The heroine musqueteer: or, the female warrier: A true history: very delightful, and full of pleasant adventures in the campagnes of 1676, & 1677. Translated out of French.

THE Heroine Musqueteer: OR, THE FEMALE WARRIER.

BEARN, though one of the least Provinces subject to the Crown of France, may be accounted a∣mong the most considerable, for the great number of Soldiers it sends into the Armies. It hath the honour of giving Birth to the Re∣nowned Prince, Henry the Great, and the Priviledges he granted it are sufficient proof of the esteem he had for the Inhabitants. And those who now serve the King in

his Wars, have made it appear they have not degenerated from the vertues of their Ancestors. Besides, as if it were not enough for this Province to produce Heroes in an Age, when all parts of France fur∣nish such plenty of them, it hath signaliz'd it self in giving Birth to a Heroine, who seems to have for∣got the infirmities of her Sex, to assume the vigour and generosity of the Masculine, without losing the beauty and sweetness of her own, and to compose of both, the most perfect Person in the U∣niverse.

Her Name is Christina, Daugh∣ter to the Baron of Meyrac, one of the most Eminent of the Province, though less known at Court than in his Countrey, where he spent all his days. He had an only Son brought up at the Colledge of Pau whom he design'd to send timely to Paris to learn his Exercises, the bet∣ter

to fit him for the King's service, in the Armies where he intended to provide him employment. Chri∣stina was bred at home with her Parents as their darling: she natural∣ly had that strong inclination for Arms, she knew sooner how to dis∣charge a Gun, than to handle a Di∣staff; and at nine years old could handle and use all sorts of Fire∣arms with incredible dexterity. She was extremely averse from Learn∣ing to read, and to perswade her now and then to look on a Book, they were oblig'd to permit her to go a-hunting twice a week; but to purchase a pound of Powder she would do any thing, how difficult soever. This for a time was a di∣vertisement to her Parents; till Christina having one day shot at Pidgeons in a Barn full of Corn, it unfortunately took fire, which consum'd a great part of it, though a great many hands were presently

at work to quench it. At this, the Baron was so offended with his Daughter, that he would not see her for many days, nor pardon her, but upon condition she would ne∣ver handle a Gun. Poor Christina was very glad to be re-admitted upon any terms into the favour of a Father, so severe as she knew hers to be: but that way of living be∣ing quite against her temper, a week was scarce past, but there appear'd a visible alteration in her looks. This alarm'd her Mother, who tenderly lov'd her, and having often, but in vain, endeavour'd to prevail with her Husband in fa∣vour of his Daughter, to remit a little of the rigour of his orders; she order'd a Gun to be carried to a Neighbour's, where Christina, by agreement with her Mother, some∣times resorted: And not daring to go a-Hunting, lest the Father should know it, she shot at a mark

for her exercise. This restraint but heightned her passion for Hunting and Shooting, as she made suffici∣ently appear by the advantages she took of her Father's absence, in a Journey about that time.

The Baron in the Vacations sent for his Son home; and Hunting being the principal Recreation of Countrey-Gentlemen, scarce a day past, but his Son made a match with his Friends for that sport: He never went forth, but Christina was cruelly vext, she could not make one of the Game; and when he return'd, she was not less trou∣bled for the pleasure she fancied he had enjoy'd, and she was unjustly debarr'd from, and seeing her Bro∣ther come every day home laden with Game that he had taken, she could not forbear tormenting her self for fear he would leave none for her.

One day, as the Baron and his

Son were a-Hunting, a Farmer came to the Castle to make his complaint of the great spoil done in his Corn by a wild Boar, and to beg assistance for killing him. The Baroness being assur'd the Boar ne∣ver fail'd coming to the Corn in the Twilight, promis'd to take order in it, and dismist the Countrey∣man. Christina having over-heard the discourse, said not a word to her Mother, lest she might endea∣vour to divert her from her design; but charg'd her Gun with two bul∣lets, and as it began to be dark, went away to the place the Coun∣trey-Man had spoken of; and to make the surer work, got up into a Tree a little distant from the Corn, with a resolution to wait there the coming of the Boar. The same Countrey-man having met the Baron's Son as he return'd from Hunting, told him the story, who loth to lose so fair an occasion in∣stantly

turn'd back into the Field, and fearing he was come too late, stole gently a cross the Corn, and attended the Boar's coming near half an hour: But growing impa∣tient of longer stay, he resolv'd to retire. His Sister in the Tree, not well able to discern what she ima∣gin'd she saw, the Corn being high and night come on, made no doubt but it was the Boar stirring up and down; and to lose no time dis∣charg'd her Gun, and kill'd her Brother. As he fell he cry'd out for help, which so troubled the unfor∣tunate Christina, that she presently fell down from the top of the Tree. The Countrey-man running in at the noise of the Gun, immediately met Christina tearing her self like a Woman distracted, and thought the Boar had wounded her: He ask'd her several questions, which she answer'd not, but he took her up, and help'd her to walk a few

steps. When she found her self in a condition to go alone, she order'd him to make all the haste in his power to let the Baron know his Son lay a-dying, having been dan∣gerously wounded by the Boar; with that she made away as fast as she could possibly, not know∣ing whither to betake her self. Having travell'd above an hour she found her self near a Castle belong∣ing to the Abbot Dizeste, who was extremely surprized to see her so bloated with crying, and at that time of the night. But Christina, having given him as good an ac∣count of her misfortune as she could in the case she was in, the Abbot who was her Fathers very near Kinsman, instantly got on Horse-back, and arriv'd at the Ca∣stle, the very moment they brought in the body of the poor Gentleman, who having lost much blood for want of help, dy'd in the

Arms of the Chirurgeon who first drest him. All things in the Castle were in such a confusion, the Abbot could not learn the truth of the accident. The people would needs believe the Boar had kill'd the Gentleman, though they found two bullets in his body: But the Baron and his Lady, not finding Christina, made no doubt but it was her act; and though they be∣liev'd she had don't by misfortune, the Baron was so transported with passion, for the loss of his Son, that he made search for his Daugh∣ter all over the Town, with his Pi∣stol in his hand, to sacrifice her to his Wrath. The Abbot being told of it, ran after him, and ha∣ving said to him all that might be expected on such an occasion, he brought him back to the Castle, where he made use of many tedi∣ous discourses to comfort him, but all to no purpose. Two Capuchins

came in at the noise of the disaster; and the Abbot having left them the care of comforting of the Ba∣ron, return'd home to bring Chri∣stina the news of her Brother's Death, and the danger she was in, if her Father should discover where she was; yet he assured her of his protection, and that he would ne∣ver forsake her.

Returning two days after to Mey∣rac, he was not a little surpriz'd to find the Capuchins exhortations had not abated in the least the grief of the Baron, nor diminish'd his anger, but that he persisted in his resolution to be the death of his Daughter, and would not admit of his Wife into his presence, because she had been prevailed upon to speak to him a word or two, in fa∣vour of the unfortunate Christina. This oblig'd the Abbot to hold a conference with two or three Kins∣men more of the Barons, and to

debate the business with them, and find out some means to save her from her Father's resentment. Af∣ter long discourse, it was agreed she should be sent into Spain; and Ar∣ragon being not above nine or ten Leagues from Bearn, and the Ab∣bot having a Brother settled at Sa∣ragosa many years, he was intreat∣ed to bear her company thither, and recommend her to his Brother, which he readily promis'd. Chri∣stina, troubled as she was, receiv'd with joy the result of this confe∣rence, and put her self in a posture to be gone on the morrow, accord∣ing to order: but the Abbot ha∣ving reflected in the night on the consequences of the intended Journey, found in it so many diffi∣culties, that he had almost alter'd his resolution by morning. He fore∣saw the beauty of Christina would make a great noise in a strange Countrey, being at twelve years old

far taller and handsomer than Maids of that Age ordinarily are, and especially in Spain, where the Women are generally very low: besides, he apprehended the frank humour of his Kins-woman, and the inclinations she had so different from the rest of her Sex, would hardly ever agree with the Genius of a Nation, where Women are oblig'd to live with a great deal of circumspection, and that it might prove very troublesome to his Bro∣ther. But the business was urgent, and he must resolve: Christina perceiving him waver, ask'd him the reason; he acquainted her with the difficulties he apprehended, and added, it was not decent or fit a young Maid should run rambling into a strange Countrey. Christina longing to get out of her Father's reach, whom she fear'd, and having a passionate desire to see Spain, pro∣pos'd to the Abbot, that if he

would give her leave, she would put on Boys Cloathes: And that she might have a plausible pretence for staying in Spain, he need no more but tell his Brother he brought him a young Kinsman to learn Spanish, and study some Months in the Uni∣versity of Saragosa. The Abbot at first boggled at the proposal as ri∣diculous and childish. But find∣ing her persist in it, and promising she would so disguise her self, they should never discover her Sex, he was perswaded by her. And hav∣ing caused her to be privately put into a habit suitable to her inclina∣tions, he thought she became it so well, that he made no more scru∣ples, but parted the next day with her for Saragosa. Being arrived there, they were receiv'd by his Brother with incredible joy and a∣bundance of thanks, that he would trust him with the Education of a Kinsman of so promising a meen.

The Abbot returned, and Don Lo∣renzo his Brother, took pleasure in making provision of necessaries for his young Kinsman. Schollars in Spain wear long, loose, black Vests like the Jesuits; a Habit that served very well to make Chri∣stina look taller and handsomer, and her Hair being of a delicat∣brown, and cut after the Spanish-mode, had an admirable effect up∣on the beholders. She no sooner appear'd in the University, but she drew after her the Eyes and the Hearts of the Students. It is incre∣dible what an advantage this was to the French Nation; for Spain being a Countrey inconvenient for Travellers, few Persons of Quality go thither. And they seldom have amongst them any French, unless it be some poor Labourers of the Mountains of Auvergne, Limosin, and Bigorre, who for very small wages do all manner of Drudgery. And

the Spaniards, who are naturally lazy, are willing to imploy French-men who serve them for money. This is the reason the People of those Countreys, who seldom travel abroad, slight the French as they do, judging of the whole Nation by those they see amongst them. This general prejudice heightened their astonishment, who admir'd the beauty of Christina, and call'd her The Handsom Frenchman. E∣very one strove to be acquainted with the Stranger; and her Repu∣tation was in a short time so well settled at Saragosa, that those of the best Quality there order'd their Children, to get acquaintance with the young Frenchman, and to make him their Friend.

The Marquess d'Osseyra then a Student there, went every morn∣ing to take him with him in his Coach to the University, and Don Philip de Palafox, Sonto th••e Mar∣quess

d'Arizza, brought him back for the most part in his. He visited these two young Lords oftner than any other, especially the Marquess d'Osseyra, who took pleasure to teach him Spanish, and tell him when he spoke amiss. This Gen∣tleman had a Sister married to the Marquess d'Aytona; who having heard an excellent Report of the handsome Frenchman, desired her Brother to bring him with him to her House, proposing to her self the pleasure to be expected from the Conversation of two young Lads of their Age. But she found it more charming, and was so satis∣fied with the first Visit, that she pray'd her Brother to bring him often to her; being extremly de∣lighted to see him and hear him speak. To engage him to come again, she presented him with a Sword, and her Brother with an∣other; which they carried com∣monly

under their Gowns, as the Schollars in Spain usually do. This Present was fatal to them both: For as they were going homewards one Evening very late, they met other Schollars who knew the Handsom-Frenchman, and could not forbear (out of a Natural-antipathy against the French) to give him ill-language and call him French-bougre. The Marquess d'Osseyra, thinking himself concern'd in their ill-usage and in∣civility, and not daunted with the number of his Enemies, charged them vigorously with his Sword in his hand. The Handsom-Frenchman seconded him so well, that they two beat back five Men above thir∣ty paces; till putting on too far, they were at last forc'd to give Ground, opprest with numbers of fresh assailants. The Marquess had a slight wound on the Face; and the Handsom-Frenchman receiv'd a

went sometimes with him to the Comedies and Opera's: About that time was presented the Opera of Cadmus, and took very much; D'Angosse made use of the occasion to take Places for S. Aubin and himself, in a Box, over-night. Ha∣ving receiv'd his Ticket, he sent the Duchess word of it, and advis'd her and the Marchioness to take Places in the Box right against them, to have the better view of S. Aubin; which was done accordingly. D' Angosse and S. Aubin having taken their Places, the two Ladies little minded the Opera, being wholly taken up with viewing S. Aubin. Having taken exact notice of him, they thought they were not de∣ceiv'd this time; yet the Duchess, who could scarce believe a Maid ca∣pable to run through so many Ad∣ventures, would be better satis∣fi'd. She sent for a Lacquey, who was a witty Fellow; and having

shew'd him S. Aubin, bid him put off his Livery, and having put on another Coat, follow that Gentle∣man when he went out of the Play-house; but be sure to do it so closely that she might have a certain account where he lodg'd. The Lacquey perform'd, and gave his Mistress an account. She and the Marchioness resolv'd on a Fro∣lick to try if S. Aubin were in truth the Heroine Musqueteer, as they were made believe: After several Expe∣dients, propos'd and rejected, they pitch'd upon sending him a Billet that Evening, which was to this ef∣fect,

Whoever you are, you are a dan∣gerous Gentleman. I never saw you but once at the Opera, and you force me to a confession which the hand∣somest Gentlemen of France have, by long service and great assiduity, in vain endeavour'd to draw from me: I love you, Sir, and am asham'd to

let you know it, yet pleas'd with the thought of it. How great soever you are you must expect no more. I de∣sire a quarter of an hours discourse with you: my Quality debars me en∣tertaining a stranger in Publick: follow this Lacquey, he will bring you to a sight of me. If afterwards you think me worthy the esteem and addresses of a Man of Honour, I dare not pass my word, but Time and your good Meen may triumph over my weakness.

They read the Billet several times over: The Duchess thought it too free, and would have burnt it; but the Marchioness told her it mat∣ter'd not, being written to a Maid, and by an unknown hand. The Duchess, sway'd with these Rea∣sons, call'd for the Lacquey; and having instructed him what to do, gave him strict charge of the Billet. The Lacquey being come to the

House where S. Aubin was quar∣ter'd, went to his Apartment and deliver'd him the Billet; which he read, and was not a little surpriz'd. Having read it, he was very much perplex'd, having a thousand thoughts in his head, not knowing what course to take: He was fear∣ful of engaging in an affair might be difficult to get rid of: On the o∣ther side, he knew that a Lady of Quality, if slighted, is a dangerous Enemy: This, and his natural Cu∣riosity, made him desire the Ladies acquaintance. He read the Billet over again, and feeing nothing de∣sir'd but what he thought might be granted, and judging others as reserv'd as himself, he resolv'd to follow the Lacquey; and having wrapt up himself in a Cloak, bid the Boy lead the way. Probably the Reader may think a Maid scarce capable of such a Resolution; but he is to consider our Heroine was

naturally couragious and bold, yet as tender of her honour (in the Es∣sentials) as the most reserv'd. I have heard her say, she thought her self safer in Mans Habit, than that of her Sex; as exposing her more to discourse commonly us'd to Women, if tolerably handsome, which at length leaves an impressi∣on. About Eleven a Clock the Foot-Boy led him through a little Gate, of which he had the Key for the purpose; S. Aubin staid in a Closet while the Lacquey gave no∣tice of it to the Dutchess, who was then with the Marchioness. It surpriz'd them to hear the Gentle∣man was come, as appointed; they began to repent their hasty en∣gagement, fearing they should meet with a second Marquess de Mesples. The Duchess being a Lady of eminent Vertue, and high∣ly concern'd to preserve her Repu∣tation, was upon sending him a∣way

without seeing him; and pos∣sibly had done it, but for fear of her Letter, which S. Aubin, if a Man, (as for ought she knew he was) might make very ill use of: The desire she had to have it again in her hands, and her natural Cu∣riosity, made her resolve to admit him entrance. The first Civilities being over, S. Aubin being alone with the two Ladies, who ey'd him very narrowly, appear'd so handsome that they believ'd him of their Sex. The Duchess, wil∣ling to get her Billet into her hands, told him he might perhaps have a very ill opinion of a Lady who ap∣pear'd so forward, yet she thought she could not do too much to make sure of so handsome a Gentleman: The Lady you see with me is my Confident, and we two fram'd the Billet I sent you. I fear it may ap∣pear too passionate, and being not so well acquainted with you as to

leave in your hands a Paper of that freedom, I desire you to restore it me: hereafter possibly I may know you so well, as to put my Reputati∣on into your hands. S. Aubin pre∣sently took it out of his Pocket, and the Duchess receiving it threw it in the Fire: and changing her tone, I must confess Sir, says she, my Curiosity hath expos'd me to a great deal of folly. We have read a Book, call'd The Heroine Musque∣teer, and had a desire to be ac∣quainted with so extraordinary a Person. We were assur'd she was at Paris, and that you were inti∣mate with her: you will highly ob∣lige us to bring us acquainted with her. S. Aubin was so astonish'd at the discourse he had not a word to say. The Marchioness perceiving it, made use of that Moment for the tryal she had unhappily made upon Mesples, and found whad she look'd for: The Ladies embrac'd

our Heroine, and made her a thou∣sand obliging offers of their servi∣ces. Christina, asham'd to see her self discover'd, answer'd them with as much civility as the disorder she was in would permit. The Du∣chess conjur'd her to tell her sin∣cerely if all that was written of her was true. Christina declar'd what was true, and what was of the Au∣thors invention. The Duchess was so well satisfi'd with our Heroine's modesty and discourse, that she press'd her very much to take a Chamber in her House, assuring her she should be us'd as a Person of Quality and Merit. Christina re∣fus'd, and gave so good reasons for it that the Duchess was satisfi'd, but pray'd her to visit her as often as possible: Christina promis'd it, and after a long discourse, and mu∣tual promises of secrecy, retir'd. But for all their assurance of keep∣ing her Counsel, she doubted their

performance; and could not rely on their discretion without scruple and diffidence, which gave her no small disquiet.

About this time S. Aubin receiv'd news from Bearn, that upon a re∣port of his death some of his Kin∣dred had possest themselves of part of his Estate. The Abbot Dizett who had the management of his Affairs advis'd him to make a Jour∣ney to Bearn, to dissipate, by his presence, the false reports of his death, and to take order for other matters. S. Aubin loth to go so far from the Marquess D' Osseyra, and expecting, with impatience, the end of the Campaign in order to Marriage, chose rather to hazard the loss of his Estate, than engage in business that would rob him of those precious Moments he thought better bestow'd in thinking of his Love. Upon a second Letter to the same purpose, S. Aubin desir'd

D' Angosse to undertake the busi∣ness; he readily took the Charge of it, and set out for Bearn within two days.

S. Aubin reflecting on his En∣gagement to visit the Duchess, thought himself indispensably o∣blig'd to be as good as his word. He went to her, and was kindly re∣ceiv'd; there was commonly good Company there. S. Aubin was treated in so obliging a manner, that every one took notice of it, and inquir'd who that young Gentle∣man was, and very few knew him. A Principal Lord of the Court had long been in Love with the Du∣chess and visited her frequently, but found his addresses fruitless, and had no further advantage by them, than an opportunity to gain an interest in the Servants by his Liberality. He was not discou∣rag'd by the severe Vertue of the Duchess from seeing her often, in

hopes to prevail with her at Long-run. The Count d' Ex (for so was the Gentleman call'd) was so far in Love that he easily became jealous, and could not with patience endure to see how familiarly the Duchess convers'd with this Stranger: He question'd the Maids of his Party about it, but they could not give him a satisfactory account; the Lacqueys were as much to seek as the Maids. He whom the Du∣chess had employ'd to carry the Billet to S. Aubin being no more proof than others of his Coat to the temptations of Gain, and finding no advantage from being his Mi∣stresses Confident, would not slip the opportunity of getting some∣thing from the Count on this oc∣casion. He told the Count of the Billet, and how he thought the Du∣chess became first engag'd with the Stranger, not forgetting the Pas∣sage at the Opera. Here I cannot

forbear blaming the injustice of most Men, to be so easily perswa∣ded of the ill Conduct of Women: How many are there who are very vertuous, yet have not escap'd be∣ing condemn'd for debauch'd, upon the Report of a Maid-servant dissatis∣fi'd, or a Foot boy mis-inform'd? This Report passes to other Women, and seldom fails of coming to the Ears of one or other, who will be glad of the occasion to speak as ill of a∣nother, as she knows her self to be deservedly spoken of; and will be fure to divulge it very carefully, in hopes to confound the Criminal with the Innocent: The Story lo∣ses nothing by the Carriage, every one adds something to set it off the better; and there needs no more to destroy a Womans Reputation: Of which, I could give you several Instances.

