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.

CLara Lisarda, a Lady but of sixteen years of Age, Beauti∣ful, Discreet, and one that had sixteen thousand Dollars for a Portion; was born in Andaluzia, of Illustrious Parents: Now the Posses∣sors of Youth and Riches we know are never homely, especially the lat∣ter is so attractive a Virtue, that that it self is capable to gild all Im∣perfections;

so that you need not question the number of Pretenders to this Lady, being every way well qualified; but however, amidst the throng of her Adorers, there was not one could reasonably think himself in a higher place of her regard than another; she was civil to them all, nor was there any one of them, that ever pretended to her, but hop'd with the rest; however she carried her self with such indifference, that none could complain, nor envy ano∣ther; yet with all young Women she very much desir'd the happy hour, that might perfect her frame, and satisfie a certain desire of some∣thing nature did dictate to her, for which end a thousand hovering thoughts advertis'd her, she was born, and that without this (she knew not what) she should never be happy: a thousand wishes and de∣sires, Curiosity it self urging her to haste the experiment of Joys, spoke to be so great, that the most copious

Language is too scanty to express. She many times would alone, at that instant, when each little Fibre of her Soul shot forth, warm'd by that ver∣nal Sun that still invites those of her tender years to new-born Appetites, discreetly reason in the following manner.

Who is it can penetrate the heart and thoughts of Man, being so various, that the dispositions of most are changed as often as they change their Company; and yet as uncertain as their humours are, so certain is it my years require me to ac∣cept of one for a Husband? What shall I do then? shall I plunge my self into life-lasting Miseries to gratifie my wishes, and please my Parents?

Two things there are to invite Preten∣ders, my Person, or my Estate; My Person, No. It is not that; for I know many in this City, if not more No∣ble, yet far beyond me in Perfections; and because they are poor, Lovers are not only wanting, but even those that in jest should offer Marriage. Why then, if

'tis my Portion does these wonders, I find it hard to marry a Man who wooes not me but my Estate; and yet could I bear with this, (for Ambition is so grown into the World, that there must be a new Creation to find disinteress'd men:) who can assure their selves of their manners, where there are so many Cheats. In the time of wooing the most vicious appears a Saint, and detests all Vice: with what protestations doth the inconstant at that time avouch his Constancy? and how as∣sured of his Mistress's Vertue is the Gal∣lant, when many times afterwards, he proves murderously troublesome with his Jealousy; and all, how false soever, call Heaven to witness the sincerity of their Love: O! how they Adore, Admire, Esteem, with many other such like terms, till they have got their aim. His Friend stiles him vertuous, good, &c. His Re∣lations will say that for him, He is good natur'd, and given to no remarkable Vice; another as a gallant young Gen∣tleman; Nay the Maid, the young La∣dies Confident, hath had the itching of

her Palms answer'd, to give her good word, and all this to her cost, who takes him for better and for worse; and gives her hand and heart to an Enemy, who either impairs the Estate by Gaming, or proves very ill humour'd, or what is worse, grows weary of the Person that adores him; so opposite are the humours of many Men to reason, that they never love less than when they are most be∣lov'd: thus it is with us poor Women, who fill'd with hopes of continued un∣speakable Joys, many times throw our selves into continued and unexpressible Miseries. Suffer it not, O Heavens! Desire it not, O Parents! For rather will I end this Life by a draught of Poy∣son, or Poniard, than marry, without making, not only for Months, but for Years, a sufficient Enquiry into the Man∣ners of him who is to be my Husband.

