuch Complaints as ought to be ] conceaPd, told her Companions, who were prefent, that it was convenient Felicia fhoud fee left to take a little Reft, and that Eugenia and file wou'd ftay by her ; the others hearing this, immediately retired. Felicia^ after they w^ere gone, gave an entire CoLirfe to her exceffivc Grief; fee, Inea! cry'd fhe, fee, what Calamities I labour under! I am remote from my Country, out of Favour with my Family, become a Slave, and betray'd by a Man, who appear d to me deferving o? every thing ; he is now in Love with another ; 'tis Olympia he is come to deliver: This Lover, whom me impatiently exped:ed, and received with fo much Joy, is the fame, on w^hom I beftow'd my tender Care, when in a moft dangerous Condition, and my Solitude afford- ed him a Refuge from the Fury of his Ene- mies. He conceived a Paflion for me, engag'd me by a Thoufand Promifes to make a Return, and vow'd his Love flioud be eternal. But Heavens! how perfidious has he proved? I remember now, as an Evincement, he facri- fic'd Olympiad Pidure to me, which perfwad- ed me, I had feen her Refemblance before. Oh! what a fad Objed am I, of Fortune's' Gapricioufnefs ? Here Ihe was filent a long. Time. Alas ! what have I done, faid flic again, to deferve at fo tender an Age, fuch a Series of Misfortunes : Yefterday I was deploring the Abfence of the Man I lov'd 5 ' You here, my Lord ! and an Enemy to the Queen ? Have you been my Confident, and carefs'd me by fo many Days, without my per- ceiving the Deceit? Alas! where Ihall I go for Refuge ? What muft the Queen think of me > Will file not have fufficient Reafon to fufped my Virtue ? Can any one imagine, that with- out my Confent, you wou'd have made fo rafli an Attempt ? Ah ! nothing but Death can relieve me from my Misfortune. Ahelhamars Diforder was fo great, that he did not fay muchin his Juftification; and as for /;/(?;?, who was 156 The Prince was prefent at this Scent ^ Ihe cou'd not den^ them her Compaffion. She endeavour'd to ex- ciife him, and faid to Felicia^ the true Refped: the Prince has for you, Madam, ought in fome Meafure to appeafe you, fmce no Body knov^/s of his being difguis'd : Your Honour, J which is dearer to him than his Life, and the ' inevitable Danger that threatens him, if the Queen Ihou'd be inform'd of what has pafs'd, will engage him to keepfecret an Affair of this Importance. You are very little acquainted with Mankind, interrupted Felicia^ who glory in relating their Adventures, and never love fo fincerely, as to make any Thing a Secret. Well, my Lord, (contihu'd flie, addreffing her- felf to the Prince) you have made your laft Efforts to augment my Miferies,* I fliou'd have dy'd efteem'd by Thofe who know me, but at prefent fliall deferve their Contempt. You may go now to tlie Count of La Fagne^ and tell him, that fmce he has facrific'd me to 0- lympiay I have quitted him for you, and con-p triv'd this criminal Difguife to favour your Admittance. Know me better, Madam, reply'd Ahelhamar ; were not my Paffion for you tranf- cendent, I iliou'd never deviate from the Rules of Honour, and what I owe you. No, my Felicia^ you fliall never find me guilty of act- ing anything, that iray incur your Difplea- fure; yet I cannot help faying, you ought no longer to deplore the Lofs of a Man, fo un- worthy your Efteem, who without Difpute has deceived you ; for 'tis impolTible, if he once ^Carency. 257 oiice îov'd you, he cou'd ever lové another. Divine Felicia! be convinc'd of the Power of your Charms, and think, that I, who feel their Effedts, can never change. The pfefent Situ- ation of Affairs gives me Hopes of a happy Turn in my Fortune. I may afcend the Throne on which my Anceftors were feated; but, oh Felicia! what Pleafure t^an it afford me to pol- fefs a Crown without you ? I intreat you now to grant a Requeft, you cannot rcafonably re- fufe me, which is, to forget your perfidious Lover, and receive the Vows of the mofl: paf- fionate, sjid mofl confiant of Mankind; If you compare my Sentiments with his, you will do Juflicé to my fmcere Paflion ,• you Ihalt be deliver'd from your Captivity, and fllall give Laws to the Queen, whofe Chains you now wear. Ah ! my Lord, (cry'd Felicia ia a dejeded Tone,} I défire nothing but Death, therefore give me Leave to complain, and do not intertupt my Grief with Propofals, which I cannot accept. I have not Power to forget the Traytor, who thus negleds mc : I love him fiill, fpite of all the Reafons I have to hate him, and fliou'd I be doorh'd to fmk under my grievous Woes, or. even live to defpife the Au- thor of my prefent Paiii, do not think that a CroWn cou'd invite me, ever to believe perfi- dious Man again. Ahelkamar heard her with an unconceivable Anguifli, and had not Strength to make a Re- ply, but look'd at her wirh the greatefl Concern ? and his Sighs interpreted the tor- S menting 1 058 The Prince ^ meriting Motions of his Soul. Felicia was not in a Condition to obferve the Defpair, this young Prince was rcduc'd to, but rcnew'd her Complaints, and nothing cou'd reftrain the Courfe of her Tears. What are you doing. Madam, faid hea to her? Is it poflible, that a Perfon fo charming fliou'd regret the Lofs of| a Man, who even difowns you, and abandons^ you, to go away with 0/yw/>/<^ .•* Is it thus hcr ungratefully repays the obhging Sentiments^ you have for him ? Call Revenge to your Aid^ Madam ; forget a Man who forfakes you, and let your Difdain be the Reward of his Falfity. It is eafy, my Dear, reply 'd Felicia^ to give Advice on fuch an Occafion, I wou d do the fame to you, were you in my Cafe, and I in your's: But do you think, it is in our Power to zQt as we pleafe, when Love has once ren- der'd himfelf Mafter of our IncUnations > Ah! cruel Rival, what Torment do you give me > And you perfidious Count, fliall not I fee you punifh'd for your Ingratitude? Imploy my Arm, Madam, interrupted the Prince, and with yourConfent, I will revenge you of your perjur'd Lover. I wou d fooner refolve to die, laid Felicia^ than yield to fo inhuman a Pro- pofal ; the only Favour I defire of you, my Lord, (which I conjure you not to deny me) is, that you will leave me ; you are no longer Eugenia^ you are a Prince whom I dare not admit at this Time of Night into my Cham- ber ; my Peace and Honour depend on your Comphancc : Think of the Danger you ex- pole '^Carency. 259 pofe yourfelf to, for a Perfon who can make you no Return» That is the only Misfortune I fear, interrupted Alelhamar ; every Thing elfe might be eafily liirmountedi Retire, my Lord, reply'd Felkia^ I am extremely uneafy at your being here. The Prince, perceiving it was in vain to refift. Withdrew, but not with- out afiiiring her, that altho' he were to fufler innumerable Torments, thro' her Indifferency, yet his PafTion fliou'd ever be the fame* Olympia Doria^ all that Evening, had not found ah Opportunity to fpeak to the Count of La Fagne^ which made her pafs the reft o( that Night in fuch an Agitation of Mind, as troubled the Joy flie ought to have receiv'd, at fo agreeable a Change in her Fortune* What means, faid (lie, Felicias fwooning away, and hea% Anger ; cou'd they have luch Mo- tions for a Stranger ? Yet the Count pretends not to know them, arid this Diffimulatipn feems to' trie very Criminal ; how can I tell, whether in his Travels he did not come ac- quainted with this young Lady, and who can aflure me, they do not love each other ? Thefe melancholy Thoughts tormented her cruelly, and the Count on his Side was not lefs unea- fy, fearhig Olympia Wou'd let her felf be de- ceived by Appearances; for tho'hecoud not penetrate into this Myftery, he faw , enough to make him apprehend, it might give his Mi- ftrefs fome Sufpicion ,• and as his PafHon foi' her invited him to prefer Death to her Dif- pleafure, he impatiently waited for Morning to undeceive her. " S z As aéo The Prince As thcy had an equal Defire to entertain one another, thcy rofe early, and met on the Terrace- Walk. Olympia^ the better to knovV the Count's Sentiments, endeavour'd to con- ceal her Uneafinefs, but her Melancholy foort difcover'd her fccret ïhcUghts- The Count alfo appeared fo dejed:ed, that ofie might ea- fily imagine what pafs'd in his Soul: He broke Silence firft, aind ask'd her, how flie had re- pos'd ? To whicli flie anfwcr d with Indifferen- cy, that flie had refted very ill, without know^ ing the Caufe : Here 0/yw/>/^'s Sighs inter- rupted her Difcourfe. Ah, Madam! Tiaid the Count, proftrating himfelf at her Feet) do not. let me be long uncertain of my Deftiny ; you . are not the fame you were Yeflerday ; what bavé I done, to deferve from you fo cold a Reception ? I have not Refolutiori enough to be filent, reply'd Olympiay tho' it was my Defign; it is unjuft to harbour Sufpicions of the Perfon one loves, without coming to an Eclaircifement. Tell me, my Lord, Do you ftill love Felicia > I fay ftill, becaufe after what has pafs'd, I have no Reafon to doubt, but you once had a Paflion for her. The Count wou'd not let Olympia perfevere in an Error, which was to the Prejudice of his Honour; he fcon by his Proteftations perfwaded her of the contrary, then ofFer'd to go with her to juftify himfelf before Felicia and Inea, I beheve you, my Lord, faid flie, without fuch a Proof, faiçç I had much rather you flioud not fee em any more. The Qiieen has confented to our è/ C A R E N C Y. 261 our leaving this Place, therefore let us go, for the Approach of the King of Tm/s terrifies me. Jt vvoa'd be very unfortunate iliou'd we find our ieives befieg d here, at a Time that my .Father is difpos'd to favour us. Let us de- part, reply'd the tranfportcd Count, tlicrc is .nothing I wifn fo much ; I have a Ship now ready to fail for Italy^ and only waits for a favourable Wind ; may Heavens protedl our Voyage, and bring me to my long wilh'd for Happinefs ; come, Mad^am, added he, difpofe all Things for your Departure ; every Mo- ment will feem to me an Age, till H^men ha^ crown'd my Love with the Union of our De- ilinies. Thcfe endearing Expreflions highly plcas'd 'Olympia^ who immediately went to the Qiieen, and obtain'd Leave to embark; Celima -m the fame Time reflor'd to their Liberty the young Slaves that were taken with Olympia, then prefented her with her Picture, fet rou.nd with Diamonds of great Value, and repeated to her, what flie had already faid in Behalf of the Count of La Vagne ; withal, that at another Time, flie fliou'd have been very glad to fee îiim. Olympia^ having returned her Acknow- ledgments in a mod refped:ful Manner, went into the Slaves Apartment, where flie choie the Ladies 1 mentioned, and tppk her Leave of the reft, who by their Tears and CatQlTcs fliewM the particular AffecSion they had for her. As flie doubted whether it were propeç çp fee Felicia^ flie defir'd the Governefs of the $ 3 Slaves îéî The Prince Slaves to acquaint her with her Departure ; but at tlie Name of Olympia^ and the News of her going away, (he fetch'd a Shriek, and made fuch Complaints, as wou'd have infpir'd the hardcft Heart with Pity : Olympia hearing this, wou'd not aggravate her Pain by her Prefence, and tho' The paflionately wiflVd to entertain Felicia^ that flie might know from her, whether the Count of La Vagne was fm- cere in what he had told her, yet (he was no ways wilHng to fatisfy her felf, at the Expence oFfo amiable a Perfon. The Count was cxpeding Olympia with Im- p:itiencc, w^hen. flie came to tell him the Fa- vours fhe had rcceivM from the Queen, who order'd feme of her Officers to accompany them to the Ship. The mean while, Felicia^ opprefs'd with Sorrow, continu'd lamenting with Inea ; I have no Hopes left, faid die to her ; my Fate is decreed ; the ungrateful Count of J^a Vagne is now going off^ and I fhall lofe him for ever ; he flies me, and carries with him the Objed of his Love,- the Barbarian cou'd fee me dying without being touch'd ;; nay, he even deny'd me his Pity; and the de- plorable Condition, that perfidious Man has reducM me to, has not coft him a Sigh. Ah ! leave me, and let me die with Grief, and Shame! Dont indulge your Afflidion, Madam, interrupted Inea^ think only, that he who leaves you, is unworthy of the Tears you iîied ; refled: on his Ingratitude, and it will be an eff^dual Way to forget laim. Vo^arcdeceiv'd, ' ^ If of C A K E N C Y. aé^ if you believe ic, faid Felicia Tighing ; when one is infpir'd with a Pafiion, the Lois of its Objed: wholly employs our Thoughts. I pro- teft to you with Ibme Confufion, that all the good Qiialities I knew in that inconftant Lo- ver, appear to me now with greater Luftre, tho' I can no longer doubt of his Lifidelity, or my Misfortune ; and to let you fee more of my ■ Weaknefs, I have a preffing Defire to write to him, in Hopes my Reproaches might move him. What, Madam! interrupted Inea^ cou'd you receive his Devoirs again, after fuch an in- jurious Proceeding ? Alas, reply'd Felicia-, what are not we capable of acfring to recall a Heart, whofe Pofibdion is dear to us? Then don't add to my Pain ; I too well comprehend what you think, and blufli to fee my Honour concern'd : But confider, I am an unhappy diftraded Creature : My Dear, I conjure you, in the Name of your faithful Don Ramire^ to find fome Pcrfon, that will deliver a Letter to the Count of La Fagne; you cannot confer a greater Obligation on me. hea^ who was very willing to ferve Felicia, left her immedi- ately, in order to make an Attempt ; but foon after (lie return d, and told her, it was impof- fible to fend any Body to the Port, that the Qiieen had either receiv'd News of Ifmaels Approach, or that fomething extraordinary was paffing at Court, fince ilie had command- ed the Guards of her Palace to be doubled, and the Gates to be fluit, that none might be admitted without her Order. S 4 Then a64 The Prince - Thon I muft lofc all Hopes, (ctyd unfortup nate Fel/cia^j for I can neither Hop him, nor follow him. Jull; FIcavcn! revenge me on chat perjur'd Man I pinufli his Perfidioufncis ! pu- niih the Caiilc of this lafl: Misfortune ! may the angry Waves fwallow them up, and let me hear the News of their Lofs, foon after that of their Departure ! J3ut alas, am I capable of forming Wiihcs ib contrary to my Inclination > No, I have lov'd the Count too well ever to hate him ; then let him live and be happy. All my Fury ought to be turn'd againft my felf, for I defervc the Miferies I now hnger in. Had I, inftcad of leaving my Father's Houfe, fubmitted to his Commands, I ihou'd not at prefcnt have the cruel Mortification, of reproaching my felf with an imprudent Con- dud, which I never fliall be able to juftify tQ the World. W^hile Felicity is thus deploring the Cruelty of her Fortune, we muft return to the Prince oi Carency.^ Cafildd had rnalicioufly perfwaded him, that Benavifle;: was gone with LeoniJa to Jaen^ wiiere he wou'd be fure (^as ihe faid) of the Governour's Protedion. A Man muft certain- ly have as much Valour, as Love, to attempt any thing againft a Perion, who was protect- ed by the Governour of fo confiderable a Place ; but the Violence of his Paffion, and Extremi- ty of his Dcfpair together, wou'd not per- mit him to rcOed', even oa the . greaceft of jp angers. Where- of -C'A IK E NC Y. ^6% Where-cver he pafs'd, People obferv'd fomc-' fthing excraordinary in him and tho* his Eyes exprefs'd much Grief, his Noble Mein carry 'd Marks of the Highcft Diftindion. 