Lisarda; or, The travels of love and jealousy. A novel. In two parts. / By H.C. gent. ...

Lisarda: OR, THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy.

PART II.

THE Corregidor daily visited Ricardo Antonio, who though his Wounds were by the di∣ligence of Skilful Surgeons almost heal'd, yet none understanding his

continued Distemper, nor the means to heal his Heart, he was of a brisk Gallant Man, become extreamly the Contrary; full of thought, and often discoursing and muttering to him∣self, that the Corregidor extreamly fear'd Madness might be the Conse∣quence of his restless Mind; and therefore by all means endeavour'd to recreate him; but this augmented his uneasiness, by adding to his grief such things as he shunn'd; therefore being wholly Cur'd of his Wounds, he resolv'd by travel, thinking Li∣sarda lost, to get rid of his Cordial, though troublesome Friends; and to this purpose, he, with all privacy, got things in a readiness, and in the dusk∣ish of the Evening rid out of Town, and in short time arriv'd at Barcelona, and finding an opportunity to Em∣barque, aboard the Gallies of the Great Duke of Tuscany, who were up∣on their return; before he Embark'd, by Letters he acquainted his Friends of his health, and taking Bills of Ex∣change

for Rome, he set forward.

He acquainted the Captain of the Gally who he was, who treated him with all the Respect due to a Person of his Merit, and order'd his Lodg∣ing in the great Cabbin; where he endeavour'd to divert himself with the Lecture of some Books he had bought to that purpose at Barcelona; there was also lodg'd another Gentle∣man near Ricardo, whose Pensiveness and Melancholy, occasion'd Ricardo to take notice of him, and made him desirous to know the cause of his Sad∣ness; sometimes he was seen to lift up his Eyes to Heaven, at other times was heard to sigh and Curse his ad∣verse Fortune. One night after the many that Ricardo had heard this Gentleman sigh and groan, when others were bless'd with repose, and only they two lay a-wake, (for with the grieved there is no pleasing slum∣bers, nor rest, but such as Nature by force extorts from their Melancholy hours) Ricardo said to him, Truly

Sir, though you are a stranger to me, the trouble I perceive you lie under has ex∣treamly disturb'd me; for 'tis not a small Portion of Pity that should be bestow'd on so worthy a Gentleman under Affliction, which truly if I could any way remedy, I would willingly adventure my Life to ob∣tain your quiet; and in travelling many times are knit the strictest bonds of Friendship: Pardon me, (my own Con∣dition somewhat resembling yours, in that I also am under very uneasy Circumstan∣ces) if I desire that we may for the time to come, be pair'd in the happy number of Friends; and therefore hoping your bounty will not refuse my desire, I am willing to relate to you my Misfortunes, which I believe, if they are not greater, they may equal yours; hoping also that you'll pay me in the same Coin.

Extreamly pleased was the Melan∣choly Gentleman, with the courte∣ous offers of Ricardo, who desir'd not to wonder that he of himself should relate a misfortune, that ought to be for his honour kept private from all

the World, but his Civilities had such influence over him, that he had not Power to refuse him any thing; besides he thought the stillness of the night requir'd a Companion to Dis∣course with to pass away those tedi∣ous hours; so that Ricardo began, and related the whole story of his Misfor∣tunes; and having ended, the Gen∣tleman confest his Misfortunes were great, but those he should relate were far exceeding his, in as much as he had not only lost a Mistress that he lov'd, but a Wife, whom he admir'd above all Worldly things; and his Honour, a thing that ought to be dearer than Life: And it was thus.

The History of Don Enrique Thomas.

MY Name is Enrique Thomas de Guanches Fernandez Ysugo, my Country Barcelona, the Metropolitan of the noble Principality of Cattalonna,

my Quality of the Most Illustrious in that State; my Estate, though not of the largest, yet enough; and my Age thirty four Years: There dwelt in the very next House to my Fathers, a young Lady, whom I lov'd as I grew in sense and years, beginning from my Childhood: I mistake, I should say ador'd; for 'tis more than love, not to be said to live out of her sight. Our Parents were intimate Friends, and so our Acquaintance and Intima∣cy was the less noted by the Neigh∣bours, or scandaliz'd by the Envious. I will not tire you with the account of my Endeavours to please and gain that amiable Creature, that would be to tire you, as also refresh my Mind, and make me suffer a second Martyrdom; but in short, I'll say no Art, no Industry, no Zeal, can ever second mine to Donna Estefania, for so is she nam'd, who by her In∣gratitude hath caus'd my Misery; It will be enough to say we were both Children, our Loves great, her Beauty

vast, and her behaviour at that time exceeding Modest, very Witty, and consequently well discours'd; our op∣portunity did not a little encrease our Flames, for with the leave of our Parents, we at any time might see each other; and indeed seldom was it we were a sunder; by which our Parents perceiving our desires, con∣firm'd their Friendship by affinity, Marrying us both very young; who yet for all that, in our desires had been long wedded. Whoever say that Marriage gluts, and consequently impairs Love, certainly must be such dull Souls, who more like Brutes than Men, are but satisfying their sensual Appetite, while I'm sure all refin'd Spirits, who by the continual Enjoy∣ment, have daily the Experiments of the Wit, the Modesty, the Love, the pleasing Behaviour, affording daily fresh supplies to edge his Appetite, though her Beauty should diminish, and though I cannot pretend to more than just a reasonable Man, yet like