Thus reason'd our discreet young Lady, and thus resolv'd not to mar∣ry; yet least she should erre in her Election, or rather because Love was but just conceiv'd in her Maiden

Breast, and had not yet strength ca∣pable of any more than directing that little Affection (she thought Friendship) to Ricardo Antonio, a Gentleman so well accomplisht, and of so great Parts, that in the judg∣ment of the whole City, he was only worthy to be Lisarda's Husband, and she only deserving to be his Bride. At this time the City was oblig'd to Feasts, in that to shew their Joy for the Union between the two Crowns of France and Spain; Exchanging the two Beautiful Princesses Isabel and Juana, that with the tie of affinity their Friendship might be lasting. The Feasts were so much the richer, forasmuch as all the Rival-Servants of our Lady, with Emulation, set themselves forth, without regard of Expences; so that for many days were great Bonefires, Balls, Masks, and to end this Solemnity, there were prepar'd twelve Bulls of the largest size; this is a sport that the Spaniard extremely delights in. Ri∣cardo

on the last day of the Bulls was resolv'd to show his Activity, and to that intent, in the Morning, when the numerous throngs of People sur∣rounded the Lists, appear'd well mounted, with a Spear in his hand, applauded by all except Lisarda, who was concern'd to see him running in∣to so imminent danger. 'Twas now Love was resolv'd to dally no longer, and took this occasion to make Li∣sarda know, that even she with all her Charms, could not withstand his Pleasure; for now, though she knew not why she should be more con∣cern'd for Ricardo than for the rest of his Competitors; but willing to deceive her self (a frailty common to humane nature) she fansied it only a tender Friendship. She was so griev'd and uneasy, that she became restless. A terrible Bull was let loose into the Lists, when, according to Custom, the People gave a shout, which so angred the haughty Animal, that casting his fiery Eyes on Fulgen∣cio,

Ricardo he ran at him with such fury, that striking his Pointed Horns in his Horse, he toss'd Horse and Man in the Air. At the sight of this Lisarda sounded, and was feign to be carried home.

Every one was concern'd at this Tragical Mischance, but especially Ricardo, who, enraged to see no one run to the assistance of this Gentle∣man, who though he was his Rival, Generosity urg'd to endanger his own Life to rescue his; therefore throw∣ing his Spear, it went so strongly from the hand of the Caster, that it travers'd the Body of the Beast; who now more furious than before, ran with a full Career at Ricardo, but he nimbly drawing his Sword, and op∣portunely lifting his hand as he went to gore the Horse, gave so strong a blow, that he clove his Scull, and left him at the Horses Feet, confes∣sing that the strongest must surrender to the Fortunate; at this the whole Neighbouring Fields Echo'd with

the loud shouts of the gladded Peo∣ple, while Ricardo lighting from his Horse, lookt up to the Window where Lisarda sate; but his Servants telling him that they saw her carried away in a swound when the Bull so fiercely attacqued Fulgencio, he con∣cluded he was the Chosen from a∣mong the Crowd of her Adorers, and running to help him up, taking him by the Arm, said, Sir, Your fall to you is like that of Saul, for it hath made known your Election; and so retir'd extreamly discontented to his Lodging: where we'll leave him complaining of his hard Fate, and return to Lisarda, who as soon as she had recover'd from her swound, was acquainted how bravely Ricardo had rescu'd Fulgencio, and kill'd the Bull; and withall, that he intended to En∣counter a second in the Afternoon; this perplext her extreamly, and re∣solving, that rather one should guess at her Love, than thousands know it, by the evident demonstrations of

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her weakness, she resolv'd to write to him, and retiring from Company, she set Pen to Paper to the following purpose.

To Ricardo Antonio.

A Certain Friend of yours, who hath been this two years perswaded you lov'd her, and one who hath a greater esteem for your Life than your self, since you venture it so rashly, that she can't look on without pity, hath desir'd me to beg you'd do her the pleasure to day, to see the Feast, and not be an Actor in them. If your Gallantry are the endea∣vours to gain her, know she is already yours; but if it is with design to please any other Lady, know that you are un∣grateful: Your disobedience will unde∣ceive her; this I desire of you for the love she bears you, which is not a little, since the danger you was in this Morning hath cost her much grief and trouble; this she desires, advertising you withal, if she is now deny'd, she will take her

leave of ever asking any favour of you in all her life.

Clara Lisarda.

