The drudge, or The jealous extravagant a piece of gallantry.

A general Peace was now concluded, to the extream displeasure of the Gascoins, and this affliction had very much augmented that other, that the prohibition of Duels had caused them a little before: all their Villages were full of Reformed Officers, and the most noble and brave among them, had no other employment then plaguing all they met with, with an imperti∣nent recital of their Braveries, at God knows what River, and God knows what time. When the King issued out his Orders for the placing a Regiment of old Soldiers in one of the most pleasing Towns of France; my intelligence could not inform me, whither this agreeable place we speak of, were on this side, or beyond the Loire, but I dare assure you, it lies between Calice and Bayonne.

The greatest part of the Officers of this Re∣giment were not very well skil'd in any other Virtues, then their Military ones, and Wine and Tobacco, the Pot and Pipe was their chief em∣ployment: but all of them were not so scanda∣lously inclin'd: some few of them were more Gentile and Courtly, and preferred a handsome obliging Lady, before all the Pots in Christendom.

Our Lycidas was one of these civil Gentle∣men, and without all question, Sir, he might pass for one of the prettiest fellows in the Regiment; he was young and wity, and as well made as the best of them; and to advance all these accom∣plishments, his Cloaths were as fine, and Al-a-mode, as they could possibly be out of Paris; his

variety of Garnitures, and his good large plume of Feathers, that quite cover'd his little empty Noddle, made him presently be taken notice of; all the Ladies mightily admired him, and doing as they use to do in the like occasions were in∣finitely taken with him, and there was not one Lady in all the Town, that was not hatching some amorous design, how to imprison this our handsome stranger.

As he was alwaies a profest Servant of the La∣dies, and he long'd to see all the Beauties of the place, in as short a time as he could; he, to for∣ward his design, got acquaintance with a Cava∣lier of the Town, that had formerly been a Sol∣dier too, and now at present.

This talkative ill-natured Cavalier, I forgot to tell you what he was before, would not for all the world but have brought Lycidas to Mass, that is the amorous rendezvous of the Town; and 'tis very likely had not Lycidas been acquainted, that he should find good store of Beauties there, he would have been more gentile, and less scan∣dalous than to go to that place of Devotion. Here it was a Man might see at once all that thought themselves handsome; and it was here that our Courtly Soldier learned all the names of the Ladies, for he was better bred then to cast an Eie, or speak a Syllable of any thing else, while there was something like a Woman in the company. This is very fair you will say, for the first bout; but our Gallant goes further, and learns what Love intrigue this and that Lady has with that and the other Gentleman, and in as short a time as can be imagined, his precious

intelligence made him a perfect relation of their Loves, with all the drolling and railery his ill nature could supply him with: so that Lyci∣das, thanks to his talkative Buffoon was im∣mediately acquainted with all the Bed-strata∣gems of the Town. After so hopeful a begin∣ning, you may swear he would not leave off, he went continually to Mass, and that out of pure Love too, I dare assure you, he came always dress'd as fine as hands could make him; all co∣vered over with Ribons and Feathers, and placed himself in a fit Post to have his finery taken notice of, and there, sometime standing on one Leg, and then on the other, he plaid the prettiest tricks, and set his Face in so agreeable a posture, you would not think it; and lest all this pains might be lost, he took a particular care he might be taken notice of.

His Eies stood alwaies Sentinel to spie The am'rous looks of all the Ladies nigh. Now on this he darts a glance, And then on that he looks, as 'twere by chance, Still taking special care, To put the blushing Lady out o'th' Pray'r; And if in his survey Some pretty Creature chanc'd to cast aray, He with a gracious Air return'd the glance, He smil'd, and then stept back, and then advanc'd. And to confirm their good intelligence He strait retir'd; Not to desert the Beauty he admir'd But thank her with an humble reverence.

In a word, Sir, he was the most civil obliging person that breath'd, Nay, faith, Sir, there are some will tell you, that his very civility grew trouble some and impertinent, he had so much of it; but for all this, take him all together, he was a very extraordinary person, at least peo∣ple thought him so, for he grew to be the only talk in all company; the Ladies remembred all his shape, his Cloaths, and above all, his Car∣riage; and the pleasant Gentleman did not for∣get that neither, especially his profound cringes, and his reverences Al-a-mode: the young ones grew so taken with him, that they must needs try to count them, and because 'tis likely that one could never do it, there were many of them a∣bout it; two or three were to reckon up all he made with his right Leg, and as many more to count those of his left.

But for all these puny fools plagu'd him with their damn'd dull railery, the most accomplish'd Ladies of the Town would not miss the Mass for a Treat and the ••iddles; the Church was never empty, and all this, because, our obliging Sol∣dier was a constant Church-man. When they were come home again from their Devotions, all the Femals fell a thinking that she was more looked upon then another, and that the brisk Gallant had made her three or four salutes more then the rest; whence gathering (as those pret∣ty Sophisters easily deceive themselves) that she was preferr'd before the rest, she grew confi∣dent, that she should effect the conquest of the Gallant, that all the Ladies desir'd. Among the rest, that never fail'd to come to Mass, Zelotyde

was one of the first, and most eager: She was a stately proper person, young, and something yellow-hair'd, and her Air and Mein had some∣thing in them extreamly taking.

When in the Church she did appear; How her fair Eies of Eies attractive were, And like the Sun no Star was seen but her? From her sweet violence Altars prov'd no defence, Her sacrilegious charms pull'd captives thence.

In a word, where ever she was, none could be seen or look'd upon, but her; and all this, she term'd the effects of her Beauty, and perswa∣ded herself, that she really merited a greater esteem then the rest. She, as well as the rest had some ill design on our new Cavalier (but, I'faith, I think I'm out there, and a Captain of the Infantry cannot be well called so) and having resolv'd upon it, she dressed her self with more care then ordinary, and forgot not any of those helps, that Art could furnish her with, to set off those advantages that nature had made her re∣ceive.

The Lady being such as I have describ'd her, your Royal Highness may easily imagine, that she had enough of Lycidas's humble reverences; wherever she met him, and that at Church, he particularly oblig'd her by his amorous glances; and I vow, 'tis well he did so, for the poor Crea∣ture, had he not given her that esteem she thought she deserv'd, would not have easily been comforted for her misfortunes; she had indeed as quick a wit, as any Lady in the Town, but she had a very strange kind of humour though.

Her jealousie was so excessive, that she grew jea∣lous of all the world, nay, of those persons she never knew, nor heard of, neither Friends nor Enemies could scape her; I have heard a hun∣dred pretty stories of her Jealousie, of one of her acquaintance, and they're all extreamly pleasant and extraordinary. She was so damn'd jealous.

If some kind doating Husband chanc'd to kiss, What now he call, d his Wife, before his Miss; And Zelotide but chanc'd to spie, The mutual charming Language of their Eie; She dams, she curses their chast Fire, And longs to see their purer Flames expire. Who ever does caress, what e're it is, Be't Wife or Miss, She frets, she pines, she sighs, To see the conquest of another's Eies, That any Face but hers, could make such victories. If the fond Lacquey chanc'd to kiss the Maid, Or by some pretty sign his Love betray'd, She the poor Innocent Did miserably torment, And Rival-like, still thwarted her intent,

But yet, Sir, she did not do all this out of any aversion she had to love, but the covetous Crea∣ture would have had all the world doat upon her; she would be the only Beauty, and the only Mi∣striss of all that could conceive that noble pas∣sion. She went indeed sometimes to see a Play and sometimes she would read Romances; but all this onely augmented her calamity, and these

pretty divertisements were the greatest plagues in nature to her. At a Play she would fain get Celadon from Florimel, or Dauphire from the Collegiate Ladies, and could not endure to hear Romeo compliment his Juliet. And then in Ro∣mances she was confounded, mad to see Pyrocles so passionate for his Pamela; she could with all her soul have strangled the fair Cassandra, to get her Oroondates: All the actions of those fa∣bulous Heroes, that they perform'd with so much Courage and Generosity to express their Love, and do things worthy of it, were so many fa∣tal blows that stab'd her contentment; and in that transport of fury, that their amorous declarations had put her; she threw away the Romance, nay, and sometimes threw it into the fire too, to revenge her self for that injury, that she fancied had been put upon her: but yet she had some wit with her madness, at least, so much as to conceal her extravagance from the eyes of the world, so that you could not possibly discover it in her, without a long and a familiar acquaintance.

Having now learn'd her Character, your Roy∣al Highness may easily imagine, what an intole∣rable trouble she was condemn'd to every day at Mass, where Lycidas never fail'd to meet her. For though she had the greatest share of his a∣morous Glances, his Reverences, and all those petty pieces of Gallantry, she grew stark mad, and all this would not content her.

If the fair stranger chanc'd to cast an Eye On any pretty Creature nigh; She rag'd, she storm'd, and swore they both must die.

Thus ev'ry thing she saw conferr'd, To heighten the misfortunes, she indur'd, If the next Lady did without design Receive a glance or two, As any pretty thing from Lycidas might do, She storm'd, and would his Eies to her confine. His glances, his salutes are all her own, And she robs her, that does receive ev'n one.

Nevertheless her jealous Ladyship was fain to conceal her resentments for ten or twelve days, for Lycidas was so long without visiting the Ladies at their several Houses, and our Gal∣lant did not this without all the reason in the world, for he knew very well (though my intel∣ligence did not inform me, how he came to know it) how much a man exposes himself in company, when he is ignorant of their Intrigues, which make the greatest part of the discourse, and for this reason he resolv'd to be fully ac∣quainted with the story of the Town, before he engaged in company. And truly, that Gentle∣man Historian, that ill-natured Satyrist, I mean, that I told you of before, was as good a Master to instruct him, as he could wish, and one that proved very necessary to him in that conjun∣cture, and upon this consideration (for faith I know nothing else could induce him to it) he was scarce ever out of his company.

In a fair day they both went a walking together, to enjoy the sweetness of the Air, and see how the Spring had with her natural Artifice, (that you will say now is a strange one I hope) paint∣ed all the Trees and Meadows with her invisible

Pencil, beyond the happy curiosity of all the Itali∣an Angelos; they went, if I am not mistaken, to a certain Garden not far out of Town, and when they came to the Gate of it, they saw two Coaches there, which made them suspect there was company in the Garden wherupon they enquir'd of the Coachman, who told them that a kinsman of our Cavaliers, had Coach'd some seven or eight Ladies thither: Now who would not pity this poor Gentleman among such a com∣pany of Women, were he nine times a Man, that's about fourscore times more than a Tailor, he could never be enough for them: Why, a hundred Mouths would be little enough to an∣swer them and kiss them, and a thousand hands would not suffice to clip them, hug them, and hand them; but I leave the Gentleman to the mercy of the Ladies, and must see what the o∣ther are a doing. They had no sooner learn'd of the Coachman, what I told you of, but they both agreed very prudently to go seek out some other solitary place, that would be more fit and proper for their purpose, and without more adoe, were marching back again, when the Master of the Feast chanced to spie them, and running to them to stop them, he made use of that civil piece of violence, we commonly do in such ca∣ses, to engage them to come into this company. The Femals that thought one man to seven of them, was most intolerable, were not very much displeas'd at the arrival of these two Gentlemen; Zelotide, that was one of the company, and knew the Cavalier, went to meet him, pretending some business she had to tell him of, but it was

for nothing else but to lay hold of Lycidas first of all; her project took, the stranger fell to her share, and he, being a very pretty fellow, and one that spoke the finest things in the world, and ha∣ving a very happy faculty to love when he would, or, what was all one, to make people believe so.

He then resolv'd his parts should not be hid, And if he did not love, you'd swear he did.

And really, Sir, this first enterview, while the treatment was providing, Zelotide had reason to be satisfied with him. They walked a great many turns of the Allie together, and Lycidas being no scrupulous person in making his Love-Decla∣ration.

Swore presently ten thousand Oaths Besides his pretty Faiths and Troths, That from the moment he first saw, Her charms, her charms, kept all his soul in aw, And gently forc'd him to accept their Law. That though she scorn'd his passion And did his torments with contempt look on. Yet she, yet onely she, Should be the Empress of his liberty.

He had not quite finish'd his protestations, when Dinner was served up, and they were call'd to sit down. It was then, if ever, that Lycidas made a good use of his wit, and spoke a thou∣sand the pleasantest things that ever were heard, so that the company was extreamly pleas∣ed with him; and Zelotide conceived all the joy

imaginable, to see a person that she had some good will for, appear so amiable to all the world besides. But then her damn'd humour made her reflect, and think with her self, that if this stran∣ger took her so infinitely, her companions too might be more taken with him, then she de∣sired.

And though she lov'd those charms she did de∣scry, Both in his Lips and Eye And all his beauteous harmony, She wish'd those charms away That might some other Lady make their prey. Lest he should love elsewhere, or else be lov'd, What cruel miseries her poor heart prov'd.