another Columbus, after many years of Enjoyment (when I thought it was impossible to love more, I found new Worlds, and daily fresh Delights, unknown to me the day before; ten Years did compleat my Joys with her, for as Heaven envy'd my Happiness, and malicious Hell resolv'd to obstruct it, after these years where Joys and Blessings crowded to me, by the vast∣ness, (I had been happier, had my love been less.) Our Estates joining together was so great, that her desire could not reach my Liberality, the Ostentation being conformable to our Riches, that we never so much ap∣pear'd Lover and Mistress, as when we were Man and Wife, but who would think it, Don Ricardo, that with all these visible signs of Love, (I am asham'd to say it) that Estefa∣nia should offend my Honour, that she should defile my Bed, rejoicing in a Strangers Arms; at least in de∣sire if not in deed; and who would think, that I being whom I am, should

live to own it, and that grief for the loss of my Honour should not deprive me of Life: I will not, my Dear Friend, nor will my Honour permit me to speak ill of that Sex, since we owe our Births to them, with the dangers of their own lives; but lay∣ing these natural Obligations aside, and to speak how firm they ought to be, and how constant: tell me what trust can a Man put in that Sex, or who can sleep secure of their Trea∣sons, since Estefania could be false? But to tell the story of my Misfor∣tune, Heaven having given me a Son, no less Beautiful than Witty, and ha∣ving seen him brought up with all the Accomplishments his Age was ca∣pable of; and since I could not leave him a larger Estate, I was desirous to better it by a Title to some Habit; and advis'd with my Wife, who said so much, and seem'd so eagerly to regret my absence for the time re∣quir'd to procure it at Court, that I even repented my self of the thought;

but considering it did import us, and above all, that I earnestly desir'd it, with much ado she gave me leave for fifteen days; for as she knew not the Court, she thought that enough to gain my pretensions: In short, I left Barcelona, and in a short space arriv'd at Madrid, and order'd my affairs so happily, that Fortune seem'd desirous to return me into Estefania's Arms; for the King understanding the desert and services of my Fathers to the Crown, shortened the dispatch: Every Letter I receiv'd from Estefa∣nia, was fill'd with Complaints of my absence, and Prayers for my quick return; and I with the same desires, leaving my dispatches to the care of a Servant, made all possible haste to reach Barcelona within the limits of the time given me; and taking Post, such was my diligence, that had not a Tempest of Rain, Thunder, and Lightning hinder'd, I had enter'd Barcelona on the third day after my setting out of Madrid; but this sud∣den

change of the Weather, from a fine clear Day to a very stormy Even∣ing, oblig'd me to put into an Inne but two Leagues distant from my abode; where while I was resting my self, and ordering something for Supper, there came in a Gentleman, who by his Mein and Garb, I guest to be of Quality; but he was so wet, that I was oblig'd, although I did not know him, to offer him my Servants to un∣dress him and help to dry his Cloaths; and told him, if he pleas'd to accom∣pany me at my Table, I should esteem the Favour, and that he might also lodge with me: Don Federico thankt me (for so was his Name;) and af∣ter Supper, we pass'd an hour or two in relating Stories and several other Matters: In which discourse he shew'd much Judgment, speaking excellent Sense, and withal very chearful and witty. It being time now to betake our selves to our Lodging, we went into our Chamber, where while my Servant was undressing me, he said;

Sir, you expected a pleasanter Nights Lodging than what you'll find here, the Storm having depriv'd you of my Ladies Company: Federico answer'd also, vex'd at his ill luck, That Misfor∣tune reaches both of us, for I also thought to have had the Embraces of an Angelical Creature; that tho' it may be vain-glorious for me to say it, loves me, and is indeed in my mind the finest Woman in Barcelona; when, instead of that, I found my self in a Storm that drove me into this House, where were it not for Don Enrique's Courtesie in admitting me into his Company, had far'd much worse.

The Night is such, said I, (not dreaming of my Misfortune) that it would have been a Misfortune to the Lady, had you got thither; for I fear you are not in the best Condi∣tion to Content her. If it were not her Beauty, said the inadvertiz'd Gen∣tleman, her Name is — unfortunate: The Servants took no notice of our

Discourse, and so unwilling to dive further into the Matter before them, I staid till we were in Bed, and they had lock'd the Doors and were gone; but no sooner did I see our selves a∣lone, but with as impertinent a Cu∣riosity, as malicious, and designedly to know the Lady's Name, I told him, I thought no Name in Spain un∣fortunate, because they are Names of Saints that are always given in Spain. To this he answer'd, That ever since in Castile there was a Lady named Estefania, who was kill'd by her Hus∣band, without ever offending him, only by the deceit of a Servant, That it was a vulgar Attribute of the Este∣fania's to be unfortunate. According to this your Lady is called Estefania said I, a little altered: And he an∣swer'd, Having told you the Story first, it would be a folly to think to hide her Name now: So craving leave to sleep, he turn'd himself, and left me not altogether free from a vil∣lainous suspicion of being Horn'd:

But however, when I represented to my self all the Letters of Estefania's Desire of my Return, her continual Love to me, her modest Behaviour, &c. I thought it a madness to think her false, whom I suppos'd as pure as Vestal Virgins, except in the Obliga∣tion of Matrimony, and so perswaded my self in the City there might be others of the Name. It was hardly Day when I gave Federico the Good∣morrow, asking him if he would rise to go into the City, that we might be there before Noon; and because he told me, that his Affairs requir'd him to stay till Night, and so I might go alone, and that afterwards he would enquire for me: But to tell you the Truth, my Desire was to be satisfied in my Mind, and to know who this Estefania was that he Gal∣lanted; so that I told him, that I would stay also and go along with him. He attributed this to Cour∣tesie and Affection, which indeed was Doubt and Jealousie. We re∣turned

to the same Discourse that we had before, and I offer'd my Service to him, if there were any Danger in the Atchievement of his Love. He thankt me, and told me there was no Danger, for though I have several Nights been within the House, yet I have not seen the Street, nor out∣ward Walls, nor could I find the House, though I endeavour'd it, such has been the Care and Secrecy of the Owner. 'Tis very strange said I, for you seem to contradict your self; How could you so often be in a House without seeing the Street? Well, that I may not seem a Cheat to you, I'll tell you, said he, and let you see the cunning Contrivances of the Sex when they would carry on an Intrigue. I was one Afternoon in the great Street buying a piece of Silk, and there came a Lady Veil'd to buy some Ribboning, and though now well cover'd with her Veil, yet at her first entrance into the Shop, she was not so much cover'd, but I saw a

a Glimpse of the most charming Creature I ever beheld: I came to her with the Courtesie men of my Quality should, desiring her to take what she had a mind to, without any other Interest, than to accept on't; She turn'd to her Servant, as 'twas, laughing at my Proffer, or wondring at my Liberality, being unusual: I discours'd with her awhile, and at last she came to tell me, that my Person pleas'd her, and that not through lightness, but a certain se∣cret Inclination oblig'd her to love me, from the very time she first saw me; for as Fowls have no Sex, so I think it not strange for a Woman to love at first any more than a Man; but she oblig'd me not to follow her, telling me, she was a Woman of more Obligations than I could ima∣gine; but that if I desir'd to see her again, she would expect me in a Walk call'd La Marina, naming me the Day and Hour I should meet her. I really thought this, added he, but

a Trick to get rid of me, till the Day and Hour that I was appointed, I saw her coming thither in a Coach, and stepping forth, that we might be more free and solitary, we took a Boat and went up the River; She acquainting me with her Love, tel∣ling me she wisht she were in a Con∣dition to dispose of her self, and I thanking her for those vast Favours, promis'd to love none other but her self: Thus did we several Days con∣tinue our Interviews, but one After∣noon that I found her in more than her ordinary loving Humour, I laid hold on the Opportunity, desirous to know her Quality. I pray'd her, since I was confident her Ingenuity could not be wanting to find a means of our seeing one another without gi∣ving her the trouble of coming out of her House; at first she made some Difficulty, but Love, according to the Latin Phrase, Overcomes all things, made her at last agree to it, but on condition I should behave my self

with great Care of her Reputation, with all Secrecy, and not be Inqui∣sitive farther than she would let me know her Pleasure. These Articles, with several others to the same pur∣pose, agreed on between us, we part∣ed, but not for long, for the next Day I was to go to her House in the man∣ner she should propose. Accordingly the next Day at the Marina Walk I expected her Orders. I had not been there long, before I saw two men bringing a Chair, in green Liveries, who bad me enter, and then closing all things well about me that I could not see, they had no sooner seated me and open'd the Chair, but I found my self in a fine large Room very well furnisht, hung with Arras, the Andirons Plate, Escritores and Cabi∣nets of curious worked Olive, inlaid with Ivory and Ebbony, and very fine Pictures: I had but just turn'd round to see this Room, when the beauteous Lady came to me, into whose House I often entred thus, be∣ing

still carried out in the same man∣ner; once my Curiosity, contrary to my Promise urged me, seeing one of the Chair-men in the Street that us'd to carry me, to ask whose Livery that was? and they told me, that it belong'd to Donna Estefania de Ar∣costy fuentes, by which I have sup∣pos'd that to be the Name of the charming Creature I love.

Here Federico put an end to his Story, and I remain'd confirm'd in the Opinion of my Disgrace, and yet I had some Place to doubt it, because all he had said was Ambiguous, and might serve for some other unfortu∣nate; but such delight he took in the relation of it, that he told so many Circumstances and signs of the House, as of the Beds, Cabinets, Hangings, and particularizing some Pieces of rare Paintings, of which I have ma∣ny, (being a great Admirer of them) of the Hands of all the most famous Artists, by which I was assur'd my House was the abus'd; and therefore

dissembling the Matter as much as I could, because about Four in the Af∣ternoon we mounted our Horses, and began our Journey towards the Town, he still telling what Pleasures he hop'd, and as it were each Word stabbed me to the Heart, for so doth every Injury done to my Honour reach the tenderest part about me; but I when I saw my self on the Road, was not so careful of any thing as to watch a convenient time, if not to Cure, at least to Revenge my Ho∣nour by his Death: Therefore I or∣der'd my Servants to make haste be∣fore us to tell my infamous Wife of my coming: At the crossing of a very thick Wood, where for many Years the Branches of the Trees hid the Roots from the heat of the Sun, I drew my Sword and gave him so strong a thrust through the Breast, that without speaking he fell on the Ground, where lighting from my Horse I gave him many Blows, that in a short time I put him past offend∣ing