When this Letter came to Ricardo by a continued thought of what had past, he had arrived almost to the height of despair, Cursing himself, and the hour he first saw Lisarda, and as the Servant knockt at the Door, he had just drawn a Poniard, with in∣tention to have ended his Life, but hearing some body at the door, he stopt and listen'd, knowing the Ser∣vants Voice, himself ran, and the Servant deliver'd into his own hand the Letter, which he retired to read bidding the Servant wait an Answer. A thousand thoughts pester'd him, he knew not what to make of the Letter; the Directions he knew to be Lisarda's writing, but never ha∣ving receiv'd, nor heard she had ever writ to any of her Lovers before, he conjectur'd it was to discard him:

since she had made her choice of Fulgencio, least she might give him Ombrage, or cause Jealousy, by en∣tertaining still her old Suitors, she had writ to them all to forbear their vain Endeavours. This now past for granted, and he was resolv'd not to open the Letter, least it might draw Effeminate tears into his Eyes, there∣fore retaking his Poniard, he said, Come welcome steel, thy sharpness is much easier to be endur'd, than to see the happiness of my Rival; End my Misery; and as he was going to strike, says he, No. Though thy Charms hath made me miserable to that degree, that to avoid that suc∣ceeding Chain of Miseries that must needs follow, I will end my life. Yet in my last hour such is my Con∣stancy, I will kiss thy Name, paying my last devoir to the sign of my cruel Sentence, submitting — More he would have said, but having open'd the Letter to kiss the name, he could not so confine his sight but he read

these last words, If she is denied, she will take her leave of ever asking any Favour of you in all her Life: he ponder'd on them, but not being able to understand them, Curiosity lead him to read the rest, the better to understand the meaning of that line, but each word and syllable did not only change his Melancholy, but added to the first so many transports of Joy, that he was not able to con∣tain himself, but running to the En∣try where the Servant was waiting, with a rich Diamond, and some gold, he paid the Bearer, desiring her to stay but a moment longer, till he could write, which by reason of his excess of Joy he was not so well able to do, wanting that sedateness re∣quir'd, but as it was, here I give you the Copy.

To Lisarda.

IF the endangering my Person will oc∣casion any uneasiness in you, for that same favour I would hazard it a thou∣sand times: but not to anger you (your Friend I mean) from this moment I desist from my intent, and thank your loving pity; this Complement, though I know not if I hit right, in calling of it pity, for excuse me to go into the Lists, that there I might see those sparkling Eyes, is a blessing I with much difficulty receed. But I had forgot, your Woman stays, and I stay, she for an Answer, and I that this might come to your hands, and that you may not take leave of asking me, but begin to command me as your Spouse (I was going to say), but as your Slave I mean.

Ricardo Antonio.

This Letter was extreamly plea∣••ing to Lisarda; but, O Heavens!

who can express the transports and ecstasies it caus'd in Ricardo; now the Feast was really a pastime to her, while to him 'twas tedious, he think∣ing he should never soon enough breath his thanks with gentle whi∣spers in her tender Ears; in short, he was ee'n mad with content, for the excess of all Passions is a real madness. The hour being come to return to the Feasts, he went, and by good luck was invited by Fulgencio to sit in his Window, which was next to that where Lisarda sate; 'tis impossi∣ble to tell you the agreeable meetings of their Eyes, who, if by chance she glanc'd any other way, as if so much pretious time was lost, with eager hast they return'd to their belov'd object. Fulgencio at first minded the Game, but having turn'd three or four times to ask his Friend his Opi∣nion of such and such haps, he still found him looking towards Lisarda; this made him take notice of them, and then, to his great Confusion, he

saw the reciprocal kindness between them; at this he was in so great a Passion, that with much difficulty could he contain himself within the compass of Discretion, Envy, Jealousy, Anger, and a thousand other Passions tore his Breast; in short, he found them prevailing over his Reason, and least by seeing more it should be over∣power'd, and that not being a fit place for a quarrel or disturbance, he slunk away without saying any thing, however all the time of the Feast our Lovers were too busy to perceive it; minding nothing but what each one thought most charming in his Object: How unwilling were they to be going when the Feast was en∣ded? and though they saw nothing of it, nor were at all delighted at that, yet were they extreamly sorry it ended so soon; but at last, with much regret, they parted; it not be∣ing the Custom in Spain, that of of∣fering ones Service to wait on a Lady home; and it is a great favour if he

is permitted to see her, though in Company with her Father or Mo∣ther.