Her trouble was still augmented, and his acti∣ons, as she imagined, justified her suspitions; for the Gentleman did not, as she expected, on∣ly choose out the choice bits to present her with them, but took as much care too to pleasure the rest, and did it with a pretty grace, that charm'd the company, and made poor Zelotide run desperate; and this was the reason why they sate not long at Table, for our jealous Lady being one of the most considerable among them, rose up first, and obliged all the rest to follow her. They walked for some small time in the Garden, and then all the company retired. Lycidas mann'd Zelotide home, and by the way, beg'd of her most vehemently, the permission to wait upon her Ladyship sometimes, which she most courteously obliged him with.

They both parted very well satisfied with one another, and thought every hour an age till they met again. Zelotide was over joyed at her Conquest, and perswaded her self, that now she had triumphed over the rest of the Ladies; and Lycidas was no less pleased to have begun his Female-acquaintance, with the most handsome and considerable Lady of the Town, and being yet ignorant of Zelotides ill humour, and be∣lieving she was no cruel Lady, he assured him∣self, that her Husband being now at Paris up∣on some important business, his Love would find no opposition.

He thought he now might own his Love, And that the charming Dame Could not so cruel or inhumane prove As to condemn his Flame. Her Vertue and her Honour were The only enemies his Love could fear, For her sweet Air, proclaim'd her not severe. He thought those foolish Opposites, his Love Might well without a Miracle remove,

In a word, Sir, he promised himself all the plea∣sure imaginable from his new Gallantry, and never dreamed of those troubles it would ingage him in; on the morrow he put on the most proper and becoming Cloaths he had, and ex∣pected with impatience, the hour when he might see the Ladies; Well, at last it came, though to his thinking, most cursed slowly; and the Gallant goes to my Lady Zelotides, where he found her, in his judgement, a thousand times

more handsome then ever she was before, either at Church or the Garden; and she truly had done all she could to set her self off.

There were two Cousins of hers with her at that time, of which the name of the one was Melite, and the other Cleonia: both of them young, both handsome, and both of the most pleasant and gay humour, that ever you met with. These three amiable persons were very familiar, and scarce ever out of one anothers company. Lycidas that had naturally a very brisk wit, and made the best use of it he could in all Ladies company he came into, and a pretty kind of insinuation, was immediately received into this handsome Troop, and judg'd a very fit per∣son for their amorous commerce, and one that they might talk too without ceremony; so that Zelotide would not any longer conceal her self, but spoke to him in the name of the whole com∣pany, either this, or much like it.

IF we may credit all your protestations, Sir, we may well perswade our selves, that our com∣pany is not disagreeable to you, and that whilst you stay in Town, we shall something oblige you in ad∣mitting of those visits you make us. It is our plea∣sure therefore to oblige you thus, and we receive you into our society, if you think your self capable to perform some certain conditions, without which, you shall never come among us. It is not improba∣ble, Sir, that in that little time you have seen us, you have made a very advantageous judgement of the merits of my Cousins, and I dare assume the vanity to tell you, that no Ladies in Town ought

to be preferred to us, so that the Law we prescribe you, cannot justly seem too rigid and intolerable; to see no Lady, and admire or love any thing out of Breeches, but us; you have got a very inconstant mind with you, and I shrowdly suspect you for a fickle person, and one fit to abuse all the Women you meet with: your amorous lies and pretty perjuries, I'faith Sir, I must tell you our resolution; either renounce this humour, or our society, for they are incompati∣ble; there are indeed in Town, some things in Pet∣ticoats that will admit of your Courtly wenching actions, but faith Sir, we shall not; we are too con∣scious of our own worth and excellence, to come in sharers with persons so much below us, and we must have you wholly ours, or not at all. Go, Sir, ex∣amine your self, and see whither you can endure to keep us company upon these conditions; and I dare assure you, that if you can, you will not repent of it.

Lycidas did not forget one word of this Ha∣rangue, and though it had been longer, his at∣tention would not have been the less. So strange a surprize, as this discourse must needs put him into, made him stand mute and immoveable, and he was astonished to hear them make him such a Declaration at the first visit. But how∣ever, when he saw Zelotide had ended her ha∣rangue, I made her an answer agreeable to her wishes; and though he had never been reduced to such hard terms before, as to see but three Ladies in a whole Town, he swore the Condi∣tions were too reasonable and obliging to be refused; and though they had not engaged him to them, he should have followed them out of his own inclination: And to confirm all this, he

vow'd and protested, that they, though but three of them, were worth all he had ever seen before, and that any one of them were enough to make a most constant▪ Lover of the most fickle Man in Nature.

Zelotide was very well satisfy'd with his pro∣testations, and infinitely pleased for some few days, to see him most regularly observe his pro∣mises. And Lycidas had really not yet seen any Lady, but these three fair ones. But Zelotyde for all this Excess of fidelity in him, was not yet contented, for seeing he visited her Cousins almost as often as her, she was extreamly vexed that she had not bin more precise in her Decla∣ration, and she became as jealous of her Cou∣sins, as the rest of the Ladies; but she could not now civilly forbid him her Cousins Lodgings; for being bound to them in a very strict kind of friendship, she very often went to see them, and was glad to see her Lycidas there. Be∣sides too, had he only visited her, i•• would be taken notice of▪ and her reputation might per∣haps be blemished by it; she concluded there∣fore, that it was an inconvenience she could not possibly avoid; and that she was engaged upon all considerations, to let the stranger visit Milite and Cleonia; but observing that the former of them had some affection for him, and was very well disposed to rob her of her Gallant, and so deprive her of the Honour of her Conquest.

She fear'd her Eies, as conquering as they were, Might to her terror seem less fair, When her hard rigors taught him to despair.

Lycidas was for favours still, Obliging Favours still enslav'd his Will. Goodness to Merits still he would prefer, And the kind Lady was his Conqueror.

Being hurried on by this fear of hers, which was but too well grounded, she resolved to pre∣vent her Cousins Favours, and make sure of her Lover, that seemed yet in suspence what to fix upon; so that having very happily found an opportunity to speak to him in private, she dis∣covered her thoughts to him, with all the free∣dom that she could; Lycidas promised her most faithfully his eternal Fidelity, and for some time afterwards, they lived in a very good Intelli∣gence one of another; he often visited the two Cousins, but with such caution, that the jealous was out of the world to see it. All was very well for some days among them, but Lycidas must have his swing again, and you might confine Fire with less difficulty, then his wan∣dring Inconstancy; he had not so narrow a Soul as to bound his happiness, and he is just of such a humour as I shall tell you now.

Not all the Beauties in the world could tye His Soul to make it keep a twelve hours constancy Free as the Mountain-winds he roves, Both when he's lov'd, and when he loves. Though Ladies cruel are He still loves one without despair, Nay sometimes he Quits Favours for their petty cruelty, And rather had be scorn'd, then lose his Liberty.

Though Zelotide was indoubtedly the hand somest Lady of the three, and perhaps of all the Town too; Melite begun to please him better then she did; her Soul was more mild and obli∣ging, and he imagined he should endure a more easie slavery under her, then the former, so that he resolved to turn unfaithful to Zelotide; and feeing that it was very difficult for him to be so, both because the two Ladies were almost always together, and because Zelotide was very happy at discoveries, he resolved to make use of Ar∣tifice, and cheat her for all her jealousie to her face; that is, to be her servant in appearance, but to devote himself really to the young and pretty Melite. He found his loving fair one of such a disposition, as very much advanced the plot▪ and this good Good Cousin of Zelotide made no conscience to cheat her. In such concerns of Gallantry as these are, I can assure your Royal Highness, that there are not many Women in France that stickle for their faithfulness.

She that would count it a damn'd Sin, To steal a Ribbon, nay a Pin From a meer stranger, would not make A scruple to partake Of her fair Sisters dearest victories, And make her Sisters share her prize.

And truly Melite was no more scrupulous then another, and she was overjoyed that she could rob her Cousin so neatly, she never refus'd Ly∣cidas, and after by a thousand amorous Oaths, that the Courtly Gallant was never sparing of,

he had perswaded her, that she was the only person in the world that he most dearly affected, she very frankly confessed to him, that she had something of Love for him too.

And by a certain pretty method did Discover, though she seem'd to wish it hid, Her unfain'd Love with such a sweet address, And such a sprightly wit That none could doubt of it. You'd swear 'twas true, nor than she made it less.

Now they are both in a perfect union, and both agreed to mannage the business with all the Art they can; but to what purpose pray? as if any thing could be hid from the eyes of Jealousie. Though Lycidas visited Zelotyde daily, and per∣sonated the Lover as well as could be; for all his Artifice, she smelt out his Infidelity, both by the coolness of his Addresses, and that want of care he took to please her: whereupon, she search'd out the cause of it, and was not long before she lighted on it; she turned spie over all their actions.

She read it in their Words and Eies And still confirm'd her Jealousies By something in it self indifferent, Which she still wrested to a bad intent, She made it am'rous what e're 'twas meant. Her eye still track'd 'em out (Too faithful Scout) And in two days so much of 'em did see, She grew more certain then she wish'd to be.

Immediately hereupon, she resolves to break with her Cousin, what ever stir might come of it; but upon better consideration, she judged it better to dissemble her resentments, and en∣deavour to retrieve her Lycidas, by telling him of his Ingratitude, and the injustice of his change.

One evening, when she was walking alone with him in a Garden▪ where all the beauties spend some part of the night in the Spring time, she thought she had now a good opportunity to tell him of his falshood; Lycidas, who thought he could always abuse her into any opinion he would, began to cajol her as he use to do, and to assure her of his Love and Passion, a hundred manner of ways: but Zelotyde answered all his protestations with raillery, why all this to me, Sir, said she, you mistake your self sure, and think you are with Melite; have you forgot who I am, and dare you be thus prodigal of your kindnesses in the absence of your Mistriss; I vow, Sir, should she come to know of this, I am confident she'd severely punish you. You surprize me Madam, answered Lycidas, and I can't tell what to make of this, what the Devil do you mean it for, se∣rious, or raillery? You cannot without in∣justice suspect me of any Intelligence with Me∣lite. 'Tis true, she is very amiable, but it is also infallibly true, that since I had the happiness to love you, I never so much as thought to be un∣faithful: I have seen your Kinswoman, I avow it, and have made her some visits, but you may bepleased to remember, that I did all this by your order; and I dare safely swear upon a Book, that were it not for the pleasure I took in obeying

your Commands, I should never have endured to keep one company, that I so little care for, and which, it is very probable, cares as little for me.

If you had heard him swear, You'd swear he faithful were, For still he talk'd of Love and Faithfulness, He talk'd of nothing more, and thought of no∣thing less. And did all this with such a sweet address, That none e're yet us'd more sincerity, To clear a Truth, then he to prove a Lie.

But for all this, all his Rhetorick could not per∣swade Zelotide, for when he still persisted to ex∣cuse himself, because she had commanded him to visit her Kinswomen, she interrupted him with a great transport of fury; what ingrateful Man, did I Command you to betray me, and turn unfaithful? and did you in pursuance of my command hecome a Servant, to that young brisk Jade, and leave me for a person in all re∣spects inferior to me? and do you take me for so easie a fool as to believe all this? no, base Man, I do not, I shall never believe it; what did you two when you were alone together, if you must needs shew your Love before me: That affected coldness which you seem to have for one another, and then some cunning kind of looks that scape you in spite of all your affecta∣tion; your words of two meanings, that are on∣ly understood by you and your Chronie, and then that care you always take to have your

Garnitures of the same colour, to have all the new Plays and Romances continually from Pa∣ris to pleasure your Lady, your hugging the hornify'd Gentleman, and your insinuating your selves into his Love and Favour; your leaving Money after Play, upon the Board, to get the Servants your Creatures, your bringing alway Sugar-plums in your pocket for the Paraqueto, and above all, your petty quarrels when people are by, and secret signs with your Feet, when you think no body takes notice of them; These Mr. Infidel, and a hundred things more, which I am ashamed to speak of, will not permit me to doubt of your perfidiousness. Go, for an un∣grateful Man, as you are, that do not deserve to be spoke to, though in reproaches and rail∣lery, nor be honoured with a reproof, I should, continued she, have revenged my self on my unfaithful Cousin; Did I not perswade my self, that you would save me trouble of doing it, and she would no longer keep you faithful then I have done; I too well am acquainted with your inconstancy, and it was my unhappiness I knew it not sooner, and was kept too long in igno∣rance, that Favours and Obligations displease you, and that they are the ready means to de∣stroy your affections.

Then was a great deal of rage in all this Ha∣rangue of Zelotide's, but her last words had something more of sweetness then fury, so that they might well have touch'd with pity, a harder heart than Lycidas's, and he was truly very sen∣sible of her reproaches.