'He made the ftri^icft Enquiry after Felicia of Leon ; ï^hom fomcrimes he call'd Leonida of VelafcOy but when he delcrib'd her to thofe he apply'd to, he was fo lavilli in her Praife, that they eafily difcovcr'd he was her Lover. Notwithftanding all his Care 'and Diligence, his Purfuit was in vain, for flie had not pafs'd that Way, nor cou'd any one give him the leaft Intelligence concerning her. He began to be very uneafy, and hurrying froin one Thought to another, his Mind was fill'd witK his pad Misfortunes, till he came to Jaen^ where he arriv'd exceeding melancholy. He look'd on the Citadel of that Town as a Place, where his Life and Difafters were to be termi- nated. Here, faid he ! here, I cxped: to fee the ungrateful Beauty I adore, and before her Eyes, I will attack the ungenerous Man, who next her felf had the firft Place in my Heart. What a ftrange Deftiny is this, cry'd he ? My Miftrefs and my Friend equally betray me, and to fatisfy my Refentment, I mull deltroy the One, to wound the Other. It is probable, they are this fatal Hour contriving my Ruin, and giving each other frelli Afliiranccs of eter- nal Love ; but my Death muft confirm their Felicity, for whilft I am living, they have a cruel Enemy, who will endeavour to defeat their Projeds, and ever trouble the Happinels Uiey propofe^ . Ac ;/^G /The Prince f -; Ac his Arrival, he had a mind to go difefl-- ly to the Citadel, for (as I told you before) he had accepted of a Letter from the Gover- nour of Carmona^ to his Son Don Gabriel cfA- guillar^ by whofe Iiitereft he was fure of an eafy Entrance into the Place ; but he thought it was better firft to fend to him, and the mean Time inform himfeif of what pafs'd there. As he was going thro' the Town, he met a French Chevalier of the Houfe of Bouci- caulf; his Name was Jlpbonfo, a Perfon of an obliging Temper, who came to Seville with the Count of La March, What do I fee > Is it you, my Lord, (cry'd he, coming up to die Prince, with a great deal of Joy and Refped: ;) are you living, whom we fo much lamented with the Prince your Brother, beheving you were aflafTmated near Carmona^ as it was re- ported in Spain^ and for which we were medi- tating a proportionable Revenge ? I fhou d have been happy, my Dear Jlphonfo, (faid the Prince) had my Enemy's Defigns been efFedl- ed, but I am referv'd for greater Calamities ; yet I defire my Name may be kept fecret, for important Reafons, which engage me to con- ceal it, and you can be very ferviceable tome. I am in love, and betray'd, and mufl revenge my felf on my Rival and my Miftrefs. Oh ! how I {hall load Felicia with my juft Re- proaches ? She is now in the Citadel with him. What you fay is true, my Lord, inter- rupted Alphonfo^ I know it from Don Gahriel ii Aguillary who is one of my particular Friends: . Feli-^ of Carency. aéy Felicia is confin'd againft her Will, ia an Apartment where flie fees no Body, but by the Means of the Spa?ùjh Captain I have al^ ready mentioned; one Night, without being perceiv d, I faw her fadly deploring her Fate» Oh! my Lord, hov/ Young and Handfom llie is ; I mufl: confefs, I extremely pity her. Do you pity her, faid the Prince with a deep Sigh ? Have you any Companion for her? Ah! you arc little acquainted with hcrPerfidi- oufnefs ; but tell me, what means that manner of Confinement ? Did not you fee her come here with Don Fernand Benavidez^ the Governour s Nephew? No, rcply'd Alphonfo^ the Perfoa you name has not appcar'd here fince my Arrival, for as I am every Day at the Citadel, I fliou'd probably have fecn him; yet if he be there, he certainly keeps himfclf conceal'd» Ah, the Traitor! cry'd the Prince, he x's, only hid for Felicias fake, and without doubt has defir'd a Guard to pro ted: him from my Re- fentment. The Villain has fufficient Reafon to fear me ; it is dangerous to infult a defpcratc Man who does not value his Life. This Thought made the Prince fly into fo violent a Paffion, that^//)/;^^beg'd of hihi to retire from the Place where they were Handing, for fear they might be obferv'd. The Prince faid to him, if you will prevent my committing any Extravagancies, you mufl fécond the Defirc I have of feeing Benauidez^ and Felicia, I have a Letter for Don Gahrid d Aguillar^ who I am glad tp hear is your Friend ; c éS The Prince Friend ; you will oblige me extremely in fend- ing inflancly to him, chat we, .may take necef- fary Meafurcs for that purpofe. Alphonfo pro- mis'd thé Prince' cilery thing, that depended on him, even at the Hazard of his Life, then left him CO execute his Orders. Whatever Enquiry Alphonfo'^nA T>on Gabriel made, before they came to thé Prince, they cou'd leafii nothing fatis fa (Story ; thofe to wliom they ^ipply^d concerning Don Fernand 'Benavidez to\\ em, they bjliev^d he was at ;^/7/^/i^^/, but' that \\z was not Nephew tp Don Alonzo T^âjardo\ and that no body had fQtïï him at Jaen, where h'lrdly any ono; knew him. When they brought this Account to the Prince, he cbii'd not believe 'em. Since Fcli- cia is in the Citadel, interrupted he, 'tis a cercain Confcquence Benavidez is not hx ; do you only contrive that I enter her Apart- ment ; it is likely he will come there when every body is retired. Don Gahriel told him he fliou'd be obey'd ; then went to receivç Orders from tlie Governour, who named him for FelkidsQwxrà ; at Night he came back to the Prince, to condud: hjm and Alphonfo ^,\^(f the Citadel. • ., Now can any Mortal imagine the Trouble this amorous Prince was in, when be thought, he was fure to fee the Objed he ftill ador'd ; he refoiv'd his Rival fliou'd perifli, tho* he him- felf were to fall with him ; which violent Re-v. flection made him figh deeply, efpecially xyhcn he Gbn{ider'd that this' fame Felicia was 1 2. Love^ take pity of my Anguijhy To my f oft Dijlrefs he kind : Never let the fair One langui fh When to Tendernefs inclind. She repeated the lafl Stanza feveral tinies, and fetclVd now and then deep Sighs, which Ihew'd her Heart was pofTefsM with a mighty Paiïion, as well as exceffive Grief The Prince ail this while perceiv'd it was not the Voice of his unconftant Felicia^ or at leaft was fur- priz'd, that the fmall diltance which was be- tween them fliou d caufe fo great an Altera- tion in .her Tone, as not to know it again. Do not afflid: your felf, Madam, faid Zaida ; great Pafllons are ever influenc'd by Fortune ; he whom you love, is at prefent inform'd of what you fufFer ^ do you think he will attempt nothing of C AR E N C Y- 271 nothing to evince you of his AfFeftion ? Feli^ cia made no Reply; but order'd her to ihur her Chamber Door> and went into the Bath. How entirely do I love you, cruel Leonïday faid the amorous Prince tohimfeif? But Oh, ungrateful Woman ! ought not I to be afham- ed of my Wcaknefs ? For let me look upon you as a Perfon to whom I am contradled, or as aMiftrcfs I love to Diftradhon, you have equally deceived me under the Titles of Caren- cy^ and La Fagne, Ah, perfidious Creature ! you arc now propofing to furmount all Diffi- culties, in order to marry BenaviJez : Cou'd there be a Complaint more paflionate, than that which you juft now utcer'd ? But (con- tinued he} what mull I believe ? Are her Dc- figns travers'd ? Here, I fee her a Prifoner in a Place where flic thought to find a Sandtuary • Ihe even regrets the Abfence of her Lover^ and every thing feems to difappoint their Ex- • pcdations. Such were the Prince's Reflexions, and i/i fpite of his Refentment, Love ftill triumph'd in his Heart; but in whnt; furprize was he, when Zaida opening the Door of another Cio- fet, he drew the Curtain, and faw a Man go- ing with Precipitation to the bathing Veflel, where he put himfelf on his Knees, and fpoke fo low, that his Voice cou'd not reach the Prince, who only heard Felicia cry aloud, is it you, my dear Lover,- then flie fwooned away. The '27^ • T'he Prince The Prince of G/re'/zcy, feeing this, cou'd ftci longer refrain, but without thinking on ihc Confequence of the Scene he was going to oS pen, ran out of the Clofet like a Madman, and had he been capable of taking any bafé Advantage, it -was in his power to run him (he took for Benavidez) thro' the Body, before the other cou d even put himfcif m a Poftnré of Defence ; for Felicias Swoon had fuch an extraordinary Effèâ: upon him, that he did riot fee the Prince, who was juft at his Back, till hearing fome body threatening him with â furious Tone, he rofe and drew his Sword ; but the Prince feeing his Face, immediately drop'd the Point of his, knowing him to be Don A- /^;;2:(?, cldeft Son to the Infanta Don Fernanda \\t had S^ç,tn him at Seville^ when he was there with his Brother, the Count of La March ; and the fine Quahtiesof this young Prince had engag'd the Prince oïCarency to have a greatEfteem for him * he caft his Eyes on her, whom he took for Leoni- cfa^ and knew her to be Dona Felicia d'Ayaldj Daughter to the Great Chancellor of Caftillèy who was highly diftiguilli'd by his Birth, and renown d for the Hiftories of Don Tedro^ and Don Henriquezy Kings of Spain^ which he had written. This Grandee being dead, Fe^ licia was brought np witli the two Princefles,. Daughters to the Infanta Don Fernand. Dort Alonzo^ who faw her often, conceiv'd fo great a Palîion for her, that every one fufped:ed he wou'd marry her privately, and to prevent Ï6 unequal a Match, whilft Don AJonzo was one '.i- Day ^/ C A R E N C Y. 07^ Day a hunting, the Infanta his Father had Ordered, that F^/iri^llioudbelecretly conveyed to y^^/^jWhere ilie was to be careftilly guarded: All the Women who attended her were at the Infanta's Devotion, and by the Death of the Chancellor her Father ihe was delivered up en- tirely to the Perfecutions of thofe, who envy'd her. As for Zatda, flie was a Slave, whom Fe- licia had made a Chriftian, and one they did not miftruft, not refleding flic had been pre- fented to her by Don Alonfo. This young Prince, at his Return to Seville^ was in a de- fpairing Condition, when he heard his Mi- ftrefs was gone ; and tho' he learnM but very confufedly, the Manner of her being carry 'd off, and confin'd in a ftrong Place, yet invited by his Paffion, he Day and Night us'd his ut- mofl Endeavour to recover her; having at laft difcover d his dear Felicias Concealment, and found Means to write to Z^ida^ who anfwer^d his Letter, the Affair was fo well managd, that without Felicias Knowledge, he got into her Apartment. The Prince of Carency perceiving his Error, in order to repair it, prefented Don Alotjfo with his Sword, the Point towards his own Breafl ; Punifli an unhappy Man, faid he, whom you will obhge, in taking away his Life. By my Words, you may judge of the Concern I am in, for having difturb'd this charming Interview, which to obtain, it's pro- bable, my Lord, you have expos'd your felf to fome Danger ,• but be affur d, I fuffer more T than ^74 The Prince * than you thro' this Miftake. I do not refent it in the leaft, my Lord, (reply'd Don Alomo^ embracing him} and if you will promife to keep this Secret, you fliall ever find me a grateful Friend. The Prince of Careng gave him his Word, he wou d never take the leaft No* tic3 of what had happen d, and without Hay- ing till Felicia was come to her felf, he left the Chamber in fo deep a Defpair, that he cou d fcarcely fpeak to Gahriel d Aguilar^ who was at the Door of the firft Room, with Al- phonfo^ and this laft attended him to Don Ga- hriel s Apartment, who was oblig'd to remain in his Pofl. The Prince having an Opportunity of yield- ing himfelf up to his juft Sorrow, call'd to mind all his Misfortunes, from his firft ap- pearing m the World, to that Moment ,• on whatever Side he turn'd his Eyes, he faw fo little Hopes of an Intermiffion, that every thing became indiffèrent to him, and he did not even wifli himfelf a better Fortune. All his .,^^ Thoughts were fix'd on being reveng'd of Be- " navidez^ which he fancy'd was the only Satis- faction he cou'd receive; but as it appeared almofl; impoirible, it extremely added to his Grief. Oh, Alphoyifo I faid he, can any Difappoinrment be equal to this ? I was in. Hopes to puniHi a Traitor, and recover my Miftrefs ,• but that fatal Name of Felicia has again deceived me. What unaccountable Cir- cumftances have attended my Life > Fate has flngled me amongft all Mankind to be unfor- tunate. ^ C A R E N C Y. ay5 tunnte. Where mufl I go to find the Trea- fure I have loll ? Alas, my Leonida is not here, afW I dilcover too late, Cafildas wicked Plot. How cou'd I believe, that (he wou^d have told me where her Brother was gone ? If 1 had made the leafi: Refleétion, I might have ex- pected flie wou'd deceive me. Ah ! Credulous Wretch that I was, I have loftan Opportunity Ifliallnever retrieve again. Juft Heaven! my Rival is now fafe with Leottida^ and he peace- ably enjoys a BlefTing which belongs to me. Can I after this furvive my Shame and Dc- fpair ? In fliort, the Prince s Condition was fuch, that nothing cou'd give him Relief; his Complaints were moving, and Love appeared in all his A(5lions. ■ Alphonfoy who knew by Experience the Tor- ments, that attend tranfcendcnt Partions, ex- tremely pity'd this unhappy Prince; Oh Love ! cry'd he, will you never ceafe perfccuting us ? You alone caule all our Misfortunes, and never grant a Favour that is not preceded by a Thoufand Difappointments. Ah ! Why have we no Fence againfl: your Power ? The Prince, whilft he was talking, continued in a deep Silence ; and Alphcnfo finding he was not dif- pos'd to converle with him, meditated fomc tuTie, then wrote thefe Verfes. J OV E^ thou Jear^ hut cruel Tyrant^ Can nothing move thee to he kind^. Hear my Sighs and fee my Torment ^ For only Thou canfl eafe my Mind. T 2, %\ ayô The Pu i N c E 2. Shce ail are doomd to feel thy DartSy At leafi fufpertd our PairtSj ^ With tender Tity hlefs thofe Hearts That languifh in thy Chains. The Prince read thefe Lines, and faid, One cou d have no room to complain, if, in Love, there were an equal mixture of Pleafure and Pain ; but alas ! I have experienc'd that all its Ills are referv'd for me, which makes me wifti a Period to my unhappy Life. Ah, my Lord ! interrupted Jlphonfoy do not harbour a Thought fo ofFenfive to your Courage. 'Tis unworthy a Soul fo great as your's fliou'd yield to a Paflion, which will divert you from the Per- formance of great Exploits. The Prince blufh'd at what Alùhonfo faid, and look'd on this Difcourfe, as a Reproach made him, for the time he had employ'd in entertaining his amorous Sentiments ; You ihall fee by my Con- dud:, reply'd he, that my Soul is ftill my own : I love, 'tis true, and cannot flatter myfelf with ever being difengag d from a Paffion, which has fo great an Empire over me ; yet when Honour calls me I am ready to attend ; and if I mufl give up my Life it fhall be in fo glori- ous a way as will do Honour to my Name. Here they where both filent fome time, till the Prince, urg'd by difagreeable Thoughts, broke out into his ufual Complaints : Oh, Al- phonfo\ faid he, which way fliall I dired my Courfe to find Leonida^ I cannot hear where flie (^r C A R E N C Y. 277 flie is ; mufl: I then turn Knight- Errant, and run through the World, without knowing where to go > No, I have a nobler Refolucion ; I will return to Seville^ and there follow my Brother's Fortune; if we engage the iJ/i?