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.

The Continuation of the History of Monsieur Destiny and Madam Starr.

HItherto you have found me very Amorous and inquisitive to know what effects my Letter had wrought in Leonora's, and her Mo∣thers minds; you shall now see me more in lov•• yet, and so much more in trouble and per∣plexity, that I was the most dispairing creatur•• in the World. I went every day to visit an•• wait on Madam Boissiere and her fair Daughte••▪ So blinded with my passion that I did not ob¦serve the coldness of their reception, and les•• remember that old saying, That familiarity bre•••• contempt, as too often repeated visits become in portunate. Madam de la Boissiere was very wea••••

of my frequent company, which eternally be∣sieged them, and look'd upon me coyly, ever since Saint Far had so discourteously told her what I was, yet could she not with any justice or civility forbid me the house, considering what I had done and suffered for her. And for her Daughters part, if I may judge by what she hath done since, then I may truly say she pitted me, though contrary to her Mothers will, who kept so strict a guard upon her, that we could never have the opportunity to meet in private. But to say truth, though this fair Virgin would have been more favourable then her Mother, she durst no•• give me the least token of it in her presence. So that I suffered most hellishly, whilst my assiduous endeavours made me more hatefull, where I endeavoured to grow more in favour. One day Madam de la Boissiere received some Letters from Paris, which obliged her to go forth as soon as she had read the contents of them, she sent imediately for a Coach, and Sig∣nor Stephano to accompany her, not daring to go alone, after the unlucky accident wherein I was engaged. I was my self both more willing and fit to be her Squire, then the Fellow she sent for; But she would not accept of the least service from a person whom she intended to rid ••er self of. By good fortune Stephano was not to be found, so that she was compelled to be∣••oan her self in my hearing, that she had no body to go along with her, thereby to invite ••••e, which I accepted with as much joy, as she ••ould have regret to be necessitated to make use

of me. I conducted her to a certain Cardinals who was then Protector of the French, who very kindly gave her Audience upon the first motion she made. The business must needs have been of some importance, and no little difficulty; for she was a long time with him in a private Grotto, or cover'd Fountain in the midst of a fair Garden, whilst all the Cardinals Followers walked into those parts of the Garden they had most fancy too. Now was I gotten into a pri∣vate, though large, walk of Orange Trees, alone with the Beautifull Leonora as I had often wished before in vain, and yet as modest and faint-hearted as ever I had been. I cannot tell whether she perceived it, or not, or whether I owed these first words to her own good nature, which made her addess her self to me in this manner. My Mother, said she, will have some reason to chide Signor Stephano, for missing her to day, and giving you this trouble to wait here so long. And I am infinitely obliged to him, replyed I, for having unawares procured me a happiness above my hopes and merit. I am too far upon the score of obligation towards you, said she, too mit any thing that may prove your advantage, therefore pray let me know where∣in the happiness consists, you mention, as pro∣cured by him, that I may share in the content, if it be such as will not offend a Maidens modest car. I am afraid, replyed I, that you will think my words presumptuous, rather then immodest, and so tye up my tongue again before I have said all the great truth, I would fain discover.

I, answered she, No, I am not so envious at any mans prosperity, to call it presumptuous, espe∣cially a person to whom I am indebted for my Honour and Protection. 'Tis not your envy that I fear, said I, but somewhat worse in my opinion. What other motive, replyed she, can there be to make me oppose your happiness? Your disdam, said I. I shall be much perplexed, answered she, till you let me know what I should disdam, and how this disdain may concern you. I could soon unfold this ridle, said I, but I cannot tell whether you will be pleased to un∣derstand it. Do not let me hear it then, reply∣ed she, for when we have such doubts, it either signifies it cannot easily be understood, or, may displease. I confess I have admired a hundred times since, how I could answer this, my minde being more intent upon her Mothers return, and surprising us, then on the discourse we held. However at last, I called up all my con∣fidence, and without more delay, I told her, without minding her last words; That I had long sought for an opportunity to speak with her, thereby to confirm what I had presumed to express in my Letter, which yet I durst not have undertaken, but on the knowledge that she had seen that writing. To this I added a great deal of what was in that scribble, and said moreover, that being now ready to go a Soul∣dier in the War the Pope was making on some of the Italian Princes, and being resolved to dye there, since I found my self unworthy to live for her, I would intreat her only to do me this

last favour, to tell me what opinion she would have had for me, had my Birth and Fortune been equall to the ambition I had to love and adore her. She told me, blushing, That my death would be a real hearty sorrow to her; and therefore said she, if you are still the same ob∣liging person, preserve your self still so, and let us not loose a man that hath been so serviceable to us; or at least, if you will needs dye, for some greater reason, then you have hither ex∣pressed, yet reprieve the sad doom till we are returned into France again, wither my Mo∣ther, and my self are suddenly going. I implo∣red her to discover her thoughts more fully and clearly. But her Mother was by this time come so nigh, that she could not have satisfied me if she had intended it. Madam de la Boissiere look∣ed upon me slightly enough, perhaps because she considered the conveniency I had had to enter∣tain her Daughter in private, who likewise seemed to be somewhat troubled in her thoughts, which made me stay but a little while with them after their being returned home. I left them the most contented men in the World, putting the best interpretation and inferences on her discourse. The next day I omitted not to wait upon them according to my custome; I was told they were gone forth; nay the same answer was given me for three dayes together, and yet I could not refrain. In fine, Signor Stephano wished me to go no more, be∣cause Madam de la Boissiere would not suffer me to see her Daughter, and, said he, I think you

