The comical romance, or, A facetious history of a company of stage-players interwoven with divers choice novels, rare adventures, and amorous intrigues / written originally in French by the renowned Scarron ; and now turned into English by J.B.

CHAP. IX.

The History of the Invisible Lover.

DOn Carlos of Arragon was a young Gentle∣man of the Family that bare that Name•• He acted Miracles in his own person at thos•• publick solemnities which the Vice-Roy appoin∣ted for the mariage of Phillip the Second, Third or Fourth, I know not well which. The nex•• day after a course at the Ring, where he reape•• all the honour, the Vice-Roy permitted the La•• dies to go about the City disguised, after th•• mode of the French Mascarades, for the great•••• conveniency of the many strangers, who floc••∣ed thither to Celebrate those Royal Nuptial

That day Don Carlos dress'd himself to the best advantage he could possibly, and with a multi∣tude of the like Tyrants of Hearts, went to the great Church, the Rendez-vous of all their gal∣lantry. Now in those Countries they scruple as little to prophane their Church as we do ours, and that place which is ordained for a Holy Temple, becomes a den of Amorous Thieves and pratling Gossips, where their zeal is turned into lust, their Religion into Courtship, and their grace into wantonness. Methinks they should take a Severe order to reform these enormous scandals, and provide some such Officer to ex∣pell these wantons, as they do dog-whippers els∣where, they being the more unclean beasts of the two. Perhaps some may ask me, where∣fore I trouble my self with these things, but let such fools remember, that all men are fools a•• well as lyers in this world, some more, some less, and I that speak now, it may be, a verier fool then most others, though I am somwhat more ingenious in acknowledging it, and my book being only a Collection of fooleries, I hope e∣very Fool, will in one part or other, finde a brief, but true Character of himself, unless self love and a too fond opinion of his own wisdom keep him in blindness still. Don Carlos, as I said, to return to my story, was in a Church amongst a crowd of other Italian and Spanish Gentlemen, who strutted with great feathers in their Hats, ••ike so many Peacocks, when three Ladies mask'd accosted him in the midst of this Batta∣••loon of Lovers, one of which spake these, or

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the like words to him. Signior Don Carlos, There is a Lady in this City, to whom you are highly Obliged; for in all your performances at Barriers and running at the Ring, she ever wished you might carry away all the Honour, as now it appears you have done. The greatest advantage I finde in this, answered he, is, that I am told so by your Ladiship, who appear to be a person of merit; and truly, if I could reasonably have hoped that any worthy Lady would have done me so much honour; I should have strugled with more ea∣gerness to have deserved her approbation. The con∣cealed Lady told him, he had omitted nothing that might render him one of the most accomplished men she had seen, and she infer'd from the White and Black Colours he wore, that he was not in Love. I never was so well read in Colours, as to understand their se∣veral significations, repli'd he, but I am certain it is not so much out of insensibility that I am not a Liver, as a just apprehension that I do not deserve to be belov'd. They said a hundred more fine things, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forbear to repeat, because I do not exactly know them, and shall not undertake to invent for them, least I should prejudice Don Carlos, and the unknown Lady, who had a greater stock o•• wit then I, as it was told me by an honest Nea∣politan acquainted with them both. But i•• proceeded so farr at last, that the disguised La∣dy confessed to Don Carlos, It was she had an in∣clination for him: He beg'd to see her unvail'd she told him it was not come to that yet, but pro∣mised she would seek a fairer opportunity, and to a sure him, she did not fear to meet him singly, sh•• gave him a Pawn, in earnest of her further En∣gagement;