^rj, 1 mull con- quer, or bravely die. Alpbonfo over-joy'd ro hear the Prince fpeak in thefe Terms, applauded a Defign fo worthy of him. Confider, my Lord, laid he, that all you cou'd do at prefent for Leonida^ wou'd meet with no Return ; for fmce flie flies you, 'tis proable, you are the Objed: of her Aver*. fion ,• at leaft, her going off v/i:h Benavidez is a Proof, file Iovgs him, and is perfidious to you : What can you then expecS from her > kather ftrive to deface the Imprefllon fhe has made, that in time you may even lofe the Remembrance of having ever known her. I ought to take your Advice indeed, interrupted the Prince, but alas ! how is \t polîible ? For- tune may be inconftant, but my Heart can ne- ver change. Thus irrefolute, not knowing what to determine, he conjur'd Alpbonfo not to difcover who he was, nor acquaint the Count of i^ March with his being at Jaen, till he had fix'd a Kefolution. The Chevalier promis'd him upon Bfonout to keep the Secret inviolably, and beg'd he wou'd not be uneafy on that Sub- je parately, and by fufpending your Refentmenr, Ihew Mercy to the Prince. The Queen was difpleas'd at a Requefl:, which fliew'd, that Ahelhamar had more Friends than flie imagin'd; and fearing they Ihou d take Meafures to refcue her Prifoner, Ihe wou d no longer confult Reafon, but re- folv'd to do every thing by her own Authority^ without taking any Advice of her Council ,• fo having prevented thofe appointed to judge the Prince, flie herfelf pronounc'd the Sentence of his Death ; and to deter feditious Perfons from caballing againft her, llie order'd, that he Ihoud be executed on the Plat-Form of thé Court wherein he was eonfin'd, that every Body might fee him fuffer. In this Place they built a Scaffold hung -with Mourning, and fet round with Standards and of Carency. ^87 and Scutcheons, which with other difmal Pre- parations drew Numbers of Sped:ators. The Prince was foon afccr inform'd of his Fate; this News at firft: very much furpriz'd him ; his Eyes exprefs d an extraordinary Grief, and he was fome time without fpeaking ; at laft lifting up his Hands, Oh Heaven ! he cry'd, you know my Difguife was not criminal, and that this is only a pretext the unjufl: Qiieen takes to deftroy me; but fince you have de- creed my Doom, I am ready to obey without: repining ; and iï Celima grants me one Favour, I fiiall die with Content. Then turning himr felf to the Captain of the Guards, he laid, go tell the Queen from me, that I beg leave to bid an eternal Adieu to charming Felicia ; the Minutes I fliall pafs with her will be too fliort to retard the inhuman Defigns GtCelimai' The Officer went diredly to the Queen, who was very unwilling to grant the Prince hi$ Requeft ; but her Minifters having reprelcnted to her m refpeâfui Terms, how cruel it wou'd be to refufe fo fmall a Satisfa6tion to a Perfoti in his Condition, Ihe at laft confented that Felicia fliou'd be brought to him. She was till then a Stranger to the Prince's Misfor- tune, being ftridly confin'd with Inea ; and as her Confinement did not in the leaft diflurb her, file never enquired, why they added this new Rigour to her Captivity. Her Mind wa^ entirely taken up with the Count o( La FagnCy and the Tears flie Ihed were only for his la- cgnftancy and Abfence ; every thing elfe that happend, ûS8 The Prince happcn'd, had no Effeâ on her; and flie was in this Difpofition, when flie was lent for by the Queen s Orders. She foUow'd the Gover- nefs of the Slaves without asking any Qiiefti- //;>7^'s Fortune cou'd hardly receive a great- er Change; fhe now faw at the Gates of her Capital an Enemy, who treated her Hke a Conqueror,, that was juft going to dethrone her. The Soul of this imperious Princefs grew To furious at Ifmaefs'Mcn^cQS, that inftead of thinking of the Danger (lie was in, ber Mind Ù z was a9^ r/^- Prince was only taken up with Revenge. Cott>e, cry'd llie, Barbarian! Come and be Witnefs of my Courage and Refentment 5 the Man you intend to redeem, lliall be_ facrlfic'd before your Eyes^ If Heaven and E'aicth . fliou'd joyn, and' the E- lements. return to their firft Chaos ; What is it ro me > 1 have but a Life to lofe, which has been a Burthen to me thefe many Years ; leç us go and fir ike off this rebeUious Head, whicli is fo dçar to 7/w^^/, and fend it to him from the Height of the Tpwer. Follow me (faid flie, to the Herald, wlio waited her ii^nfwer ;) come and fee, how 1 flight the Threats of your MaAer. You ihall Witnels the Death of Ahelha-marj and receive his lafl: Si^hs. Ending thefe Words, flie went haftily towards the Place, where her Cpjmraands were only exped- ed for his Execution ; but, the Mufty, the Admiral^ and Governour of the Town, with feyeral of her faii;hful Subjects, flung them- felyes at her Feet : Alafs, Madam ! faid they, confider the Misfortune which feems' to point at you perfonally,- aue you refolv'd to bury your felf in the Ruins of the Palace ? That mufl certainly be your Fate, if you irritate a King, w}xo is before your Walls with a potent Army ; this is no time. Madam, to revenge your felf.; for in puting the Prince to Death, it may raife a Mutiny, and fliou'd Ifmael take Advan- ^tage of it, you may lofe your Life, or be- .come Captive to the Conqueror. Ts it not more glorious^ Madam, to fly and feek in an- other Country fome Forces, who, cncourag'd .7/ and Slaves, and was conduced to the VelTel, which attended her. She order'd immediately to fet Sail with the reft of the Fleet, and the Wind being fair, they foon entered the Méditer-, ranean. Nothing cpu'd be equal to the Con- cern CeJma was in for the lofs of her King- dom ; flie fetch'd deep Sighs, and in fpight of all her Pride, cou'd nptrçftrain her Tears. For- tune! Ungrateful Fortune! faid flie, your Ca- pricioufnefs Ipare^ neither King, nor Subjed:. Who can flatter himfelf with being above your Reach > You declared your ftlf my Enemy from rny Infancy, and purfu'd me in the remctefl: Countries. Once taken by a Pyrate, I fell into the Power of Bajazat ; foon after, you ipade ufc of Cupid s Anov^'s to pierce my ■ ' Hearfj ^ C A R E N C Y. 295 Hearty- Alas! chat Wound, I never can hope to cure ; at lad, to fliew jour fclf more favour- able, you plac'd me on a Throne, which you now force me to abandon. What mud I ex- ped: from you next? Vv'hy dont }^cu ilrikc me at once with your moft poifon'd Darrs, that I may not be expos'd to new Torments. Oh, deplorable Face! fliall I thus be for ever perfecuted ? And you Felicia, (continued fhe, cafting her melancholy Eyes on Leonida, \\\\o was near her) you arc the Author of my lail: Misfortune ; it is your fatal Beauty, that has been the occafion of this Revolution,- Ah! how can you evince me, that you are inno- cent? Alas, Madam! reply'd Felicia^ I had no Hand '\\\ the Prince's criminal Defigns ; for if it be true, that he had a PafTion for me, ic was contrary to my Inclination : I knew nothing of his Difguife; nor did I ever flatter him with any Hopes. On the contrary, my A- verfion was the only Return I made to hi$ Addreffe^, and from the firfl: Hour he declar d his Sentiments for me, I refolv'd never to change, I was inform'd, faid Celima^ that the Count of La Vagne, who came to fetch away Olympia^ had given you much Uneafincfs ; with- out doubt, he is the Perfon you love, but you are convinced, he has no longer a Paffion for you, and fincc he has no Regard to your Af- fedtion, you ought to difdain him. TIkTc Words put Felicia into fome Confufion, who blufhing, cafl: down her Eyes, witho.ut being ^bje to utter one Word, and her beauteous U^ Checks içé The Prince Cheeks moiften'd with Tears fufficiently ex^^ prefs'd the Scare of her anxious Soul. You make me no Anfwer (laid Celima^ fetching a Sigh^ Ah ! I am better able to Anfwer for you j I was willing to fee, whether your Tongue cou'd betray your Heart, or difown a Diftem- per, you cannot cure. Alas, Felkial % know, too well by fatal Experience, the irrefiflible Power of Love, which unhappily furpriz'd me before I couM fupprefs its firft Motions, or çven think how dangerous they might prove, . If there are Torments in Love, Madam, fâicî Felkiay they ought not to afTed: a Sovereign;^ whom Nature hath grac'd with fuch tranfcen- dent Perfedions. Nothing but Death, or Ab- fence can deprive you of the Objed: that i^ dear to you. Inconftancy, which furpafles either in Cruelty, can never make you feel the tormenting Èffèds of it. Ah, Felicia] reply 'd CeVma^ there is no Pain like that, which is occafion'd by Abfence, fmce it keeps us in continual Fears, both of Death and Infide- lity. At leaft. Madam, faid Felicia, there is one Comfort in it, which is, that having buc an uncertain knowledge of the Truth, we are' generally inclin'd to beheve what we moft wifli. No, continu d Celimay it is not as you imagine I Uncertainty in Love is aMartyrdorn^ which adds to all the Pains we can endure; Alas, Madam ! reply'd Felicia, I (hou'd now look on that uncertain State, as a happy one, fmce I might derive from it the pleafing Hopes, which my prefent Condition entirely deflroys. The Companion you fliew'd for me, when I was expeding immediate Death, was aa Evincement of the Difpofition you were in tp do me Jufticc, and had you not been compell'd to fly me, I am inclin'd to believe, you wou d no longer refufe me your Afîcétion. But Oh ! my Felicia^ they have fnatch'd you from me, and my raging Paffion is the only thing I havç left in your cruel Abfence. Go Mula^ continu'd he, go tell the King, he has done nothing for mç; I am ready to give him up that Life, which he has preferv'd, and I conjure him to take it from me, or reftore me my Miftrefs ; but what do I fay ? flie is not in his Power, then let him give me his Ships to purfue her. Mula obey'd his Commands, and went to If- mael^ whilft fome Perfons, who remain'd with the Prince, were giving him an Account, with how much Precipitation the Qiieen went ofïi and that flic had fet Sail for the Kingdom of Granada. Ahelhamar (whofc Impatience was great,) wouU not wait Mulds Return, but ran to Ifmael^ who readily granted him all he de- fired i of C A R E N C Y. 099 fired; fo having chofen fome of the King s beft Ships, and fwiftefl: Sailers, he purfu'd Celim^^ whpfc Fleet he knew was neither confiderable iw Strength, or Number ; tho' he did not re- fled that his Squadron was ftill Inferior. Hav- ing put to Sea, lie ftood on the Qiiarter- Deck, endeavouring to dilcover fome of the Queen's Ships, when he fpy*d a Veiïel, not very di» ilant. He gave Orders they fbou'd make all Sail, which being executed, and the Wind fair, it was not long before he came up with her. The feft Obj cd: that prcfepted it felf t;o him, Was die Count oi La Fag>je ', for his and Olyrn- fias Snihng had been prevented by flormy Weather, which forc'd'cm back; fo they chofe to ftay on Shipboard, and remain in the Har- bour," where they waited a fair Opportunity of goiîig on their Voyage. As foon as Ahel- hamar percciv'd it vyas the Count, (^whether h(^ look'd on him as a Rival, who was tlic Occa- fion that his PafTion for fel/cia had not met with ari obliging Return, or that he confider'4 him as an Enemy to that lovely Captive, hav- ing behav'd himfelf towards her in an ungratcr ful and perfidious manner,) he cou'd not help conceiving fo immoderate an Averfion for him, that he inftantly commanded Mula to take the Barge, and go to the Count of La yaqne. Tell him, faid the Prince, that I look on hi m asaTraytor, who dcfervçs Death; and if he has a Mind to fave Thofe who are with him, and have nothing to interpofe in our Quarrel, he may come to me, or give me his Word of Honour, with him. ^"^ "" / ,. ;' ; ' ^ ^ M//^ went on Boatd the Coutlt of La J^agnes Sliip, and tho* hé was hot acquainted with^: lelhamar^ \yhoni he was ilire had no realbna- blc Motive to quarrel with him, yet he was fo offended, to fee himfelf fufpeded being a Tray- tor, that without entering into a Detail, which might have made up the Difference, he leapd into A/«/^'s Boat. I will go, .(faid he to him, with an Air full of Pride and Anger;) your Mailer fhall fee, that fuch a Man as I is not to be infultcd unrevengd. Thus without re- fle(5ling ah thé Danger to which he exposed himfelf, and even forgetting his dear Miflrefs, he ordet'd them to Row him to Ahelhamars Ship. The Boat had already made fome Way, when Olympian Wonian awak'd her, and gave her an Account of what was pafTing. Her Surprize wais fo great, that flie juft gave her felf Time to take her Night-Gown, then ran upon Deck, from whence, fhe perceived her Lover at a great Diftance. Do you abandon me then, my dear Count, cry 'd ïlie, and are you going to expole a Life, which is mine ? What have you to fay to cruel Ahelhamar? Oh! don't leave me fo; but come back to your dear Olympia^ or take me along with you, that I may undergo the fame Fate. Whilft'flie was uttering thefe Words, the Count had reach'd Ahelhamar s Ship. Olympia feeing this, . defir'd the Captain of that flie was in, to ley her take his Barge, which being grant- ''^^^ . ed. of C\^E N CT. 201 td^ (lie bad them pull up wijch all Speed to- wards the Prince's. Ship ; bui (lie unfortunately arriv'c}' there top lace : The Count was already ehgag d with Ahelharnar ; and tho' he fought with all the Courage and Dexterity imaginable, lie was fore d a.t length to yield, having recciv- fed a mortal Wound. Ks he was making his lad Efïbrts to defend himfelf, ^gzin^' Ahxlhamars reiterated Blows, the unhappy Olympia came up, and perceivii^g -Sit a fmall Diftance, that her Lover was covcr'd with, Blood, and hardly able to fupport himlclf, fhe cry'd out in a loud Voice, hold, barbaroi^ Prince! hold! What have I done to you, .th^t ihoud provoke you to deprive me of my LiiTeV t)on't you know j;hac the CouiVi- .of La Vagne 18^ to be mine.? pi vé fome Intqrmiiîlon to youf Rage, (cruel as ypu are,} priif ripthing buc.â Sacrifice will fatisfy you, .t.jani'Jiere ready tp receive the Blow; Come aii.cj^ier.ce my Hcar.^; but.ipare! oli7*fpare the Man Jlpyc! -. ' 'I' l^he Accent of a Voice lb dear to the Count, :reàçh'd him, juft a^ he fell ^lI Ahelharnar s Feeç. Hé (trove to raife his Head, , and turning liis Eyes towards 0&,;w^i^'s Barge,. he faw his D,i- Vine Miftrefs défpairing, who with much ado ;gôt on Board the Ship, and was no fooner there, but fell in a Swoon near the Count, and remain'd vSpeechlcfs a long while. After flie was a Httle recover'd, all llie cou d do, was to lay her dying Lover's Head on her Knees, and bath his Wounds with her Tears: Thus op- prefs'd with mortal Grief, flie fate down with- out being able to complain. The \;^ §ôl ^ The VKtiici ^ The Cbtifttèncleavour'dtô fpeak^ro IierJ iii^ taking her by thé Hnnd, faid, I die, my dear Olympia^ I die entirely yours, aild regret de- parting frorri Life, only for your fake. ' WitR thefe Words, his Soul took its Flight, and left iiis Body in the i^fms of his deplorable Miftrefs, ,wlio faid fuch moving- things,^ and ad:e4 fo much Defpair, that even Ahelhamar was incôn- folable, foi; being the Author of her Afflidi- bh. He fetit'hcr half dead on Board the Ship, ïhe was in before, and ordered the Count of 'La Fagnes , Corps ro be alfo tranfported. Q.- tympiuj inftead of going to Genoa^ faifdfor Sarr ilima^ in order to retire to her Aunt's Monaftry, where (having* erccSed a magnificent Tomb fpif her Lover).flie continu'd the reft of her Day% lamenting the irreparable Lofs flie had niacfe. Thus VVG are often deceiv'd, when in the greâteft hopes of an approaching Hâppinefs, which Fortune changes into the crueleft Torments. Ahelhamar wou'd not have left Olympia in this defolate Condition, had not his Paftion •invited him elfewhere. He impatiently defir'd to overtake the Queen, being refolv'd to forcé his Felicia from her ; and he was not long iti his Purfuit, before they came to tell him, that they had difcover'd Ce lima s Ships. One may judge how extremely overjoy'd he was at this News. He immediately gave Orders to make all Sail, then imploying his Wiflies for Succcfs and a fair AVind, prepar'd himfelf for an En- gagement with the Queen's Squadron, who were alfo doing the fame. This. ^ C A R E nhr. ^o^f Tliis unfortunate Princefs knowing the Dag- ger which threatened hef, encciurag d her Pcd- ple, and having fent to all the Captains to come on Board her Shipy fhe call'd â Council, then Orders were giveil^ and each Officer thought of nothing but doing his Duty. The Trumpets began to found, and the Cannons roar'd, whilft on each fide they were endea- vouring to gain the Advantage of the Wind, with a Refolution not to fliew any Favour. Thus ready for a Fight, Celima faid to her SpK diers, Obferve that dangerous Serpent (^pointing at Ahelhamar^ who was in Armour walking ofi his Qiiarter-Deck) fee that ungrateful Man, whom I brought up with fo much Care, he is now meditating my Ruin; did I not fpare hfîj Life, tho' it ever endanger'd mine ? yet he is not fatisfy'd with m.y quitting my Kingdom, to expofe myfelf oh this dangerous Element. He even purflies me, and fo greedily thirds after Blood, that nothing can pleafe him but my Death: Help-me, yc bravé and Loyal Sub- jeds,^ to punifli this Rebel, and let us by dd- firoying him, afford an Example for ocljer Traytors in Ages to come! ^ T'lie Queen was thus animating her Soldiers', •whilfl Felicia and Inea were indulging their Me- lancholy. See my Dear ! f^iid Felk/a ; fee, thefe dreadful Preparations ; what can be the fatal Confequence of this Engagement ? I fear, we fliall once more be the Vidlims of Fortune.: Oh, Heaven! cry'd Ihc, rather let m.e die, than fall into the Hands of Ahelhamar^ fince no greater Difafler can ever happen to me. J'fiea §04 . ■ ï^Çt P R I N,C 6 * Iftea endeavpiif'4 ta comfort and give Iiet hopes, fay ing,,\vhy, do youiliu^afHid yourfeli^ /ince nothing is yet decided >-, .^Ve.are all pj&- paring for a vigproiis Rcfiftance^.and the Wea.- flier begins to be fo Stormy,. that one woud ^alrnofl: believe .it inippffible for. the two Fleets m'^^approach. Siie. was (1411 fpeaking,-.,when on-, a fudden, there arofc fuch a boifterou-s Wind, with Tuuijider and Lightning, that on each fide^ inftéaà of continuing their Preparer tioii for aFight^^ they were forc'd to employ all Hands tp.