Ibrahim, or, The illustrious bassa an excellent new romance, the whole work in four parts / written in French by Monsieur de Scudery and now Englished by Henry Cogan, Gent.

The History of the feigned Astrologer.

BEfore I begin the relation which I am going to make, remember, Madam, though I speak your language as if I were an Italian, that I am for all that a French-mam, that is to say, an enemy of the coldness, and reservedness of your

Nation; That it is I who have reconciled vertue and galanterie at Genoua; who have declared my self the protector of the liberty of you Ladies; and who in conclu∣sion have by my care and address deserved amongst them the glorious title of their Deliverer. I tell you all these things, that you may not think it strange, if in the se∣quel of this discourse you understand some adventures, where the civility of this side the mountaines is not regularly observed. I know, answered the Princess, all that you have done for the publique libertie; the Count hath already acquainted me, that the galanterie, which is seen now at Genoua, is an effect of yours; and that in the end you have been so powerfull in perswading the vertue of women, as there is scarce any brother or husband that is longer jealous. I am not sorry, replyed the Marquis, that so worthy a man hath drawen you my picture, for though I doubt not but that he hath somewhat flattered me, yet you will not chuse but know me. In the mean time since I must satisfie your curiosity, it is necessary that I give you to understand, how assoon as I was arrived at Genoua, with a design to stay there so long as my humor should find wherewithall to entertain it self, I observed, that near to the lodging where I lay, there was a maid, who seemed beautifull enough unto me, as indeed it must be acknowledged, that Livia hath something, that is ve∣ry bewitching, in the air of her face, especially for a man that is not melancholick; and that she hath a kind of I know not what cast with her eyes, which perswaded me she would not be very cruell. If I were known more particularly of you than I am, I would not tell you, Madam, that I loved Livia, since it would be enough to make you comprehend it, that I say to you she seemed fair unto me. In fine, she had no sooner made an impression in my heart, but I sought the meanes to touch hers. And although it be my custom to explain my self clearly in matter of love, and never to leave her, whom I serve, to devine of my passion, yet in regard I durst not yet publish my precepts openly, it is true that I continued a whole week together in using all the fantasticall tricks of a Lover of this Country. I passed twenty times a day before her dore; I followed her in the streets; I accompanied her in her devo∣tions; I saluted her with respect; I beheld her a far off with languishing eyes; I went every evening to make a noyse under her windowes with a Gittern; and according to the fashion I imployed the very address of my horse to let her see mine, in ma∣king him curvet an hundred times before her lodging; In fine, I omitted none of those fooleries, which are introduced amongst you. But whereas I advanced my design very little by so long a way, and perceived apprehensions of curiosity in Livia, but none at all of love (at leastwise as I could judge by the manner of he•• beholding me) I began to accuse her of stupiditie, or ingratitude, and to think of a retreat. But coming suddenly again out of this error, I resolved not to quit her, untill I had served her some time after the fashion of France; or at least used the meanes so to doe. For, said I, am not I unjust in desiring she should love me, because I pass oftentimes thorough a street where I doe lodge as well as she? In desiring that she should be obliged unto me, because I take pleasure in looking on her for that she is fair? In desiring too that she should recompence me, because I hinder her from sleeping some nights, with a bad harmony? And lastly, would I have her judge of my wit and love, by the address of my horse? No, said I, I must write to her, I must talk with her, I must make verses for her, I must entertain her with her beau∣ty and my love, and after I have shewed her all the gallanterie of our Nation, if she be still rebellious to my desires, let me quit her without much pain, and comfort my self easily enough after it. And the better to bring my purpose to pass, I had re∣course to the address of a servant of mine that waites on me in my chamber, who certainly is incomparable for intricate businesses. After I had propounded unto him that which I desired, he assured me that within few dayes he would furnish me at the least with meanes to write unto Livia, as indeed he failed not to doe. For it had fallen out that Livia had a maid, which served her, called Lucretia, to whom la Roche (for so is my Agent in love named) had taken a liking, and she, through a sympathy of humours, as I learned afterwards, had not beheld him with indiffe∣rencie. It was then by this way that I wrote to Livia, for after that la Roche had un∣derstood

my intentions he had redoubled his addresses to Lucretia, and for the advancing of my affaires, I had given him wherewithall to be liberall; so that he got this wench to promise that she would shew my letters, and some verses, wherein I had painted forth my love, to her Mistress; but though I had imployed all my skill therein, yet could I not obtain any answer. Lucretia indeed told la Roche, that Li∣via esteemed very much of me, that my wit pleased her, that my conversation was agreeable unto her (for I had talked with her twice at the window by the meanes of Lucretia) but that after all I was not to pretend to her affection. I confess that for this time her resistance provoked me more than her beauty. Behold me then re∣solved to know from whence the impossibility of my enterprise proceeded; I call la Roche to my succor, and command him to repair to Lucretia, and to imploy all his cunning to discover Liviaes true thoughts. He presses her, he intreates her, he threatens to abandon her, and yet for all that she acquaints him with no part of that he desires to understand. At first she tells him, that she knowes nothing; after∣wards, that she is obliged to be faithfull to her Mistress; then, that it is a thing past remedy; and last of all, without any thought of telling him that which he required, she saies that Livia is ingaged in an affection to another, whom she will not name. This newes put me into choler, and made me resolve once more to tempt the fide∣litie of Lucretia; to which effect I gave la Roche a diamond, therewith to oblige this wench to meet him one evening, and discover unto him the whole truth of Liviaes history. My liberalitie failed not to perswade her better than his eloquence, she meetes him in a place far enough out of the way to be overheard of any but my self, who understood what she said without her perceiving it; and there, after she had suffered her self to be a little intreated, she spake in this sort unto him. I know very well that I commit a strange infidelitie against my Mistress, but since it is to con∣serve you, and that you promise me you will not speak of it, I hope I shall not re∣pent me. I will tell you then, continued she, that about three dayes agoe, when as my Mistress was making an end of dressing her, and that she was doing something about her head, where she had no need of me, she observed that I looked out at the window with a great deal of attention, and that I had also pulled up the grate. And whereas she asked of me what it was I looked at so earnestly, I answered her boldly, that it was at the worthiest man of all her lovers; meaning your Master, who then passed along thorough the street. I fear me, replyed she sighing, that you and I are not of the same opinion; howbeit, Lucretia, who is he that you do treat so advanta∣giously to the prejudice of others? It is, said I being become more hardy, the French Marquis, who verily hath an ayr, and a countenance, which none of the rest have. And for my part, I confess unto you, that I should be more sensible for a man of his Nation, than of ours. I cannot tell, Lucretia, answered she, whether I should have been as sensibly touched as thee, if he of whom thou speakest had found my heart without ingagement, but this I can tell, my dear girl, that it is not in an estate to receive any new impression, for the truth is, I am in love. Are you in love, said I mightily surprized? I, said she, I am in love, and that so exceedingly, as I am re∣solved to tell him so much this day, who is the cause of my passion; and who after my ill intreating of him for two yeares together, is resolved to return unto Naples, of whence he is, and never to come to Genoua again. But I doe not purpose to be so vertuous, as to be thereby infortunate all the rest of my life, wherefore, my dear Lucretia, thou must this night, when as he is to come and take his leave of me, bring him into the garden at such time as my father is asleep, where I will be rea∣dy to receive him; for I cannot endure he should goe from me. He is of a conditi∣on equall to mine, so that the greatest harm can arrive to me by it, is to mary him whether my father will or no, who peradventure will make some difficulty of it, because he is not so rich as I; howsoever, Lucretia, doe as I have bid thee, and be assured that I will make thee happy, if thou prove faithfull to me. As I was prepa∣ring to answer, her father came into the chambsr. In the mean time night arrived, and whereas I could doe no other but obey her, I brought in Hortensio the Neapo∣litan, who was received by Livia with a great deal of joy; and for a conclusion of

this interview, it fell out, that after he was come to complain of her rigour, and to take his last farewell of her, he returned more beloved than he loved. But that the World might not think it strange that he went not away after he had taken his leave of his friends, they concluded that he should make a shew of de∣parting, but that indeed he should remain concealed in Leanders house, where at this present he is, and that in the mean time he should come every night into the garden to her by my meanes; and if it should happen at any time that she should not meet him there, then he should be advertised thereof, by not seeing a hand∣kercher hanging at the Window, which peradventure you marked there to day, and which makes me now to leave you in hast, for that the hour wherein Horten∣sio ought to come, is at hand, being sorry that I have lost so much time in speak∣ing of other folks affaires, and omitted our own; howsoever, be faithfull to me, and so be gone. I confess, Madam, that this Wenches relation moved me more than ever any thing of that nature had done; for ordinarily, in that which concernes Love, I measure the esteem which I make of Ladies, according to that which they make of me; and if I chance to encounter one who receives not my services, at least with civility, I presently judge her unworthy of my choler, and love, and within a quarter of an hour after I never think of her more. But in this encoun∣ter it fell not out so, for still I conserved a little affection, and a great deal of de∣sire to be revenged. But before I would resolve on any thing, I was willing to be yet better informed of the matter, and to understand certainly whether Horten∣sio lay concealed at Leanders. It was my good hap, that Valerio, whom que∣stionless you know, and that hath a wit very proper to imbroyl an intricate affair, proved to be a dear confident of his. And whereas we had con∣tracted a great friendship together at my being at Rome, I went and sought him out, and having found him, I soon obtained of him what I desired. He told me, that not above an hour before he parted from Leander; how it was true that Hortensio lay concealed in his House, by reason of an amorous ad∣venture wherewith he was very much troubled, because he was inamoured of a neipce of C••nthioes, named Aurelia, with whom Hortensio had had a parti∣cular commerce for a good while together: How he was in good hope, Hortensio going away, and having no further pretension there, that he might have decla∣red his love to Aurelia, but how far from that, Hortensio, not onely remained hid in his house, but had also obliged him to carry a letter to this Gentlewoman, to crave her pardon for his parting away without bidding her farewell, excusing himself upon this, that his grief for leaving her had kept him from doing so. He told me likewise, that Aurelia had received Hortensio's letter with much testimo∣ny of affection; that Leander had been greatly tempted to discover unto her how she was betrayed, and to make his profit of his friends deceit; but that in con∣clusion friendship had prevailed with him above love. That being returned to Hortensio, he had very much prest him to let him know why he was unfaithfull to Aurelia? how he had freely answered thereunto, that his inclination was to Livia; how for the other, he served her out of acknowledgement, it being most certain that he was very much obliged unto her. How after all this he had de∣manded of him, whether a friend of his should disoblige him in thinking of her, since he loved her but for consideration? How Hortensio was netled with this dis∣course, and had testified unto him that he would not endure it. Behold, Madam, the estate of things; Livia loved Hortensio, and was beloved of him; I loved Li∣via, and was ill intreated of her; Aurelia loved Hortensio, and was betrayed by him; Leander loved Aurelia, not daring to discover it unto her, and was an instrument of his friends treason; Valerio was Leanders confident, and be∣trayed him for my sake; Lucretia for being faithfull to la Roche, was unfaithfull to her Mistress; in fine, we all of us almost did that which we ought not to have done. The business standing in these termes, I resolved to speak once more with Livia; and whereas it is most certain, that when one comes to know that the per∣son beloved accords to another favours which she refuseth to him, he changeth re∣spect