The Count was much surpriz'd at the discourse of the Lacquey:

He believ'd it without examinati∣on, and his Jealousie made him be∣lieve much more: It fail'd not to represent to him, that a Stranger of Quality, perhaps as obscure as his Name, was in favour with a Lady of her Merit and Rank, when she slighted him who was inferi∣our to few in the Kingdom, for handsomness, Birth, or Imploy∣ment. This made him resolve to be reveng'd of his Mistress, by de∣priving her of her Favorite. The Count, though otherwise very ci∣vil, was hasty of humour, and fiery: His Jealousie requir'd him to make his Rival a Victim, which the goodness of his Nature would hard∣ly consent to: It would have been no hard matter to ruine his Rival, but his revenge would not have been compleat, if some part of it fell not on his Mistress. After much irresolution, he pitch'd upon a fatisfaction no less cruel, than

gallant: He had a Domestick, ve∣ry witty and intelligent, to whom he discover'd his design, and told him he intended to trust him with the execution; that his first care must be to find out a Wench who had been debauch'd through want of Money and Experience, and lik'd it so well that she continued the Trade; that he could not fail of choice in so great a Town, and therefore must pick out the hand∣somest he could find, but she must be such as could do him a kindness he should have cause to remember while he liv'd: And to that pur∣pose, he was not to spare cost or pains; but withall, to put her into excellent Habit, lodge her in the best Apartment of the House, and instruct her how to counterfeit, in her deportment, a Lady of Quality. The Servant found a Person excel∣lently qualifi'd for the service his Master desir'd from her, and so wit∣ty

that she quickly learnt her Les∣son. This was so well perform'd, that the Count, who had resolv'd to have S. Aubin stolen away, com∣mitted the care of it to the same Servant; and took him along with him to the Duchess's to shew him S. Aubin, to prevent a mistake. S. Aubin went commonly in a Chair, and usually retir'd from the Du∣chess's at ten or eleven Clock at Night. The Count's Servant ha∣ving made the Chair-men drunk, got others to wait in their room: S. Aubin, at coming off from the Duchess, not finding his Chair∣men, made use of the next at hand. Three Men, well-arm'd, had order to guard the Chair: One of them, by the way, whispers S. Aubin in the Ear, that a Lady of Quality, being passionately in Love with him, had order'd them to steal him to her: adding, 'twas in vain to resist, for they were able to force

him. St. Aubin, though surpriz'd at the Complement, was so us'd to extraordinary Adventures, that he permitted himself to be quietly car∣ryed where the pretended good Fortune waited him: As soon as he was arriv'd, two Men seiz'd him, and led him in the dark up a back stair; and having cross'd two Apar∣tments, thrust him somewhat rude∣ly into a Chamber full of Lights, and nobly furnisht: One of them who brought him thither took care to shut the Door fast enough. The Illustrious Personage, who was there ready to receive him, would not give him time to know her, but took him about the Neck with de∣monstrations of a passionate joy, as true as what is affected can be; you would have thought the rich Ha∣bit she was in had made her forget the meanness of her condition. S. Aubin, resolv'd what to do, was not daunted at all, but answer'd her

passion with all the civility and res∣pect imaginable: But these were not the Entertainment she look'd for, and after long discourse the fair Lady having in vain endea∣vour'd by an affected modesty to raise the Gentlemans Spirits, was quite tyr'd with his reserv'dness, and attributing his want of bold∣ness to the trouble he said he was in at sight of her; I come not, says she, to give you trouble, but to receive Love from you: At this, she hid her face with her Fan, as if she had been asham'd she had let fall expressions so free. S. Aubin, who thought of nothing more than how to get well out of the Bryers, was in some hopes observing her modesty, and assur'd her he had a great inclination to love her, that he was unworthy so much favour, but would make it his business to merit it by his services: I will dis∣pence with you in that point, re∣plyes

she, and, since I must tell you all, I desire we may spend this night together: S. Aubin who could not believe what he had heard say of the impudence of some women, and expected not so very plain English, stood a while mute; And seeing no other course to take fell at her feet (whom he thought a person of Quality) and confess'd ingenuously he was a Wo∣man: The poor Wench who was made believe she should be largely rewarded, was in a lamentable fear to lose what was promis'd her, if it were once known she had not not done the service expected from her: which troubl'd her the more, for that she had design'd the money for several necessary uses, particu∣larly for getting rid of that which made her so fit for the present pur∣pose of her paymaster, she then fell at S. Aubins feet, and told him word by word all the intrigue, advertis∣ing

him the master of the house (whom she knew not) was jealous of some person of quality. It was no hard Matter for S. Aubin to guess it was the Dutchess, and re∣flecting with horror on the Regale provided for him, he made the Wench sensible it was their com∣mon interest to keep mutual secre∣cy, which was accordingly pro∣mis'd, and having agreed what to say; the Wench went to bed, which she took care to tumble so as if two had lain there: S. Aubin lay up∣on the stooles. And on the morrow a little before day the Wench went according to order to give, a boy who was in an antichamber hard by, notice of what past, assuring him he might when he pleas'd send away the Gallant who was so sound∣ly pepper'd she undertook he should never forget that nights work. The boygave his Master this account, and he was very well satisfied. He sent

the Wench word she should blind∣fold her lover, and perswade him to be led so into the place Royal, it being too early to get a Chair: and it might concern her how she got ryd of him. S. Aubin well pleas'd to see an end of an adven∣ture had so terribly frightn'd him; forgot not to give her who had so faithfully serv'd him, some marks of his acknowledgment: His ver∣tue prompted him to exhort her to live honestly, which he seconded with giving her some means to do it, he follow'd his guides, and assoon as he was at liberty went to his lodging to bed.

When he had rested sufficiently he went to the Dutchess's assoon as he thought her in a condition to to be seen, and praid her to send one for the Marchioness, assuring her she had news to tell them would make them very merry: Assoon as she was come they lock'd themselves

up in a room where S. Aubin told them the particulars of the adven∣ture he had met with the night be∣fore: The Dutchess, who very well knew the kindness the Count had for her, and was sufficiently ac∣quainted with his jealous humour, presently suspected he had the principal hand in it, which was confirm'd by the circumstances, S. Aubin related. To put it out of doubt, they agree'd that S. Aubin should not for two days appear at the Dutchess's, and that when first the Count came thither, the Mar∣chioness should insensibly fall into discourse of S. Aubin, and the Dut∣chess should express much sorrow for his sickness; which would cer∣tainly produce a discovery of the Counts thoughts of the business. S. Aubin vanisht, the Count came, as he was wont, to the Dutchess, and sav'd the Marchioness the trou∣ble of the discourse agreed on, by

asking the Dutchess why she look'd so sad: The Marchioness answer'd that S. Aubin, whom the Dutch∣ess had a value for, was sick, and that she was troubl'd for want of his good company: the Count was so glad at the news that he could not forbear asking very merrily what he aild; the Marchioness, who knew the reason of the questi∣on, said she knew not, and proceeded no further.

The Duchess, who liv'd very lovingly with her Husband, had told him the story of Christina, and how she had got acquaintance with that maid in Mans Clothes: And being glad of an occasion to make him merry, she scrupl'd not to tell him the adventure of the Count, at which they laugh'd very heartily.

It was a fine time for going into the Country: The Duke having a house within fifteen Leagues of Paris, was minded to spend some

time there, and told his Wife she would do him a pleasure to bring some good company thither. The Marchioness being a very Jovi∣al Lady promis'd to make one; they had a great desire to have S. Aubin along with them, and the Duch∣ess had invited him two or three times but could not prevail: when he came to take his leave of these Ladies the day before their depar∣ture, the Marchioness told him, if he would not go along with them she would discover the secret of his sex. S. Aubin was loth to go far from Paris for fear of exposing him∣self (as tis said) to new adventures, though it was for another reason; yet he was so mov'd with the Mar∣chioness's threats that he resolv'd to go along: the Duke was very glad, and they promis'd all to keep S. Au∣bins Councell. When they were got into the Country the Ladies thought of nothing but their plea∣sures;

Hunting, Gameing, walk∣ing and making good cheer took up their time: The Dutchess having consider'd that the Count continu∣ed his mistake, and still thought her Criminal, was troubled she had not undeceiv'd him, she spoke of it to her Husband who thought she had reason, it being ever to a Ladies disadvantage to give any cause of suspecting her Conduct. They resolv'd the Duke should write him a Letter to invite him in∣to the Country: The Count who thought very ill of that Journey the Duchess had taken, though he did not know S. Aubin went with her, was glad the Duke had given him the occasion of visiting them, and imagin'd the Duke had written without acquainting his Duchess. He got thither within two days, and was surpriz'd to find so good company; there care was taken at his first arrival to have S. Aubin out

of the way. After Supper the Mar∣chioness said, she had lighted that day on the pleasantest story in the World: they pray'd her to acquaint the company with it; she excus'd her self saying, she had a very ill memory: with that, she stept a little from the table, and taking a book out of her pocket where she had writ what she had to say, she pretended to make use of it to help her memory, and said that a person of quality had been jealous of a Maid in Mans Clothes, and so went ongiving an exact and particular ac∣count of all that happend to S. Aubin at the Counts, and how he had been deceiv'd when he thought himself reveng'd: the Duke and his Duchess the mean while observ'd the Count, who knowing himself by the de∣scription to be the party intended, chang'd colour and countenance at every word: The Marchioness hav∣ing made a stop at the feigned sick∣ness

of S. Aubin, the Duchess was earnest to know if the Count had been disabus'd: The Marchio∣ness takes her Book in hand, and read that; the Lady principally concern'd, went shortly after into the Countrey, and having scrupl'd the leaving the Count in a mistake so disadvantageous to her, had prai'd her Husband to invite the Count to come and visit them. But how did she justify her self, says the Duchess, my Book says no more replyes the Marchioness. This Gentleman, the Count being newly arriv'd from Pa∣ris, may probably inform you. Never was Man more out of Countenance then he: The Duke pittying the Disorder he was in, told him S. Aubin was, The Heroine Musque∣teer; the Count begg'd the Duch∣ess pardon, giving her many sorry reasons to justify himself, which she little valued: They sent for S. Aubin having first ingag'd the

Count not to discover the secret: they had good laughing at the ad∣venture; but the Count was so confounded at it that he durst no more speak to the Duchess, and shortly after return'd to Paris.

S. Aubin in the mean time was not so merry as formerly, the same reason that stopt his Journey to Bearn would not permit him to be long absent from Paris with pa∣tience: He expected news from the Marquess D' Osseyra, but re∣ceiv'd not any, though they had taken care to agree a way to main∣tain a Correspondence. As he was walking one day with the Duchess, he spi'd three Spanish Souldiers re∣turning home-wards from Flanders, he spoke to them in Spanish and ask'd them a hundred questions a∣bout the Marquess D' Osseyra: One of the Souldiers hearing him repeat so often the Marquess's name, ask'd him boldly if he knew him,

and had any concern with him. I have been his prisoner, says S. Au∣bin, and he us'd me so well I shall acknowledge it while I live: The Duchess perceiving by S. Aubins countenance how glad he was to discourse with the strangers, was willing to give him time enough to do it at his leisure, and order'd one of her Servants to entertain them that day, and take care of them: They were scarce got into the House, but S. Aubin found them out, and ad∣dressing himself to the Souldier, who seem'd best acquainted with the Marquess, he ask'd a Thousand particulars concerning him. The Souldier astonisht to find a Gentle∣man so acknowledging, and per∣ceiving him the Marquess's very good friend, confess'd he was his domestick, and had by the way met with those two Souldiers going for Spain: But as for him he went nofur∣ther than Paris, on business from his

Master: S. Aubin Ravished at the newes, and thinking himself con∣cern'd in the Journey, ask'd if he had not Letters for Christina: The Spaniard astonisht to find him so wellacquainted with the Marquess's affairs, told him he had several for her; give 'em me then says Christi∣na, forgetting her self to be S. Aubin. The Spaniard look'd attentively on him, and with the cool gravity usual in those of his Nation, answered he would rather part with his life: I am Christinas Bro∣ther and a good friend of your Masters, says S. Aubin. And you may trust me with them: but the Spaniard was not to be perswaded out of them. Christina seeing it and being impatient to have a sight of Letters she so dearly long'd for, confess'd she was Christina and had that day disguised her self into Mans habit for hunting: Old birds are not caught with chaff,

says the Spaniard, I'll as soon part with my life as my Letters, which he bound with two or three Spanish oaths, and quitting S. Aubin went strait to his Comrads and set for∣ward immediately for Paris: S. Aubin was upon the point of fol∣lowing them to set upon them by the way, and force the Letters from them; but fearing the Consequence of an action so rash in a Kingdome where such violence is not allow'd, he pray'd the Duchess to give or∣der for horses to carry him present∣ly to Paris, fearing if the Spaniard mist of him there, he would return presently for Flanders. The Duch∣ess not knowing the reason of this haste, endeavour'd very civilly to engage him to longer stay. S. Anbin vext at her unseasonable ci∣vility acquainted her with what had past between him and the Spaniard: The Dutchess in com∣passion to a Lovers impatience sent

horses the same day to wait S. Aubins coming by the way, who on the morrow went off in her Coach, and in a short time arrriv'd at Paris. He fail'd not to go to the place where he knew the Marquess would address his Letters, and thought it requisite to put on wo∣mans habit, lest the incredulous Spaniard should scruple delivering him the packet: soon after the Spaniard arriv'd, and having de∣sir'd to speak with Christina, he deliver'd the Letters, applaud∣ing himself much that he had not trusted them with a young Gentleman who would have sur∣priz'd him with untruths: But he had mistaken his mark, for he could have rather parted with his life than his Letters: Christina more intent about reading her Let∣ters than hearing his bravadoes, o∣pen'd several which pleased her well: I would have inserted them

here for the Readers satisfacti∣on, but there are a sort of Letters very good for the writer and for the party they are writ∣ten to, but flat and insipid to others who have not the key to un∣derstand the meaning and appre∣hend the delicacy of them: I shall only give you one I thought easiest to be understood.

Attribute my silence to the Excess of my Love: when my letters are written I look upon them as yours, which makes them so dear to me That I cannot find in my heart to expose them to the danger of falling into the hands of strangers. By all those I send you by the express, you will find you wholly take up my thoughts. It is an age since the beginning of this Campagne: why should the ima∣nary progress of our armyes stop that of my Love. If possible draw near one of the conquer'd Towns that I

may have the pleasure at last to think I am not far from you, and that if we lay a siege, as the dis∣course is, I may flatter my self with the hopes of having you my prisoner: But for Heavens sake, be not in the place, for I foresee the Cannon will be ill serv'd when I think it may be discharg'd against you. And I would choose rather to lose my office than do it on such an occasion.

Christina in Reading the several Leters had all the joy a person in love is capable of after long ex∣pectation of news from her Lover.

This was her Answer.

I am very well pleas'd with your Letters: they are all very passionate. But you alarm me in telling me you are going to form a siege. I trem∣ble for you that the success will not answer your hopes: Let me intreat you to think of nothing but loving me,

there you are sure of Conquest, the o∣ther is uncertain. I will draw to∣wards the Frontiers, because you de∣sire it; I know I shall be better at ease, and I take pleasure before∣hand to think I shall hear from you oftner: Make an end of this Cam∣pain as soon as you can, Love will make you amends for the damage your glory suffers by it.

Christina sent back the Mar∣quess's Man with this answer, and resum'd her Mans Habit, and the Name of S. Aubin.

D' Angosse in the mean time was return'd from Bearn, and had, with the help of the Abbot d' Izette, happily ended what he had to do there on S. Aubin's account, and much to his advantage; for which D' Angosse expected no small ac∣knowledgment. He could not i∣magine but Christina would at length be sensible of his affection

for her: And when S. Aubin would have made him a considerable Pre∣sent, proportionable to the service he had done him, D' Angosse took it for an affront, and told Christina he thought himself not unworthy of her affection. S. Aubin was so well acquainted with the boldness natural to those of his Country, that it surpriz'd him not at all: But to undeceive him, once for all, told D' Angosse he had a very high e∣steem and value for him, and would evidence it on all occasions; but intreated him for the future to or∣der his thoughts better, than to give him occasion to forbear his compa∣ny, and forbid him further Visits; which he would infallibly do, if he continued to discourse him at that bold rate. D' Angosse was too much a Gascon to be discourag'd at this, so that S. Aubin, to be rid of trou∣blesome importunities, was forc'd to change his Lodging.

There was about this time, a re∣port that the Confederate Army had invested Charleroy, and begun already to form the Siege: Most of the young Gentlemen at Court, and other Volunteers, left Paris upon the news, and went for the French Army, not doubting but the Marshal Luxemburg, who Com∣manded it, would attack the Ene∣my in their Lines. The Army in∣creas'd extremely in two or three days, Volunteers coming in Post from all Parts, and not finding Horses on the great Roads, some were forc'd to take by-ways to fur∣nish themselves, that they might come in time. The Marquess de Fervaques, willing to be there with the first, to signalize himself on this, and other occasions, had the mis∣fortune to be taken by the way, by a Party of the Enemies. The Offi∣cer who Commanded the Party, having seiz'd some Books among

Monsieur Fervaques's Baggage, o∣pen'd one, which prov'd the He∣roine Musqueteer: the Title made him eager to read it. This Officer had been bred Page to the Marquess D' Osseyra, and not a little surpriz'd to find the Marquess's Name so of∣ten in the Book, he sent it the Marquess, who was extremely a∣stonisht at it.

While every one wondred at the Confederates Resolution to lay Siege to Charleroy, having former∣ly attempted it in vain. S. Aubin allarm'd to hear the expedition ge∣nerally cry'd down as rash and un∣advis'd, and all France confident it would come to nothing, began to be afraid for the Marquess D' Osseyra. He had not the patience to wait information, by the Pub∣lick News, what was become of the Marquess; but push'd on by a love, to which no difficulty was insupe∣rable, rid Post to Charleroy, pre∣tending

the cause of his Journey to be only a desire of honour, natural to the French Gentry: Every Horse-man he met by the way he fancy'd might me a Courrier to carry news of the defeat of the Con∣federates. But when he came to the Army, he found the Confede∣derates had been so wise to save him the fright his Love might have put him to for danger to the Mar∣quess. They had, upon the ap∣proach of the King's Army, rais'd the Siege, as the best of their Game. The Confederates having made a very good Retreat, S. Aubin saw there was no cause of further fear on their account, the Marquess D' Osseyra being safe; but he could not find in his heart to return for Pa∣ris, without giving the Marquess notice: He was so pleas'd with be∣ing so near the Man he lov'd best of any living, that he resolv'd to stay in Flanders: And having en∣gag'd

himself in the beginning of the Campain to spend some time at Valenciennes, at Mariana's Fa∣thers, he took that occasion to con∣tinue nearer the Marquess: And considering it would be difficult hearing from him at Valenciennes, where Count Magalotti the Go∣vernor was very strict to prevent intelligence with the Enemy, he made sure before-hand of a Ligeois Lad, who under pretence of car∣rying Victuals, went indifferently to both Armies; and was admit∣ted into the Spanish, as well as French Towns. The Ligeois ha∣ving promis'd to serve him faith∣fully, he went into Valenciennes, and sent the Boy into the Spanish Army with this Letter.

Your Enterprize of Charleroy put me in such a fright, that I could not wait the success in quiet: How could I be at rest, when I was to expect

every hour designs against you•• Where-ever I went, judge what con∣dition I was in, who could not wish the glory of my Country, without giv∣ing an allarm to my Love; nor pray for your prosperity, without breach of my allegiance: Make me a-mends for the trouble you have caus'd me, by letting me hear often from you at Valenciennes, where I resolve to stay and see what will become of you.

When the Ligeois came to the Confederate Army to deliver the Letter, he found all in disorder there, by mis-understanding be∣tween the Generals; one blaming the other for the miscarriage of the business of Charleroy. He was told the Spaniards were withdrawn and that the Marquess D' Osseyra, Commanded a Body a-part about Ghent: The Ligeois found him there, and having deliver'd the Letter, the Marquess rewarded

him so, that he had cause to wish he might have more such Letters to carry, and soon after sent him back with this Answer.

I am extremely oblig'd to you for the fright you were in, though it be the greatest harm our Army hath done. We are so us'd to ill success, we are not at all mov'd at it: yet I should be he artily sorry for it, but that I am perswaded you make a dif∣ference between me and others; and believe did I act a part, I would allarm you oftner. But why should our Billets still speak of War, which ought to be full of sweetness and ten∣derness? Do you know, our business is grown Publick, and that there's a Book Printed, Intituled The Heroine Musqueteer? Since we are made the Subject of Romances, let's make an end as soon as we can, and enjoy the fruits of our Love, without di∣verting the Publick any longer at our cost.

This Letter was delivered S. Au∣bin at Valenciennes, where he was receiv'd by Mariana's Parents with Demonstrations of very great joy, and Evidences of a sincere kind∣ness. They flatter'd themselves still with the hopes of having him their Son-in-Law; and being con∣firm'd in this opinion, by his return, they made him very welcom, and gave him the best entertainment they could. Only Mariana ap∣pear'd troubled at the sight of S. Aubin: An Italian Captain in Ma∣galottes's Regiment, had, by his subtil insinuations, got that ad∣vantage over the simplicity of the honest Hemyn, that she told him all that had pass'd between her and S. Aubin; and the design of her Pa∣rents to make her his Wife, not∣withstanding his great indifference for her. The Italian pretending himself very much concern'd for her, us'd all his endeavours to un∣deceive

her thoughts of that chi∣mericall Marriage, assuring her, S. Aubin who apparently was a per∣son of quality, had no thoughts of marrying her, having not as much as writ her a line since he left her: I know, adds he, the French well enough, they engage them∣selves with women only for diver∣tisement, Ambition and the thirst of Glory are their predominant passion: But, 'tis no small pre∣judice to a fair Lady so lovely as you are, to be expos'd to the slights of a presumtuous youngster, who perhaps makes sport in his Coun∣trey with the obliging offers your parents have made him.