-^.faj'je .therpfelves from greater jbangers..;,,^; . • ,.,Thus diÇ'> 'Fleets were difpersd without knowing which way to (leer their Courfe. The raging Wind rent the Sails and fplit the Marts, and thp artlefs Pilot, with Death in his Looks, w^S;tofn from his Helm : The impe- tuous Waves tofs'd the Ships here, and there, till at laft, unable to withftand their refiftlefs Fury, fome were dafli'd againft the Rocks, o- thers wrecked on the Shoar, and few efcap'd this terrible Tempeft. Ahelhamar (having loft Sight of the Ship wherein he thought Felicia^ and defpairing of ever feeing her more) look'd on the Danger he was in, with fome kind of Satisfaftion. No, Cfaid he to Mula^ who made unfuccesful Efforts to confole his Mafter) no, fliou'd I efcape Death, whicl> now threatens me, you muft notthink, that I can everenjoy any Pleafure, or Happincfs, w^ithout the Pofleflion of Felicia : My Pafllon for her increafes more and more, by of C A RE N C y. 505 by the many Difficulties I meet with, and tho* I lee the fatal Powers, which oppofe me, yet nothing fliall make me change the Defign I have of piirfuing her. By this time the Weather grew more Calm, and Day being far a.dvanc d, the Prince was confulting Mula^ which way he flîou'd fleer his Courfe to find his Miflrefs. He had al- ready pafs'd the Streights of Gihaltar^ in or- der to go to Carthagena^ or F or to Real, not doubting, but the Qiieen had reacli'd one of thofc Harbours, to ihelter herfclf from the Storm; he therefore refolv'd for the Coaft of Andalufta, but they who accompanyM him, difapprov'd his Defign. Confider, my Lord, faid they, that this is the only Ship left of feveral, which Iftnael lent you, and that your purfuing Celïma^ may prove of a fatal Confequence : Her Sex, her Beauty and Misfortunes will plead for her, and what will the King of Granada think, to fee you come into his Dominions in Purluit of an unhappy Princefs, who has abandoned her's, and left you Mafler of them. He may detain you as an Hoflage, till he has made advantageous Conditions in her favour, with the King of Tituan; and it is not to be expeded, that this Monarch will continue your Friend, whilft you ad contrary to his Intercft; for flioud his generous Difpofition happen to change, he might take PofTefTion himfelf, of what he has juft acquir'd for you. Let us retura to Sallee^ my Lord, continu'd they ; if the Kingdom of 306 The Prince Fez remaiiis in your Hands, you may foon be in a Condition to ask what you plcale of the King of Granacla^ who will deliver up Fe- licia to you, rather than have any difference with you about a Chriftian Slave. Ahelhamar was mortally difpleas'd to fee, that the prcfcnt Conjunâure obhg'd him to return to Fez; and what added to his AtHidi- on in his way thither^ was to meet on every fide the difmal Fragments of Ship wracks, which covert the Surface of the Sea, and made him bur too fenfible, that he had loll; the grcatcft part of his Fleet. The Qiieen, on her fide, had not been ex- pos'd to leuer Dangers, for all her Fleet was difpcrs'd ; and as the Wind drove her into the Port OÏ Carthage^a^ the ftern of her Ship ftruck fo fiercely againft another, that they both had hke to have funk, which Accident fliat- ter'd what the Storm had fpar'd ; but feveral Boats and Barges came immediately to the Qiieen's Aiïiflance, and landed her fafe with her Women and Equipage. She had hardly llep'd out of her Barge, but was inform'd of the great Alterations which had happ^n'd in the Kingdom of Grana- ffa, by the Death of Mahomet, who (being poifon d by the means of a Gown, which was lent to him as a Prefënt^ had left the Crown to his Brother Jofeph^ whom he had derain'd Prifoncrmany Years in the Caftle oï Salolrena, Celimaihnzan Officer of her Guards to congratu- late this Prince, on his happy and unexpedcd Acceflion of C A RE N C Y. 307 Acceffion to the Throne, dcfrring him at the lame time, to take CompafTion on h.cr : She kvx alfo to fome of her near Pvclations, who held the highed Rank in that Court. The GovernoLir of Cartbdgenûj hearing that the Qiicen of /^f2 was landed, went to meet her with all the Marks of Honour and Re- Ipcdl, that were due to her Qiiality. She had an Apartment prepar'd for her in the Caflle, where llie remain'd two Days to repcfe her felf, after the Danger and Fatigue, fne h.ad undergone ; and from thence fet out for Gra- natJa^ where they were already inform'd of her Landing, and were prepar'd to receive her, being willing to give a Sanduary to that un- fortunate Qiieen. Jofeph King of Gray?aJa immediately order'd his two. Sons, Mahomet and O/w/V/, to go and meet Qelima^ with Afliirances of his Concern for her Misfortunes, and how deflrous he was to ferve her in all that lay in his Power. Thcfc Princes were perfedlyaccomplifii'd; and as the Prince of Carency had been confin'd by the late King's Orders, in the Caflle oi Salolreria^ w^hilrt: they were prifoners there, they had ccn- ceiv'd fo entire a Fricndfliip for him, that tliey refolv'd to fet him at Liberty, if ever their Condition fliou'd change ; but the King their Father, being def.rous to make Peace with the Spaniards^ and knowing that the Infanta, Don Fernanda had ofTer'd Mahomet a confider- able Ranfom for the Count of La Vagne^ Cfor he continued calling himfelf by that Title) X i thought, goS TJx Prince thought, that in detaining him, it might be a more effedual means to obtain what he fo eat- ncllly wiili'd. Neverthclefs, as he had a par- ticular Eileem for the Prince, he ask'd him if he vvou d give him his Honour, not to go a- way without his Confcnt ; which the other, having readily promisM, the King took him along with him to Granada. The Day he made his Entry, he fent the Prince of Carency a magnificent Drcfs, with a rich Turbant and a Scymiter embellifli'd with Jewels, which ftiew'd it was the King's plea- lure he fliou'd drefs himfelf after the Moorifh manner, in order to accompany him to all the Solemnities of his Coronation. But the King, who had found in the Prince a great Pvefemblance of the brave Ajfmir (who w^as a Grandee of the Houfe of Ahanferagesy much confider'd in that Kingdom, and had been lately kilVd) us'd often to give the Prince that Name, out of a Mark of Favour, ^a ho equally rcceiv'd it as fuch ; and as he was un- willing to be known, he chofe rather to be called by that Name, than any other. Tho' time had not been able to diminifli the Prince's Paffion, or alleviate his Grief, yet in fpitc of his excefTive Melancholy, every Body dillinguilli'd him, as one of the fineft Gentlemen, that wt^s ever known. Amongfl: all thofe Vv^ho {hcw'd him the greateft marks of Efteem, the Princes Mahomet and Ofm'm parti- cularly exprefs'd themfelves his Friends. Ma- //^r/;^/ had eminent Qiialities, but was fo pre- fumptuous, ^ C A R E N C Y. 509 fumptuous, that he wou'd have facriiîc'd any thing to gratify his Defires. His younger Crc- ther, Ofmln^ was as fine a Prince, and had no- bler Inchnations, which made the King have a greater Affedïion for him, than for the rctt of his Children. As foon as News was brought of CeVn]ia\ being near Granada^ thcfc tv>'o Princes (by the King their Father's Order, at the Head of the Noblemen of that Court} went out of Town to meet the Qiieen. The Prince of Carcucy was one of thofe, who accompany'd them in this Cavalcade, and each Cavalier had a Motto painted on his Shield : The Prince caus d an ApoHo purfuing Daphne^ to be drawn on his, with thefe Words round it, written in Spanifh^ Quiero y hufco quien me ahorece y mefiiyo ; that is, I love and purfae one, who hates and flics me. This Thought exprefsM in a gallant Manner his difappointed Paflion. The Prmces underftood it immediately, for Vvhilll tiiey were in Confinement together, he told em part of his Adventures, and made a Secret only of his and his Miftrefs's .true Name, which he con- ceal'd for feveral political Reafons, efpecially on his Brother, and Don John of FeIafco\_ Ac- count, who had both fought againft the MoorSj and defeated them in feveral Engagements. So many Hiftorians have informed the World, how highly the Moors, in thofe Days, didin- guilh'd th^mfelves above other Nations, by their Gallantry and Magnificence, that I fliall dçclinç extending that Subjedj and only lay, X j"" thai; 3IO * The P R I N G E tluc the unforLUiiacc, but beauteous, QiTccn of Fez elected that Court for her RefugCi where Ihe appcar'ci with fuch Attractives, a^ inipir'd Love in ail, who bçheld her. r Mahomet and his. Brother (accompany'd by the Prince of Qarency in his Moorijh Drefs^' which admirably became him} met the Qtieeu at a fmalldiltanee from Granada. She fate a- lone in a fine open Chariot, and all herWometi follow'd her in Chaifcs. Felic/aand Inea were t:ogether in one, and had drawn the Curtains^ to have an Opportunity of entertaining each pther more conveniently. Ought we to look pa our being near Spain^ laid Felicia to her Friend, as a favourable Change towards ouf better Fortune? I think, reply d Inea-^ that the Circumftances can no w^ays prove to our Di(^ advantage. Alas! as for my parr, interrupted Felicia^ Ihave fo little hopes of Happinefsinthis Life, that I couM now leave the World with Pleafur\ Inea did not omit any thing, whicli cou'd divert her from thefe melancholy Reflcdi- ons, tho' flic herfelf had caufc enough to be un- cafy, not having heard from her dear Don Ra,- mire. Whilft they were talking, the Prince^ alighted, and fainted the Qiieen with ma- ny Afliirances m the Name of the King theic JFather ; then took Horfe again, and rodç by the fide of her Chariot, entertaining her Majefty, with what was moft fuitable to the Occafion of her Voyage, But Celima became of a ftidden fo pcnfive, that flic cou d hardly make em any Anfwer j her Eyes were entire- (?/Carency. 311 ly fix'd on the Prince of Qarency^ and flic had not Power to turn them on any other Objed: Her Joy and Surprize were ec^ually extraordi- nary, and what added to both, was ieeing him m a MoorilJ: Drcfs, which gave her a Curiofw ty to ask his Name of one of the Guards, that was near her, who (not knowing, that the Prince was a Prifoner of War, bu: had on- ly leen him with the King, in his Jouriicy from Salolrena to Granada^ told the C^ieen he was Q'AMàAffmir. She immediately conjedur'd, he had fome important Reaibns, which oblig'd him to af- fume that Name, and Dilguife, fo did not ask any other Qiieftions relating to him ; yet what gave her fome Uneafmefs, was to find that he did not take any particular Notice of her. She was a good while m Exoedacioa he wou d have fpoken to her; at lall; feeing he continu'd -Silent, ihe addrefs'd her Difcourf^ to him, and for a pretence ask'd him the Sig- nification of the Motto, which flie had per- ceivM on his Shield. He told her the Mean- ing, and added, that he was the unhappiefh Man \\\ the World. The Q^ieen imagined, that by xS\t Apollo^ he meant himfelf; and Daph- ne to be her, which fill'd her Mind wit!i fuch Ideas, as were too pleafing to be exprefs'd. I have fometimes had a Prophetick Spirit (faid flie to him Imihng) and have foretold things without knowing their true Caufe : Methinks I have a great Difpofition to do you the lame FavQur,, Ajjimir ! Your Daphne neither flies, X ^ aov 311 The Prince nor hates you, and you iliall foon have the Satisfadion of feeing her. Ah, Madam! cry'd the Prince cranfported, what do you tell me? Is it poffibic, that the cruel fair One, who is theObjcd: of my Sufferings, will at lafl vouch- fafe to make me happy ? Yes, (rcply'd Celma, with a gracious Air) Ihe is as willing as you, to put a period to your Torments, and I promife you, that as foon as I am a little at Lei- fure, I will tell you more of the matter. Alas, Madam ! reply'd he, I do not deferve, that fo great a Qiieen iliou'd be concern'd in my For- tune, which hitherto has prov'd very fatal, and I dare hardly hope a better one for the future. Celima laid no more to him at that time, fearing the particular Diftindion, flie had fliewn him, might be taken Notice of, which undoubtedly wou'd have difoblig'd Ma- homet^ who had already found fomany Charms in the Qiieen, that he cou'd not fufficiently deplore her Misfortunes ; and whilft he was thus offering her his Pity, a more powerful Paffion made way to his Heart. The nearer Celma approach'd Grana^a^ the more ilie admired the Beauty of that famous City, which is fituared in a Plain, at the Ex- tremity whereof is a fnowy Hill, from whence fpring two Rivers, the Daro^ and Genii; the one often produces Gold-Dufl:, mixM with the Sand, and the other pur^ Silver. The Air of that Climate is fvveet, and refin'd, and there feldom appears any Winter ; the Spring and Autumn united, afford Flowers and Fruit, Witho^l (JjTCarency. 31^ vvitliQUt being at the trouble of cultivating the Earth. There are whole Forefts of Orange, Mircle, and Pomgcanate Trees ; and as Nature had taken Care to embellifii the Country, fo no Art had been fpar'd to beautify the City, which wasincompals'd with a ftrong Wall, and Twelve Hundred Towers. The Palace of Al- hamhro (which the Kings had chofen for their Court} was fo magnificent, that nothing but the Caflle of Ahhaycin cou'd be equal to it, which on every fide fliin'd with Gold and Azure, fupported by Marble and Porphyry ; bcfides, the y?/é?(?rjobferv'd an admirable Order ill Architecture, which highly recommended their Buildings,* and as for their Gardens, Wall^ and Fountains, they were fo wonder- fully well contriv'd, that nothing cou'd be added to their Bcautj and Agreeablenefs. The Queen arriv'd at the Gates of the Town, where the People aflembled in great Multi^ tudes : But the Prince of Carency^io avoid the Crowd, took another way, which infenfibly led him to the fide of the River Daro^ whence •he continued till he came to a Fountain, whole Water was as clear as Cryftal ; the deep Silence, which reign'd in that Place, and the Inclinati- on he had to medicate en \^ hat the Qiiecn of Fez had faid to him, invited him to alight ^ he ty'd his Horfe to a Tree, and lay down on the Grafs ; then calling to mind what Qelimx had told him, by what Chance, thought he, did this Princefs (who never faw me before) ilnglc me out to acquaint me, û\2X Lfonida flill 5 1 4 The Prince flill loves mc, and that I lliall foon fee her. Has any^ bnc inform'd her of my Sentiments .