into boldness, and no longer demands her affection as a grace, but as a debt. I went and attended Livia some three or four steps from her door, with a mind that retained little of the French civility. At her first appearing, followed onely by Lucretia, I advanced directly unto her, and presenting her my hand with a contemning negligence, I said unto her in somewhat a bitter manner: It may be, fairest Livia, that being unable to merit any thing of you as a Lover, yet in the quality of a Gentleman-Usher I may be permitted to help to lead you. I know not, answered she, with a serious countenance, what renders you so bold as to interrupt me in my way; but I know very well, that if you have not a pur∣pose to displease me, and did know my humour, you would not be so inconsi∣derate as to dare to speak to me with so much liberty; for I make profession of a modesty, which cannot suffer such things, and which you might very well under∣stand by the coldness wherewith I have alwayes treated you. I confess that the discourse netled me; I could not endure this severe vertue in a person that had none but for me; and that reproching me with her rigour, seemed as though she would make me serve for the triumph of her Lover. I retained her then by the arm, as she was offering to goe away, and in a quipping and jeering manner, be∣holding her with a malicious smile, I said unto her; it is true, Livia, that I have been rash and inconsiderate in daring to lift up my eyes towards a person of so ex∣traordinary a vertue, as cannot suffer one to adore her; as cannot endure one should speak to her of Love; as loves even darkness, and hates the light, because it might discover that which she would conceal from most men. Indeed, answered she, I hate the Sun, because by it I see you. It may be, said I unto her with the same countenance, and looking justly on her, that you do not hate the Moon so much to∣wards mid-night. Whereupon she strove mightily to get away, but in regard I held one corner of her vail, she durst resist no further, perceiving plainly that I no longer respected her. Nay, said I unto her, as she would have gone from me, you must hear me whether you will or no, for since it is a sute of Love, it is but just that you should hear me, as well as you have heard my Rivall; and that to be well informed of the justice of our cause, you give him audience in the night, and me in the day; for I doe not desire that in consideration of me an handkercher should be hung in the Window; that Lucretia should descend into the garden; that a door which seems to be shut, should be left open; nor that I should be a gallant, who seems to be absent, and yet failes not to be at the assignation which is given him. Verily Livia's astonishment made me almost repent for what I had spoken, but in∣deed I could not contain my resentment, The first thing that Livia said after this discourse, was; Ah Lucretia, you have betrayed me! But this Wench, who in this occasion appeared to me to be the most dextrous and daring that ever was, answered her with an extreme precipitation; I Madam! would to Heaven you were not more betrayed, in acknowledging that which I never revealed. In the mean time, la Roche, who had heard all that I said, was much vexed at my engaging Lucretia by my discourse; so that approching to me, he said softly to me in French, O Sir, what have you done? I doe not know, said I stepping a little back, but, if thou canst, re-accommodate this disorder. During this, Lucretia swore false oaths to her Mistress for the clearing of her innocency; and the poor Livia was so surpri∣sed, as she could resolve of nothing; in fine, we were all four exceedingly perplex∣ed; I was vexed for having spoken so lavishly; Lucretia was much troubled in justifying her self; my Agent knew not what to doe, either for Lucretia, or for me; and Livia could think of nothing that would satisfie her: She vvould fain have railed on me, but she savv that I vvas too much acquainted vvith her affairs to be incensed more; She could have been contented never to have seen me again, but she feared lest parting avvay vvithout saying any thing unto me, I should publish that vvhich I knevv. At last, she vvould vvillingly have recalled me, for I vvas stept a lit∣tle from her, and stood musing with my self, but her heart vvould not consent that she should use any civility to me after that vvhich I had said unto her. Behold, Ma∣dam, the estate vvherein vve stood, vvhen as la Roche, the most daring fellovv that

is, approched unto Livia, and said unto her for the justification of Lucretia, with a seeming sinceritie: I know very well, Lady, that I do put my self in danger of being turned away by my Master, in discovering a thing unto you, which he greatly la∣bours to conceal, but the condition wherein you are, and the innocency of Lucretia, forces me to open it unto you. Know then, continued he, that whatsoever he hath said unto you is not the effect of my bodies treason, but of Astrology, which he un∣derstands perfectly. It is a science wherein he is become so expert, that if I should recount unto you the mervailes, which I have heard him tell, you would be migh∣tily surprised with it. And whereas he is passionately in love with you, seeing you very rigorous to him, he hath spent every night for these eight dayes in con∣templating the Starres, and turning over his books, to discover the cause thereof, and without doubt it was by this meanes that he is come to know that which he hath said unto you: he hath shewed me, continued he, the garden, where you were, in a great glass, though I would not understand what you said. Truely the invention of this lad amazed me; it was in vain for me to make signes unto him to hold his peace; the more unquietness that I shewed, the more he conti∣nued speaking; and I may say that I was never in greater pain, for I heard all that he said. But whereas I saw that he went confounding things, and that from an Astro∣loger he would quickly make me pass for a Magician, in talking of an inchanted glass, I resolved to help forward this trick, that so I might make him hold his tongue, wherefore I called him somewhat rudely, and having commanded him to withdraw, I came to Livia with civilitie enough, just as Lucretia was saying to her boldly, how she had already heard it assured indeed, that I dealt with telling of fortunes. And having saluted her for the better colouring of the business, I seemed to be very angry with la Roches imprudence, in discovering to her a thing, which I would not have known, in regard of the brutishness of the people, who imagine that one cannot observe the Starres, without having commerce with the Devill; and know not how to put a difference between Astrologie and inchantments. But since the fault was done, I desired her to oblige me to her discretion, by not publish∣ing that which had been told her. I said unto her also, that parting from the Court of France, I had past through Provence, where hapning to be lodged near to a great Nostradamus, so admirable in this science, as it was not known whether he should be tearmed a Prophet, or an Astrologer, I had been so happy, as to touch his incli∣nation, and to gain his friendship even to the point to teach me a part of the ex∣cellent things he knew, either for Astrologie, Phisiognomy, or Chiromancie. In fine, I spake to her with so much art, as she beleeved me; and beleeved too that Lu∣cretia was innocent, who on her side played her part so well, as she made me asha∣med. She clapt her hands together, she accused her Mistress for having accused her; and the poor Livia was almost ready to make excuses unto her, so well was she perswaded. And the cause why a discourse of this kind did not surprise her so much as another, and was more credible with her, was, for that she had all her lifetime heard her Father talk of this science, who just as we were there came out of his house; assoon as I saw him I would have been gone, but Livia stayed me, and said to me with a great deal of spirit, I know too well what respect a man of your condi∣tion doth owe to one of my sex, to be affrayed you should be indiscreet; and since it is true, that y••u doe know the force of destiny, and the influences of the Starres, you may well know by them, that I cannot eschue what they have resolved. In the mean time the old man, who was not accustomed to see his daughter in such a con∣versation, drew near, and after he had but coldly saluted me, demanded of her what she did there? but I was strangely amazed, when as she answered him, that meeting not long before with a friend of hers, whom she loved very well, she understood by her that I was one of the greatest Astrologers in the world, and that being curious to know wether she should be maried or no, she had desired my acquaintance, which the same friend had procured her. I perceived that Livia had spoken in this man∣ner, notwithstanding the request that I had made unto her, to the end she might know whether I had said the truth; so that I resolved to stand to it. But I found my

self much perplexed, when as this old man said to her in a grave tone, that many men had imployed all their lives in this study, and had taken upon them the name of Astrologers, but that few had come to the point of deserving it. Then turning him to me with a more open countenance, he said unto me, that if I were such a one as his daughter told him, he would serve me with all his heart; that he was very much affected to men of merit, and to the lovers of sciences, whereof the vulgar were ignorant; and that in conclusion, if he should tell me truth, he must confess that in times past he had given himself to judiciary Astrology; but that the trouble of do∣mestick affaires had kept him from excelling therein; howbeit that he still knew e∣nough to be able to discourse a little with me of it, if I would come and vissit him at his house, whereof he shewed me the door. I leave you to judge, Madam in vvhat a case a man might be, that knevv not so much as the names of the Signes and Pla∣nets; I made use of confidence then in the incounter, and told him that I vvould not fail to come and take out a lesson vvith him, and assured him that he should have a scholler of me, vvhich vvould receive his instructions vvith a great deal of joy. Leonardo (so is this man called) took this true speech for a modest civility; and said unto me again, that he should be glad to hear me tell him something of his fortune; and to persvvade me that he vvas knovving he said to me also, that he had a great desire I should goe and dispute vvith him a little in his Ca∣binet, that he might knovv vvhether the Planets (except Mars and Saturn) vvhose influences be the happiest, are not they vvhose pararells are the greatest. Novv for me, that should have been healed of a quartan ague vvith a vvord less terrible than this, I savv it vvas time to retire, vvhich I did after I had told him again that I vvould very shortly come home to him and shevv him my ignorance. He vvould have obli∣ged me to enter presently vvith him, but I excused my self dextrously from it, and so departed, after I had saluted Livia civilly enough, and beheld Aucretia vvith a sign, that testified unto her hovv I vvas sorry I had given her so much unquietness in so little a time. I vvas not four stepps from them but regarding this adventure with a more quiet eye, I found it so pleasant, that I had no other passion but to make it last as long as I could: And this manner of revenging my self appeared so sweet unto me, as I thanked la Roche above an hundred times for finding out this invention, seeing it had succeeded so well, Now entring into my lodging I met with Valerio, unto whom I gave an account of all that hapned unto me, wherewith he was so surprised and ravished, as he could not believe that which I told him, so much did he fear that it was not true. He would not rely upon my word, but would have the testimony of my Agent too; and though I was offended at it, yet was he above an hower doubting whether it were a jest, or a truth, which I told him. But in the end, perceiving I spoke seriously he believed me, and this trick so pleased his humor, and touched his inclination so mightily, that he loved me a great deal the more for it. It was advised than, since the father had had a part in the deceite, and that the business might be divulged, that it was better to have me pass for an Astrologer than for an impostor, and to sow the bruite of it about the Town, before Leonardo should have leisure to discover that he had been gulled: But I opposed this advise a good while, for, said I, no sooner shall I be considered as a Contemplator of the Starres, but they will come and ask me an hundred questions, whereunto I should not know what to answer, so that I cannot tell how to turn my self in this affair. What you shall answer, said my Agent? You shall answer, continued he, just as o∣thers doe; sometimes I, sometimes no, be it favourably or fatally, and for the rest, much good may it do them; for in conclusion, an Astrologer never warrants any thing. Valerio fell a laughing at this discourse, and told me likewise for the uphol∣ding of this opinion, that this science being so difficult as it was, it might be that chance would make me prophecy sooner, than all Astrologicall rules and speculati∣ons; That I vvas but to speak alvvaies obscurely; never to affirm any thing vvith cer∣tainty; to consider a little the quality and age of persons; to speak seldom of the past, or the present, without good information thereof; and of the future to dis∣course alvvaies by Emblemes, and Enigmaes, and commonly to foretell more good