He grew at her complaint compassionate, And his inconstancy begun to hate. But his good soul, to give the Devil his due, With such compassion had not long to do.

Yet he still did all he could to prove, that her suspicions were injust and groundless, and that she ought not to rest satify'd with appearances. But seeing hit obstinate denials the more enraged her, he at last, avow'd his infidelity, and begged his pardon in the most moving words imaginable; he forgot not Oaths, to as∣sure her, that he would never again visit Meli∣te, and promised her most faithfully, to live ex∣actly according to her prescriptions; Though Zelotide had no reason to believe his oaths any longer, she desired the truth of them so much, that she must abuse her self into an opinion of his fidelity once again.

His wit could now supply no just excuse To justify his damn'd abuse. But they that do the guilty person love, The worst excuse do willingly approve.

And so she pardoned them, Sir, and they went out of the Garden in very good terms a∣gain. But the unfortunate Zelotide, that thought she had wrought miracles by her discourse, and obliged Lycidas to a perpetual fidelity, had un∣wittingly given subject for an Intrigue, that since has plagued her sufficiently.

The Cavalier, Lycidas's friend, and first ac∣quaintance, was one that had no great business to imploy himself in, and therefore he made it his business to seek it out; he was continually running from place to place, and where ever he came, setting all he met with together by the ears; He was in a word, one of those Creatures we call Fopps, Busie-bodies, contriving-Asses, &c. Fools that neither love themselves nor any body else; Confounded Coxcombs that would willingly undo themselves, might they bury an∣other in their ruines.

This vertuous Gentleman was very often with a company of Ladies, that could not endure our Zelotide, of which, the most considerable, was Cephisa, some important. Case at Law, or some contest at a meeting about their preeminence (for truly I was not certainly informed of it) had raised an enmity between their Families, whence this mortal hatred was transmitted to our two fair ones. The quarrel had been decided for some months before by their Friends, and Kin∣dred, and something like a reconciliation was made between them; but for all their peaceable friends could do in it, something of the old grudge remained yet, which all the Town was very sensible of▪ Our Cavalier therefore, that was mighty great with this Troop of Ladies was by chance in the Garden, when Lycidas led in Zelotide, and seeing them alone by themselves, was infinitely overjoyed at so happy an occasi∣on, to search out what intelligence was betwixt them, which he shrowdly suspected: To which

purpose he hid himself among the Trees of a blind Ally, not far from that in which our Gal∣lant entertained his Zelotide, whence without be∣ing perceived, he heard the greatest part of the Ladies complaints, and discovered, as faith he well might, that she was passionately in love with Lycidas, and that more then all this, she was divelish jealous of him. Never was any person more satisfied at the best news in the world, then he at this. He was already framing ten thousand malicious designes against the lo∣ving pair, and promised himself as much diver∣tisement, as he could wish from so pleasant an adventure. He was not long, e're he discovered it to Cephisa, and if my intelligence deceive me not, it was on the very next morning. The un∣lucky Lady is as hugely pleased with it, and ho∣ped, as well as the Cavalier, to draw no small advantage from so welcome a discovery.

Having laught their Bellies full, together, and consulted what they ought to do in this con∣juncture; they at last concluded, that if Zelo∣tide was so jealous of her own Cousin, she would be abominably jealous of another Lady, especi∣ally if that Lady were her enemy; and that therefore, if they could perswade Lycidas to vi∣sit their company, Zelotide would even die with despite, but before her departure, she would be guilty of some pretty extravagancies, which would give them matter enough to laugh at it.

After these grave determinations, the Ca∣valier engaged to bring Lycidas to give her a visit, and she on her part very confidently pro∣mised

mised him, that supposing he brought him thi∣ther, he should be made to come again.

Thus were they plotting, Sir, against the poor Zelotide, that never dreamed of those miseries they designed her, whilst she poor Lady enjoyed all the happiness she could wish for, for Lyci∣das forbore to see Melite, and had performed all he was bound to, at least, in her opinion he had. But faith, Sir, to tell you the plain truth, he was half a weary of Zelotides Tyranny, and without question, he had not remained faithful so long as he did, had not Fear more then Love perswaded him to't, for now he was no longer ignorant of her Fury and Jealousie, and feared them too, no less, then he loved and admired her Beauty.

The sweets of Love He still desir'd to prove,

But then those sweets of Love to him would be Insipid, when for them he lost his liberty.

He of the humour he then was, had rather enjoy the liberty to gaze on all the Ladies in the world, without any other advantage, then that of subscribing himself their servant, then to be reduced to those hard terms of seeing but one, though she loved and favoured him, as if Hea∣ven and Earth would come together. And it was this inclination of his, that rendred Zelo∣tide's Empire so odious to him, but he could not well disingage himself; and faith, though

he was a Soldier, I dare swear he durst not: He knew Madam Zelotide and her confounded hu∣mour well enough, to know what treatment he must expect of her if he forsook her; and it was not improbable, that her kindred that were very considerable in the Town, would very much resent his ill usage of the Lady, should the secret ever be discovered, as she was like enough to do it. So that he was engaged to visit no other La∣dy in the Town, and almost resolved too, and that as seriously as one of his humour could, ne∣ver to give her any more reason to be jealous of him, But, faith, it was no hard matter to de∣stroy his resolutions; and truly our Cavalier, though no incomparable Orator, had not much to do to perswade him to go see the fair Ce∣phisa,

Lycidas knew very well the present state of the Town, and by consequence could not be igno∣rant of that aversion Zelotide had for her, nor what his Mis's sentiment would be of this visit; and truly this consideration made him for some few minutes, resist the temptation, when the Gentleman perswaded him, but when he was something urged to it, both because he was her neighbor, and thereupon at least ingaged to vi∣sit her, and for some other petty reasons, as in∣considerable as the first, he consented to it, ho∣ping that Zelotide might never know of it,

Being now fully perswaded, the Cavalier leads him to see Cephisa; she was a pretty young gay Creature, so that any one of her many rare Qua∣lities would be sufficient to have engaged a hard∣der

heart then Lycidas's; and telling you this, I need not tell you that our Gallant grew despe∣rately in love with her, that is, as desperately in love as he could be. He presently forgot his jealous Lady, and doing as he used to do, had not the patience to delay his amorous Declara∣tion until the next visit.

He had still ready made. His vows his oaths, and all his am'rous Trade, (Those pretty Engines to deceive a Maid) Just as some quacking cheat Doth still the same to a syllable repeat, And with hard words ten thousand times said o're, Still cheats the Rabble as he did before. His Declaration was still the same To all he ever came From the brisk Courtier to the City Dame And alt'ring but a word or two It still will do Nor need he a new Speech indite. Still, still the same to th' black, to th' brown and white.

Cephisa now had got him at the point she wished, and therefore to keep him there, she re∣ceived his addresses most obligingly, and an∣swered his Declaration, with all the civility ima∣ginable; so that when he left her, he was enga∣ged as much as she could wish him, and was now fully resolved to visit her as often as possibly he could.

As soon as he was got home, he fell a consi∣dering what a horrid trouble he should be brought into, if Zelotide, should chance to dis∣cover his new engagement; but being very wil∣ling to flatter himself, he thought, though he had but little reason to do so; that Cephisa living in a by-corner of the Town, and never speaking to Zelotide, the business might very well be conceal∣ed from his troublesome jealous Lady.

And to effect his design, he parted his visits betwixt his two Mistresses, with all the care ima∣ginable; and truly his diligence was very suc∣cessful. For Cephisa and the ill-natured Cava∣lier, would not have his new passion talked of, till it was out of possibility to be destroyed; and that Zelotide might be the more enraged, when she knew how long Lycidas had been unfaithful to her. Our pretty jealous Creature therefore knew nothing of his visits for a week or two, but she had observed something however, that began to disquiet her; and that she might look to't in time, she resolved to speak to Lycidas of it, when next she saw him.

On that very day that she had taken this re∣solution, he failed not to wait upon her, and their discourse very happily chancing to be a∣bout fidelity, he commended his, own to her with all the vehemence imaginable, and swore that strict obedience he had rendred her, since she was pleased to forbid him the company of Melite, was so uncommon, and admirable, that she was very much obliged to him for it: Yes, Sir, answered she, I must confess I cannot blame

you for visiting my Cousin, but for Heavens sake take heed you give me not a more just occasion to complain of you upon some other account. I have perceived something▪ that makes me very much suspect your unfaithfulness; for Gods sake do not justifie my suspitions and let it not be true, that Lycidas affects Cephisa You know I hate her most mortally, and that I had rather you should wait on all the Ladies in the Town, then that enemy of our Family. And know, Sir, it is not without reason I tell you of her.

On Sunday you saluted her at Church with greater respect then I could have wished, and she returned your reverence with an obliging Air, and a look so passionate, that it plainly witnessed some intelligence betwixt you.

On Munday I saw your Man and her Maid together, in so familiar a conference, that I fear the Master and Mistriss were concerned in it.

On Tuesday I was informed, though not from you, Sir, you changed your Lodging near Cephi∣sa's, and that your Landlady had sometimes ser∣ved her, and was still very often with her. This Neighborhood, this Landlady, and this Famili∣arity between them, you must needs grant is suspicious.

On Wednesday you pardoned a Soldier that fled his Colours, at the Request of the Hus∣band of my Enemy, though you had refused before to pardon him, when all the Town en∣treated you.

On Thursday when her Coach was over-turn∣ed, you broke through the croud to help her, though I am confident you were not ignorant, that you would have very much obliged me, had you let her die there.

And yesterday, I was told that you took her Taylor and Shoomaker; and faith, Sir▪ I must tell you, people think very strangely of these Taylors and Shoomakers, that work both for Men as well as Women; there are those will swear they meddle with something else besides their Trade; and making Shooes and Cloaths is not all they are employed in: the Taylor espe∣cially, those gentile Mechanicks, that can with such a dress, joyn Breeches and Peticoats.

So that there is not one day all this week, that I have not had just reason to suspect you. For to compleat the week, this morning I am very credibly informed, that in company where you were, you commended Cephisa before all the Ladies in the Town. And now, sweet Sir, let me assume the confidence to demand of you, whither one can praise a Lady so extreamly, with∣out knowing her, or know her without offend∣ing me; since I hate her unmercifully, and it is the most sensible affront I can receive of any friend of mine, to visit her.

When Zelotide had ended her Bill of Grievan∣ces, Lycidas did all he could to pacify her. He proved to her that all her suspitions were very slightly grounded, and at last made no consci∣ence to swear to her most Religiously, that, he never went to see that Lady, nor never would

while he breathed. Zelotide was willing to be∣lieve him, but all his Rhetorick could not abso∣lutely perswade her, and undoubtedly your Roy∣al Highness will not blame her incredulity, which was at present most reasonable. The poor jealous Lady after a troublesome night, gave order next morning to her Lacquey, to go take a fit post in a blind Allie before Cephisas Gate, to see with∣out being discovered, whether Lycidas entred there or no.

The little fool might then have cur'd Those tortures she endur'd And by an inn'cent lie Her rest, her peace procur'd And silenc'd her distracting jealousie. Thus disobedience might his faith express; He'd serv'd her better had he obey'd her less.

She was now assur'dly her too zealous Lack∣quey, that she was abused, and-that her Lover visited her Enemy; she longed to see him again-to punish him for his misdemeanors. But Lyci∣das not coming all next day to wait upon her, seeing it was fair, and fit for a walk, she resol∣yed towards the evening to turn scout her self, and go watch the unfaithful Lycidas; upon this designe she takes onely her Lacquey with her, and under pretence of going to see a Woman, that nurs'd a Child of hers, and that lived in the Suburbs; where she knew that Ce∣phisa and all her company commonly walked, she stood Sentinel in the House to see whether

Lycidas were among them. But all her trouble, that she gave her self, was to no purpose, for Ce∣phisa being something indisposed, went not out that evening, and Zelotide was now benighted, when she returned homewards. As she was going through the street where Cephisa lived, and was got hard by the Gate, she heard Lycidas his voice not above six yards from her; whereupon she stopped to hearken what he said, and was not long e're she heard him speak to the Cavalier, and promised him to stay for him at Cephisa's. Being now an Ear-witness of his unfaithfulness, she thought on nothing, but following the dict∣ates of her Anger and Jealousie, she Command∣ed her Lacquey to retire, and making use of the favour of the night, she entred the Gate with∣out discovery, and so got upon the Stair-case where she resolved to expect Lycidas; Lycidas having left the Cavalier, entred very briskly, and never dreaming of the Ambuscado that was laid for him.

Spurr'd on by Love, away he run, And up the Stairs he got as soon In spite of night, as if he'd seen the Sun. Desire, sweet sweet desire led on the way Who could to seek a Mistriss, go astray?

