The revengeful mistress being an amorous adventure of an English gentleman in Spain : in which are also contain'd three other novels, viz. The wrong'd innocence clear'd, The generous imposter, and The unfortunate collonel / writ. by Ph. Ayres.

The Unfortunate Collonel.

AT the beginning of those dismal Turmoils in Ireland, which brake out about the beginning of September in the Year 1641 or 42, if I remem∣ber aright, when the Irish endeavou∣red to extirpate the English utterly out of that Kingdom; there was a Gentle∣man of an Ancient Family, and of an Estate of near 700 l. per An. engaged therein, whose name was OCa—He proved very active in that cruel Treat∣ment of the English, expressing on all Occasions, his implacable Hatred to them; and being a Man of great Per∣sonal Valour, tho' his Conduct was never

much admired, he was after some time, honoured with the Command of a Regi∣ment. 'Tis not to my purpose, nor is it sit I should trouble you, Madam, with the particulars of that War; it will be sufficient to say, that the Irish being at last worsted in it, all the Estates of such Gentlemen as had been instrumental in kindling the Coals, or industrious in somenting the Flame of that Fatal Combustion, were seized, and made forseit to the English. And amongst the rest was that of Collonel OC— which forced him from that time to Associate himself with the Tories, since called Raparees, and to change his fine Seat for a Hut in some Wood, or a∣mongst the Boggs; for those are the common Retreats of such Out-Laws, who subsist only by Spoil and Rapine. This was his manner of living till the Restoration of King Charles the Second; during all which time, his Company having been only such as were then termed Wild-Irish, Men altogether il∣litterate and rude; by their Con∣versation, our Collonel could acquire

nothing of Ingenious Improvement, for the bettering his Manners or Un∣derstanding, but rather by his suiting himself to all their ill Customs, and Behaviour, he had degenerated into the lowest Degree of Clownish Barbarity.

After that good King was quietly settled on his Throne in England, to the universal Ioy of his Subjects, and and had also taken due care for esta∣blishing the Peace and Tranquility of his three Kingdoms; his Maiesty had been pleased to bestow a considerable Post under his Deputy in Ireland, to a near Relation of our Collonels. Which News reaching his Ear; and being likewise made acquainted, that a Court of Claims was Erected there, wherein such as could purge them∣selves of the Imputation of those Cru∣elties practised on the English Prote∣stants, in the horrid Massacre of them, and could make their Innocence appear, that they had not bathed their Hands in English Blood, should have their E∣states restored. He never considering the palpable Guilt he lay under, re∣solved

on a Journey to Court, hoping by favour of his Kinsman to be re∣possessed of his forfeited Estate. So mounting his Courser which was ano∣ther Rosinante, to Dublin he posts, there alighting at the first Inn he came to, and being confirmed in the Account of his Kinsman's greatness, he prepa∣red that very Morning of his Arrival to wait on him. In order to this vi∣sit, he thought it necessary to spruce up himself as well as he could, his Garb being then none of the most Modish; for he was equipped in his ordinary Plad, which had served him in his Function of Robbing, a narrow-brim'd Hatt with a High Steeple-Crown, a pair of Pumps, with a long jingling Spur on his Right Heel, to show he was just come off a Journey, and being a tall lusty Man, had a huge Basket-Hilted Sword fix'd in a broad Girdle to his side, somewhat after the Spanish Mode. He then goes to a Barber's for a touch of his pollishing Hand, ordering him to come and powder his Hair, and to prune his Head, which

he affected to wear extraordinarily long.

Whilst the Barber was at his Business, our Collonel acquainted him with the visit he was about to make, and asked him many Questions concerning his Cousin; which Partly gave the Barber Encouragement to find fault with the shaggedness of his Short Hair, and unfashionableness of his long Beard▪ for a Man of his Age, who owned him∣self scarce turned of Fifty; assuring him that at Court, to which the Collonel was going, it was the general custom to have their Beards shaved off Clean, and if their Hair were not very grace∣ful, to have that also cut off, and to wear a Perry-Wigg. Though the Col∣lonel's stock of Money were but small, yet was he willing to appear a Man of Mode; he therefore, after some dif∣ficulty, was perswaded to part with both his Beard and Hair, and in a new great blustring Wig, which there cost him fifteen Shillings, towards the Court he marches, attended by his kind Friend the Barber▪ who had un∣dertaken

to steer him to his Kinsman's House, near the Castle. As they walk∣ed the Streets, our Collonel admiring the fine Accomplishments of his Con∣ductor, and quaintness of his Speech, thought him a fit Person to advise with about his Behaviour amongst the Cour∣tiers. The Barber generously condes∣cended to instruct him in all the neces∣sary Punctilio's to be observed there, which was taken for a particular Fa∣vour, and when he had pointed him to the House, he left him.