Ricardo being at home, and his head fill'd with nothing but thoughts of his Happiness, he bethought him∣self of a young Woman he had long kept, and considering if Lisarda should hear of it, it might be his ru∣ine in her good thoughts, and a let to his Marriage with her, which now he thought sure; for so 'tis in that Country, the discovery of the Wo∣mans love seldom precedes a whole Week to their Marriage; therefore the Person he had not visited but kept since his love to Lisarda, out of meer honour, he went to see her now with intention to rid her out of the Town, and in some distant place give her an allowance sufficient to maintain her, but no sooner he en∣ter'd the door, but she with a thou∣sand reproaches, upbraided him with his unkindness; and 'tis common with these sort of Women to think, if a

Man keeps them a while, that he is from that time tyed to them, and they may domineer; especially Don∣na Clara, for so was her Name, being of a good Family, but debaucht by one that left her, who now to shun the indignation of her Kindred, was feign to make a Trade and Lively∣hood of that way. She first began by the meer force of Love, through the unkindness of her Parents, who would not consent to the match. She really lov'd Ricardo, and her Love urged her to be the severer, nor would she hear him speak, but threatned to tear Lisarda to pieces; this urg'd Ricardo to think of another course, so that saying nothing, he went streight to the Corregidors, or Gover∣nour of the Town who was his Kins∣man, and one that really lov'd him, to him he told the whole affair, and desired his assistance to get rid of her, which he promis'd; then they a∣greed, that the ensuing night, about eleven a Clock, the Corrigidor

should come with a Coach and Guards, and with a feign'd Warrant seize her, and send her in a Coach to Madrid, where the Guards should leave her. Just as Ricardo came out of the House he met Fulgencio, who taking what he had said in the Lists, lifting him from the ground as a Jeer, having seen so reciprocal a kindness between the Lovers, at the Feast, through Madness and Jealousy, had been seeking him to fight him, and therefore now took the opportunity to tell him, without why or where∣fore, That he must fight him. Ricardo told him he could not then, but on the Morrow at twelve at Night, he would be at such a House, and his Whistle should be a sufficient token to know who staid for him, and then he would satisfie his desires; on these Promises they parted: No sooner was he come home to his own House, but found a Letter to this purpose.

To Ricardo.

SInce not only by your Letter, but by your behaviour at the Feasts, I must needs conjecture, you think that 'tis my self that loves you, I would see what 'tis you'd do to deserve that love; therefore my Father and Mother being out of Town, in the Morning I'd be glad to hear your Proposals.

Lisarda.

Ricardo receiv'd this with much joy, and read it several times; such delight he took in it, kissing the Name, and a thousand times squee∣zing it to his heart; he admir'd the freedom and easiness of the stile: in short, such was the ecstasie that rest nor sleep he could not, but lay me∣ditating all Night on the Charming Mistress of his Heart: how oft did he wish 'twas day, and when 'twas day wish it were a decent hour to wait on Lisarda, feign would go, but still

was afraid it was too early; a thou∣sand turns he made about the room, and through the eagerness of thought walked so fast, one would have thought it had been for a wager; then would he stop to tell the Clock, and stamp and fume to hear it strike too few. In short, surely no Lover was ever in a greater Agony; at last he heard nine strike, when with eager∣ness he call'd to his Servant to follow him, and away he went. When he came there, Lisarda perhaps with as much impatience was expecting him, so that he was Conducted to her Chamber. Their Eyes at the sight of each other declar'd the joy of their hearts; what pass'd further in mat∣ter of Courtship, I will leave every one to guess. And only tell you this, The time was agreed on for the Mar∣riage.