Mariana having been frequently discourag'd thus, found it no hard matter to forget S. Aubin: And the Captain finding her so well dispos'd, fail'd not to offer her his service; and to make her sensible of the great desire he had to merit

her good opinion. Tis no wonder a young maid who fanci'd all Men as shy as S. Aubin, should be tak∣en at last with the assiduity of a smooth tongu'd, and cunning Itali∣an. Love, that you may be lov'd is a maxime seldom fails, and whe∣ther it were that the Captain was in love with Mariana, or pretend'd it only, she was quickly comforted for the absence of S. Aubin by the care this Italian took to entertain her with frequent discourses of the passion he had for her, and the in∣difference of S. Aubin: when he re∣turn'd to Valenciennes she had dis∣pos'd of her affection, and all her Parents cares to the Frenchman were but so many pieces of morti∣fication to Mariana, who com∣plain'd of them to the Captain. But when she reflected on her ob∣ligations to him, and the pleasure of being beholding to so handsome a Gentleman, her sense of grati∣tude

could not but reproach her for loving another. She acquainted the Italian with her reflections, who alarm'd at the discourse, made use of all the interest his suttleties had gain'd in the credulous Girl: And considering he might never have so good an opportunity for making his fortune, he was so fearful S. Aubins presence might revive Marianas former inclinations, and so loth to lose what he thought himself al∣most master of, that he made use of such means to make sure of Ma∣riana, it was not in her parents pow∣er to dispose of her to another. He forgot neither promise nor oath, and press'd her so hard that she thought it but reasonable togrant him the high∣est favours his love could expect: her mother reproach'd her for enter∣taining the Captain so constantly and slighting S. Aubin. But her Mothers discourse and S. Aubins cold civilities were merely thrown away upon her, who had receiv'd

such effectual proof of the Captains kindness: S. Aubin was so taken up with writing Letters to the Marquess D' Osseyra, and so pleas'd with reading his answers, that 'tis no wonder he concern'd not himself much with other peoples business. Mariana having improv'd her wit by conversing with the Italian, advis'd him to get ac∣quaintance with S. Aubin, as an infallible means to be welcome to her parents, by reason of the esteem and kindness they had for that Frenchman. Another man would have scrupl'd seeing a Rival so dangerous as S. Aubin, but an Ita∣lian hath an absolute command of his passion: The Captain dissem∣bling the hatred he had for S. Aubin on marianas account, did him all the civilities imaginable, of which the Italians never are Niggards; S. Au∣bin as courteously return'd them. The ouning Italian easily had the ad∣vantage of the Frenchmen that in a

short time they were intimate Friends: and the Captain to dis∣cover S. Aubins designs upon Ma∣riana frequently made her the subject of their discourse. S. Au∣bin frankly declar'd he had an est∣eem for her, The Captain willing to try him further, and know whe∣ther he lov'd her, repli'd cun∣ningly that few are satisfi'd with a bare esteem of a young Lady of Mariana's qualities: I can go no further, says S. Aubin, I have en∣deavour'd to disabuse her parents; and should be very sorry they should for hopes which can never take effect, let slip the opportunities of setling their daughter. The Itali∣an well satisfi'd with an answer so agreeable to his desires, concluded from S. Aubins discourse he was very well born, and thought not of matching into an inferior family, which made him ever after make his Court to S. Aubin with extra∣ordinary deference.

Marianas Father was every day more and more charm'd with S. Aubin's behaviour and carriage, and heartily sorry to see him so little concern'd for his daughter. The Ita∣lian frequented the house under pretence of seeing S. Aubin. Maria∣na's Father taking him to be a dis∣creet man and one that had an in∣terest in S. Aubin, whom he visited so often, took an occasion to tell him how much his family was ingag'd to S. Aubin, and that he design'd to have him his son in law, though he seem'd not very fond of the alli∣ance. The Captain glad of this confidence resolv'd to make good use of it, he presently fell to giving him Counsel, and offer'd to speak of the business to the Frenchman, which the Father accepted of with a great deal of pleasure. The Ita∣lian being now become mediator in the affair consulted Mariana what answer he should return her

Father from S. Aubin, and amus'd the good man with delays and put-offs to gain time for a favoura∣ble occasion, for Mariana to declare to her Parents the necessity she was under of being marry'd to the Cap∣tain. Lovers once Fortunate flatter themselves with hopes they shall continue so still: But a Cruel acci∣dent, which is so troublesome to Marri'd Women, so terrible to maids, and sometimes fatal to widows, was like to have broken all the measures these Lovers had taken. Mariana found her self troubl'd with qualms, and with fitts occasion'd by the familiarities of the Italian, so that she thought it high time to make her Parents ac∣quainted with it: and believing her mother more tender and com∣passionate (in such cases especially) she confess'd ingenuously the condi∣tion she was in, and was so far from complaining of him who had

caus'd it that she extold his merit in very passionate terms; praying her to keep the business private, her Lover who had promis'd her marriage, having important rea∣sons to conceal it for some time. The Mother thinking she spoke of S. Aubin, was so far from blaming her daughter that she excused the matter, and promis'd to speak it to her Father, that order might be taken to have them privately mar∣ryed. The honest Fleming was so glad of the news of a marriage he so passionately wish'd for; that he presently sent for a notary to draw the Marriage-setlement, wherein he gave his Daughter very great ad∣vantages in favour of her pretend∣ed Husband that was to be: The two Lovers had sign'd, and the Fa∣ther had the pen in hand for the same purpose, but missing S. Au∣bins name in the contract; he told the Notary he had observ'd on the

like occasions that the parties to be married first writ their names, and others afterwards to make good the contract as Parents or Relati∣ons, or to render it authentick as witnesses: Having so said he gave the Notary the Pen, which put Mariana into a terrible fright, and all the wit the Italian had taught her was little enough to help her out: she told her Father S. Aubin was the name of a place, but that the Name he found in the instru∣ment was that of his Family. This convinc'd the Father that he took the pen again and sign'd the deed. Being one of the most considerable Burgesses of the town, and willing to pay a respect to the Governour, he prayd the Captain who stood by, and past for S. Aubins good friend to accompany the Notary to Count magalotts, and desire his leave for the Marriage: The Governour having been possest of the thing by

the Captain, and glad an officer of merit had found an occasion to make his fortune, readily gave his consent, and agreed the Ceremony should be perform'd that evening in his Chappel. Mariana had the wit to order her business so well, that her Parents went not to the Chappel, but rely'd on an Aunt of hers she had gain'd: This was done with such speed, that S. Aubin was mar∣rie'd in the imaginations of Mar∣iana's Parents before ever he heard of it. The Mother gave so strict a charge to all her family, to keep the matter private, that every one thought himself sole confident of the intrigue: while the Ceremo∣nies were a doing, S. Aubin with∣drew to his ordinary retirement. A maid who open'd him the door, desirous to insinuate her self into his favour, whom she look'd upon as her new Master, wish'd him joy: The Father seeing him enter, and

thinking that out of respect to him he was loth to appear to him, till he had repair'd his Daughters honour, embrac'd him with great transports of Joy. Mariana's mother having spi'd her imaginary son-in-Law, would not give her Husband time to speak, but took him about the neck, calling him her dear Son. S. Aubin who understood not the meaning of their troublesome car∣esses, thought them mad. As he was going to answer their imper∣tinent discourse, a friend of the fa∣mily who alone was made privy to the business prevented him by giving him Joy: never was man more perplex'd than S. Aubin. He prai'd them seriously to be un∣deceiv'd one for all, since for very substantial reasons it was not in his power to marry their daughter. The Mother angry at so unexpect∣ed a declaration, reply'd that since those reasons had not been strong

enough to keep him from dishon∣ouring her Daughter, they were too weak to dispence with his mar∣rying her; adding, if he did it not, she would punish their infamy by strangling them both with her own hands: The quarrell increas'd, and S. Aubin was in danger of being ill us'd had not the Governour come in with the new-marryed couple. This looks so like the last scene of a Comedy that the Reader will scarce believe it. But I pretend not autho∣rity over mens opinions, I allow e∣very one Liberty to think what he pleases. My Memoires tell me Ma∣riana fell at her parents feet and presented them her Husband, whom they were oblig'd to re∣ceive, the marriage having been celebrated with all the formality usual, and Mariana in a very hopeful condition to make them Grandsires in a short time. At last they were all satisfi'd, the Italian that he had got a good fortune,

Mariana, that she was Married to whom she lov'd; and S. Aubin, that he was delivered from her Pa∣rents persecutions.

But the mind of Man is never content, and the Italian, (like o∣thers ingenious in tormenting themselves) though he saw him∣self Master, by his Marriage, of a considerable Fortune, and far be∣yond his hopes; comparing the plentifulness of his present Fortune, with those former wants all his In∣dustry was scarce able to preserve him from, he had a Crotchet in his Pate; there was something more than ordinary in the matter, that a Gentleman of Bergamo, no otherwise considerable than for a Company of Foot which he had gain'd by the ordinary means, should Marry a rich Heiress, unless there were some secret reasons for it. In a word, his good Fortune had so refin'd his Fancy, that he pass'd the

same judgment of his Wife most Men do, whose Wives suffer them before-hand to know what they should have been ignorant of till af∣ter the Wedding, and imagin'd Mariana had been as kind to some other as to him. Of all he could think of, S. Aubin appear'd the most likely to be the Man: Having consider'd it well, he applauded himself secretly for his penetration, and was con∣firm'd in his opinion that he had but S. Aubin's leavings, and was be∣holding for his settlement to Ma∣riana's being with Child; who, not daring to let her Parents know it, resolv'd to be Marry'd to him, when S. Aubin had refus'd her: He doubted not but they had long held Correspondence, and continu'd it; and loath to be any longer their Cully, resolv'd to observe their mo∣tions. S. Aubin who had former∣ly avoided being alone with Ma∣riana, that she might not have oc∣casion

to think he lov'd her, was often in her company after she was Marry'd; the reason for absenting himself being now over, and her Conversation more witty than for∣merly, so that having reasonable good Company at home, he thought he might well save himself the trou∣ble of seeking it abroad. S. Aubin's Assiduities with Mariana, gave the Captain new umbrage: He durst not yet complain of it to Mariana, or forbid her his company: his Jea∣lousie the while represented the most innocent Actions as criminal. He was the more troubled to see most of the French Gentry in Flan∣ders going for Paris, when S. Aubin, who probably had no great busi∣ness at Valenciennes, said not a word of returning for France, for which he could not imagine any cause, but a Correspondence with his Wife: He watch'd them so nar∣rowly, that he quickly perceiv'd

S. Aubin often imploy'd the Ligeois into the Country, and at his re∣turn quitted all business to speak with him. The Captain's suspi∣cions made him fearful of every Shadow: He was very desirous to know what business the Ligeois was sent about, and gave order to an Italian Foot-Boy, a very trusty Fel∣low, to hide himself in S. Aubin's Chamber, and hearken diligently what the Ligeois said. The Foot-Boy did as he was Commanded, and reported to his Master that the Ligeois said not a word, but gave S. Aubin a Letter which he read very attentively, and sigh'd often in reading it. The Captain, well ac∣quainted with Love-tricks, was so possest with Jealousie, that he pre∣sently fancy'd the Letters were his Wife's, who perhaps had some Confident in the Town who con∣vey'd them to the Ligeois. This suspicion, how ill-grounded soever,

gave our Italian no small distur∣bance. He resolv'd to find out the bottom of the business; and, with the help of the Foot-Boy, found the means one day to draw the Ligeois into a Chamber of the House, some∣what remote from S. Aubin's, or a∣ny other Lodging-room: Having lock'd him up there, he threatned to run him presently through, if he would not tell him truly whence the Letters came he carry'd S. Au∣bin so often: The Ligeois not know∣ing what Relation S. Aubin had to the Marquess, but judging by the good usage of the one, and liberality of the other, that the business was of Moment, was very loath to answer him; understanding how dange∣rous a matter it is to hold Corre∣spondence with an Enemy, especi∣ally in a place of War. The trou∣ble the Ligeois appear'd in height∣ned the Italian's Curiosity, that he repeated his threats, and put him∣self

in a posture to execute them. The Ligeois affrighted at it, pro∣mis'd to tell him all if he would but save his life: The Italian pro∣mis'd it, and the Wretch made him acquainted with the Correspon∣dence between S. Aubin and the Marquess D' Osseyra. The Cap∣tain surpriz'd at the news, made no doubt but they held intelligence against the State, and was glad at heart for so favourable an occasion to be reveng'd of S. Aubin, under a pretence of zeal for the King's service. The smallest things are of consequence in matters of this na∣ture, so that notwithstanding his promise to the contrary, he made no scruple of securing the Ligeois, the Maxims of Italy having taught him he was not oblig'd to be a slave to his word: He advertis'd the Governour; who, having que∣stion'd the Ligeois, sent an Officer, with fifty Souldiers, to arrest S.

Aubin, who had receiv'd notice the Ligeois was a Prisoner; and though he knew not the reason, yet he apprehended he might have let fall something in discourse about the Letters he brought him: and that they might not be seen, he burnt them; but it went so much against the grain, and he did it so slowly, that he was busie about this cruel Sacrifice, when the Officer sent to take him entred his Chamber, and after a sorry Complement or two led him into Prison. The Of∣ficer fail'd not to give the Gover∣nour an account what he found in S. Aubin's Chamber, and what a sight of Letters there was in the Fire. This last Circumstance made every one think him Crimi∣nal, and that he had burnt the Let∣ters to prevent their being made use of as evidence against him. This business made a great noise, and, as 'tis usual on such occasions for eve∣ry

one to add something to the Re∣port, this rais'd the news that pass'd then currant, of a great Plot discover'd at Valenciennes. The Ligeois was examin'd very strictly, and so frightned with the tortures they threatned to put him to, that he confess'd all he knew, and a great deal more: His frequent Journeys to the Spanish Army, the Money received from a General of the Enemies, and the burning of the Letters were evidences so clear, in the opinion of the Publick, that no doubt was made both the Wretches would shortly suffer. S. Aubin's good Meen, and Curiosity, gain'd him Compassion from all that saw him: Every one pity'd, but none durst excuse him, for fear of being brought in as accessary to so ticklish a Crime. He was the while under extreme perplexity in Prison, every thing seem'd to fall out cross: His stay at Valenciennes

was look'd upon as mysterious, espe∣cially after he had declar'd he had no design to Marry Mariana. It was hard to justifie himself without confessing his Sex, which he could scarce find in his heart to do. Be∣ing examin'd, he defended himself with saying he had written to the Marquess D' Osseyra as his particu∣lar Friend; but that his Letters had nothing in them that related to the King, or the State. The Judges were not satisfied with his answer, and perhaps would have con∣demn'd him, had not the Gover∣nour interpos'd his Authority, at the request of some Ladies, to have the judgment suspended till he might receive orders from the Court.

As they seiz'd what was in S. Aubin's Chamber, an Officer be∣longing to the Governour had the Curiosity to read some Books found there. Among the rest he read

the Heroine Musqueteer, where he saw the names of the Marquess D' Osseyra and S. Aubin so often re∣peated, that he fancy'd S. Aubin the Prisoner might be the same with S. Aubin Christina. He told the Governour, and shew'd him the Book. The Governour read it with pleasure; and having, amongst S. Aubin's things, found a very ten∣der Letter of the Marquess D' Os∣seyra's, perhaps the only one had escap'd the Fire, he was fully per∣swaded S. Aubin was the Heroine Musqueteer, but was willing to be further assur'd of it. He sent for the Prisoner, shew'd him the Let∣ter, and told him he doubted not but that which appear'd only a Let∣ter of kindness, was a Cypher to cover some matter of State. S. Aubin shew'd him so many reasons to the contrary, that the Governour believ'd him incapable of holding intelligence against his allegiance;

but demanded of him a Letter to the Marquess D' Osseyra, to forbid further Correspondence. This Proposal put S. Aubin to the groan; and not able to give a good reason for refusing to write so, he ap∣pear'd so disorder'd, that he thought it might be justly taken for a clear conviction of his Crime, yet this trouble justifi'd him more than all his Eloquence: For the Governour imputing it to his love, discover'd him to be Christian, and no longer criminal. The business was hush'd up, and S. Aubin set at liberty. The whole Town was glad of it, and e∣specially Mariana's Parents, who still had kindness for him, and had been afraid to lose him, the Italian had taken such care to inform them daily of some new Circumstance of his Crime.

While S. Aubin was in Prison, the Captain, who made account to have his revenge of S. Aubin in

the punishment the State would inflict on him, could not forbear telling his wife something of it, and at the same time reproaching her with her falseness. A reproach a Woman truly vertuous is most sensible of: And the Husband who uses such language to his Wife, doth but raise in her a desire to be reveng'd of an unjust suspition by real disloyalty, when she sees him make so slght account of the reser∣vation she values her self upon: Mariana, who no otherwise knew of any disloyalty but by her Hus∣bands discourse, and could reproach her self for nothing but having been too credulous, was so touch'd to the quick with her Husbands ingratitude, that she resolv'd to punish him for his Jealousie; it was long ere her resentment master'd her vertue, being unresolv'd whom to make choice of to assist her in her revenge: But when S. Aubin

was set at liberty, she fixt her choice on him; and loooking on him as an Instrument very fit for her turn, she us'd him more obligingly than usual: Every day she resolv'd to make him acquainted with her de∣sign, but when they were toge∣ther she had not the power to do it, flattering her self perhaps he would guess at it. After vain ex∣pectation he would save her the confusion a complement of that nature would put her in, she ac∣quainted him at length with the injustice of her Husband, but had not the power to say all she intend∣ed, shame stopt her mouth; and S. Aubin contented himself with blaming the Italian, without mak∣ing any offer of his service to flat∣ter her hopes.

Mariana not discourag'd at this, added, a man of his humour de∣serv'd to have a wife that would be reveng'd of him. S. Aubin repli'd

coldly, it was an honest womans part to think more of her duty to her self than her Husband. This would be sufficient to keep her from any act of disloyalty, and for his part he little valu'd a woman who was reserv'd on no other ac∣count but that of her Husband. Mariana who expected S. Aubin would have offer'd to go halves in the revenge she design'd, was extremely surpriz'd to hear him preach honesty to her. And not a∣ble to endure longer the vexation it gave her, retir'd into her Cham∣ber, to weep it out there.

'Tis natural to desire what ap∣pears difficult to obtain. S. Aubins resistance heightned Marianas pas∣sion: to justify the discretion of her Lover; she fanci'd he answer∣ed her thus, only to please her, who he knew was no Lover of very free discourse: I should have ex∣plain'd my self better, says she,

how else should a man I have al∣ways us'd hardly perceive a sudden change so much to his advantage. With that she resolv'd to speak more plainly, having observ'd her time to make a new tryal, she told him she had reflected on what he had said to her of honest womens duty to themselves, but found those reasons too weak to resist the mo∣tions of a predominant passion. I cannot indure my Husband, and the desire I have to be reveng'd of a man who makes so ill acknow∣ledgment of what I have done for him, makes me forget all I would have regarded on another occasi∣on: And since I am extremely con∣cern'd to make choice of a discreet man, I have pitch'd upon you: she stopt there, thinking she had said e∣nough: S. Aubin, who at first un∣derstood not what revenge she in∣tended, thought she would have made away her Husband, and ab∣horring

so violent a design, blam'd her extremely, telling her, a Wife must bear much with her Husband, that the happiest marriages are at∣tended with trouble; and that if all Wives who are not satisfi'd with their Husbands should take such violent resolutions, no man would dare marry; adding, he would wil∣lingly adventure his life against any one had offended her, but that he thought it not the part of a wise wan to meddle between Husband and wife. And leaving Mariana (in the dissorder you may imagine) he thought fit to acquaint her Pa∣rents with the passages, and to take measures with them to prevent further inconvenience; but he had the discretion to tell them no more than that they would do well to prevent dissorders mightarise out of some small difference between the Italian and his wife, for he per∣ceiv'd they were both too much dis∣pos'd

to quarrel: S. Aubin at their request took it upon him to speak to the Captain, and advis'd them the mean time to calm Mariana; he found out the Italian, and having told him he had something of con∣sequence to acquaint him with, he made him a long discourse of the extravagant humours of most women, and the unhappiness of Husbands, who have not the art of complying with their weaknesses, insinuating it was a wise mans part to prevent noise, and cover hand∣somely the extravagances of an hu∣moursome woman; the Italian not knowing what the discourse tend∣ed to; took it worse from S. Aubin than he would from any man, fan∣cying he intended to insult over him, by reproaching him with the easiness of his wife. Being a man of courage he had not the patience to endure the affront, but laid his hand on his Sword, without giving

S. Aubin time to finish the discourse, S. Aubin stood upon his guard, and defended himself, but they were part∣ed without advantage on either side.