'Twas just turned of Twelve a Clock when the Collonel advancing to the Gate, enquired if his Coshen were within? The Porter laughing, de∣manded who was his Coshen? Thy Master, said the Collonel, Sir G. L. is my Coshen, and I am come to Dine with him. No, Sir, answered the Porter, my Master is gone up into the Castle, and will not return 'till past one a Clock, his usual Dining time: But my Lady is within. Then prithee Joy▪ proceeded the Collonel, tell thy Lady that here is her Coshen Collonel OC▪ come

to see her. The Porter supposing him some Person of better Condition than he appeared to be, by his preposterous out-side, pray'd his Lady's Page, who then happened to be present, to show the Gentleman into the Dining Room. The Page waited on him up stairs, and leaving him in the Room, went to acquaint his Lady.

Our Collonel who had a keen Appe∣tite, having reserved his Stomach for a good Dinner, was glad to see the Table so well prepared for it. And as he was admiring the fine. Tapestry Hangings and other Curiosities there, he espyed a very great Looking-glass towards the upper part of the Room, which made him desirous to know how his new Dress became him; and walk∣ing up close to it, saw himself so strange∣ly Transformed, that he could scarce∣ly believe it was his own Face he was staring at. For now instead of his short grisled Locks and Tufts on his Crown, intermixt with Baldness, he beheld his Head with a huge Covering, or rather Thatch of Black Hair, which being

unskilfully Composed, stood strutting out near a Foot on each side his Face, and instead of his long matted Beard, reaching almost to his Waste, he found his Chin deprived of that which he thought to be its greatest Ornament. The Sight was so very surprizing, that lifting up his Hands hastily to express his Amazement, and not falling into Account, that thô the lower part of the Looking-Glass was supported by Brass Hooks close to the Wall, the upper∣most part thereof was hung enclining forwards; he, in the raising, as I said, of his heavy Fists, hit his Knuckles with that Violence against it, that down fell the Glass shatter'd all to pieces on the Floor.

You may easily imagin, Madam, what trouble our Collonel was in at this Ac∣cident, who not knowing which way to excuse it, was going Backwards to remove as far as he could from thence, hoping by that means he might not be suspected for the Person that had done it; but not turning to see the Course he steered, he fell suddenly back in∣to an armed Chair, from whence at the

same instant, he heard a great crack∣ling Noise, and feeling somewhat break under him, he started up, and found it to be a curious Instrument of Musick, made of Ebony and Ivory, or at least the Ruines of ••ne; being the Lady L's, Guittar, squeezed by him to bits.

This second Misfortune added much to his Disorder, and as he was looking with Amazement on one and the other; the opening a Door at the further end of the Room, obliged him to turn that way, where he perceived the good La∣dy, who being drest very gay for re∣ception of some great Persons, and La∣dies of Quality which were to dine that Day with her, was, upon the Page's notice, coming in to entertain this Stranger her Kinsman. He, in the Con∣fusion he was in, went to meet and sa∣lute her, as he remembred the Barber had directed him, which he perform∣ed in such an aukward manner, not be∣ing accustomed to those Ceremonies, that with the rude shock of his Face a∣gainst the Lady's, he made the Blood fly out at her Nose; and in the draw∣ing

back of his Head, finding his blust∣ring Wig to be stopt, which was en∣gaged in the Ladies Head-dress, either by some of her Pins, or her Bodkin, he to secure his Wig, pull'd it so hard, that he tore down her Hair, Ribbons, and all her Head-Gear about her Ears.

When he saw how roughly he had treated the Fine Lady, his Cousin, he was going to make an humble Congee, and to beg her Pardon for it; but his Scrape was fetched with such a swing of his Leg, as endangered the throw∣ing himself down on his Nose; and the great Spur by his ungainly Motion, catching in the Ladies rich Venetian Petticoat, not only made a great Tri∣angular Rent in it, but with the sud∣den Jerk, was like to have tript up her Heels, had not the Silk given way by being torn. As the Collonel stoop'd suddenly to disengage his Spur, he heard a loud Out-cry behind him, and turning, saw Sir G's Daughter, a little Lady of about Seven or Eight Years Old, with her Face all cover'd with Blood. She was but just come into the

Room, and standing at the Collonel's Back, more intent on his Extravagant Behaviour than her own safety, had received a dangerous Cut on the Fore∣head, by his reaching to separate his Spur from the Petticoat; For as he stooped, his Elbow happening to press down the great Hilt of his long Sword, had suddenly raised up its Point, from which in his Journey he had lost the Chape, and that hitting the Child's Fore-head, had done her the Mischief.