-> Mechinks it does not well become one of her Rank, to rally an unfortunate Man, who cnn- not even flatter himfelf with Hopes, much left .with die real Enjoyment of fo unexpcded a Blclfing: "■ He wasdrown'd in Reflc(3:ions of this Na- ftire, when the Voice of aMan, (whofpokethe Arabkk Tongue) interrupted him, asking whe- ther the Qu The Prince knew very well, that tha Perfon who was coming up to him was a; Stranger, and that he only fpoke Arahrck to him, becaufe' of his Drefs, fuppofing him ta be fome Grandee in Alliance with the ^oors. He fix d his Eyes on this Foreigner, but Heavens! how great was their furprize, w^hen they knew each other. Bemvi^ezÇfor izviashc') coud not help turning pale at the thoughts of his Perfidioufneis, and the Prince, fwelling with Anger, faid to him, From whence com^e you, uqr worthy Wretch that you are > Wh^t D^moj7 ha^ €onvey'd you here to receive the Puniflimentof of your Treacheries > Finiiliing thefe Words, he drew his Sword, and us'd it with fuch Fiercenefs, that the S^aniard^ notwichftanding his Bravery, was daunted and leiz d with Ter- rour ; till at laft, calling Defpair to his Succour, and feeing the inevitable Danger he was in, he fought rather like a defperatc Man, than one who had a mind to fave his Life. The PrincCj, refolving not to fpar^him, reiterated his Blows with c/ C A R E N C Y. 515 ^?iilh llich Vigour, that he foon gave Betîavi- dez a niortal Wound, which made him fail an his Feet. Ah ! my Lord (laid he to the Prince, with a feeble and incoherent Accent) it is but juft, I iliou'd die by your Hand, after all the Injuries I have done you. Did I deferve fuch Uiage, Traitor, reply VI the Prince ? bince you can deceive nic no longer, where have you left pcviidious Leonida 1 Now is the time to con- vince me, that you arc yet capable of repent- ing a bafe AcT:ion. I am willing to obey you, {■âw^wtx à Benavïdez^ ftrctching out his Hand) upon Condicion, that you will forgive me. Speak, and I will even forget all, laid the Prince ; tell me what is become of my Leone* dc{, I declare to you (reply'd Bena^indez^ whofc Face fliew^d the Symptoms of an approaching Death) that Leonida never ceas'd loving you ; flie no ways confcnted to her Flight, but al- moft confum'd with Grief, loaded me with tho cruellcll Reproaches, and her utmoft Averfioii w^as the only return flie made my Paffion ; yet il) fpite of her Tears and Refiftance, I took her with me on Board a Ship, and was promifing myfelf a happy Voyage, when wx were met by fome of the Enemy's Ships, who engag'd, and took ours: I u^as fo dangeroufly wound- ed, that — Farewel, my Lord ; I can fay no more, I am dying. His Eyes inftantly clos'd, and his Soul made its Exit, whilft he was ly- ing in the Prince's Arm-s. Benavidezs Death touch'd the Prince of C^- rer:cys gencroiis Soul, who forgetting all his Ingratitude,^ g. 6 The Prince Ingratitude, began to picy him, faying, that he wou'd never have been guilty of thç Crimes he had committed, coud he have de- fended his Heart from Leonidas Charms; and looking on him as an unhappy Rival, and a reconciled Enemy, his Compaliion took Place of his Refentment: He refleàed on what Bena- T/<^c'^ had juft told him, relating to his dearZ^- cniJa^ but he was" perfeftly inconfolable, not knowing the Enemies, who had taken heir. Fatal Death ! cry'd he, thou haft fnatch^d away the Life of a Man, \\A\o w^as going to in- form me of a Circumftance, which is of rhe grdateft Importance to me. Where muft I fly to feek theObjeâ: of my Love, and how can I tell into w-hofe Hands flie is fallen? Oh Heavens! am I not more unfortunate than ever ? The Thoughts of her being inconftant, gave fome Intermiffion to my Paifion, for which I was endeavouring to find a Cure; but now the Cafe is chang'd ; I am concern'd for a Miftrefs, to w^hom I am contracted ; ftie has ever been true to me, and perhaps, has found a Lover and a Mafter, in the Man who has her now in his Poffeiïion. Oh unparallel'd FataUty ! How tormenting >vill thefe Appre- henfions be to my afflided Soul ? Which way fliall I go to find her? The Prince was fo deeply involv'd in thefe anxious Reflcftions, tliat he did not immediately perceive a Wound he had received in his Arm; but finding himfelf grow weak by the great Lofs of Dlood, he thought fit to retire. -^' -^ Juft ^/Cakency. giy Jufl: as he entered the Town, he met 2.ulemay who was a Moor of the Family oîAhenferages^ to whofcGuard he had been committed by Orders of the late King, whilft he was Prifoner in the Caftle of Salohrena. The Prince having a Con- fidence in this Moor^ thought he cou'd noc chufe any one more capable of ordering Bena- *vUezs Burial ; therefore he defircd Zulema to oblige him in this Occafion, who without delay, tho' the Night was far fpenr, took fome Slaves with him, and went to the Fountain, in order to execute the Prince's Commands. As he came near the Place, he heard a Per- fon lamenting gricvoufly, which at fitft fur- priz'd him, not diftinguidiing what he faid ; but having alighted from his Horfe, he per- ceiv'd a Man, w^ho was embracinsr Benavi- dez^ Body, and bemoaning his Misfortune in the Soanifh Tongue. Ah ! my dear Benavidezj faid he, how unlucky it is, that I was noc here to defend you againft the Traitors, who have murdcr'd you. Alas ! my Uncafinefs and Fears had already foretold your Death. Here 2.ulema interrupted this Stranger, and being compaffionate, told him, Benavidcz had not been; kill'd by any treacherous means ; and that he, who fought him, \vas fo generous an Enemy, that he had even defir'd him to come and fee the Corps interr'd. The Spaniard^ who was very young, exprefs'd his Concern by his Tears, and faid. Oh Sir ! Nothing can alle- viate my Afflidion, fince I have loft all, in lofing my dear Mailer. 'Zukma eadeavour'd CO 3i8 The Prince to comfort him, then order'd his People to take the Corps, and bury it in a Uttle Wood, not far from the Fountain. This being perform'd, Zîdema (who was na- turally generous, and then mov'd with Pity at the repeated Complaints of this Servant of Berjav/r'kz) ask'd him, if he wou'd go along with him to Granada, You fliall be fafe in my Houfe, faid he, which is a Favour your Countrymen cannot well expeâ: in this King- dom. Don Sanche (ïor that was the Spaniards Name,) hefitated fome time before he made an Anfwer, butatlaft, whether Fear or Prudence prevail'd with him, he told Zulema^ that {\xict he w^as pleas'd to offer him his Houfe for a Sandluary, he was very willing to wait on him. Zulema^ who was iineafy about the Prince's Wound, went directly to fee him, and themean while fent the Spaniard to his Houfe, to wait his return. The Prince was in Bed, and the Surgeon, who had drefs'd his Wound, found it fome- what dangerous, which foon occafionM a Re- port in the Town, that he had had a Rencounter, tho' the Particulars were not known ; and when Zulema enter'd the Prince's Chamber, he found the King's two Sons fitting by him, who were much concern'd at this Accident. Mahomet thus continued the Difcourfe he had already begun; I mud tell you, it is unkind, to make a Myftery to us of your Enemy's Name. I owe you, my Lord, reply'd the Prince, too much Gratitude and Afle6tion, ever to do that which c/ C A R E N C Y. 5,19 which might dcferve a Reproach from you ; Ifliou'dbeverywiUing to tell you who was my Enemy, if there were Caufe to apprehend any farther Confequenccs, but I am entirely caly on that Score ; bcfides, I am obliged to keep a Secret, which I was fworn to, before I thought you wou'd have ask'd me the Detail of this Affair, ib beg leave to be Tir lent. Ofm/fi fearing this Converfation might create fome Uneafinefs in the Prince, obligingly wav'd the Dilcourfe, and faid to him ,• You have loft very much by not attending the Qnecn of Fezy for (laying afide the honoura- ble Reception the King my Father gave her, and the extraordinary Luftre which the Ladies of our Coitrt appear'd in) flie commanded all her Slaves to pull off' their Veils, and I mud confefs, we were both aflonifh'd, and charm'd, to fee fo many beautiful Creatures. Their traifc was the chief Entertainment of the Court, and I am perfuaded, they will caufe many a Lover to be guilty of Infidelity. That is already your Cafe, Brother, reply'd Mahomet fmiling, and you cannot deny, but the Eyes o? thazFe/icLj (whok Name you were fo defirous to know^ have made fuch an Im- preflion, as may endanger your Liberty. I own to you, laid Ofm/fiy that I prefer her to all the red ; her Beauty is not to be pa- rallel d; and I am furpriz'd, Brother, that you efcapd falling her Captive. No, anAvisr^ Mahomet^ my Heart is not fo cafily wound- ed. 310 The Prince cd. Alas, my Lord ! interrupted the Prince of Carertcy^ perhaps your Ttliie is not come, but you will find your lelf as fenfibJe as any of us, when you meet with the Objed, whom Deftiny has decreed to infpire you. As for my part, I dread that fatal Moment, as much as a Pilot docs a Rock in a Storm. Why done you beftow your Inclinations on a Slave like Felicia^ reply'd Ofmin > At leaft, you wou'd be free from any cruel Torments. Who can tell, my Lord, faid the Prince, whether that Slave will hke the Man, who has a Paflioii for her ? Love is capricious, and ever guid- ed by Fancy, therefore a Slave may look with Indifference on the greatcft Monarch m the World. How can you thus oppofe my Satisfadion with your Refledions, cry'd Of- min ? Wou d you have me ceafe loving Felicia. out of groundlefs Apprehenfions ? Indeed, Bro- ther, reply'd Mahomet^ it's (Irange you lliou d fay, you love a Pcrfon, whom you hardly know. Nay, you may ftile it as you pleafe (faid Ofmin^ but what I can affirm is, that the Perfections of this young Captive have al- ready engag'd me : Nothing m Nature can be more beautiful ! no, nor even comparable to this lovely Creature ; and I impatiently wifli -^j^w/r s Recovery, that he may be able to make his court to the Queen of Fez ; he will then be judge of what I advance. It will not be fo eafy to fee her, as you ima- gine, my Lord, interrupted Zulema^ (who had been filent all this while) I have been at Salee^ where ^Carency. gai where I ftay'd a confiderable Time, and the Negotiations I was imploy d in, by the late King, gave me frequent Opportunities of hav- ing both private and publick Audiences with the Qiieen ,• " yet, whenever I was admitted, I found her" liirrounded with the oldeft, and Oghefl: Wonren in the World. She us'd to let a ftria V/atch on all her pretty Slaves, and keep em fo conceal'd, that unlets her Humour be much alter d, I am fure you will find fome Difficulty in paying your Courtfliip to Felicia. That Sex is very unjuft, cry'd Ofmin; I fuppofe €elima will not let her Slaves be feen, for fear they fliou'd eclipie her Charms. 'Tis you that are unjuft, reply'd Mahomet^ why fliou'd you attribute to any other Caufe, a Cuftom which has been long eftablidi'd, only for the fafety of Slaves? Every one muft agree, that Celima is endow'd with too many Excellencies, to apprehend any thing from other Beauties. Ha, Brother ! faid Ofmin ; you were boading a while ago of your Infenfibility, but I find by the padionate Air, with which you exprels yourfelf in the Queen s Defence, that you arc not fo very indifferent, as you wou'd make us believe. Mahomet^ who had no mind to fa- tisfy his Brother on that Subjed", made no Reply, but rifing up, addrefs'd himfelfto-^ Jimir^ (^meaning the Prince of Qarency) whom he embrac d ,• and after having defird him to take Care of his Health, he and his Brother took their leave of him. Zulema retir'd at the fame time, without acquainting him, that Y he ^11 The Prince he had met Benavidezs Servant. The Prince on the other Hand was impatient to entertain him, but there was no poffibiUty of doing it, till the next Day. One may imagine, the Prince pafs'd but a very ill Night. What the Qiieen and Bena^ videz had faid to him, ftrangely perplex d his Mind, which, being added to the Pain he fuffer'd by his Wound, threw him before Morning into a violent Feaver. 2,ulema^ who had a particular Concern for the Prince, rofe early, and went to enquire after his Health ; they told him he had notreposM all Night, and if he pleas'd, might go into his Chamber. As foon as the Prince perceiv d him ; Ah my dear 2.m lema ! laid he, I was wifliing to fee you : All that pafs'd Yefterday, has put me into fuch a diforder, as I Ihall not be able to overcome, without your Afliftance. The Queen of Fez fpoke to me, as if flie knew me, andl remarked in her Air and Eyes, fomething more obliging, than is ufually exprefs'd for a Perfon one has never feen; befides, flie afliires me, that my Miftrefs neither flies, nor hates me, and that I fhall have the pleafure of feeing her foon. Who coud have inform'd her of a thing fo pofitive? I fliou'd be inclin'd to think, that Chance was the only Caufe why flie enter- tain'd me fo agreeably, were it not for the Ren- counter I had Yefterday near the Fountain. He whom I fought was my Rival, the fame BenaviJezy who carry 'd off my Felicia : He told me with his laft Breath, flie had ever lov'd me, and c/'Carency. 523 and chat her Sentiments for me were dill the fame ; it is not probable, he wou'd have ir.rcr d an untruth, in fo difmal a Condition. But juft as he was going to tell me where he had left her, he was depriv'd both of his Speech and Life. You cannot imagine, how this grieves my Soul; Felicia loves mo, can any Happincfs be greater > Yet Alas ! I have loll; her, and know not where to enquire after her : What Mis- fortune can be equal to mine ? Here he was fome time filent. Zulema cold him, that a more favourable Fortune wou'd certainly difclofe a Secret, oa which depended his Felicity ; and that he did not doubt, but he mighc receive fome Infor- macion from a young Man, he found weeping near Benavirlezs Body, whom he had decain d at his Houfe for chac purpofe. Oh! I conjure you, fend for him immediacely, cry'd the Prince ; I remember, his Mafter in approach- ing me, ask'd whether the Queen of Fez was yetarriv'd at Granada ; perhaps flie knew him, and that in relating his Adventures to her, he mentionM fomething concerning mine. I ought not to negled any means m my prefcnt Cir- cumftances ; for if that young Man was with Benavidez^ when he ran away with my Mif- trefs, and can tell me whac is become of her, I fliall be blefs d above Mankind. I perceive fo greac an Emotion in you, my Lord, reply'd Zulema^ that I am forry for hav- ing acquainted you with a Particular, which may be prejudicial to your Health. No, faid Y z the 3^4- The Prince the Prince, do not fear any thing ; but if you have either Love, or Picy, reheve me in this urgent Occafion. Shall I tell you then what I was thinking, anfwer d Zulema ? OJmin fpoke to you Yefterday very much in Praife of one Felicia, who is a Slave of Celimds ; it is pro- bable flie may be the Perfon you love. I be- gan to fufpeà the fame, interrupted the Prince, but was not willing to harbour fuch aThought; for there are many Felicias io Spain, and after the Adventure I had at Jaen with Don Alonfo by a Miftake, which that Name occafion d, I have room to fear the like Difappointment ; I only beg you will fend for the young Ma% you fpoke of. Zulema commanded one of his Slaves, in whom he confided, to give 2l Moor i/h Drefsto the Spaniard^ and bring him immediately along with him : This was the Precaution he us'd to prevent his being taken at Granada for a Sranger. Don Sanche was a little unwiUing at firfl:, to go out of Zulema s Houfe, not know- ing where they intended to carry him ; but the Slave having told him, they were going to an intimate Friend of his Mafl:er's, whofe Name was Afimir^ he readily follow'd him, believing Affimir was a Moor ; and he continu- ed in the fame Opinion, even when he enter'd the Prince of Carencys Chamber, who was in Bed, and the Windows clos'd. Come nearer Don Samhe^ faid Zulema to him, and tell us fincerely, what you know concerning Felicia of Leon. This tion! Felicia in i\\c Seraglio^ and belov'd by-i the Grand Seignior! Heavens! What greatec^ Cruelty can ever be inflided on a Man, lb paf-^ fionately in Love ? I have loft her, and Ihall never fee her more ; I am even jealous, and It fear her Heart will at laft yield to the barba- ' rous Laws, which ill Fortune has impose on her. Here his difturb'd Thoughts interrupted' his Difcourfe, whilft Zulema was ufing all his' Endeavours to mitigate fo violent a Grief J Felicia had too fincere a Paffion for you, faid he, ever to change in favour of a Prince, who is no ways agreeable, and is too proud, to give himfelf the leaft Trouble towards obtaining the Favours of a Lady ; he thinks all muft fubmit to his Authority, and I am perfuaded, that as flie will neither reUih his Addredes, nor make any Return, her Refiftance and Coldnefs will foon render her indifferent to the Emperour. Sup- pofe I w^ere free from thefe Apprehenfions, in- terrupted the Prince, by what means fliall Ï hear from her ? Is flie not in the Grand Seigni- or's Seraglio^ and abfolutely loft for me ? Oh, 'tis too true ! I cannot flatter myfelf, no, not- even wifli to fee her more, which Misfortune compleats my Defpair. Cafilda was in no fmall Confufion, when flie heard him fpeak in fuch paffionate Terms. She was feveral times tempted to make hcrfelf known, that fhe might addrefs herfelf to him, in the tendcreft Expreffions, Lovccou'd infpire; \>\M calling to mind what pafs'd between em, when of^iCxi^ EN c y; 519 when flie acquainted him with LeomJas Flight,, it made her apprehend, that if ihe fpoke to hini^ at this Juncture, it woud be as ill timed, therefore thought proper to wait another Oppor- tunity ; in the mean time, Ihe atfodied an extra- ordinary Concern for the Prince, who remarked it, and was not flow m Ihewing his Acknow- ledgments ; for he told her (thinking he was jfpeaking to a Man) that altho' liis prefenc Fortune (being then a Prifoner)did not per- mit him to bellow great Favours on thofe who were in his Service, yet if he was willing to ftay with him till he cou d be better provided for, he woud take Care pf him. Ajfimir little knew the Effed this Propofal created in our difguis'd Lady, who immediately accepted it, with all imaginable Marks of Joy and Rc- fped", afluring him, that no Body wou'd ferve him with more Zeal and Fidelity ; hut before we fée how {Irid: (he was to her Promife, let us be inform'd by what Chance fli^ came to Granada. Ahelhamar and the Admiral of Fez having taken the Ship Leonïda was in, it was thought BenaviAez cou'd not recover of the Wounds, Jie had receiv'd in his vigorous Rcfiftance, fo was left for Dead ; but after Leonida had been conducted on Board the Admiral, they found in BenavidezSomc Symptoms of Life, which made em take care of him, till they were landed at Sa/Iee^ where he continued along time