Delightful and ingenious novells being choice and excellent stories of amours, tragical and comical / lately related by the most refin'd wits, under borrowed names ; with interludes between each novel ...

NOVEL the First.

By GERONTO.

A Gentleman, younger Brother of a very good Family in the West of England, ha∣ving had the advantage of a Liberal Education at the University of Cambridge, left those happy Walls, esteeming that sort of Collegiate Im∣prisonment too narrow for his more aspiring and ambitious Thoughts, which now began to feel the heats of Love, and Warmer desires of attaining that pitch of Honour and Reputation his Ancestors had Arrived to. Having thus taken leave of his Studies, he return'd into the Countrey to receive the plentiful provision his Father had by Will assgned him, which amounted to 4000 li. on which foundation (tho' Inconsiderable to what his elder Brother en∣joy'd) he doubted not to raise as Substantial a fortune by his Industrious Improvement as his Birth-right had deny'd him: With this Inten∣tion, knowing the Barren Soyl of a Countrey

Life, was not so fit to accomplish his designs as the more fruitful emploiments that attended a Court and City, he repaired to London: But bringing with him a Temper too Generous to Flatter, and too Gentile to Cozen, he quickly found without the first he must expect no pre∣ferment at Court, and wanting the Second it was Impossible to advantage himself am••dst a Crowd, whose only patrimony was their craft. In the midst of these Thoughts he had often re∣solv'd to return to the more innocent diversions of the Countrey; But finding himself intangled in his Affairs, and engaged in the acquaintance of the Town Gallants, who at first had insensibly wrought him into their Society, by those N••ts and Subtletys they Spread to catch the heedless and Unwary; And being softned by the charms and allurements of the fairer Sex, to whose Visits he was every day enticed, he found it impossible to discharge himself of these Inconveniences, tho' he had before his Eyes the most dismal prospect of misery, and inevitable Ruine of his Fortunes which now began to con∣sume apace, and in three years time the whole Treasure was quite Exhausted. His Compani∣on, who had so often been reliev'd by his Gene∣rous kindness were so far from pitying or Assist∣ing him in these distresses, that like the Summer

Birds, they left his Winter'd Quarters to seek a Spring in some warmer Climate, without the least Gratitude or kind remembrance of those Lavish kindnesses with which they had been so often refresh'd? In this Condition, Repen∣tance, the usual Comerade of distress, presented her wrinkled Face to the poor undone Youth, and brought into his Thoughts his former mis∣carriges, but with all lest him destitut of any obliging Clue to Extricate himself from the La∣byrinth his follies and Misfortunes had Insnar'd him in. How ready he then was to curse the Influence of those Starrs that frown'd at his Birth, and Rais'd in his own Breast an Enemy against himself; To blame his past Improvidence, and all the Obliquityes of his former Conduct; They can best Judge who have seen and known how few Friends adversity affords, and how the pleasures of former prosperity are the bitter∣est Ingredients of present Calamity.

In this deplorable Estate after that by renew'd sollicitations he had wearied all his Friends, Poverty began to grow Shamefull, his wonted Embroider yes were now worn into Rags, the Treats and Regalios' with which he had tired out the day, and Stole from the Hours of Rest to Solace himself with, now Tantaliz'd his present Hunger; His Beds of Down and softer

Companions of Nightly Amours, were now no more, a Numerous concourse of Dunns with their Loud Alarms broke his Rest, and like Hornets with their Stinging Demands, perpetu∣ally tormented him, and he who but a little be∣fore was the Court and admiration of every Flattering Sycophant, is now their Scorn and Laughter. Instead of his Livery'd Attendants, the Staff Officers watch his Steps, and nothing but the infamy of a Prison and the Gripes of penury, are the thoughts with which he En∣tertains himself; So that being forc'd to the utmost Extremity, he resolv'd rather with the Prodigal, to return to his Fathers House, than feed upon Husks amongst the London Swine; To which End, having Rais'd as much Money as the remains of his Moveables would pledge for, he began his Journey for the West, hoping his Friends would Commiserate his indigent Condition, however one Blessing he was sure of, to be out of the Noise and Clamour of his Ravenous Creditours. His Money being short he was forc'd to Travel on Foot, nor had he hopes it could carry him to his Journey End, but resolving to trust his better fortune he set for ward; And having Travelled three dayes saw the last penny disposed of. The Evening now drew on apace, and he found himself Ex∣treamly

