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 Fourth,

By FLORIMEL.

CHarilus, (for under that Title I intend to disguise his proper English Name, out of

respect to his Person and quality) was the Eldest Son of a Worthy Gentleman in Oxfordshire, and Heir to a fair Estate. His Father took parti∣cular care in his Education, to furnish him with all the Accomplishments Suitable to his parts and Character, for Nature had been prodigal to him in all the gifts of mind, which she inchas'd in a Body of Elegant Composure and perfect Symmetry. After he was arriv'd to more Na∣tural years, his Father brought him up to Lon∣don, and enter'd him into the Society of Grayes-Inn, where he not so much design'd him for a profound Lawyer, as to be Capable to serve his Country in that Station and Quality he was born in. For the first two years he was observ'd by all, for a Sedulous Student, and knew no other pleasures or diversions of the Town, then those of the play-House or Dancing-School, both which he rarely frequented, and then ra∣ther out of Complaisance to his Friends then Inclination in himself. It fortun'd one day he was Invited abroad by some of his acquaintance to an Entertainment of the Spring-Gardens, where they were Engag'd to Meet some Ladies, to whom the last Night they had lost a Collati∣on at a Game at C••rds. Charilus who knew nothing of the design, was very ready to accept the Treat, and promis'd his Company, The

Gentlemen and Ladies met accordingly, the En∣tertainment was Noble and Costly, the Gentle∣men Generous and Frank, and the Ladies fair and Obliging. Charilus whose heart was yet a stran∣ger to Love, began of a sudden to feel its war∣mer powers, and himself discompos'd that he resolv'd all happiness into that of Love, and Condemned the ignorance of his past Life, who had only Studyed Men and Books to know the worst half of Mankind, and neglected the fairer Sex, the Beauty and Glory of the whole Creati∣on. Having thus but dipt his Foot in the water he found it so refreshing he resolv'd to wade farther and plunge himself into that Abyss of pleasures his Thirsty Soul so eagerly Coveted. These Ladies brought him into the Acquain∣tance of others, which they inlarg'd to their own Friends, till in a short time the day was not long enough for him to pay his Visits (which he punctually observ'd) to each expecting Mistress. About this time his Father dyed and left him a plentifull Estate with a considerable Sum of ready Money, which he improv'd to the better Conduct and more easy Management of his Amorous Intrigues, Numerous were the Fe∣male Clients of this young Lawyer, and the rather because he gave, but receiv'd no Fees, except those in Tail, besides the great advan∣tage

he had of other Gentlemen in his comely personage and courteous behaviour, that he wounded more hearts in a week then he could Cure in a Month with his best perfor∣mances. It Chanced one Evening being at a Rall in Leicester-Feilds he saw the Beauteous Bel∣linda, whose powerful Charms would have Con∣quer'd a more stubborn heart then Charilus wore, which by its frequent wounds was now grown soft and tender, and easily received the lightest Impression. Bellinda was now the only game Charilus purfu'd, which he did so Vigorously, that he lost no opportunity he could improve, to render himself respected by her; He danced with her, and afterwards obtain'd the favour to wait upon her home in his own Coach, which he look'd upon as a promising earnest of a more ample reward in future. But after several Visits made with all passion and diligence as the Devil would have it, Bellinda prov'd of a different mould from other Ladies of her Sex, and Vertue had been Regent at her Nativity, above Beauty or pleasure. Charilus who had never met a re∣pulse like this in the whole Career of his hot desires; Intreated, Treated, presented, which the Lady still accepted upon honourable terms. When h•• found these Baits would not take, he offer'd Marriage as the last and most prevailing ••••••ument.

Bell••nda told him, She was under no Vow to a single Lise, but could dispose of her Person and Fortune as best pleas'd her self.

Charilus told her that was the only hap∣piness he aim'd at, and would compleat im∣mediately, but that he was under a Sacred Obligation not to Marry for some time which was now Expired to Six Months, that he did believe a contract in the Eye of Heaven, was as Obliging as the publick Solemniza∣tion of the Wedding, which was only re∣quir'd by Law for the more known and cer∣tain descent of Estates, that if she pleas'd to consent to a Contract now he would most assuredly Consummate the Marriage Six Months after.