Marianas Parents tyr'd them∣selves with preaching to her to live in peace with her Husband, when a Servant brings them news of a duel between S. Aubin and the Italian, which surpriz'd them all, though on different accounts: The Father-in-law believ'd his Son had ill taken the good offices S. Aubin would have done him, and so oc∣casion'd the quarrel: Mariana ap∣plying all to her love, fanci'd S. Au∣bin had a generosity refin'd to that extremity that he pretended him∣self unconcern'd for her that he might be in in a condition the better to vindicate her. But the re∣venge she expected was of ano∣ther nature, such as she intended to share in the pleasure of it with him who took it. The Captain

arriving, complain'd to Mariana's Father of the injury he pretended done him by S. Aubin, and told him he would no longer endure the insolence of that Frenchman, who abus'd the respect they had for him. The Father heard his com∣plaints with attention, and was sur∣priz'd at the news of an intrigue between his Daughter and S. Aubin, which might be likely enough: The Governour being told of the quarrel, sent for the Captain, who confidently told him the reasons he had to draw upon S. Aubin. The Governour not able to for∣bear Laughing at a jealousie so ill grounded, brought the Captain to himself, by telling him S. Aubin was a woman.

S. Aubin perceiving the secret he was so careful to conceal, was grown puplick, left Valenciennes, and went to Mons, being about five Leagues off, giving out he

was an English Gentleman, related to the house of Crouy: The Duke of Arschot who was Covernour re∣ceiv'd him very kindly: and as di∣strustful as he was of strangers in a Garison of that importance, he could not believe a young Gentleman of so good a meen capable of any ill design. A Walloon Collonel, who had serv'd in England, was very civil to him; and the morrow after his arrival invited him to sup∣per. S. Aubin was no sooner come into the Collonels house, but he saluted his wife, she was a Lady too well qualifi'd to be capable of ingra∣titude, and having been with her Husband at Cambray when it was taken, she presently knew S. Au∣bin to be the Mareschal Luxembourgs Aid de Camp, who had complemen∣ted the Ladies there from his Ge∣neral; she was extremely glad to see him, and to have that occasion to express her acknowledgment of

his civilities: She fancy'd her Hus∣band, to please her with the surprize, had brought him in as an English∣man; and she, to be even with her Husband, ask'd S. Aubin (as if she had not known him) what News from England. S. Aubin, not per∣ceiving himself discover'd, answer'd very naturally, and like a Man of that Country, affecting to speak broken French, and giving so ex∣act an account of Affairs, that the Collonel's Wife thought her self mistaken, in taking him to be S. Aubin: She excus'd her self for it, and her Husband made her mistake the Subject of his Raillery all Sup∣per-time. S. Aubin having dex∣trously escap'd discovery here, re∣solv'd not to appear before the Du∣chess of Arschot, knowing she had great Relations at Brussels, and would not fail to let her Friends know of it. He gave the Marquess D' Osseyra notice of his being at Mans by this Letter.

The difficulties I found in receiv∣ing news of you, and giving you an account of my self, made me resolve to come hither. Your Campaign is at an end, and I am in a Town you have no suspicion of: Consult your love, and tell me what I shall do to keep within the Rules of Decency. I will wait your answer before I ap∣pear at the Duchess of Arschots, that I may not expose my self to the noise may be thereby occasion'd; And you shall find, under the Name of S. Au∣bin,

Your Christina.

S. Aubin having sent this Letter to Brussels, by a trusty Messenger, resolv'd to wait an answer in his Chamber, but was deceiv'd: For the Collonel's Wife having visited the Duchess of Arschot, for want of other discourse, told her of the English Gentleman, who had supp'd the Night before at her House,

and how she mistook him for a French Gentleman she had seen at Cambray: Having added a great deal about his Wit and good Meen, she rais'd in the Duchess a desire to see him. The Collonel undertook to bring him to her, found him in his Chamber, and having magni∣fi'd the good service his Wife had done, in giving the Duchess a Cha∣racter of his good qualities, he of∣fer'd to bring him to the Duchess. S. Aubin, vext at his officiousness, excus'd himself with saying his Head ak'd. The Collonel, who ex∣pected not a refusal, and had en∣gag'd to bring him, press'd him to go along, assuring him he should not stay a Moment. S. Aubin was perplext, being loth to see the Du∣chess before he had an answer to his Letter, and not well able to get rid of the Collonel's importunity, he pray'd him to allow him a lit∣tle time of rest, and he would go

with him in the Evening. The Collonel went away well satisfi'd with the promise, and S. Aubin continued unresolv'd what to do. Having thought well of the mat∣ter, and knowing the Duchess a generous Person, he chose rather to see her privately, and be known to her; than expose himself pub∣lickly to the surprize his disguise might occasion. He left his Cham∣ber before the Collonel return'd, and being got to the Duchesses, sent her word there was a Stranger had business of consequence with her, and desir'd private Audience: The Duchess went presently into ano∣ther Room, where S. Aubin was soon after admitted. As soon as S. Aubin appear'd, the Duchess at first sight knew who it was; and without allowing her time to speak, kindly embrac'd her, expres∣sing much joy to see her. S. Aubin gave her a brief account of Affairs,

and the design brought him thi∣ther; and thinking it better to ap∣pear to the Marquess D' Osseyra in Maids Habit, pray'd the Duchess admittance once more into her Fa∣mily; which the Duchess readily granted. All things agreed on, the Gentleman made as if he with∣drew; and presently after return'd by another Door the Duchess or∣der'd to be open'd on purpose. S. Aubin had provided a Suit of Wo∣mans Cloaths at Paris, and having quickly shifted the Habit and Name of S. Aubin, into that of Christina, the Duchess produc'd her as a Gen∣tlewoman of Lille, who was come to spend some time with her. It is the Prerogative of Great ones to be believ'd without examinati∣on of Particulars by Inferiours; and Christina was taken by all, for what the Duchess declar'd her to be. The Duke of Arschot was the first deceiv'd: The Collonel in the

mean time was return'd to S. Au∣bin's Lodging, where he was told the Gentleman was gone. Re∣flecting then on what had pass'd at Table, he made no doubt but the pretended English-man was the French-man his Wife had seen at Cambray. He was sorry he had been so credulous, and resolv'd not to appear at the Governour's, for fear of being ask'd news of the Stranger. The Duchess, willing to divert her self with the Adven∣ture, sent for the Collonel and told him, that being his Friend, she took that occasion to let him know the Duke was much surpriz'd to hear he held Correspondence with the Enemy, and had entertain'd at his House, at Supper the last Night, a French Spy, though his Wife knew him to be an Aid de Camp of the Duke of Luxemburg's. The good Collonel, astonish'd at the discourse, pray'd the Duchess to continue his

Protectoress; assuring her, by all that's sacred, he was innocent, and had taken that young Gentleman to be an English man. The Du∣chess, pretending her self satisfi'd, promis'd to clear him.

The Duchess of Arschot, fearing to draw trouble on her self, writ to one of her Friends at Brussels, de∣siring advice how to govern her self, as to Christina; and whether the Spaniards would not take it ill she entertain'd a French-woman. The Duchess de Villa Hermosa saw the Letter, and she told her Hus∣band of it. The Marquess D' Os∣seyra was in the mean time gone to Mons, in search of S. Aubin; but could have no account what was be∣come of him. The Collonel in∣form'd of the Marquess's arrival, waited on him to tender his service; but finding him troubled S. Aubin was gone, he thought they had discover'd some Plot, and made

haste away for fear of being appre∣hended as having had a hand in it. The Marquess could not, with de∣cency, be long at Mons without visiting the Duke and Duchess of Arschot: He went to their House, and was receiv'd with all the re∣spect due to his Birth and Merit. The Duchess, who guess'd the cause of his coming, perceiving, by the distraction appearing in his Coun∣tenance, the trouble he was in, told him they had that day surpriz'd a French Spy, drawing a Map of the Town; and that she had much a∣do to prevail with her Husband not to cause him to be hang'd up immediately. The Marquess full of fear for S. Aubin, ask'd her, with much trouble, what was become of the Criminal. You may question him if you please, says the Du∣chess, for he is yet in my Cham∣ber; and I am sure you will be for giving him his Life: Having pass'd

into another Apartment, There is the Criminal, says the Duchess, shewing him Christina. The Reader may well think they embrac'd one another e're she could make an end of her Complement. Christina charming as she was, appear'd much more so to the Marquess. They were both so well satisfi'd at the sight of each other, after so ma∣ny cross Accidents, that they con∣tinued some time looking one upon another, not able to speak a word to express their joy. They fail'd not afterwards to say all the kind things two Lovers are capable of on such an occasion. The Marquess thank'd the Duchess for the pleasant Cheat put upon him, and confess'd he was come with a design to Marry his dear Mistress, and pray'd her the Ceremony of it might be per∣form'd at her House. The Du∣chess, not expecting so sudden a Resolution, could not handsomly

refuse him; but desir'd time to think on't, and to receive an An∣swer from Brussels; adding, he would do well to send a Courrier to the Bishop for a License. Chri∣stina saying she thought that very necessary, and desir'd it might be so; the Marquess sent away a Gentleman express to the Bishop, and charg'd him to dispatch that Affair with all expedition. The two Lovers, with a pleasing impa∣tience, expected the return of the Courrier, and rejoic'd the while to see their Constancy so near be∣ing Crown'd with mutual Enjoy∣ment. The Marquess was per∣swaded Christina's thoughts were altogether Heroick, that she lov'd none beside him, and was above the weaknesses commonly incident to those of her Sex. How odd so∣ever it might appear, that a Man of his Quality should Marry a Maid that had run through so many dif∣ferent

Adventures, his love, and the knowledge he had of the Ver∣tues of his Mistress, prevail'd with him above all other considerations. Christina, who had not on any other occasion been sensible of Love, but yielded her self to the sole merit and perseverance of the Marquess, was extreme glad to see her trou∣bles so near an end, and her self up∣on the point of being united to the only Man of the World, who had the secret to please her, and she thought worthy of her affections: But this Joy was short-liv'd, and the satisfaction they had to be together some hours, seem'd granted them only to heighten the grief that was quickly to succeed upon their ab∣sence from each other, with small hopes of ever seeing one another again.

The Duchess of Benavidez, who, after the taking of Cambray, was re∣turn'd into Spain, and could not

pardon the Marquess D' Osseyra his insensibility, had inform'd his Mo∣ther of the Passion he had for Chri∣stina, and had given her so ill-fa∣vour'd a Description of that poor Maids Disguises and Adventures, that the Mother was perswaded her Son was bewitch'd: And at∣tributing his Passion to something supernatural, she pray'd Don John of Austria (who had a respect for her, having long known her at Arragon,) to obtain an Order from the King, to the Governour of the Low-Countries, to obstruct the Mar∣riage of the Marquess with Christi∣na; and (if need were) to inter∣pose the King's Authority to pre∣vent it. The Order was sent into Flanders, as strict as the Marchio∣ness could wish it, and the Duke de Villa Hermosa, very zealous for the service of his Prince, and desi∣rous to demonstrate an exact Con∣formity to the Orders of the Court,

and repair, by performing what was in his power, the misfortune he had to lose many places it was not in his power to defend better than he had done; being adver∣tiz'd, by the Duchess of Arschot's Letter, of Christina's arrival at Mons, presently sent thither the Captain of his Guards, with the King's Or∣der address'd to the Duke of Ars∣chot, declaring he must be answer∣able to the King to have Christina forth-coming. And being told the Marquess D' Osseyra was gone from Brussels, he presently thought him gone for Mons; which oblig'd him to dispatch a Courrier thither, to tell the Marquess he must pre∣sently attend him. The Courrier arriv'd as soon as the King's Order; and the Marquess (from whom the Duke conceal'd the Order he re∣ceiv'd) believ'd the French intend∣ed to attacque Brussels; and went a∣way in all haste, having taken leave

of Christina, and recommended her earnestly to the Duchess. When the Marquess came to Brussels, he was extremely surpriz'd when the Governour shew'd him the Order from Spain, and pray'd him not to stir out of Town; for if he did, he must interpose his Authority to hinder him. The Marquess was upon the point of returning for Mons in spight of the Governour's orders, when a Letter was brought him from the Duchess of Arschot, acquainting him she was much troubled a Higher Power had put it out of hers to express her respects for him in the Person of his Mi∣stress, who was now in a Covent, where she should be us'd very civil∣ly; but was not to be spoke with by any but the Abbess of the place, the Order from Spain being posi∣tive in that Particular. This was a deadly blow to a Man in Love, as the Marquess; but it must be born

with, and he must be content to write into Spain to endeavour to obtain a Revocation of the Order. Several Persons of the highest Qua∣lity writ in favour of Christina, giv∣ing her the Character of an extra∣ordinary Person; and that her Ver∣tue, and excellent Qualities, de∣serv'd to be us'd with particular respect. The good Offices intend∣ed the Marquess by Letters so much to the advantage of his Mistress, had an effect quite contrary to his Friends expectation. The King of Spain having been told of her, and scarce believing what was reported of her, express'd a great desire to see so rare a Person: And having ask'd if it were not possible to have her brought into Spain, Don John of Austria promis'd she should. It being Don John's Custom to make the King acquainted with the great∣est Affairs of Europe, by way of Di∣vertisement; as in the beginning

of his Ministry he made him desi∣rous to learn to write, by shewing him a Letter from the Duke of Sa∣voy, all of the Hand-writing of that young Prince; and assuring his Majesty he might, if he pleas'd, do as much in three Months. The King thought well of it, and learnt to write. Order was sent to the Governour of the Low-Countries, to Embarque Christina to be con∣vey'd into Spain: the Duke de Villa Hermosa, willing to save the Mar∣quess D' Osseyra the trouble the re∣moving his Mistress to such a di∣stance might occasion him, kept this Order very private. When Christina was told she must go a Ship-board, she was at Death's-door; especially when she heard she was to go into Spain and the Mar∣quess to stay in Elanders, with so little hopes of ever seeing her more. These Reflections made her forgot she had ever been S. Aubin, and

yield her self wholly to the Senti∣ments of Christina; her love draw∣ing Tears from her in abundance, which the fear of Death was never able to force from her. She took Shipping at Ostend, in a Vessel fit∣ted, and arm'd, on purpose to con∣vey her for Spain. She was recom∣mended with so much care to the Officers of the Ship, that they thought her a Princess of some So∣veraign Family, which the Spani∣ards had stolen away for reasons of State. The Gentry of that Nation are great adorers of Women, and those in the Ship us'd her with that respect that help'd her to bear her misfortunes more patiently, a Wo∣man, what condition soever she is in, being still sensible of the defe∣rence exprest for her. An Officer in the Ship (whether Lieutenant, or Ensign, I know not) possest with an opinion of Christina's Highness, and having perhaps read in Don

Quixot, that the first duty of a Ca∣valier is to succour Ladies in di∣stress, observing Christina one day all bloated with crying, watch'd an opportunity to speak to her in private, and told her if she was so averse against going to Spain, as her tears and her sighs gave him cause to believe, she might signifie her pleasure to him, who would bring her where she desir'd, or set fire of the Ship. Christina, well acquaint∣ed with the extravagance of the Spaniards, in what concerns Ladies, doubted not but he spake in good earnest; but looking on his Propo∣sal as impracticable, she thank'd him, pretending she would not consent to it, for fear of exposing a Gentleman of so much bravery to so certain danger. Who ever knows the humour of the Spaniards will easily believe such an answer, from a fair Lady, was more than sufficient to oblige this Officer to

undertake impossibilities for her sake: He conjur'd her to employ him in her service, assuring her he would endeavour to answer the good opinion she had of his worth. Christina, unwilling to act any thing rashly, advis'd him to consider a lit∣tle of the matter; and because they could not, without suspicion, dis∣course long together, she pray'd him to put in writing the means he thought proper to bring about his design by: The Officer promis'd it, and withdrew to perform it. As he was drawing up his Memo∣rial two Vessels of Tripoly attack'd the Spanish Ship: I will not trouble the Reader with a tedious Relation of the Sea-fight, but acquaint him only that Christina, chusing rather to go into Spain, where she might hope to see the Marquess D'Osseyra once more, than to fall into the Turks hands, did extraordinary Actions in the Fight; and having

observ'd a Souldier who scarce knew how to handle his Arms, took them out of his hands, and made so good use of them, that she contri∣buted very much to the shameful Retreat the Turks were forc'd to make.

When all was quiet again in the Ship, the Captain and Officers, who all their life had been under the vulgar errour, that a Woman is in∣capable of Actions of Valour, were astonisht at Christina's dexterity and courage. They Complemented her for it, but having not in their Language Terms suficiently expres∣sive of their admiration, they ex∣press'd it by looking on her with∣out speaking a word. The Spani∣ards are great Bouncers, much given to Hyperboles, one call'd her the Queen of Amazones, another said she was an Angel descended from Heaven for their aid. They were so well satisfi'd with the Mi∣racles

she had done (for so they call'd them) that had she taken her advantage of the favourable dispo∣sition they were then in, she might have easily perswaded them to land her in France: But she had a very staid wit, not apt to be led with fancies, so that she never thought of it. In the mean time the Offi∣cer who had offer'd her his service, being confirm'd in the fancy he had of her high Birth, by the Actions he had lately seen, took a new reso∣lution to set her at liberty; and blindly, following his fancy, drew up an extravagant Project, suitable to the Capacity of a Man bred ve∣ry meanly. It was divided into Articles too ridiculous to be insert∣ed. The substance was,

That he would steal Christina, by killing the Centinel at her Cab∣bin Door; and because this could not be done without noise, he pre∣tended he had provided against it

by a hole he had made in the Ma∣gazin of Powder, at which he would discharge a small Gun, set fire of the Powder-Room, and blow up the Vessel, as soon as they were got away, to a convenient distance, in the Long-boat. The only Re∣ward he desir'd for this brave Acti∣on, was to be sent to London with the Character of Ambassadour from the Princess, to desire his Majesty of England's Protection. He was so pleas'd with the fancy of his Project, that one day he told Christi∣na she would without fail be at li∣berty in few days, all things being near ready, and presented her the Paper; Read it, says he, and you will find I have taken my Measures very right. Christina, who had al∣ready no great opinion of his wit, receiv'd his Memorial, imagining he might write with more judg∣ment than he spoke. The extrava∣gances of the Spaniard would at a∣nother

time have made her excel∣lent sport: But now she pitty'd his folly; telling him, coldly, her mind was alter'd, and that she was very desirous to see the Court of Spain. Any Man, but a Spaniard, would have been offended at the slight; but what ever happens a Spani∣ard finds Fewel in it to feed the Fire of his Vanity: He reply'd she could not do better than go see the Gran∣deur of the Spanish Court, which, in his opinion, was the most Ma∣jestick of the Universe.

The Ship this while drew near the Coast of Spain, and Christi∣na, not forgetting she was still further and further from the Mar∣quess D' Osseyra, afflicted her self every day so much the more. As soon as they landed, the Master of the Vessel took Post to carry the Duke de Villa Hermosa's dispatches to Court. When he arriv'd there, they ask'd him a hundred several

Questions about Christina. He spoke much in commendation of her beauty, but when he came to the Particulars of the Engagement with the Vessels of Tripoli, he ex∣toll'd to the Skies, the valour and courage of our Heroine. This ap∣pear'd so strange, in a Country where Women spend their time in an excessive softness, and are gene∣rally fearful, that all who heard the News, spoke of Christina with great admiration. He who first gave the King an account of her, and occasion'd his desire to see her, fail'd not to acquaint him with what the Captain said of her: The King was willing to hear the Cap∣tain himself, and sent for him. The King's presence, and the desire to please him, inspir'd Eloquence in∣to the Captain, who gave his Ma∣jesty an account of the Fight, and particularly of what Christina had done; which he display'd with

such advantage, it heighten'd the King's desire to see her. A Coach of the King's was immediately sent away, to bring her with more con∣venience, and expedition to Court; where, by the diligence of the Per∣son employ'd to attend her, Christi∣na arriv'd in very few days.

The end of the Third Part.

THE Heroine Musqueteer: OR, THE FEMALE WARRIER.

The fourth and last Part.