wearied, no prospect of a Town to lodge at, or Money to pay for't, or other ne∣cessaries he had occasion for, going heavily on under so great a load of trouble and discontent, and pondering with himself, if it was altogether impossible for the wit of Man to find out a Re∣medy for these present Evils, lifting up his eyes, at a distance espied a Countrey Village half a Mile before him, which as soon as he had over∣taken, he sate down under a Hedge which be∣long'd to a Neighbouring House, to consider what course to take to relieve his present want: Upon this Hedge there were several pieces of Linnen hung out to dry, and tho' it was now late in the Evening, yet such was their Security and so great the Honesty of those Countrey Hobs, that they fear'd no filching hand to Thieve them away; the full Moon which with her Silver Beams supplyed the Brightness of the Golden day, discover'd the Temptation to him, nor could he observe any Person near to Guard the Hedge: But being never us'd to Steal, he was very loth to begin now, nor was he less Averse to Beg; But urg'd by his extremities he was about to bear away some of the Linnen, when putting his Hand into his Pocket he found a pair of Dice; Are you here still? Said he, here still? To tormen, but not assist Me! Oh

base and bewitching Tools, the Wisemans scorn Charms to the fool, and Panders to the Knave! here still; To refresh my Memory how you Ruin'd and deceiv'd Me! I have heard amongst your friends you have been Stil'd, the substance of hope, the miserable Mans last relief, and is it possible to find one fitter to receive your favors then my self; Assist me then, and Umpire be∣tween my necessity and Honesty, whilst I pursue my Intentions to play fairly with this Hedge for the Linnen it is Cloathed with, and less needs then my distressed Shoulders, which want a Covering. Yet am I resolved, if you cross my hopes, I will yet be Just to my Losses and pay what you decree against me, and if you strip me I shall then forswear your Assistance for the Future, and trust my self Naked to the Charity of well disposed Christians, from whom I will hope for that good fortune and Reasonable re∣lief which you deny me.

Come then and lets try the Chances; Here Mr. Hedge, my Hat against that shirt: 7 is the Main, have at it; 12, Pox ont', out at the first Throw! There't goes again, my Coat against those two Handkerchiefs and four Aprons, 6 is the Main, now 12 good Dice, or I'm undone, ha! 5 to 6, I've the worst on't, b••t away, now Cater Ace, Tra Du••e, what are you? Cater

Duce, the Devils in the Dice, then I must strip. Curse on ill Luck! But ne're be faint hearted; come, nay Breeches you must go to, 9 is the main, have at it: what now, Duce Ace? The Devil take all ill Luck, well, heres stockings and Shooes yet, whats there 8? Now good sweet Honey. Dice be kind, Pox on't, (4) to 8, its two to one against me humph! Sice Duce, Iv'e lost it, there's no hopes, Ruine is my porti∣on, well I have nothing left now but my Shirt, and so farewell ail; Here the Dice began to Re∣pent, and the Spark won back his Clothes, and as much Linnen from the Hedge as was necessa∣ry to supply his present Occasions, nor was he covetous of more, which he Pack'd up into a Bundle and Trudg'd forward, thanking his Stars for his good Success. But not many paces was he gone before he was pursu'd by the Owner, (who standing undiscover'd behind a Tree was an Eye witness of this strange Adventure,) and easily overtaken, by whom being question'd a∣bout the Linnen, he no wayes Endeavour'd to Conceal but Justified himself in the Fact, telling him he came honestly, by them, and would keep them, and make good his Title before any Magistrate in England. Enrag'd with this An∣swer, the Countryman with Loud Out cryes rai••'d the Neighbourhood, who pass'd their Cen∣sure,