With these and other arguments and the most Solemn protestations his quick Invention, could Furnish his Expressions with, he won the credulous Bellinda, who without any tedious or formal Ceremony of contract, took his word Charilus immediatly order'd private Lodgings for himself and Bellinda, where they liv'd with the highest content and Satisfaction, the six Months being expir'd, Bellinda remembred him of his promise; which he excused at that

time, as a thing that might be done any day, for that he was engaged in some Affairs of great Importance. Thus from time to time he had alwayes some Studied Answer to divert the discourse, which at last she found had no place in his intentions, and prest no farther. However no Persons liv'd more amicably and Friendly together, that I much question (were there not other more Substantial reasons to be given) whether an indissolveable Tye of two Persons, does not render their Converse more uneasy, and their whole Lives more querulous, then if it was only a Knot which each Person. might unloose at pleasure. Charilas who was alwayes of a Generous and Noble Temper (nor was Bellinda parcemonious) having one day an Occasion for two hundred pounds, began to consider his present Circumstances and inspect his accompts for the last seven years, when first his Acquaintance commenc'd with Bellinda; He found his Estate much impair'd by the neg∣ligence of Tenants, his Rents fallen one third, and the Body of the Estate sunk under a weighty Mortgage, which still prey'd upon the Vitals, besides several Debts abroad, which would grow Clamorous and disreputable to him, and fifteen Hundred pounds, which he had receiv'd as Bel∣linda's Portion, was sometime since spent and forgotten, the Unwelcome prospect he now had

of his Shatter'd Fortunes, rais'd different passi∣ons in his Labouring Breast, which after he had singly examin'd, he found himself only to blame, who either by his own Inadvertency or too much Confidence in others, had suffer'd his Estate to steal from him, without that prudent observance which might only preserve it. At last he resolv'd to disintangle himself from the trou∣ble of Lands and Mortgages and part with all for a valuable consideration in Mony over which he would keep a strick Eye, This he resolv'd and in part perform'd. He sold the whole Estate paid all his Debts, preserv'd his Reputation with the world, and had two Thousand pounds Overplus, to lay the foundation of a New for∣tune, which he promil'd himself might be easily done. But being naturally averse to business, & unwilling to descend below his former Gran∣deur, he so long defer'd it, that there was not Room left for that consideration, and Calling Bellinda one Morning into his Closet he shew'd her a draught of his present Misfortunes and withall told her there was but Three hundred left of the last two Thousand pounds, that tho' he never was Ceremoniously Married to her, yet he look'd upon himself as oblig'd to provide for her; and not for that respect only, but as he ever had a most Sincere Love for her and that whatever distresse; should befall him,

her Share should be the least in them. She be∣gan to Lament her great Unhappiness, who must shortly be Expos'd to the Injuryes of the World, and theinclemency of Friends, when Charilus pray'd her patience to hear him a few words.

My Dear Bellinda, sayes Charilus, that my Affections have been hearty and un∣feign'd you your self shall Judge, and think not that those vigorous Flames, which were first inkindled between us, shall ever know decay or Period. Distress if rightly us'd, is but a poignant Sawce to whet our Cloy'd Ap∣petites; Loves fire may be as intense in the heat, 'tho the Flames are not so active, but affliction Rowzes up the Sleeping Embers and seems to give New Life and heat. But this I only speak as Consolatory, now to the poynt I intend; There is but one way to retrieve our drooping fortunes, and that with you approbation, I am resolv'd to pro∣secute, which is this, I have an Aequain∣tance in the City, a Person of Eminent Reputation, and my particular Friend, wh••se Assistance I am affur'd of in this

affair; You shall take two hundred and fifty pounds of this Money, a Footman and Two Maids to wait upon you, and assume a Name both honourable and well known in the West of England, and pass for a Gen∣tle woman of the same Name, of a very con∣siderable Fortune and at her own disposal. My Friend I spoke of, shall take you fair Lodgings in a Merchants House, give you the Character I mention'd, and assist you in the whole Conduct of this design. Very well, sayes Bellinda, now you have reduc'd me to nothing, you intend to set me up for a For∣tune, like a Gilt of the Town— Soft! sayes Charilus, you are too quick upon Me and overshoot the mark, this being done I'le go down into the Country, and reconcile my self to my Ʋncle, (who has a fair Estate, which I am next Heyr at Law to, if he don't Cut of the Entail) and make use of my Court∣ship to you, and the hopes I have of your Favour to Cement the difference between us, and Engage his Interest for the obtaining your Love, of which I know how to make good Advantage.