But who would think it, that a∣midst of all this happiness, Fortune, whose delight seems to be baffling our surest hopes, should so suddenly

Eclipse the Amorous Flame of our two Lovers, and that not for a while, but put them in a condition of never performing the Articles a∣greed between them. Amidst all the sweet Discourses and pleasing words, Ricardo bethought himself of his troublesome Mistress, and impatient least it should be discover'd; he took his leave of the Vertuous Lisarda, not without giving her hopes of seeing him again that day; he goes directly to his Servants House, where he kept Clara Euphegenia, that being her Name; he came with a very pleasing Countenance, telling her, that what he said or did yesterday, was only to try how she lov'd him; this he did that she might not suspect him for what should follow; he din'd with her, and staid with her till near four of the Clock, in which time he show'd so much love, and Caress'd her so handsomely, that she could not doubt but he was sincere; he went to the Corregidors to see if all

things were ready against the hour appointed; from thence he went to Fulgencio Ricardo's House, thinking to answer his Challenge then, be∣cause he thought at Night he might be too busy, but not finding him within, he went to pass a part of the Evening in the Fields; a Servant of Lisarda's saw him, and told her Mi∣stress, that she saw Ricardo Antonio going to walk in such a place; it be∣ing duskish, and her Father and Mo∣ther not at home, she took a Servant with her, thinking to meet him; as she was going out, Fulgencio Ricardo was in a House hard by, and saw her, and follows her; going into the Fields she pass'd by the House where her Lover Ricardo Antonio entred, and heard him say to the Servant who open'd the door, Don't shut, for I shall be going again. She staid be∣fore the door a while, at last she bid the Maid ask a Neighbour, who was owner of that House; the honest Man told the Maid, that 'twas a Servant

of Don Ricardo Antonio's who ow'd the House, but he believ'd the Master had most sport in't; this being told to Clara Lisarda, she was curious to know what sport that might be, and bidding her Maid wait, she went in, but being in the first room, the door of the second stood half open, from whence our Lady heard these words; Ah, my Dear Clara, Don't imagine or think, that I can be false to thee; It is to have little Confidence in thine own Charms; Knowing this Voice to be Ricardo's, she carefully lookt through the opening of the door, and saw her Lover lying on Clara's Lap: O, Ye just Powers! said she to her self, Is this possible! Could silly, easy Lisarda have believ'd it, had not her Eyes and Ears been Witnesses of his Ingratitude: Hear she stopt hearing Ricardo speak∣ing thus: My Dear Clara, I don't de∣ny, that for my Friends satisfaction I gave out, and pretended to love Lisarda, but that was, that I might with secrecy give a full soope to my wishes, and thy

Dear Embraces. What is Lisarda com∣parable to thee, but as a false Glass to a Diamond. Here Lisarda, not having Patience, rusht into the Room. How much astonisht our Cavallero was, I leave it to the Reader to imagine, while she spoke thus.

Beautiful Lady, I can't deny, the Pain, Grief and Trouble, with which I come into your Presence, for though I would I should have a thousand Accusers, my Voice, my Affections, my Colour, my Pain, my troubled Words would discover the Cheat; but be not troubled at my coming, for I assure you, I have no de∣sign, if I could, which would be impossi∣ble, he being withheld by your all-power∣ful Charms, to rob you of the Gallant, who so justly enjoys your good will, that you ought to love him for his many good Parts, I mean as to his Body, for as to the rest, Heaven never fram'd a Man so false, so ungrateful a Creature, that you may pardon me this rudeness, and not believe his Vows and Protestations. Hear me if it will not be troublesome to you;