But your Royal Highness may very well ima∣gine how surprized he was, when he felt him∣self stopped, and perceived he was in the Arms of a Woman; he thought at first it had been Cephisa, who came out of roguery to fright∣en

him (for he never so much as thought of Ze∣lotide) and hereupon cryed out; Fair Cephisa, you thought to frighten me, and thought I should not know you; but your bright Eies have betrayed you, and their light Madam, hath spoiled your plot to keep your self undiscovered: and now faith, Ma∣dam, I must have satisfaction for this malicious designe upon me, and the place is so fit and pro∣per for my revenge, that I never deserve▪ the happi∣neiss, if I let slip so fair an opportunity.

Had the cross Lady but consented to't, He would have soon perform'd what e'r she pleas'd; Had but the jealous Creature let him do't, He had her Anger and her Rage, Most manfully asswag'd. Spite of her self, he had her self appeas'd.

But he was strangely astonished, when in stead of that Courtesie, he expected, the unknown Lady caress'd him with all her natural weapons,; Tooth and Nail she was at it, and her Feet were not idle neither. For anger had so transported Zelotide, that at first she had lost the use of her Speech, but faith Sir, she retained the natural faculty of biting, scratching, and kicking. Ly∣cidas was never so handsomely entertained be∣fore, and in the midst of his surprize, he could not imagine whence proceeded all this obliging Treatment; but at last he came to be informed of it, by those reproaches that Zelotide, after she had got her speech again, most bitterly por∣sued

him with; Ingrateful Man, said she, perfi∣dious wretch, dost thou thus observe thy Oaths, thy Vows, and Promises; yea, you swore to me with all the impudence in the world, that you would ne∣ver visit Cephisa, and yet I catch you here my self in the night time, and in such a condition too, that shows you are in no bad terms with her.

And still pursuing her fierce rage, Which the poor Gentleman could ne'r asswage, Her Feet, her Nail, her Teeth again Began to storm amain, She bit, she scratch'd, she flung, While still her Tongue Such a damn'd peal rung, That for its violence the storm could ne'r be long O had she had a Ponyard in her hand How she'd a stab'd the faithless Gentleman; He from her rage must needs have found his death, Though she for grief next minute lost her breath.

All that ever the poor Lycidas could do in this conjuncture, was to make use of all the strength he had, to carry her away in his Arms, and bear her by plain force into the street; for he very wisely considered, that Cephisa's Stair-case was no very convenient place to make his recon∣ciliation in with Zelotide, and that if this adven∣ture came to be known, then might, God knows what come of it. But he could not carry her away so suddainly, but Cephisa heard the

noise, though she knew not exactly what the matter was, and the noise ceasing on the sud∣dain, she believed that some of the Houshold had been playing the fool together.

At last Lycidas having got Zelotide into the street, and given her his hand to lead her home, he began to show how imprudently she had be∣haved her self; how that if her extravagance had been known, she would have given a very ample subject for Cephisa and the malicious Ca∣valier to laugh at, nay, and all the Town too, and that hence-forward she ought to take a great∣er care of her Honour and Reputation. Take thou then a greater care of it, replyed the poor Lady weeping; Cruel Man! since thou knowest to what transports thy Love carries me, oughtest thou to ex∣pose me to all occasions of them? and ought▪ not you out of gratitude and acknowledgement, to cease to visit that Woman, that I hate above all the world, and which you ought to hate too, had you any love or respect for Zelotide?

Thus to fierce rage succeeds soft tenderness, And a wise Lover can make use of this.

And so did our Lycidas, who feeing his Zelo∣tide something pacified, hoped he might wholly pacify her; so that having walked along for some time, and now brought her almost home, he desired her to wipe away her Tears, and to put her self in order as well as she could lest the House might take notice; And then he promi∣sed her, that as soon as she was got home, he

would justify himself better then she thought 'twas possible he could; nay, he engaged he would bring her such reasons, as should abso∣lutely satisfy her; and as soon as they were got into the house, both of them seating themselves on a Couch together, and out of all hearing, Ly∣cidas spoke either this, or something like it.

I Must confess, Madam, I promised you never to visit Cephisa, nor was I ignorant of your aversion for that Lady, nor how much I should dis∣ingage you, should I admit of any engagement with your enemy; yet after all this my frank confession of those faults you charge me with, be pleased but to consider how I committed the crime, and you will be enforced to confess it was not so great as you would please to make it. The first visit I made Cephisa, I was absolutely necessitated to. You remember, Madam, that day the Coach was overturned, I happened to be so nigh the place, that civility enga∣ged me to succor the Lady; and then it was, Ma∣dam, that I was constrained to lead her home; on the morrow she sent her Husband to return me thanks for my civility, so that I should have been the meer∣est Clown in nature, had I not waited upon her. About two or three days after, I went to acquit my self of this obligation, and there I met a com∣pany at Cards, where they would needs make me a Gamester; and then having lost all my Money, not to abuse you, Madam, it was that onely consideration drew me thither, as Gamesters most commonly do all they can to save themselves. It is true, Madam, I never made you acquainted with it, and I was fear∣ful

it might displease you, should you come to know of it; and I cannot deny neither, since you will know all, that sometimes when I was at Cephisa's, I never playd neither, but be pleased to know then, it was because I found no convenient company; and you know very will, Madam, since your Husbands re∣turn to Town, I cannot have the liberty to wait up∣on you so often as I could wish, so that not knowing whither to go, I have sometimes gone thither; this House of Cephisa's is not far from my Lodging, so that I have spent some hours there, more for cu∣stom or convenience, then for any inclination: I have been there sometimes after dinner, but faith; Ma∣dam, it was because I knew not how to spend my time elsewhere, and sometimes a cross humour of mine hath kept me there, only out of design to vex the La∣dy and the Cavalier, for I saw my presence gave restraint to their company, so that, Madam, did you but know how I carry my self there, hating Caphisa as much as you can for the hear of you; you would be very well satisfied at those visits I render her: sometimes I compliment her, but it is after so mad a strain, that neither she, nor I my self understand a word of it: and after all these obliging fooleries for divertisement, I pick a quar∣rel with her, and rip up all her faults to her face; in a word, Madam, I treat her like a person that you hate.

I believe, Sir, these excuses will not seem very plausible, and it is possible, too long too, to be spoke to an impatient Lady without interrupti∣on: but Zelotide I can assure you, heard them most attentively, and highly approved them▪ for

the fear she conceived of losing Lycidas, and the joy she resented to see him excuse himself, with so much submission, after such an adven∣ture, when she might reasonably expect he would have broke with her, appeased her instantly, nay and made her repent too of her rash pro∣ceedings: she promised therefore Lycidas to love him as much as ever, upon condition he would no more see Cephisa. Lycidas told her, he could not so soon leave off seeing her, lest it might occasion some strange reports in the Town, and make people suspect them; but he assured her, the next time he played there, he would raise some quarrel, that he might have some pretence for his retreat thence. Zelotide was very well satisfied with his design.

So the two Lovers march'd along, And o're and o're They vow'd and swore They never more Would their true Love and sweet contentment wrong. The peace thus formally concluded was, When Zelotide and Lycidas The more to strengthen it, thought good To Sign the Treaty with their Blood. They now redoubled all their kindnesses, And their true love more firmly to express; Did with true Flesh and Blood, What lusty Lovers do, and whiners wish they cou'd.

When Lycidas promised Zelotide to disingage himselfe from Cephisa, he really intended it. But

he no sooner saw that lovely Lady, but he grew conscious of his disability to perform his pro∣mises.

For when he saw the pretty Dame again, His Faith recoil'd, His Loyalty was basely foil'd, Nor could he any more his word maintain, And if he saw her once, he must again.

And besides all this, he had not yet obtained the fruition of his wishes, and a kiss, and the like, had been all he had yet received of her, so that resolving not to lose all that trouble he had alrea∣dy ingaged in, he pursued his visits; the jealous Lady was very well acquainted with them, but when ever she spoke of them to Lycidas, he told her he was just upon the point to leave her, and that he had not yet found any occasion to start a quarrel, as he told her he would.

That plotting Fop the Cavalier did not yet know a word of what had past upon the Stair∣case, so that he suffered a very considerable loss in it, for had he come to know so pleasant an adventure, that malice of his that was so natural to him, had drawn very fine advantages thence, and that talkative humour of his, would have been extreamly gratified in publishing the secret with all the expedition imaginable. But though he missed of this, he hit upon one far better, and he was continually hammering something to disturb the best friends he had in the world, he lighted on a most cursed Intrigue that plagued

Lycidas and Zelotide no less, then it satisfied the Author and Cephisa.

One evening, that was one of the most serene and pleasant that ever had been seen, and that invited all the Town to walk Abroad in so sweet a season; all the handsome Creatures in the Town, went abroad to take the Air in the Gar∣den I told you of before. Lycidas led Zelotide thither too, where they had not taken above three or four turns, before the Cavalier and Cephisa discovered them, and thinking they had a most happy opportunity to practice a divelish project of theirs, that they had been plotting for some time before, they resolved to put it in pract∣ice. The Gentleman projector would needs man∣age it himself, who meeting a Lacquey of a Friend of his, gave him inductions what he had to do, and to encourage him to perform his part with the greater willingness, gave him some∣thing: the Lacquey was very willing to serve him, and took the Letter that the Cavalier had provided before hand, and following the orders had been given him, he went to seek out Lyci∣das, and having found him without any great difficulty, he delivered him the Letter in Zelo∣tide's company, and told him a Lady that he knew not, had commanded him to give him it. The young Rogue staid not long enough to be asked many questions, but immediately disap∣peared (if I can properly say one disappears in the night, when there is almost no appearing) The Letter produced most effectually what it was designed for. For Zelotide considering how

it was delivered; suspected some new engage∣ment, and thought Lycidas was got again at his infidelity.

Now for some Treason Lycidas Suspected was. On the least subject she Reviv'd her Jealousie. Whilst her curst humour did her soul inspire, From the least spark, she'd strait advance a fire. Her rage must still oppose what e'r withstood, And what you would not have her see, she wou'd.

It was for this reason that she presently snatch∣ed the Letter out of Lycidas's hands, and was ful∣ly resolved to read it: the two spies that follow∣ed them at some distance, and were a preparing themselves to laugh their guts out, were not at all deceived in their expectation. They heard Zelotide very urgent with Lycidas to go out of the Garden, to see for a Light to read the Let∣ter, while that poor Lover was disswading her to no purpose. For though he was wholly igno∣rant whence the Billet came, he was fearful there might be something in it, that her jealousie might make some ill interpretation of, and for this rea∣son he did all he could to keep her in the Garden, and used all the wit he was master of to get the Letter from her. But his endeavors proved suc∣cessless, and Zelotide spying a Light in the Gar∣deners, she forced Lycidas thither with her. The poor Gentleman so hung an Arse, you might ea∣sily perceive, with what regret he went forward,

and the jealous Lady trooped along with such precipitation, that by her pace you might see her impatience. Cephisa and the Cavalier followed them undiscovered, and took a very convenient post under a little blind window of a ground-Chamber, whence they might easily see without discovery, and hear through the Glass all that pas∣sed between the Lovers. The impatient Creature was no sooner got nigh a Lamp, that gave light to all the little house, but she examined the Seal of the Letter, but not knowing it she at last open∣ed it, but faith, drew as little satisfaction from that, as she had from the Seal before; she found nothing there but strange conjuring kind of Cha∣racters, that she understood not one tittle of; and it is very probable no body else. It is im∣possible to tell you what an excess of grief and despite, she resented at so strange a rencounter. She was presently perswaded that these were some Cyphers or other that Lycidas understood, and that without question, this Billet invited him to some Assignation with some new Mistriss of his. Hereupon she begs of him, she threatens him, she persecutes him to discover this My∣stery. But the Divel was in him if he did, for he understood no more of it, then she did, and all he could do, was to swear he could not devise the meaning of it, that without doubt the Lacquey and mistaken him for some body else, and delivered the Letter to a false person. All this was true, he told her, for the Cavalier had scrib∣led over the Paper with those Arabian Pothooks, onely to distract the poor Zelotide, and expose

her ridiculous jealousie and extravagance: But Lycydas might swear long enough before she be∣lieved him; she still rested perswaded she was betrayed again by the unfaithful Lycidas, and took this Letter for an undoubted proof of it. Being grown now almost desperate, and never hoping to get the secret out of Lycidas, she makes use of her last effects of Goodness, of Rage, and all the Eloquence they had inspired her with.