Well then, and what must be the Issue of this? Why nothing Child but an Establish'd Feli∣city to us both in Matrimony, and the Se∣cureing my Ʋncles Estate, when ever Heaven shall call him into a better World.

I know not how (sayes Bellinda) to trust any affair where there is Matrimony in it, it is a word so abus••d upon all Occasions, and I my self have had some litttle Experi∣rience of it—but I forbear, that's a tender part. But doe what you please you shall al∣ways find me of the same obsequious hu∣mour.

Charilus having fixt this point, and seen Bellinda placed at a Merchants House, (where she had the Reputation of a Fortune of Eight Thousand pounds, and five Hundred li. per An.) and made some Vifits to her, he went down in∣to the Country where his Uncle receiv'd him as a Gentleman and a stranger, of whom he had not heard a word this seven years, but as Com∣mon fame reported him to his disadvantage. After he had Spent two dayes there, his Uncle∣came to a more easy familiarity, and enquir'd of his affairs blameing his Imprudent manage∣ment

of his Estate and Riotous Expences, which Charilus in part Confess'd, and laid his finger where he thought his Uncles Eye had not yet discover'd the blemish. This he thought a proper Season to discourse him, of his Court∣ship to Bellinda (whose Name we will preserve tho' her Character's alter'd) he assur'd him of her fortune and his Interest with her, and that if he would please to afford him, the least Um∣brage of his favour he did not question Success, and that he should be not only able to repair the Breaches in his Estate, but considerably ad∣vance it by this plentifull Addition. His Un∣cle told him he had in so high a Measure for∣feited his Esteem with him, that he might rea∣sonably imagine he suffer'd as much in the Opi∣nion of others; That this would be a work of great difficulty, and beside fortunes now a days were grown so common and Cunning, that very often the most Judicious Eye, could not distin∣guish the real from the Counterfeit. After other reasonings on both sides the Uncle seem'd to be satisfied with Charilus his discourse of the fortune, and told him that if he would stay with him till Term which was not long, he would consider farther of it, and then he had buisness at London. During his stay in the Country, he wrote two Letters to Bellinda, which he Show'd

his Uncle and the Answers he receiv'd, by which he abated the difficulty of the Courtship so that now the great Quaere was the certainty of the Estate and Money. At the beginning of Easter Term they both came up to London, and Cha∣rilus would have made a Visit the next After∣noon to his Mistress, but his Uncle told him the Taylor had been with him in the Morning, and promis'd him to bring his Clothes by twelve the next day, and that he had a mind to go along with him, if he would defer it to th•• next Afe∣ternoon, which Charilus consented to, and they accordingly went together. At the door he met with one of Bellinda's Maids, and ask'd if her L••dy was within, who Answered, yes, pray Sweet heart, sayes he

Present my very humble Service to her, and let her Ladyship know my Name is Charisus, who beg the Honour to kiss her Hand.

The Maid went up with the Message, and pre∣sently down came her Woman with this An∣swer.

Sir, my Lady presents her Service to you, She's something indispos'd at this time and begs your pardon.

Upon which Charilus and his Uncle return'd

to their Lodging. Where the Uncle Umph'd, and Umph'd! And told Charilus, this was a Sort of a cold indifferent Complement, which he excus'd, that Ladies of that quality and fortune did of∣ten put on State to give a greater value and Esteem to their Character. However the Un∣cle was much disatisfied to see his Nephew thus Slighted and urg'd, that they should make a Second Visit by Nine next Morning, which he Excus'd as not the Mode of the Town to Visit Ladies, but in the Afternoon. Next day he was Impatient till the Clock had struck Three, that he might have a Sight of this Lady, after three they made a Second attempt to a Visit, and sent up the same Message as before, but the Un∣cle for fear of some excuse pull'd Charilus by the Sleeve and followed the Servant up stairs, where they met her returning to Invite them up. At their entrance into the Dining Room, they saw the Lady at the Table talking with a Gen∣tleman, and a great heap of writings and parch∣ments before them, upon which Charilu stept b••ck, but the Lady very familiarly call'd him in, and desir'd his Friend would please to walk in too, which Invitation the Uncle had already prevented out of his great Curiosity to see the Lady; Charilus saluted her with all imaginable respect and ask'd pardon for interrupting of