at which words she discovered the whitest hand in the world to the Spaniard, and presented a Ring to him, which he accepted, but with so much surprize at the adventure, that he almost forgot to pay her that respect was due to her at parting. The other Gentlemen who in civility had retired to a becoming distance, came again to him. He told them what had passed, and shewed them the Ring she bestowed on him, which was of a considerable value. Whereupon every man gave his opinion, and Don Carlos was as much smitten with the un∣known Lady, as if he had seen her face, so much dominion and influence hath anothers wit, up∣on those that are endued with it themselves. Eight tedious days and more tedious nights did he linger out, without any news of this appari∣tion; How he resented it I cannot certainly tell. But it was his daily custom to divert himself at the lodgings of a certain Captains of a Foot Company, where many persons of quality re∣sorted to wear away the time at play. One night, in which he, not having plaid, retired himself more early then he us'd ordinarily to do; he was called by his name, from a lower Chamber of a great house; he drew neer the wind ore, and observed it was fenced with Iron grates, as that Country fashion is, and by the voice, discovered perfectly it was his Invisible Lady, who said to him, Come hither Don Carlos, I here wait for you, to make an end of that difference which is betwixt us. You are but a Trifler, replies Don Carlos, you defie with insolence, then hide your

head a week together, and now play at boe peep behind a grate. We shall have a neerer meeting in good time, added she, it is not want of courage that makes we delay the encounter; but a desire to know you thorow∣ly, before I appear openly; You know in Duels, the par∣ties meet with equall Armes, and if your heart were not as disingag'd as mine, then would you fight with advantage, and therefore I resolved to be first well in∣form'd: And what have you discovered by your infor∣mation? Said Don Carlos. That we may be a fit match for each other, replies the invisible Lady. Don Carlos answered betwixt jest and earnest, that there was no equality in that management; for says he, you see me, and know who I am, and I can neither see nor attain to any knowledg of you; What conjecture can I make of the care you take to conceal your self? since those whose designes are fair and noble scorn to hide themselves; One that stands open without a guard as I do may easily be trappan'd: But pray take notice Lady, I shall not be apt to fall twice in the same snare; If you make use of me onely to create some jea∣lousie in another, give me leave to tell you that I am no fit instrument for any sach purpose, therefore if I must serve you, it shall be only in loving you above the world or any other interest. Have you any more trivial doubts left to urge? says the Invisible. These are not trivial, replies he; know then, said she, that I am very real, and such you shall be sure to finde me in all my proceedings, as I would desire you to be: That is but just, said Don Carlos; But it is no less Just that I should see you, and be made happy by your name: You shall soon know that, replies the Invisible; In the mean while, let patience rule your hopes, for that

is the way to deserve what you expect, while in the mean time, I shall assure you, that all this entertain∣ment be not fruitless, that I am equal to you in quality, and have revenues enough to make you live at as high a rate as any Prince in the Kingdom, that I am young, rather handsom then ill favour'd; and for wit I dou••t not but your own ingenuity can satisfie you whether I have any or not; Having said this, she immediate∣ly retired, leaving the Don with his mouth open ready to reply, but so surpriz'd at the brisk de∣claration she had made of her self, and so char∣med with the love of one he had never seen, that he was so perplexed at the strange manner of her proceedings, which for ought he knew might end in some cheat; as he continued at least a quarter of an hour in the same place, making divers conjectures of this extraordinary adventure. He knew very well, that there were in Naples divers Princesses and Ladies of Qua∣lity; but he bethought himself likewise how many greedy Courtesans there were too, nota∣ble crafty, and catching after strangers, who were the more dangerous, because they are beautiful. I cannot exactly tell you, whether he had sup'd that night, or went to bed empty, as some Romance-mongers use to do, who re∣gulate all their Hero's actions making them rise early, and tell on their begun story till dinner time, then dine lightly, and after meal, pro∣ceed in the discourse, or else retire to some sha∣dy Grove to talk by themselves, unless they have somthing to discover to the Rocks and Trees: Then at supper time, meet at the ap∣pointed