me, or defending himself; he begg'd me not to kill him, but to give him time to confess, not knowing me, nor for why I used him so cru∣elly: I then thinking it would be too much Rigour, not to spare him so much time, since in it though his Bo∣dy was beyond the Art of Chirurge∣ry to heal, his Soul might be cured; I left him alive; for one thing it is to revenge my Honour as a Gentleman, and another thing to be a Christian; as I was offended, and in so nice a point, I thought I ought to have ended him; but as a Catholick I held back my Arm, that he might save his Soul; for to hinder a dying man of Confession, is to out-brave Impiety it self, and follow the Offender into Hell with my Revenge, and without doubt it hardens the Heart of God against such a one, when he shall de∣mand Mercy: therefore hearing Hor∣ses at a distance, that I might not be discover'd, I mounted and rode away, and as I rid I consider'd what

was to be done hence-forward, and considering with my self that to kill my Wife, would be to publish the Infamy as done, which was but just conceiv'd in Thought, and by that our Family would lose its ancient Lustre, I thought it a better Revenge to deprive her of my sight for ever; and with this Resolution in a short time I overtook my Servants, to whom I said, that on a Discourse of nothing we had had some few words, and that his Opiniatism had afronted me by his using some uncivil Lan∣guage, on which we fought, and in which Fight I had kill'd him, so that I would not have it known in Barce∣lona that I had left Madrid, but in disguise enter the Town, and so Em∣bark for Italy, or some foreign Coun∣try; and hearing of these Gallies, I addrest my self to the Captain of this Gally, who hath been very civil to me; but amidst all the Civilities he hath shewn, there is none I esteem more than having plac'd you so near me:

But now see, continu'd he, if any Mis∣fortune can be greater than mine, that loving (for I must own still I adore her) my Wife, I am forc'd never to see her more; while every one thinks perhaps, there being so many High-way-men here abouts, that I am faln into some such hands, and murder'd: Ah! I would to God it were so, or that it had been a com∣mon Soul to have born this Affront, that had not the loss of his Honour so imprinted in his Soul; that yet sometimes a Thought of Revenge will break through the Walls of Love, and makes me sometimes wish I had serv'd my Wife, as I did Fe∣derico.

With Reason did Ricardo admire the strange Story Enrique told, which began their Acquaintance, and con∣tinued, so that being Arriv'd at Na∣ples they resolv'd not to part, but to Travel together: And having seen all the Curiosities of that stately Ci∣ty, they past by Civita Vecchia to

Rome, where Ricardo took Money for his Journey upon his Bills of Ex∣change, and when they had kiss'd the Pope's Feet, and seen those innu∣merable things worthy of Remark in this famous City, they departed, with intention to go to Loretta, and visit that House, where so many thousands daily come out of Devo∣tion; but as they were going into the Church, he was stopt by a Man on his Knees, who cry'd out, For∣give me, Sir, what-ever I have offended you in; I am heartily sorry, and must own 'tis only in your vast Generosity and known Goodness I trust. This startled Ricardo, but Reflecting, he remem∣bred Don Fulgentio Antonio's Voice, and bidding him Rise, he told him he'd freely forgive him, and so walk∣ing into the Church, where after they had done their Devotions, and satis∣fied their Curiosity, they Retir'd to their Lodgings, and while Dinner was getting ready, Ricardo desir'd Fulgentio to Relate to him the Occa∣sion

of his Travels, and as far as might be known, the cause of his visit∣ing this Place of Devotion; which he consented to do, on his Promise that all past Actions should be forgot; and thus began:

The History of Don Ful∣gentio Antonio.

MY Pretensions to Donna Clara Lisarda you are sufficiently ac∣quainted with; how earnestly I lov'd, it is hardly possible in my Opinion to Comprehend; this hath been the Cause of all my Misfortunes which happen'd, as follows:

After my mistake was discover'd when I met you on the Road, such a Raging Madness possest my Soul, that had it not been Envy and a de∣sire of Revenge, I had certainly en∣ded my Life by laying violent hands on my self, where there lay no fault; for your too great Generosity as it

made me appear a Villain, so my Villainy made it appear the more re∣splendent amidst all my rash Acti∣ons, by which any other man, less good than your self, so often as For∣tune favour'd you with the Oppor∣tunity, would have made use of your Victory; (so far was you from deser∣ving any blame) that you never so much as offer'd to satisfie a Revenge that might have grown in any o∣ther Breast.