fortune than bad. In the mean time la Roche went and got me a book of Centu∣ries for the forming of my stile, an Almanack to teach me the names of the Signs and Planets, and another Book which treated confusedly of the manner of ma∣king of Horoscopes, of the Sphere, and of Chiromancie. Behold me then well entred into the Zodiack, whilst Valerio and my Agent went as soon as we had di∣ned to begin the publishing of the Wonders of my Science. I set my self then with a great application of my mind to the comprehending of some part of this mysterious Doctrine; but at length I judged that it would be enough in this oc∣casion, without imploying either the mind or the judgment, to make it a labour of the memory; so that before Valerio was returned, I could already tell that the Stars have three sorts of rising and setting, called Heliack, Cosmick, Acronick; I could tell also that there are ten circles in the Sphere, six great, and four little; that the great are the Equinoctiall, the Zodiack, the Meridian, the Horizon, and the two Colures; and the little ones, which cut it unequally, are the two Tropicks of Cancer and Capricorne, and the two Polarie Circles, the Artick and the An∣tartick. I knew the Septentrionall and Boreall Bear, the Zenith, the Hemisphere, the Colure of the Equinoctials; the five Zones, the Torrid, the Cold, and the Temperate; I could say too, that Saturn regarding Hecate with a trine Aspect, and the tail of the Dragon folding it self about the Scorpion, prognosticate no good; That Venus receiving the opposite radiations of Jupiter, and Mars and Ve∣nus of the Moon, doe presage nothing but disorders: In fine, I knew the Paral∣lels, the Ecliptick, the Climats, the point Verticall, the Crab, the Bull, the Ram, the Lion, and all those illustrious animals, which command over men so far off. So that Valerio comming in, I began to make a flourish, and to tell him, that Mars and Saturn being diametrically opposite to Diana, but without giving me leave to make an end, he told me that he had such pleasant things to acquaint me with, as he must needs relate them to me presently for fear of forgetting them. And when as I had given him all the attention he could desire, it was a good while before he could speak, he was so taken up with laughter. And truly I pro∣ved plainly in this occasion, that this is many times a contagious disease; for though I knew not what had arrived unto him, yet could I not forbear laughing almost as much as he, so ready I am to comply with my friends. But at last, after he had above twenty times interrupted his relation, he recoun∣ted unto me, that the first man which he had taken in his trap, was Le∣ander, whom he had encountred a little from thence when he went forth; that as soon as he had perceived him, he had made as though he had not seen him, and that passing by him with his eyes on the ground, he said somewhat loud, I did never think that a man could have wrought such Prodigies; That there∣upon Leander had stayed him, and asked him what those marvails were which he had seen? That he seeming to be much surprised with his over-hearing him, had answered, I can scarce tell, so much am I still transported with astonishment and admiration at that which I have seen; That afterwards Leander had prest him ve∣ry much to tell him what it was; and whereas he would have been sorry not to have satisfied his curiosity, he had consented thereunto, but that first he had used all the ceremonies of a man that would deliver a great secret; that he had look∣ed all about to see whether they might be over-heard; that he had made him swear that he should not speak of it again to any body, unless it were to his most speciall friends; That in fine he had omitted nothing of whatsoever might make him hearken with attention, and render him credulous. And that after all these preparations, he had said to Leander, would you beleeve that this French Marquis, who is so much my friend, and with whom I am so often, could in my presence doe the most miraculous things that ever you heard speak of, or can possibly ima∣gine? Now I beseech you, said Leander unto him, hold me no longer in suspence; know then, answered Valerio, since you will needs know it, that yonder man, whom you see so joviall and so gallant, is the greatest Astrologer that ever was, or ever will be; if so be there be no inchantment in that which I have seen, as I much sus∣pect.

He declared himself to me this morning (continued he) and told me such particulars of my life, as none but my self could know; and this he found out al∣most in an instant, by drawing some figures upon a paper, and looking on my hand, for he is also both a Palmister and a Phisiognomist. Is it not the French Marquis (said Leander, interrupting him) otherwise the Marquis of Touraine, that lodges here hard by? The very same, answered Valerio; I had never the honour, said Leander, to talk with him above once or twice, but I perceived then by his countenance and his discourse that he was, I will not say, an Astrologer, but at leastwise a man that was addicted to extraordinary sciences; howbeit I did not beleeve that it was at that point you speak of. You will then be far more surpri∣sed yet, replyed Valerio, if I carry yov along with me one day, when he hath pro∣mised to let me see a woman that lives at Rome, and whom I loved at such time as I was there. And this too is one of the least things he can doe; for if I shall tell you the truth, I have seen and heard a picture speak, and that is it which causes the confusion wherein you see me. Leander was so surprised, as Valerio told me that he changed colour at it, and earnestly intreated him to bring him acquainted with me, which he promised to doe, upon condition that he should not publish what I had told him, for fear I might be suspected to be a Magician; and that at length, after many other discourses on this subject, they parted very well satisfied one of another. And for a conclusion, Valerio said unto me, this is the first fool I met withall; then he recounted to me how he went unto the Academy, where he had imparted to a great many the Wonders that I did; that to publish them the better, he had told them unto them in their ear, and had prayed them not to speak of it, or at leastwise not to name me; that going from thence he went and made a turn about the Market-place, where he had met with a man, who re∣counted unto him part of the things that he had told in secret to the Academy, as one that was verily perswaded of it; which had so astonished him, as to keep his countenance he was fain to enter into a Tennis-court, where he had found a∣nother man, whom he knevv not, that vvas talking very earnestly to five or six per∣sons, vvhich hearkened to him very attentively, and assuring them that I vvas the greatest Astrologer of this Age; and that he had seen me doe an hundred things, which he recited unto them. That whereas he could not forbear laughing, he had set himself merrily to contradict him, but that this man without going about to seek for reasons to convince him, had told him roundly, that he spake in that man∣ner, because he did not know me, but that he spake upon certainty, for that I was one of his best friends, it being not an hour since he parted from me; so that after he had recounted all these things unto me, said Valerio, despairing of making a better encounter than that of this man, I came away to find you out, so satisfied with my lye, as if it should alwayes succeed so luckily, I would make a vow never to speak truth again. After we had laughed well at this adventure, and rightly ad∣mired the fantasticalness of the World, which loves to beleeve, or at least to pub∣lish bad newes, and prodigies, we saw my Agent return, whose voyage had had a quite other success. He had met but with few to publish that which he desired should be known, so that being mad for having done so little for a man of his humor and address, he had resolved not to come back till some good adventure befell him. He had sought then in vain for some one to deceive, when as a Maid, named Camil∣la, who served Aurelia, said to him in passing close by him at such time as one could scarce see, follovv me. It is sufficient to say, that this Lad vvas brought up in my service, to make one be assured that he follovved her foot by foot, for fear of losing the sight of her. This Wench led him into a by-lane, vvhere fevv folks came, for it was almost nothing but garden walls; When they were arrived there, Camilla told him, that a person very considerable, both for her merit, and her beauty, attended a speciall service from me; that the reputation which I had of being the civillest of men, made her hope that I would not refuse her; and that if I would do her this grace, I should not fail then to be at a little garden door, which she shewed him in the same lane; and to oblige him to trust in

her words she gave him a note which her Mistress had written unto me. My Agent assured her, that I placed my greatest glory in doing service to Ladies; but whereas he prest her to tell him what it was that Aurelia desired of me (for though it was almost dark, yet knew he Camilla, whom he had often seen with her Mistress) she said to him, that if I were such a one as I was reported to be, I could not be ig∣norant, as he was, and therefore that might suffice for the present. La Roche judged rightly then, that there was somewhat of the Astrologer in this adventure, so that to help on the matter; you have reason unknown fair one, said he unto her, to think that Aureliaes secret will be none to my Master, for if he pleases he knowes that which now we doe. Alas! said the wench again, how affraid am I of his ac∣quaintance, and how do I wish that he may never think of me. There is nothing to be feared, said la Roche unto her, when as he knowes your adventures, for he is as discreet as he is knowing. But at last after a reasonable long communication, where Camilla still assured, that she would by no meanes serve such a Master, she told me, that I was not to fail, if it were possible, in being at that garden door the same night when as the Moon was down; or if I could not be there accordingly, that then I would be there the next night at the same time; that she would be ready at that place to give me entrance, and her Mistress in the garden, where I should speak with her. I confess, when la Roche related this unto us that I could not chuse but take great pleasure in it, and much desire to read the note that was written to me. If I had as happy a memory as a Romanzes Heros, I would recite it unto you without changing a sillable, but since I have it not, it shall suffice that I do tell you in gene∣rall, how Aurelia intreated me with a great deal of civilitie and affection, that I would imploy that mervelous science, which I exercised so nobly, in setting her mind at rest; that from me alone she expected succor for her unquietness, and that in fine, if I were a Frenchman (which according to her sence was to say civill) I would not refuse her. Valerio was so ravished with this encounter; my Agent was so glad of it, and at first dash I found it so pleasant, as we past away an hower very merrily. But when I perceived that Valerio would have me try this adventure, my pleasure diminished by the half: The more I opposed his will, the more he persisted in van∣quishing mine; it was in vain for me to represent my ignorance unto him, the dis∣order that might arrive unto me by it, the perplexity wherein a man would find himself to be, when he must speak of that he does not know; for to all these objecti∣ons he had wherewith to answer me. He in the first place laid it down to me for a ground, that to the end I might not be taken for an impostor by Leonardo, and to au∣thorise the cheat which he had used to an hundred persons, in assuring them that I was a great Astrologer, it was necessary, that I should use two or three one after another; that otherwise I should lose the reputation which he had gained me; tha•• if I refused to meet Aurelia, it was impossible but she should speak of it to some bo∣dy, and so I should be cryed down, and out of abilitie to be revenged of Livia by this artifice; that I could not meet with a fairer occasion to make shew of my art with facilitie, in regard it required but the beguiling of a maide, who doubtless was well persvvaded already of my science, since she had been so hardy as to intreat me to come and speak vvith her; that in fine, seeing Aurelia had been so vveak as to beleeve things just as one vvould desire she should beleeve them, it vvould questi∣onless be very easie for me to satisfie her; And for a conclusion, said he unto me, she is young, she is fair, she vvill meet you in a garden, and in the night, judge novv af∣ter all this, vvhether you are not to go thither. It is certain that this last reason mo∣ved me very much; and I felt then such a repugnancie in refusing a fair maid, as I made no longer question vvhat I should doe; vvherefore I prepared my self for it, and for the more security, Valerio and my Agent armed themselves to attend me at this garden door. As for my self I carried nothing but my svvord vvith me, for I could not fear that the universall ado••er of vvomen, should be betrayed by a vvo∣man. But before I tell you vvhat arrived to me in this garden, I must recount unto you, Madam, that vvhich vvas the cause of this adventure; for vve vvere made ac∣quainted vvith it aftervvards; You remember, no doubt, hovv I told you, that Lean∣der