have too much spirit to abide a personal refusal. Then he told me the reason of this ill treat∣ment. Leonoras Mother had caught her writing a Letter to me, and having severely reproved her for it, did afterwards give a strict order, that her people should alwayes deny their be∣ing within, when I came to pay my visit and re∣spects to her; and then I likewise discovered the unhandsome trick Saint Far had put upon me, which was indeed the onely cause of all these little affronts were made use of against me, my company growing loathsome to her ever since that unhandsome character was given of me. But though the Mother were thus nice, yet Stephano assured me, from Leonoras own mouth, that my deserts, made her wave my mean birth and fortune, and would have tri∣umphed over her highest thoughts, could she have gained her Mothers fair consent, who was too haughty to be perswaded to such low sub∣missions. I shall not trouble you, with the de∣sparate thoughts, this unwelcome news put me into; I was as much concerned, as if Leonora had unjustly refused me, though I had little hopes, and less right to claim the least possession in her heart; I railed against Saint Far, and had some thoughts of sending a challenge to him; But in the end, considering how much I was ob∣liged to his father and brother, I had no other refuge but my tears, to give my heart ease. I wept like an Infant, and became troublesome or ridiculous in all society. Then was I neer the time of my departure thence, and that mis∣fortune

was imbittered by the consideration that I must go away, and not take my last fare∣well to sweeten my tedious absence. We made one Campania in the Popes Army, where I en∣deavoured all I could to end my days. But for∣tune opposed me in this, as she had done in all my other attempts. I could not meet with death the onely thing I sought for, but I acquired a reputation which I sought not for, and that to such a high degree, it would have made me proud at any other time; Whereas I then could value nothing but the sorrowful remembrance of my dear Leonora. Saint Far and Verville were called into France again by their Father, who received them with all imaginable gladness and affection. My Mother gave me a very indiffer∣ent reception; and as for my Father he dwelt at Paris with Count Glaris, who had chosen him Governor to his son. The Baron D' Arques, who was made acquainted with my fears of Arms, in Italy, where I had saved Vervilles life, would needs have me abide with him in quality of a Gentleman. He gave me liberty to visit my Father at Paris, where I found less welcome, then I had done from my Mother. Any other person, that had had a son of my parts and ex∣perience, would certainly have indeavoured to have preferred him in the Earls Family; but my Father turned me out thence with as much haste as if it had been some discredit to him; he re∣proached my being too gallant, a thousand times as we went along the streets; told me I seemed proud, and that it would have been fitter for

me to have learned some handy-crafts trade, then thus to flaunt with a sword. You may imagine this discourse sounded but harsh in a young mans ears, that had been well bred, and gained a more then vulgar repute by his valour; and who besides, had dared to love a handsome Lady, and make it known unto her. I must con∣fess the knowledge of that respect due to a Fa∣ther, nor all the tyes of Nature could make me refrain from looking on him as an old testy trou∣blesome person. He led me through three or four several streets, with the same civility and endearments, and then shook me off suddenly, forbidding me from coming neer him any more. I was willing enough to obey this last injunction and therefore quitted him, to go and wait upon Monsieur De St. Sauveur, who received me like a Father indeed, and blamed my own Father for his unnaturalness, promising he would supply the care incumbent on such a Parent, and ne∣ver abandon me. The Baron D' Arques had some business of importance which obliged him to go and dwell at Paris. He took Lodgings at the very end of Saint Germains Fauxburg in a very stately house, that had been lately built with many others, which together makes it one of the pleasantest places about the whole City. Saint Far and Verville, went often to the Kings Palace, to the Courts De La Reine, or their pri∣vate Visits, as all young men of quality are wont, which distinguishes them from country-Gentle∣men as much as any other character. And for my own part, when I waited not on them, I

haunted all the Fencing Schools and play hou∣ses perpetually, which was perhaps one means to make me become a tolerable Actor. Verville took me aside one day, and confessed to me, he was hugely in love with a Gentlewoman that dwelt in the same street. He told me, she had a Brother, by name Saldaigne, who was as jea∣lous both of her, and another sister under his tuition, as if he had been their husband, and moreover, he said, he had made no lit∣tle progress in his Amours, having gained her consent to give him a meeting in their gar∣den by night, the door of the garden looking towards the fields as that of our house did like∣wise. Having discovered this secret to me, he intreated me to accompany him, conjuring me to get as much as I could possibly in the Wo∣mans favour that attended her. I could not reasonably refuse a man I was so vastly indebted too: So we went forth of our back door, about ten a clock at night, and were admitted to the Garden where the Mistris and her woman wai∣ted for us. The poor Innocent Lady, trembled like a leaf, and could not speak, Vervilles cou∣rage was but little better, the waiting woman was mute, and I who onely came to accompany Verville spake nothing neither, nor had any de∣sire to twattle. At last Verville took hearty grace, and led his Mistris into a by alley, having first charged the waiting woman and my self to play the Centries part, which, we observed so religiously, that for a long time we walked to∣gether without opening our lips or moving our

tongues. At the end of our walk we met with the young pair of Lovers: Verville asked me a∣loud, whether I had Courted Madam Maudlin as the deserved: I replyed, that I thought she had no reason to complain, no, in troth, answered the Lass, for as yet he hath not troubled me with a word; Verville laughed at her words, and assured Mandlin, that I was worth her con∣versation, though I were somewhat Melanchol∣ly by nature. Madam Saldagne, said likewise, that her woman was not to be dispised, and thereupon they left us again, onely bidding us be sure, that no body came to surprize them. I then prepared to have my ears grated by a waiting woman, whom I expected would now examine me about my wages, what acquain∣tance I held amongst the Chamber-maids in that Parish, how many new songs I could sing, or furnish her in writing, and such other like trifling questions. After this, though I, she will discover the secrets and intrigue of the Fa∣mily, and lay open her Masters and Ladies ver∣tues, or defects, according as she likes the ser∣vice she is entred into: For there are few ser∣vants that meet and do not slander or applaud their Masters, and tell what little regard they have either of their own Fame, or their servants wages unless they mistrust the Fidelity of the hearers, which makes them slatter more, and abuse them more grosly. But I was amazed at the discourse of one, that began thus, I conjure thee, thou dumb Spirit, to tell me whether thou art a Servant or not, and if thou art a Servant, by what