After I found that instead of Lisarda I had married Clara, finding by what you said, and Clara, that you went in search of Lisarda, I presently drove to a Village of mine, where with the Offers of a Reward I got eight of my Servants to wait your Return, giving Clara a thousand sweet words lest she might obstruct my Design. I left her in the Village while we, well Mounted and Arm'd, waited your Return on the Road, where you know how we rid away with the Coach: I hoping by this to confirm her in the

Belief of your Infidelity; and if not to get my own Ends at least, to dis∣pose her never to make you happy While we were on the way I used my Rhetorick, with all the Vows and Protestations imaginable, after my endeavours of disswading her from you; then I told her that now 'twas in my power whither I'd car∣ry her, and how I'd dispose of her; and therefore she had better comply than venture the Displeasure of a cho∣lerick Man: But all this produc'd nothing but Scorn and Slights from her, telling me no Man should ever have her, except Ricardo, who, how∣ever the Misfortune happen'd that Night, she was sensible he lov'd her, and was one deserving her love. I told her you were kill'd in the Skir∣mish. With that a Flood of Tears drop'd from her Eyes; O ye Powers said she! Then is Ricardo dead, and dar'st thou Villain, who hath been the cause, appear before me? go, know I loath Thee, and that now I'll die a

Maid, and ever bemoan the loss of that brave Man. But then is he dead, said she, and the Cause so near me yet lives! Snatching my Dagger from my side, gave me a Wound in my Breast, that had certainly kill'd me had her Arm had but a little more strength: At last, when I saw no∣thing could prevail, and that in her Company I endanger'd my Life, I be∣thought my self of carrying her to a Country-House I had, where I would keep her some time, to see if I possi∣bly could gain her by all the Endea∣vours that Love and Kindness could invent; which I did, and resolving not to stay with her, but to absent my self awhile, giving strict Orders to my Servants not to let her escape, but withal, to let her have all she could demand. I returned to Clara, who daily so endeavoured to make me love her; and considering I was married, and that I had best to make my Life as easie as I could: In two Months time seeing no hope of pre∣vailing

on Lasarda, Clara had so far gain'd me, that I really felt Motions of the greatest Tenderness for her; and as they say, Love begets Love, so was it with me; I left plying Lisar∣da with Letters, and began to forget her, and to have my Thoughts wholly taken up by Clara: So that at last I took Coach and went to vi∣sit Lisarda; and having heard that after you was heal'd, you went to Travel, told her what I knew, which so Rejoyc'd her, that she easily par∣don'd me for all things past, and so ordering a Coach, I had her convey'd to Town, where she remains in her Fathers House. With what Pleasure Ricardo heard all this, is not to be express'd, but it was plainly seen by his change of Countenance, for now he had recover'd a certain Gaiety and Briskness common to him before his Misfortune: But Dinner coming up stop'd the Procedure of Fulgentio's re∣lation. Don Enrique all the while at Dinner perceiv'd such Alacrity in

Don Ricardo's Looks, and observing the many Questions he ask'd Don Fulgentio of Lisarda's Health, &c. that he easily perceiv'd the Pleasure he took in hearing of her, and so began her Health, for which Don Ricardo thank'd him; but no sooner was Din∣ner ended, but Fulgentio was desir'd to continue his Relation; which was thus:

After I had got Lisarda's Pardon, and heard she was safe at her Fa∣thers, my Love encreas'd so much towards Clara, that I don't know whether I could have thought my self happier with any one. She sent to her Relations, who were over-joy'd at her good Fortune, in getting a Husband after her miscarriage, and one of my Quality; they made her an indifferent Portion: But as I lov'd her, so did I grow jealous of her, re∣membring she had been faulty, and having one Night stay'd out, the next Morning a Servant told me he had seen a Man enter into my House, that

was but just gone before my coming, who with all their Privacy in bring∣ing him in and out, could not escape his Eyes: I without any further as∣surance, thought it must be Clara that was faulty, and there-withal go∣ing to her, though she lay asleep, wak'd her with a thousand Reproa∣ches, upbraiding her with her former Life; and maugre all the Assurances and Protestations she made, to such a height my Choler grew, that I struck her, she all the while with Tears and pitying avouching her In∣nocency, desiring me to make fur∣ther enquiry ere I proceeded so rash∣ly to accuse her; but I was deaf to all she said, and insensible with Rage, still continuing my ill usage: At last putting on her Night Gown, she came near a Table where a Pen-knife lay, and taking it up, gave her self several Stabs, and then said; Sir, I own I never was worthy of you, I own my Faults with which you upbraid me, but these being the last words which I shall

speak, be satisfied I am innocent as to what you now accuse me. Just as she was repeating these words, in came the Maid that waited on her in her Chamber, and seeing the Tragedy of her Mistress, and having heard at the Door part of our Discourse, she cry'd, O, Sir! what have you done? 'Twas I brought in the Man last Night, who is my Husband, though my Marriage was unknown till now. Hearing this, I had no Patience; I sent for Surgeons, and in the mean time we endeavour'd to tye up her Wounds: A thousand times I ask'd her Pardon; to which she answer'd, Alas! Sir, I forgive you, but 'tis too late for Remedy, I find my fleeting Soul departing from my Body; but with much ease I die, since you are sa∣tisfied, and love me still; Then drawing me by my and, she brought my lips to hers, and immediately dy'd. This is the Misfortune hath brought me hi∣ther, to make Atonement for all my Sins, of which I hope God will ac∣cept.