and with words and blows both threatned and punished him: In so much that he was forc'd to desire a ••ruce and entreat a hearing, but had he spoke loud as the North wind the Women would have Silenc'd him; O Rogue, sayes One, I'm glad we have found you, now I know how my Poultrey went, which I charg'd on the more innocent Fox, 'tis you Sirrah had them, and you shall pay for them. Well said, Neighbour, says another, let's make an example of him, this is the Rascal, I believe, came a begging t'other day, and whilst I was gathering sticks Stole the Beef out of my Pot, and had like to have Ravish'd my Daughter. Hang him: Hang him, Thief: Scolds the Chorus. He endeavour'd to lay this Storm by mild excuses, telling them he was a Gentleman and ought to Answer what he had done before a Magistrate, all which did but the more incense the Rabble, who had certainly torn him in pieces, had not a Farmers Daughter, taken with his Shape and port, perswaded her Sweet-heart Richard to use his Oratory for the Gentlemans safety, which he not at all Curious in, did it to this effect.

Fy, Neighbours, I think the Devil's in you, won't you hear a man speak, let Me tell you, it doth not become us to be Executioners to a

Thief, that's the Hangmans Work. If he has been a Rogue let the Jaylor have him, and the Rope Throttle him, but why should our Hands save them a labour, our Landlord's a Wise Man and a Justice, let's carry him thither, and I warrant you Mr. George his Clerk will quickly take Care to send him where he best deserves.

Away with him, Away with him reply'd the rest, which was no Unwelcome News to Hono∣riu••, (for so let us henceforth call the Unfortu∣nate Youth) hoping he should find a Gentle∣man of those Generous Sentiments, who upon the Relation of all Circumstances would Com∣mis••rate his Condition and assist his necessities, they carried him to the House of a very Worthy Gentleman, to whom they represented the Crime with all the complaints and aggravations their Country Rhetorique could advance, en∣treating his Worship to make a publick example of so Notorious an Offender. To which Accu∣fation, the Justice demanded of Honorins what he had to say for himself; Who Replyed,

I shall not Worthy Sir, go about to deny or Evade what I am Charged with, as to the taking away the Goods my Accusers Claim,

but as a Stranger and a Gentleman (how∣ever I appear under this disguise of habit) I humbly Entreat your Favour to hear me a few words in private, and I do not doubt but your Worship will then think me not so hainously Guilty as my Accusers would per∣swade you to.

The Port and demeanour of Honorius, to ge∣ther with the gracefulness of his Elocution, so far wrought upon the Justice as to disn••iss the Crowd, Restoring to the party his Goods, and giving them his promises that he would take care of the Criminal.

No sooner were they departed, but Honoriu•• proceeded to acquaint the Justice with his con∣dition in every point, and how, urg'd to what he did by the force of irresistable Necessity, which he hop'd his goodness and Charity would ra∣ther pity, then punish with the Severity of Law. The Justice extreamly taken with the pleasant∣ness of the Relation, told Honorius he was fal'n into such Hands as would not Injure him, rather Contribute to his Relief: But fince, pursues he, you are Charg'd with a Crime of this Na∣ture, think not but I will Inflict a punishment o•• you, and as your Crime is Venial, your punish∣shall not exceed it.

All that I require of you is that you lye in my House this Night, and take that Accom∣modations the same can afford you, as to my Table and Cellar, or what else you please to Command; Yet your Lodging must be in a Chamber which has been haunted for these three years past with the Apparition of a Ghost, and so frighted those who have seen it, that no Person yet was ever so hardy to speak to it. If on these Conditions you like to be my Guest, you shall find a hearty Wellcome and a supply to carry you to the place you determine. Ho∣norius with a grateful acknowledgement re∣ceiv'd the offer, and humbly thank'd the Gen∣tleman for his great favour to him, Telling him he was now doubly Oblig'd to his Misfor∣tunes, as well that he had the Honour of know∣ing so Worthy a Person, as by this Adventure he might possibly make an Improvement in the Experimental part of Spectresm, which in his younger years he had only Read at the Univer∣fity; ••hese and other Complyments much pleas'd the Justice, who led him into the Par∣lour, where wa his Wife and Daughter, a Per∣son of Incomparable Beauty and richly Furnish'd with all the Ornaments of Body and Mind, to whom after he had recounted how the Gentle∣man,