Pointed place and time, where they sigh and sob instead of eating, and afterwards build Castles in the air on some Tarrace which looks towards the sea, whilst the Squire in the interim reveals the secret, that his Master is such a one, the son of a certain King, and that there is not a braver Prince in the world, and though at present he is one of the coml••est creatures that ever was born, yet he was yet far more handsom, nay clean another thing, before love had disfigured him. But to return to my story, Don Carlos came the next day to his Post, and found the Invisible already at hers; She asked him whether he was not very much perplexed at their last conversa∣tion, and whether in truth he were not in a kinde of doubt of every thing she told him. Don Carlos, not making any answer to these questions, beseeched her to tell him, what danger could accrue by discovering her self, since the parties were equal, and their Courtship tended to the same end on either side, which the whole world could not but approve: There is danger enough, as you shall Jully know in due time reply'd the Invisible, there∣fore once more let me desire you to believe I am real, and have kept my self within bounds in the relation I made you of my self. Don Carlos pressed her no farther in that particular; their discourse con∣tinued a good while, and they both took deeper and stronger impressions of love towards each other, then they had done before, parting with hearty promises of a continuance of their af∣fection, and a daily meeting at the place assign'd. The day following there was a grand Ball at the

Vice-Roys; Don Carlos hoped to discover his Lady there; and in the mean while, endeavoured to make enquiry whose house that was, where he had such a favourable audience. He was in∣formed that the house was an old Gentlewo∣mans that lived very retired, the Widdow of a Spanish Captain, who had neither Daughters nor Neece. He intreated to speak with her, she returned him an answer, That since the death of her Husband she admitted no visits, which put him into a greater labyrinth then before.

But he puts on a gallant resolution, and at night was at the Vice-Roys Bal, where you may imagine there was a brave appearance. Don Carlos took exact notice of all the Ladies in the presence, to judge which might be his un∣known Mistris. He made his Address to all those, he could conveniently talk with, but found it labour lost: At last he applyed himself to the Daughter of a Marquess, of I know not what Marquesate, as they say, (for it is that of all things in the world I should least swear for, e∣specially now every one is a Marquess, at lest En∣titles himself so;) She was both young and beautifull, and had somewhat the tone of her voice whom he hunted for: but at the long run, he found so little resemblance in the behaviour, and wit of this Lady, and his invisible Lover, that he repented he had made so great a pro∣gress in his Court-ship with this Lady, as might without flattery give him some claim to her fa∣vour. They often danced together, and the Bal being ended, with very little satisfaction to

Don Carlos; he parted from his Captive, who was not a little proud that she alone had enjoy'd in that Glorious Assembly, the conver∣sation of a Person, that was the envy of all other men for his gallantry, and the highliest Esteem∣ed of all Women. From the Bal he returned hastily to his own lodging to take his Sword, and from thence to the Fata•• Grate, which was not far distant. His Lady was at the place be∣fore him, who asked him what news of the Bal, though she her self had been there: He told her ingeniously, that he had danced many times with a very beautifull person, and had enter∣tained her all the time the Bal lasted. Where∣upon she made severall doubtfull questions, which plainly betrayed a kind of jealousie. Don Carlos made her know, that he had some scruple likewise, for her not appearing at the Bal, which made him a little suspicious, whether she were of the quality she had pretended: She discovers it, and to satisfie him, she makes use of all her charms, became very complaisant, and shewed him as much favour as could be expressed in communication thorow a Grate, even so far as to assure him, she would be shortly visible. Here∣upon they take leave of each other, he much in doubt whether he should credit her or no, and she a little stung with jealousie, for his ha∣ving so assiduously kept company with the fair Lady all the while the Bal lasted. The next day Don Carlos going to hear Mass, in I know not what Church, proffered the Holy Water to a couple of Ladies that were vail'd, who were