Nay my dear Lycidas I prethee tell. I'faith you must, and all shall strait be well, I'le gently pardon my dear Infidel. Nay I'le commend thee for thy secresie, Excusing what I did not see. Come with that fear dispence And make me one of your Intelligence. And since my weaker Beauty could not be Pow'rful enough to chain your liberty Come, come, this pretty victress pray let's see. Though I the torments of a Rival prove, Yet I'le be sworn, lle not disturb your Love. I'le think some handsomer You did to me prefer, I'le think her charms might well your Loyalty, Destroy, and make my servant false to me.

But seeing she'd prevail'd nothing by her en∣treaties she descended to her Rage and Fury a∣gain, which it will be extreamly difficult to ex∣press, to your Royal Highness.

Cruel inhumane Man▪ she said, And wilt thou still conceal thy guilty Love? That guilty Love that hath thy faith betray'd, And makes poor Zelotide such pains to prove? She stop'd awhile, and then her rage displaid. Yes, I will know that wicked Jilt I will, base Man, and when I shall Have found her out, she in thy sight shall fall, And expiate both thine and her own guilt. My Rival by this hand shall dy, Yes, Sir, 'tis Justice, and not Cruelty. Nor care I what the graver world may cry. Let 'em condemn my Rage, or justify; Credit's a thing remote, when injur'd Love is by.

If your Royal Highness could possibly be sur∣prised at any thing, it would without doubt, to see a Woman make Verses thus extempore; But if that opinion be true that tells us, that Poetry hath something of Enthusiasme and Fury in it, you must needs confess, Sir, that Zelotide was in a most incomparable vein Poetical.

Lycidas was now infinitely troubled with her Pray'rs and her Menaces; But it was out of his pow'r to satisfy her, and unfold a mistery, that he himself was utterly ignorant of. And now Zelo∣tide seeing neither her p••ay'rs nor her threats could force the secret from him, very happily thought upon a stratagem, that must of necessity convince him. She was confident, that he had received more Letters then this one, from his new Mistriss, and that if she searched him imme∣diately

upon the spot, she should find some other tokens of his perfidie about him. Having abused her self into this opinion, she must search his pockets, where she found a great company of Letters that he received from his friends and kin∣dred; she had the patience to open all, one after another, and finding there some few of 'em of a Womans hand, she read them over and over, and unhappily meeting with something in them that she did not well understand, she presently concluded they came from her unknown Rival; for though Lycidas was Treated as a Cousin or Brother in them, she said, that was only out of confederacy to hide their deceit. In fine, having read over five or six of them, and discovered nothing considerable, she went to open ano∣ther; but Lycidas seeing by the Superscription, that it came from his Sister, about some business that concerned his Family, which for many con∣siderations he was engaged to conceal; he pul∣led it from her, and told her that he could not possibly let her read that, and immediately tore it in pieces. Your Royal Highness may easily ima∣gine that there needed no more to perswade her that this Letter came from her Rival, and might have discovered all the secret to her.

Seeing him tear the Letter, up she flew, She tore his Face and Hair, Or by his Hair along the Lover drew, Such were the dictates of her fell dispair.

And could her Nails have reach'd his Heart, (Where her fair eies had often play'd their part. And stamp'd her Image with so sweet an Art) She would his Heart have torn in pieces too, And pul'd her Image thence, She with that loss could easily dispence, Could she but give the faithless Man his due, And he that first the fierce Megera drew Might very well have took her Image hence.

But the good honest Gardener, which had ne∣ver read of Megera, nor perhaps heard of her, took her for some Woman bit by a mad Dog, and thereupon armed himself with all his Uten∣sils, his Bill and his Knife, &c. that he might upon occasion turn Spaniard, and fight with Sword and Dagger, and I cannot tell what besides, lest she should do him a mischief. Cephisa and the Cavalier were not altogether so fearful; all the pain they were in, at least the most considerable, was to forbear laughing out, lest they should be discovered.

All that the poor Gallant, (I think I may just∣ly call him so in this adventure) could do after his mad Treatment, to fly his mad Mistriss, (and faith I believe he did it as heartily as ever he sought her before,) and save his Honour in the sight of the Gardener and his Wife, who as he thought, were the only spectators of the Trage∣dy, was to answer her fury with railery, and get out of her hands as soon as he could; so that spy∣ing some Kinsmen of Zelotide's a walking in the

Garden, and as good fortune would have it, something near the Gardeners, he went out ve∣ry briskly, having first taken the Letters from the pretty fretful Lady, and entreated them to ac∣company Zelotide home, for he was engaged to leave her there, to quell some disorder that had happened among the Soldiers of his Company. He was glad he got off so, and was now fully re∣solved never more to expose himself to her ca∣pricious extravagancies.

Zelotyde hearing how handsomely he had made out the story to her friends, had some com∣fort to see with what prudence and discretion he had excused her, and made use of the same pre∣tence, as he had done. Her credulous Kinsmen were easily abused thus, but Cephisa and her Gen∣tleman, that had seen what had past at the full length, knew the truth of all but too well for her repose and reputation. They laughed to some purpose, you need not doubt it, but the un∣conscionable Creatures were not content to laugh among themselves, they must needs pub∣lish it too, and communicate the success of their Intrigue. And your R. H. need not wonder at it.

For stifled Joy does to a torment turn, And what was made too warm, begins to burn. Its force is sprightly, quick, and vigorous, And if you keep it in, more active grows, But then its force one Heart can ne'r contain; Disperse thy Joy, and 'twill return with gain. This pretty contradiction pleasures have, For still their Joys encreas'd, the more they gave

And it seems the Cavalier was very certain of this, for he had rather have lost the better half of Blood, then the pleasure to publish so pleasant a story; on the morrow therefore (so that it seems, the Cavalier was something mannerly not to call up his friends out of Bed at that time of night to tell it them) it was Town-talk, and ma∣ny a dull Droll had bin past upon it. And now the Cavalier was as happy as he could wish to be; oh how he hug'd himself, and it is very proba∣ble took himself for the greatest wit of the Age, after so brave an Intrigue, so gallantly managed? so that you may easily imagine he told it to all he met with, what interest he had in it, how it was he that wrote the Letter, and took care to see it delivered. He spoke besides this, all the fi∣nest things he could upon that subject, and ral∣lyed upon it after a horrible rate, where ever he could find any that had the patience to hear him. Lycidas was told of it that very day, and seeing what bad effects this raillery might produce, that it was too bitter for a friend; and besides, he was engaged in Honour to testify by some gal∣lant action, that he had not spread the report about, but some body else, he sought out the Cavalier, and desiring to be informed of the fly∣ing report that came from him, he could get no other satisfaction from him, but some new abu∣ses; so that bidding him draw immediately, be∣fore they could be parted, he wounded him in the Arm in two several places.

And thus our petty Satyrists came off After the pleasure of a scoff, When on their heads their Railleries still fall, And as they tal'kd, so now they suffer all: They find themselves undone, Because they laugh'd too soon: They damn their Drollery And now too late they see, When all the danger's past 'Tis then the happiness to laugh at last.

The combat happening to be in a publick place, it could not be of any long continuance. The Combatants were presently parted, but the news of their quarrel being suddainly dispersed, their friends immediately made thither, and ranked themselves on one side and the other. The Cavalier had many very considerable Kinsmen in Town. But Lycidas was in the head of a Regi∣ment, so that they could not easily make assault upon him. Their common friends seeing that the Cavaliers wounds were not dangerous, and the stir that the quarrel had raised among the people, might break out into some disorders, re∣solved to take order betimes about it. Cephisas Gentleman, the Man I mean that she call'd Hus∣band, was one of the most active among them, to bring the Combatants to some agreement; for having learned that his Lady was concerned in the scandalous report, he judged himself en∣gaged to silence it, with all the expedition he could. To which purpose he went with some

friends of his to the principal Officers of the Regiment, who were very glad to see themselves prevented in treating for a pacification; and to requite his civility, they agreed that the peace should be concluded at his House. The two fight∣ers were led thither, and there they embraced one another, after some petty satisfactions ad∣judged to Lycidas, which my Intelligence did not acquaint me with, and which, it is no matter whither your Royal Highness know or no, since they are not material to the story.

Zelotide presently heard of the quarrel, but was not acquainted with the cause of it, for no body was so imprudent and uncivil as to ac∣quaint her or her Husband with that raillery that had past all the Town through upon the Garden-adventure. So that the jealous Creature not knowing what Lycidas and the Cavalier fought about, guessed at the cause of the quar∣rel, as a jealous Lady should do, She believed that the Cavalier that had served Cephisa a long time before, could not endure her engagement with Lycidas.

For Rivals, if they once but chance to meet With odd caresses do each other greet, Honour and Love Command them to fight on, He for the Girl the Honour has to dye, And he lives still the fair one to enjoy, For one can ne'r be well, till th' other's gone.

This opinion of hers very much augmented her jealousie, if it was any longer capable of de∣grees;

and the poor Lady for five or six days, was plagued worse then ever. For since the ad∣venture of the Letter, Lycidas had never wait∣ed on her, so that she could not have the plea∣sure to tell him of his infidelity, nor the satis∣faction she desired, to know the certainty of her suspitions▪ she was now throughly perswa∣ded, that Lycidas had quite deserted her, to vi∣sit Cephisa with the greater convenience, that her Rival triumphed over her and her Beauty, and that it was probable they were diverting themselves with her extravagance.

These thoughts of hers so distracted her, That when her fury grew less violent, She of her jealousie would oft repent, And thinking on those miseries, Those briny Tears and bitter Sighs, Her humour did so fruitfully create. Her Rage, her Fury, she her self would hate. But then considering With what high reason she had jealous been, What reason then she had To Storm, to Rage, to bid her Soul run mad; Her jealousie she justify'd, And swore she'd still be jealous, though she dy'd Of her repentance she repented too, All was unjust but what her Fury prompted to.

She had an hundred different resolutions in an instant, and some of them absolutely destructive of all the rest, but at last having consulted her

own soul, she resolved to do her uttermost to re∣trieve her Lycidas.

She hop'd he still might think her fair, Her Eyes were still as charming as they were, When they first conquer'd him, And did so lovely seem. And if she must despair, Her former Conquests ever to repair, She judg'd it better still To see him, though an Infidel, Then ne'r to see the Man she lov'd so well.

This resolution seemed so plausible to her, that she preserved it for some days, and while she was in this mind, she very happily met an Officer of the Regiment, that she had some little know∣ledge of, and that was a very intimate friend of our Lycidas's, and if I am not very much mistaken, she met him as she was coming out of the Church one day. The Officer, being very ob∣liging to the Ladies, as all Lycidas's his Chronies must needs be, offered her his service to hand her to her Coach, which she very willingly ac∣cepted, because she imagined, she might learn of him the ground of the quarrel; and truly, though my Author mentions it hot, I can easily be perswaded, it was as well to get a new servant, as to enquire after the old one. The Officer was extreamly surprised to see her ignorant of what all the Town talked of, and wherein she had so particular a concern, and could not believe but that it was only a piece of her Countenance, to

endeavour to perswade him that she was not the cause of it. But she spoke to him so seriously, and so earnestly intreated him to inform her, that at last he was perswaded to it, both to serve the Lady, and do Lycidas a kindness: He as∣sured her therefore, that the Garden-adven∣ture was known all the Town over; that Cephi∣sa and the Cavalier had divulged it, having first been the eye-witnesses of it in the Garden; that the Cavalier was Author of that Letter that had made all that disturbance, and that talking of it in all company he came into, Lycidas came to hear of it, and judging himself in Honour obli∣ged to demand reason for the injury; and Duel a person that had exposed that Lady that he most passionately affected, to the laughtter and abusive raillery of all the Town▪ he wounded the Cavalier, though not dangerous∣ly, and the business was taken up at Madam Ce∣phisa's, because her Husband had very much con∣cerned himself in their agreement.

Though this Relation very much afflicted Ze∣lotide, when she heard how her extravagancies were laughed at, and what an ill opinion the Town might justly conceive of her Vertue, yet she could not chuse in the midst of all her sor∣rows, but resent the greatest joy conceivable.

She lov'd her Honour ne'r the worse for this, Her Fame and Credit she did still prefer▪ To life, and what was else more dear▪ Yet Love must bear down all, what e'r it is.

Her kind esteem of both of them was great, Great as esteem divided well could be, But if the one of them must needs retreat, Poor Honour then that one must be. Love forc'd her to't with such a sweet necessity That what e'r Honour urg'd in his defence, Was foolery, Scarce Sence. Thus that she might her Love more truly prove, She sacrific'd her Honour to her Love.