vvas the first vvhom Valerio had persvvaded that I vvas an Astrologer, and some∣vvhat more; and that Leander vvas the same in vvhose house Hortensio lay concealed. I remember all this, said the Princess, interrupting him, and to testifie it unto you, I remember that Leander loved Aurelia, and durst not tell her so much, because Hor∣tensio had some commerce vvith her, although it vvas Livia that possessed his heart, and that Leander play'd but an outvvard part in being constrained to serve the im∣posture of his friend, and to carry Hortensioes letters to Aurelia as if he had been ab∣sent, though indeed he lay concealed in his house for to goe every night unto Livia in a garden. Since it is so, said the Marquis, I am then but to tell you, Madam, that after Leander had been powerfully perswaded of the wonders which Valerio had told him I could doe, he changed the resolution he had taken to stay till Hortensio had broken off with Aurelia, into that of disabusing her by a pretty subtill way, if she had had a true ground for it, and that I had been such a one as he beleeved me to be. And behold how he reasoned with himself; I am going, said he, to Aurelia for a letter which she is to give me to day for Hortensio, whom she beleeves to be at Naples, or on the way thither, she hath already shewed a great deal of grief for his absence; now if I can bring her to speak of that again, I will tell her what Valerio hath told me of the French Marquis; so that if she shall happen to be curious to see her absent Lover by the science of this man, she shall likewise see that he is not at Naples; that he is still at Genoua; that he loves another, and by these meanes I shall destroy her affection to him, and it may be make my profit of this disorder. This resolution ta∣ken, he goes to Aurelia, who after she had given him her letter, fayled not to speak of the absence of her Friend, to ask of him whether he thought it would not be long ere he would return? Whither he had not taken this separation heavily? and whither he had not already a longing to see him again, though it were but lately since he went away? Yea so great a one, answered Leander, who would by no meanes lose so fair an occasion, as I am almost resolved to try the science of a great and excellent man, that is not far off. Aurelia straitway would needes know of him what he meant by that which he said, whereupon he recounted unto her all that Valerio had told him, and a great deal more; that I made the dead to speak, and those that were absent to return again, but in such a manner, that one saw the per∣sons, whom one desired to see, as if they had been effectually in the place where they seemed to be; and that this was done without inchantment, and by naturall causes, but hidden from most part of the world; that one must be very skilfull in the knowledge of ideas and simpathies for the comprehending of any part of these mervelous effects; but in fine, how he was certain, that what he said was true. Au∣relia hearkned to this discourse with much attension; at first, she seemed to doubt of that which Leander told her, but it was doubtless to make her self the more assu∣red of it. For after he had confirmed the matter unto her, as she desired it; and that he had told her my name, she demanded dexterously of him where I lay, and by what way one durst propound such things unto me, seeing I was a man of quality, and that made no publick profession thereof. He answered her, how it was to be done by request, and that if she desired any thing of me, he had a friend that was ve∣ry intimate with me. She thanked him, and so civilly gave him to understand that she would be vvell contented vvith his departure. He vvas no sooner gone, but she called Camilla, vvho vvas the confident of her secrets (for she recounted all this to me aftervvards) and reported faithfully unto her all that Leander had told her. And for a conclusion, she shevved her that she vvas absolutely resolved to speak vvith me, and to intreat me to let her see her dear Hortensio, of vvhom she had not taken her leave. They reasoned a vvhile upon this subject, but at last love prevailed vvith her above good manners. Camilla told her Mistress, that she knevv a man by sight vvhich served me; so that vvithout further delay she chose rather to vvrite to me, as I have declared unto you, and to make use of this vvench, than to accept of the offer vvhich Leander had made her. In the mean time, the hovver of assignation being come, I vvent to the garden door; Valerio and my Agent stayed three or four paces of, till I entred, vvhich vvas not long first, for scarcely had I touched the door, vvhen as Ca∣milla

came and opened it, with a light in her hand, and told me that her Mistress attended me in a Cabinet, which was at ••ne corner of the Garden, whether she pre∣sently led me. It is very true, that when first I saw Aurelia, she seemed so fair un∣to me, though she were half covered with her vail, as little lacked but that I had spoken to her rather of the beauty of her eyes, than of the influences of the Stars. But she gave me no leasure to deliberate on my complement; for she spake first, and desired me to pardon her the boldness she had taken in putting me to the trouble to come to see her; she prayed me to consider, that since she had failed in the re∣spect which she owed to her self, she might well fail in the civility which was due to me. I answered to this discourse with a great deal of submission; afterwards she spake to me of the reputation which I had for Astrology, of the things that she had been told of me, and how much she had desired to see me. I received these praises with a carelesness, respectfull enough for all that, which doubtless made her beleeve that I thought I well deserved it. And still to gain time I lengthened this discourse as much as possibly I could; but she, that came not thither to make com∣plements, said with a low voyce, as though she had been afraid to be over-heard, though there was no body there but Camilla, that kept Sentinell at the Cabinet-dore; the Wonders which have been recounted to me of your Science, perswades me, that it would be easie for you, if you will, to spare me the labour to tell you that which I desire of you, since without question you know it already. It is certain that this discourse surprised me after a strange sort; and I beleeved, in the confusion wherein I was, that I should find nothing to answer her with; but at length, after a great contest with my self, it is for the same reason, said I, that your modesty ought not to keep you from speaking; for seeing it is a secret which I am not ignorant of, what you shall say of it ought not to add any thing to your confusion. It is true, said she, but I should be gladder to hear it from you, than to have it delivered by me; be not therefore so rigorous, and if it be possible, doe that which I desire without my telling it you. This obstinacy made me almost mad, and I vow to you, that the modesty of the severest Mistress that ever I had, troubled me not so much, as that of this Maid. And seeing this confusion still augmenting, I said unto her with the tone of a more serious voice; Fair Aure∣lia, I should be willing enough not to oblige you to the doing of a thing that seems unprofitable to you, if I had not a secret reason which constraines me there∣unto; and since I must let you understand it, know, that by the force of my art, I can tell not onely that which you desire of me, but whatsoever hath arrived unto you, that which you think at this present, and that which shal befall you hereafter; but if by a plain and faithfull relation, you doe not shew the consent you bring to that which you would have me doe for you, it will be impossible for me to serve you; and beware, said I unto her, lifting up my voice, lest that which you call mo∣desty, be not an effect of the doubt you have of my Science, in desiring by this essay to assure your self of it. There must be confidence in this mystery, continu∣ed I, for I doe not work onely by the ordinary wayes of Astrology, but I think I have gotten some extraordinary knowledges which go beyond them: And to testify it unto you, I will presently tell you, if you desire it, all the most secret thoughts of your heart, but after that look for nothing more from me. She stayed me then with a great deal of precipitation, and said to me almost trembling, seeing it is a tribute which I must render unto you, I am resolved for it; then she recounted unto me that which I knew already without inchantment, I mean, that she loved Hertensio; but she told me afterwards that which I knew not, namely, that she would have me shew her that Lover, whom she beleeved to be at Naples, but was still at Genoua. This proposition put me into a strange disorder; I told her at first, that the matter was not easie; that it behoved her to have a great deal of cou∣rage to undertake it; that the apparition of Spirits, which were not at that time in any other but a fantasticall body, did alwayes bring fear along with it; and that she should think well of that which she desired, before she undertook it. She answered me then, that nothing which resembled Hortensio could scare her. When

as I saw her obstinacy, and that I was reduced to that point, as I knew what to say the necessity wherein I was, rendred me ingenious, and I imagined a trick, which hath shewed by the event, that it was well conceived. I told her then with a more open countenance that her confidence pleased me; and that I was ravished to see a person of her Sex have a Spirit hardy enough for an enterprise which made the boldest to tremble. But to make it succeed, she was to write a note, according to the tearms which I would dictate unto her, and let me carry it away to make my figures upon it, assuring her that I would tear it as soon as the mystery was finish∣ed; and that this amongst the Learned was called, the making of a covenant with the Ideas. She made a little difficulty at it, but having told her how I could doe nothing without that, she consented thereunto; and by good hap there was a pen and ink in the Cabinet, and a Table-book, wherein we found a white leaf. She began then to write what I dictated unto her, which if I be not deceived was much af∣ter this manner.

ALthough you goe in the night like an Angel of darkness, yet pass you with me for an Angel of light; wherefore I con••ure you, O blessed Spirit, by Heaven, by Love, and by the Sympathies, to appear unto me before my window the night ensu∣ing, as soon as the Moon shall be down, in the true form of Hortensio. And doe not doubt that so agreeable a vision shall fright me, for I assure you that it shall give me more pleasure than fear.

Aurelia.

Whereas her mind was already pre-occupated with the opinion of my skill, these equivocating words, of an Angel of Light, of Darkness, of Conjuration, of blessed Spirit, of Heaven, of Apparition, of Vision, and of Fear, failed not to con∣firm her in this belief. And then too I pronounced all those great words with so imperious a tone, as I perceived her to be terrified therewith. After this, I would needs see her hand also, and would have her fix her looks upon me; I demanded of her the hour and day of her birth, and made many other observations, which would be too long to recite. But at last, all these devices being over, I quitted Aurelia, after I had promised her that within three nights she should see her dear Hortensio, and so Camilla came to conduct me forth. In traversing the Garden I observed that Camilla hid her face with a great deal of care, for fear lest I should read the secret of her heart in her eyes; and when aa I perceived it, I said to her, laughing for the making up of the Comedy, in vain, Camilla (for so had I heard Aurelia call her) doe you seek to hide your eyes from me, when as I plainly see your heart. Now I beseech you Sir, said this Wench unto me, mightily surprised, and that was naturally merry and joviall, if you know my secret, doe not tell it unto my Mistress, for then will the poor Nastagio be turned out of doors. I had such a mind to laugh at this simplicity of Camilla, as I got me out in hast, for fear I should burst out into laughter, or be stifled in the place, howbeit I told her in going forth that I would be discreet. I found Valerio in so great an impatience to know what I had done, as I could not make him resolve to stay till we came to our Lodging to recount it unto him, for we had not made three steps but we stood still, so that little lacked but we had past all the night in the streets; but at length we came thi∣ther, where I recited all this unto him. Bur the pleasure of it was, that I had been so accustomed to speak to Aurelia in a grave tone, as I delivered every thing un∣to him just as I had said it. And to make up the matter, there were some instan∣ces, where I was not very certain whether I were not indeed the same which I gave out my self to be. When as I shewed him Aurelia's Letter, he demanded of me what design I had in making her to write it? What design, said I, even to have it to fall into the hands of Hortensio, who beleeving that Aurelia knows he lies con∣cealed at Leanders house, in regard she writes unto him, will not fail to be at the place which she hath assigned him by her letter, to see if he can justifie himself; and so will she learn that he is effectively at Genoua, all will break forth, Liviaes con∣cealed