rare Vertue thou hast refrained thus long, from slan∣dering thy Master? To hear a Chamber-maid speak so extraordinarily, surprised me much: and made me ask her, by what Authority she un∣dertook to exorcise me? I perceive, said she, thou art a stubborn Spirit, and dost require a double conjurati∣on. Tell me therefore Rebellious Spirit, by the Power is given me over all Proud and self-conceited Serving-men, tell me what thou art? I am a poor young fel∣low, replied I, that would fain be now a sleep in my bed. It will be no easie thing to sift thee out, pursued she; but yet thus much I cleerly discover already, that thou hast little of a courtier in thee; for added she, should not you have first broken silence to me by an humble address, then have taken me by the Lilly hand, shot a Legion of Amorous Bolts and Sentences, prated impertinently, strugled for a kiss, and attemp∣ted to storm my breast, till you had been beaten off with a sound cuff or two on the ear, as many kicks in the britch, and scratches over the nose, and then have returned home, with these scars of Honour, Love, and Fortune De la Guerre. There are some such maids in Paris, indeed, said I, from whom I should take all these little affronts, as favours, and blesse the gen∣tle cruel hands that gave them; but there are others too, that I should dread to look upon, for fear of dream∣ing asterwards of the Devil. What you hint said she, that I perhaps am one of those Scare-Crows; but good Master-Hard-To Please, or Master Sweet-Lips, do not you remember the old saying, that All Cats are grey in the dark. Yes, but replied I, we must not therefore venture to do that in the dark,

whereof we may have cause to repent when the light ap∣pears But if I be handsom said she, what then? Then I have shewed you less respect then you deserve re∣plyed I; for if your beauty be equall to the charmes of your wit, you deserve not onely common Courtship, but adoration, that is in a formal way, according to the modern rules. And could you serve a Lady according to the rules in fashion, Said she? Better then any man living replied I, provided I loved her. What's matter for that, said she, so she fancy you. Nay both must joyn Issue where I engage, replied I Well tru∣ly said she If we may judge of the Master, by the ser∣ving man, then hath my Mistris made no ill choice in Monsieur Verville, and that waiting-maid that could smite you, would have no little cause to be proud of her purchase. 'Tis not enough to hear me only, said I, you must see me too. I believe either may be better let alone, replies she. Here our conversation ended; For Monsieur Saldagn knocked aloud at the street door, which they made no over-great haste to open, that his siister might have time to slip up into the Chamber. The poor Lady and her woman went away in such haste and disorder, that they had not the leisure to bid us adieu when they turned us forth of the Garden. Ver∣ville would needs have me go along with him to his Chamber, when we got home. I never saw a man so much in love, and so well pleased. He extolled the Wit of his Mistris, and told me, he should never be satisfied, till I had seen her. In fine, he kept me there all night, repeating e∣very thing over and over so often, that I could

get no time to sleep, till it was just break of day. For my own part, I admired to have met with such excellent witty discourse in a waiting maid, and I must confess I had a kind of an itching de∣sire to see, whether she were handsome or not, though the memory of my Leonora, made me very indifferent towards all the good faces I had seen in Paris. Monsieur Verville, and I, slept till it was noon. As soon as he waked, he wrote to Madam Saldagne, and sent the Letter by his foot∣man, who had carried several others, having a kind of correspondency with her Woman. This fellow was of lower Brittanie of a very ill shape, and a worse brain. It came into my thoughts, when I saw him going, that if the party, whe∣ther Waiting Gentlewoman, or Chamber maid for I knew not which, whom I had entertained with discourse; should see him in that rugged shape, and speak with him a while, that certainly she would not mistake him, for the person that waited on Verville. This great sot did his mes∣sage well enough for a sot, he found Madam Saldagn with her elder Sister; named Madam Lery, to whom she had imparted the affection she had for Verville. As he was waiting for an answer, they heard Monsieur Saldagan singing on the stairs. He was coming to his sisters chamber, who hastily conveyed the Brittish Ambassador into a close-stool room; The Brother made no long abode, so the Brittain was let out of the gun∣room again. Madam Saldagn locked her self up in her Closet a while, to write an answer to the Epistle, and Madam Lery talked with the Bittain,

whose conversation, I doubt prov'd but very dul. Her sister having ended her letter, released her from our clown, sending him back with a Tick∣et, wherein she promised to meet him that night at the same time and place as before. As soon as it was night, you may believe that Verville was ready to go to the place assigned. We en∣tred the Garden, and I was appointed to the like duty, I had before performed with the same Gentlewoman, that talked so wittily. She ex∣pressed more wit this second time, then she had at first, and both her accent and manner of speech was so taking, that I heartily wished she might have a face as beautifull, as her tongue was charming. In the mean while, she could not believe me to be the Letter-carrier she had seen, nor could imagine why I should have so much more judgment by night then by day: Which I imposed upon her, for having heard the fellow relate the passage of Monsieur Saldagnes coming to the Chamber, when he was fain to be thrust in a corner, I plaid upon her with it, tel∣ing her that I was not then in so much fear for my self, as for Madam Saldagne. This put it but of all dispute that I was the same ill fa∣voured Rogue, and I observed that afterwards, he began indeed, to treat me Chamber-maid ••ike. She then told me, that Monsieur Saldagn was a terrible man, who having lost both Father and Mother in his youth, being very rich, and having only a few of his Kindred, he exercised 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great deal of Tyranny over his sisters, to make them become Nuns, treating them, not onely