reaching for some at the same instant; the best cloathed of the two, told him, She would not put, him to that trouble, but had a secret to reveal to him at a convenient time. Unless y••••r hast be too pres∣sing, replies he, it will be the greater obligation if you please to imform me now. Pray follow me into the next Chappel then, said she. Thither goes she before, and Don Carlos would not stay long behind, his heart wavering betwixt fear and hope, whether he should find this to be his own Mistris or not, finding her much of the same sta∣ture, but withall somewhat differing in her speech and accent, this seeming to have an af∣fected lisping pronunciation: being come toge∣ther in the Chappel, and the door closed, she addresses her self thus to him; The whole City of Naples, Signor Don Carlos rings of the Fame and Reputation you have gained during the short time of your abode here; so that you are justly esteemed one of the Gallantest Persons of this Age: Nor have they any thing to object, unless it be your so nice retiring of your self from all Great Companies, especially the choicest of our Sex, who nevertheless have a most particular esteem and respect for you; This they have testified as far as the rules of discretion and modesty would allow, and though they heartily desire you would believe as much, yet if it cannot gain upon you, it is wished the little no∣tice you take may proceed rather from insensibility, then disdain, or a pre-ingagement. Amongst the nest, there is a Lady a friend of mine, who makes your interest so much her own, that she would needs make this discovery to you, what ever it may produce; which is to let you

know, that your night adventures are not so closely ma∣naged, but they lye open to discovery, and which is more, that you therein engage your self somewhat imprudent∣ly by setting your affec••••n upon a thing you do not know, which you may guess to be unworthy any further pur∣sute, since her so close concealment does but inser that either she loves ignobly, or knows her self unfit to be be∣loved. It is above all dispute, that your contempla∣tive desires ayme at a Lady of a more then vulgar qua∣lity and spirit, and fancies a Mistris deserving adora∣tion: But Signior Don Carlos, do not prefer your fancy to your judgement, but consulting with both to∣gether, beware of such a one as hides her self, and wisely forbear any further nocturnal engagements. And why should I dissemble any longer? No Sir, I will not, but do most freely confess, that I am the party thus jealous of your Fantome or Nightly Apparition, holding it very strange that you should run thus fondly after a shaddow, and since I have adventured to make this Declaration of my own weaknes••, I shall take the con∣fidence to add this to it, I am resolved to defeat all her ambushes, and gain the Victory which is more my due, since I am not inferiour to her, either in Beauty, Birth, or Fortune, nor any other quality that carries ought of an honest temptation with it; Therefore if you have that ingenuity the World reports, make the best use of this my present Counsel. Having said this, she went away, before Don Carlos could have the time to recollect his amazed spirits, and shape an answer. He would have followed, but was stoped at the Church door, by an eminent Gen∣tleman, who kept him there a good space in

discourse, which he could no way avoid. The rest of the day he wasted in admiration of what hapned, and at first his thoughts perswaded him it was the same Lady he met at the Bal, that made this discovery to him, but then reflecting on this Ladies wit, and the others want of it, he knew not where to fix his belief, and could have almost wished he were dis-ingaged from his ob∣scure Mistris, to resign himself intirely up to this new one: Yet then considering again, he was as far from knowing the last as the first, whose charming conversation had wholly enchained him, he resolved on his former choice, not va∣luing her threatning speeches to obstruct him, as not being a person of so poor and groveling a spirit to be frighted from any thing he once de∣signed. The same night he failed not to appear at the Grate, at his assigned hour, nor did four men, who lay in wait for him, fail to ceaze on him in the midst of his discourse, who soon dis∣arm'd and lifted him into a Coach, that attend∣ed at the turning of the next street. Now must I leave you to imagine what language and re∣proaches he bestowed on those disguised fellows that thus took him at so much disadvantage; and when that heat could do no good, then he endeavoured to bribe them with large promises: but instead of perswading them, all he could do, rather made them the more resolute, and wary least he should escape, which they performed so effectually, as took away all hope of gaining his liberty, either by his intreaties or courage. Mean time the Coach rowled away as fast as