CHRISTINA being ar∣riv'd at Madrid, was much troubled to find e∣very one there so earnest∣ly desirous to see her: The Coun∣tess of Benavidez had given so strange an account of her, and the Captain of the Vessel, in which she was transported into Spain, was so careful in publishing her

Action against the Corsaires, (to which the People added so many fabulous Circumstances) that her valour was generally attributed to a supernatural principle. Some confidently affirm'd she was a Witch; but this ridiculous report vanish'd as soon as she appear'd at Court, where she answer'd exactly all the Questions Don John of Au∣stria ask'd her in the Kings pre∣sence. She had the good Fortune to see whatever she spoke was pleasing and well taken; to which her Mo∣desty, good Meen, and speaking Spanish so well, did very much contribute: The Court was well satisfy'd with her discourse, and the Prince Don John of Austria assur'd her she should be well us'd, and treated with respect: When she was retir'd, the King, and the Prince his Brother, spoke much to her advantage: The Courtiers, as well out of a natural inclina∣tion

the Spaniards have to speak always in favour of Ladies, as of custom to approve whatever the King likes, highly applauded his Majesties sentiments. They made particular Observations and Re∣marks on all that appeared charm∣ing in Christina, and discover'd such excellency of wit in expressi∣ons dropt casually from her, that the King was perswaded they had done her wrong who had censur'd her conduct; and of all those Gentlemen who waited on his Ma∣jesty, there was not one but could have wish'd himself the place of the Marquess d' Osseyra in her fa∣vour: Don John gave order she should have Lodging and Dyet at the Kings charge: These distin∣guishing favours, and the oblig∣ing character given her by those who knew her, made several La∣dies, of the highest Quality, very desirous to see her. 'Tis not to be

expected they should have, for one of their Sex, the complaisance of Gentlemen, who, taken at first sight with the splendour of a beautiful Lady, observe not her defects, or at least pass over and excuse them: Women, on the contrary, over∣look, or (at best) take very slight notice of any thing that appears pleasing and agreeable in ano∣ther, and apply themselves with diligence to magnifie and blazon all her imperfections, and whate∣ver they believe displeasing or un∣handsome. As soon as the Ladies had seen Christina, they blam'd their weak judgments who had cry'd up her beauty, and endea∣vour'd to make them sensible of se∣veral defects in it, though all the World is not yet of these Ladies Opinion in the case: The Coun∣tess de Benavidez perceiving the presence of Christina, would de∣face the ill impressions she had gi∣ven

of her, endeavour'd to prepos∣sess the Courtiers to her disadvan∣tage: But being frustrated on that side, and looking on the La∣dies as better disposed to serve her design, who are usually pleas'd to hear any thing to the prejudice of one of their Sex, who has gain'd the reputation of eminent; she spoke of Christina with that scorn and contempt, that several of the Ladies were unwilling to appear in the same Room with her. Not∣withstanding the diligence of the Countess, and the discourse of the Ladies of her Cabal, the young Gentlemen of the Court lik'd Christina very well: But the Count Talara, first Gentleman of his Ca∣tholick Majesties Bed-Chamber, no longer able to stifle the Flame kindled in his affections, frequent∣ed her company, and omitted no∣thing to make her sensible he was in love with her. Christina, per∣ceiving

it, did all that could be ex∣pected from a vertuous Lady to dis∣abuse him, and us'd all the Dis∣courses and Arguments, a Woman, who would discourage a Lover and had no desire to be lov'd, could invent on that occasion: The Count de Talara, not discouraged by her severities, continued to love and wait upon her wherever she was to be seen, being not of the opinion of that experienced Lover, who said it was in a Womans power to deterr any from loving her, by a cold entertainment, and at two or three several times telling them dryly she was not pleas'd with the address. Christina having follow'd this maxim, and several others for curing the Count, thought it in vain to discourage him any more, but resolv'd (without giv∣ing her self the trouble of unde∣ceiving him further) so to order her actions, and shape the conduct

of her life, as not to give him cause of the least hope of success: The Count attributing Christina's slights to some particular a version he ap∣prehended she might have against him, fancy'd she was otherwise inclin'd, and being a Person infe∣rior to none, in handsomness, qua∣lity, or wit, was troubled extremely with this imagination: To satisfie himself in this particular, he made some Persons, who now and then visited Christina, acquainted with his passion, and pray'd them not to see her any more. The Gentlemen of Spain have that deference and respect one for another, that a re∣quest of this kind is not extraordi∣nary there: Christina very careful∣ly avoided all occasions of being alone with the Count, and went frequently to Court to entertain his Majesty with an account of passages in Flanders. And having one day exprest a great desire to see

the Escurial, to know whether that famous House answer'd the reputation it had in Europe; the King was glad there was any thing in Spain could move the curiosity of a Person who had seen so many varieties, and pray'd two Ladies of the Court to bear her company thither, to shew her the magnifi∣cence of that Pallace, and the rare devises in several Apartments there, which Philip the second put so great a value upon: Order was given the Ladies should be sumptuously treated there: Count Talara, having heard of it, would fain have been one of the compa∣ny, but was indispensably oblig'd by the duty of his place to attend the Kings person, and as things then stood in the Court of Spain, there was no absenting himself without manifest hazard of his Fortune. As he was thinking of a Person he might confide in, to

speak in his favour to Christina on this occasion, news was brought him that the high Steward of the Kings Houshold, who was his Kinsman and Friend, was newly re∣turn'd from the Army in Catalonia, where he had a command; the Count gave him a visit, and hav∣ing confest he was desperately in love with an excellent strange La∣dy, who was to be on the morrow at the Escurial, with several other Ladies; he conjur'd him to make use of the Priviledge of his place, in going to the entertainment, where it would be in his power to do him good offices with his Mi∣stress, under pretence of taking care of the Ladies. A Gentleman never refuses an imployment of this nature, and this Friend of the Counts, readily accepting the charge he gave him, promis'd to acquit himself well of it. He fail'd not to go the next day to the Es∣curial;

where, having given the necessary orders, he went into a Gallery the Ladies were walking in; who, having notice of his ar∣rival, advanc'd to receive him, be∣lieving he had taken this Journey meerly out of respect to them: He had scarce begun to pass a Complement of civility upon them, but having cast his Eyes on Chri∣stina, he stood still as a Statute: The Ladies were astonisht, especi∣ally Christina, who fixing her Eye earnestly on him, knew him to be Don Philip de Palafox, of whom I spoke in my first Volume, as the Person who pass'd the Pyrences to steal her away. Christina cry'd out, frightned to see her self so near a Person who had been deep∣ly in love with her, and one whom she thought she had highly offend∣ed. Don Philip had not heard of Christina since he went into the Army in Catalonia, whence he

return'd but once to Court, to take his Oath of High-Steward of the Houshold, the place being void by the death of the Marquess Da∣rizza his Father; so that 'twas no wonder he was surpriz'd at so un∣expected a sight of a Person who had been so dear to him, and by her insensibility had made him resolve to go into the Army: Those who have had any experi∣ence in Love, will easily agree, the sight, after long absence, of a person we have tenderly lov'd, and never prevail'd with, cannot but cause extraordinary emotions in the heart of a Lover. All Men are apt to flatter themselves in their passions, and Don Palafox, not able to imagine what strange For∣tune should bring Christina (a French-woman) into Spain, when the Two Crowns were so deeply engag'd in War, presently fancy'd she had repented her ill usage of

him, and probably was return'd into Spain in search of him. And continuing to interpret all things to his advantage, he thought the slights Count Talara complain'd of, and the loud cry her late asto∣nishment, at first sight of him, had forc'd from her, effects of her pas∣sion for him. Being full of these fancies, he said a thousand extra∣vagances; and Christina was so sur∣priz'd, she answer'd not a word: The Ladies who stood by, taking notice of the astonishment on ei∣ther side, help'd to bring them to themselves again; and finding Christina much disordered by the presence of Don Philip, they pray'd him to withdraw, which he could not deny them; yet hoped the disorder he saw Christina in boded him much good. He was no soon∣er gone, but Christina, observing that the Ladies were in pain to know the cause of her trouble,

yet so discreet as to forbear asking her, acquainted them with what had past in her Country, and what∣ever else had any relation to her concern with Don Philip: This lessen'd their wonder at her asto∣nishment, and was easily believ'd by them, who were well acquainted with the headstrong humour of that Gentleman.

Don Philip the while consider'd the accident he had newly met with, and being naturally vain, flatter'd himself with an opinion Christina was in love with him. It was a pretty while ere he came to a resolution whether to return to the Ladies, or retire to save Chri∣stina the confusion he fear'd his presence would put her in before the Company: After much debate it was carry'd for the retirement, in confidence his Mistress would thank him for his discretion, and esteem him the better for't. Count

Talara impatient to hear the suc∣cess of his Friends Journey, had given order he should have notice as soon as Palafox arriv'd: And go∣ing to his House soon after his ar∣rival, he ask'd him, with much concern, what news of his Mi∣stress: You have a Rival, answer'd Don Philip, who hath long been in love with the fair French woman, and he is a Gentleman I have a great interest in, and my very good Friend. Know you not, reply'd the Count, thinking he meant the Marquess d' Osseyra, that the King hath explained himself in that par∣ticular, and declar'd, he will not consent to their Marriage: You surprize me, says Don Philip, (not comprehending the Counts mean∣ing,) I did not think the Court so well inform'd of the affair. A Kinsman of Don Philips coming in, interrupted their discourse, and prevented farther explication: The

Count took his leave, and Don Pallafox remained very unquiet at the news he had newly told: Go∣ing to the King on the morrow, he found Christina there, giving his Majesty an account of every thing worthy observation at the Escurial: They ask'd if she thought it a better House than Versailles; there is no proportion between them, says Christina, Versailles being more considerable for the Waters, and delicate Gardens a∣bout it, than the magnificence of the Buildings, which are neat and convenient, but not stately; but the Escurial is a Pallace of very large extent.

Don Philip pretending he knew not this strange Lady, ask'd those who stood by who she was, while she spoke to the King: They told him what they had heard of the Marquess d' Osseyra's passion, the Fights she had been in, in Flan∣ders,

and, in a word, all those Stories the Publick had added to the truth of her Adventures. The King be∣ing gone to Counsel, Christina re∣tir'd, and Don Philip gave her his Hand to bring her to her Appart∣ment, which she would not refuse him, for fear of notice being taken of it in so publick a place: As soon as he came where he might speak to her in private, he assur'd her he had always lov'd her, and that if he had been guilty of disrespect in endeavouring to steal her, she ought to pardon it, as an effect of the excess of his passion, his inten∣tions having been always very good. Christina willing to disa∣buse him, told him his explicati∣ons were to no purpose, since she had dispos'd of her Heart to ano∣ther, and waited only a favoura∣ble opportunity to complain to the King of the injustice of her Ene∣mies, and to intreat his Majesties

protection, if she should marry the Marquess d' Osseyra; otherwise, that she might have liberty to spend her life in a Covent. With that she burst out into Tears, at the thought of the Marquess; which Don Philip seeing, (that he might not afflict her more by discourse he perceived troublesome to her) went away, but was so much con∣cern'd for her, that he made it his business to be better instructed in the particulars of her affairs.

Having remembred himself that the Countess de Benavidez had re∣sided long in Flanders, he gave her a visit, and falling insensibly into discourse of Christina: The Countess gave him a description of her, much like that she had for∣merly given the Marchioness d' Osseyra, and many others; insinu∣ating that all her disguises were the effects of a criminal passion; which Don Philip was so far perswaded of, that he repented he had ever lov'd

her: Most Men are disposed to be∣lieve what they hear reported of the ill conduct of Women, and the gross Error of most strangers, especially Spaniards, in the hard censures they pass of the liberty Women enjoy in France, did not a little contribute to confirm Don Philip in the sentiments the Coun∣tess had inspir'd him with. He thank'd her for her information, and having that Evening met with Count Talara, as the King was going to Bed, he told him he would cure him of the passion he had for Christina, assuring him he knew by a very good hand, she was unworthy the affection of a Person of Honour: The King ha∣ving that Instant call'd the Count upon business belonging to his Place, he had not the time to an∣swer Don Philip; and presently after, every body withdrew: The Count, by his priviledge of first

Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, was to lye there that Night: The passion he had for Christina, made him muse all Night of Don Philips Discourse; at last, reproaching himself for having endur'd Lan∣guage so much to the disadvan∣tage of a Person he lov'd, he thought himself oblig'd, as a Gentleman, to demand satisfacti∣on, and got up with a resolution to fight Don Philip, though Duels are forbidden in Spain: But the Prince dispensing very much with the severity of the Edicts, they are not observed there as exactly as in France, so that Gentlemen fight Duels there on very slight occasions. Count Talara having written a Billet to Don Philip, he deliver'd it to one of his Servants, a Navarrois in whom he plac'd great confidence, commanding him to carry it to Don Philip: Challenges being out of fashion in

France, I have inserted the form of this, translated word for word, being as follows.

Whoever dares speak to the dis∣advantage of Christina, lyes: She is of unquestionable Vertue; and he cannot be a Man of Honour, who judges otherwise of her: If you are of a contrary Opinion, let me find you at one a Clock after Midnight, at the Toledo-Gate, where you shall receive the Punishment due for the wrong judgment you have past of her.

The Count recommended this Billet so often, and with so strict a charge to the Boy, that it gave him the curiosity to know what it contain'd. He was much surpriz'd at the reading it, and having been born near Christina, and heard so many extraordinary things of her, he had a kind of inclination for her, and thought he might do her

some service in letting her see a Billet she was so much concern'd in; and slipt privately into her Lodging to shew it her: Christina having given him some Fruits of her acknowledgment, charg'd him to carry it safe to Don Philip, and acquaint her with his answer, tel∣ling him, (the better to engage him to it) it was of very great con∣sequence to her.

Don Philip, having received the Billet, was extremely offended with the outrageous Language the Count had made use of, and told the Boy it required no answer, but he would give his Master an an∣swer at the place appointed. The Navarrois gave Christina an ac∣count, and then his Master: While the Count was fitting himself to appear at the assignation, Christina was in Tears, unresolv'd what to do. She consider'd, that as things were carried, this Duel must needs

produce very ill effects, since the Relations of both the Gentlemen, would infallibly joyn with the Marchioness d' Osseyra, to ruine her, and perhaps prevail with the Court to take some violent resolu∣tions against her. She was sensi∣ble likewise the Marquess d' Osseyra would be extremely displeas'd, to hear she had been concern'd in so publick a manner, and in a busi∣ness of such noise in the Face of all Spain: A Woman, how small soe∣ver a share she hath in a Quarrel happened on her account, being sure to suffer by it; the publick (which judges of things by appea∣rances, without examining the truth) being always ready to blame her: Having made these reflecti∣ons, she resolv'd to prevent their fighting; she had scarce form'd the design, but she repented it, re∣proaching her self for being so lit∣tle sensible of her reputation, bold∣ly

and securely wrong'd by Don Philip. With that she gave her self up wholly to what her Anger, her Courage, and desire of Re∣venge suggested to her, and with the help of a French Merchant, got her a Suit of Mans Cloths, a Sword, and a Perruke. About an hour before the time of the as∣signation, she cunningly gave it out, the Count Talara was to fight a Duel; without mention∣ing Don Philip: This was enough to alarm the Counts Friends, who arrested him in his House. Christina in the mean time went to the place of Rendezvous, and having spy'd Don Philip, though the Night be∣gan to grow very dark, she attack'd him so briskly, that she gave Don Philip a desperate Cut, which he had certainly reveng'd, had he not been instantly hem'd in by five or six Men, who seiz'd both the Combatants. Count Talara's Boy,

who lov'd his Master well, and fear'd the success of the Duel, had given notice of it to a Gentleman who was both their Friends, and having got together some other, ran with them to the Gate of To∣ledo as they began to fight: They had put out their Flambeaus for fear of discovery, and 'twas so dark, they could not discern one Person from another, but hastily feiz'd on them; and having put them into several Coaches, carry'd them to Don John's Apartment, that the Prince, who is extremely belov'd by the Nobility, might take up the matter. But the Wound Don Philip had received, oblig'd them to take him to a Chirurgions, who (perhaps to heighten the va∣lue of the Cure) presently said it was very dangerous, but that he would warrant the Cure. One of those who had parted them was already got to Don Johns to

advertise him of the business; and as he began to give him an account of the Particulars, he spy'd Count Talara standing very quiet in Don John's Chamber: He was so dis∣order'd, to see there a Man he thought he had left in his Friends hands in another place, that it was not in his Power to continue his discourse. The Prince, observing the astonishment of the Man, told him he had sent for the Count, that he might be inform'd of the Affair, and that he would take care there should be no Swords drawn. Don Philip is mortally wounded, says the Gentleman, and we thought it had been by Count Talara. They were all surpsiz'd at this, especially when told, that he that wounded Don Philip was in a Coach at the Prince's Gate. As they were un∣der the impatience to know who it was, Christina and her Compa∣ny enter'd the Chamber. Every

one wonder'd to see a young Man of so good a Meen. Christina ad∣dressing her self to Don John, in∣form'd him what had oblig'd her to disguise her self; and the course she had taken for staying the Count, that she might revenge, in Person, the injurious discourse of Don Philip: Her resolution was commended by all, and her courage admir'd. The Prince, to divert his Majesty with the sight of this disguise, led her in∣to his Majesty's Chamber; telling him, as he enter'd, he was come to beg his Majesty's pardon to be granted that Criminal, who had wounded one of the bravest Men in his Kingdom. The King fixing his Eyes on Christina, presently knew her, and thought the discourse of the Prince, his Brother, had no relation to Christina: But when he was inform'd of what had hap∣pen'd, he blam'd Don Philip ex∣tremely, for drawing that misfor∣tune

on himself, and assur'd Chri∣stina of his Protection. Don Phi∣lip being soon after almost cur'd of his wound, Don John made him and the Count embrace one ano∣ther, and oblig'd Don Philip to ask Christina pardon. He was so a∣sham'd to have been wounded by a Woman, that he left the Court, and accompany'd his Brother into Cicily, where he was to take Pos∣session of the Arch-Bishoprick of Palermo.

While matters went thus in Spain, the Marquess D' Osseyra was in Flanders, where the Duchess of Arschot, who had a design to have him marry'd to a beautiful young Lady her Relation, amus'd him continually, pretending to send him every day some news of Christina, whom the Marquess thought still safe in the Covent, so careful had they been to conceal from him her Voyage into Spain. He fan∣cy'd

the long silence of his Mistress an effect of her modesty, as know∣ing her Letters were to pass through the hands of the Duchess; and he expected every hour to receive Li∣cense to return into Spain, where he design'd to beg his Majesty's permission to marry whom he pleas'd. Christina was alarm'd with continual fears the Marquess had forgotten her, having heard nothing of him since she left Flan∣ders. The late Duel had occasi∣on'd a thousand new Tales of her, in a Court where they are possest with an opinion Women are good for nothing but matters of Love, not a Person but was infinitely de∣sirous to see her; so that she could not stir a foot but she found her self compass'd with a Throng of Peo∣ple, which made her resolve to beg his Majesty's leave to go into a Co∣vent.

An illustrious Princess, who owes

her Birth to Italy, had her Educa∣tion in France, and by I know not what Freaks of Fortune is now in Spain, having heard various Re∣ports of Christina's Conduct, had the Curiosity to inquire strictly in∣to it; and to be satisfi'd of the truth of her Adventures, writ for that purpose into France, and the Low-Countries. Soon after she receiv'd Letters which confirm'd the judg∣ment she had formerly given in her favour, and assur'd her, Christina's disguise was a pure effect of a Mar∣tial inclination she had a little too eagerly pursu'd. This Princess, who by her own experience knew a Woman may, without prejudice to her Vertue, love Travelling, Hunting, and several other Exer∣cises, commonly look'd upon as proper only for Men, pray'd his Ma∣jesty he would be pleas'd she might take Christina into her House. The King was content, and Christina

accepted the offer with the greater acknowledgment, as being upon the point of entring into a Covent, where she expected vexation e∣nough from the Reflections of the Nuns, who, though little acquaint∣ed with the World, might have waggery and malice sufficient to torment her. 'Tis hard to express whether the Princess was more sa∣tisfi'd with the good humour and Complaisance of our Heroine, or she with the goodness and obliging∣ness of her Protectoress: They a∣greed so well in their tempers, they quickly came to have an intire con∣fidence in one another, and mutu∣ally imparted their most impor∣tant Secrets. Christina having one day declar'd she was troubled there were Books publish'd of her Ad∣ventures. You have no reason to be troubled at that, says the Prin∣cess; 'tis my fortune too, with this difference, that those which con∣cern

you are true Relations of what hath happen'd to you; whereas I have not had a hand in any thing they have written of me, though the Writers have had the malice to interlard their Relations with Cir∣cumstances so probable, many take them for true. Christina observ∣ing the Princess concern'd, advis'd her to publish an account of her Life, to disown all others, and disco∣ver their falsities; and gave so ma∣ny reasons for it, that the Princess (who is a Lady of great wit) ap∣ply'd her self to the writing it on the Morrow. Her first design was to write it in French, as a Language spoken in most Courts of Europe; but having consider'd there are few understand it in Spain, where she was concern'd to clear her self, she publish'd her Memoires in Spa∣nish, and some Copies of it have been transmitted into France.