her in the midst of Bui••ness. S••e answer'd, it was no great Buisness, this Gentleman was her Lawyer, and they had been looking over some loose papers, at which she turn'd the Carpet gently over them, and told the Gentleman if he pleas'd to come at Ten in the Morning they would Inspect the rest, upon which he took his Ieave. Then she particularly apologiz'd for yesterdays rudeness as she pleased to call it, that indeed she had been busie all day wi••h her Law∣yer, was undrest, and understanding there was a stranger with you Sir, to Charilus, I was forc't to use the frequent excuse of our Sex, which I beg this Gentlemans pardon for — to the Uncle. which Complement after he had taken care to Answer — She invited them to sit down, and put on a most facetious and obliging Countenance. Amongst other discourse Charilus ask'd if the Painter had finished her Ladyships Picture yet, yes Sir, sayes she, it hangs in the withdrawing Room — and rising up, pray Sir, sayes she, give me your Opinion, whether it is like or No, with that Charilus waited upon her into the Room, and the Uncle (thinking it but common manners to let the Lovers be pri∣vate at their first Enterview after so long a Va∣cation) stayed ••ehind; Charilus gently putting the door too, which the Uncle observing b••gan

to peep under the Carpet, wh••re he saw several Bonds, Letters, and one Mortgage for four Thousand pounds. After half an Hours stay the Lovers return'd, and the Lady afresh ex∣cused the incivility of her absence, to a Gen∣tleman of his quality, whom she now under∣stood to be a near Relation to this Worthy Gentleman her Friend; Mutual Complements having pass'd between the Uncle and Lady they sat down, and fell upon other discourses. After half an Hours flay longer Charilus and his Un∣cle took leave of the Lady, and in the next street parted; his Uncle telling him he would make a particular Enquiry for his own Satisfaction, and within two dayes he would resolve him what he would do. Two days after he came early into his Chamber with a Letter in his Hand and told him he had weigh'd all Circum∣stances of Truth and improbability, had made a most particular Scrutiny into the Ladies for∣tune, her Relations, and whatever was to be consider'd upon that point, and did agree with him, that she was a most Beautifull Vertuous Lady and Mistress of the same Estate in Money and Land (if not more) as he first reported to him. That he was withall very sensible that she had more than ordinary Respect for him by those familiar kindnesses she Expressed, that de∣lay

was the greatest Enemy he could have in this affair, and whatever was resolv'd must be with Expedition. I do withall think it proper, sayes he, you should make her some Handsom present as either a Locket of Diamonds, a fair Necklace of Pearl, or what you think is most Modish and acceptable, Sir, says Charilus, I humbly thank you, you certainly advise the best Method that can be; yes, says the Uncle, interru∣pting of him, and you ought likewise to appear in a fine Gilt Chariot drawn by two Flander's, these are very taking with Young Ladies, they were so in my time, yes Sir, sayes Charilus, but my present Stock of Money will not reach so far, and I am unwilling to run in debt to Tradesmen it may prove a disadvantage to me, if known, you are in the right says his Uncle, and I did fear as much, and for that reason I have here writ a Letter to Badley my Steward, to furnish you with Eight Hundred, or a Thousand pounds, which you would rather have, and do you take it, and go down into the Country with all speed, if he has not so much in his Hands let him raise it of the Tenants, but I expect, Nephew, you shall return it to me Six Months after Marriage: which Charitus submissively promised to do, and to take Post immediately into the Country. Charilus overjoy'd at this great