four Fleet Horses could hurry it; Out of Town they got, and about an hour after they brought him into a very sumptuous building, the out∣ward Gate standing ready open to receive him, where the four Mascarades alighted with Don Carlos, and taking him under the armes, led him like an Ambassadour to his Audience before the Grand Signior, they conducted him up one pair of stayres with the same Ceremony, where two Masked Ladies received him at the Dining-room door with lights in their hands. The men left him there at liberty, and withdrew, after they had most humbly saluted him. It is likely they left neither Sword nor Pistoll with him, for which over great care, no doubt, he gave them many thanks, and yet perhaps he might forget it too; not but he was highly civi••, but a man so strangely surprized as he must needs have been, is pardonable if he omit those Ceremo∣nies. Neither can I tell you whether the Can∣dlesticks the two Women held were of Silver or not, but this I must assure you, they were large, and A la Mode, and the Dining-room most Magnificent, and if you please, as well furnished as some of those Apartments in our Modern Romances, (viz.) Zelmanda's Ship in Polexander, Ibrahims Palace in the Illustrious Bassa, or the Chamber where the King of Syria treated Man∣dane in the Grand Cyrus, which not to disparage those other I mentioned, is without doubt, one of the most magnificently furnished Books in the World: you may guess therefore whether our Spaniard was not hugely astonished to find him∣self

in so proud a Palace, with two Ladies mas∣ked, who spake not one syllable to him, but conducted him into a neighbouring Chamber, more Nobly furnished then the Dining-room, and there left him alone. Had he been of Don Quixots humour, these adventures were enough to have transported him to some extravagance, suitable to his Rodomontado's, and he would sure∣ly have fancied himself at least Esplandian, or Amadis: But our grave Spaniard was no more moved with all this, then if he had onely been in some common Inn, or Country Cottage; only he regretted the absence of his invisible Mistris, and having all his thoughts fixed on her, he thought that Room more melancholly then a Prison which never looks handsome but with∣out side. He readily perswaded himself, they could intend no mischief that had so nobly lodged him; and was as apt to believe the Lady that talked with him the preceding day in the Chappel, was the Sorceress that wrought all these Enchantments: a while after, he began to admire in his own thoughts at these caprici∣ous humours in Women, and with what expe∣dition they execute those designs they have once on foot, but was no less resolv'd on his part likewise, patiently to expect the end of this ad∣venture, and to keep constant to his Mistris at the Grate, whatever threats or promises they could make use of to undermine his faith. Some time after, certain Officers belonging to the House, with Vizards and Rich Cloaths on, came in to lay the cloath, which done, Supper was

brought up: all was very stately, Musick and Perfumes were not wanting, and our Don Carlos, besides his senses of smelling and hearing, sa∣tisfied also that of the tast, more then I could have imagined, considering the condition he was in; that is to say, he supped plentifully: But what can quell so great a courage as his was? I forgot to tell you, that I believe he washed his mouth; for I am certainly informed he was ex∣traordinary curious of his teeth. The Musick lasted a while after Supper was done, and every one being retired, Don Carlos walked up and down the room a good space, ruminating on all these Enchantments, or on somewhat else, which matters not much, and then without in∣quiring whether he desired to go to bed, two Gentlewomen masked, and a little Dwarf with his vizard on likewise, came to undress him, af∣after they had spread a most sumptuous Toillet on a side Table. He freely submitted to all this, the Women laid down the Bed-cloaths and went forth, the Dwarf pull'd off his Shooes or Boots, and then disroab'd him. Don Carlos laid him down in Bed, and all this passed without breaking silence in the least on either part. Don Carlos slept well enough for a Lover; a vollery of Birds not far from his window waked him at day-break, the mask'd Dwarf was ready to wait on him, and brought him the finest, whitest, and sweetest scented Linnen in the World: But let us, if you please omit how he pass'd the time till Dinner, which was not inferiour to the Sup∣per, and proceed to the breach of that religious

silence, which had been hitherto so exactly ob∣served. Another masked Lady it was that first interrupted it, by puting the question to him, Whether he would be pleased to see the Mistris of that Enchanted Palace; He replyed, She should be very welcome to him; after which, she suddainly enters the room attended by four Gentlewomen very richly clad.

Bright Cytherea is less fair When she does all her Charmes display; And Decks her in her best Array, To catch some new heart in her snare.