The Princess lodg'd at Madrid,

with a Lady of the highest Quality, and a Relation of the Prince her Husband. This Lady was a Wi∣dow, and one who more than any other, blam'd the least liberties Wo∣men take; saying, there was little difference between a Woman real∣ly faulty, and one that's but sus∣pected; the Reputation of a Wo∣man being so delicate, that a meer suspicion, however ill-grounded, may ruine it. The Princess had often, but in vain, endeavour'd to convince her of her errour, and perswade her that a Woman may be so vertuous as to have nothing to reproach her self with; but it is not in a Womans power to stop the Mouths of her Enemies, from venting Stories, and Tales of her; which is too common in the World. The Widows severity was proof to all reasons. The Prin∣cess was discoursing one Evening to Christina, the foolish and obsti∣nate

conceitedness of this Woman, and what difficulty there was in dealing with a Person wedded to so inconvenient and unjust an o∣pinion, and that she was troubled she was oblig'd in decency to see her so often. Christina, who stu∣dy'd to divert the Princess, promis'd her to Act a Part which should un∣deceive the Widow by her own experience: She was fully inform'd of all that pass'd at the Widows, and had observ'd she was very short-sighted: She was a Catalonian by Birth, and would be thought to descend from the ancient Counts of Barcellona. Whenever a Per∣son of Quality of that Province came to Court, she would be very angry, and think him ill-bred, if he came not to do her homage. Chri∣stina knowing all this, put on a Gentlemans Habit; and having taken order that if any came to the Gate, answer should be made, the

Widow was not to be seen that day: She gave her a visit under the name of Don Artal de Cardona, newly arriv'd from Catalonia. The Widow, who was somewhat super∣annuated, being much pleas'd a Gentleman so handsome and well born should give her a visit, and speak so much in praise of her Fa∣mily, (for Christina had attacqu'd her weak side) she gave Christina the kindest reception imaginable: Their-discourse was long, and be∣fore parting the Widow pray'd Don Artal de Cardona to do her the honour to see her again often: Don Artal promis'd it, and withdrew, and gave the Princess an account of the success of the first visit. She admir'd the wit and address of Christina, and pray'd her not to o∣mit any thing to make the Widow in Love. The Princess having vi∣sited her the same day, she could not forbear falling presently into dis∣course

of the handsome Catalonian, and relate several Particulars to his advantage, being liberal of her praises, and extolling his wit and good Meen; adding, she knew him from a Child, and that then he promis'd great matters.

Two days after, the pretended Don Artal went to see the Lady a∣gain, and knowing very well what praises please a Woman best, espe∣cially one who is precise, and stands much on her honesty, he fell a commending her Vertue and Con∣duct, and by little and little slipt insensibly into the Subject of her Beauty. Discourses of this kind never displease a Woman, especial∣ly a Widow, whose condition, age and pretences to Vertue oblige her to live retyr'd. She heard all with delight, and the concern she began to feel in her self for this Gentleman, engaging her to eye him closer, and more attentively

than before, he appear'd so hand∣some, she thought she had never seen any Man so lovely. A Wo∣man in years being more coming than others, at the third visit she was desperately in love with him. Christina gave the Princess an ex∣act account of all, who not com∣prehending Christina's design to a∣buse the poor Widow thus, ask'd her one day what she propos'd to her self by it: I will convince her, says Christina, how vertuous so∣ever a Woman is, it may be ac∣counted a piece of merit in her to resist the Attacks of a Man of good Meen, and some indulgence is due to those who are every day expos'd to temptation.

Christina sometimes waited on the Princess to the Widows, be∣cause they lodg'd in her House, and took great care to alter her voice in discoursing with them. Being alone with her, she had the wag∣gery

to ask the Widow the name of that handsome Gentleman she saw now and then enter her Apart∣ment. The Widow, tickled with the praises Christina gave a Man she had a kindness for, told her a long Story of his Birth, Estate, and many other Circumstances; ad∣ding, he was her Kinsman, which was the reason she allow'd of his frequent visits. Christina applau∣ding all she said, found she had dis∣cover'd the Secret to please her: And not satisfi'd with playing up∣on her under the name and disguise of Don Artal, would needs be her Confident; which she found no hard matter to attain, by continu∣ing her Commendations of Don Artal: As soon as she had shifted Don Artal's Habit, she would pre∣sently run into the Widows Cham∣ber, to tell her she had seen him pass by, and that it was plain he was in Love. The Widow de∣ceiv'd

by a discourse that flatter'd her desires, and fearing Christina might think Don Artal was in Love with another, and not with her, re∣veal'd to her at last what she thought to have conceal'd from all the World, and imparted the Se∣cret of her love for Don Artal, de∣siring Christina's advice; who an∣swer'd, that in matters of that na∣ture she had best consult her own heart, and consider the bent of her affections; but that if any Passion were excusable in a Woman, it must certainly be that she entertain'd for a handsome Man: Christina could not say this without blushing, and her heart having reproach'd her for having been so free in her discourse, she took her leave.

The desire we have to prevail for something we aim at, engages us often in more discourse than is necessary; and 'tis sometimes very dangerous to be eloquent. The

Widow, reflecting on all Christina had said in praise of Don Artal, (which yet fell far short of what she thought he deserv'd) conclu∣ded, from Christina's discourse, she did not dislike the Catalonian: And being through her age more inclin'd to Jealousie, she resolv'd to put a trick upon Christina, by pre∣tending all she said to her was only to discover what she thought of Don Artal. The next visit she gave her, Christina began (as she had us'd) to speak of Don Artal: The Widow interrupted her, telling her she might do well to change the discourse; adding, very seriously, she lov'd not the company of Per∣sons so coming: She spoke this with such an Air of modesty, it might have deceiv'd the most ju∣dicious. Poor Christina found her self disorder'd by so unexpected an answer, and her own Vertue cau∣sing her to approve of the Widows

discourse, she went away much trou∣bled and perplext, not having the confidence to answer a discourse that reflected on her modesty. When she came to the Princess, she com∣plain'd of her misfortune in very lamentable expressions, as if the most innocent actions still turn'd to her disadvantage. The Princess, who was very discerning, and very much mistrusted those Women who are over careful of outward appearan∣ces, told her, she had run too hasti∣ly into the Snare, and that possibly the Widow did but pay her in her own Coyn. Christina, who had been frighted at this Adventure, took courage at the judicious dis∣course of the Princess, and resolving to know the truth, put on her Mans Habit. The Widow the while ap∣plauded her self for the good suc∣cess of her Plot, in ridding her of so dangerous a Rival: She expected, with impatience, her Cardona; re∣solving,

for the future, to take her advantage of the eagerness of his addresses: As soon as he came in, she gave him the usual reception; caressing him in the highest man∣ner imaginable, with design to in∣spire boldness into him. And as closely as she adher'd to her Ver∣tue, her Love made her that day ex∣press a little forwardness, which Don Artal seem'd not to understand. The Widow, who had a great o∣pinion of his wit, wondered to see him so dull; and was confounded at his changing his discourse, and falling upon the Subject of her high Birth, in terms which would have been pleasing enough to the Vanity of the Lady, had she not been that day under a strong influence of the Planet of Love, which for the time had the Ascendant of her heart; and Don Artal very well knew it, though he had the malice not to take notice of it. She did

all she could to make him reassume the former discourse, and he as carefully avoided it, magnifying the brave Actions of one of her Ancestors, who had signaliz'd him∣self in driving away the Moors out of Granada. But she was then in∣dispos'd for War, and expected a Language less Martial, and more tender. Don Artal soon after took his leave, and the Widow remain'd very ill satisfi'd with his bashful∣ness. The Princess, sensible of the distraction she was under, thought it would be a pleasure to her, to have the liberty of musing a∣lone of her imaginary Lover: and having learnt of Christina all the Particulars of the last Scene, she ob∣serv'd how careful most Women, especially the precise, are to salve up the appearances, not much re∣garding the essential part, if they may but cheat the World, and be esteem'd Persons of a severe life,

and strictly vertuous: while those who converse much with the World, making small account of some little liberties they take with∣out scruple, are not safe from ob∣loquy and censure, though really provided of a great stock of Vertue; while the others enjoy their A∣mours privately, and triumph in publick for the applause this coun∣terfeit reservedness procures them. In truth, said the Princess, those of our Sex are very unhappy in be∣ing oblig'd, besides the satisfaction due to their Conscience, to satisfie the World, which is always dis∣pos'd to believe the worst of us. 'Tis certain, reply'd Christina, we cannot always blame them, there being Women of all Characters, who by their ill Conduct draw up∣on themselves very hard Censures, and too often very deservedly; though it must be agreed the Ex∣ample of one guilty Woman, gives

occasion for condemning an hun∣dred innocent.

The Spaniards, though they hate the memory of the Moors and Sara∣zens expell'd Granada, Murcia, and Leon by Ferdinand and Isabella, yet they retain to this day several of their Customs; particularly, their Gallan∣tries, their Bull-sports, and darting the Cane on Horse-back, Divertise∣ments the Court of Spain is very much taken with, where Opera's are not known, and their Comedies (for the most part) ill. It was then a time of great rejoicing at Madrid; not for the taking of a Town, but to celebrate the Birth of their Mo∣narch. The Princess was invited to see the Sports, and took Christi∣na along with her. I shall not give you here a Description of these Sports which prove mortal to ma∣ny who think their Valour con∣sists in daring a Bull, letting fly at him with their Darts, and then re∣tiring

with much skill and agility, though it frequently happens the Bull is too quick for these Gallants, tosses them in the Air, and gores them with his Horns; which some∣times dispatches them into another World, and generally maims them in this. This piece of fool-hardi∣ness were excusable in ordinary People, who are drawn to it by Custom, and applause of the Popu∣lace; but cannot be too much blam'd in young Gentlemen of the best Quality, who hazard their life to so little purpose, in fighting with Beasts as they do in Spain: where you may see them bravely mount∣ed with a Dart in their Hand, ex∣pecting, in the middle of a Piazza, the coming of a Bull madded by the People; and though he come at them with a fierceness capable to astonish the highest courage, they bravely attacque him, and pierce him so dextrously with their Lance,

that sometimes they run him quite through the Body: But you may also see the Bull sometimes unhorse them, to the extreme peril of the Rider, and terrible fright of the Ladies. This Solemnity where this Princess and Christina attended, was like others of the kind, where the fortunate rashness of those who came off well was applauded, and the tragical miscarriage of others lamented. The Morrow after these bloody Sports, the Cavaliers run Courses on Horse-back, and dart the Cane as they run; which is done in this manner. They ap∣pear at the Barriere, with a Head∣piece, and light Armour, made (one would think) of Steel pollish'd white; and have commonly some Devise of gallantry, or some Motto on their Shields, and a multitude of Ribbands of the colour best pleases their Mistresses. Christina had seen several of these Courses,

and having in the Armies per∣form'd the most violent Exercises, she thought this not very difficult, where all she had to do was to spur her Horse, and let fly a Cane with dexterity. She told the Princess she would gladly run a Career, and ask the Widow for a Devise, the bet∣ter to assure her of her Passion. The Princess thought her in jeast; but our Heroine telling her she doubted not but to come off well, the Prin∣cess undertook to provide her fit Equipage; and Christina, under the name of Don Artal of Cardona, went to the Widow for a Devise, letting her know she would run a Course for love of her, since other young People did it for their Mi∣stresses, only he desir'd her she would give him a fitting Devise. The Reader may expect one of those witty ones so usual in Spain, but a Woman of her humour orders her life quite otherwise than the rest of

her Sex: One so precise being no less careful to conceal, than an airy vain Coquet to make known she is Courted: The Widow refus'd to give Don Artal a Devise, telling him she was not of those Womens humour, who judge of their Ser∣vants love by the Colour of their Ribbands. I rely not, adds she, on such slight appearances, too often deceitful; I must have better proof of your Passion, to perswade me 'tis real: (The truth is, she expect∣ed such proof as Christina could not give:) If you lov'd me, as you pre∣tend, you would rather stay with me while they are darting the Canes, and would be more willing to give me proof of your love in my Chamber, than in a publick place: what is done there gene∣rally serving only for matter of discourse to the Spectators. Don Artal assur'd her he lov'd her passi∣onately, and thought to have given

her an Evidence of his esteem of her, in carrying her Colours and Devise at the Course, being ready to do any thing she could desire to convince her of his love. Were your love as real and sincere as you would make me believe, would you put me upon the necessity of ap∣pearing so forward, and not guess at part of what is expected from you? Don Artal returning no answer, to a discourse so easie to understand, the Widow was so asham'd she had spoken so freely, and, withall, un∣successfully, that she turn'd about presently and lock'd her self in her Closet, for fear her tears should be∣tray her. Being there alone, she gave vent to a torrent of tears dis∣pair forc'd her to; considering with her self, that having liv'd several years retir'd from Company, and free from those Passions young Wi∣dows are usually troubled with, (for at six and forty years of age she

counted her self of their number) she had the misfortune to be taken with the addresses of a hare-brain'd young Fellow, who perhaps de∣sign'd only to fool her: The next moment she consulted her Glass, which telling her she had charms enough left still to procure love, she attributed Don Artal's reserved∣ness, to the tenderness of his years, and want of experience: She was so pleas'd with this fancy, and thought it so reasonable, that she could no longer doubt but the ti∣merousness of her Lover, was a pure effect of his small acquain∣tance with the World, being new∣ly arriv'd from Barcellona, where he had not us'd to see Persons of her Quality and Birth; besides, she knew young Country Gentlemen have such Chymerical Idea's of La∣dies of Quality, that they think it enough to honour and admire them, without daring to push on

their Passion any further. While the Widow was thus deep in me∣ditation, Christina, sufficiently a∣sham'd at what she had heard, went back to the Princess, whom she found busie about her Equipage for the Course, not doubting in the least but the Widow had given the Devise: But when Christina inform'd the Princess of her answer, (though her modesty made her leave out several particulars) the Princess could not forbear laughing, especially when told by Christina she durst go no more to the Wi∣dows, for fear of being put out of Countenance, and quite sham'd by her forwardness.

On the Morrow the Princess and Christina were in a Balcony, near the King, to see the Courses. As soon as the Gentlemen appear'd, all Eyes were fixt to observe their De∣vises: Count Talara, as he pass'd under the Ladies Balcony, put off

his Head-piece, making them a ve∣ry low Reverence: His Motto was, Quiero mucho, ye spero poco; that is, My love is great, and my hope small. That concerns you, says the Prin∣cess to Christina: It put her to the blush, and the King observing it, had the Curiosity to enquire the reason: The Princess, very glad of an occasion to divert him gave him her sense of Count Talara's Motto; and added, that Christina could, if she pleas'd, perform a Career as well as the best of those who were to run. The King saying he did not think it, the Princess conjur'd Christina to make use of the Equi∣page (she had provided) for one Course at least. The young Mo∣narch express'd so earnest a desire to see how well Christina would come off, there was no denying him, and the Princess, their Request. That less notice might be taken, she pretended her self not well, and

withdrew. Her next care was for a Motto somewhat answerable to Count Talara's; which, being ve∣ry witty, she was not long to seek: She caus'd these words to be writ∣ten on her Shield, No ay que amar, y me nos que esperar de quien tienne duenno; 'Tis in vain to love, much more to expect good from him who is already engag'd. Christina, having set all things in as good order as the shortness of the time would permit, appear'd boldly at the Bar∣riere, and call'd for Canes, but was troubled with an Accident she had not foreseen: The Order was, that the Cavaliers who presented them∣selves for the Course, should tell their names, and make themselves known to the Officer appointed to Register them, to prevent disorder usual on such occasions. Our He∣roine, loth to undergo that Law, was deny'd the Canes: The King, who had his Eye upon her, perceiving

her in disorder on that account, order'd his Brother Don John to let them know it was his Majesties pleasure that Gentleman should be dispens'd with from telling his name, or shewing his face. The Kings pleasure was no sooner known, but Canes were deliver'd her: And her refusing to submit to the Rules of the Course, and the Kings dispensation, gave cause to believe 'twas an extraordinary Per∣son not willing to be known. This drew all Eyes upon her, every one guessing who it should be. Great notice was taken of the Motto: Count Talara, observing the op∣position between it and his, desir'd, with impatience, to run a Course against this unknown Person, who mannag'd his Horse very well; but it was not probable Christina should be as skillful at handling and darting the Cane, as the Spa∣niards, who are us'd to that Exer∣cise

from their Youth: And 'tis certain our Heroine had run a great Risque of being unhors'd, had not Don John, foreseeing what might follow, given Count Talara a pri∣vate hint the Stranger (he was to encounter with) was Christina. You may easily guess the effect this intimation had on the Amorous Count, who was confirm'd in the truth of it by the Motto he had ob∣serv'd on her Shield: He could not at first find in his heart to run a∣gainst Christina, but having thought better of it, he put himself in a posture. The Count, who had al∣ready run several Courses, with ad∣vantage, against the most expert in the Sport, meeting the Stranger, pre∣tended himself disorder'd and unrea∣dy when he should have darted his Cane: Christina, without losing a mo∣ments time, threw hers; which the Count appear'd sostunn'd with, that he fell off his Horse: Christina was so con∣founded

founded at the loud acclamations of the People (who judge of things by appearance, without examining the truth,) she knew not whether she had got the better or the worse, till she was presented with a Rose of Diamonds, the Prize appointed the Conqueror. Our Heroine, pleas'd with her success, retir'd, loth to hazard in another Course the Re∣putation she had gain'd by this.

Count Talara, having had a sore fall, was carried home to be blood∣ed, which was much to the ad∣vantage of Christina's Reputation. The Count being known to be very expert at that Sport, the whole Court sent to see how he did. And the Princess made Christina sensible of the Obligation put upon her by the Count, who had fallen off his Horse of purpose, like a true Spa∣nish Gallant, and advis'd her to send one to inquire of his health: Christina, with some difficulty, con∣sented

to it. The Count, ravish'd with joy at the Complement, an∣swer'd him who was sent, that his fall did not much trouble him, but he had a wound would not be quickly cur'd. It vex'd Christina she had given the occasion for such an answer, fearing the Count would pretend to some advantages for the Obligation he had put upon her. The Princess bid her set her heart at rest, and oblige the Widow with the Rose of Diamonds she had gain'd at the Course. Christina, though fearful to engage further with so forward a Woman, com∣ply'd however with the desires of the Princess: She shifted her self into her Habit of Don Artal, and presently went into the Widows Apartment, where she found her very much disorder'd.

She was so precise she would not appear at the Sports, but know∣ing Don Artal would be there, and

being much concern'd what be∣came of him, she had sent a trusty Person of purpose to observe how things went, and bring her exact information: He brought her the names of all those who were Re∣gistred for the Course, but not his, for whose sake alone she had the curiosity to read all the rest: She was much concern'd at the missing him, a Woman ever passionately wishing the glory of her Lover. Her Spy told her there was a Gen∣tleman appear'd incognito, and had refus'd to tell his name; and that the King, to prevent disorder, had dispens'd with the formality; and that this unknown Person had un∣hors'd the famous Count Talara, and retir'd with a Rose of Dia∣monds of very great value. The VVidow wish'd with all her heart, this Unknown might be no other but Don Artal; but then thought she, how should a Youth, and such

a Novice in Love, be too hard for a Gentleman of so much skill and ex∣perience: with that Don Artal en∣ters the Chamber; she presently ask'd him what news of the Course, and why he had not been there. I was unwilling to appear, answers he, without your Devise; and since you refus'd it me, I had no mind to shew my self where you would not be. I knew you had not appear'd there, said the VVidow, though the good opinion I had of you made me hope you might be that illustrious Unknown, who so emi∣nently signaliz'd himself, and car∣ry'd the Prize; at least my heart gave me none better deserv'd it than you: but I see our hearts of∣ten deceive us. You are not de∣ceiv'd in that, Madam, says Don Ar∣tal; and see here (adds he, pre∣senting her with the Rose of Dia∣monds) the Mark you may know that unknown Person by, who hath

had the good fortune to deserve your esteem. The Widow, sur∣priz'd at a Present so glorious and unexpected, received it very glad∣ly, and embrac'd the occasion, so luckily given her, to present her Servant with a String of Diamonds of very great value, praying him to keep it as a Pledge of her Love. Don Artal, for fear of angring her, durst not refuse it; but finding she began to fall again into very passio∣nate expressions, he pretended bu∣siness of haste, and withdrew; ha∣ving promis'd to return on the Mor∣row, at an hour she appointed. Christina having shewn the Dia∣monds to the Princess, who under∣stood Jewels very well, was amaz'd to hear they were worth fifteen thousand Crowns. This exces∣sive Liberality fully convincing them of the violence of her Passion, Christina had compassion on her, and told the Princess she would dis∣abuse

her: The Princess having suf∣ficiently diverted her self with the Intrigue, and thinking the VVi∣dow had punishment enough, said nothing against it. On the Mor∣row, at the hour the VVidow had appointed, Christina sent her back her Diamonds, with this Letter.

'Tis time to disabuse you, Madam; the Don Artal you love, is a Man in appearance, but really one of your Sex: I am in good earnest, and unwilling to take the advantage of your Liberality, being incapable to satisfie your Love. You need not fear me; I am well acquainted with the nature of our Sex, and know it a hard matter to resist temptations; but I pity those who have not the power to do it: be you less Censori∣ous for the future, and never fear my discretion.