like an unjust Father, but rather like a hair-brain'd jealous husband. I was about to take my turn, and tell her a story of the Baron D^r Arques, and his children, when the garden door which we had not bolted, was thrown open, and in comes Monsieur Saldagn with two Foot-men, the one carried a lighted Torch in his hand. He came from a house which stood in the same row, where they gamed every day, a place frequenced by Saint Far, They had both plaid there that evening, and Saldagn having soon lost his money, was comming home by his back door, contrary to his custome, and there sur∣prized us, as I told you, finding the gate un∣shut. We were at that time all four of us toge∣ther in a cover'd walk, which gave us opportu∣nity to shun his sight. The Gentlewoman re∣mained there upon pretence of taking the fresh Air, and to give it the better Colour, began to sing, though against her will, as you may easily believe. In the interim Verville having scalla∣do'd the wall, jumped down; But a third foot∣man, that was but coming in, seeing him leap, failed not to run and give his Master notice, he had seen a man leap down the Garden wall as he came in. At the same instant I fell down back wards with a great noise of stones and rub∣bish, which Verville having loosened at his first going over, brake down and brought we with it on the Earth. This noise together with the fellows tale, alarm'd all those that were in the garden; Saldagn hastens to the said place fol∣lowed by his three men, and spying a man with

his sword drawn, (for as soon as I could get up I put my self in a posture of defence) he sets upon me at the head of his company, I soon made him know, I was no easy Conquest; the fellow that carried the Flambeau advanced further then the rest, which gave me the benefit of seeing Sal∣dagnes face, whom I soon knew to be the same French man that would have murthered me at Rome, for having hindred him to act his rude∣ness on Leonora, as I before related. He re∣membred me likewise at first sight, and making no doubt, but I was come thither to take my just revenge, he cryed out, you shall not escape me this time I assure you, and then I was hardly be∣set indeed, besides that I had almost broken one of my legs with my fall. I still retreated as I put by their thrusts, till I was gotten to a little Summer-house, whither I saw Vervilles Mistris run in before in a wofull condition. She kept within it, though she sa•• ••e enter, whether she wanted time or courage to go forth I know not. For my part, it encreased my resolution, find∣ing they could attaque me onely before, the passage being but narrow and the door less. I wounded Saldagn in one of his hands, and his bold footman in his arm, which made them give me a little more respite: Yet could I not have any probable hopes of making an escape; believing they would at last bethink themselves of making shorter work with the Pistols, they u∣sually have in such houses, then they had made with their swords; But Verville came to my re∣••ief; he would by no means go home without

me, and having heard the noise and bustle we made with our swords, he ventured to bring me off from the perril he had cast me into, or at least participate with me. Saldagne with whom he had made some acquaintance, thought he came to his aid as being a neighbor and a friend. He thought himself highly obliged and said, You see Sir, how I am set upon in my own house, Virville, who apprehended him, imediately re∣plyed, He would be his servant against any man whatever, excepting this same. Saldagne, en∣raged to find himself deluded, swore desparately, he did not doubt but to make his party good a∣gainst two such Traytors himself, and at the same instant charged Virville most furiously, who defended himself with a great deal of Gallan∣try. Then went I forth of my Summer-house to joyn with, and assist my friend, and just meeting with the Fellow that carried the Flam∣beau, I was loath to ki•••• him, but I gave him such a slash over the pate, that it frighted him, and made him run off from the spot, into the fields, crying out, Thieves, Thieves. The rest of the Foot-men fled likewise; and as for Saldagne, I saw him fall into a hedge at the same instant that the light left us, either wounded by Vir∣ville, or upon some other accident. We did not think it necessary to look after him any more, but minded our own escape with all the hast we could. Saldagnes Sister, whom I saw, knowing her Brothers rash and violent humour, stept to us, and begged of us softly, and with many tears, that we would take her along too. Ver∣ville

was over-joyned to have his Mistris in his own Power and Protection. We found our gar∣den door half open as we left it, nor would we make it fast as yet, least we should have a new occasion to go forth again of the sudden. With∣in our own Garden, there was a little pretty Summer-House painted and nearly adorned; where they did sometimes eat in hot weather, standing at some distance from the body of the Great House. My young Master and my self, did sometimes practise our fencing there, and this being the delightfullest place about the House, the Baron d' Arques, his Sons, and I, had each of us a Key, that we might go in at plea∣sure, and keep our the Servants, lest they should make havock of the Books, and other choice things that were there. In this place we lock'd up our Gentlewoman, whose grief was above our consolation: I told her, we would onely leave her a few moments to secure and order things, as the necessity of the accident required, and then immediately return again Verville was a long time waking his Foot-man, who had been debauching himself. As soon as he had, gotten a Candle lighted, we consulted a while where we should bestow Saldagnes Sister; at last we resolved, to lead her to my Chamber, in the upper part of the house, as being frequenced by no body but my self, and a Servant that be∣longed to me. We returned back to the Sum∣mer-House in the Garden with our light. Ver∣ville gave a great shreek at his going in, which mightily surprized me. I had not the time to