had promised him to ••ye in the Haunted Room, and speak to the Ghost if it did appear; He order'd his Servants to prepare Supper, and in the Interim call'd for Wine to entertain the stranger who thought himself extreamly happy; The time pass'd a way in a very agreeable Con∣versation, and the Justice was not a little pleas'd with the Modest behaviour of Honerius, nor did the young Lady his Daughter less admire his person, the vivacity of his Wit and the quaintness of his discourse, which tho' she endeavor'd to hide, plainly appear'd in her kind and Obliging Glances, which Honorius soon perceiv'd, and had taken further Incouragement had not the meaness of his present appearance dampt his as∣piring Thoughts. But to shorten the Relation, Supper was ended, and the Ladies withdrew to their Chambers, at such time as the old Gentle∣man conducted Honorius to an excellent Room well Furnished with all things convenient and Ornamental, telling him Jocosely. That must be his Prison for this Night, and as many more as he Thought fi••. And wishing him good Night, Withdrew. The Complyment was returned by Honorius who was well provided with Fire and Candle, and Bottles of Wine, that the Devil might have the less power over him. Being now alone he had leasure to confider his present

Circumstances, when reflecting on the Beauty of the young Lady, and the kind looks she be∣stowed on him, he began to hope they might be the presages of his better fortune, which now seem'd once again to Smile upon him. With these Thoughts he went to Bed not much Con∣cern'd with the apprehensions of what had been told him, yet not altogether slighting the dan∣ger he might be in, kept his Candle burning; and being ready to take the Sweets of Rest the Clock struck one, at which time the whole House was very quiet, and not the least Noise to disturb him.

Musing with himself about his present for∣tune, he thought h•• heard something Trip along the Gallery before his Chamber, whilst more regardfully attending he saw his Chamber door open, and in a Night dress he perceiv'd a Per∣son as he thought enter and take two or three Rounds about the Room, and at length open a Closet door. This Apparition tho' it seem'd not so dismally frightful, yet struck him with a present horrour, which whilst he was more se∣riously considering, came out of the Closet and took a Second walk in the Chamber, and by de∣grees came nearer and nearer to his Bed side, which he diligently observing, his apprehensions of the danger grew stronger upon him, but ta∣king

courage was resolv'd to speak to it. With this intent looking sted fastly upon it, he thought he beheld the same face of the Young Lady he had seen but some few hours before, this abated his fears and Encourag'd his Resolution. Rising out of his Bed he approached it, which seem'd nothing Shy of his advance, and drawing near∣er took it by the hand, which he found ••oft and warm, and as true Flesh and Blood as his own, and more curionsly viewing the Face saw it to be the real Person of the Young Lady, whose Body wak't whilst all her Senses were fast lockt up in the profoundest Sleep. His thoughts were now again at the same puzzle between his own desires and the Ladies Honour, as before they had been between his necessity and Honesty, but the Temptation prov'd too strong for the ten∣der Virtue of Vigorous Youth to withstand. Leading her to his Bed-side he Softly laid her down and plac'd himself by her. But here should I recount the bold Trespass of his Hands, which found nothing of a Ghost about her, or the more daring attempts of his succeeding pleasures, my own Cheeks would blush at the Confidence of my Tongue; Nor is it possible to speak the Transports Honorius felt, I hope your kinder Imagination will supply the defects of my Ex∣pression. It is enough, that whilst Honorius was