Then taking a Seat, with more Tears than Words, and more Sighs than Tears, her Heart ready to burst, turning to Ricardo, she said, Think not, Ʋngrateful Man, that these Com∣plaints should be heard by you, were they not usher'd by force: I am torn with Jealousy and Rage, and my Heart would burst if I did not speak. Here Ricardo heard his Signal, and finding Lisarda to be in too great earnest for him to hope, and fearful least Clara, in his absence, might offend her, he shut Clara in the next Room, and hoping to have comply'd with his honour and return, or rather not know what he did, nor thinking what he was to do, he went down to Fulgencio, whom he would have put off for an hour or two, but Fulgencio told him, he had had enough of Lisarda's Company, and if he would not go to a more convenient place, he'd give him an occasion to draw there; Ricardo see∣ing himself thus press'd went with him, where we must leave them a∣fighting,

and return to our two La∣dies, who while they were discour∣sing through the Door, hearing a noise below, Lisarda, for fear of being known, Veil'd her self, when imme∣diately the Corregidor came up, and seeing her took her for Dona Clara, and deliver'd her to the Guards, who put her into the Coach, and carried her towards Madrid. In the mean while Clara, with her Maid, made their escape out of a Window; and as she was going she knew not where, Fulgencio meeting her suppos'd her to be Lisarda, and accosted her in this manner. Madam, Might I be never so happy in any other Woman, I would not exchange the Hell wherein you have put me, not for that happiness: And she mistaking him for Antonio, An∣swer'd, Then 'twas a great Hell to you to hear my Rival Rage to night. Alas Antonio, I thought you could not have been in pain while you possest my heart; at least you have often told me so: He perceiving she mistook him for t'other

was overjoy'd, not knowing he him∣self was mistaken, but on the con∣trary, by his having seen her in the street go into Antonio's; her discourse of having seen him that night, and his seeing Antonio go in just before her, had not any scruple, but really thought it was the Person he took her for; and since she took him for his Rival, not being able to worst Antonio by the Sword, he thought now to revenge himself by a trick, and so proceeded. Well, Madam, said he, Since we love sincerely, let me beg of you, before you go further, to give me the assurance, you'll be ever mine: How shall I do that, replied Clara? Why, Madam, for several urgent reasons, for your advantage as well as mine, we may be married now, and keep it private till — Here cutting off his words, not having power to contain her self for Joy, said, Ay, my Antonio, I Con∣sent, You know I can refuse you nothing. So presently they went to a Priest, who was at Fulgencio's Devotion, or

rather was devoted to the gold he expected, who married them by the light of one single Lamp that hung i' the Church, so that neither per∣ceiv'd their mistake. Now was Ful∣gencio in his highest Orb of bliss, and wrapt in the delicious thoughts of having sufficiently reveng'd himself of Ricardo, who though in the Duel had disarm'd him, yet Honour had oblig'd him to restore his Sword, but he being possess'd of his Mistress, thought himself oblig'd by honour to keep her; and having gratified the Priest, he told her, she should not go home that night, but lodge with him; to which she as easily consen∣ted, as to the Marriage: What co∣ver'd extreamly the mistake was, as in all Foreign Countries, having two Names, Fulgencio could answer by that of Ricardo, and designedly did so, Clara was the first Name of Lisarda's as well as hers, whom we call by that Name; but now to leave them go∣ing, and to return to Ricardo, who

was got to his Servants House, not dreaming of what had happen'd, nor indeed reflecting on his own Errour by locking Clara up. So that the Corre∣gidor, (had he not found Lisarda whom he mistook for her) could not have accomplisht the design, though now 'twas undesignedly that he had not don't, but committed a gross errour. Ricardo no sooner entred the House, but he enquir'd for his offended Li∣sarda, to whom the Servant told the mistake; but how shall I describe the Fury, the Madness rather, that sei∣zed him at this News; now had he need of all his Prudence to govern himself in this misfortune: He in∣quir'd for Clara, they told him she was also gone; he ordered his Horse presently to be Sadled, and mounting thereon, he went to the Corregidor's House, told him the mistake, but desir'd in all haste to have Orders to bring her back, which he had no sooner receiv'd, but Posted after the Coach in all haste; he had not got∣ten