No sooner had he ended this Re∣lation, but Ricardo begg'd of Enrique to accompany him to Andaluzia, where he might be safe in his House from the search the Law made after him, which he consented to; so lea∣ving the penitent Fulgentio to finish his Romery, they in all haste Rid towards Florence, and Arriving at Leghorn, opportunely found a Ship bound for Barcelona; they went Aboard, and having a fair Wind, in little time Arriv'd at their wish'd for Haven; but Enrique not willing to land at Barcelona for fear of being known, they were set ashore at Mon∣serrate, a place where crowds of all sorts of People flock to pay their De∣votions to an Image, by whom they suppose many Miracles wrought, called, Our Lady of Monserrate; but no sooner were they come into the Inne, and a little rested their selves, but leaning out of the Window, En∣rique saw a Litter stop at the Door of the Inne where they lodg'd, six

Servants attending it, and as the Master, a Gentleman very fine; but no sooner had he seen two Ladies step out of the Litter, but Ricardo observ'd he chang'd his Colour, and remain'd Confus'd, Melancholy and Thoughtful; and Reflecting on this, ask'd him, What was the matter? When he answer'd in a great Passi∣on; Sir, What shall I say? Or, what can sufficiently express my Misfortune; if I see come out of that Litter the infamous base Estefania, with my Enemy Don Federico. Ricardo pray'd him to con∣sider and be advis'd, to do nothing rashly: These things, saith he, ought to be governed with Prudence, o∣therwise consider what Scandal your Passion may bring upon your Fa∣mily. Therefore saith he, Let me ad∣vertize you to be quiet, and not to disturb your self; be satisfied you have a Friend by your side, who to satis∣fie the least Scruple of your Honour, would lose many Lives. With this he came a little to himself. The place

being but small, and the People ma∣ny that flock thither, they could not get Accommodations in the House. Ricardo locking Enrique in a Room, desir'd he might have the manage∣ment of this Affair, lest he in his Pas∣sion might do what with Reason he might Repent hereafter; and then going down to the Litter, he desired they would be pleased to accept of his Quarters, till the Servants might find some more Commodious; which Offer they kindly accepted of, and Don Ricardo brought them into a Dining-Room that joyned to that Enrique was lockt in; of which En∣rique was presently advertized: so that hearkning at the Key-hole, he heard the following Discourse. Ri∣cardo after some Complements past, crav'd the Honour that they would let that Chance be the beginning of an Acquaintance and Friendship be∣tween them, which he should highly value: They answered him, The greatest Pleasure and Satisfaction

would be theirs; and then enquired where he was going, and from whence he came. To the first he answer'd, He was going to Andaluzia: And to the second, That he came from Italy, and that only for the sake of two Years Travelling, and Diverting himself. Hardly had Donna Estefania heard him name Italy, but turning to her Sister, and Federico, said, To the best of my remembrance, 'tis there-abouts, though each Day hath seem'd an Eter∣nity, that my dear Don Enrique hath been wanting, and according to what I have heard travell'd that same way. So many are the Spaniards in that Country, reply'd Ricardo, and so many I have been there acquainted with, that it is strange I have not met with him. His Name is Don Enrique, said Donna Estefania, with Tears trickling down her Cheeks. Ricardo having this Oc∣casion, told her, He knew him very well, and that he had been his Compa∣nion many Miles; and the Reason, as he told me, that he stay'd at Milain, was

a Business of Honour that Banisht him from his Country, and without hopes of Return. Donna Estefania hearing this, could not longer bear with her ex∣cessive Grief; so that giving a great Sigh, she would have spoke, but Fe∣derico desiring her to be Patient, cra∣ved her leave to tell the Story, as the best Witness of the Misfortune.

The Haps and Rencounter of this World are sometimes no less strange than difficult to Penetrate: and that you may give notice to her Friend Don Enrique, how much to his own and his Ladies Disquiet he is decei∣ved, as also of my Innocence, Sir, I must first acquaint you that Valla∣doled is the Place where I first breath'd, and having been affronted there in such a manner, that I was Obliged in defence of my Honour, having an Opportunity to write my Displea∣sure in his Face, and marking him for one of a forwarder Tongue than Courage, my Friends fearing the Consequence, his Quality and Inte∣rest

being Great, they sent me to Barcelona, to avoid those Troubles that might follow; where after Hun∣ting, one Evening, by a Storm I was forc'd to put into a House upon the Road, and discoursing of what is most common to young Men; Love I mean, (to a Gentleman, who by the Tokens I gave of him, we know to be Don Enrique;) I chanc'd to tell the Story of my Amours with a La∣dy, whose Name I did not know, nor could I describe any more than the inside of the House, her Care ha∣ving been such, that I was carried in and out in a Chair close on every side, when ever I was honoured to see her at her Dwelling. This Lady Donna Angela, the Sister of Donna E∣stefania is the Person whom Donna Estefania had invited to stay with her, during the Absence of her Hus∣band, and that directed by her Stars, and not my Deserts, loved me: But one Day seeing one of the Chair-men, I askt a Neighbour whose Livery

that was, and telling me it was Don∣na Estefania's, I supposed that to be the Name of the Person that I loved, and naming her so to Don Enrique; this occasion'd all our Misfortune, for he as we were the next day Riding hither, drew, &c.