Revelling in the midst of that Garden of plea∣sure and stealing the forbidden fruit, the Lady Awaked. She had now been sensible of those delights from the obliging Embraces of her New Bedfellow, and those kind Caresses her waking fancy had presented her with, which she had never found from the Cold Arms of her con∣fident Sylvia; Whilst she lay thus considering what this strange Dream should be, or if a truth, what it meant; Her Senses being now more per∣fectly her own, she discover'd her self in another Bed, when hearing her Lovers excuses and the many pardons he beg'd, She was ready to Swoon away at so strange a Surprizal, Oh Heavens! Sayes Shee, what hast thou done? Oh Ravisher base and Unworthy Guest; Are these thy ac∣knowledgements of my Fathers kindness: With Charms and Philtres to bewitch my Innocency, hadst thou no more regard to myspotless honour then thus betray me to perpetual Shame and Ig∣nominy••; Dearest Madam, replyed Honorius, if the Arraigned have leave to offer ought to arrest their Sentence, by the powers of Love, by all that's Sacred to you, Fly not from me before you hear my Defence. Think not, sweet Lady, that to Satisfie the rage of my burning lust, or to Grasp such infinite happiness I would use ••••wor thy means; Twas fortune gave you to my

Arms, and as well might the Sun diselose his Summer Beams, and the Earth refuse his Bounty, as I Shut my eyes against those glorious Beautyes, whose Charms fir'd my heart, and ra∣vish'd all my Senses, I saw you, Madam, walking in your Sleep, I saw your Naked Beautyes, whose powers even Age it self tho' proud of its boasted abstinence could not resist, and may not youth be pardon'd? If not, Let loose your anger, wrinkle your brow into a Frown, and assure your self it shall be as mortal as the most venom'd or poin∣ted weapon death it self makes use of to destroy the guilty; or if this punishment be too flow for your fleet Rev••nge, plung•• a Dagger in my Breast, which I had ratherfeel then once hear the dismal found of that single word, Farewel; Yours Madam, let me Live for ever, or fall this minute a wolcome Sacrifice to your unjur'd Fame, 'tis I, Madam, I confess it, that Violated your unspotted Inno∣cence, pure as the Mountains Snow, & Chast as the Winters Ice, whom if your Mercy cannot pardon, let your Severest Justice Carve a Satisfaction from this offending Breast. With these and many other the like expressions did the Amorous Youth sooth the disconsolate Lady, till at last, overcome with his Importunities, with Tears of Joy She embrac'd the gladded Lover, and consented he Should live: Live then, sayes She, and let the same bright wit∣nesser,

of your Trespass and my dishonour; hear our Marriage Vows, and see this Sacred Tye by which I am ever yours. — Honorius his best Expressions were now too poor to speak the Raptures of his Soul, nor certainly was ever Bridal Night pass'd over with greater pleasure and delight then this between the two Enamo∣rists, in so much that the Shrill Messenger of the Morn had given Notice of its approach e're their thoughts stray'd from their Enjoyments: But being apprehensive of a discovery, which was not yet ripe for the Fathers Ear with apart∣ing kiss they took leave of each other, she En∣gaging Honorius to make some excuse to pro∣long his stay, promis'd to return the next night to his Bed; which he receiv'd with all the Gra∣titude he could express for so great a favour. The Lady was now gone to her own Chamber, and Honorius was at leasure to consider the present state of his affairs, how his Shatter'd fortunes were now repair'd, by an Extraordi∣nary providence, beyond all hope or Expecta∣tion. This Lady was the only Child of her Parents, and Heiress to a very considerable Estate, and as Valuable for her Vertue, Beauty and all other accomplishments that might Com∣pleat the Happiness of a Lover, as any of her Sex. Whilst his thoughts were imploy'd in these ra∣vishing