We may easily conclude, that the Collonel must needs be more than a little sensible of all this Series of Mis∣chiefs he had done, which were not possible to be repaired by any Apolo∣gy he could make: He therefore be∣gan to think of a timely Retreat, and looking over one of his Shoulders to∣wards the Door, was sliding back∣wards that way, but so full of Confu∣sion, he never minded, that on his other Hand he was rubbing against the Side∣board of Plate and Glasses, prepared for Dinner, which being only a Spa∣nish Table, and loose in the Joints, was easily overthrown.

This fall of the Table with a terrible Clatter, thô he was scarce sensible what it was, so affrighted the Collo∣nel, that out at the Door he flew, with a half turn, and with such Precipita∣tion, that thô he saw himself at the Stare-head, it was impossible to hinder his pitching down Headlong, and with so much Violence, as must cer∣tainly have broke his Neck, had not my Lady's Woman, who was then coming up with a fine Pyramid of Sweet-meats, given him some little Impediment in his Tumble, but full fore against her will, for she and her Desart were overturned by him, with no small Dammage to both: And yet this could not prevent his rolling to the Stair-foot, where, as the Devil would have it, lay the great Mastiff, who angry to be thus disturbed from his Natural rest by all that hurly bur∣ly, fell upon the Collonel, but he get∣ting nimbly up, so bravely with his Fists and Feet, encountred his Adver∣sary, as oblig'd him, after some time, to give ground.

In this Skirmish, tho' our Man of War seemed to have had the better on't, he lost both his Hat and Wig, and that of the two which lay nearest to him, being his Hat, he, without much Dif∣ficulty, recovered it, but then finding it must cost him a second Combat with the Dog to regain his Perriwig; and hearing a doleful Cry of the Gentle∣woman upon the Stairs, of Oh Lord he has Murdered me, the Collonel be∣gan to apprehend, and not without Reason, that the whole Family would soon Arm and fall upon him, to revenge the dismal Havock he had made, he thought it best rather to quit the Field, and leave the Spoil to his Enemy, than hazard another Engagement; he there∣fore clapping on his Hat, ran straight to the Gate where the Porter was standing, who seeing him come in all that haste and Disorder, would have stopped his Passage; but the Collonel without Interruption to his Carreer, gi∣ving him one sound Bang on the Pate with his heavy Fist, left his Opponent sprawling on the ground, and made nei∣ther

stop nor stay 'till he got to his Inn. There quickly mounting his Pegasus, away he flew by the speediest Journeys he could make to his Comrades, protesting he would ra∣ther lose a hundred Estates, than be forced to appear at Court, and there wait a long time with such abundance of Formality and Address, as he him∣self had some Experience of, but by his kind Friend the Barber, was more fully informed, that those Persons who expected to make any Friends there, were obliged to, and all the while must be in danger, as he thought, of falling into the like Misfortunes, as he had suffer'd that Day.

Before Don Feliz could reach to the close of his Story, he was interrupted three or four times by Doña Faustina's violent Fits of laughing, which thô she fain would have suppress'd, yet were so loud that one of the Dueña's was forced at each time to come into the Chamber to advise them to be more hush and more moderate in their Mirth, unless they in∣tended to allarm the whole House to

their own Ruine. These sober Cauti∣ons, back'd with Don Feliz's Entreaty, could scarce restrain the current of her Laughter▪ she was so transported with Pleasure at the hearing this Tale. But after she had better composed her self, and returned him Thanks for the great delight he had given her in his rela∣ting it: I will not, said she, be so rude, Don Feliz, to question the Truth of its particulars, thô I cannot but admire at this long Concatination of Blunders and Misfortunes, that attended the poor Collonel, and I shall content my self with the Old Italian Saying. Se non è ver••, non è mal travato. If it be not true, yet 'tis not ill Composed. Don Feliz was beginning to make an Excuse for his ill wording, and his Hesitation in tel∣ling it, but she assur'd him, it needed no Apology, for she was extreamly pleased with that Nights Entertainment, and to confirm what she had said, thrust into his Hand five Doblones at parting.

At those times when Don Feliz re∣turned from visiting his Mistress; by reason of the long stay he had made

with her, which was commonly 'till two or three, and sometimes four a Clock in the Morning, he had a Cu∣stom not to rise 'till ten and often E∣leven, which is their Dinner time, du∣ring the hot Season of the Year: But on other Mornings he rose early with his Brother, and with him would fre∣quently divert himself, yet not with that Friendship and Intimacy as for∣merly he had done. For he would re∣tire many times into some Room alone, to divert himself with his Instruments of Musick; or to compose some little Poems, Epigrams, or other Fancies in the Spanish Tongue, to present to Doña, Faustina, who took great de∣light in reading them; or else he would walk abroad by himself into the Fields, on purpose to avoid Don Henrique his Scrutinies into his Night-Walks.