Here Don Enrique not having any longer Patience, but over-joy'd to hear his Wife was innocent; as Ri∣cardo was a-going to surprize them by opening the Door, and giving Donna Estefania a sight of what she so much lov'd, burst it open with his Foot, and running to his Wife, Em∣brac'd her, begging Pardon for his Suspicion and Jealousie; then turn∣ing to Federico, begg'd his also: And thus was their Melancholy turn'd in∣to the greatest Ecstasie of Joy; then Donna Estefania told him that he must wish Joy to her Sister and Don Fe∣derico, who were Man and Wife; which he did, being very well plea∣sed with the Match: Then Supper was brought up, and having supp'd,

Enrique enquired further of the Sto∣ry, and Federico told him, that he wounded him extreamly, but by the Assistance of some Shepherds he was brought to Town, but lay under the Surgeon's hands three Months; and the thing coming to be known who was the Author of that Deed, it was talkt about the Town as if Donna Estefania had dishonoured you, which made us make an end the sooner of our Courtship and marry; and then having the liberty to tell the Story, we cleared both you and your Lady, and the Town were satisfied. Ha∣ving ended their Discourse, Ricardo told Enrique, That though he lost the Satisfaction of having his Com∣pany on the Road, yet he hoped he might have the Honour of their com∣ing to his Nuptials; and though he could not expect them to go imme∣diately, yet, said he, It may be an agreeable Divertizement for them to go as far into the Country as his A∣bode, where though he could pro∣mise

them no great Entertainment, yet they should be heartily Welcome, and he thought the Company of that loving Pair would extreamly Grace his Marriage, which he hoped would be shortly Celebrated: Then Donna Angela desired to know if she might be acquainted with his Mistresses Name, which he told her was Lisar∣da; O then, Sir, saith she, you may safe∣ly depend on your Marriage, for by her Name I guess yours to be Don Ricardo Antonio, the only Person she hath told me should be her Husband; for about three Months ago I came acquainted with her here, she ha∣ving vowed the Romery for your Prosperity; we became so intimate∣ly acquainted lodging in the same Inne together, that she told me the whole Story of your Loves. After this Ricardo made a Complement to Federico of his Bed for himself and his Lady, and Enrique with his La∣dy betook themselves to his own; and Ricardo getting not quite so fit∣ting

a Lodging for a Lady, retired contentedly to it, and in the Morn∣ing early getting up, got his Horse in a readiness; when his Friends were just beginning to stir, he took leave of them, with their Promise to fol∣low him, and sets forward for An∣daluzia.

Love hath Wings, and never did he accomplish a Journey in so short a time. It was about 11 at Night when he entred the Town, and perceiving some Gentlemen at the Door of Don∣na Clara Lisarda's House, tuning their Instruments, by which he knew they had a mind to Divert some Lady; he at a distance alighted off his Horse, desirous, if it was possible, to know who these were, serenading, as he thought, his Mistress: Therefore by chance finding the next Door open, he entred as if it were his own house, and so putting himself behind the Door, unperceived by them, he heard their Song and Musick, which was no sooner ended, but he heard the

Lady shut her Window; the Com∣pany took leave of one another, and one who seemed to be the Master of this Treat, mounted a Horseback: Don Ricardo, though tired with a long Journey, and very desirous to see Don Pedro de Vargas the Corregidor, yet more desirous to see his supposed Rival, he mounted his Horse with intention to follow him; but of a sudden he saw himself surrounded with six men, who asked him, Whe∣ther he would part with his Money or his Life; Ricardo more anger'd at their hindring his Design, than their Audacity, gave no other Reply, but shot and killed one of them, the rest set upon him, but he defended him∣self so well, till his supposed Rival, not yet got so far off, but that he heard the Noise they made, was re∣turn'd, by which the Rogues forgot the thoughts of Booty, and endea∣voured to save their Lives by run∣ning: And Don Ricardo thus freed, turning to thank the Gentleman,

knew him for his Cousin Don Pedro the Corregidor. Great were their Joy, for seeing each other, throwing themselves about one anothers Neck, and embracing. They were no sooner got home, but they went to Bed, for at Don Pedro's desire, he stay'd there, it being late; but Don Ricardo had his Thoughts so busily employ'd on Lisarda, that gave him leave but just to satisfie Nature with Sleep; awa∣king early in the Morning, he pre∣sently was for going to visit, or at least write to Lisarda; still enter∣taining himself with the Hopes of her Constancy; although now and then the Serenade he had heard, and at her House, would interrupt him in the most pleasing Thoughts; and his hearing the Window shut, made him conceive that the Serenaded Per∣son was not displeased with the Com∣plement; but then again, other Rea∣sons and other Thoughts disswaded him from his Jealousie. Don Pedro's desire to enjoy his Cousins Compa∣ny

awhile, made him early to give him a Visit; but coming to his Cham∣ber, and finding him already drest, he said, giving him the Good-mor∣row, you are as early Drest, as if you Divin'd the Happiness you shall have to Day, of enjoying the Com∣pany of your Mistress, who without doubt, to your great Joy, I'll tell you, loves with an unparallell'd Con∣stancy; but withal I must tell you, you are not the only happy Man, for I also, who by visiting Lisarda, to excuse first the Mistake, and next to Perswade her to a Liking of you, her Cousin Donna Maria several times hapning to be there, Glanced such Flames from her Eyes, that she fir'd my Soul, and I am become her Adorer; who I had just serenaded as I met with you. Don Ricardo askt then where she dwelt; who told him, That since their House was burnt, they laid in the same House with Donna Lisarda; but be∣cause it is something early, I will

tell you an Adventure which will entertain us till it may be time for us to Visit the Ladies.

The History of the Loves of Don Roderigo and Don Pedro, to Donna Ma∣ria.