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aske what ailed him; hearing some voices just at the door, when I put out the light. Verville called out, who goes there? His Brother, Saint Far, Answered; It is I, what the Devil do you here in the dark, at this time of night? I am talking here with Gariguez, said Verville, because I am not yet sleepy. The same reason brought me hither too, replyes he, therefore pray eave me in this room a while to my self. We did not trouble him to aske twice; but I stealing out the Lady as dexterously as I could, and thrust∣ing my self betwixt her and Saint Far, who went in at the same time, carried her away to my Chamber, bemoaning her self infinitely, and then I went down to Vervilles room where his man was striking a light. Verville then told me, with a sad countenance, that he must of necessity return once more to Saldagnes: and what will you do there, said I, kill him out-right? Ha my poor Gariguez, said he, I shall be the most unhappy man in the world, if I do not get Ma∣dam Saldagne out of her brothers clutches. And can she be there still, replied I, and in my cham∣ber too? would she were so safe, said he, sigh∣ing. Surely you rave replied I. No I neither rave nor dream, said he; We have brought a∣way her elder sister instead of her, said he? why, replied I, were not you both in the Garden to∣gether? nothing's more certain, said he, and why will you return thither to endanger your self afresh, said I? since she that was in the gar∣den with you, is now safe in my Chamber: Ha Gariguez, cries he again, I know what I saw:

and so do I likewise, said I, and to prove your mistake, do but come up, and see Madam Sal∣dagne, whom I have secured. He told me I was an asse and came after me with the greatest trouble in the world. My astonishment was no less then his grief, when I found the Gentlewo∣man in my Chamber, not the same I saw and brought from the other house. Verville was as much amazed as my self: but more satisfied by farr, knowing this to be his Mistris contrary to expectation. He then confessed his own mistake, but I could make no answer, as not able to com∣prehend by what Magick one Lady whom I had seen and followed all the while, should be trans∣formed to another whom I never beheld till now, and all this in the time we went from the Summer house to the Chamber. I looked ear∣nestly upon Vervills Mistris, and was certain she was not the same, that I brought with me from Saldagnes. Verville seeing me so attentive, what's the matter, says he; I confess again, that it is my self was mistaken. Nay it is I, rather, am deceived most, if Madam Saldagne came a∣long hither with us, said I: With whom could she come else, replies he? I know not, nor no bo∣dy else, said I, unless she discover it her self. Nor can I tell, with whom I came my self, said she, unless it were with that Gentleman, point∣ing to me, for it was not you Monsieur Verville that brought me off: It was a man, that came into the Garden, immediately after you went first out of it; summoned there I suppose either by my brothers means or the foot mens out-cryes,

which alarmed him no doubt, and gave him notice of what had passed. He caused my brother to be carried into his Chamber, and my wating-woman, having related this to me, and assured me he was of my brothers acquaintance, and a neighbour as she perceived by his dis∣course with the servants; I went and staid for him at the Garden door, where I conjured him to take me away with him till the next day, that I could finde conveniency to retire to an ac∣quaintance of mine, where I would stay till my brothers fury was over, which I told him I had reason to dread above all the things in the world. This person very civily proffer'd to con∣duct me whither I would, and engaged to pro∣tect me from my brothers wrath, to the utmost of his power. Under his conduct I came to this house; where I heard Verville, whose voice I knew, speak to the same party, and immedi∣ately after I was brought up to this same cham∣ber where you now see me. This relation of Madam Saldagnes, though it did not clear all my doubt, yet it discovered so much, that it made me guess how it was brought about. As for Vervills part, he was so busie in gazing upon his dear Mistris, that he scarce minded what she said. He began to Court her with a many fine expressions, never examining how she came thi∣ther. But I took a Candle, and leaving them together, went back to the little Garden-house, resolving to speak with Saint. Far, though he should be as captious as ever. But I woudred, in stead of him, to finde the same Gentlewoman

there, whom I was certain I brought my self out of the next Garden, and that which encreased my wonder, was to see her in as much disorder, as if some violence had been offered to her; her head attire torn off, and her night handkerchief bloody in some parts of it, as her face was like∣wise. Verville, said she, as soon as I appeared, Do n••t come neer me unless it be to take away my life: I shall approve that much better, then a second at∣tempt upon my honour. And as Heaven hath given me strength to resist thee hitherto, so I doubt not, but I shall be able to scratch thy eyes out, if I cannot move thy heart. Is this the Noble, the Passionate Love you professed towards my Sister? O how dear do's my complyance with her follyes cost me? but when we act the things we should not, it is but just we should feel the smart of what we ever most abhor. But what dost thou now meditate; pursued she, perceiving my astonishment: Doest thou repent thy baseness, if thou doest it heartily, I can as readily forgive thy violence. Thou art but young, and it was my own weaknesse tempted thee, by putting my self into the hands of so unfit a Guardian. Convey me therefore, to my bro∣thers again, I do conjure thee, though he be never so rash and severe, I dread him farr less, then I do thee, who art a mortal enemy to our Family, not sattisfied with seducing a young Lady, and murthering a bro∣ther, unless this barbarous act compleat the crime. Hav∣ing said this, which was uttered with great ve∣hemence, she fell a weeping so bitterly, that I never saw one so afflicted. This I confess, made me forfeit all the little wit and judgment I was 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