Never had our Spaniard beheld a Person of a Richer and more Majestick mean, then this un∣known Ʋrganda. He was so much ravished and astonished at the same instant, that all the Con∣gees and Steps he made, while he led her by the hand into another room, whither she directed him, were but so many trips and stumblings: All what he had admired and gazed on in the ••ormer Rooms were trifles in comparison of ••hat he found in this, whose Lustre was yet ••ightned by the bravery of the mask'd Lady. They trode upon the richest Carpets that ever ••et were spread upon the ground, since the Spa∣niards used to trample on them. The Spaniard ••as set down upon a Couch whether he would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not, and the Lady having placed her self by ••im upon a heap of richly Embroidered Cushi∣••ns, she spake with a voice as sweet as a Virginal, ••nd said these or the like, fine things to him.

I doubt not, Signor Don Carlos, but you are huge∣ly surprized withall that hath hapned to you since your coming to my house last night; and though this may perhaps have made but little impression on you, yet must it needs be sufficient to evince, I can make good my words, and by what is past, you may believe me capable of performing what now remains behind. Perhaps my Rival by her wiles, and the good fortune of having at∣tempted you first, is already in full possession of that Fort, your heart, to which I now lay siedge: But know a Woman will not be put off at first denial, and if my fortune which is not to be despised, and all that may be had with me, is but too weak a motive to induce you to love me, yet know that I have this self satisfaction, that I did not obscure my self either out of shame or policy, rather chusing to run the hazzard of being denyed for my imperfection, then to have won your Love by Arti∣fice. With these words she took off her mask, and gave Don Carlos a full view of Heaven, or if you please, an Epitomy of it, in the loveliest Head in the World, sustained by a body of the noblest stature he ever had beheld. In a word, being joyned together, they made up a person that was altogether Divine. By the freshness o•• her visage, one would not have guessed her a∣bove sixteen; but by I know not what great and magestick air, she appered to be in her twenti∣eth. Don Carlos kept silence a while, being al∣most angry with his Invisible Mistris, for hinder∣ing him from wholly bestowing himself upon th•• loveliest creature he ever saw, doubting bot•• what he should say and do in so pressing a temp∣tation;

at length, after an interiour conflict, which held him so long in suspence, as put the Lady of the Enchanted Palace to some trouble, he took a fixed resolution to reveal the secrets of his soul, which was, it may be, the most gene∣rous action he ever performed. The answer he made was this, which some have judged might have been better contrived. I cannot deny Ma∣dam, but it would have been too transcendent a happy∣ness for me to have thus pleased you, could I have been but so happy likewise as that I might have loved you. I am sensible that I refuse the most Beautifull Person in the World, for another, that perhaps is onely so in my imagination: But Madam, could you have thought me worthy of your Affection, if you had found me capa∣ble of Infidelity? And could I continue faithfull if I should yield to love you? Pitry me therefore Madam, rather then accuse me, or rather let us bemoan each other, you, that you cannot obtain your wishes, and I, that I cannot become so fortunate as to get the least sight of her I Adore. He pronounced this with so mournful an accent, that the Lady easily dis∣cerned his heart went along with his tongue. She omitted no Arguments that might perswade him to change, but he was deaf at her prayers, and her tears could not force him to relent; she repeated her Assaults divers times, but he Defended as well as she Attack'd: In fine, she proceeded to reproaches, and bitter language, and utter'd;

All that a raging mouth spits forth, When Choller is praedominant.

And so left him cursing his own misfortunes a thousand times, which sprung but from his too great happiness. A Gentlewoman came and told him shortly after, that he might take his own liberty to walk if he pleased, in the Gar∣den. He went thorow all those fair Apartments meeting no Creature in his way, till he came to the Stair-case, at the foot whereof he found Ten Men in Vizards, all Armed with Swords and Pi∣stols who guarded the door. As he walked thorow a Court, to pass into the Garden, which was sutable to the bravery of the House; One of the forementioned Guard steps near him, and with a kind of negligence that might not be suspected, told him softly, for fear of being over-hear'd; That an Ancient Gentleman had trusted him with a Letter Addressed to himself, which he had engaged to deliver to his own hands, though the discovery of the Enterprize might cost him his lise; which the reward of twenty Pistoles, besides the promise of as many more after the work done made him undertake, Don Carlos promised secresie, and quickly got in∣to the Garden to read the,

Letter.