AFter your Departure, dear Cou∣sin, which being so privately, we were extreamly troubled, lest your melancholy Thoughts might have made you Injure your self, and not knowing what was become of you, the whole Town was so Con∣cern'd, they cry'd out for Revenge on the Villains who we supposed had misus'd you, and killed those that were brought home with you; but finding no Evidence against them, but their own Confessions, was, That they at the Noise coming

out of their Houses found the Mur∣derers gone, and you all on the Ground, who they suppos'd Dead; that they would have taken your Cloaths and Money, and to that end carried you to their House; be∣sides receiving a Letter from Don Fulgentio, brought by the fair Lisar∣da, that discharged them of the Mur∣der. I was going to pass Sentence on them for a years Imprisonment, when Donna Maria, whose Vassals they were, begged, or rather com∣manded their Freedom. 'Twas first here I began to Admire; but after∣wards, as I have told you, Visiting Donna Lisarda, and seeing her there, I began to Adore those extraordinary Perfections and Accomplishments I found in her: Here began I to know the Happiness of Loving, and being Belov'd; for both her Parents and she liked me, my Quality and Estate being both very great: But, Sir, Crosses are things inseparable from Love, and I must also have my

share; I had Don Roderigo Vasques for my Rival, a Man whose Tongue stands him in much stead, since without ever drawing his Sword, no Duel, no gallant Actions are per∣formed, but he makes himself the Owner, and draws all the Reputa∣tion of them to himself, and that with such Cunning and Subtilty, that long time he had undeservingly the Name of a Heroe. My Courage sufficiently known in many famous Exploits for the Service of the King, * 1.1 and that hath gained me this Honoura∣ble Verge, was Eclips'd by this false Light; and Donna Maria, a Woman of an He∣roick Spirit, seemed at the same time the Match was making between us, to lend him her Ear readier than to any other; such was his Cun∣ning and his Art in deceiving and in∣venting new Deceits, that I was al∣most afraid he would Cheat me of my Mistress: But one Day, it hap∣pen'd

well for me, (since no further harm was done.) We were standing and discoursing some other Gentle∣man, when news was brought us Don∣na Maria's house was in a Flame; we all ran to the Assistance of that Fa∣mily: But Gods! What Terrour was it for me to see Donna Maria in the Balcony, (the House being surround∣ed by the Fire,) begging Aid to help her from perishing; eagerly I ran through the Flame, and getting up Stairs, luckily found a Bar of Iron, with which I broke a Hole through the Wall; then snatching her up in my Arms, I carried her through that Hole, which the Fire had not yet reach'd, and gave her into her Fa∣ther's Arms. The Fright, the Noise, and Fear they were in, would not permit them to take notice of me; and I remembring her Woman was left behind, went to venture a se∣cond time, but met Roderigo bring∣ing her through the same Hole, who fearful of the Flames, had got a Lad∣der,

by which he got into the Balco∣ny to help off Donna Maria's Wo∣man; and seeing that my help was no further needed, went away about my Occasions, not to be troublesome at such a busie time. But Don Roderi∣go carried the Woman where her La∣dy was, and just come to her self, for the Smoak and Fright put her into a Swoon, in which Condition I took her, carried her to her Father, and left her: She seeing him doing that good Office to her Woman, suppo∣sed it was him that had done the same for her; and truly with the Noise and Fright, her Friends took not so much Notice as to be able to do me Justice; so that in Recom∣pence of his saving her Life, (as she suppos'd) She with her Friends Vow'd to be his; He with a feigned Modesty, said, That he truly had done nothing for their Service, at least, it was so little, as did not de∣serve Thanks from her Mouth, much less so great a Blessing as Her self;

but it was too great a Good to be refused, and that he now trusted to her Word.

The next Day it was all about the Town that Don Roderigo had ventur'd through the Fire, and rescued Donna Maria: This was every bodies story which did not a little vex me. I af∣firm'd the Action to be mine, and that he ly'd who said the contrary. Don Roderigo said, Yes it was I did it; but that with such a false Smile, such a feigned Dissimulation, and with such Equivocating words, that he own'd the Action more in his Denial than I in all my Affirmatives; but what did comfort me, was, I had a Witness in my Pocket, that though it was Inanimate, with Donna Maria I was sure would confute my Rival. Sir, it was a Ring I took off her Fin∣ger as I carried her out of the Fire; and therefore to do my self Justice, I went to give her Father a Visit, who now were all in Donna Lisar∣da's House; and desiring to see

Donna Maria, and telling her the Truth, the Ring gave it Credit, with the Promise to me she had gi∣ven to Roderigo; the story now was turn'd, and it was made known throughout the Town, how falsly Don Roderigo claimed the Honour of that Action; so that through shame he was fain to leave the Town, and retire to a Seat he has in the Coun∣try where he still continues.

Having thus ended his Story, Don Ricardo being desirous to see his Lisarda, they went together, but the Joy Lisarda had at the sight of Ri∣cardo, cannot be exprest, no more than his at the sight of her. But to be short with you, and to make an end; both his Marriage with Lisar∣da, and his Cousins with Donna Ma∣ria were concluded, and to be Cele∣brated both the Sunday following; On the Day before the Marriage, Don Enrique and Don Federico, with their Ladies Arrived, so that they

had a full House, great Entertain∣ment, and a long continued Feast for Joy, and living very lovingly and happily all the Days of their Lives.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  All Governours of Towns in Spain carry a Wand in token of their Office.