I was till then Master of amidst so much confu∣sion, and if she had not ceased of her own ac∣cord to speak, I never should have interrupted her, so much was I astonished, with her com∣plaints, and the positive accusation she charged me so sharply with. But then, I made reply, and said, Madam, Neither am I Verville, nor will I ever believe, he can be guilty of such an unhandsome action, as this you mention; What, said she, Did I not see you engaged with my brother, did not a Gen∣tleman come to your assistance; and did not you bring me hither at my intreaty, where you have offered at such rudness, as was unbecoming both your self and me? She could say no more, so much her growing grief opprest her heart. For my part, I was never in the like perplexity, and could not ap∣prehend, how she should both know Verville and not know him at the same time. I told her as for the ugly violence she complained of, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was utterly ignorant of it, and since Monsie•••• Saldagne was her brother, I would conduct her if she pleased, to the same place where her sister now was. Just when I had spoken this, I spied Verville and Madam Saldagne coming into the roome where we were, his Mistrisse being abso∣lutely resolved, to go back again to her own Lodgings, but how this dangerous freak came into her head I know not. The two sisters em∣braced each other, as soon as they met, and be∣gan to renew their flowing tears abundantly Verville earnestly intreated them to return to my Chamber, laying before them the difficul∣ty of getting into their house at that unseasona∣ble

time; adding withal their brothers present sury; the safety of the place they were in; and how neer it was to break of day, which being once come, they would inquire how all things went, and accordingly they might resolve to remain, or go otherwhere as should be found convenient. Verville soon perswaded them to condescend to this proposition, the two si∣sters being now somewhat more secure in one anothers presence. We walked up to my Chamber, where having examined the strange events that had occurred, we were as apt to believe, as if our eyes had been witnesse, that it was Saint Far had attempted Madam L••ry infallibly, Verville and my self, knowing him capable of the like and worse actions. We were not deceived, in our conjectures; Saint Far had been gaming in the very same house where Saldagne lost his money, and passing by the Garden a little after the scuffle was o∣ver, he met with Saldagnes Footman, who told him what had befallen his Master, whom he swore had been set upon by eight or nine Thieves, thinking thereby to ex∣cuse his own cowardize, in running from the Fray. Saint Far thought himself obliged to proffer his service to his Neighbour, and did not leave him, till Y.e had helpt him in∣to his bed-chamber, after which he met Madam Saldagne at the Garden door, Who intreated him to carry her somewhere in safety from her Brothers fury, which caused him to conduct her, as we had done her Sister.

He intended therefore to secure her in the same place we had designed for the other, as you may have read before; and being as much afraid least we should discover his Lady, as we were carefull he might not see ours, the two Sisters by this accident, meeting together, just as he was coming in, and we going out; I hapned in the dark to catch his Lady by the hand, whilst he laid hold by a like mistake upon mine, and thus the women were exchanged. Which was the easilier done by reason it was very dark, and they so terribly affrighted at the late accidents, they knew not what they did in the hurry. As soon as we had left her in the Garden-house, Saint Far, finding himself alone with a very lovely Lady, and having more instinct then rea∣son, or to describe him in his natural colours being indeed a very beast, he takes advantage of the opportunity, never minding the conse∣quence, or what an irreparable affront he offer∣ed to a Lady of Quality, that had thrown her self into his Armes for protection. His baseness, though received its due reward; Madam de Lery defended her self like a Lyonness, bit him, scratched him, and tore his hair and face. Af∣ter all which, he only went up to bed, and slept as soundly, as if he were the innocentest crea∣ture in the World. You cannot perhaps con∣ceive how Madam Lery should come into play, not being with her Sister in their Garden at the time we were surprized, for as I before related, there were none besides Madam Saldagne, and her Waiting-woman, my Witty Compagnon.

This was a riddle to me likewise; But at last it was unfolded thus, Madam Saldagne, not daring to trust any other, but her own sister with the secret and management of her A∣mours, had perswaded her to attend under the notion of a waiting-woman, and this was the she I had conversed with under the Title of Maudlin. Here my wonder was at an end, how a Chamber-maid should attain to so much wit and divertive Fancies, as I found in her entertainment, and she told me she was no less puzled to hear me answer so handsomly by Night, and finde me so sot∣tish by day, when she mistook the dull Brit∣tain to be the same, which she was now convinced of. Ever after that, we had some concerne, above a bare esteem for one ano∣ther, and I dare avouch, that she was no ••esse satisfied then I, to finde our conditions more equall, then if either of us had been a mercenary servant. The day appeared while we were yet talking together, we left our Ladies in my Chamber, where they might sleep if they would, whilest Verville and I went to consult, what was next to be done. For my part, having no love fancies to disturb my brain, as Verville had, I died almost for want of sleep; but there was no appearance I should forsake so noble a friend, ••n so great a streight. I had a Foot-man Master of as much wit and subtilty, as Ver∣villes dull Rogue wanted. I gave him what instructions I could, and sent him to make

discovery how affairs stood at Saldagnes. He followed my orders very exactly, and brought us this fair account, that Saldagnes servant reported, the Thieves had desperately woun∣ded their Master, but as for the sisters, there was no more mention of them, then if there had never been any such alive, whether it were out of his neglect of them, or by his expresse order, to stifle such disadvantageous rumours. I see here must be something of a Duell after all this, said Verville; And per∣haps somewhat worse, replied I, whereupon I discovered that Saldagne was the same He∣ctor that intended to Murther me so basely at Rome, and how we came to know each other at the beginning of the bustle; and said I, If he does but imagine, as there is reason enough, that I lay there in wait to take my revenge of him, then certainly, he cannot at all suspect the intelligence betwixt his Sisters and you. I went to give an ac∣count to those fair Ladies of what we had learned, and in the mean time Verville vi∣sited Saint Far, to discover his businesse, and finde out the truth of our Suspicions. He soon perceived his face was soundly clawed. But whatever question VERƲILLE pro∣pounded, he could get no other ansvver but onely, as he came from the Game∣ing-House, he found SALDAGNES Garden door open, his House in an Up∣roar, and himself very much wounded, whom he caused to be laid in his bed. A

very strange accident, says VERVILLE no doubt but his Sisters will be hugely affl••cted: They are very handsome Ladies, and I must go and give them a visit.