above three Leagues from the Town, before he had sight of a Coach, to which he rid up, Crying out, Stay, it is a mistake, and I have Orders from the Corregidor; still he perceiv'd the Coach to drive on faster; he knew not what it should be that occasion'd them to drive from him; but in a little while he overtook them, Commanding the Coach to stop, off flew a Pistol, Ricardo lets fly again, and here begins a Fight, for both their Pistols being discharg'd, Ful∣gencio call'd to him, and told him, if he'd dismount he'd try if Fortune would continue her favours to him, with this our noble Cavallero dis∣mounted, and Fulgencio stept out of the Coach; but Ricardo, a Man of great Dexterity, a second time dis∣arm'd his Adversary, and being no less Generous than Valiant, return'd him his Sword, and when he came to examine the business, it was the discovery of a double deceit: First instead of Lisarda, whom both thought

was in the Coach, they found Clara Ricardo's late Mistress, and to Ful∣gencio's great perplexity, his now Wife; he no sooner knew who 'twas but he would have disown'd her, but in vain, for he had told Ricardo in his Capitulation, that on condition he would Promise not to meddle with a Lady in the Coach, who he had that Night Married, he would sur∣render, but without that Promise, Dis∣arm'd as he was, the Dispute should continue, and assuring him it was no Person sent by Command of the Cor∣regidor, and consequently not the Per∣son he sought for; Ricardo had granted his Request, deliver'd him his Sword, and went to wish the La∣dy Joy; when, Gods! what a sur∣prize was it to him to see Clara; had he been capable to have receiv'd any Pleasure amidst that throng of Vexations, undoubtedly this would have been a great one to see himself so well rid of so troublesome a Mi∣stress; but being two contraries they

are never at once to be found in one Breast. Ricardo after he had wisht her Joy, took his leave, telling Ri∣cardo, he had best make the best on't, and so bid him farewel; riding away as fast as possible he could to overtake Lisarda, which after two hours ri∣ding he did, but such was his Love, such was his Grief, and the sence of his offence, that not able to speak, Floods of Tears ran down from his Eyes; at last he made shift to tell the Officers that were with her, that he had Orders from the Corregidor to bring that Lady back to Town; and delivering the Paper to them, she told him, that they'd turn after they got to the next House, that they might have light to read by; Lisarda was extreamly pleas'd to see that the mistake was likely to give her no fur∣ther trouble; and as soon as they came to a House they wak't the Peo∣ple, and got light; finding they were to return with the Lady, they told Ricardo, that if he pleas'd he might

step in the Coach, and one of them would take care of his Horse, which he accepted of, being very well pleas'd with the offer; feign would he have spoke and excus'd himself with the fair Lisarda, but Grief so oppress'd his Mind, and fear, being conscious of some guilt, depriv'd him of the Power. In the mean while Lisarda knew not what to make of these unhappy Occurrences of that Night, and was as desirous to know, could her haughty Soul have permit∣ted her to ask, of one she thought so great an Offender against her; but nor one, nor t'other, said any thing of the matter. While they both sate thus silent, of a sudden six Men, three at each door of the Coach (having sent as many before to stop it) Pre∣sent their Pistols in the Coach, swearing, if they would not deliver the Lady, they'd Pistol every Man: although Ricardo could not think to be Victor, having none but himself, and one of the Guards, the t'other that

mounted Ricardo's Horse, having at the sight of so numerous an Enemy rid away, yet he drew his Pistols, ta∣king one in each hand, gave them no other reply, but shot; their Horses unruly, and themselves startled at so unexpected a thing, besides the flash∣es having for a while deprived them all of sight, and the shot three of their Lives, Ricardo made shift to get out of the Coach, saying to Li∣sarda, Madam, I am far from being sorry for this occasion, of shewing how tenderly I love you; if I live I hope to clear my self of what things have hap∣pen'd to night; but if 'tis my fortune to be kill'd, let me beg you to entertain a Charitable Opinion for me: Then ta∣king the advantage of the unruliness of their Horses which had thrown one, whom Ricardo that moment dis∣patcht, he fiercely ran at t'other two; in the mean while he heard the Coach go on, and looking back, he receiv'd a Pistol through his Body, which laid him on the ground, while