So that, Sir, you may easily imagine that Zelo∣tide was not extreamly troubled, and that she could admit of some Consolation in the midst of her afflictions; for though she had lost her reputation, she was more concerned at the loss of her Lover, whom now she hoped she might recover. She could now no longer preserve her anger against Lycidas, since she found her suspi∣tions of him were unjust, and he was more in∣nocent than she imagined, and had behaved himself like a Man of Honour in maintaining the interests of his Mistriss with such vigor, a∣gainst the malice of a Rival, and the raillery of an Enemy. And then she immediately was plot∣ting how to revenge her self on Cephisa and the Cavalier, but she thought it now more conveni∣ent to think of Love than Revenge, and by all means to recall her Lycidas. She would not let slip so happy an opportunity, but humbly thank'd the Courteous Officer for the trouble he was pleased to give himself in acquainting her with the cause, and full relation of the quarrel;

again assuring him, that till that moment she had been kept in ignorance of what so much concerned her; she told him, she acknowledged her self infinitely obliged to Lycidas for the de∣fence of her Honour, and having now found by his discourse, that the Officer was Lycidas's Con∣fident, and acquainted with all his secrets, she very ingeniously confessed to him, that vehe∣ment inclination, she had for his friend, and ha∣ving by this obliging confidence drawn him into her Interest; she avow'd to him, that Lycidas had never seen her since the adventure in the Garden; that she was intollerably troubled at it, and that he would oblige her eternally, would he bring his friend along with him to honour her with a visit; that the chief reason why she longed to see him, was to beg his pardon for her unjust suspitions of him, and express her gratitude for the zeal he used in her service.

This civil obliging Officer promised her all see desired of him, and so left her, with a firm resolution to oblige Lycidas to wait upon her as much as formerly. The Lady had mov'd him with her pretty-taking conversation, and her Wit and Beauty pleased him so much, and she was so wholly amiable in his Eies, that he con∣cluded she deserv'd to be served with all the con∣stancy in the world; that any Man of Honour or Conscience ought to rest satisfied with such a happiness, and that his friend was too too blame for his infidelity to so incomparable a Lady; and truly it seems he really thought so, for he kept his word most exactly; he told Lycidas of

all the discourse he had with Zelotide, and pro∣ved to him, that he was engaged to wait upon her, that he ought to take those extrvagant ef∣fects of her jealousie for the marks of an incom∣parable affection, and that if Love could not in∣duce him to see her, yet fear might perswade him to't, for what might he not with justice ap∣prehend from a Lady as mad and desperate, as amorous.

Lycidas, since his Quarrel with the Cavalier, had not seen Zelotide indeed, but then neither had he seen Cephisa, having learned that she was an accomplice of his enemy; and so at that time his Love lay fallow, and without employ∣ment. For, Sir, I cannot justly count those for visits, that he made then (for it seems by my intelligence, he was with some more of the Fe∣males of the Town then two, though I have not learned their names nor quality) because he could not lose his liberty to any of the Ladies. But his humour would not permit him to live long thus.

Unhappy he Should he for two whole days without a Mistriss be Two such whole days to him might well appear More then a thousand year. Cessation from his Love made seem Each minute a whole age to him. That musty rest to him appear'd more rude, Then all the Lovers servitude, With all its Gall, and bitterness imbru'd. Trouble he lov'd and doated on, while he Could not be quiet in tranquillity,

He a true Soldier Without the War Would quickly broken be.

Besides, Sir, he could not be out with his Mi∣striss for above eight days for the heart of him; and however they had plagued him, he forgot all their cruelties in a very short time. So that there needed not much perswasion to draw him to Madam Zelotide's, His careful friend led him thither on the morrow, and knowing very well that when a pair of Lovers is once met, they, a∣gree among themselves a great deal better, then they would by the mediation of a third person, he left them either to be honest together, or do what they would; and they poor souls were so well employed, that they never saw their com∣mon friend sneak away from them.

And though at first they both dissembled well, She personated the cruel, And he as surly was as none can tell, But he that wrote Squire Witherington's Knell; He left Love to be judg'd of their quarrel.

This little supreme Judge knows his Art at well, as can be and draws considerable advantages from such disorders, and those which pretend to have a familiar acquaintance with him, assure us,

That he exacts his Fee With all the vigor of another Judge, Which if the surly Lovers grudge Immediately to satisfy, The cursed Villain leads him many a trudge.

But if they do, or at least counterfeit, All that they can to pay the debt, If they talk nonsence, play the fool Sufficiently, and love by rule▪ He gives so kind a sentence then Both for the Ladies and the Men, They both go satisfy'd away, Though both are cast, both seem to win the day.

Our two Lovers, for now I think I may safely call them so, recompensed him for all the care he took, to bring them to an agreement, with new acknowledgements, and new testimonies of their submission. And, as he is indeed a very pretty Arbitrator, and works our reconciliati∣ons, with the handsomest address imaginable;

He brought the matter then about so well, And did so neatly make them both agree, With his sweet Art, and pretty industry▪ That the most curious could not tell, Who the most willing was, the Man or she, Both kiss'd, both blush'd, and blushing said; In vain they have our Love betray'd. Thus we redeem our fond delay, And pull back yesterday. Our melting kisses, And am'rous bliss's May teach the World there's no such joy as this's: Thus without wronging either, The little Rogue pleas'd both, and injur'd nei∣ther That's thus, he brought them both together,

Zelotide was never more satisfied since she breathed, and Lycidas was never more contented; Zelotide was ravished to find by the effect of her Garden-Adventure, that her servant was more innocent then she thought he was; and that that happy unhappy adventure, had made him renounce her Rival too. Lycidas was no less sa∣tisfied at this conjuncture, that proved him a most constant Inamorato, when if one might have searched his heart for him, he would have found him otherwise, and that furnished him with fresh means to deceive the poor Zelotide. They being thus equally overjoyed, the two Lovers, at last parted, and resolved to meet as often as they possibly could.

While the two Lovers were thus happy to ex∣cess the fair Cephisa must not be forgotten, who as brisk as she was, began to be troubled at Lycidas's absence; she now began to perceive that her laughing had cost her dear, and that her raillery had made her lose a man that she loved great deal more then she thought she did, be∣fore he left her. She now repented of her In∣trigues, and her designes upon Zelotide, though she hated her more now then ever, since they must all fall upon her. She heard of Lycidas and her Rivals agreement, and thereupon redoubled her Hate of Zelotide, and Love of Lycidas. While the Cavalier had entertained her with his fooleries, laughing, and diverting her self at the expence of her Rival, was all her employ∣ment, but now she thought on something else.

That she reflected on her Love, That she did never, as she ought, improve, She cal'd her self an innocent, A fool that so oppos'd her sweet intent, And found that Zelotide, Though she her sprightly passion did not hide, Was yet the wiser of the two, While she enjoy'd, what she but wish'd to do. Those pleasures that she might have had, When her bad conduct all her joys betray'd. Did now torment her soul, Which present griefs and her lost joys controul. And now her Love too late had made her see, That Lycidas, (And then she call'd her self an Ass) That Man of Men, that lovely he, Was fit for something else then Raillery,

She was resolved to retrieve her Gallant, but here was the Divel on it, she could not devise how to effect her wishes, and recall her injur'd Lover. The, Cavalier, after their quarrel was no fit person for such a message, and Lycidas had left his Landlady that had formerly been her servant, so that every thing ran contrary to this unfortunate fair one. But, Sir, meer chance ob∣liged her with the happiest opportunity she could have wished, and that it was impossible she should ever have thought on. She very happi∣ly met Lycidas at one of her Cousins, that she went to visit; and this Cousin, as good luck would have it, had got a Gentleman with her, that she had no aversion for, so that lea∣ving

Lycidas to entertain Cephisa, she talked in private with this person, for truly, Sir, I have not learned hit quality; Lycidas now very pret∣tily engaged without the least design of his, to talk with Madam Cephisa, he began his discourse with reproaches; but the Lady made so many ex∣cuses, and protested so unfeignedly, and with so great a tenderness, that she was extreamly sor∣ry for what was past, that the easie Lycidas was touched with her submission. And truly who could deny so distressed a Beauty any thing? certainly Lycidas could not easily do it. Insen∣sibility, I dare be sworn for him, was none of his crime.

When any Miss of his Had by some base devise (None e'r displea'd him with their cruelties) Anger'd the injur'd Lover, And in his Air did his just rage discover. She might her pardon easily procure, Poor Lycidas could ne'r endure, (Ladies you'l praise his pity sure) Not to give pardon and himself unto her. When his resentments rag'd as high, As injuries could make 'em flie. He the offence could easily forgive, And let th' offender in his bosome live. Though by malicious subtilty He by the pretty Sex should cheated be, He'd still retain his clemency, And might the Judgement be referr'd to him, No witty Beauty, would long guilty seem.

One cannot therefore wonder if these submis∣sive and charming excuses of Cephisa's did not very sensibly move our Lycidas. Your Royal Highess will undoubtedly avow, that any one else, far more insensible, and obdurate then our Gentleman was, would be extreamly touched with them; if you please to consider, with how ta∣king an Air our pretty Criminal uttered them. Nay, she pursued her submission still and told him, that if by any fault of another nature, she could expiate her past one, she was ready to en∣gage in it, and prefer his Love to her Innocence; and that in a word, she would most willingly procure his pardon at the expence of what she held most dear in the world. The cunning La∣dy managed her business rood incomparably, for the pacified Lycidas founded his happiness upon her promises, and truly his hopes did not abuse him; for after some small stay there, he led Ce∣phisa home again, where the peace was conclu∣ded to the great contentment of both parties. After this formality was once over, they agreed upon certain rules for their living together in bet∣ter intelligence, and managing their pleasures for the future with prudence, the longer to con∣tinue them: Then they fell a talking of poor Zelotide, and her extravagant jealousie; but Ly∣cidas being very unwilling to clash with her any more, told Cephisa very ingeniously, that he must needs wait on her still; but he assured her, it should be only out of policy, to avoid any new disorders, that her mad Love and Jealousie might produce. It was not long before Zelotide was in∣formed

of their reconciliation, and of those vi∣sits the Gentleman made Cephisa after their a∣greement; but Lycidas excused himself very plausibly to her, and told her it was very diffi∣cult for him not to see Cephisa sometimes, since all the Gamesters continually met there, and all the spiritual and ingenious persons of the Town made her House their Rendezvous; and then he swore he had no private acquaintance with her, and never saw her but in company; and thus the pretty Gentleman deceived the La∣dies.

Now, Sir, You see all is quiet, the Cavalier and the two Rival Ladies agree very well with our Gallant; but damned ill luck must raise up a new disorder among them, and disturb their tranquility as much as formerly.

A Consin of Zelotides, we called her Cleonice in the beginning of this History, was to marry one of her Sisters (but truly, Sir, I could never learn what hey called her, though I used all possible means to find it out) to a very near kinsman of Cephisa's (but faith, I cannot tell who he was neither.) Being the Wedding was to be publick, and very magnificent (whence I gather it was no Westminster one, though per∣haps the couple scorned to have more honesty then our English fools that are to be married at the place aforesaid) the Gallant (for yet I think I may call him so▪ before he's brought to the Altar to sacrifice his liberty, and debauch his Mi∣striss into that dull and insignificant thing com∣monly called a Wife) for his part invited Cephisa

and her Gentleman; and the Lady-Bride invited her friends thither, and among the rest, Zelotide and the thing she called Husband. These two Fa∣milies, as I told you before, for all that feigned reconciliation, hated each other still most mor∣tally, but they concealed their enmity; they faintly saluted, one another when they chanced to meet, and when ill fortune brought them in∣to company together, they were civilly complai∣sant, just as we are to strangers commonly, so that they could not handsomely refuse their in∣vitation, though they knew before hand who they must expect to meet there. The Gentleman that was designed for the Groom had been an Officer in Lycidas's Regiment, and had been for some time an intimate friend of his; so that Ly∣cidas was also invited. The Feast was to be kept at a Villa of Cleonice's, about two miles out of Town. They all kept their Assignation very exactly; and Lycidas that came something later then the rest was in the greatest trouble in the world to meet his two Mistresses both together in the same company.

Now Lycidas must neds confess That Happiness Has its excess, And can to misery degenerate. Thus plagu'd by two such loving Mistresses He wish'd their favour less, Their Love disturbs him more then would their hate

Now he must part his Favours too, And his kind Graces justly share; What should the poor distracted Lover do? They both are witty, sweet, and fair, Sweet as when gentle Zephyrs Fan the Air, That does unto some Flowry Vale repair. Brought to this sad distress Both how to leave and chuse a Mistress, He all their charms look'd o're And found them both as charming as before. What shall I do? he cry'd, Can I those Lips and sprightly Eies forsake, That would of Iove again a Satyr make, Or force him so me new shape to take? No, no, I can't leave either, Nor can I my true Love divide. Then I mud keep & love them both together. While thus confounded his poor foul remains, Now on his Zelotide he casts a glance, And thence he did his love the more advance, While he new Beauties spy'd, and charms by chance, That loaded him with more of th' Lovers Chains. But when he look'd on his Cephisa, then His Love for her return'd agen. While thus in distracion he lay Now leaning this, now th' other way, Now the sweet Girl, now th' jealous bore the sway, At last hit Fetters he would needs retain, And constant unto both remain;

But now at present he must see How to divert his misery; And least he should displease either, Resolv'd at present to chuse neither.