pleasure will be destroyed, and I shall be revenged. And if it happens that she takes him for a phantasm, the reputation which you have given me will in∣crease the more. Valerio acknowledged that this trick was well invented; and la Roche mas mad because he had not imagined, or at least conjectured it, upon the sight of Aureliaes letter; but to comfort him for that he had contributed nothing to the adventure which I had incountred, I left him the care to cause the letter, which was directed unto Hortensio, to fall into his own hands. Whereupon he told me without further delay, that he would go and carry it to him instantly. And when as I demanded of him how he could pretend to obey me so readily? He told me how he had learned of Lucretia, that Hortensio was this night to go and see L••∣via; so that, said he unto us, it being yet not very late, it may well be that he is not already come forth: I know the garden door, and whereas he knows not me, I will go thither and wait for him, and deliver the letter unto his own hands, as from Aurelia whom I will name in accosting him. This advice seeming to be the best we could take, we thought of nothing else but of executing it; and for fear lest some mischance, which we could not foresee, might happen to my Agent, we followed him a far off in this expedition, which succeeded as happily, as the undertaker of it had fortold. For Hortensio retyring very late from Livia, we had had the leasure to attend for him almost an hour before he came forth. If the passion wherein I had been in for this maid, had been as strong still as it was the day before, I had past that time with a great deal of unquietness; and I should without doubt have rather given some marks of my resentment to my Rivall, than have caused a letter to be delivered unto him; but I never needed four and twenty howers to cure me of such a dis∣ease I felt then nothing more for Livia, but an extreme desire to trouble her plea∣sure; so that to arrive thereunto, I had as much patience, as was requisite for me to have in this incounter. We set our selves, Valerio and I, some dosen paces from the doo••, out of which Hortensio was to come, under the jetting-out portall of an house, that was built after the antique manner. As for la Roche, he approched nearer, yet not so far from us, but that we might hear all that he should say unto him. And whereas it was extreme dark, and that his way tyed him to pass by the place where we were, we conceived that we should hear, without being perceived, how he would receive this message. As indeed, he was no sooner come forth but I heard my Agent say unto him, that Aurelia having understood he was in Genoua, had sent him with a letter unto him, which he delivered him; and that she earnestly desired him not to fail the assignation she had therein given him, for that she would receive no answer but from his own mouth; in regard whereof, continued la Roche, I may not stay to hear any thing you would say to me, for so am I enjoyned by Aurelia. Hortensio would have laid hold on him, but my Agent was not accustomed to le•• himself be taken, when he had no mind to it; Hortensio then was constrayned to be contented with that which had been said to him. We heard him stamp with his foot on the ground, clap his hands together, and say with a kind of voyce, which shewed both astonishment and grief; what devill hath discovered to Aurelia that I was here? It must without doubt be an effect of the secret passion of Leander, who hath hoped by ruining me with her to establish himself in my stead. Some three steps from thence he stood still, and whereas we saw that this adventure made him talk like a man besides himself, we resolved to follow him. This design was no sooner taken, but he began to go on and talk all at an instant. What said he, hath my friend be∣trayed me? however I must see Aurelia, to the end I may keep Leander from rea∣ping the fruit of his cunning, and that this incensed maid may not revenge her self upon Livia. She loves me, and I do not doubt but I shall pacifie her easily enough. But it may be, said he again, that it is not Aureliaes letter; let us stay, till we can be cleared of it, before we resolve on any thing. Verily, this manner of dis∣coursing by himself seemed pleasant enough, howbeit that which I found to be yet better was, that we perceived (for we followed him very close) how though the night was exceeding dark, and that we were in a very narrovv street, vvhere it vvas so obscure, as nothing could be discerned, yet had he broken up the seal of this let∣ter,

opened it, and made as though he vvould have read it, at leastvvise the noise vvhich the paper made caused us to conjecture so. But the ill luck vvas, that in hand∣ling it in this sort he let it fall, and doubtless vvith the violence of his action he flung it a good vvay from him, vvithout purposing so to do, for he sought for it a pretty vvhile after. We understood this accident, both by the discourse vvhich he held, and because he stood still. We got us up, Valerio and I, against the vvall; but I confess to you, that this adventure vvas not pleasing to me: I vvas so affraid that Hortensio vvould not seek as he should do for the letter, and so my design should fail, that I may say I vvas never in more unquietness. Me thought he vvent too far from it to find it; that he had forgot the place vvhere he had let it fall; that perad∣venture it vvas near to me, though I did not perceive it; in fine, I vvas even vvil∣ing to seek for it vvith him; and my imagination so troubled me, as I believed I savv it in tvventy places, vvhere certainly it vvas not. And vvhen my mind vvas deceived in this manner, I vvas in a pain that cannot be exprest; For vvhen as I thought that I savv it in a place, I understood by Hortensioes going that he vvent from it, vvhich so madded me, as I had like to have lost all patience. But at length, after he had sought up and down a great while for it, and that he had said an hun∣dred things, which would have pleased a man that had no interest in the affair, I heard him upon a suddain say with much joy, at last I have got you again, and have not lost my labour: Whereupon he went presently away, and I retaining Vale∣lerio, who would have continued following him, told him, that if the like should befall me again, I should go wild; that this adventure was both too pleasing, and too offensive, for me to be once more exposed unto it; and that withall we had no∣thing else to do with him. We got us away then to our lodging, where we found my Agent, howbeit we went not to bed before we had laughed sufficiently at the acci∣dent of the letter, and at all that which Hortensio had said in seeking for it. In the mean time he was come to Leanders house, where after he had read the letter, which he knew to be written with her own hand, he was confirmed, as we understood af∣ter, in the design of seeing her. He beleeved, that all those words, of blessed Spirit, Angell of light, and darkness, which Aurelia had taken for markes of inchantment, were termes of galantry, that could not part from a spirit that was much incensed. He firmly resolved then to see her the night ensuing; and thereby to conserve her to himself, preserve the reputation of Livia, and destroy the designes of his friend, whom he was perswaded had betrayed him; for he could not conceive how Aure∣lia could come to know any thing of him other waies. But at length day came, which I past away with an impatience that holds me still; for though I had the same very day two very pleasant conversations with two men, whereof the one mockt at Astrology, to oblige me thereby to speak of it, and the other said that it was the excellentest of all Sciences, to carry me to the same thing, yet will I not speak there∣of; for even as I am now talking, I am in hast to tell you, that assoon as the time of Hortensioes assignation approched, I went and put my self in ambuscado, with a re∣solution to see the end of my inchantment. Now it hapned, that the weather being extreme hot, Aurelia lay in a low room, whose grated windowes were upon the street, and where Hortensio had often talked with her. But, Madam, to give you the full pleasure of this adventure, I am to tell you, not onely that which I saw, and that which I heard, but that which past between Aurelia and Camilla, who recoun∣ted it afterwards unto us. Assoon as Aurelia had supped, she made as though she were not well, that so she might be alone with Camilla, and when she was come to her Chamber, this wench asked of her, whether she did indeed believe she should see Hortensio that night? For, said she, how can a man that is so far distant from hence come hitherto you in so short a time? The Mistress, who thought her self a great deal more able, laughed to hear her say so; and took a great care to make her com∣prehend, that this Science was above her understanding; and told her moreover, how it would not be effectively Hortensio which she should see, but something that should resemble him so perfectly, there would be no difference. Howbeit, said Ca∣milla unto her, vvhat do you hope by seeing him so? vvhat entertainment? vvhat

satisfaction do you expect from it? Onely to see him, said Aurelia, and if thou be wise, said she, demand not why Love doth cause any thing to be done, for he him∣self is the reason for that which he forces us to do; And then my curiosity is not particular to me, for I have heard of many women that use to do so. But, reply••d Camilla, will you not be affraid? Never a whit, answered Aurelia. Just as she vvas saying so, Hortensio, who I had seen pass by the place where I was hid, and whom I had followed pretty close, knocked softly, according to his custom, at the windovv. Which Aurelia hearing began to change colour. It may be you believe, said Camil∣la unto her, that it is Hortensio which makes this noise, or to say better his phan∣tasme? I do not beleeve it, ansvvered Aurelia, hovvsoever open the vvindovv, and pull up the grate. This vvench had no sooner obeyed, but perceiving Hortensio, they both of th••m gave a great shrick; Camilla finding her self as very a covvard, as she believed she vvas; and Aurelia being nothing so confident, as she had thought she had been. Hortensio expounded this astonishment after another manner, and believed that the choler she vvas in against him, put her into that case vvherein he savv her, namely vvith a countenance extremely changed, and her spirit so confounded, as she could neither sit still, run away, nor behold him. And vvhereas he vvas come th••ther onely to appease her, he said unto her that at last this Angell of darkness wa•• come by her conjurations to see an Angell of light. O me, said Aurelia, it is the voice of Hortensio! but I am not able to ansvver him; nor is it to speak to him th••t I have vvished to see him. In saying so, her exceeding fear so reanimated her forces, as she vvas able to get avvay into a Cabinet, vvhereof the door vvas open. As for Camilla, she vvould sain have follovved after her Mistress, but her astonish∣ment kept her from it: Not being able then to do more, or to say better, not knovv∣ing vvhat she did, she hid herself under the table. Hortensio vvas so amazed at that vvhich he savv, as Aurelia could hardly be more. In the mean time, that he might get her to come back again, and knovving, that she could hear him well enough from the Cabinet where she vvas, he said unto her vvith a languishing voice to move her the more; Am I come so far then, Aurelia, onely to see you, and will not you vouchsafe to look on me? Alas! Cryed Camilla to her Mistress, that which we think is but too sure, for he saies he is come onely to see you. Aurelia, that was ready to dy in hearing Hortensio speak, whom she believed to be a phantasme, cryed to him out of the Cabinet to be gone; and that she made a vow how she would never see Hortensio more; unless it were Hortensio indeed. He who believed that she meant he was no longer Hortensio, by reason of his change, called to Camilla, with an in∣ten to desire her that she would get Aurelia to come forth to him again; but scarce∣ly had he named her, when as this wench, who had marked on which side the door of the Cabinet was, moved herself with such violence to get from under the table, for ••o esc••pe away, as she overthrew it, together with the light that stood upon it, which in turning down was extinguished; Th•• noise which the table made, the cries of Camilla, the voice of Hortensio, and the darkness, so frighted Aurelia (for she believed that all this disorder was caused by the phantasme) as she fell into a swoon: So that although Hortensio continued saying many things, yet heard she no∣thing of it, no more than Camilla, who was fallen to her prayers. Hortensio seeing no body answer him, and having heard some noise which I made with going to step back a little, that I might have the liberty to laugh, he retired away in such a choler, and fury, as gave so great a blow with the pummell of his sword against the grate of Aureli••s window, that he all so batterd it; which Camilla forgot not to tell her Mistres••, a•• believing it to be the last effect of the devill, when as she was come out of her swoon, which lasted till day break. As for me, I never troubled my self with following Hortensio, who without doubt talked sufficiently of this adventure as he returned, but coming to Valerio and my Agent, who stayed for me some twenty paces off, w•• w••nt to my lodging, that we might have liberty to laugh at our good fortune in this foolish matter. We were no sooner a bed, but a new entertainment kep•• us from sl••••ping. I know very well, Madam, that the recounting of it to you would be in some sort to pass the bounds of respect; but the matter is so pleasant,