Contem plations, his Senses began to t••re, and he fell afleep at the same time when the Justice and his Lady came into his Chamber, to Enquire how he had pass'd the Night, hearing the door open he Awakened, and after he had feign'd himself discompos'd, he a••quainted them it was a real truth the Room was haunt∣ed, and that he had seen a Spirit, but he suppo∣sed••••••e same so far from Evil, that if ever An∣gels left their Heavenly abodes to come upon Earth such was this and no worse; for tho' he had seen and Conversed with it, yet was he not in the least affrighted, nor did its discourse im∣port any thing of harm to himself or the family, but what it had said he had been by Sacred Vow oblig'd not to discover, till such time as he had seen it again, for the too early Cock had Sum∣mon'd it back to its unknown Mansions e're it had finished the Secret it came to discover. The gladded Justice embrac'd his Welcom Guest, and with the kindest words he could expres•• himself, entreated his stay the following Night & that he wou••d make him happy in his far the Acquaintance; Less powerful Oratory woul•• have perswaded Honorius to accept of that h•••• so much coveted; however thankfully return n•••• the Justices Complements he soon after Ros•• and Spent the day in the Conversation of h••••

New Friends. Nor was the Lad yever from his thoughts, or her blushes from her Cheeks, when∣ever she Surpriz'd his Strolling Eyes, catching Glances from hers at a distance. In short, the Second Night came, and the long expected hour of Meeting brought ou•• Lovers to each others Arms; the Happy Minutes fled fast in their Mutual Embraces, whilst the Lazy Inter∣valls were Spent in contrivance how theyshould Gain her Parents consent to finish their Vow'd Espousals. This the Lady undertook: It was now day break when Aemilia retir'd to Her Chamber, and taking a convenient opportunity that Morning in private, discover'd to her Mo∣ther the whole Intrigue of her fortunes, and told her, it being usual with Her to repair to that Chamber in the day time to dress her self, and having often Spent her Hours in Reading in the Closet, being more particularly delighted with the prospect, she beleiv'd it had been Custo∣mary with Her for several years to walk this ther in her Sleep, tho' it was never known till this Lucky Stranger had made the discovery. Nor did she Conceal the Important truth with all the Naked Circumstances, then praising the Generou; Education and Endearing Carriage of Honorius beg'd her Mother with all the Pa∣thetical Expressions of Love and tenderness, to

intercede with her Father on his behalf; which she at last promised. The old Gentleman was much Surpriz'd at the Relation and severely blam'd her unlawful Loves, but at the same time considering the Violence of his Daugh∣ters affection, and the Honour of his Family; consented to Her Wishes, and went with them to Honorius his Chamber, whom he Saluted his Son in Law, and soon after Ordered the Con∣summation of their Nuptials, which were Cele∣brated with all Imaginable Joy and Splendour. About a Month after, Honorius and his Lady in a Coach and six Horses went down to Visit his Relations, who all Congratulated his Happy fortunes, which were soon after increas'd to a very great Estate by the unexpected Death of h••s Elder Brother.

Geronto having thus Finish'd his Rela∣tion the whole Company, especially Florimel, seem'd extreamly pleased with it; For in∣deed it was hardly possible for him to speak to any Subject, tho' never so mean and Tri∣vial, but what his great Wit would always Beautify with those Charming Graces which won the constant Applause of his Auditors,

an Excellence peculiar to himself in which few could ever Tollerably Imitate him.

Melintus Thank'd him for his pleasant Fancy as be call'd it, and told him a dis∣course of so much Mirth and Humour might have been better bestow'd for his part, Me∣lanchely had of late so prevail'd upon him that all Comedy was as Harsh to his Ears, as the Clicking of a Death Watch to a Hoor∣ding Miser.

But Madam says he to Aurelia, if you please to Circulate the discourse as of Right it be∣longs to you, I remember a Story I have for∣merly had the Honour to hear you tell, which if I mistake not was Tragically Ʋnhappy, but as it then pleas'd with the Sadness of it, I am sure it would much more now, since my Vitiated Palat Relishes nething but what is Compounded of the bitterest Ingre∣dients.

Sir says Aurelia, I presume you meant the Story of Amasius and Ortelia, but I am afraid I shall unpardonably Transgress the

Commands of my Lord your Ʋncle, and the passion of the Relation will affect you too ••e••rly; Tho' who knows but Melancholy, which is only a more Natural poyson, may be easiest Expell'd by an Application of its own Temperament, however, Sir, your Com∣mands will Apologize for me, which I thus Obey.