So that he resolved that I may tell it your Roy∣al Highness in Prose as well as Verse, for that day to renounce both his Mistresses, and apply himself to Madam Cleonice. Being she was the Mistress of the house, and he had some acquaintance with her ever since he first saw Zelotide, and no body ever suspected him of any particular ac∣quaintance with her, he thought he had taken the less dangerous resolution, and that by this hap∣py means he might keep his Favour with both his Ladies. And truly the reasonable Cephisa was contented to see him bestow his love any where else but on Zelotide, and reckoned her self infi∣nitely engaged to him; but Zelotide was not of so tame a humour, she could not endure that her servant should caress any body besides her dear self; and though she was overjoyed to see that Lycidas did not so much as look upon Cephisas; she was not satisfied with that, but would have had him cast an Eye on no body else: but her prudence in this conjuncture, mastered her soul, and concealed her resentments, so that by her actions none could judge of her inward motions, though she suffered all the torments that Rage and Jealousie could inflict, while our Lycidas at the Ball, at the Banquet, or where ever he was, was always with Madam Cleonice, and carried himself so discreetly, that one would have sworn

he had not the least inclination for Zelotide or Cephisa,

Lycidas came off thus a day and for some part of the night, till the Lady was brought whither she would be, to her Husbands em∣braces (for hang it, now that dull name must be used) where we shall leave them between the Sheets to their pleasures, (for, for the first night they will be something satisfied with one ano∣ther sure, or else they never will) and see what the rest do, for you may guess at the married couples employment. Cleonice was now enga∣ged to leave the company to go and give or∣der for something about the house, and Ly∣cidas, though he was very unwilling to part with her, was at last forced to leave her; so that now he was at a loss how to carry himself▪ The Ladies were at play in two several compa∣nies, whereof Cephisa was of the one, and Ze∣lotide of the other. So that for fear of displeas∣ing either of his Mistrisses, he would not strike in there: and the Men were as hot a fudling as can be imagined, and the greater part of them even dead drunk, with a pretty kind of Wine they had got, that charm'd them so sweetly, that they could have been content to have died over again, might they have so agreeable an Execu∣tioner. Lycidas was engaged there for some time, but staied not long among them; for this sport displeased him worse then the former, so that at last he thought it best to leave the com∣pany, and retire into some dark chamber, with∣out speaking a Syllable, lest he might be disswa∣ded

from his resolution. He was no sooner got where he intended, and laid himself upon a Bed, that very happily he light upon in the dark, but finding himself excessive weary with Dancing, he composed himself to take a nap, where he fell asleep very soundly, with his Cloaths on, and had lain ruff all night, had not a very plea∣sant adventure raised him: He had not been asleep much above an hour (it is possible it might be an hour and half quarter) when he felt something pull him by the Arm, and he was not well awake, when by some caressing, and amorous kind of injuries, he perceived Zelo∣tides voice; the prudent Gentleman foreseeing what inconveniences might hence arise, if she was caught with him in the dark, told her ve∣ry civilly, she exposed her self to too great a danger; that some servant might easily disco∣ver them together, and that the preservation of her Honour engaged her to leave him imme∣diately, and avoid the displeasure that she must of necessity resent, if any one should sple them together.

Any other Lover less prudent then Lycidas, would not have troubled himself to mind his Mistriss of her Duty in so happy an occasion; but, Sir, I am engaged to avow it to your Royal Highness, for I know Lycidas to be naturally a very prudent person, and one that loves to lay his Love-Intrigues as sure as can be.

But how gravely soever he preached to the Lady, it was ail to no purpose: Zelotide told

him that she had just left play, and had left all the company mighty eager at it; that all their Husbands and their Servants were half drunk; that she thinking to find him there by himself, had stoln up to him very secretly; that no bo∣dy would mind her absence, or if they did, would think she was gone to Bed; so that she might without the least danger enjoy his sweet com∣pany for some few moments.

Forgetting then his danger, up he drew, And on his Prey he flew; Now his dull prudence he did soon reject, And nothing but hit Love respect, His Love, his gamesom Love he thought upon; Wisdom & Prudence with their gang begone, To phlegmatick Philosophers retire, That tell you of content, & dream of nothing higher. Lovers must mount; they'r all, they'r all a fire, What saucy danger dare his joys molest? And pull the Lover from his Ladies Breast, While he lies there 'twould impious be, To think of ought but Loves felicity And its fair Source, his lovely she, As in a Church 'twould impious be, To think of ought besides the Deity.

The Lady when she saw her Gallant full per∣swaded, took her place very obligingly on the Bed-side next the Wall, and begun a very pleasant entertainment with the too too happy Lyci∣des, whereat both parties were very well satisfied,

and I am confident, would never have been tired before morning, had not an unlucky acci∣dent intervened. The Lady had not long enjoyed what she desired, before she heard, as well as Ly∣cidas, some noise upon the Stairs. This suddain troublesome noise obliged them to keep silence, and hearken what the matter was; immediately after they heard their Chamber door open, and some body come into them. Your Royal High∣ness may very well imagine what a condition this unexpected rencounter put our two Lovers in, they were afraid of all the world, and the smallest fortune they could hope for, was to be found together with Zelotides good Husband. This, excessive fear of theirs had rendred them immoveable, and so they continued till Lycidas felt some thing very gently pull him by the Hair. He stirred not for all that, but snorted most cou∣ragiously, to perswade the unknown Creature, if he could, that he was sound asleep; but whoe∣ver the incognito was, it pulled him so strangely, that he could not any longer personate the sleep∣er? besides some pretty tender discourses, and some few claps of the cheeks, had now almost disco∣vered the person; and those pretty sweet ca∣resses made him swear it was Cephisa: and faith she was the very person that disturbed the dark entertainment, who having left off play, and missing Lycidas, she looked for him among the Debauche's, but not finding him there nei∣ther, she came to look for him in this very chamber; Zelotide that was got on the other side of the Bed, durst not so much as breath with

freedom, for fear she should be discovered, but listened very attentively, and easily knew Ce∣phisa by here voice, and seeing with what familiari∣ty she caressed her Servant, did but too plainly see their engagement; whereupon she grew stark mad with Lycidas, and no less with Ce∣phisa, her despire crack'd her heart-strings; and that which very sensibly augmented these her misfortunes, was, that she durst not reveal her Sentiments, and unravel her Resentments; But though she durst not let her Rival know her, and revenge her self upon the brisk Jilt for that injury she received▪ Lycidas must feel here fury; she scratched and bit him by the hand, Arm, and Face, and pulled him by the Hair, of her side I mean, and in a word, where∣ever her Teeth and Nails could reach, she claw∣ed him, as though the Divel were in her, or as though the Divel were in him, and she were to draw blood of the Wizard.

Between a loving pair of Ladies lie, And yet turn neither way? Fy Lycidas, rise up, both satisfy, 'Tis not impossible, faith try, And bear the lovely prizes both away. Thy sweet Catholicon will both appeare, Her lovely Rage, here killing kindnesses. What misery can equal thine, When Love and Rage to plague thee both com∣bine? Stretch'd and immoveable he lay, Like some dull lump of Clay Which no brave sprightly form did actuate, Not could the Ladies make him show His Love or Hate,

For all they with their Lips or Nails could do. This happy Cheek is kiss'd, and kiss'd again, And her sweet charming Lips stood hov'ring there About his Lips, his Eyes, and ev'ry where, Whence love had loaded here with many a chain And when her Lips she stole away, Her whiter Hands began the Play, And strok'd the Roses in his Cheeks aside, That nothing like a Blush might stop the Tide Of their delight, and cause a dull delay. But then the other side must bleeding lie, And suffer whate'r jealousie, Can with it's Fury make him do, She pinch'd his hand, and bit his Lip in two; Yet still he lies insensible To stormy Fury, and to milder Love, Nor could you by his carriage justly tell From whence he did the great pleasure prove. What can we hope from out sweet Mistresses, When in the midst of two such pretty Creatures For Wit, & something else besides their Features In deep distress Poor Lycidas Lay like an Ass That Verse nor Prose can his sad Grief express. For two such Beauties too insensible, He can no passion feel, But in the midst of Heav'n he finds a Hell.

But necessity very much heightening his in∣vention, together with that apprehension, he had, lest some disorder should happen between

the Rival Ladies, he very nimbly leaped off the Bed, and taking Cephisa by the hand; Faith, Ma∣dam, said he I must be unhappy at present in spite of all your goodness, and your Favours must prove useless to me; nor can I embrace that happiness, which I would at any other time have sacrificed my life to have procured. I must have more prudence than you in this conjuncture, and preserve your Honour at the expence of my pleasures. Come Madam, I must lead you out of the chamber, and put you out of fear of a sur∣prisal; without question, Madam, I infinitely ob∣lige you in this, and make you shun an accident, that would trouble you as long as you breathed. He said no more, but taking her away with a pretty kind of violence, he led her out of the chamber, and having brought her down stairs, he left her at the Hall door, where all the Ladies were still a playing; she, as the was a very neat dissembler, humbly thanked him, and confessed he had very much obliged her. But, Sir, the bu∣siness above Stairs had not been carried so hap∣pily, that Cephisa heard nothing of it; she heard something just as Lycidas was taking her away, and now must needs gratify her Curiosity, and see what the matter is; so that Lycidas had no sooner left her, but she followed him very si∣lently to the Chamber door, where our too kind and loving Cavalier, and no less beloved neither, was scarce entred, but Zelotide that had now run mad with jealousie, caught him by the Hair, and with their Teeth, Nails, and Feet, did so handle him, you would have pittied the poor Gentleman.

Thus the poor Lycidas's destiny Made him too late to see What a misfortune 'tis, How dull a bliss To have a furious Lady for a Miss; Thrice had the Man been Treated thus, With furious hands, and words more furious. At last assuming Courage, thus he said, Prithee give o're No more, my Dear, no more, Thy Fury has enough thy Love betray'd, I see, I feel its vehemence, Too smartly does it strike the sense. I cannot with such Favours well dispence. Thus I another simile may prove, Destroyed by what I first desired, my Love. Nay now e'n moderate Your too much Love, or your pretended Hate. Let me not have so kind a Mistriss, And if you'l love me, love me less; Love in excess does to a torment turn, And what at first but warm'd, begins to burn.

But Lycidas's Remonstrance had no great power over Zelotide's soul, her cries were still coutinued, and her Female weapons were still employed in expressing her resentments. All this, Sir, Cephisa heard very distinctly, and those bit∣ter reproaches that continually accompanied her assaults, taught the curious Lady what was the cause of the disorder; she knew very well by what she heard Zelotide say, that her secret Commerce and Intelligence with Lycidas was

discovered, and that if the noise she made were heard by any of the house, all their mysteries would come out, and her Honour be ruined eter∣nally. Whereupon, very wisely considering for some small time, she reckoned it an extraor∣dinary piece of prudence, to go and embrace Zalotide, and desire her, since they knew one anothers intrigues, to live in good intelligence with her, and like good friends very honestly to share Lycidas betwixt them; Cephisa, who was a very just good natured thing, would have consented to this Treaty with all her soul; but Zelotide was not of so tame a humour to go sharers with any one, she must engross the whole Commodity; and truly in that Rage she then was, a more moderate person then Zelotide would be mad at such a Proposition, as really she was, and Treated poor Cephisa after the strangest manner that ever was heard of; she immediately left Lycidas, and fell soul upon her Rival, and being incomparable good at kick∣ing, biting, and those kind of laudable exercises; she attacked Cephisa with so much cruelty, that the poor Lady was necessitated to defend her self with the same weapons; Lycidas in the mean time did all he possibly could to part them, but they were so divelish hot at it, that all his endeavors proved ineffectual▪ the noise of this formidable and most dreadful engage∣ment, was presently heard by some of the Fa∣mily, and they very diligently, and with all the speed they could, acquainted the company, so that in an instant, the greatest part of them, ran

thither with lights, to discover the unknown ad∣venture.

Where the two Rivals did enrag'd appear, Without or Wit or Fear, Their Eyes did in their sparkling Dialect, Their Rage detect. Whilst from those sources of bright light their springs Far other Darts than those that conquer kings. They with an equal Rage are both possess'd, She claw'd her Rivals naked Breast, And with pure blood checker'd her whiter Chest. But th'other then had lost her Hood, And her fine tresses did dishe vel'd fall, By which her Rival drags her to the Wall, And so revenges all her loss of Blood. But then her Point is gone, And her new Locks are down, And her pure Pendants scattered on the ground Besides she 'as lost her Necklace; Nor did the controverted Lover, Though they both lov'd him, surffer less They scrach'd him, threw him down, and tum∣bled over. Six wounds he had all bleeding still, Whence did that bloud distill, Could the impatient Jilts have staid, Would have their fierceness and their Rage allay'd. Well tir'd he was and bloudy too, As well he might, after all this adoe, And all 'cause one was not enough for two.