as it were better I should want good manners, then deprive you of the pleasure of hearing it. I will tell you then, Madam, since your silence seemes to permits me so to doe, that Valerio had a setvant, called Vespa, whose inclinations were proportiona∣ble to his condition, being of somewhat a dull spirit; he never came a nights into the chamber where vve vvere, but to help to make his Master unready, and then went presently to lye with la Roche in a room which was separated from ours one∣ly with thin bords and tapestry hangings, so that speaking never so little lowd one might hear from the one place what vvas said in the other. When la Roche and Ves∣pa were a bed, this last demanded of the other, whether it were true that I knew all that was done in the world, as he had been lately told? La Roche, who meant to make himself merry with him, assured him that it was so far true, as that I perfectly knew what any body did, if I did but know the name of the person. Alas, said Ves∣pa then, I would not be bound to serve with such a Master! For how should one spend his life with a man, to whom one durst never tell a lye? It is somevvhat an hard case, said my Agent, speaking a little lovvd, to the end we might hear him; hovvsoever it must be so. I had as leefe dy, said the other, as have my Master know all the lies that I tell him, when as I return from some place, where I have stayed longer than I should: for, as you knovv, vve vvant not excuses for the stealing of an hower to bestow in our pleasures; Mounsieur was not at home; I waited for him a long time; he stayed me with a purpose to have written to you; I sought for him in divers places; your clothes were not done; I was to see as I went along whither your Gittern vvere strung or no; and so, according to the diversity of occasions, diversity of pretexts are alvvaies found: But as for you, I do not see hovv you can live; you durst not, I assure my self, entertain tvvo three of your companions vvhilst he is at the Comedy, and pass avvay an afternoon in making good chear. I durst not indeed, ansvvered my Agent, unless it vvere at such a time, as I knovv he had great affairs in hand, and so had no leisure to think of me. Neither could you have the pleasure, said Vespa, to recount his secrets; to say he is in love vvith such a one; he goes often to such a place; he vvrites to such a person; and that which is the vvorst, if he hath ill intreated you; vvhether it be in revyling you; or in threat∣ning you vvith the bastinado; or if occasion serves, in giving you a vvhirret on the ear; you durst not complain to your friends of it: Whereas to me, it vvould be the depriving me of a great consolation, if I could not say to one; he is more fantasti∣call than a Mule; more extravagant than a Hobgoblin; and to give him to all the devills in hell vvhen he is untovvard. For vvhen I have said all this, I return home, as if I vvere vvell revenged, and had said so much to him himself. As for me, said la Roche, mine is none of the vvorst, and I am seldom in the case you speak of. I vvish it may be so, replyed the other, hovv ever you must needs confess, that he vvould very much incommodate me in one thing; for hovv could one serve him vvell, or be vvell clothed, if a man should not make some profit to himself of the money that passes through his hands; I should be very sorry to steal ought from any body, but in that case I must be excused. It is not to hord it up, that I take any thing, but to do him credit vvith it; and then the recompences vvhich Masters make us is not so great, but that vve may vvith some justice recompence our selves. For that, said la Roche, you have reason; and there I lose a fair oportunity, vvhich you enjoy. You are so unhappy too, continued Vespa, that as I perceive you dare not think of quitting him, and of looking out for a Master secretly, as vve common∣ly do, vvhen vve find not our selves vvell vvith him vvhom vve serve: and to con∣clude, I should chuse rather to be in the gallyes, than in the service of this man: I should not have spoken thus freely to you, added he smiling, for fear he should have knovvn it, if you had not told me, that he is to knovv the name of them vvhose se∣crets he desire to knovv; for as for that vvhich I am called by, he vvill be consened in it, because I took it upon me but vvhen I came to Genoua, by reason of a small ad∣venture vvhich befell me a Sauonna, of vvhence I am. You vvould have reason for that you say, replyed my Agent, vvho vvas vvilling to put him in fear, if he did not know mine; but if to morrovv he should have a desire to know what I have

done, he vvould also knovv vvhat you have sayd unto me; for othervvise his sci∣ence vvould be very confused. Then am I undone, sayd Vespa, but hovvsoever, if he must knovv all that I have sayd unto you, let him knovv also that I never took much from my Master at a time, to the end that he may be contented vvith making me to he turned avvay. We burst out then, Valerio and I, into such a laughter, as he could no longer doubt but that vve had heard him vvithout inchantment. And vvhere∣as there vvas a back-door that opened out of their room upon the staires, he rose in hast, and got him avvay, so that vve never heard of him after. The rest of the night vvas spent in sleeping, but the next day I had employment enough; for I vvas scarcely out of bed, vvhen as I received a Note from Aurelia, whereby she prayed me that she might speak but one word with me at the Garden door, where I had formerly been, out of which she would come forth, and seem as though she had met me by chance. I made some difficulty of going to her, but at length Valerio constrained me thereunto. As soon as I came at her, being still pale, and amazed with her last nights adventure, she said unto me, that having been ad∣vertised since morning, how Hortensio was effectively at Genoua, and had never been absent from thence, she found that she had great cause to complain of me, for that I had not undeceived her. Hereupon I was very much perplexed how to answer her; but at last I told her with civility enough, how it was true that I knew of it, but having promised her no more than to let her see Hortensio, I never thought of any thing else: That if instead of this phantosm she had seen the true Hortensio, i•• was an undoubted mark of the power of my art, which had constrained him to come unto her, though he desired to be concealed. I acknowledge, said she unto me, that this reason is so forcible, as I cannot destroy it; but since it is true, that nothing can resist you, do me the favour that Hortensio, who as I have been told, lyes secretly at Leanders house, that he may go a nights to see a mayd whom he loves, may no longer love her; or if it be possible, that he may despise and hate her. This proposi∣tion began to put me into such choller against Astrology, that little lacked but that I had left Aurelia without an answer; howbeit my wit served me yet this once again dextrously enough: For I assured her she was ill informed of the matter, and that Hortensio did not lye concealed for any new love, but that being grown jealous of her, he had feigned a voyage to Naples, the more exactly to observe her actions; and that without doubt she was beloved of Hortensio, as much as ever she had been. This poor Gentlewoman was so satisfied with that which I told her, as she verily belee∣ved it; and so I left her with a great deal of joy. As I was returning home, I was mightily surprised, to see how the people began to note me, and point at me; some saying, that I was a learned man; others, that I was half a Prophet; these same, that I was an Inchanter; those, that I was a Sorcerer. There were some too, that not far from the truth, took me for an impostor, and scoffed at me; at leastwise I interpreted their looks and their actions so. I went then in a rage to find out Vale∣rio, whom I met withall some three or four steps from my lodging. I did not re∣count unto him what had hapned to me, but I quarrelled with him for that he was the cause of all the confusion I was in. He, that was ready to burst with laughter, asked me whether I had not given him order to publish my science? Yes, sayd I un∣to him, but not to make me pass for a Magician. You know, sayd he unto me, still laughing, that Fame augments every thing; and then what is it you complain of? all the world is satisfied with your skill, and that which should more content you, you are revenged both of your Rivall and of your Mistress, by giving them so much unquietness as you do. He had no sooner sayd so, but Leander appeared, and seemed to come to us; I would have declined his encounter by entring into my lodging, but Valerio told me that he had promised him my acquaintance, and that he was too near then for me to avoyd it. Indeed he was so near as I could not answer Valerio, so that I was constrained to receive the civilities of Leander, who after a great and long complement, recounted unto me all his love to Aurelia, who loved Hortensio, that loved not her, because he was ingaged elswhere; and therefore he conjured me, as well for his interest, as for that of Aurelia, so to do, that she might no longer affect

Hortensio, but accept of his service. I was so confounded with all these adventures, as I scarce knew which way to turn me; howbeit seeming to consider of all that he had told me, at length I assured him, that if he continued loving and serving her, he should be beloved of her, provided he acquainted her with his passion. He went away very well satisfied, and Valerio demanded of me, how I hoped to keep my word? I answered him, that at last Aurelia would be weary of Hortensioes despising her; that Leander by continuing to serve her would touch her heart, and to would think that he obtained that by the power of my art, which was due to his own industry. But, sayd I unto him, now that we have a little rest, let us go into our lodging; howbeit we were scarcely in the middle of the Hall, when turning my head about, I perceived Leonardo the father of Livia, comming to me with an open countenance, which made me conceive that he had something to demand of me. I received him with a forced civility, which might have made him know, if he had heeded it, that the sight of him had put me to a non-plus. And to give him yet more liberty to perse∣cute me, Valerio, who took great pleasure in all these things, made shew of taking his leave of me, and went and stayed for me in my chamber. Then began Leonardo to tell me in a serious manner, which vexed me exceedingly, how he was ashamed that his first visit was to request a favour from me, rather than to let me know that he was in love with the reputation which I had gotten in so short a time; but in fine, that he might oblige me by his freedom to use the same to him, he besought me that I would cast a Figure to discover who it was that had got an Emerauld Ring which was lost out of his house. I must confess, that I found my self then in so strange a case, as if by wishing I could have become a Magician indeed, to get out of this cross adventure, I verily think that I should have wished it. What shall I do, sayd I to my self? What counsell am I to take? And what can I ansvver to so pressing a discourse? It concerns not novv the beguiling of an amorous mayd, or an ignorant Lover; it is an old man that sayes he knovvs Astrology, that vvill discover my igno∣rance as soon as I shall speak; For to tell him a l••e about this Ring, it vvill de∣stroy it self: It vvere better for me to deal freely vvith him; he vvill be obliged to me for undeceiving him; and then all things well considered, I had rather spoil all my designs than put a trick upon a man of this age. After I had determined to doe so, I took a more serious look upon me for to tell him, how it was true, that heretofore I had understood some principles of Astrology (for I could not resolve to confess my self to be directly an impostor) how upon that ground my friends had given me the reputation of knowing somewhat; but that none of them had ever any experience of it; how it was true also, that I had many times delivered my self to be more knowing than I was, in some occasions, where feigning was rather a gal∣lantry than a crime; but as for him, I desired it should appear, that the reputation which I had gained was not so dear unto me, as his friendship, seeing I con∣fessed ingeniously unto him, that I did not know enough either in Astrology, or in the other sciences depending thereupon, for to be able to tell him that which he desired of me. This discourse so clear and true had not the effect I expected from it; for very far from being believed, I heard Leonardo say unto me smiling, Had I not known by the report of others, that you are a learned man, your humility would suffice to perswade me that you know much. I swear unto you, sayd I laugh∣ing (for I could not possibly forbear) that I know nothing. Even this which you say, answered he, is that which confirms me in my belief of you; and thus modest and discreet, continued he, ought they to be who know much; for their science makes them to be known well enough, without any intermixture of their vanity. If I were what you think me to be, sayd I interrupting him, I would acknowledge it to you; but it is certain that I do not merit the honour you do me. I have alrea∣dy told you, answered he, that this humility is the greatest science of all; it be∣ing most sure, that every man which sayes he knows a thing well, is ignorant of it, since he is arrived at the point to think that he knows it perfectly, But at length let us return to our purpose, and permit me to tell you, that this Emerauld is graven, and may serve for a Seal as well as for a Ring. I was so madded to see that when I