Since the time I lost you, you may well imagine the trouble I am in by comparing it with your own, if you continue to love me, but as sincerely as I love you: which trouble was capable of no allay, till I happily made dis∣covery of the place you are in. It is the Princess Porcia that carried you away, and keeps you prisoner; who ne∣ver

considers any thing when her own satisfaction is concerned, nor are you the first Rinaldo of that dan∣gerous Armida: But I shall break all her Enchant∣ments, and soon force you out of her armes, to welcome you in my own, which is the least you can deserve, if you maintain your self but as constant, as is wished by,

The Invisible Lady.

Don Carlos was so ravished to receive this news from his Lady, with whom he was heartily in love, that he kist the paper a hundred times, and returned to the Garden gate to finde out the happy Messenger, on whom he bestowed a very fair Diamond Ring for recompence. He continued his walk in the Garden a long time after, and could not enough admire this Prin∣cess Porcia, of whom he had often heard speak, as a person both young and very rich, as being of one of the best Families in the Kingdom; and having a great deal of virtue in himself it begat so strange an aversion in his thoughts a∣gainst her, that he resolved at the hazard of his life, to do his utmost to make his escape thence. As he came out of the Garden, he met a Gen∣tlewoman unmasked, for now all their Masks were thrown by in the Palace, who desired to be informed whether it would be pleasing to him to have her Ladies company at his Table that day; I leave it to your discretion to judge, whether he said he should be glad of the honour or not. Soon after, supper or dinner was brought in, I have forgot now which is next in

order. Porcia appeared yet fairer, I told you even now, then Cytherea, and for diversity it will not be amiss at present to say then the in∣fant morning, or the beauteous Aurora. She was so charming in her conversation at Table, and so full of wu, that it was an inward trouble to him, to find so many excellent talents so ill employed by a Lady of her extraordinary con∣dition. He endeavoured all he could to put himself into a pleasant humour, though his best thoughts were still rowing after his Invisible Mistris, and his heart earn'd to be talking again with her at the grate. As soon as they had ta∣ken away, the attendants left them alone, and Don Carlos sitting mute, either out of respect, or to oblige the Lady to begin the discourse, she gives him a fresh charge in these words. I can∣not tell whether I have reason to hope for any thing from the gayety which I think I have read in your countenance, or if the little beauty I have discovered in mine, can be so considerable in your opinion, as to create a doubt whether that which is so slily conceal'd from you, is likely to be more tempting; I have not hid the gift I would have bestowed, because you should have no cause to repent the acceptance, and though a person who daily recieves Petitions from others, might justly take offence at such denials, yet shall I forbear all further resentments, if you will now at last but make me reparations for your former neglect, and grant that to me, which is much more my due, then the Invisible Ladies? let me therefore know your last resolution, that if it prove not to my advantage, I may on my part

likewise endeavour to muster up such arguments from my own reason, as may convince me of the weakness I have betrayed in owning a love for you. Don Carlos paused a while to try whether she would proceed in her discourse, but perceiving she had given over, and with her eye fixed on the ground, waited for the sentance he was to pronounce, he persisted in the resolution he had already ta∣ken to deal frankly with her, and to put her past all hopes of ever becoming hers, he thus spake to her. Madam, Before I return any positive answer to what you are thus desirous to know, I must beg you would, with the same freenes I have hitherto shew'd, dis∣cover the real sentiments of your heart concerning what I shall propose. If your self had obliged any one to love you, and by all the favours a Lady can bestow, without forfeiting her modesty or discretion, you had engaged him to vow himself your unalterable slave, would you not esteem him the most treacherous and basest of men, if he should break his faith and decline your service? and should not I be this vile unworthy wretch, if to obtain you, I should throw off my willing fetters and trample on all those nob'e endearments which justly makes her expect I should continue faithfull in my love to her, to put on other Chains. He would have hea∣ped many other formal Arguments to convince her; but she allowed him not the time, for start∣ing briskly up, she told him; She now perceived plainly at what he aymed, and could not but admire his constancy, though it were a Virtue so prejudicial to her own happiness, wherefore she left him to his full liberty from that moment, onely she should value it as a