extremely ill. Leonida knew nothing of it, being ftridly guarded in the Palace ; but as foon as he was recovered, he refolv'd either tQ ^^ Is not your Affedion for me great enough to prevent you from ading thofe Faults, you forefee ? Felicia underflood by what the Qiieen faid to her, that her Majefcy wou'd be highly difobhg d, Ihou'd fhe negled fo fair an Op- portunity ^ C A R E N C Y, 359 portunity of ferving her, therefore confidering the unhappy State of her Captivity, Ihe made no other Reply, but that lîie was ready to obey her Commands. You mufl: then write to Ajfimir^ faid tlie Queen, anddcfire him to meet you on the Terrace adjoyning my Apartment, where' you fliall entertain him with fome Par- ticulars relating to me. Felicia immediately retired, in order to write to Ajfmir. and finding Inea in her Chamber, (lie gave her an Account what had pafs'd be- tween the Qiieen and her ^ then wrote her Letter in thefe Terms. ^T"//0' I am unkyiown to you^ my LorA^ anrl you alfo a Stranger io we^ I have a mighty A e fire to entertain you^ which perhaps you may think very extraordinary. If you will le pleas d to meet me this Evening en the Terrace IValk^ next to the Queen of FezV Apartment^ I (hall there ex* plain my felf more at large, Felicia. This Letter Felicia fliew'd to the Qiieen, who caird for one of her Pages, and charg'd him to go and deliver it to Afimir, who (as I told you before) was extremely afflided at what Qafilda (under the Difguife of Don San- che^ had fpitefully intimated concerning Felicia. The mean while Zulema (who had ftay'd by the Prince) was faying all he cou'd to fofcen his Diftrefs; and as he was talking to him, they came to tell Ajfimiry that one of the Z X Queen 340 The Pk I N CE Queen of Fezs Pages had a Letter to deliver to him. This caus'd feme Emotion m the Prince, who looking at his Friend ; Can you conceive, faid he, what may be the meaning of this Letter ? If I may beheve my Thoughts, reply'd Zdema^ they perfuade me, fome agree- able News is coming to you, my Lord. What- ever it be, faid the Prince, I defire you will fpeak to the Page; I am unwilling to fee him for fear he lliou'd difcover the Diforder I am in. Zulema readily fatisfy'd the Prince's Impa- tience ; he took the Letter, and brought it to him, which he no fooner open d, but knew the Name and Writing. Heavens ! How great was his Surprize! He cou'd not conceal his Tran- fports, but giving the Letter back to Zulema^ faid, am I in a Dream, or mull I believe what I fee ? Is my Felicia in Granada-, whilft I am bemoaning her Abfence, and bereft of all Hopes of ever feeing her more ? Zulemuj my dear Zulema ! how can I outlive fo unexpeâ:- ed a Felicity > Indeed, my Lord, reply'd his Friend, I am fenfibly touch'd at your good Fortune, and heartily congratulate you; but am afraid, you will go to the Palace of Ah- laicyHj before your Wound is heal'd, which may prove very dangerous to you. Were I to hazard my Life, anfwer'd the Prince, I Wou'd nor defer the Pleafure of feeing her, and as I am not able to write, I defire you wouM do it for me. I am aflur'd, faid Zulema, that flie does not know the Condition you are in, other- of C A R E NC Y. 541 otherwife flie wou'd be very much concern 'd at the little Gare you take of a Life, which ought to be dear to her; but I am ready to do any thing, my Lord, to oblige you ; fo the Prince didlated thefe Lines. TZO U are not fo great a Stranger to me^ as ^ you imagine^ adorahle Felicia. I do not douht^ but you IV ill he convinc d of it^ affoon as I have the Pleafure of Saluting you, I have had the Misfortune of receiving a Wound^ which very much difcompofes r/ie^ yet nothing Jhall prevent me attendingyour Commands, Whilft the pafTionate Prince was abandon- ing himfclf to a Thoufand Tranfports of Joy and Impatience, the Page dehver'd his Letter to the Queen, who having read it, was feiz'd with the deepeft Chagrin. Was any Fatahty like this, cry'd llie ? Ajfmir is acquainted with Felicia^ and fays, he will attend her, tho' he is wounded. What Accident cou'd have hap- pened to him, fince Yefterday ? Sure there muft needs be an intimate Underftanding be- tween Felicia^ and him, tho* die has conceafd it from me. I thought her Sentiments for the Count of La Vagne^ wou'd have left me no room to apprehend any thing from her : But alas ! How deceiv'd have I been ? Well, I am refolv'd, flie fliall neither fee him, nor fpeak to him. As Celima was thus reaibning with herfelf, Felicia cnterM her Chamber. Af- Jimivy faid the Qiieen to her, has rcceiv'd Z 3 your 54^ r^^ Prince your Letter, and is very much indifpos'd, therefore cou d not write to you. Felicia feem'd concern'd at his Illncfs, thinking by thaç means to pay her Court to the Queen ; but flic cou'd not have taken a more indired: Step tov/ards it, for Celima was fo prepofTefs'd with the Opinion of Felicias having a Correfpon- dencc with the Prince, that the mod innocent Actions of this young Slave, in her Eyes ap- pear'd Criminal. TheKingof Gr^/zj^df (being now indifpos'd,) fcnt his two Sons to vifit Celima^ whom tliicy invited to takethe AirintheForeft ; thisQiieen accepted the Invitation, and as Affmir Illnefs had been confirm'd to her by the Princes, Ma- homet and Ofmi'iiy flie did not in the leaft ima- gine, that he wou'd venture to go abroad^ befides, Celima had obferv'd, that Ofmi^ was mightily taken with Felicia^ which extremely pleas'd her^ for Ihe wou'd not have cared, had all the Monarchs of the Univerfe ador'd that lovely Captive, fo the Prince of Carency had but look'd on her Indifference. Thus the Court fet out from the Palace of 4hhaicyn^ follow^'d by a great Number of mu- fical Inftruments. All the Ladies were feated in little open Chariots, each of them having a Cavalier to drive them : Mahomet drove the Queen of Fez^ Chariot, and Ofmin Felicias. As they were going by the Palace of Alham- hro^ the Qiieen defired ihe might flop a little to enquire after the King^s Health. Zukm..i of C A R E N C Y. 545 t^ulema hearing that Celima was coming to the Palace, told the Prince Ihe fiiou'd pals under his Windows, and that if he was able to rife, perhaps he might fee Felicia, Heavens! cry'd the Prince, what woifd not I do for fo dear a Satisfadion ? Witli tliat, he leap'd out of Bed, and having put on fome Clothes, went and fat in one of the Balconies of his Apartment, where loon afcer he faw Celima^ and Felicia attending her. Ofmiyi perceiving the Prince, defired this beauteous Lady to take Notice of him ; but how fliall I exprefs the Motions which fciz'd her Soul, when llie knew him to be her Lover ? The Prince of Carency on the other fide, was fo tranfporced, that he was jufl: going to fpeak to her, had not Zulema perfuaded him to the contrary. Felicia was in fuch a diforder, that at firft file knew not what to fay ; but being extreme- ly defirous to be infornVd by what Cliance her falfe Lover happen'd to be 'm Grariada, for file took him for the Count of La Vagne^ file recover'd herfelf a little, and told Ofmin^ that the Perfon he had (liewn her appear'd to be a Stranger. You judge right. Madam, reply'd he, for he is a Geywuefe, of the noble Houfe of Fiefiines'. The late King having be- fieg'd 'jaen^ took him Prifoner, and fcnt him to the Caflle oî Salohrena, where my Father, my Bother, and I were confin d. There I con- trafted an intimate Friendfliip with the Count of £^ Vagne^ (that's his Title) and after Maho- piets Death, my Father coming to the Throne, Z 4 çoiiceiv'çl 544- The Prince conceived fo particular aia Elleem for this illu^ ftrious Count, that he gave him his Liberty, upon Condition, that he wou'd not part from Granada without his Confeut; therefore he ftill remains with us, and we are daily charm'd with his noble and polite Behaviour. Thele Encjomiums, which Ofmin gave to the Count, were very acceptable to Felicia^ not- withflanding the Reafons Ihe had to be dif- fatisfy'd with his Condud:. She then ask'd him, when the Count had been taken Prifoner ; but nothing cou'd aftonifli her more, than what Ofmin told her on that Subjed:; for either the Scene, which pafs'd at Sallee between Olympia^ the Count, and her, was a Vifion, (which {lie had no room to believe) or what Ofmin was faying to her, cou'd not be fincere. This made her impatient to be with 7;/^^, to en- tertain her with this furprizing Adventure ; and Ihe grew of a fudden fo penfive, that fhe cou'd not make any Reply to the obliging Terms, in which Ofmin addrefs'd her. What is it that troubles you, divine Felicia^ faid he to her ? You feem very melancholy ; do but confide in me, and I will ufe my befl Endea- vours to deferve fo great a Favour. Alas, my Lord ! Creply'd Felicia^ with a dejeded AirJI what Secret cou'd I impart to you ? I am an unfortunate Captive, and perhaps I repine at the Cruelty of that Deftiny, from whcncQ flows the Sorrow, which you perceive. Vouch- fafe, Madam, faid Ofmin^ to accept of my Ser- vice,* I may procure you y our Liberty, andfoon rçmoYÇ (?/ C AB E N C Y. 545 remove the Caufe of your Uneafinefs ; but you muft at leaft give me leave to pay Homage to your rranfcendent Charms, fmce they have in- ïpir'd me with fuch Sentiments, as do not merit a difobhging Return. I conjure you, a- niiable Felicia^ to be favourable to me, and let me feed my Paffion with tlie Hopes of your Affedlion. I cannot anfvver your Re- queft, my Lord, interrupted Felicia ; I have too great a Regard for you, and as an Evince- ment of it, I declare, that I am neither de- firous to be belov'd, nor difpos'd to receive an Impreffion : It is a Refolution I have made, which nothing fliall induce me to change, therefore I intreat you, my Lord, never to think on me more. This ConfefTion extreme- ly furpriz'd Ofmin^ \v\\o wou'd rather have met with more Dilfimulation, and lefs Cruelty : But as Love is always deluding, he did not cloubt, but in time he fliou'd conquer an In- difference, which he thought unreafonable. The Court being return'd from the Foreft, Celimay (whofe Thoughts were entirely im- ploy'd on her Rendezvous witli the Prince of Carency) retir'd to her Palace, and Felicia went to her Chamber, where flie found Inea^ whom flie embrac'd tenderly, and faid, How fhall I exprefs to you, my Dear, the Agitation of my Mind? The Count of La Fagne is here,^ I have juft feen him in the Palace oï Alhamhro ;\x. is nolmagination ; for he faluted me fo refpedt-. fully, that I cou'd not help returning the Civi- lity, aqd I am even afliam'd of having dif- cover'd 34^ The Prince cover'd my Wcaknefs to a Man, who has de- ferv'd my Avcrfion : But alas! when Love GommandSj Reafon muft obey. I have fome- tiling yet more furprizing to tell you, continu d Ihe; I am inform'd, he has been fome Months 'ii\ Andalufia^ and by the Relation I have heard, I find he was taken Prifoner, about the time that I had a Dream at Sallee^ which reprefented him to me engag'd with the MoorSy and van- quilli'd. Ofm/ft told me, the Count had been ever fince in the Caftle of Salohrena, or at Granatia 5 but I fancy he defired him to Ipeak to me in that manner, with a Defign to fcreen his Offence; for who knows whether he does not repent; his unworthy Behaviour towards me ; moreover, I am furpriz'd not to fee Olym- pia here, which makes me believe, the Moors took the Count at Sea, and that he has not been long! in thefe Dominions. It is very probable, interrupted hea; for what pafsM at Sallee^ is not. to be contradidted, and per- haps he is now forry for having dilbbliged you j therefore you mull: refolve to pardon him. No, my dear Inea^ reply'd Felicia; I fliall never' forget his Ingratitude ; he is ftill dear to me, I Gonfels ; yet I hope intime to banifli him from my Heart. Oh Heavens! added flie weeping, what a Series of Misfortunes attend mei* I muft tell you fomething more; young Ofmin has declar d himfelf my Votary, and you may judge how favourably I receiv'd hi^ Addrefles. Whilft of Car EN c Y. ^47 Whilfl Felicia and Ifica were difcourfing to- gether, the Queen of Fez fcnc for the Gover- nefs of the Slaves, who Cas I told you before^ was an ugly old Woman, and commande4 her to wrap herfelf in her Veil, and wait on the Terrace for the Prince of Carencys Arri- val ; ihe charg'd her at the fame time, not to difcover herfelf, but to appear overjoy'd ac feeing him, in cafe he took her for Felicia^ It was a Moon-Light Night, and the amorous Prince, leaning on Cafilda (whom he took for a young Man) was making as much halle to- wards the Place appointed, as his Strength w^ou'd permit him; and perceiving at a di- (lance a tall Perfon walking on the Terrace, he did not doubt, but it was his charming Fe- licia ; therefore approaching her, he faid : Ah, Madam ! has Fortune brought you to me a- gain, after having fo long bcmoan'd your Ab- fence, and fpent Days and Nights endeavour- ing to find you ? I can hardly believe my Eyes: Is it you yourfelf, my divine Miftrcfs? Here tranfported with Love and Joy, he went to throw off this Woman's Veil, who not being quick enough to take hold of it, let it fall on the Ground, and difcover'd a Face, which w^as as Ugly, as Felicia\ was Beautiful. His Altonifhment was fo great, that he cou'd not help crying out aloud, and any one might have perceived, by his Emotion, the (Irange Diforder he was in. The Queen being in a Clofet, that look'd on the Terrace Walk, eafilyfaw the Prince's Aâion, and knew his 548 rZ?^ Prince his Voice, which made her gucfs what had pafs'd ; therefore approaching him with a Ma- jeflick Air ; I am come to your Affiftance, Prince, faid flie, (taking his Hand and fmi- ling,) follow me, I have Ibmcthing to tell you, which is of too great a Confcquence to be iconceai'd from you any longer. The' Qiieen went in firft, but CaJilJa being oblig d to wait without, was mighty uneafy concerning what might pafs between Celima and the Prince. This inquifitive Creature ftay'd till the Governefs of the Slaves was retired, then plac'd herfelf near the Clofet, where flic coud eafily hear their Converfation. The Qiieen looking at the Prince, who was not well recover'd from his Surprize ; I have been im- ploying my Skill for you, my Lord, faid flie, and by the help of my Books, and the Figures I have call, am already acquainted with Ibme of yoiir Adventures ; moreover, I can aflure you, that I intereft myfelf very much in what concerns you, and if you will be fincere with me, I do not in the leall doubt but I fliall be able, by the Affiftance of my powerful Art, to put you in a way of overcoming your ill For- tune, lam pcrfuaded. Madam, reply'd the Prince, that a Sovereign, who has fo great an Influence as your Majefty, may eafily change my Deftiny, without confulting the Stars ; yet I cannot flatter myfelf with deferving fo extraordinary a Favour. As an Evincement of. the Progrefs I have already made, faid Celima, I know, AJfmir is not your Name, and of G A R E N C T, 349 and that by your.Birth, you are nearly related to a great King. The Prince of Carency was amaz'd to hear the Queen exprefs herfelf in thefe Terms, and before he coud make her any Anfwer : Nay,-> continu d flie, you will own my Knowledge is, no Fidion, when I tell you, that you was'iii Mijia^ and taken Prifoner by Bajazet ; befides, whilft you were \\\ the Tower of NkopoliSj did not you receive very paflionate Letters, and a confiderable Supply from a Lady, who, to this Hour, is unknown to you > The Prince figh'd, and feeing Celima waited an Anfwer ; It is^ as your Majefty fays, reply d he, and fmce you are fo well inform'd of what has hap- pened to me, I beg. Madam, you will tell me who was that charming Unknown. This Re- queft extremely pleas d the Queen, who con- cealing her Satisfaâion, faid to him. Out of what Motive, do you defire to know this Lady, perhaps you may never fee her ? That is a Misfortune, I fear. Madam, interrupted the Prince ; yet I often flatter myfelf, that fome lucky Chance will convey me were (lie is. But (added the Queen, in an Accent which difcover'd part of her Sentiments) is it poffible, that the Memory of a Perfon can be ftill dear to you, who had no other Atcradive to engage you,^ but her writing a few obHging Letters, and fending you a Sum of Money to pay your Ranfom ? Ah, Madam ! reply'd he, there arelmpreflions, which never can be effac'd, and cou'd you conceive the Torments I have endured 55^ The PRiNCfe endured for that Unknown, you wou'd foon be convinc'd, that one may feel the fharpeft Darts