On this occasion, he had one Morn∣ing got out betimes, and taken a plea∣sant Walk amongst the Gardens, that lie ranged along the Banks of the River Tagus, with no other Companion than his Book, on which he cast his Eyes as

opportunity served; and in his return homeward, he observing the Caracol or Tour of Coaches not far from him in the Vega, directed his Couse that way, to divert himself also with the variety of curious Objects to be seen in them; for the Ladies there and Gentlemen, do often take the Benefit of the Morning Air, as well as of the Evening.

He had not long feasted his Eyes with the Prospect of those Spanish Beau∣ties, when to his no little Amazement, he espyed amongst them a Face, which he had been more accustomed to view by Candle than by Day-Light; and thô quickly covered with a Vail, yet could not the small Glimps he had of it, hinder him from knowing his Doña Faustina. The motion of the Coach one way, and his walking another, gave him reason to believe, that the Lady had missed seeing him. And the finding her in this splendour, at the chief end of a rich Coach, drawn by six good Mules well equipped; and attended by a Page and couple of Foot-men in gentile Liveries, made

him conclude her a Person of no mean Condition; and raised in him a more than ordinary Curiosity of knowing who she was; especially when, to be satisfied in it, he conceived it was no great matter of difficulty. For he took it for granted, that the Lady not be∣ing aware she had been seen by him, he might with safety enough, at her going out of the Ring, follow the Coach at a distance, amongst other Gentlemen also on foot, so as to ob∣serve into what part of the Town it went, and there might learn her Name and Quality. To this end he was draw∣ing towards the Road that leads to the City, but at so lazy a rate, and mak∣ing so many stops and pauses to look back, as might well give suspicion to any watchful Eye, that he could not be without a Design in his Head, on some Lady in one of those Coaches, and of giving her some private Signs for Assignation, which is very dange∣rous there, where even to be too cu∣riously prying after any Women, is esteemed a high Crime.

His patience was put to no great Tryal in tarrying for her, for he pre∣sently saw the Coach leave the Rest, and make toward that Gate of the Ci∣ty to which he was going. As the Coach passed him, he seemed to take little notice of it, but then left his sta∣tion, and carefully followed after it. And tho' he twice saw the Page, who had his Hand on the Coach Boot, af∣ter looking back, give the Coach∣man orders to drive on faster, yet was he so earnest to pursue his Intentions, as not to perceive he was observed, but mending his pace, he endeavou∣red still to keep up with them, 'till he heard the Page bid, Drive on a Gallop, which made him by this time sensible that he was taken notice of; for the Spaniards very rarely alter their poco a poco, their fair and softly, which is but a Foot pace.

Don Feliz finding his Error, thought it highly necessary to change his De∣sign; and that he might not be sus∣pected of dogging her Coach, he took a different Path which led to another

Gate of the Town; hoping by this Feinte, that the Lady might fancy his Pursuit had been only made by Acci∣dent, and not in contempt of her Com∣mands. But when he had thought better on the Thing, it made him blame his own Folly and Dulness, which had hindred him from reftecting, that she must needs have perceived by his loytering there so near the Ring, and his often Eying the Coach, that his Drift was to attend her Motion homewards; and that she must have been told by her Page, who had often look'd back, how nimbly the Flamenco, (for so they commonly call Strangers) had followed after her: For he now be∣gan to consider, when too late, with what searching Eyes, such as are jea∣lous do pry into; and how nicely they weigh every little Circumstance, which they construe to their Prejudice.

Such like apprehensions as these made him very uneasie the rest of the Morning, and on purpose stretch out his Walk longer than he had intended, that he might have the satisfaction of

thinking on this matter at large by himself before he got home. All which served but to Augment his Trouble, and make him expect with no small fear, such another rattling Bout from the Lady, as he was forced to endure for his former Transgression. It like∣wise brought to his Memory, the great Danger he then was in, not only of losing her favour, but of feeling the effects of her Revenge for that Fault; as also the Difficulty he had to obtain his Pardon, and to re-instate himself in her good Graces as before. Then he set his Wits at work to study the best Excuses he could, for pacifying her An∣ger, in case she should admit of a Par∣ley: But all his Invention could fur∣nish him with no better a Plea in his own behalf, than stiffly to deny he had seen her there; and that his sudden hastening after the Coach, was but his immediate Consideration of the Suns Heat, and of the Hour of the Day, which was then near Dinner time.

Being come home, he▪ after a short Meal made against Stomach, went up

Stairs, and threw himself upon his Bed, but could there take no rest, for vex∣ing at the ill posture his Affairs stood in with his Mistress; For of this second Miscarriage, he had no body to throw the blame on but himself. His Bro∣ther took notice of all this disorder in him, and tho' he pressed to know his grievance, having occasion to Consult him about a Message sent them, in or∣der to the dispatch of their grand Con∣cern in that place, yet he found him in so peevish a Humour, that he saw it was to no purpose to mention it to him.