The VVidow, who expected Don

Artal, had not forgot any thing that might the better set off the weak Charms of a VVoman of her age: She thought the Present he had made her, the day before, a good Omen, and that she had reason to expect something better at the As∣signation. She tasted before-hand a thousand imaginary pleasures, and began to think long while her Lover arriv'd; when, lo, a Letter is brought her. The String of Dia∣monds presently alarm'd her: and having read the two first Lines, she scarce held up from swounding; her surprize was so great, she fan∣cy'd her self not well awake. Ha∣ving finish'd reading her Letter, and reflecting on the beauty, and other Circumstances of her pretended Lo∣ver, she believ'd all true that was written. She was not a little taken with her Generosity, in sending back her Diamonds; and out of a great∣ness of Soul, incident to Persons

well born, which ordinary People are not acquainted with, or the love she still retain'd for the Memory of Don Artal, she had the Generosity to send back the Diamonds to Christina, with a Letter.

Though you have deserv'd Re∣proach for having deceiv'd me, I cannot hate that in a Maid which I lov'd in the counterfeit Don Artal. Rest satisfi'd with the advantage you have had over me, and receive again the Present I made you: Yours to me shall be ever dear, and in high esteem with me. I desire, if you think fit, your acquaintance; and am not in the least indispos'd to be your Friend. And I must declare my weakness is such, I cannot mistrust a Person I have once lov'd.

Christina having receiv'd this Letter, carry'd it to the Princess, telling her she was much troubled

with this String of Diamonds, and very scrupulous of keeping a Pre∣sent so considerable. The Princess having read the Letter, advis'd her to keep the Present, and think no more of the matter; and would not permit her to be further ac∣quainted with the VVidow, (as Christina design'd) knowing she would owe Christina a spight, for the discovery she had made of her.

News was then receiv'd in Spain of the taking of S. Gislain, by the French; which very much alarm'd the Court of Spain, who thought the rigour of the season (it being December) would have hinder'd, or delay'd at least, the Conquest of the place. The Spaniards vented their rage upon the poor French living in Spain, without sparing those who had been thirty years Naturaliz'd. They seiz'd their Goods, banish'd their Persons, and exercis'd upon them all sorts of vio∣lence:

VVhich is no new thing in that Country; for as often as the French take a Town, burn a Ship, or obtain a Victory, the Spaniards seize all the Goods of the French who Trade in their Towns. Judge you then how many Pressures they are expos'd to under the Reign of our Lewis the Great: This com∣monly ends in a great Tax laid upon them, after payment of which they let them alone for some time; but upon the next loss they have, the Persecution begins afresh, which happens so often, that many have been forc'd to withdraw and quit the Country. A Merchant of Bearn of Christina's acquaintance, and one she was oblig'd to, found himself under this Storm rais'd a∣gainst the French upon the taking of St. Gislain. Christina protected him openly, having spoken in his favour to Don John of Austria, and represented to him the injustice

done those poor People, who set∣tle there, relying upon their Letters of Naturalization, and with great labour and industry supply the Na∣tural laziness of the Spaniards, fur∣nishing them with a thousand Con∣veniences they would never know but for the French. The Prince, at her intreaty, caus'd restitution to be made this Merchant of all had been taken from him, and promis'd to use the rest favourably. This got our Heroine very great applause, but the hatred those of Spain natu∣rally bear all Strangers, made them attribute the favour she had obtain'd to something supernatural: which occasion'd the reviving the ridicu∣lous Report formerly gone about, of her being a Witch, and that with the help of her Art she could effect what she pleas'd. After so many extraordinary matters pub∣lish'd of her, 'tis no wonder the dull and sottish People gave credit to

this Report, while the Court laugh'd at it, and the Princess made sport of it with Christina. But her Ene∣mies would not lose the advantage of so favourable a Disposition of the people. The Marchioness d' Osseyra and the Countess of Bena∣videz durst not open their Mouths against her, since the Princess had taken her into her protection; but the favour Don John had granted her, awak'd the hatred of the one, and the jealousie of the other, lest the Court should at last consent to her being Marry'd to the Marquess d' Osseyra. This made them resolve to use all their endeavours to fo∣ment the opinion of her being a Witch. Having learnt that Chri∣stina was that unknown Person, who had unhors'd Count Talara, almost without touching him; they took care to spread abroad this Circumstance, and others, to confirm the people in their error.

Their Artifice was so great, and their Emissaries so diligent, that se∣veral people of good sense, deceiv'd by a number of probable Circum∣stances, gave credit to this extrava∣gant Report. That was not all; for, cloaking their malice with a false zeal for Religion, they ex∣hibited an information against Christina in the Inquisition.

The Inquisition is so formida∣ble a Court, that the name of an Inquisitor makes them in Spain tremble, the severe punishments inflicted by that Tribunal on Jews, Moors, and Hereticks there, having gain'd it a high Reputation. The wiser sort speak of it with respect, the loose hate the name on't, and the people generally have it in ve∣neration. As soon as any Man is inform'd against in that Court, not a Courtier hath the boldness to say a word in his favour, for fear of be∣ing brought in as an accessory, as they

commonly are who are of a diffe∣rent Religion. The Kings Autho∣rity is of no force at all there; and there is not one President can be shewn, where the Catholick Kings have intermedled with any Affair the Inquisition had taken Cogni∣zance of.

The people are so afraid of them, that when I was in Spain I was as∣sur'd, that the Court being met one Afternoon, some of the Inquisitors stood at a Window which look'd into a rich Burghers Garden, where was a Pear-tree full of excellent Fruit. One of them had a mind to some of those Pears, and sent his Man to desire some of them; but the Gardiner having refus'd to give him any, the Inquisitor dispatch'd a Familiar (that is an Usher of the Inquisition) to tell the owner of the Garden the Inquisitor would speak with him: The poor Man was so frighted, he was scarce able

to go to him; but recover'd him∣self again, being told they desir'd only a Plate of his Pears: The Bur∣gher promis'd to send it, and was glad he came off so. As soon as he got home he sent the Inquisitors all the Pears on the Tree; and to pre∣vent being so frighted again, cut down the Pear-tree.

To return to Christina, the In∣quisitors having receiv'd the Infor∣mation, caus'd her to be arrested; and, (which was worse) left her in Prison a Fortnight before she was examin'd: 'Twas in favour to her Sex she was interrogated then, it being ordinary with them to keep a Man a Prisoner six, or twelve Months before he be examin'd. However the Princess, though ad∣vis'd to the contrary, labour'd pri∣vately for her, but to no purpose, it being not in her power to dis∣cover the particulars of her Charge. Our Heroine, who had no reason

to fear the Inquisition, upon the ac∣count of Religion, being Orthodox as her Judges, was troubled at the noise she knew this business would make; not doubting but it would come to the Marquess d' Osseyra's Ears, and that this, and her former misfortunes, would create in him an aversion against her, the dis∣asters she had met with, though in∣nocent, being enough to draw up∣on her the slight of a Person of Qua∣lity: her business the while look'd very ill. The Widow I have spo∣ken of, having heard the news, and considering her having carry'd a∣way the Prize, at the Course, from Count Talara, made no doubt but she was a Witch; and reflect∣ing on what had pass'd between them two, when she took her for Don Artal, she was in horror at the danger she had expos'd her self to, by Conversing with a Person, who, by the assistance of the Devil, could

appear in what Form she pleas'd; and was ready to make her com∣plaint to the Princess, for bringing such a one into her House; and would have done it, but for shame of discovering her weakness: Yet, being scrupulous of conceal∣ing so aggravating a Circumstance against the Criminal, she went to the chief Inquisitor, and told him, that to discharge her Conscience, she came to inform him what had happen'd to her with that Woman in Prison, who had several times appear'd to her in the shape of a young Gentleman of Catalonia, call'd Don Artal de Cardona; but she took care not to tell him the o∣ther particulars of the Intrigue, chusing rather to lose her Dia∣monds, than to make it known she had presented Christina with them, as a mark of her Love. The chief Inquisitor, out of respect to the Wi∣dows quality, dispens'd with her in

several formalities, taking only her Hand to the Depositions, which was one of the strongest Evidences in the Case. It is incredible what a noise this business made in Spain, where they could hardly believe a Maid could, without the help of Magick, do Actions so extraordina∣ry, and so much above her Sex. It was the general discourse, and they expected every day a solemn Judg∣ment and Sentence, suitable to the Learning and Integrity of those worthy, and able Persons, who sit on that Bench. The people had al∣ready set the day of her Execution, and, I believe, hir'd Windows to stand in to see it. Some among them, to colour the better their los∣ses in the Low-Countries, said there was no reason to wonder at them, since this Woman had bewitch'd all their Generals. The Princess was amaz'd at the ridiculous sto∣ries she heard every day of the un∣fortunate

Christina: The more she justifi'd her, the more they con∣demn'd her; and the least good Office done for her, was very ill ta∣ken by the people. The very Court was troubled with it, the greater part not knowing what to think on't, the rest suspending their judgments till the Inquisitors should pass sentence: The first examina∣tion was wholly spent in formali∣ties. The Inquisitors were sur∣priz'd at her confidence, and to see so little appearance of fear in her looks. This made the Reverend Judges believe she trusted much to her Art, or was innocent. Two days after she was examin'd again; the first question was, what Charms she had made use of to take the shape of Don Artal de Cardona? She answer'd, none other, but what people of wit make use of to amuse Fools: She told them at large, that the great severity, or

hypocrisie, of the VVidow, made her desire to put a trick upon her, by visiting her under the name of Don Artal: The knowledge she had that Lady could not see very well having encourag'd her resolu∣tion for that divertisement, in or∣der to the rendring her less Censo∣rious for the future. Then she was ask'd, how she could, with such a slight Cane, un-horse Count Tala∣ra? She answer'd, he had notice beforehand, she was to run a Course, and that his fall was rather an effect of the Spanish Gallantry, than any Charm of hers. She was then que∣stion'd what made her disguise her self so often, and in Habits so diffe∣rent? She answer'd, that, having from a Child had a strong inclinati∣on for Arms, the death of her Parents had given her the opportunity of following that noble Employment? In a word, her answers were so modest, and pertinent, that the In∣quisitors,

being choice Men, and well seen in business, were perswa∣ded of her innocence. And, which is most to be admir'd, the Arch-Bishop of Saragosa, who was one of the Inquisitors, and the most preju∣dic'd against her, knew her to be the same he had formerly seen in the Covent of Ursulines at Sara∣gosa; and had occasion'd the repri∣mands he gave the Nuns, upon his mistaking her to be a Man: He told the other Inquisitors the story, and from a severe Judge, became her Protector, and Friend.

As terrible as the Inquisition is in Spain, it cannot fright Love. Count Talara, extremely concern'd for the Imprisonment of our He∣roine, being told by the Princess, the strongest proof Christina's Enemies made use of to destroy her, was the advantage she had of him in the Course, was so troubled to hear so ill use made of his Gallantry,

that he put himself voluntarily in∣to the Inquisition, and desir'd his Process should be made, declaring himself accessory to the Crimes of Christina. The Inquisitors were a∣stonisht to see how easily he ren∣der'd himself Prisoner, and the peo∣ple fail'd not to say, the Witch had by her Art forc'd him to't. The Count was examin'd, and his an∣swer found to agree with Christi∣na's. The Inquisitors would have set him at liberty, which he refus'd to accept till our Heroine had hers: which was granted her on the Mor∣row, to the wonderful astonishment of all Fools. Count Talara was so troubled he had, though innocent∣ly, accasion'd her persecution, he never durst see her more.

Christina had the fate of most people in trouble, every one strove to make her believe how much they were concern'd for her, (now the danger was over.) The whole

Court Complemented her upon her delivery, and the King had the goodness to tell her, he was glad to hear she had clear'd her self with such credit. The Widow (fearing Christina, to be reveng'd, would publish the passion she had exprest for the pretended Don Artal) Court∣ed her friendship, and assur'd her she had never spoken against her, but to clear her Conscience. Chri∣stina had the goodness to pardon her, and they liv'd thence forwards very good friends.

Christina in the mean time was very much troubled she had no news of the Marquess d' Osseyra; sometimes she was afraid he had forgot her, the next moment she rejected that thought as injurious to the fidelity of her Lover, and in the end remain'd so perplext she knew not what to think. The Princess, who had great kindness for her, perceiving her more pen∣sive,

and melancholy, than ordinary, did all in her power to divert her, and bring her into humour: She told her all the silly stories the peo∣ple made of her Black Art, and gave her a hundred witty Jeasts on that account. Christina said she was not surpriz'd at it, having from her Chamber in the Prison heard the discourses of other Prisoners, of the horrible Crimes she was ac∣cus'd of. Since you heard their discourse, 'tis not possible, reply'd the Princess, but you must be well acquainted with their affairs, it be∣ing commonly a comfort to one in misery to relate and declare his mis∣fortune; and the ordinary enter∣tainment of Prisoners, is to tell one another by what mischance they came thither. I confess, said Chri∣stina, I have hearken'd to them sometimes, with a great deal of at∣tention; but most of those who are Prisoners in the Inquisition, be∣ing

charg'd with impiety, or some other Crime relating to Religion, they are very mistrustful, every one taking his Fellow for a Spy, or a Trepan: Yet I remember I often heard the Complaints of a Soul∣dier, who blam'd extremely the In∣gratitude of his Country, in retain∣ing him Prisoner in the Inquisition, for Actions which would have been highly rewarded in a well∣govern'd State.

He boasted of great services he had done his Catholick Majesty in Flanders; where, perceiving the Spanish Regiments grow thin, he married a Wife at Conde, by whom he had two Boys: But the place be∣ing afterwards taken by his most Christian Majesty, he was made a Prisoner of War, and never knew more what became of his Wife. Upon exchange of Prisoners he was not long after set at liberty, and was

in Garrison at Aire, where he marri∣ed another Wife; but that place having also been taken afterwards by the French, he was carry'd to Cambray, where he thought himself secure: There he married a third Wife, which began to rejoice his heart with her fruitfulness, when that place also was taken by the most Christian King in person; that at length, being tir'd with the War, and fearing his person fatal to the places he enter'd, he quitted Flanders, leaving several brave Boys there, who would in time make good Souldiers for the King, and was return'd to Madrid: He ad∣ded, that he pass'd homeward through France, and observ'd that Kingdom to be so full of people, and the Villages so near one ano∣ther, that he thought he had tra∣vell'd two hundred Leagues all in one Town, which appear'd to him very extraordinary, who had been

us'd to travel five and twenty, or thirty Leagues in Spain, without seeing a House, unless it were some pitiful Venta, or sorry Inn: And having consider'd with himself that the misfortune of Spain proceeded from its being so desart, he was willing, what in him lay, to repair that defect, by marrying again: But two of the Wives he had left in Flanders having follow'd him to Madrid, and found him at home with his Wife, it anger'd them so grievously that they had recourse to Justice, and charg'd him with several other misdemeanours and impieties: that the Inquisition ta∣king Cognizance of his Crimes had clapt him up in Prison, and kept him there, though in all he had done, he had no other end but the service of his King, and glory of his Country. The Princess could not forbear laughing at Christina's Relation, which gave her so true a

Character of a Spaniard; it being certain there is nothing so conceit∣edly haughty, as a Spanish Souldier at his return into Spain, from the Army in Flanders: he thinks him∣self the only Man that hath pre∣serv'd the State, and that now he may be allow'd to follow his incli∣nations, and take his pleasure with∣out punishment, or controul.

As soon as our Heroine was a∣lone, she fell into her former fit of melancholly, as if she had presag'd what was a driving on against her in Flanders.

The Marquess d' Osseyra knew no∣thing of his Mistress being gone in∣to Spain, but thought her still in the Covent at Mons; the Duchess of Arschot having taken care to keep him in that errour, by writing often to him under pretence of sending him news of Christina: She advis'd him still not to be too hasty, and a lit∣tle patience would certainly make

him happy. But the Duchess had o∣ther designs: the interest of her Fami∣ly, and her particular dependences on Spain, made her resolve to have her Niece married to a Gentleman of that Nation. This Niece of hers had not yet appear'd abroad, but was bred in a Covent; all the knowledge they had of her, was that she was very handsome, and a very considerable Fortune. The quality and merit of the Marquess d' Osseyra, made the Duchess think him a fit Match for her Niece. In order to this, she was willing to en∣deavour curing him of his passion for Christina, being fully perswa∣ded the Beauty, the Birth and E∣state of her Niece, would be suffi∣cient to accomplish her design within a short time after her ap∣pearing at Court. But having ob∣serv'd by the Marquesses Letters, the constancy of his affection for Christina, the Duchess despair'd of

success, and respited the sending her Niece to Brussels, for fear her Charms should have, upon some less interess'd person, the effect she desir'd they should work on the Marquess alone. About that time it was the French took S. Gistain; the Duchess fearing, from the scituati∣on of the place, Mons in the Spring might have the like fortune, which would break all her measures, and make it too late to execute her de∣sign; she resolv'd to go to Brussels to communicate her intentions to the Duchess de Villa Hermosa, who was very well pleas'd with the zeal she exprest for the Spaniards. Di∣vers means were propos'd to assure the success of the Marriage, but all appearing uncertain, or dilatory, they parted without coming to a∣ny resolution. The Marquess d' Osseyra went every day to see the Duchess d' Arschot, who, very de∣firous to penetrate his sentiments,

after a great deal of discourse, by the by, advertis'd him, as his Friend, that Christina had in confidence ac∣quainted her with her design of making her self a Nun; but if it should be so, he might be other∣wise provided of a Mistress, to sup∣ply the loss of this. The Marquess was much alarm'd at Christina's re∣solution, & intreated the Duchess to give it all the obstruction she could, which she promis'd very frankly. Having given the Duchess de Villa Hermosa an account of this dif∣course, she found her no less than her self at a loss what course to take: But at last, feeing themselves straiten'd in time, the report of his Christian Majesty leaving Paris in sew days being spread all about, they agreed that the Duchess should advise the Marquess to steal his Mistress out of the Covent, and marry her as soon as he could get her out. They thought this a very

probable way to effect the design, be∣cause the Duchess might easily de∣ceive him, in substituting her Niece in the place of Christina. The Duchess of Arschot would not hear of it, as a thing unworthy a person of her qua∣lity to use any Artifice to make a Spaniard marry her Niece; but at length her ambition, and the flatte∣ries of the Duchess de Villa Hermo∣sa, prevail'd with her to reject all these considerations; not doubt∣ing, with her dextrous address, she might trap the Marquess; and that the beauty of her Niece, and respect due to her Birth, would stop his com∣plaining of a Cheat put upon him so much to his advantage. Soon af∣ter this delicate Project, the Marquess came to the Duchess of Arschot's: The ordinary expressions of civility were scarce over, but she told him, with some concern, that word was sent her from Mons, Christina was ever day more and more resolv'd to

take the Nuns Habit, and that she durst no longer undertake but she would suddenly do it. The Mar∣quess answer'd her, it would break his heart; and conjur'd her not to forsake him, but use all her interest with Christina to divert her from this resolution. To what purpose, says the Duchess; for neither the King, nor your Relations will ever give way to your marrying a Stran∣ger that has no Fortune, is but of mean Birth, and (as vertuous as I take her for) hath occasion'd very different judgments of her: To disabuse you, 'tis my opinion you should no longer oppose her design of turning Nun, it will be more for your Reputation than you are aware of, and this Action alone will justifie all the rest of her Life. The Marquess confess'd she had Reason of her side, but that the vi∣olence of his Love would not let him yield to it; that he would

make himself happy to his own sa∣tisfaction, without troubling him∣self what others thought of it, as being not of their judgment who think a Mans happiness depends on the opinion others have of it. Since you are of that mind, says the Duchess, I will let you see how true a Friend I am to you, in doing you a piece of service more consi∣derable than you could have hop'd for, and such as shall make you happy all the days of your life. The Marquess assur'd her he should ever acknowledge her favours, and promis'd to do whatever she ad∣vis'd him to. You must then, re∣plys the Duchess, steal her out of the Covent, and I will undertake she shall consent to it; for her de∣sire of turning Nun proceeds only from her fear that you have forgot her. And as all Women are very sensible of being slighted, she is glad of amusing the World, by giv∣ing

out she will spend her Life in a Cloyster, though it be in truth only to save her credit, in case you should not love her: And that you may be no longer expos'd to the freaks of Fortune, or the violences of the Duke de Villa Hermosa, my Almoner shall marry you in my Chappel, as soon as you have got her out of the Covent. The Mar∣quess, overjoy'd at a Project that so pleasingly flatter'd his passion, threw himself at her Feet, not having the power to answer her a word, but his dumb Eloquence exprest his mind clearly enough: They agreed how all things should be carry'd, and the Daches on the Morrow went for Mons, to dispose things for execution of the design.