his Enemies rid after the Coach; he feign would have follow'd, but his strength was so much diminisht by the loss of blood, that he was not able to rise; and at that time of Night, being some distance from any Town, there was no hopes of getting help till the Morning; but still his weak sight follow'd the Coach, and his anxious Mind kept Company with the object of his Vows: O Gods, said he, what is it I must endure these few moments I have to live; how do my wild thoughts torture my languishing Soul: Did but Lisarda know the truth, Did she but conceive my intentions that have caus'd all these Misfortunes, I might perhaps die with some Pleasure, to know she did not think me that ungrateful false Man. O Lisarda, Lisarda, had for∣tune but favour'd me, how might we have been, nay how happy should I esteem my self in these few agonizing minutes. Could I but hear from thy Dear Mouth one kind word to thy unfortunate Ri— Here his Speech failed him, and his

Breath seem'd spent, remaining in the Field without motion. It hap∣pen'd the discharging so many Pistol shot, had given an alarm to two or three Houses not far distant, and though the Cowardly Bores dar'd not to come till they heard no more shot, yet thinking now they might satisfie their Curiosity, since they had heard the Coach drive, and Men gal∣loping after; it began now to grow a little lightsome, the Day drawing near, when these Clowns came where the Corps of five Men lay besmear'd with gore; they began to consider with themselves what was best to be done, they had a mind to the Plun∣der, but fear'd some ones coming on the rode might deprive them of stay∣ing to take their Booty; therefore one seeing his Son Jack driving a Cart to the Field, call'd to him, and lay∣ing the Bodies in the Cart, drove home, where they fell to ransacking the Corps of the dead Men; but while the rest were busy about the

other four, one went to handle Ri∣cardo, and stirring and turning him to pluck of his Cloths, he not being quite dead, but only in a swound, it recover'd him, and while the Fellow was about to pluck of his Breeches, he felt so sensible a Box on the Ear, that it stunn'd him; this frightned some of the Clowns so, that they ran away, while another more hardy and wicked, up with a stick, and laid Ricardo such a blow on the Head, that down he fell; but now see the Guards of the Corregidor enter, and seize upon all in the House; for some Houses nearer the Town, ha∣ving acquainted the Corregidor of what they had heard, he sent these Guards to inquire into the business, and finding the place where they lay with some fresh blood, they follow'd the tracts of the Cart-Wheel, that began in that place, this lead them to the House; they bound the Bores, and laying the Corps in the same Cart that brought them, (which

they knew by its being bloody) ty∣ing the Bores to the Carts-Tail, and so began to drive on; when of a sud∣den, Ricardo a second time began to recover. He was strangely surpriz'd when his faint Eyes beheld himself with those Corps in the Cart; with much ado he made shift to speak, when one of the Guards hearing knew his Voice, though almost as much altered by faintness, as his Face by dust and gore. They presently took Handkerchiefs, and ty'd up his Wounds. When they came to Town, they put him in a Coach to be carried to his House; and the Bores were carried before the Corregidor, who committed them to Gaol. Many peo∣ple flock about the Cart, where one knew his Fathers Body, another her Husbands; in short, they all found Friends to mourn for them and bury them; but innumerable were the im∣precations laid on the Bores; the whole Town was so inrag'd, that as they were going to Gaol, would have tore

them to pieces, the severest Death to be imagin'd threatned them; the Corregidor being inrag'd at the usage of his Cousen Ricardo, and the peo∣ple at the usage of their Friends; so that the poor Bores were loaded with Irons, and laid in a Dungeon; where we'll leave them biting their Nails, and Cursing their Misfortunes like distracted Men.

The End of the first Part.