In a little time after, Don Feliz per∣ceived his Brother fallen into a sound sleep on the Bed by him, whilst he himself could not partake of that kind Benefit of Nature, to give some respite to the trouble of his Mind, that was perplexed also to think he should have so barren a Fancy, as was not able to bring himself off from so small an Em∣barasment. In which condition he lay musing 'till past two of the Clock, when he was allarmed at the Rattling

of a second Stone thrown into the Room, as one some time before had been. At that very moment he was fully awake, though his Eyes were shut, and guessing what that noise im∣ported, for he knew it must needs be another furious Message from his angry Lady, he started up and ran directly to the Window, hoping to have had a sight of the Hand that flung it in; but was deceived, for the Person whoever it was, had been too nimble for him, and was retired from his view.

But looking afterwards for the Stone, he found it brought along with it a Billette, or little Note tied up, and di∣rected as the former had been; which he was almost afraid to open; so much did he dread the Contents thereof: And seeing his Brother who had been di∣sturbed at the sudden Noise of running to the Window, begin to rouse in or∣der to get up, Don Feliz slip'd the Note and Stone into his Pocket, and going down Stairs into the Dining-Room, he there trembling opened it, and read as follows.

Don Feliz,

You have now given a second Proof of your Admirable Conduct in the Affair of our Loves. How could you so rashly this Morning hazard your own safety and mine, only to gratifie an un∣thoughtful Curiosity? Sure you forgot you were in Spain, where so many Eyes are open to observe, Tongues ready to pro∣claim, and Hands prepared to chastise such indiscreet Behaviour? This very Action being of such danger to us as it was, would in another Woman, have rais∣ed so high a flame of Rage, as would not have been extinguished, but with your Blood; or would at least have dissolved the Correspondence for ever. But you know that the Ascendant you have over me, will not give me leave to think of Revenge: And the entire Possession you have of my Heart, may satisfie you, that 'tis impossible for me, ever to re∣move you from thence. I can therefore onely wish, I were able to invent stronger Reasons than yet I have done▪ to oblige you to be more advised for the Future.

In the mean time I have been think∣ing of an Expedient which, if rightly pursued may I hope prevent the Insa∣my I daily incur by your Indiscretion: Which when you shall once be sensible of, I'm sure you will not disapprove. And because I would fain have you make some Attonement for your Fault, before it be worn out of Memory by a tedious Four and Twenty Hours In∣terval, pray fail not to make your ap∣pearance to Night at the usual Place and Time, and I shall send my Ser∣vants and Chair to meet you there. But of this be confident, that for any Offence Don Feliz has commited against one, who must own she loves him better than her own Life▪ he may expect to receive no greater Punishment, than what he will find in the Embraces of

His entirely Affectionate Doña Faustina.

It was no small satisfaction to Don Feliz to be thus cheaply deliver'd from the direful. Apprehensions he had conceived of his Mistresses An∣ger, and her Resentment of the Af∣front: For the least thing he could have expected before the reading her Letter, was the certain loss of her Fa∣vour, and perpetual Exclusion from her Presence. He read it over again and again, and after a strict Exami∣nation of every particular Sentence, he could not discover (besides a sharp reproof for his Fault) any thing in it which expressed not a most tender Affection toward him, and a great sweetness of Temper in her self, who could to easily pass by a Crime, vo∣luntarily committed against her po∣sitive Commands; and he concluded he should be able at Night to paci∣fie her fit of Chiding in as ample a manner, as he had once before done on the like occasion.

Don Enrique, who knew nothing of what had so lately happen'd, was amazed to see his Brother come a∣gain

with so great Briskness up stairs; and observed that now all those black Clouds of Discontent, which at his lying down to sleep, had hung upon his Brow, were totally dispell'd. He could not but be curious to know the Reason of this suddain Change of Humour, and yet was unwilling to go about to pump it from his Friend, having already made many Attempts of that kind in vain; but he guessed it must needs proceed from some of those various Turns, and Whimseys which his Love-In∣trigue daily afforded.

The rest of that Afternoon was, by appointment of the Persons con∣cerned, and the Consent of Don En∣rique, to be spent in Treaty about their Business which had kept them so long in Toledo; and he was very well pleased to find his Camerade in so good a temper of Mind to assist at it. They took their Papers, went chearfully together to the place where by Agreement they were to meet; and there after a long Conference,

and many hot Disputes, with certain Spanish Gentlemen, to whom the mat∣ter had at last been referred, a hap∣py Conclusion was made of the whole Affair; to the greater satisfacti∣on of Don Enrique, than of Don Fe∣liz, who could not but be very sor∣ry to think that he must now leave his Mistress, after this new Recon∣ciliation, which he look'd on as al∣ready done in effect.