Then for the Field where all this bloud was spilt▪ By one and th' other Jilt, 'Tis richly worth your observation too, 'Twas wondrous pretty, & I'le swear 'twas new There lay Bracelets, Pearls, and Amber, All spread about the Chamber, Two Gloves at two yards distance lay, Those white Inviters to so black a Fray, There lay their Head dress, That they had plac'd before with sch a dress, Three Cuffs, if I remember too, there was Among which lay Lycidas Hit new white Wigg, half tore to pieces, (What a sad misfortune this is)

There was a great deal more worth your Royal Highnesses Observation, if I could re∣member it. But this may suffice to perswade you, that it was the prettiest Scene imaginable. The first care that the spectators took upon them, was to part the Combatants; but the dis∣order, had proceeded farther, had not some peaceable persons among them took up the bu∣siness. For the Husbands being got half fudled, without examination, ran on like mad caps to take their Wives parts, so that the Battle was beginning again as bloudily as ever, and had con∣tinued so, had not the Master of the House, with the assistance of some Friends, and Kin∣dred, mediated betwixt them, and treated a cessation from Arms on both parties, until the cause of the quarrel could be known. They ask∣ed

Cephisa, and asked Zelotide what occasioned their engagement, but neither of them answer'd a word to purpose, but continued scolding at one another, as though they had been brought up at Billing sgate, and stood six times in the Cuck∣ing-stool; Lycidas, that had always a very quick invention in such conjunctures, and ne∣ver pumpt for a lie in his life, saw all was lost, if he did not light on some suddain expedient, to bring all off again, and conceal their Miste∣ries, and save his Ladies reputation. His spright∣ly imagination immediately furnished him with the happiest device in the world; whereupon he offered to inform the company of the true cause of the disorder; and when he saw them all keep silence, he told them, That Cephisa and Zelotide (as ill luck would have it) had some bu∣siness at the same time to go up the same pair of Stairs, and that they went up with so much preci∣pitation, that they had not time to call for a light; that in the dark, not seeing one another, they chan∣ced at the Stair-head to justle very furiously; And that having no good will for one another, as all the Town knows, they took it for an abuse: And thereupon came to words about it, and from words to blows, so that he lying in chamber hard by, whither he bad retired from the Debauch, to sleep a little, was awaked by their noise, and went out to end the quarrel; That he had by main force brought one of the Ladies into hit Chamber, to keep her from her Enemy; But that the other had pursued her so furiously, and they both continued so obstinate in their fighting humour, that they had

treated one another just so as they saw, and had put him in that condition they found him in, for en∣deavouring to part them.

While Lycidas was carrying on his relation, the Rival-Ladies came to themselves a little, and began to fear, least the subject of their quarrel should be discovered; but seeing, Sir, how in∣geniously their common Lover had excused them, and brought all off again, they avow'd all he said, and made a fit use of his probable excuses. She justled me, cryed one, and she just∣led me said the other,; and were so hot at it presently, that their friends came to hold them in, lest they should again commence the com∣bate. But the Master of the House, and some other friends that Tere there, easily quieted this second emotion, and remedied the relapse. I hey told the two interessed Gentlemen, that no bo∣dy was injured, that all was by meer chance, and that the blows were so equally divided, that neither could boast of her success, The sage and prudent Husbands having very gravely heard all the particulars, were the first persons that laugh∣ed at the adventure, and swore their Wives were as drunk as they were, and called the Fe∣male combatants Fools, and Gossips, and God knows what; but begged Lycidas's pardon a thousand times over, made him all the excuses they could think on, engaged their fighting Beauties to make Lycidas satisfaction for the in∣jury he had received, and without more ado reeled to their debauch again. The two Rival-Ladies embraced one another, at the request of

the company of the Women, and were overjoy∣ed in so dangerous a conjuncture, at the pre∣servation of their Honour, they laughed as hearti∣ly as the rest, at the pleasant extravagance of their quarrel, and told it just so as Lycidas had done before them.

The Husbands being got pretty well drunk by this time, and the Ladies having, laughed their laugh out, all the company went to bed, and among the rest, the Bride and her Gentle∣man; for though I told you they went to bed before, you must know that they poor souls rose again, and came to see another kind of combat then what they were engaged in, but now the Company once again brought them together, where we shall leave them, for I think we can∣not leave them better: On the morrow the company parted, having first agreed, and judged it requisite, that the two reconciled Ladies, Ce∣phisa and Zelotide should go to Town in the same Coach; and their Husbands fearing least Lyci∣das had not heartily pardoned them for all the scratches, together with the bites and bruises he had received, would by all means perswade him to go along with them, without any other soul with him, but his two Mistresses; and these good obliging Cornutos charged their Wives to pacify him too, and do all they could to procure his pardon.

Thus do those civil Gentlemen Sometimes our pleasure, and our joys advance They hug their Ladies Favourite, and then Commend the pretty souls into their hands. Those horn-mad Cuckolds now are out of date That would the Courtly Gallant hate That Poisons, Swords, and Halters threaten still And to do more than kill, And vindicate their Honour on that Head That had (for so they speak) defil'd their Bed, When as kind souls they did but all they cou'd, To please their Ladies at expence of Blood, And do that Drudgery the Husbands shou'd. No; our obliging Generation Will no such troublesom crack'd fools admit, It has more Sense and Wit, Then still to blame that Act that must be done. If a good Husband should discover His Lady's Lover He ne'r wou'd make a word of it, 'Twould be most cursed scandalous To question what he does, Prove him a Clown, no Courtier, nor no Wit. No, he himself wou'd their content procure, And never trouble their Amour, He lets her meet him when she will, And both of one another have their fill; He may his Lady then more easily Content and satisfy, For he alone he's sure can never do it, Should she but rigorously hold him to it. Thus he what e're her carriage be Though he her visits and caresses see.

Still obstinately blind, will nought discover, And though he sees, yet will not see a Lover.

Our Galllant and the two Rival-Ladies be∣ing now together in the same Coach, your Roy∣al Highness may easily conjecture, after so plea∣sant an adventure; that their conversation was not unpleasant, and that a great many fine things were spoken amongst them. Lycidas began to make them see their imprudence, and told them, if his address had not helpt them out at a dead lift, their extravagance might have had very bad consequences; both the Ladies were of his opinion, and rendered him their hearty thanks for so high an obligation. And now they were in such a condition, that they could no longer conceal their affairs from one another, so that by the mediation of Lycidas, they were made very good friends again, and there past between them the finest Raillery, but yet the most civil and innocent, about their Loves, that ever was heard. Cephisa told Zelotide of her jealousie, and Zelotide rally'd on Cephisa for being con∣tent with her leavings, and all this had so little harshness in it, and was so extreamly and obli∣ging, that two Rivals were never yet more ful∣ly reconciled then they.

What marvels did ingenious Love then do? Love like the States could then admit of more, While the fair Prize was shar'd between the two. This was a wonder never seen before.

The pains and pleasures they do both partake, And willingly their common chain endure. Friendship from Hate he did with ease procure That did at first their spirits captive make. Since in one common third they both agre, Let one the Lover of the other be.

Before they came to Town, they very solemn∣ly covenanted, the better to silence the imper∣tinent Lampooners of the Town, and to cheat their Husbands the more dexterously, to part Lycidas betwixt them, as a good that was equal∣ly common to both of them. They moreover fully resolved and agreed to do all they possi∣bly could, to hinder any third Lady from rob∣bing them of so agreeable a Treasure. And that if through any Caprichio of his▪ he should fa∣vour the one more then the other, the agriev∣ed Lady should not make any publick disturb∣ance about it, and that all the Arms she should make use of to retrieve the fugitive, should be caresses and obligations, These condition thus formerly agreed on, were so advantagious for Lycidas, that he could not with reason refuse them, as really he did not. But assured his two Ladies, that he was very well satisfied with them, and swore he would never on his part violate the Articles.

For some weeks the two Rivals, with the hap∣py third person, the beloved Lycidas lived in very good intelligence, according to the con∣ditions agreed upon in the last Treaty. The Ladies were infinitely happy, and thought them∣selves

so too, but Lycidas began to surfet on their goodness, and was presently cloy'd With so much sweetness. This good intelligence of theirs plagued him most unmercifully, and at last he found by sad experience, that he might with less difficulty content his two Mistresses du∣ring their division, then now he had made them friends, These two handsome persons loved one another with as great a passion, as they hated each other formerly, they were never out of one anothers company, and that former precau∣tion of Lycidas's, that he had before so scrupu∣lously observed, and that the observance of so much, troubled him, became now useless and in∣significant.

Thus when the one spy'd with what gallantry, He did his Love unto her friend address, She never wish'd it less, But knew he'd make her happy by and by; When he exactly show'd the same confer As much as to a glance or word on her, She never blam'd her Rivals kisses Nor envy'd those more great and solid blisses Since by and by She the same Gallantry Must without diminution enjoy.

This accurate kind of distributive justice was mighty troublesome to the too too much belo∣ved Lycidas; and I easily persward my self▪ that as well ston'd as he was of endearing ca∣resses, (and truly, Sir, I believe few persons in

France could vie with him) all his stock would have been soon exhausted, and he have been re∣duced to extream beggery, and if there had not come an Order from his Majesty to change his Garrison, and lead his Regiment into a Ci∣tadel, upon the frontiers of picardy. How a∣greeable this Order was to Lycidas, that was now even tired and more then satiated with their amorous Delicates, your Royal Highness may easily conjecture; but the poor Ladies were struck dead with the dreadful news, all the Thunders in nature could not have so much disturbed their souls; but in fine, there was an absolute necessity for their enduring of it; the King must be obeyed, and they must lose their Lycidas. Lycidas went to take his farwel of them, when they were both together, and this sad farwel of his, cost the poor Ladies a multinude of Tears, and Lycidas shed some too, though I believe, out of a very different consideration, and they were only Tears of joy for the recovery of his liberty, and his disin∣gagement from so troublesome a happiness, while his sad Mistresses wept most excessively, and cared not to preserve the glories of their bright Circles, when the only Man they esteem∣ed in the world had deserted them, and they could see nothing now worth the captivating: They entreated him to honour them with a visit as soon as possibly he could, and to return the same Lycidas to their embraces, that he was with that same sprightly Air, and Gayety of his, and above all, with that ardent passion (for

so they call'd it) he was pleased to have for them. Lycidas promised them most liberally, all they could desire, but I can assure your Royal High∣ness, that to this moment he never performed a word of these his promises, and it is now a∣bove nine months since he left them. He him∣self was pleased to tell me this story, and with∣all he assur'd me, that there were very hand∣some and courtly Officers in that Regiment that came to relieve them, and persons that without doubt were capable to undertake any a∣morous adventure. As soon as they have chan∣ged their Garrison, I do not question but some one or other among them will bring us more news of Zelotide, and her extravagant Jealousie.

And now, Sir, I shall own the ambition, to say, I hope as well as wish, that my Zelotide, with all her faults, may have the happiness to please your Royal Highness, which if I shall be once assured of, my Muse stirred up by so glori∣ous an encouragement, and so brave a success, shall still continue in her design of diverting your Royal Highness. Our French Gallantries are so frequent and usual, that I shall never want a sub∣ject for Stories of this nature, and they always are in themselves so pleasant and agreeable, that they can't chuse but take, if the Historian spoils not their native graces. What an Honour shall I be blessed with, if this foolery of mine shall prove fortunate enough to please your Royal Highness! and what an infinite joy should I re∣sent, if my Pen at your Commands were em∣ployed in writing a more serious History!

Could I be the happy eye-witness of so glorious a life as yours, and be then Commanded to transmit it to posterity, adorned with all its no∣ble circumstances, I perswade my self, Sir, that so brave a Subject would inspire me with new flights, and that my style advanced and lifted up with the Dignity of so great a Subject, would never flag, but keep up its excellence with an e∣qual force continually. If this wish, Sir, be rash and foolish, as with a blush I cannot but avow it is, I humbly beg your Royal Highness will be pleased to pardon it, and impute it to my Zeal for your Royal Highness's service, and to permit my Muses to confer something to your divertisement, and vouchsafe me the glory to tell all the world, that I am,

Sir,

Your R. Highness's Most Humble, and Obedient Servant, LE PAYS.

Notes

• And faith here I think the Poet is in as bad a humour as his Lover.