high favour if he would remain there till it were night, that he might return incognito as he came. While she said this, she held a Hand-cherchif before her eyes, as it were to hide her tears, and left the Spaniard somewhat amazed, but yet so over∣joyed for the recovery of his liberty, that he could not have dissembled it, though he had been the greatest hypocrite in the world; and it is probable if the Lady had observed it, it could not have avoided a fresh quarrell. I can∣not tell whether the night were long a coming, for as I hinted before, I do not trouble my self any more with such punctual observations of the times and hours; I shall only say, that the night did come at last, and he was put into a close Coach, which brought him to his own Lodging again, after a pretty good journey. And being one of the kindest Masters in the World, his Servants were overcome with joy, to see him again, and like to stifle him with huging him in their armes; but they enjoyed his pre∣sence only a moment, for taking his Sword and Pistols, and two of his Acquaintance with him, who were not people to be baffled, he made all possible hast to his Grate, and such was his speed that those who were to accompany him, had much adoe to keep pace with him. He had no sooner made the accustomed signal, but the In∣visible Deity answered him. They had a thou∣sand such tender and affectionate expressions, as draws some tears into my eyes every time I think on them: At length, the Invisible Lady said, That she having received a sensible affront in the

house where she then was, she had sent for a Coach to remove thence; but because it might be perhaps too long ere hers came, she intreated he would cause his own to be made quickly ready for the better dispatch, and send for it to convey her to a place where she intended to throw off all disguise, and hide her face no longer from him. The impatient lover stay'd not for any more entreaty, but ran like one transported to his Servants, or Compagnons, whom he had left at the corner of the street, and sent them im∣mediately to bring his Coach. The Coach be∣ing arrived, the Fair Invisible made her words good, and went into it with him. She gave the directions her self to the Coachman whither he should go, and made him stop at a Great House into which they went, by Torch-light, where many at the Gate waited their coming. The Gallant went up a large pair of stairs with the Lady, and so into an upper Dining-Room, where he continued still in some trouble, be∣cause she kept on her Mask. At last several Gen∣tlewomen richly apparelled, being come to re∣ceive them, with Wax Candles in their hands; the Lady threw off her Invisibility, and by un∣masking her self, made it apparent to Don Car∣los, that his Mistris at the Grate, and the Princess Porcia was but the same person. I shall not ad∣venture to represent the strange surprize it was to Don Carlos; The Beautifull Neapolitan told him, That she had brought him now away the second time, to hear his final resolution, that the Lady at the Grate had yielded up all pretenses to her self; to which she added a thousand other Gallant Wit∣ty

Speeches. Don Carlos fell down at her feet, Embraced her knees, and even devoured her white hands with his greedy kissing them, there∣by avoiding the many impertinent expressions which overjoy'd people are apt to fall into. Af∣ter his first transports were over, he fummon'd all the Wit and Eloquence he could command to celebrate his Ladies pleasant contrivances, and tuned his tongue so well to her advantage and applause, that it confirmed her more and more, she was not at all mistaken in her choice. She told him withall, She had been unwilling to trust any but her self, in a tryal, without which she could never have loved him, and that she would never have bestow'd her heart on any man, less constant then he had shewed himself.

Upon this, the Princess Porcias Relations, be∣ing acquainted with her design, came to them, who being of the most Considerable Persons of the Kingdom, soon got a Licence, or dispensati∣on rather, from the Arch-Bishop for their Mar∣riage; which was Consumated that very night, by the Curate of the Parish, a good Priest, and an excellent Preacher; so that you may believe they wanted not a fitting Exhortation. It was reported, that they rose not up the next day till it was very late, which I am apt enough to believe. The News was soon spread abroad, whereat the Vice-Roy, who was nearly Related to Don Carlos, was so glad, that the Publick Di∣vertisements began afresh in Naples, where they still tell wonders of the brave Don Carlos, and his Invisible Mistris.