Blessing of fortune beyond his utmost Expecta∣tion, Stole a Visit first to Bellinda, and told her all his Uncle had said, shewed the Letter, and after they had Congratulated each other in this happy Success, took leave for the Countrey pro∣mising all speed in his return. In the Afternoon the Uncle made a Visit to the Lady, and talking Jo••osely of Marriage, made his address to her, & told her, if she could comply with a little dispro∣portion of Age, no Person had more Vigorous Flames, or a more passionate affection to her Service then himself, that as for his Nephew, to whom he believ'd she had some respect, he was a wild Extravagant Young Man, that he who had already ruin'd his own fortnne, would be unsafely trusted with anothers, and an Empire in the Cup of a Voluptuary would be assoon quaft of, as that Narrow Spot left by paternal care, which his Riotous humour had already Spent, and yet not quench'd his Thirst. The Lady was very much Surpriz'd at his discourse, and told him she rather expected he would have been an Advocate in his Nephews behalf, then have Furnish'd her with such powerfull Argu∣ments of disesteem. The Uncle made his Attaqus so close and quick, that she began seriously to consider of her own Circumstances, and at last told him, it was a matter of so great Moment he

could not reasonably expect a present Answer. After some other discourses to the same purpose the Uncle took his leave, prom. sing to wait upon her the next day. Upon the Second visit he pre∣sented her with a Necklace of Pearl, and a Gold Watch studded with diamonds, which he beg'd of her to accept, and in the close of all told her he had a clear Estate of a Thousand pounds per Aunum besides Mony abroad, that he would settle Six Hundred pounds a year in Joynture, and what more she pleas'd of her own fortune. The Lady thank'd him for his great Respects to her, and those Generous offers he was pleas'd to make, that was she determined, as she was yet no wayes inclin'd to Marry; She should En∣tertain as worthy and deserving thoughts of himself as of any other Gentleman in England. The Esquire, for to that Title his Character is now grown up, looking upon this last Answer to be as absolute a Surrender as would Consist with her Modesty, told her that from the first Minute he had the happiness to see her, he was struck with Love and admiration, that he de∣signedly sent his Nephew into the Country upon an April Errand, that he might have the freer access to her Person, and then earnestly prest the Wedding might be over before his return.

At last She told him, within two dayes He should have the Result of her more seri∣ous Consideration.

Bellinda was now more pos'd then ever which way to Steer, the Uncles great kind∣ness to Charilus was but Counterfeit, but to her reall, that it was much better to save one, then that they both should perish, nay, this might preserve both for upon this Marriage she hop'd to be in a Condition to serve him; Nor was she so much too blame who had been ruin'd by ••ne Branch of the Family, if she prudently En∣deavour'd her safety by another, and the Un∣••le repair those Breaches the Nephew had made, Thus she ponder'd ••he Morning before ••he expected his return, and at last resolv'd to Marry him, but first secure the Joynture. In the Afternoon came the Esquire, and after a Cun∣••ing Harangue of reason all in his own Com∣••endation why she should Marry him, she decla∣••ed her consent, That as to matter of Joynture, ••he was well satisfied with the six Hundred ••ounds a year at present, and what part of her ••wn fortune he would put into her Hands, ••hould be as he pleas'd at his own time. Thus ••he Bargain was made, and her Lawyer who was repar'd before Hand, sent for and order'd to ••ake the Joynture upon such particulars and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be ready upon Thursday Morning by Eight,

when the Joynture was Seal'd and the Espousals Consummated. Charilus came late to Town the same Night to his Uncles Lodgings, with a return of Eight Hundred pounds, and waiting his coming in till it grew late, went to Bed, in the Morn••ng early he ask'd what time his Uncle came in, and if he was yet stirring. The Servant told him he did not come in all Night, nor had he seen or heard from him since he last went out the Morning before. Charilus was very much troubled at this, fearing some Misfortune had befallen him (which was true enough, tho' not in his Sense) but not knowing where rea∣dily to find him, he went first to give Bellinda a Visit, and acquaint her with the Joyfull News of the Eight Hundred pounds, when offering to go into the Bed-Chamber her Maid would have stopped him, which be took little Notice of, but prest in, and saw some Body in Bed with the Lady, Upon which in the greatest rage and fury he drew his Sword, and Swore he would be the death of that Villain who had thus abus'd him. The Uncle crept under the sheet for fear expecting the Sword either in his heart or Guts at each Oath he Swore, Bellinda was strange∣ly Surpriz'd, and Shriek'd out for help, whilst Charilus discharg'd whole Valleys of Oaths and Curses on those two miserable Wretches, and