had told lyes, I had been believed, and now that I spake truth, I could not be cre∣dited, as I vvas not able to ansvver him any thing, so much was I transported with choler and unquietness. But he, vvho vvas not repulsed by my silence, and that on the contrary conceived hovv I vvas thinking on something to satisfie him, said unto me again in a gentler manner than before; You are pleased to dis∣semble vvith me upon a premeditated design, and I consent to all that you have said of your self, so as I may obtain that vvhich I desire of you; and to facilitate the business, said he further unto me, you are to know that this ring vvas lost between ten and eleven of the clock in the forenoon. Whilst I was in this case, namely in the strangest that ever any body was, I saw la Roche enter with a paper in his hand, who said unto me aloud, that he de∣sired to speake a word with me about an important affair. I stept then from Leonar∣do and went to him; but I was joyfully surprised when I understood, that Lucretia, for her own interest, and the better to keep the jest afoot, had advertised him that Leonardo would come to learn some nevvs of me concerning a ring, which his daugh∣ter had given to Hortensio, who had visited her about ten of the clock in the mor∣ning in a riding suit, making shew that he was returned unto Genoua by his Fa∣thers command; and that Leonardo having found them together, Hortensio had made as though he had lost a letter, which a brother of his had written him from Naples; that after he was gone, Livia seeming very sad, and her father having demanded of her what she ayled, she had told him, that the ring, which she had given to Hor∣tensio, was lost, to the end he should not marvell if he saw it no longer. This dicourse made me wonderfull glad; I took the paper from la Roche the better to dissemble the matter, and using a great deal of civility to Leonardo, I desired him to excuse the liberty which I had taken. He answered me, that with him I was justified, provi∣ded I would not refuse him. I confess that the occasion of gulling him was so fair, us I should have had much adoe too forbear; and Leonardo too had such a mind to be so, as he would have been disobliged more in not being gulled, than in being gulled; besides, it was in vain for me to tell him the truth again, which he would not un∣derstand, do what I could. He began again to press me; I resisted yet a while; but at last, when I saw that he would needes have me devine, I spake to him with more cer∣tainty than an Astrologer, and more clearly than a Oracle, if he would have under∣stood me rightly. After I had made a turn in the room without speaking a word, I made a stop just before him, and said unto him; hitherto I have done what I could to dissemble the little knowledge I have, that I might not do any thing which would displease you; but since you will needes know it, I will confess freely unto you, that I have already cast a figure for it upon the intreaty of a kinswoman of Liviaes; so that disguising the truth no longer, I am obliged to tell you, that a man, whom you saw this morning in a riding suit, is he which hath the ring you speak of. Who would ever have believed it, said Leonardo, that a man of his fashion and qualitie, had been capable of so strange an action? But young people that have covetous fathers, are many times carried to ill habits by necessity; howsoever I must find out this ring, and if it be possible demand it of him that hath taken it a∣way without charging him that he stole it. After this discourse he gave me thanks, and made me promise to come to supper to him. An hower after he was gone, came an old fellow, who had served Leonardo about thirty yeares, presented to me by la Roche, that told me with a simplicity which made me to laugh, how being re∣solved to return into his Country, and carry with him the little money which he had gotten, he besought me that I would cause him and his treasure to be transpor∣ted thither in a moment, for fear of robbing by the way. I know enough for that, said my Agent then, without my Masters medling in it; and when I had confirmed him in this opinion, away they went together. But whilst Valerio laughed at my adventure, and I was thinking how I might finish it, the poor Hortensio past not his time away so well. For it fell out that Leonardo had incountred him just as he went out of my lodging; howbeit he accosted him civilly, and said no more to him but that he had been an hower in seeking of him: For Hortensioes countenance so little

resembled that of a thief, as he was somewhat affraid to speak to him. Hortensio an∣swered thereunto, that he would think himself happy, if it were to command him any thing. How curteous he is? (thought Leonardo vvith himself as he delivered to me aftervvard) and vvhat a pitty it is, that so handsom a man should have so bad an inclination? Then taking courage, he said unto him, that having understood there vvas a ring in his hands, vvhich had been lost out of his house, he desired he might see it. And vvhereas Hortensio vvas surprised vvith this discourse, he seemed to be so confounded, as Leonardo no longer doubted but that he vvas guilty. O me! cryed Hortensio, what is this I hear? I do not say, replyed Leonardo, that you are faulty, but the party from whom you had it. How unhappy am I, said Hortensio interrupting him? Afflict not your self, replyed Leonardo, for the hand which gave it you, hath alone committed this fault, and so you are justified with me. Whilst Leonardo did what he could to conceal from him the bad opinion he had of him, he was perswaded, that this man knew the truth of the matter; and to justifie Li∣via as much as possibly he could, he assured him that he alone was culpable; that he alone had deceived him; that he denyed not but that this ring was in his hands; and therefore he acknowledged he had just cause to complain of him. This is strange, said Leonardo to himself, that the more I would excuse him, the more he accuses himself! I say it to you again, continued the other, that I alone am wor∣thy of punishment. No Hortensio, sayd Leonardo, you shall not perswade me to it; for I am well informed of the truth of the business. Why then it is best for me, answered Hortensio, not to make any further deniall, but in restoring you the ring to con∣fess ingenuously that I was constrained by an inevitable necessity, to do you this wrong. I know well enough, replyed, Leonardo, what youth is capable of, and what necessity will make one doe. Hortensio, seeing Leonardo speak so gently unto him, and believing, so ill did they understand one another, that he knew all which had past between Livia and him, believed also that he was to make his profit of this oc∣casion, and to speak plainly unto him. Since you know, said he to him, how to ex∣cuse my errors, will you be pleased to render them legitimate, in giving me leave to marry Livia? you know my birth, and you may know my estate when you please. Marry my daughter! cryed Leonardo, this proposition is so plea∣sant, as our conversation shall end there, for I do not think that you have reason to continue it any longer, after I have assured you nevertheless that I shall be discreet. Saying so, the old man went away, and left Hortensio more amazed, than ever he was in his life, for he no way apprehended that Leonardo would accuse him of theft; and to perplex him yet further, Aurelia appeared, who believing, according as I had told her, that Hortensio had not concealed himself but because he was jealous, would en passant have said some manner of gallanterie unto him. But he, who was not in a case to dissemble, and that saw well enough how his love to Livia was upon breaking forth, said unto her somewhat rudely; you drove me away at such time as by your direction I came to wait upon you, think it not strange then if after that I never do see you more; and to recompence the love which you have borne me with some freeness, know, that I am ingaged in an affection, which cannot end but with my life. This said, he left her, for to go in all hast and try if he could see Livia, to the end they might advise together about what they were to do in so cross an adventure. In the mean time, Aurelia so replyed upon my words, as she had much adoe to believe but that Hortensioes despisall was a mark of love. As she was returning home in this irresolution, she incountred Leander, vvho had seen Hortensio enter into Liviaes house, and Leonardo presently following in af∣ter him; so that inforced by his passion, and my counsell, he discovered unto her the truth of the History: He informed her how it was by his meanes she was ad∣vertised in the morning, that Hortensio never parted from Genoua; and that to let her see how Livia wholly possessed his heart, he knew for a certain that he was at that instant with her; having said to him just as he was going in, and he passing by, I will no longer oppose your love. This discourse so netled Aurelia, as suddainly she felt a strange revolution in her mind: After she had mused a little, and shewed by her

countenance how great a combat she had in her heart, she addressed her speech to Leander; If that which you tell me be true, said she unto him, I confess that Hortensio is not only unworthy of my affection, but is also unworthy to live. If you did not seem to me somewhat interessed in this encounter, your word alone should suffice to make me give credit to all things; but in this, where you are the accuser, mine ovvn eyes must be the vvitnesses of his crime, if you will have them fa∣vourable judges to you: conduct me to Liviaes house, and be assured that as soon as I have disturbed their felicity, for I mean to do it, I will establish yours. Leander, who would gladly have done more difficult things, for the hope of a prize that vvas so dear unto him, told her vvith a great deal of respect, joy, and love, that he vvas ready to obey her. In the mean time it had fallen out, that vvithin a minute after Hortensio vvas gone in to Livia, Leonardo came home; so as he had no more leasure but to let her knovv that her father had demanded the Ring of him, vvhich she had given him, and that he had used all his endeavour to dravv the crime vvholly upon himself; for as soon as Lucretia perceived Leonardo, she advertised them of it; vvhere∣upon Hortensio vvas constrained to hide himself in a corner of the Garden vvhere they vvere, it being impossible for him to get forth vvithout being seen. When sup∣per time approached, I vvent thither; for I vvas not sorry to seek for an occasion of seeing in vvhat case Livia vvas in af••er so many odd adventures; as I vvas going along I met vvith la Roche, vvho told me that he came from vvorking his inchant∣ment for the man who vvas afraid of robbing by the vvay; that after a thousand devices, he had made him get a stride upon a pale, as it were upon an horse; and there having bound up his eyes, and tyed both his hands and his feet, he left him talking the maddest things in the world, out of a conceit he had that he was flying in the air; and that to keep him from being robbed by the way, he had taken his money from him without his perceiving it. I rebuked him for his foolery, and having commanded him to follow me, I entered into Leonardoes house, just as he was go∣ing to accost his daughter, who seeing me, would have pulled dovvn her Vail over her face, but he not permitting her so to do, told her, that a man, to whom she was ingaged for the recovery of a Ring which was so dear unto her, well deserved to have the pleasure of beholding her. We were both of us then very much abashed, for I knew nothing of that which had past betwixt him and Hortensio; and she feared that her father would give her some cruel check or other. Howbeit I was not so taken up, but that I heard, in regard I was advertised of it before, hovv the poor simpleton vvhom la Roche had tyed up in this garden, sayd, that he had dispatched a great deal of vvay already; and I find, continued he, hearing us talk a far off where we were, that I fly very high, for the sound of voyces doth diminish. In the mean time we were mightily surprised to see Aurelia, led by Leander, come in, who appearing with an angry countenance put the whole company into a great confusion. Leonardo, who perceived that this visit was not made in an accustomed hour, could not imagine the cause of it; Livia, who before time had had some jea∣lousie of Aurelia, and knew that Hortensio was not above five or six steps from thence in a green Arbor, could not tell what to think of it; Leander though he was very certain that he had seen Hortensio enter there, and Leonardo follow him, yet was a∣fraid that he should not keep his word with Aurelia; Hortensio, albeit he were hid, was not in the least pain, for that he could not doubt but that he should have some share in Aureliaes visit; la Roche too was not very much at ease to see so great a company in the very same place where his traveller was, which still continued pra∣ting, though not heard of any but my self, who in conclusion was not without a great deal of unquietnes, to behold so many folks together, which in all likelyhood would complain of me. These severall reasonings, which I have declared unto you, were made for all that in one instant, for we were not long without knowing wherefore Aurelia came; who, having neither father nor mother, & living only under the tuiti∣on of an uncle, took more liberty to her self than ordinarily the Mayds of Italy use to do. She advanced then with a boldness that amazed me, and addressing her speech to Le••nardo, without scarcely turning her eyes towards Livia; Marvail not, said she