What is that to me? sayes this bruite, who fell a whistling, not minding or giv∣ing any reply to what ever his Brother afterwards desired to know. VERVIL∣LE left him and returnes to my Cham∣ber, where I was employing all my elo∣quence to comfort the distressed Damsels. They even dispaired, and apprehended the greatest severity from their brothers jealousie, a man wholly inslaved to his pas∣sions. My servant brought them some Meat from the next Cook; which he was constantly employed in for fifteen dayes to∣gether, so long were they concealed in my quarters; not being all that while discove∣red, my chamber being above the rest, and so much out of the common rode and pas∣sage, that no body disturbed them in the ••east. They could willingly have put them selves into some Nunnery for shelter, had not they feared their Brother would have confined them Eternally to that melancho∣••y life, after so strange an accident. In the ••nterim SALDAGNE was healed of his Wounds, and Saint FAR, as we observed went every day to visit him, VERVILLE went not out of my Chamber, which vvas not taken much notice of in the Family, he ••eing vvont to passe many whole weeks in

his Study, or in discourse with me. His Love grew every day greater for Madam SALDAGNE; and she loved him no lesse: I was not very unwelcome to her El∣der Sister, nor did I entertain her civility with indifferent thoughts. Not that my passion towards LEONORA abated any whit; But there was little to be expected from her, and though I might have obtai∣ned her, yet should I have made some scru∣ple to have brought her so much beneath her Birth. A while after, VERVILLE received a Ticket from SALDAGNE, wherein he gave him notice that he wait∣ed for him with a second to decide their quarrel by the Sword, and in the same Tick∣et, he intreated VERVILLE to bring no other but my self against him, which made me suspect, he intended to take us both in the same Trap. This suspition had founda∣tion good enough from the former experi∣ence of his Treachery; but ƲERƲILLE would not countenance me in it, resolving to give him any just satisfaction, and to proffer a marriage with his sister. He sent for a Hack∣ney Coach, though there were two belonging to their Family. We went too the place ap∣pointed by the Message, where SALDAGNE waited for us, and where ƲERƲILLE was much astonished to finde his own Brother, seconding his Enemy. We omitted neither submissions nor intreaties to bring all things to a fair composure, but nothing lesse the••

fighting would serve the turn of those two irrati∣onal men. I was about to have confessed to Saint Far, how much it was against my will to draw a Sword against him; He told me roundly, that ••e had never cherished any kindness for me, ••or could any thing endear me to him, till he ••pened a passage or two with his Swords point, ••or his good will to enter at. With these words ••e came fiercely towards me: I only put by his ••hrusts for some time, resolved, if it were pos∣••ible, to disarm him, though not without ma∣••ifest danger to my self. Fortune befriended ••••e therein, for he slip'd down at my feet, I ••ave him time to rise, and that which should ••ave made him become my friend, encreased ••is Enmity. In fine, having given me a slight ••rick in the breast, he vapoured like a Welch ••an, and said, I think you feel me now; with ••o much insolence and pride, that I quite lost ••y patience; This made me press upon him, ••nd having put him into some disorder, I got 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happily within his Weapon, that I seized ••n the Hilt. The Man, you have so little love ••ove for, said I, will give you your Life, Sir. ••e struggled a while most unseasonably, and ••ould not reply a word, like an unworthy rash ••erson as he was, though I admonished him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go and part his Brother from Saldagne, who ••ere grappled and rowling over one another ••on the ground. But I perceived I must be ••ore rough, and therefore wrench'd his hand ••••d forced away his Sword, which I threw a

good distance from us. I ran imediately to as∣sist Verville, who was closed with his Anta∣gonist. When I came near, I saw afar o•• several Horsemen galloping towards us; Sal∣dagne was soon after disarmed, and at th•• same instant I felt my self wounded in th•• back by Saint Far. This made me throw a•• side all the respect I had for him, and retu•••• him a thrust that made no little wound. Th•• Baron his Father coming in at that instant, an•• seeing me make the thrust, did now hate m•• the more, for having loved me so much fo••••merly. He spurred his Horse up towards m•• and stroke me on the head. Those that cam•• with him followed his example, and joynt•••• set upon me. I defended my self most ha••∣pily from them all; but must needs at la•• have fallen a sacrifice to this Multitude, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Verville, the most generous friend on Earth had not thrust himself, betwixt them and m•• at his own Peril. He gave his own Footman good out over the pate, because he found hi•• more forward then the rest, to get his Maste•• Applause. I yielded up my Sword to th•• Baron, but that could not appease him he called me Rascall, and ingratefull Villai•• and all the injurious Names his Choler fu••∣nished his tongue withall, even so far, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 threaten to have me hang'd. I smartly r••∣plyed, that as much Villain as I was, I h•••• given his Eldest Son his Life, when it l•••• at my mercy, Nor had I offered to hu••••

him in the least, till he had too much pro∣••oked me to it, and wounded me unhand∣••omely behind, whil'st I was busie in parting ••he other Combatants. Verville maintained ••hat I was in the right, but he said he would ••ever see my face again, Saldagne went in∣••o the Barons Coach, which they had brought ••or Saint Far, and Verville, who would by no ••eans leave me, took me into another with ••imself. He set me down at one of our Great ••ens Houses, where he had many friends, and ••eturned to his Fathers soon after. Monsieur ••aint Sauveur sent a Coach for me that very ••ight, and carried me privately to his owne ••ouse, where he had as much tender care of me, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if I had been his only Son. Verville came to ••e me the day following, and told me his Fa∣••••er had been informed of the challenge by ••••ldagnes Sisters, whom he hapned to finde in ••y Chamber. He likewise assured me with a ••••eat deal of Joy, that the business was ta∣••••n up by an agreement of a double Mar∣••••age to be consumate as soon as his B••o∣••••ers wounds were healed, who was not hurt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any mortal part; That it lay in my power 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be made friends with Saldagne, his Fathers ••••ger being appeased, who was very sorry he ••••d misused me. He added, his hopes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suddain cure, that I might be a sharer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Joy; But I replyed, I could not find 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my heart to stay in a Country, where I ••••s subject to be reproached with the mean∣nesse