She told her Niece she had made choice of a Husband for her, with whom she should have abundant cause to be satisfi'd; but that there were invincible reasons to oblige

her to permit her self to be stollen out of the Covent, and be marry'd without Ceremony; adding she was not to be surpriz'd at it, as be∣ing all for her advantage. The young Lady, who in the whole course of her breeding had been taught to pay the Duchess very great respects, submitted her self wholly to her pleasure. The Du∣chess having made sure of her Niece, and all others she had use of, writ to the Marquess d'Osseyra, to let him know all was in readi∣ness; and that he had no more to do but come the next night to Mons, with two of his trustiest Do∣mesticks, and that he might come to her House, where she would tell him how the business should be managed. The Marquess, who waited with impatience for news from the Duchess, faild not to set out the hour she appointed. He arriv'd at Mons, and went to the

Duchesses, as had been agreed on. You see, says she, what I expose my self to for your sake: But that you may not be blam'd for this Action, I think it very fit you should write to the Duke de Villa Hermosa, to let him know you are marry'd; and intreat him, that since 'tis a done thing, that he will write into Spain, in your favour, that the Court may agree to it: I will take care your Letter shall be deliver'd him, and send him word the same time, I have had no hand in your business. The Marquess consent∣ed to all she desir'd, but had his Head so full of Love, he would ne∣ver have been able to finish his Let∣ter without the Duchesses help, who made him write what she pleas'd, without naming Christina, with design to take her advantage by that Letter to justifie her self to the World, as if the Marquess had indeavour'd to steal away her

Niece, and that he might be forc'd to marry her, if the business in hand should unexpectedly miscarry.

All things thus order'd, she for∣got not any thing that might heighten the beauty of her Niece. It was no hard matter to set off a young Lady, whom Nature had made very handsome and amiable: The Duchess having visited her a little afore night, gave her new in∣structions for her dress, and deport∣ment, and return'd very well satis∣fi'd with her Charms. She ap∣pointed her to be at the Covent-Garden Gate, with a Maid who was of the Plot, and to follow the Gentleman who came in search of them at the hour she had assign'd them: She charg'd her by any means not to speak, to cover her self with a great Vail, and not shew her Face, till the Priest had fi∣nish'd the Ceremony; telling her, it was no more than in decency

was requisite, to satisfie the Gentle∣man, and the Company, of her mo∣desty. The Duchess being re∣turn'd home, told the Marquess all things were order'd as he could wish. At last, the night so much desir'd by the Marquess, and per∣haps by the Lady as earnestly long'd for, was come; the amorous Spaniard, full of good intentions, and led by his passion, enter'd the Garden, through a Door, of which they had given him a Key for the purpose. He found there two per∣sons vail'd, one whereof was about the height of Christina: Having approach'd, with a respect not free from fear, he took her by the hand, and led her to the Duchesses with the haste you may imagine. They went straight to the Chappel, where the Priest waited their coming: The Marquess fell presently at the feet of her he thought his Mistress, to thank her for her goodness, and

began to say such things as Love inspires a Man in his condition withall: But the Duchess hasten'd the Priest to do his Office, and said to the Marquess, he was not to lose time in fruitless discourse, to keep his Mistress from the pleasure she propos'd to her self, in being at li∣berty to look upon him, without wronging her modesty. The Mar∣quess having his head full of the thoughts of Christina, fancy'd he saw her, without shewing her face: He was satisfi'd with a kiss of her hand, fell on his knees and was mar∣ried. The Ceremony was scarce ended, but the Marquess cry'd out he was the happiest Man alive, since it was not in the power of his Ene∣mies to prevent his being united to the most amiable Person in the World. Yes, and more happy than you are aware of, replys the Du∣chess, throwing off the Brides Vail, since in marrying you to my Niece,

who might be the Darling of the best Man on Earth, I have marry'd you to a Lady of great Birth, and a considerable Fortune. The Mar∣quess was so troubled at the dis∣course of the Duchess, and the sur∣prizing beauty of her Niece, that for some time he stood mute. Your Relations, and Friends, have agreed to this Marriage, continues the Du∣chess; and nothing but a Merit e∣qual to yours could have prevail'd with me to have a hand in a trick of this kind, to make you happy a∣gainst your will. The Marquess was so agitated with different mo∣tions, he could not answer a word, needing all the respect those of his Nation have for Persons of the best quality, to keep him from breaking out into outrage against the Du∣chess. She was about to speak to him of the advantages of this Affair. Madam, says the Marquess, inter∣rupting her, I pray insult not over

my grief; for I know not whether I shall be able to take it at your hands. This was but one of those expressions of sorrow and regret he let fall, which forc'd tears from the new Marchioness, who had not any hand in her Aunts Cheat, and ex∣pected Complements from her Husband of a very different nature. The Marquess mov'd at her tears, and wounded to the heart with his own sorrows, went into another Room, and would have left the House with a resolution to go whi∣thersoever despair would lead him: But the Duchess, who fearing the noise this business might make, had the fore-sight, and care, to make sure of an Order from the Duke de Villa Hermosa to arrest the Marquess; had it put in execution, by persons who waited at the Gate for that purpose. He was so disorder'd, he scarce knew he was arrested. An Officer, his Friend, whom the Du∣chess

sent for to speak with him, endeavour'd to perswade him to be satisfi'd, but without effect. The Marquess pass'd all the night in ve∣ry great disquiet: the morrow the Duke de Villa Hermosa arriv'd at Mons, where he had long discourse with the Marquess; I know not the particulars, but 'tis probable he shew'd him the advantages of this Marriage, and the necessity lay upon him to make no more stir a∣bout the business: which if he did, he would be laugh'd at, and pro∣voke the Court, his Friends, and the Duchesses Family all against him. The Marquess convinc'd with these reasons, and seeing there was no remedy, submitted to the advice of the Duke de Villa Hermosa; and thought it best to return to his Wife, and beg her par∣don for what was past. But she would not hear him, being resolv'd to pay him in the Coyn she had re∣ceiv'd

from him, and avoid his company who had so much slight∣ed her. The Duchess found all her Authority over her Niece, little e∣nough to retain her: She would not afford an Ear to any thing could be said for him, who had ex∣prest himself sorry he had marry'd her.

A beautiful Lady hath great ad∣vantages, her Complaints are mo∣ving, her Reproaches wound to the quick, and her Tears find com∣passion in the stoniest heart. The Marquess, who had approach'd his Lady with a great deal of indiffe∣rence, was so sensible of her Com∣plaints, her Reproaches and Tears, that he fell on his knees, protesting the Crime she thought him guilty of, a pure effect of his astonishment; and that if she would vouchsafe him the hearing, he could easily clear himself. She cast her Eyes upon him, without answering a

word; her looks, and the difficul∣ty she made of being appeas'd, heighten'd in the Marquess the de∣sire of reconciliation: He made her so many protestations, and assur'd her he would love her eternally, that at last she yielded to the In∣stances of the Duchess, or rather the Oaths of the Marquess: But upon condition he would give her a true account what had occasi∣on'd him to express himself trou∣bled for having marry'd her, and to absent himself as he had done. The Marquess promis'd it, but whe∣ther he kept his word I know not, having not been able to learn the particulars of the account he gave her, which lasted all night; but 'tis very likely she was well enough satisfi'd, having never complain'd of it since: The Marquess about a Week after brought her to Brussels, and to justifie himself to those who were acquainted with his passion

for Christina, said, it was not in his power to resist the Decrees of Hea∣ven, where his Marriage had been appointed many Ages ago.

Though Christina had not heard of this Marriage, the news of it ha∣ving not yet reach'd Spain; 'tis certain her heart misgave her some ill was towards her, which cast her frequently into melancholly the Princess had much ado to perswade her from, by telling her she was not to afflict her self beforehand, by fancying she fore-saw the unfaith∣fulness of her Lover. Christina confess'd her self to blame for't, but could not help it.

Hearing the English Envoy was returning for London, she acquaint∣ed the Princess with the great de∣sire she had to lay hold on that oc∣casion, to leave Spain and go to the Marquess d' Osseyra. The Princess gave many good reasons to divert her from this resolution, but in vain;

Christina acknowledging the force of her reasons, but that it was not in her power to yield to them, and that she should certainly have the displeasure to see her die with de∣spair, if she oppos'd her design any longer. Loth as the Princess was to part with our Heroine, she was however forc'd to let her go, to pre∣vent the mortal effects of her de∣spair: She gave her a Letter of Re∣commendation to the Envoy, in∣treating his care of that young Spa∣nish Gentleman, being a Person of Quality and Merit, and very desi∣rous to go with him into England. The Princess gave her several other Letters, in her favour, address'd to Persons in good credit in the Court of his Majesty of Great Britain. Christina having resum'd her Mans Habit, and the day of her departure hir'd a Spanish Foot-Boy, overtook the Envoy two days journey from Madrid, not having ventur'd to go

out of Town with him, for fear of being staid, if discover'd. The En∣voy receiv'd her very courteously, easily believing the good Character the Princess gave in her Letter to him of young Montalban (as she call'd him) who confirm'd by his Meen, and discourse, the good opi∣nion the Envoy had of him at first sight.

Montalban was so pleas'd with the thought he should shortly have a better opportunity of informing himself truly of the state of his Love Coneerns, that he appear'd very chearful and aiery, which the Envoy was much taken with, but could not let him know it for want of skill in the Spanish Language, which he could not speak, though he understood it very well. Mon∣talban pretended he had no other Language, but that, he had a small insight in the French, yet not so much as to speak it. The Envoy,

who had been bred in France, was glad of that, and from thence∣forth spoke to him always in French, which Montalban an∣swer'd in Spanish. He maintain'd this Character very well, till one day the Envoy observing him in a deep study, ask'd him if he had left a Mistress behind him at Madrid. Montalban having his Head full of Love, and surpriz'd with the que∣stion, answer'd him in French, he had not a Mistress in the World, and continued speaking in that Lan∣guage, till he perceiv'd the Envoy astonisht at it; whereupon, making use of that readiness of wit which had done him so good service on former occasions, and few Women want, he fell a laughing at the En∣voy's surprize, and pray'd him, in Spanish, to tell him truly if he had spoken good French. The Envoy assur'd him, a natural French-man could not have spoke better. In

troth, replys Montalban, I thought the Princess had but jeasted, when, having taught me those three or four words, she told me I pro∣nounc'd them very well: I will apply my self to learn French, as soon as I come to London. You will infallibly attain it, says the Envoy you are so naturally fitted for't. Our' Heroine having, by her wit, retriev'd the fault her distraction made her fall into, avoided carefully all occasi∣ons of letting him perceive she could speak French, the better to maintain the part she design'd to act in England. Being arriv'd at Lon∣don, Montalban deliver'd a Letter from the Princess, to the Marquess Borgamanero, Envoy extraordinary from Spain. The Marquess being an Italian born, doubted not but the young Spaniard was very well descended, as the Princess had sig∣nifi'd by her Letter: He us'd him with all the civility imaginable,

praying him to accept of an Apart∣ment in his House; for, besides the respect due to the recommendati∣on of the Princess, an Italian, or Flemming, employ'd in the King of Spain's service, is glad of any oc∣casion to oblige a natural Spaniard, to take off the jealousie and um∣brage they have of Strangers em∣ploy'd in Affairs of that Crown. Montalban would not lodge at the Marquesses, but Din'd there every day, and went often to Court with him, where he was kindly receiv'd by those who espous'd the interest of Spain: this was of incredible advantage to the Spaniard, the English who were us'd to see those of that Nation haughty and huffish, admiring the civility and good meen of Montalban. But he could not be satisfi'd with the care the Marquess took to divert him, nor the civilities he receiv'd from se∣veral English Courtiers, such was

his impatience to know how things went in Flanders: He ask'd every one, what news from thence, and was told of the Preparations made for the Campaign, the provident care of the Spanish Governour for the places most in danger to be at∣tack'd, and many other particu∣lars Montalban was not concern'd in, nor car'd for: But not a word of the Marquess d' Osseyra, nor durst he enquire after him, in particular, lest his Countenance should betray him, and discover the reason of his Curiosity that way. His heart misgave him still, and continued the alarms and presages of ill suc∣cess to his Love, which so haunted his thoughts he could not rellish a∣ny pleasure though frequently in∣vited to partake of it. Sometimes he resolv'd for Brussels, to know how things stood; the next mo∣ment he discover'd reasons to di∣vert him from that design. Tor∣mented

with this inquietude, and not able to resolve what course to take, but inclining to continue in an uncertainty, which left him some poor hopes of the constancy of the Marquess d' Osseyra, rather than hazard the discovery of a truth which might plunge him in de∣spair. As he was at Dinner at the Spanish Envoys, a Gentleman of Flanders, newly arriv'd from Brus∣sels, came in to salute the Mar∣quess Borgamanero, and deliver him Letters from the Low-Countries. The Marquess having known the Gentleman by name, receiv'd him very civilly, and made him sit at Ta∣ble with him. When the Flemming had drank the Healths of all the Beauties of Brussels, his Tongue be∣gan to run, and he gave them se∣veral pieces of choice news from Flanders, adding some Gallantries of the Spanish Generals the Winter past; and, interrupting himself,

now that I am fallen upon the dis∣course of Gallantry, Have you not heard, says he, of the officious Cheat put upon the Marquess d' Osseyra, to cure him of the violent passion he had for a French-woman. Had any one then observ'd Montalban's Countenance, he might have easi∣ly discover'd the trouble he was in: But they were all attentive to the Flemmish Gentlemans discourse, who told them, the Duchess of Arschot, by agreement with the Duke de Villa Hermosa, on pretence of fa∣vouring the Marquess d' Osseyra's Marriage with the French-woman, had marry'd her Niece to him. Oh Heavens, cry'd Christina, no more minding the Name, or Nation she pretended to, and fell off of her Stooll. The Company thought it some Disease, or Infirmity, and e∣very one strove to help her, attri∣buting the Exclamation to the vio∣ence of the Distemper, and not

dreaming in the least of the true Cause of the Accident. The En∣voy of Spain was the most alarm'd at it, fearing, in a time where poy∣sonings are so ordinary, it might be thought this Spanish Gentleman had been poysoned at his House.

Could one have dy'd of violent grief, I am perswaded our Heroine had taken her leave of this World, upon hearing the Gentlemans news: but a death of that kind happens not in our Age, and she, by the Marquesses care, recover'd her strength pretty well, and was carry'd into her Chamber, where, intending to give free vent to those passions the ill news had occasion'd, she had the dexterity to get ridd of the importunate care of those who accompany'd her, by telling them she was often subject to Infirmities of that kind, and had learnt by ex∣perience that rest was the only, and infallible Cure. As soon as she

was alone, she burst out into tears, and her fancy, to her further tor∣ment, represented to her a thou∣sand unpleasant things to increase her grief, which was swell'd to that height the most cruel death would have been welcom. After much debate with her self, she thought it fit for her to return into her Coun∣try, and spend there the rest of her days in a Cloyster, her Vertue sug∣g•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her she was oblig'd to make the World this amends for all the innocent scandals she had given it.

Upon the news of the Accident at the Spanish Envoys, the pretend∣ed Montalban was visited by seve∣ral Persons of the best Quality: The Gentleman, who had brought the news of the Marquess d' Ossey∣ra's being marry'd, thought him∣self oblig'd in civility to give him a visit. Christina (or, if you will, Montalban) was a bed when this

Gentleman came to his Lodging: Montalban gave order he should come in, and the ordinary civili∣ties being over, told him he was sorry his Infirmity had depriv'd him of hearing the particulars of the Marquess d' Osseyra's Marriage: The Gentleman offer'd to make him the Relation; Montalban answer∣ing, he would much oblige him in it, the Gentleman acquainted him with all the Circumstances of the Affair, without perceiving the change it produc'd in our Heroine's Countenance, who had (to pre∣vent his discovery) drawn her Bed Curtain that she might not be seen. The Flemming being retir'd, Christina fell again into tears, yet without any murmuring against the Marquess d' Osseyra, whom she could not accuse of infidelity. As strongly as she labour'd to confirm her resolution of going into a Mo∣nastery, she found within her no

small reluctancy against the putting it in execution: so hard a Task was it to disengage her self from the in∣clinations she had for a Person she had lov'd so entirely, and esteem'd so worthy of her affection: After much strugling and striving with her self she resolv'd to send him a Letter, which was written as fol∣loweth.

I shall never believe any one can dye of grief, since I have surviv'd the sad news of your Marriage, at∣tended with such Circumstances as make me despair, without leaving me the liberty to complain of you: Was it not enough to lose you, but I must, with the loss, have the cruel and doleful satisfaction to know I lost you against your will? Had you been ungrateful for the affection I bore you, the consideration of your un∣faithfulness would have, in some measure, allay'd my sense of the loss of you: But while I adore you, and

you love me, another enjoys you. Par∣don the trouble my grief forces me to give you, in bidding you adieu for e∣ver. When you know how easily I part with the World, you will be sen∣sible I continued in it thus long only for your sake; and since you cannot be mine any longer, I shall quickly take leave of it with very little concern.

Christina having heard that the Spanish Envoy sent a Gentleman with Letters into Flanders, desir'd him to deliver this to the Marquess d' Osseyra, and tell him, the Party who sent it expected not his answer. Our Heroine having written this Letter, found her self somewhat bet∣ter at ease; she weigh'd the design she had of entring a Covent, and found it in truth a course of Life wholly unsuitable to her humour: She consider'd how many made their Lives unhappy by embracing

a Profession out of despair, or to please their Friends, or for other like reasons contrary to their incli∣nations: She chose rather to seek out an opportunity to perish glori∣ously in the Wars, than to lan∣guish many years in an unhappy condition, not doubting but the thoughts of her beloved Marquess would haunt her in the most pri∣vate retirements. This made her throw off the relicks of weakness her Sex had left her, and having heard that his Majesty of France had open'd the Campaign by the Conquest of Ghent, she continued her disguise, and went into the Army with two or three English Volunteers, who went to learn the Rudiments of War under that great Master. The Town of Ypres be∣ing besieg'd about that time, our Heroine to avoid meeting with those who might probably know her, during her long abode former∣ly

there, consulted rather the moti∣ons of despair, than endeavour'd to signalize her self by Actions of ex∣traordinary valour: She mingled her self one day with a Detachment of the Regiments of the King's Houshold, who with Sword in hand took a Half-moon, where Christina receiv'd a Musquet-shot, and was carry'd to her Tent. The Chyrurgeons, less Complaisant in the Army than elsewhere, judg'd her Wound mortal: The English, who came with her from London, and still thought the pretended Gentleman a Spaniard, fancy'd he had receiv'd the Wound by endea∣vouring to put himself into the Spanish service, by getting into the Town: This made them acquaint the Marquess de Conflans with what had past. He was Governour of the place, and having Capitulated that very day to surrender it, the English let him know there was in

the Camp, a young Gentleman, a Spaniard, call'd Montalban, who was wounded with a Musquet-shot, by endeavouring to get into the Town. The Marquess, well ac∣quainted with the name, thought he might be one of the Noble Fa∣mily of Montalban, the head whereof is the now Duke of Uceda, and dispatch'd a Collonel of the Garison to enquire of his health, and see if he were in a condition to be carry'd to Brussels. The Eng∣lish accompany'd the Collonel, and told our Heroine they had inform'd the Governour of Ypres of his qua∣lity, and hurt; and that he had sent thither this Collonel, to know if he would be carry'd to Brussels. Chri∣stina, amaz'd at the discourse, was pleas'd however at so good an oc∣casion of going to Brussels, in hopes to see the Marquess d' Osseyra be∣fore she dy'd: She confirm'd them in their errour, and having an∣swer'd

the Collonel's civilities, as well as the condition she was in would permit her, she pray'd him to tell the Marquess of Conflans, he would do him a singular favour to convey him to Brussels, which was accordingly done. Soon after her arrival there, the Marquess of Con∣flans inform'd the Court, he had brought thither a young Gentle∣man of Spain, who was lately come out of England to throw himself into Ypres, but was unfortunately prevented by a Musquet-shot, re∣ceiv'd as he was endeavouring to get into the Town. The Persons of the greatest Quality at Brussels, fearing to incommode Montalban with their visits, sent to inquire of his health: But he fell into a Fever, and no hopes of cure. All those a∣bout him wonder'd at the care he took to inquire who they were who sent to know how he did, which proceeded from the desire

the supposed Montalban had to hear the Marquess d' Osseyra nam'd for one. At last he was told, that this Marquess, being newly re∣turn'd from Bruges, had sent a Gen∣tleman to enquire of his health. Montalban was so glad of it, that those who attended him observ'd a visible change in his looks: Ha∣ving fetch'd two or three fighs, he said, he should be very glad to see the Marquess, having some∣thing of Consequence to Com∣municate to him. The Marquess being inform'd of it, ran to him immediately, fancying him to be a Gentleman of the House of Montalban, who had been of his acquaintance in Spain. As the Marquess enter'd the Room, they told him the Gentleman was speechless. The Marquess went hastily up to the Bed, and look∣ing stedfastly on the Person that lay there, knew her to be his

Christina, a dying: She reacht forth her Arm, and taking him by the Hand, made him sensible of the satisfaction she had, to see him before she dy'd. The tragick Spectacle so affected the Marquess, he was ready to fall down dead for sorrow: He continued many days retir'd in a religious House, and incapable of comfort for be∣ing the cause of our Heroine's death, he resolv'd to quit that Country where a hundred Objects would every day represent to his memory, the death of Christina: He made use of his Friends to pro∣cure him Employment else-where, and in a short time after receiv'd Orders from Spain to go and Com∣mand in Biscay.

FINIS.