of Love, without feeing the influencing Objedl:. Is it then really true, faid the Queen, that you are impatient to fee her, and that (lie often imploys your Thoughts ? I declare it is fmcerely fo, Madam, anfwer'd the Prince, and there is nothing I wifli more ardently, than an Opportunity of making my Retributions to a Lady, who has conferr'd fo high an Ob- ligation on me. Well, Prince, faid Celma fmihng, I will confult with fome favourable Genius in order to compleat your Defire. Come to me to Morrow at the fame Hour, and you fliall be farther informed of this Sub- jedt. The Prince returned his Acknowledgments to her in a mod grateful Manner, and retir'd to the Palace oïAlhambro with the difguisM Ca- filda^ who was waiting on the Terrace. Zulema (impatient to know what had pafs'd at the Ahhakyn) repair'd foon after to the Prince's Apartment, and Cafilda (who perceiv'd, they had fome matter of Importance to communi- cate to one another, feigning to withdraw} went and hid herfelf '\\\ a Place, where flic cou'd hear their Converfation. You think, perhaps, faid the Prince to Zulema^ that I have feen Felicia, and am going to inform you of the Particulars of an agreeable Rendezvous ; but inftead of that, my dear Friend, I muft tell you, fome Dœmori appear'd to me in the Shape of an ugly old Creature, and that I was in the greateft Aflonifliment, when the Queen of Carengy. .351 Qiiecn of Fez came upon the Terrace, artd dc- fircd me to follow her into her Clofet ; where I no fooner entered, but flie endeavour'd to pcrfuade me, that flie had acquired an extra- ordinary Knowledge, by correfponding with good and evil Genius's, and in reality fhe told me every thing relating to my Adventure ae Nkopolls, which very much furpriz'd me ; for ilie certainly mud have been inform'd of it, by the Unknown herfelf, whom, I believe, is now amongft her Slaves ; and I cannot put it out of my Head, but Felicia wrote to me by the Queens Orders. Here the Prince was fome time filent, and Zulema fpoke to him in thefe Terms : I begin to have a Thought, which appears to me very probable, and you may judge of it your felfy my Lord, when I have inform'd you, that Celima herfelf was at Nicopolis^ at the time that the Chriftians were defeated by Bajazet : As you were of the number of the Prifoners, it is likely flie law you, and receiv'd an Impref-, fion ; befides, if you confider >the Prefent, which was fcnt you in the Tower, it cou'd not come from a Perfon of an inférieur Rank, and -You give me fuch a Light into the matter, interrupted the Prince, as opens my Eyes at once. I cannot call to mind what the Qiiecn faid to me the Day of her Arri- val, and the Converfation we have juft had together, without being convinc'd, that Ihe is my Unknown of Nkopolis^ Alas ! into what a Labyrinth am I fallen ? Felicia is with her, and 551 The Prince and if flic difcovers my PalTion for that love- ly Creature, I fear flie will make her feel the EfFedts of her Revenge. Ah, cruel Delliny ! cry'd he ; am I born only to pafs my Days in a continual Series of Woes, and have you decreed, that I fliall never be happy ? Here, the tormenting Thoughts of his pad Difap- pointment, came frefh to his Mind, and inter- rupting his Difcourfe, threw him into fo deep a Melancholy, that even his Friend Zulema endeavour'd unfuccefsfuUy to divert it; there- fore as it was late, he took his leave of the Prince, tho' extremely concern'd at not hav- ing it in his Power to give him fome Relief. Whilft the Prince and Zulema were enter- taining each other, Cafilda heard their whole Converfation ; and finding fhe had no hopes left of ever touching the Heart of a Prince, for whom flie had already acfted many Extra- vagances, {he refolv d on forne defperate Un- dertaking. Her Revenge againfl; her Rival was more predominant, than either the Paf. fion fhe had for the Prince, or her own Honour ; fo that nothing lefs than the Death of the un- happy Leontda cou'd fatisfy her raging Spirit. The Qiieen of Fez (extremely ovcrjoy'd at what the Prince of Carency had faid to her) was forming a thoufand agreeable Projedls, not doubting but his Paffion for his Unknown of Nkopolis was very fmcere, and that he wou'd be equally tranfported to find flie was the Perfon ; yet as her Jealoufy of Felicia gave her much Uneafinefs, flie thought it pru- dent */c A R E N C Y, 3S^ dent, firft to clear her Sufpicions on that Sub- jcik; for, faid fli^, if the Prince has fecn chat beautiful Captive, he mufl needs love her; therefore I will contrive, they fliall meet in a place where I may hear their Difcourfc, which Will give me fome Infight into the matter. Celima immediately fcnt for Felkhy and bc-- ing alone with her : I command you, faid flie, to be fincere with me. Confider, you are my Slave, âtid that your Defliny is iw my Power ; I can make you happy, if you will confcfs the Truth. Read this ! (continu'd (he, fliewing her the Letter, which the Prince of Carency had defired Zulema to write) do you know the Writing ? Felicia read it, and having examin'd it fome time, told the Qiiecn lliefincerely cou'd not tell whofe Hand it was, which in fome Meafure fatisfy'd Celima ; yec ro be thoroughly convinc d in an Affair, that fo nearly concerned her ; Tell me, faid fhe, have you ever heard of the Houk of Bourlfo^j related to the Kings of /7-^«c^ ? Felicia^ at this Quc- ftion, did not doubt but the Queen knew her, and without being any ways out of Counte- nance, reply'd, that the Name of fo illuflri- eus a Family was not unknown to her. And are you acquainted with any one of that Name, faid Celima} Did not you fee the Count of La Marché or the Prince of Carency, when you were in Spai» > No, Madam, anfvver'd fhe, I never faw thofe Princes ; they are intire Strangers to me. Know then, Felicia, inter- rupted the Queen of F^z, that the Perfon Aa I ^54- "^^^^ Prince I fpoke of, and who appear'd fo charitt- ing CO me, is of the Houfe of Bourlon^ and is cail'd the Prince of Qarency : I have a mind you (hou'd talk with him, and endeavour to .penetrate into his Sentiments ; he came here laft Night, when I order'd the Governefs of the Slaves to entertain him ; but ilie mana- ged the matter fo very ill, that I muft wholly depend upon you. Had the Qiiecn's Thoughts beenlefs prepoflefs'd with her Projed:, Ihe might Rave difcover'd Felicias Surprize, when (he heard, the Prince of Carency was the Perfon whom the Qiieen lov'd, and that he was adu- ally in Granada : But her mind being other- ways employed, this young Slave had time to recover from her Diforder, and faid to Celima; Your Pleafure, Madam, is fo dear to me, that I fear I fhall not be able to efFed your Maje- ily s Commands with Succefs ,• for I have but very little Experience, and fhou'd I mifcarry in an Affair, which requires fo much Prudence, I cou'd never forgive myfelf. No, reply'd the Queen, do not let that give you the leafl: Un- cafmefs; I know you better than you know yourfelf, and am perfuaded, you cannot do any thing amifs: But as the Moon fliines very bright, I do not think it proper you fhou'd meet the Prince on the Terrace, becaufe I faw many People walking there laft Night, and it wou'd not be convenient I fliou'd be fccn with him; therefore I will give Orders, that he may be convey'd to the Grotto in the Wood, where you niay entertain him till I come to you. FelicTa ûf C A n EN c Y. 955 Felicia having receiv'd her Liftrucflions, re- tired CO her Chamber very much troubled, which Inea peceiving ; Lovely Felicia^ faid Ihe, do not conceal your Thoughts, but tell me the Caufe of your Pain. Ah, my dear/f/e^! (cvy' à Felicia) nothing but fre(h Afflidions at- tend me. The Prince of Carency is in Gratia* da^ and goes by the Name of Jfmir ; 'ti3 he, U'hom the Qiieen loves, and by her Com- mand, I am to have an Interview with him this Evening. What! interrupted hea^ can that give you any Uneafinefs? Do you con- fider, that Heaven has fent him here, to put a Period to your Miferies? He will procure you your Liberty, and carry you back to your native Land, where all your Wilhcs will be crown'd with Felicity, whilfl: unfortunate I^ea^ abfcnt from her dear Don Ramire^ muft pafs the Remainder of her Life in Tears and Cap- tivity. You bewail your Deftiny, reply'd Fe- licia^ and you think, that my being united to the Prince of Carency will make mine hap- pier; Alas! you are very much deceived, for we have conceive! a fecret Antipathy for each other, and muft never expect a perfed: Satis- facîlion in our Alliance : Befides, do you imagine, that I can fo eafily banifli the Count of La Vagne from my Thoughts > In fpite of his Infidelity, he isftiU dearto me, and it's pro- bable he is now forry for having offended me ; at leaft, his Eyes tell me fo, and his Repen- tance may defcrve Pardon. In fhort, Inea^ I believe he loves me ; but let it be as it will, A a X the 556 l^he Prince the Prince fhall not know who I am : Aè de has fecn my Pidture, he may call to mind its Refemblance, therefore I will hid my Face fo well, that he fliall not fee it. hea finding Felkia was fixd on that Refolution, wou'd not any ways oppofe it, tho' Ihc was of a con- trary Opinion. The Prince oîCarency was now thinking on means to convey a Letter to Felicia^ in or- der to know, how he might have an Oppor- tunity of entertaining her. He told his Defigii to Zulemay who advis d him not to write, for fear his Letter fliou'd fall into the Hands of the Qiicen of FfZj but promised him, he wou d contrive fome way to fpeak to her. By this time, the Hour of the Prince's Appoint- ment was near, yet he made no great hafte to go to the Palace, for he began to refledJ:, that a Second Interview with Celima wou'd only puzzle him, becaufe he believM, (he was his Unknown of Nkopol/Sy and that, were fhe in- formed of his Paflion for /^^//V/^, it might prove of a fatal Confequence. '' ' Zulema put him in mind to repair to his ■ Rendezvous ; at laft taking the fuppos'd Don Sanche with him, he went with fome Reluc- tancy to the Ahhakyn^ where he found a Mute waiting on the Terrace, who convey'd him to the Grotto ; Felicia came foon af ter, fo entirely hidden from Head to Foot, in a large white Veil, that it was impofTible to know her. The Prince did not doubt in fee- ing her, but it was the fame old Woman he had ^ C A R E N C Y. 557 had met the Night before ,• which made him refolve not to have any difcourfe with her. Fe- licia on the other fide ^who felt ftrange Emo- tions, finding her felf, at that Inftanc, with the Prince of Caremy) was fome time without fpeaking; but flic had fcarcely broke Silence, when the Prince, knowing the Voice of his lovely Miftrefs, went and flung himfclf at her Feet. Leonida^ Charming Leonidal faid he, what a Blefling is this ? Have I found you at laft, and have you ftill the fame obliging Sen- timents for me, which you had, when I was in the Houfe of the Traitor Benavidez ? Leo- fiiday calling to mind what had pafsd at Sallee^ was griev'd at this Difcourfe : Go, faid flie! (breaking out into a Pafîion) go, ungrateful Man! have you forgot the Caufe, you have given me to upbraid you ? The Prince thinking flic was angry, that he had çonceafd his Name from her ^ I am guilty, Madam, I confefs, rcply'd he, for not hav- ing confided in you ; I ought to have told you, that I was the Prince of Carency^ and not have appear'd under an other Title ; but the cruel Defigns of Leonora (by whofe Or- ders I was purfued, when I parted from VlUa- ReaU and wounded in the Foreft, where you found me) was the Occafion I chang'd my Name, and took that of the Count of La Vagne^ whom I very much refembled. This is my only Crime, divine Leonida ; fure it is nor fo enormous, as to be unpjirdonable. Whilft rhç Pfiacc was talking in this ipanncr, L^ovi- 558 The Prince rfa (whofc Surprize was great) had a rhoufand different Imaginations* ; and coud not tell what Judgment to make : At lad the Prince, impatient to hear her fpeak ; Ah, Madam, faid he, how much do I dread, that you are no more the fame for me ? Here, you fee me at your Feet in Tranfports of inexprefîible Joy, Whilft you, my Beauteous Miflrefs, are indif- ferent and melancholy. What difobliging Sen- timents have you receiv'd for a Man, who a- dores you, and whom Deftiny has decreed to be yours? Do you confider, that I am going to offer up to you the Remainder of my Life, and that, from the fatal Moment I loli you, no Torment cou'd be equal to that I endured? Be afilir d, Madarn, that the Prince of Caren- cj has a Pafiion for you, no ways inferior to char, which you found i\\ the Count of La Vagne» I mufl own to you, my Lord, reply'd Leon'tdqy that I cannot believe what I hear ,• for when you were at 5^//^^, you even trea- ted me with Difdain: What greater Off^ence cou'd you give me, than to abandon me as you did, and go away with Olympia PorJa, whom you paflionately lov d ? Do you think, my Senfes cou'd deceive me, or that I am not capable of refenting the Perfidy ? I cannot tell to this Hour, wliether you are the Prince of Carency^ or the Count of La Vagne ; but wha; I am certain of, is, that you are the Perfon, who has highly injured me, and it wou'd be a fliamefal Weaknefs in me to pardon you. Xbcfe Words ftrangely confounded the Prince, of C A R E N C Y. 559 who beliçv'd his dc^r LecKîJas Mind was dif- compos'd; and what confirm d this Opinion, was his being perfiiaded, that the Count of La Fagne penihed at Sea, in his Return from t^kopolis^ and that Olympia Dor/a died in lier Father s Houfe at Genoa, Thefc were Circum- (lances, he coud no ways doubt of ; and as for his Voyage to Sallee^ he had never been there ; fo that he look'd on all her Reproaches as Vifionary, which threw him into a dcfpair- ing Condition ; yet he wou'd not let her per- ceive the Trouble he was in, nor what occafi- on'd it, but continu'd fpcaking to her in a very obliging manner: You do me a great deal of Wrong, Charming LeoniJa^, laid he, to her fighing, and I fliou'd not find it a very hard Task to jyftify myfelf, thoM fancy^ I have the mod Caufe to complain. What muft I judge of the Letter you writ to Cajilda^ when you and Benavidez contriv'.d your going off, which was a thing, I cou'd never have belicv'd you guilty of? And what fliall I eonjedlure from your being at Conftant'mQpk^ and the Grand Seignior's Pafiion for you ? Leonïda heard the Prince with Aftonilhmcat, and thought like- wife, he knew not what he faid ; Ihe cou'd not imagine how a Man of fo good Senfe cou'd calk after fuch an extravagant manner; and as her Affedrion was more predominant than her Refentment, flic was fenfibly griev'd at his Misfortune. Who I! my Lord, cry'd flie ,- did I write to Cafilda^ or give my Confent to Be^- ^a,v\àei% inlolcnt Behaviour; and was l-evet Afl4 ' \\\ géo T/?^ Prince in Turkey ? Thefe Things are Ib new to mc^ and ib far from being criic, that I cannot beat to hear 'em : How long have you entertained thefe Chimeras? Here flie took the Prince's Hand, and cou'd not reftrain her Tears ; which proof of her Tcndernefs, with the other Cir- cumftances, fo thoroughly touch'd him, that he was foon convince of her Sincerity. Let u^ do Juftice to each other, mod amiable Leoni- ^aj (faid the Prince, printing an ardent Kifs on her fair Hand ;) be aflur'd I never was falfe to you. I (hou d be willing to fatisfy you, interrupted Leonida^ cou'd I forget the Ad- venture, which happen'd to me lately at Salkei She then recited to him her whole Story, with fo much Wit and Coherence, that he perceiv'd, what he had taken for an EfFed: of Lunacy, was fupported by folid Appearances ; there- fore having explain'd matters, they came to a right Underftanding, which created unfpeaka- ble Tranfports in thefe two Lovers. One may eafily imagine the Confternatior^ of Cafilday who had heard their whole Dif- courfc, and was dilkaâ:ed to fee fo perfect a Sympathy between Leonida and the Prince. All her Perfidioufnefs, as well as her Brother s, was laid open, and feeing herfeif fruftrated of thofe hopes, which had fiatter'd her till then, llie had like (\kv her excelfive Defpair) to have en- tered the Grotcq, with a full defign tg (lab Leoni- da; but as flie çonfider'd, that the Prince wou'd prevent the plow, and difappoint her reveng- ful A^ttemDt, Ihc deferrM her wicked Adlion, ^/Cabency. 