unto him, Leonardo, to see this visit made to you, rather than to your daughter; seeing it is from you that I expect the revenge I desire. You are abused, Leonardo, and I am despised by a man whom Livia loves, and who at this present is hidden some∣where here about your house; I desired to advertise you of it, that we might both of us be revenged together. This discourse dejected Livia; made Leonardo knit his brows; Leander shrink up his shoulder; Lucretia give back; as for Hortensio, it is easie to imagine that he was but in an ill taking; and touching my self, in the middest of the amazement wherein I was, I felt some joy in hoping to see an end of this adventure; in the mean time I could not chuse but hear the new Astolpho say, what lamentable voyces are these, and into what a fright do they put me, ah, la Roche, am I to fear nothing? At length, Leonardo, being come out of the astonishment which had seized upon him, beheld Aurelia with fury, and taking her by the hand, What, said he unto her, a man hid about my house! we must seek every where, for I will not have this suspition rest with any body; come, Aurelia, that I may revenge you, or be revenged on you, if that which you tell me be not true. What a confusion of voyces is here, sayd the Traveller? In the mean space Leonardo commanded all the doors to be shut, and leading Aurelia, and causing Livia with all the rest of the company to follow, he began first to search in the Garden. We had not gone four steps, but they perceived this man tyed on the pale, who made a great coil as it were to go the faster. The sight of him arresting all the troup, Leonardo asked whether this was his daughters Lover; Aurelia looked on Leander; Livia began to take a little heart, hoping they would search no further, and so Hortensio would not be found. But going formost, I untyed the poor sot, and said to Leonardo, that this was without doubt the knavery of my servant, who was will∣ing to make sport with the simplicity of this man. He was no sooner untyed, but following his imagination, Behold, sayd he, how at length I am come into my Country; it is fit I should kiss the earth where first I drew my breath. And when as Leonardo demanded of him, what it was that he did. Alass! Master, sayd he, are you also come into my Country, with all this goodly company? La Roche approaching sayd to him softly, you have not done all that I enjoyned you, for do not you per∣ceive that you are still at Genoua The poor wretch grew then so astonished as he could not answer a word. In the mean time Aurelia having told Leonardo, that this was not he she sought for, we continued going on. And when Leonardo had demanded whether there were nothing behind a Jasmin hedge which vvas right be∣fore us; Hortensio, vvho savv that he should be discovered, because the Arbor vvhere he vvas hidden vvas hard by it, resolved to shevv himself, rather than to be taken vvith the manner. He vvent forth then boldly, and speaking to Leonardo; Seek no further, sayd he unto him, I am he alone who is hidden here, and that will not oppose the revenge which you will take of me for it. This is not amiss, sayd Leonardo to me, I seek for my daughters Lover, and I find a Thief. You think peradventure, sayd he unto him, to steal another Ring from me, but I will keep you well enough from it; and in the consideration of your Father, who is a man of honour, I will onely secure my self of your person. Aurelia thought Leonardo was wild, in taking Hor∣tensio for a thief; Leander and Livia beleeved the same thing; Hortensio himself knew not what he meant by it; and I alone was he that could clear this Enigma. And as I was preparing to speak, Hortensio said to Leonardo, that he had loved his daugh∣ter two years; that he had had the Ring from her; that he was no thief; and that he might know of her whether he told the truth or no. Aurelia would have spo∣ken, but choler would not suffer her; Livia indeed had love enough to have con∣firmed that which Hortensio sayd, but she was retained by shame, howbeit she was fain to surmount it, when her Father asked of her, whither that which he heard was true? for she answered, how hoping that this mariage would not displease him, it was true that she had given him that Ring for the first obligation thereof. Leonardo had no sooner received his daughters answer, but taking me aside he consulted with me about what he ought to do in this encounter; for he did not sus∣pect me as yet. I confess, that then I took pitty of all the displeasures I had done

them, and in that good thought, I counselled him for the honour of his daughter, to mary them together. He told me how that indeed was the custom of Italie, and that he was glad my advice was conformable to the use of the Country, which in these occasions will have them to be either poniarded or maryed. Leonardo having re∣solved on the last, came to them again with a calmer countenance, and making some excuses to Aurelia for that he did not revenge her, he told Hortensio, that for my sake he not only pardoned him, but also promised him his daughter. These two Lovers were so satisfied, and so pleasingly surprised, as it was impossible for them to express their joy; Leander was so contented in seeing no further an obstacle to his love, as he presently summoned Aurelia to the performance of her word, who confirmed it unto him with generosity enough. But the best in this generall rejoy∣cing was, that Livia, in a gallantery, came, and smiling sayd unto me, I counsel you a∣nother time to rely more on your merit than on your science, since though you have wholly employed it for the interrupting of my mariage, yet you see that your Art is deceitfull. And continued Aurelia, in somewhat a sharper manner, you assured me that I was beloved of Hortensio, whereas I no sooner encountred him, but I see him maryed to another, which shews that your Astrology is false. As for me, said Leander, you perswaded me that Aurelia did not love Hortensio, in the mean time the proof she hath rendred of the contrary, testifyes the untruth of your books. And for my part, sayd the Traveller, he promised to send me into my country without any danger of robbing, and lo I am still at Genoua. All this was spoken to me so precipitously as I was surprised with it; nevertheless being fully resolved to con∣tinue no longer an Astrologer, I made use of this occasion; for causing Lucretia to approach, that she might witness that which I meant to say, I besought Leonardo to pardon me for that I was going to confess unto him, seeing my gullerie had had so happy an end for him; and that he would call to mind how it was not long of me, that he did not believe me to be no Astrologer. I recounted unto them my love to Livia; in what manner I knew her secret, and consequently all that I have told you. And after I had obtained Lucretiaes pardon as well as mine ovvn, I made it appear that I had satisfied them without Astrology: For, sayd I to Leonardo, you asked me for your Ring, and I have made you to find it; to Livia, I have told you the most concealed particulars of your adventure; to Leander, I made you hope for the pos∣session of Aurelia, which she promises to you her self; to Aurelia, I have undeceived you from Hortensio, and made you acknowledge the fidelity of Leander; to the travel∣ler, I promised you that you should not be robbed by the way, and I have kept my vvord with you; for I am sure you are not in case so to be, la Roche having pro∣vided for that by taking away your mony, vvhich I command him to restore unto you presently; so that you see I have not failed in my promise to every one: for touching my self, sayd I laughing, you perceive I am he alone for whom I have done nothing; so that to recompence me in some sort for so many unprofitable pains, grant me Valerioes pardon, vvhich especially I demand of Leander, as of the most offended, but withall the most obliged to his friends gullery, since without him he durst never have thought of the happiness which he possesseth. In conclusion, said I to them still laughing, whereas you know that I am a dangerous enemy, I counsell you, as persons whom I esteem, to receive me for your friend. They burst out then into so great a laughter, as they thought they should never have been quiet again to hear the complement, which Leonardo made me, who assured me that the pleasure I had given him by my relation, was so great, as he should alwaies remember it, as an important service which I had rendred him, and that he would not for any thing but that this gullery had been, it was so diverting: Livia told me next, that she was of her fathers mind, and though she had denyed me her love, yet did she pro∣mise me her friendship; Hortensio added thereunto, that he was so much obliged unto me for drawing him out of prison, as he could not chuse but swear an invio∣lable affection to me; and Leander, vvho was engaged to me for the possession of his Mistress, gave himself wholly unto me; for Aurelia, as she was least satisfied, so was her complement the coldest, being contented onely to tell me, that she should

never forget the visit I had given her, but nevertheless whensoever she had any hate, it should not be for me; whereupon she would have gone away, but I advised Leo∣nardo to send for Cinthio her Uncle, and also for Valerio, to the end they should not part asunder till all things were peaceably concluded. This was almost as soon exe∣cuted as I had mentioned it; in the mean time Livia and Aurelia, having talked a pretty while together alone, called Hortensio and Leander to them, and such things passed between them, as they found themselves all four extremely contented. Cinthi•• and Valerio being come, and a fair conclusion made on all sides, the whole compa∣ny supped with Leonardo, though none but I was invited. Howbeit that I may not, Madam, further extend a relation, which is already but too long, I shall tell you, that within a while after I was bidden to their wedding, whither I came with more love than all these four together had; for I had enough for every woman of the as∣sembly. But at length, night being come, I left them maryed and co••tented; I say contented, because I am not an Historian but for the first day of their Nuptials, which ordinarily is full of joy and gladness. Nevertheless that which troubled me afterwards was, how not able to keep the matter from being divulged, the same people who had pointed at me before as at a Magician, looked upon me then as on an impostor, and jeered me in such sort as I durst not peep out of doors. But it is also true, that the same adventure was the cause of a greater good unto me; for by the Count of Lauagnes curiosity I got the honour of his acquaintance and friendship, which hath likewise produced yours too, Madam, and hath also given me the noblest passion that ever I had in my life. I must confess, sayd the Princess, that you are incomparable, and that in regard of what I have heard, there is none but will say how you are a dangerous enemy, and a pleasing friend. Ah, Madam, sayd the Marquis, do not ruin me with Aemilia! no, no, sayd this mayd, for I pro∣mise you not to judge of you but by your self, who, as I beleeve, will perswade me that, which her Excellency speaks of, better than she can, as eloquent as she is. I would fain know, sayd Doria, speaking to the Marquis, whether they from vvhom you take your love, may pretend still to your friendship. Yes, answered he, pro∣vided they have been favourable to me; for as for the rest, they are so indifferent unto me, as it would be more advantageous for them, that I should hate them. This is a pretty discourse indeed, sayd Justiniano, since that by this reason, the fair Aemiliae ought not to be cruell unto you, to the end she may by receiving your love favour∣ably pretend one day to your friendship. I confess, said the Count, that the Marquis his opinion teaches me a new tenet, which I did not beleeve could be possible; I have always heard it sayd, that friendship is many times a way to love, but that love should be the way to friendship, is a thing which hath but few examples, and no reason at all. This dispute would be a little too long, sayd the Princess, both for the time and the place, and I think it were fitter for us to return unto Monaco before the ending of the day, which will not permit us to walk; but this agreeable dis∣course hath given us so much satisfaction, as we have no reason to regret it. The whole company then arose; the Count led Isabella; the Marquis Aemilia; Justiniano and Doria went together; and the Princesses women, together with other of her servants, followed after without order. All this fair troop went aboord of the Galley which brought them thither, whereof the Princess never made use, but when she went to this place The rest of the evening was wholly imployed in talking of the Marquis his adventures, each one repeating in particular that which had seemed most pleasant to them therein. Isabella likewise caused her kinswoman, who had an excellent voyce, to sing; the Marquis plaid on the Lute, and sung also with the beautiful Ae∣milia; so that concluding this day with Musick, they bid the Princess good night, and retired to their lodgings.