When they were come back to their Lodgings, they had divers Dis∣courses together, on what had then passed in that final Adjustment of their Business, and of the good End made thereof, after so long an At∣tendance on it: Making also their Remarks on the formal Gravity of the Spaniards, and their slow me∣thod of proceeding in all their Un∣dertakings. And now the next thing to be thought on, was to make their necessary Preparations for leaving that City, and for their return back to Madrid. This thing was long con∣certing, which made Don Feliz very

uneasie, remembring his Assignation, and that it now drew near Ten a Clock. He therefore snatching up a Sword and Hangers which lay on the Table, and he supposed to be the same he commonly walked with, hook∣ed it to his Girdle, as the Spanish Mode is, and after a short Excuse for his haste, nimbly tripped out of Doors.

At the old Station he found Señor Fadrique waiting for him with the Chair, into which he entred with very little Ceremony, not to lose more time, having, as he perceived, a little slipped his Hour; but the Turks made haste, and quickly set him down within the Portal of the Lady's House. He was sufficiently acquaint∣ed with the Method of going up into the Room, which was always with great Silence and Circumspection, and therefore needed no Guide to conduct him thither. But as he was mount∣ing the Back stairs, by which he was accustomed to go, he was not a little surprized to find his passage hindred

by a stop Door on the middle of those winding stairs, which 'till then he had never known to be shut. To knock or scratch at it he durst not, for fear of making a disturbance, but he pushed hard, and found it fast lock'd or barr'd. He then staid a good while, expecting some body's coming to open it, but not hearing any one stir that way, he put again his Hand to the Door, intending to have thrust harder at it, but at the first touch the Door flew wide open, which somewhat encreased his Won∣der, and began to raise a suspicion in him, that there was some unfair play designed against him.

These new Observations discoura∣ged him not, but forwards he went, and as he entred the Room at one Door, he saw his Mistress coming in at the other to meet him, with her little Lap-Dogg running by her; which 'till that time she always used to bring in under one of her Arms. Her manner of accosting him too, was different from what it wont to be;

for thô she had ever at the first En∣try, expressed a pleasure to see him, it was still accompanied with a be∣coming Gravity; but now instead of the violent Passion and Fury, which on the like occasion, she had formerly shown, and Don Feliz at this instant expected, she with a smi∣ling Countenance and open Arms came up nimbly to him, and calling Ah Bellaco! Ah naughtly Man, why would you be so unkind to forget my repeated Orders to you? She clasp∣ed both her Arms about his shoul∣ders, and charged him with such a volley of Kisses, and with so much fervency, as now raised his jealousy to a much higher Degree, than that Accident which occur'd on the stairs had done: For he could not com∣prehend the meaning of this new manner of Salutation, not used by Women in that Country; nor could he guess whence all this superabun∣dant Kindness should proceed. This made him turn his Head to mind the little Dog, which was fiercely

barking at the Hanging, where, at the bottom of them, he might easi∣ly see the Feet of Men moving to come out.

'Twas now no longer time to dal∣ly, for it plainly appeared there was a Design laid against his Life; he therefore putting forward his left Leg, and having his Arms about the La∣dies Waste, he threw her across his Knee, with all the force he was able, against the Ground: And at the same moment stepping back, and clapping his Hand on his Sword, drew it at the first motion, and with it flying vigorously at the three Assassins, who by this time with their drawn Swords were slip'd from behind the Hang∣ings, and advancing towards him, he charged the first of them with so home a Thrust, that he fell down, roaring out Boto a Christo que estoy muerto! Dam'me I'm kill'd! This brisk Charge and quick Execution, together with the lamentable Out∣cry of the two Persons, who seem∣ed expiring on the Floar, so much

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daunted the remaining Assailants, whom he now discover'd to be Señor Fadrique the Gentleman Usher▪ and one of the Chair-men, that they be∣gan to shrink towards the Bed side, but keeping still on their Guards.

Don Feliz's Business in that place, was not to prosecute a Victory, as once he was about to have done, but to secure his own Life; where∣fore observing their motion, and how concerned they were at the Noise made by the other Chair-man, who lay wallowing in his own Blood; which had obliged the Lady, as we••l as she was able, to creep to him, and endeavour to stop his Mouth with her Hands, He resolved to take his Advantage of their Disorder, and make the best Retreat he could from the threatning Danger, before the whole Family, as he doubted they would, might Arm against him: For he ex∣pected they must needs be allarm'd at all this disturbance. He there∣fore rushing by them, nimbly slipp'd out at the Door, and as he was

shutting it after him, espying the Key left by chance on the out side, he lock'd it, and was running down stairs; but there met with another Obstacle; he found the Stop-door so fast shut a∣gain, that he could by no Art nor pulling, open it. This put him to his Wits end, for he had no time to deli∣berate what was best to be done; but fearing the Enemy might rally, and Charge him in that disadvantagious Station beneath them, he was neces∣sitated to run up again, to endeavour an Escape over the Tops of Hou∣ses.