361 till flie found a fairer Opportunity of executing, it. After Leomda and the Prince oïCarency had given each other reciprocal Aflurances of their Joy and Affedion, they confulted, how they ihou'd behave themfelves towards the Queen of Fez^ till they coud find an Opportunity of going off While they were on this Subjçdt, the Qiieen came to the Grotto; but I muft tell you, what prevented her from repairing- thither iooner. As Celïma was coming out of her Apart- menc, they told her, that Mahomet was in the Palace, and had Ibmething of the higheft Im- portance to communicate to her : She had given Orders, that no body fliou'd be admit- ted that Evening; yet as that Prince's Vifit leem'd to import fome weighty matter, flie wou'd not refufe feeing him. Mahomet ad- drefling the Qiieen, told her, that Mula^ Fa- vorite to Ahelhamar^ was jufl: arriv'd from Fez^ with a Letter to her from his Maftcr, and that being a particular Acquaintance of his, he had apply d to him for a private Audience, which if flie was pleas'd to grant, he wou'd immediately fend for him. Tho' Celima was very impatient to be at her Rendezvous with the Prince of Carency, yet on this Occafion, ihe was fbrc'd to yield to her Politicks, fear- ing, that if Ihc fliou'd defer this Affair till the next Day, Mahomft might fufped (he was im- ploy'd in fome more agreeable Occupation ; therefore having alTcnted to Jkftdas Admit- tance, jéi .T/6^ Pr inch tance, he came and threw himfclf at thç Queen's Feer, and prefcnced her with a Lettçr from the Prince his Maftcr, which was writ- tQn in thefc Terms. V ^jr H & I have an indifputalle Right to the King- "*• dom of Fez, and am now in the Pojfejjion of it, yet I am willing^ Madam, to yield up one half 0f it to you, upon Condition, that you will give me Fehcia. before I had [e en her, nothing coud he equal to my Ambition ; hut now her Charms have made fo deep an Impreffion in my Hearty $h(it all other Pajftons have fubmitted to my tranfcendent Love, I can never be happy without her y and if I am indebted to you for the Poffef- fion of that lovely Creature, half my Kingdom will he too fmall a Return, forfo high an Obligation \ therefore grant me but your Slave^ and I will ac- knowledge you for my Sovereign, Abelhamar. Celima having read this Letter in the Prer fence of Mahomet, they both admired Abelha- wars PalTion for Felicia; and as Mahotneis^ Vows were already dedicated to the Queen OÏ Fez, he was oyerjoy'd to find, that this Oc- cafion afforded her fure means of recovering, at leafl one part of her Dominions. He joyn'd with Mula in his Propofals, and ofFer'd to gp himfelf with Felicia to Sallee, m order tQ bring back with him fuch Hoftages from Abel- hamar, as fliou'd warrant the performance af the Treaty. Celima^ with a graciqus Air, re-r turn'4 (?/ C A R E N C Y» 36^ turn'd Mahomet Thanks and afTur'd him, ihe lliou d never forget the generous manner, in which he efpousd her Intereft; but as Aiel- hi^mars Propofais requir'd fome Confidcration, ihe defired, her Anfwer might be fufpended till the next Day ; then Mula withdrew, and left the Prince there, who took lb great a Pleafure in entertaining the Queen, that he did not retire till it was late, which gave time to the Prince of Carency and his Miftrefs, to take fome Meafurcs relating to their particular Affairs. Mahorriet having taken leave of the Queen, flie immediately went to the Grotto, where being enter'd, Leonida^ out of Refpecft retir'd, and left her alone with the Prince of Carency. This lovely Captive was walking in the Wood, with her Thoughts entirely imploy'd on the Happinefs, ilie propos'd to herfelf, thro' the means of her faithful Lover : but alas. Fate was preparing a New Tragedy ; Qafil* da (ftill under a Mans Difguife) diftraded with Jealoufy, at what fhe had juft heard, and feeing her Rival walking alone, thought fhe might eafily pierce her Heart, before any one coud come to her Afliftance; fo running up to her like a Fury, (lie drew out her Poinard, and plung'd it into i^<7;7/VA Breaft, who fell with the Blow, crying out for help, and call- ing the Prince of Carency ; at which Name, Cafilda was podefs'd with iuch inhuman Rage, that flie repeated her Blows. The Grotto not being diftant, the Prince was ftruck at the mournful Accents of his wounded Miftreft^ and 564 The Prince and leaving the Queen iliddenly, he made hafto toward the Place where he heard LeoniJas Voice; he law her lying on the Ground bath'd in Blood, and perceiv'd Don Sanchc running away, which convinc'd him that he was the Murderer ; he immediately purfu'd him, and with his Sword run him through : After he had thus reveng d unfortunate LeoniJa^ he came up to her ,• but oh! what a lamentable Condition did he find her in ? She exprefs'd hcrfelf with painful Sighs, and had fcarce Strength enough to take her Lover's Hand, which made him fear, her beauteous Eyes were going to yield up all their Charms to that univerfal Conqueror, Death. How fhall I here paint the difconfolate State of our unhappy Prince ; he was refolv'd not to furvive fo great a Misfortune, and had al- ready turn d the Point of his Sword to his Bread, when the Queen (who had follow'd him out of the Grotto) interpos'd, and preven-. ted him from ading his own Death : She re- peated her Shrieks in fo prelTing a manner, that the Guards immediately came up to her, and foon after, moft of her Attendants, with a great Number of Flambeaux, which ihew'd all the Horror of this Tragick Sctwc. It was not long before they were informed of it at the Palace oï Alhamhro: The two Princes, Maho- met ^nà Ofmin^ came to the Ahhakyn^ with Mula and another Gentleman, who had accompany- ed him in his Voyage from Sallee: In ihort, the Wood was full of People, who were ia of Car enc y. 565 a ftrange Confternation ; Leonida wounded» (lying in the Arms of a defpairing Prince, who was near lofing his Miftrefs) mov'd all Hearts with CompafTion. On the other hand, Caftlda (that wretched Creature) was tearing open her Wounds, to haften her deferv d Death : Zulema approached her, and ftill thinking ihe was a Man ; Ah Barbarous Villain, that you are, cry'd he to her ; what Daemon urg'd you to dommit a Crime fo black ? Tell me, what had innocent Felicia done to you, and how came you to murder her in this cruel manner > I am CafiUa^ (reply'd ihe with a furious Air) and flie was my Rival ; go to your Friend, and he will tell you the reft. Thefe were the laft and only Words flie pronounc'd with her expiring Breath. Tho' Leonidds Life wasdcfpaird of, yet the Surgeons were fent for, who us'd all their Skill to flop the bleeding of her Wounds, which they drefs'd, and having affifted her with pro- per Remedies, her Spirits began to revive: She open d her weak Eyes, then fix'd them on the Prince, who held her in his Arms, and appear'd in as great want of Rehef, as his dying Miftrefs. At laft they took her from him, and carry'd her by the Queen's Order to her Chamber, where fhe was laid in Bed, and Inea-^ who had a tender AfTeftion for Leonida^ ftaid by her nlmoft inconfolable for the unlucky Accident, which had happen d to her illuftri- ous Companion. She was Tq fenfibly touch'd at gé6 The Prince at it, that even the Prefence of Don Ramîré cou'd not mitigate her excefTive Grief. He was jufl: arriv'd from Fezj where he had been, in Expedation of finding his dear I^ea^ who had fent him a Letter whilft he was at Moroc- coj to acquaint him with hef Captivity : Eut before he cou'd reach Sallee^ the Qj-ieen was embark'd, which obHg d him to wait there for a favourable Opportunity of coming over to Granada; and as about this time ikula was fetting out for that Kingdom, he took his PafTage in the fame Ship. Ofminy who had a real Paiïion for Leonirlay was thoroughly concern d at her Misfortune ; and as for the Queen of Fez^ (lie cou'd not help being movM at this difmal Adventure, tho' flie prudently conceal'd her Thoughts. The Prince of Carency\ mournful Complaints, too well confirmed her Sufpicions in relation to his Sentiments for Leontda ; and flie faw him poflêfs'd with fo violent a Defpair, that fhe had no room left for any hopes, no not even to come to an Agreement with Alelhamar ,• for in the firft Place, flie was convinc'd, that jhou'd Leonida die of her Wounds, her Death Wou d render his Propofals of no Elîèâ: ; and *on the other Hand, flie forefaw, that if flic rccover'd, the Prince wou'd claim her as one, perhaps, he had lov'd a long time, and whom he intended to marry. As for Mula^ he was fo amaz'd, that he cou'd fcarcely beheve his own Eyes ; for tho' he was prefent when his Matter fought the brave of C AR E NC Y. 567 brave Count of La Vagne^ and kill'd him, and that he faw him give up his lall Breath ivi Olympias Arms, yet he cou'd not be per- fuaded, but the Prince of Carency was that fame Count; fo great was their Relemblance. The Prince, all this while, was hke a Man whofe Senfes had abandon d him, and in that Condition, the Queen of Fez gave Orders, that he fhou'd be carry 'd into one of the A- partments oï x\\t Ahhakyn^ where being laid on a Bed, his Wound open'd afreili, and there gufh'd from it a great Quantity of Bloody which alarm^d all his Friends, particularly o/ min^ who looked on him as his Rival, atid notwithftanding, fbew'd a fincere Trouble for his Misfortune, as well as his generous Frieud 2sulema, No body cou'd now tell who was in. the gfeatefl: Danger, the Prince of Carcncy or i>^ onida ; they both contiou'd extremely ill : His exceffive Grief for the Condition of his beloved Miftrefs, retarded his Recovery^ till they aiïur'd him, there was Hopes of her Life; which agreeable News caus'd fo wonderful an Effed: in him, that im Wound was foon heald, and in a few Days he was able to vifit her, who was alfo in no fmall Concern for the State of her Lover's Health. The Prefcnce of this lovely Prince had fo great an Influence on her, that it con- tributed likewife to her fpeedy Recovery: His daily Attendance and tender Care gave her more Relief than all the Remedies, which the 5é8 The Prince the Surgeons apply 'd to lier Wounds ; and it ttiay be faid, that as Love was the Author of the Pains and Difafters of thefc confiant Lovers, he was alfo their Phyficiail and Com- fort, No Satisfaction cou'd be equal to theiri, nor is it polTible to conceive the endearing Exprcfllons, they mutually exchang'd, durittg their lUnefs. By this time it was known, thro' the means of l»eay that LeoniJa was Daughter to Don John of Felafcoy and Zulema having mention'd CafiUds Name, fhe alfo inform'd the Court of her being of the Family of the Benavidezs^ and related to them the whole Story, as (lie had heard it from Leon'iJa, As to the Prince of Garencys Name, it was not long kept a Secret ; Celima told the King of Granada who he was, which added fo much to the Efteem, he had already acquired, thro' his perfonal Merit, that he receiv'd all portîblç Marks of Honour from the King, who went often to fee him after this unhappy Ad- venture; and endeavouring to confole the Prince, amongfl: other obliging ExprefTions, he told him, he reftor'd him to his 'Li- berty, for which, he defired no other Ran- fom than his Friendfliip, and that had he known fooner of his being of the Houfe of Bourhon^ he wou'd have (liewn him all the Diftindlion, that was due to lo illuftrious a Family The Prince, who now faw Leon'ida our of Danger, was very wiUing to retrieve his Li- berty, jdJ Ca r e nc y. 379 berty at any rate : He readily accepted of the King of Granada s generous Orter, and rerurn'd him Thanks for that, and the many other Favours he hadconfer'd on him, fmce the time he was taken Prifoncr. Celimay notwithftanding Leonida was her Rival, extremely pity'd her, and ordcr'd that all the Attendance imaginable fliou'd be given her: She alfo vifited the Prince, who laying afide the Refped: due to her Rank, receivd her with fo much IndifFerency, that flie re- folv'd never more to fpeak to him of his Un- known of Nicopolis. The mean while the King of Gramda (who was defirous to compleat the Prince of Caren- cys good Fortune, and had a Defign, at the fame time, to oblige the Spaniards') thought on means to procure if /?Wj her Liberty ; he therefore addrefs'd himielf to the Queen of Fez, offer- ing her whatever Sum, (lie vvou'd pleafe to de- mand for the Ranfom of that young Lady : But Celimay whofe Greatnefs of Spirit was equal to her Palfion, refolv'd no Sovereign fliou'd furpafs her in Generofity ; the Prince of Carency being a Chrifiian, and in Love with her Slave, was enough to make her determine never to think of him more. She told the King of Granaday that far from requiring any Ranfom for Leoniday flie defired, he Woud accept and difpofe of her, as he thought fit; and that not only Leonida, but all the reft of her Slaves were at his Command if agree- able to him- The King heard with Pleafure Celimas Anfwer, and in his Turn, gallantly. P b prelented 38 The P R I K C E prefented LeoniJa to the Prince of Care^cy, who receiv'd her with inexpreflible Marks of Joy and Gratitude, but cou'd not find Words to make a Retribution fuit^ble to the Prefent. The chief and only Caie of thefe happy Lovers confRed now in giving each other daily Proofs of their tender AfFedion. Their long and cruel Difappointments made their Feli- city the greater; and tho' they were not as yet Pcrfefrly recover d, they were propofing Means to leave Grjnada^ in order to perform the Promife which their Parents had made for them in their infant Years. The Prince wrote to Don John of Velafco at Villa -Real^ acquainting him with the Particulars of his and Leonidas For- tune, and withal, that he hopd foon to be the happieft of Mankind. Mula (feeing his Mafter s Defigrts were ren- dered impraticable through this Adventure between the Prince of Carency and LeoniJa) went back to SalleCy and gave Ahelhamar an Account of what had pafs'd ; w^iich News fo cruelly affe(9:ed him, that the Lofs of his Mif- trefs had like to have made him ad: his own Death; but as an Evincement of the Great- nefs of his Paffion, he took a Refolution pro- portionable to it ; for having renounced to the Crown of Fez^ he retired to a Caftle on the Sea- fide, where he confecrated the Remainder of his Life to the dear Memory of his Feli- cia. Celima foon receiv'd Advice of this unex- peded Change; and 2iS Mahomet was extreme- ly follicitous to ferve herin fo favourable a CpnjunAurc , ^/ C AR É NC V. 581 Conjuncfi^ure, he intrcated the King of Gra* nada^ his Father, to give him a Fleet and fome Forces, itl order to reinftate the Qiieen of Fez\ which being granted, he took the Command entirely upon himfelf, and con- Voy'd her to Sallee^ where, far from meeting with any Oppofition, flie found all Things in a perfect Tranquility. By this time her Mind was more at Eafe ; for having confider d that file cou'd no longer hope to receive an obliging return to the Pallion, Ihe had for the Prince of Carency^ Ihe thought nothing wou'd fooner effed: it's Cure, than approving Mahomet^ Vows ; therefore l^eing of too haughty a Temper to bear with the Difdain of the one, and Gra- titude pleading in behalf of the other, file at once refolv'd to give her Hand, and all her Affedion to Mahomet^ who by this Alliance faw his Love and Ambition fatisfy'd. Celmay before fhe parted from Granada, re- (lor'd Inea to her Liberty, and Don Ramire took her with him to Toledo, where thefe two Lovers, by a happy Union, receiv'd the Re- ward of their Conftancy. What I have farther to add relating to the Prince of Carency and Leonida, is, that as fooa as they were in a Condition to fet our on their Journey, they took leave of the King of Granada, who made them confiderable Prefenrs, and order'd fcveral Noblemen with a flrong De- tachment of his Guards to condud: th^m as far as the Frontiers of Spain; whence they pro- ceeded to Filla Realj where they were receiv d with 3§ The Prince^ l3c. with a Satisfadion equal to the . OccaCoji. Their long Sufferings inticled them to Xuch Bleflings, as hardly any who wore the Chains of Love cou'd expcd:. iLeonida^ in whom fo many Perfedions were aflembled, was too great a Prize for an indifferent Heroe, and the Prince of Carency^ whofe Accomplilhments rendcrM him one of the finefh Gentlemen of his time, might juftly claim a Place in her Afl^dion. In fliort, where, fq much Virtue and Merit was united, LoVe mufl be trium- phant. Then let us leave the Prince and Le- onida to the bounteous Care of Hymen^ whole foft Endearments cou d only recompence their paft Misfortunes, ^nd crown their Days with true Felicity. FINIS, ^