of my Brith and Fortune, but would suddainly leave that Kingdome, either to loose my life in some forreign Service, o•• raise my self by my Sword to a condition proportionate to the sentiments of Honou•• his Noble Example had inspired me with. believe my resolution troubled him; But on that is so much in love as he was then, can not mind any thing long but his over-rulin•• Passion. Destiny was thus going on with h•• story, when they heard the report of a Pee•• in the street, and presently after one playin•• upon a pair of Organs. This kind of Music•• never perhaps before, used in the street, calle•• all those People in the Inn to their Window that had been waked with the Gun. Th•• Organs plaid on, and those that were n•• strangers to such Instruments, perceived it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be a Church Tune. No body could appr••∣hend the drift of so devout a Sevenade, whic•• yet they knew not what to make. But th•• doubt was soon resolved by two pittiful sing∣ing-men, the one squeeling out a treble par•• to which the other roared as sad base: These two Catter-waulers making horrid a Consort with the Organs, as s•• all the Doggs a howling round about. Th•• Sung,

Let our Charming Notes, and our Ivory Lutis, Ravish every soul, &c.

With the rest of that Dity. After these harsh notes: they over heard a third person revil∣ing them for singing so Cuco-like always one Tune. The poor Choristers replyed, they knew not what the Devil he would have them sing? sing what you will else, said he, speaking little lowder, you must not think to come off thus, since I have hired you so dear. Upon this the Organs changed their Tone, and sung ano∣ther zealous Anthem with the like skill. None of the hearers had yet spoken a word, for fear of interrupting their Melody; but at last Ran∣cour, who could not tye up his tongue, though his life lay on it, bawl'd out aloud. What do they use to sing Divine Service here in the street? This shews a Zeal to some Tune, I-faith, says another. 'Tis a nightly Procession adds a third. They have robed some Chappel of the Organs, pursues a fourth, and are now singing their thankful Mattins to the De∣vil their master. In fine, every one that looked our, had some merry saying or o∣ther upon this subject, none neither know∣ing or imagining who should be the simple Author of that ridiculous freak. Mean time the Musick went along playing: When, such a Baggage is blinde Fortune, nine or ten great Dogs, were sent by her to hunt after a proud Bitch, who taking shelter betwixt the Musitians Leggs, to save her self from a rope, and these hot spirited Rival fol∣lowing her close at heels, and quarrelling

as Rivals are wont to do for their Mistris, after some grumbling, snarling and grin∣ning of Teeth; they fell together by the ears of a sudden, with so much fury and animosity, that the poor fellows to save their shins ran all away, and left their Engine to the mercy of the Dogs; whilst those immoderate Lovers were so uncivil, in the heat of their scuffle as to throw down the Harmonious Machine with the Frame that supported it, and I should be loath to swear that some of them did not lift up a legg and pisse upon the Reverend Orgains when the Fray was ended, those creatures being extreamly diuretick natu∣rally; but especially when the smell of an Amorous Mistris tells them she is in a con∣dition to proceed to the multiplication of her species. The Consort being thus dis∣corded, mine Host made them open his door, and would needs secure the Organs and Frame from further mischief. Whilst he and his servants were doing their cha∣ritable office; The Organist returns to his Instrument, accompanyed with three o∣thers, amongst whom were a Man with a Woman under his Cloak. This Man was the very Ragotin himself, who would needs bestow a Serenade upon Madam Star, and to that purpose had hyred a little Eunuch, who was an Organist, belonging to the Church: And this was the Monster, being neither man,

woman, nor Hermophodite, that Sung the treble part, and plaid upon the Organs, brought thither by a Maid; whilest a Chori∣ster that had been twice mewed, sung Base, and all this for a brace of nine pences, so dear was every thing grown in that good Countrey of Maine. As soon as mine Host had found out who were the Authours of this rare Serenade, he spake thus to him, so loud that every one of his guest heard it. Tis you then, it seems, Monsieur Ragotin, that come with your Vespers to my Gate, it had been wiselier done to have kept your folly at home, then di∣sturb my Guests at this time of Night. Ragotin replyed, that he was mistaken in his man; but yet spoke it so, as if he intended to discover what he seemed to deny. But, infine, the Organist seeing his Instrument much impaired, being a Cholerick creature, as all Beardlesse Ani∣mals are wont to be, swore to Ragotin that he should pay for the repairing of them. Ragotin replyed, that he should laugh at that. It is no laughing business, said the Eunuch, I will be paid my Dammages: Mine Host and his people gave their Votes for the Gelding: But Ragotin made them understand like ignorants as they were, that this was never the custome in Sere∣nades, and so went away very proud of his Gallantry: The Musitians laid the burthen on the she Porters back, who carried them home to their Caponised Masters house, he, sad Creature, following her with the broken

Frame; The Inne Doors were locked up a∣gain; DESTINY wished the Ladies good rest, pleasant Dreams, and a cleanly re∣surrection next morning, deferring the re∣mainder of his story, to the next fit oppor∣tunity.