Being got up to the stairs Head, he saw a little Door, which he im∣magin'd might possible open into some Gutter or other Out-let for his purpose, and was stooping to creep through that way; but his Haste and wanting Light (being only what the Stars and a small glimmering of the Moon then yielded) would not allow him the Be∣nefit, to see that his Passage within that Door had no Floar; for it be∣ing but a narrow place or Cock-loft

next the Tiling, was of no use, nei∣ther had any thing to tread on, be∣sides the Ceiling of the Chamber that was underneath it; and the Joyces by which that was sustained. These Joyces our flying Conquerour in his hasty Retreat missed, and happening to tread with all his weight upon the Plaistering, it immediately gave way, and he brake through, falling down headlong into a Bed-Chamber, where a Gentleman sate reading at a Table, with his Sword lying by him.

The studious Gentleman being di∣sturbed at this amazing Accident, see∣ing a Man come Armed by such an unusual In-lett, with a Design as might be suppos'd to attack him; threw aside his Book, snatched up his Sword, which he drew, and was pre∣paring for the Encounter. But just as Don Feliz had got up, was bustling to recover himself after his Fall, and putting himself into a posture to re∣ceive the Charge, he was the most a∣stonished Man of the World, to dis∣cover that the Assailant whom he was

going to Engage, was his Friend and Comrade Don Enrique; and that the Room in which they were, was their own Lodging. He then called out Hold, Hold, Brother. By which words, (for he was cover'd with the Dust of the broken Ceiling) the Mistake was per∣ceived on both sides, and they know∣ing one the other, it put an end to their furious Intentions.

Now if Don Enrique were surpri∣zed to see his Friend brought home in∣to the Chamber, by such a strange piece of Conjuration; Don Feliz was no less amazed to find himself there, when he imagin'd at that time he had been at the remotest part of the Ci∣ty from thence. Yet thus it was, and the Thing appearing so very strange, Don Enrique could not for∣bear an immediate Enquiry, to be sa∣tisfied of the Mystery thereof; but was entreated by Don Feliz to respit his Curiosity, 'till a fitter time of Discoursing it, because he was then, he said, as he had reason to believe, pursued for his Life, and

knew not but his Adversaries might probably fire down some Gun or Pi∣stol into the Room upon them. It was therefore, after a short Consul∣tation, thought necessary, they should immediately remove out of that Lodg∣ing. So down stairs they went, and found their Landlord; for he being disturbed at the rattling Noise he had heard from above, was getting out of Bed, and coming up to enquire what was the matter.

They acquainted him, as briefly as they could, with their Resolution, and with as much of the occasion of it, as was convenient at that juncture. To which the Landlord, without Scruple, readily consented, and offer∣ed to get them a new Lodging to their Desire. He had indeed been ever ready to show the great Respect and Esteem he had for such generous Guests, as they had always been to him; and more especially at this time he was willing they should see his Diligence and his Zeal to serve them; for he had got some hint, that their

Business being now finished, their stay could be but very few Days longer in Town. His offer was kindly accep∣ted, and whilst he went up stairs to fetch their Maletas or Portmantles, and to view the Breach in his Ceil∣ing; his two Guests went down and had unlock'd the Door, but as they were just stepping into the Street, they found they were strongly push'd at by two Persons, who had on each side of the Door planted themselves, thinking to have stabbed them at their coming forth.

The Pre-caution therefore which Don Feliz had given, of marching out very circumspectly, and with their drawn Swords in their Hands, to pre∣vent the Mischief of such an Attack, proved very lucky to them; for their readiness to defend themselves, and brisk answer of the Enemies Charge, did not only secure them from this second Treachery but did so much discourage the Undertakers of it, that they were easily forced by the two Friends to scour nimbly off▪ and

seek for Refuge in the Portal of a great House adjoining to their Lodg∣ings.

In this last Skirmish the Assassins were found to be the same unhurt Chair-man, who had been left above; and his Companion was Old Fadrique, whose bustling had now discover'd him to be a young Man, by the let∣ting fall of his long Artificial Beard. Which two Valentones or Bravos had, as it seem'd, engag'd to their Lady to Execute that in the Street, which they had failed to do in her Chamber, but were glad to betake themselves to their Heels for their own safety.

When their Landlord, who came La∣den with their Goods▪ had overtaken his two Guests, and had Conducted them safe to his Friend's House, which was far enough off, in another part of the City; they made Enquiry of him, concerning his Neighbours dwel∣ling in that House, next to his, and were satisfied by him in so many par∣ticulars, as that by the help thereof, they were able to unriddle the whole Mystery of that Intrigue.