violently pulling down the Cloaths, discovered his own Dear Uncle in Bed with his Mistress. Charilus at this was no less astonished, then they affrighted, when Bellinda interpos'd, and de∣fired his patience but for two words; Sir, says she, I beseech you Compose your self, and be not angry with this Gentleman or my self, for we are Man and Wife. This was so amazing a Story he did not know what to answer to it, but after a little pause, considering it as a truth, there might be a good improvement made of it, he fell into a violent passion with his Uncle, call'd him all the infamous Names he could invent, and with the point of his Sword threatned immediate Vengeance upon that false Heart, which had so basely and Treacherously supplanted him; After his passion was grown more cool, the Uncle offered terms of reconci∣liation, and acknowledged the hainousness of his crime in betraying that trust he had repos'd in him and Robbing him of a Mistress of so considerable a Fortune, for all which he was ready to make present Satisfaction. The terms agreed upon were these, that Charilus should have the Eight Hundred pounds now in his Hands, and his Uncle make over to him four Hundred pounds a year out of his Estate, and put him into immediate possession of it,

••n consideration of the Injury he had done him in the loss of his Mistress, all which the Uncle performed that day according to the Tenor of the Articles. Within a Month after he disco∣ver'd some part of his own Errour, as to the mistake of the Fortune, but nothing farther, however they went down into Oxfordshire toge∣ther, where in less then a Twelve-Month he dyed, and Bellinda's Joynture being an En∣tail'd Estate came into Charilus his Hands, who in Memory of former kindnesses was highly Ge∣nerous and Noble to her.

Here Sir, sayes Florimel, should I con∣clude with my Story, but that I have some∣thing to say by way of Consolation to you Melintus, and therefore beg leave to carry on Bellinda's Character one step farther.

This Lady Sir, after the death of her Husband came up to London, and 'tho sh•• had for some years of her acquaintance with Charilus resided here, yet was she seldo•• abroad, and not at all known to the Gallant of the Town, so that upon her return sh•• pass'd for a New Face, and was general•• thought to be a Maid.

Amongst other Sparks who made sear•• up and down for fresh Beauties, th••

Matchless piece of Chivalry, Sir — was one, you all know, who was the Per∣son that first discover'd that Notable way of affronting Ladies of Quality by breaking their Windowes with Crown pieces; It was his fortune to Meet with this Lady and after some necessary Treats to intro∣duce a more familiar acquaintance, he fell Smart upon her, but all in vain, her Honour was Lodg'd in an impregnable Fortress; when that would not do, he betook himself to his last Remedy, Marriage; Offer'd a fair Joynture and whatever else should be thought convenient, this at last was appro∣ved of, but the Knight was mistaken in his Measures she would yeild up no part of the premises till the Joynture was Seal'd, and the Marriage compleated; which, rather then lose his longing he consented to. A short time after the Wedding, he ask'd her what reason she imagin'd more particularly In∣fluenced him to Love her, when she could not Guess, he told her, it was for her strict Vertue and Chastity, for he had made a Re∣solution never to Marry any whom he could

prevail upon without it, and that is the reason that tho' I have Courted Hundreds I was never Married till now; Why look you Sir sayes she, I had that Trick put upon me once too, but I was resolv'd I would never be Catch'd Twice with the same Bait.

Now Sir, as to the application, why should you be in the Dumps and Melancho∣ly; hide your self from your Friends, and call those Stars, you ought to Bless by all the Naughty Names you can think of, when who knows but that beloved she might have prov'd another Bellinda, and take her at the best — but with your permission I have done Sir.

The Company all Laugh'd heartily, and Melintus could not forbear a publick Smile, I knew sayes he, we should have one Roguish Story or another, I expected it Flo∣rimel, but above all commend me to your close, where you come off with a Rellish in∣deed — Parmenio, sayes Melintus, I think it now falls into your division, pray will you oblige us with a Story that may

Temper the heat and passion of Florimels, and Compose us to our wonted Gravity.