They found that the Lady who called her self Doña Faustina, was Wife of Don Pedro de Solana, a rich Knight of the Order of St. Iago, who was turned of Threescore Years of Age, and was Master of the great House, as he also was Owner of that lesser wherein they lodged, which he let to Fancisco de Ayala their Landlord. They were told that Don Pedro and his Lady had been Married together above six Years, and she never with Child in all that time. They were sa∣tisfied that she must have taken an opportunity of looking down when she would, through a Peep-hole into their Bed-Chamber (which Hole by them had but lately been Discovered) from whence she could hear and see every thing they said and did there; and they guessed she might have been invited to that Curiosity by Don Fe∣liz's Musick, of which she would of∣ten talk. They also concluded, that the Letters which seemed to have been thrown in at the Window, were only drop'd down through the same

Hole in the Ceiling. It likewise plain∣ly appeared, that the Contrivance of carrying him about so far in the close Chair, was but to amuse him, that he should not be able to find out her Lodging. And they conjectured that this Design of Assassinating him, did not altogether result from her Desire to revenge the Affront of his disobey∣ing her Commands, and his unadvi∣sed Curiosity in endeavouring to find out who she was: But partly too, because she having got Intelligence by her watching at the Peep-Hole, that those two English Gentlemen had dispatched their whole Affair in Toledo, and were speedily to return to Madrid; that therefore since she must now lose her Gallant's Conversation for ever, she would suffer no other Woman, to whom he might possibly speak with Scorn of the Favours of his Mistress Doña Faustina, to have the future En∣joyment of him.

But they could not imagin what reason she could have, to contrive his Murder in her own House, ra∣ther

than in the street as they car∣ried him in the Chair; or in some By-Corner, Alley, or other private Hole; unless it should be, that she thought in those Places, the Act might be more liable to a Discovery; or be∣cause she her self had a mind to see the Bloody Execution more effectually performed. And upon a further scan∣ning of her last ambiguous Letter to him, they admired how Don Feliz could have been so blind, as not to see, that at the close of it, she in cun∣ning Terms discover'd how she in∣tended to deal with him, which was to hold him in her Arms, while her Servants should Murder him. It was also then argued, how it was possible for Don Feliz, not to recollect, that he must have often seen waiting at the next door, his Mistresses Coach, and the Lyveries which she had that Morn∣ing attending her in the Ring: But to this he protested, his Thoughts were so fix'd on the Lady, and his surprize was so great at that Moment, that he took very little notice of the Coach or

Servants; which at another time he might have easily known.

After these Remarks thus made, Don Enrique took occasion to Discourse the matter at large with his Brother, and strove to make him sensible of the Wicked and Extravagant life he had led in that Town, which had plunged him into so much Mischief, as was the Murder of a Man, and the exposing him∣self to so many imminent Dangers of losing his own Life, and of ruining his Friend; being commonly the sad effects of such ill Courses. To all which Don Feliz soberly attended, having very little to say, in any respect, for his own justification. And after finishing this grave Lecture of Morality, it was observed that they had by some Mi∣stake made a change of Swords; for Don Feliz, at his hasty going out to o∣bey his Mistresses treacherous Sum∣mons, had, instead of his own, snatch∣ed up his Brother's that had an open Scabbard, with proper Tiros or Hang∣ers belonging to it. This made him call to mind the benefit he had had by

that lucky Mistake, who might else have been kill'd before he could have drawn his own Sword, which for its length being of the Spanish Marco, or Standard, with an ordinary close Scab∣bard, could not have been done, but at two or three Motions.

They made but two Days longer stay in Toledo, during which time they thought it not convenient to shew themselves too publicly, lest they might be found by some others of the revengeful Lady's Agents to their further Prejudice, and because they could not yet get Intelligence how it fared with the Chair-man; whether he were alive or Dead. But at their Departure for Madrid, they were assured by their Landlord, that the Lady was pretty well recovered of the terrible Fall her kind Lover had given her; and that the wounded Chairman was in a skilful Surgeon's Hands, with great Hopes of his Reco∣very. Which News was very wel∣come to Don Feliz, who had been more than a little inquisitive to

know in what Condition they both were.

Well, they now took leave of To∣ledo, and mounting a couple of good Mules, they, with their Muletteer, rode jogging on together for Illescas, which they reached that Night, as they did Madrid the Day after; Don Feliz promising a thousand times, on the Road, to his Brother, never more to be drawn into such ill Courses so long as he liv'd; but whether he may since have justly comply'd with those Promises or no, I must leave it to his own Conscience to be the Judge. I confess, I am apt to believe the best of him, for he was frequently observ'd to repeat these Italian Verses.

Cortigiana che ti stringe, E le Braccie al collo cinge, Poco t'ama, e molto finge, E nel fin, t'abruga o tinge.

FINIS.