Chapter 13

Rinaldo, after a restless Night, was up very early in the Morning; and tho’ he was not certain of seeing his adorableAtlante, he dress’d himself with all that Care, as if he had been to have waited on her, and got himself into the Window, that overlook’d MonsieurDe Pais’sBalcony, where he had not remain’d long, before he saw the prettyCharlotcome into it, not with any design of seeingRinaldo, but to look and gaze about her a little.Rinaldosaw her, and made her a very low Reverence, and found some disorder’d Joy on the sight of evenCharlot, since she was Sister toAtlante. He call’d to her, (for the Window was so near her, he could easily be heard by her) and told her, ‘He was infinitely indebted to her Bounty, for giving him an Opportunity yesterday of falling on that Discourse, which had made him the happiest Man in the World’: He said, ‘If she had not by her agreeable Conversation encourag’d him, and drawn him from one Word to another, he should never have had the Confidence to have toldAtlante, how much he ador’d her.’ ‘I am very glad, (replyedCharlot) that I was the Occasion of the Beginning of an Amour, which was displeasing to neither one nor the other; for I assure you for your Comfort, my Sister nothing but thinks on you: We lie together, and you have taught her already to sigh so, that I could not sleep for her.’ At this his Face was cover’d over with a rising Joy, which his Heart could not contain: And after some Discourse, in which this innocent Girl discovered more thanAtlantewish’d she should, he besought her to become his Advocate; and since she had no Brother, togive him leave to assume that Honour, and call her Sister. Thus, by degrees, he flatter’d her into a Consent of carrying a Letter from him toAtlante; which she, who believ’d all as innocent as her self, and being not forbid to do so, immediately consented to; when he took his Pen and Ink, that stood in the Window, with Paper, and wroteAtlantethis following Letter:RINALDOtoATLANTE.Ifmy Fate be so severe, as to deny me the Happiness of sighing out my Pain and Passion daily at your Feet, if there be any Faith in the Hope you were pleased to give me (as ’twere a Sin to doubt) Oh charmingAtlante! suffer me not to languish, both without beholding you, and without the Blessing of now and then a Billet, in answer to those that shall daily assure you of my eternal Faith and Vows; ’tis all I ask, till Fortune, and our Affairs, shall allow me the unspeakable Satisfaction of claiming you: yet if your Charity can sometimes afford me a sight of you, either from your Balcony in the Evening, or at a Church in the Morning, it would save me from that Despair and Torment, which must possess a Heart so unassur’d, as that ofYour Eternal Adorer,Rin. Bellyaurd.He having writ and seal’d this, toss’d it into the Balcony toCharlot, having first look’d about to see if none perceiv’d them. She put it in her Bosom, and ran in to her Sister, whom by chance she found alone;Vernolehaving takenDe Paisinto the Garden, to discourse him concerning the sendingCharlotto the Monastery, which Work he desir’d to see perform’d, before he declar’d his Intentions toAtlante: for among all his other good Qualities, he was very avaricious; and as fair asAtlantewas, he thought she would be much fairer with the Addition ofCharlot’sPortion. This Affair of his with MonsieurDe Pais, gaveCharlotan opportunity of delivering her Letter to her Sister; who no sooner drew it from her Bosom, butAtlante’sFace was covered over with Blushes: For she imagin’d from whence it came, and had a secret Joy in that Imagination, tho’ she thought she must put on the Severity and Niceness of a Virgin, who would not be thought to have surrendered her Heart with so small an Assault, and the first too. So she demanded from whenceCharlothad that Letter? Who replyed with Joy, ‘From the fine young Gentleman, our Neighbour.’ At whichAtlanteassum’d all the Gravity she could, to chide her Sister; who replied, ‘Well, Sister, had you this day seen him, you would not have been angry to have receiv’d a Letter from him; he look’d so handsome, and was so richly dress’d, ten times finer than he was yesterday; and I promis’d him you should read it: therefore, pray let me keep my Word with him; and not only so, but carry him an Answer.’ ‘Well (saidAtlante) to save your Credit with MonsieurRinaldo, I will read it’: Which she did, and finish’d with a Sigh. While she was reading,Charlotran into the Garden, to see if they were not likely to be surpriz’d; and finding the Count and her Father set in an Arbour, in deep Discourse, she brought Pen, Ink, and Paper to her Sister, and told her, she might write without the Fear of being disturbed: and urged her so long to what was enough her Inclination, that she at last obtained this Answer:ATLANTEtoRINALDO.Charlot, your little importunate Advocate, has at last subdued me to a Consent of returning you This. She has put me on an Affair with which I am wholly unacquainted; and you ought to take this very kindly from me, since it is the very first time I ever writ to one of your Sex, tho’ perhaps I might with less Danger have done it to any other Man. I tremble while I write, since I dread a Correspondence of this Nature, which may insensibly draw us into an Inconvenience, and engageme beyond the Limits of that Nicety I ought to preserve: For this Way we venture to say a thousand little kind Things, which in Conversation we dare not do: for now none can see us blush. I am sensible I shall this Way put my self too soon into your Power; and tho’ you have abundance of Merit, I ought to be asham’d of confessing, I am but too sensible of it:—But hold—I shall discover for your Repose (which I would preserve) too much of the Heart ofAtlante.She gave this Letter toCharlot; who immediately ran into the Balcony with it, where she still foundRinaldoin a melancholy Posture, leaning his Head on his Hand: She shewed him the Letter, but was afraid to toss it to him, for fear it might fall to the Ground; so he ran and fetched a long Cane, which he cleft at one End, and held it while she put the Letter into the Cleft, and staid not to hear what he said to it. But never was Man so transported with Joy, as he was at the reading of this Letter; it gives him new Wounds; for to the Generous, nothing obliges Love so much as Love: tho’ it is now too much the Nature of that inconstant Sex, to cease to love as soon as they are sure of the Conquest. But it was far different with our Cavalier; he was the more inflamed, by imagining he had made some Impressions on the Heart ofAtlante, and kindled some Sparks there, that in time might increase to something more; so that he now resolves to die hers: and considering all the Obstacles that may possibly hinder his Happiness, he found none but his Father’s Obstinacy, perhaps occasioned by the Meanness ofAtlante’sFortune. To this he urged again, that he was his only Son, and a Son whom he loved equal to his own Life; and that certainly, as soon as he should behold him dying forAtlante, which if he were forc’d to quit her he must be, he then believed the Tenderness of so fond a Parent would break forth into Pity, and plead within for his Consent. These were the Thoughts that flatter’d this young Lover allthe Day; and whether he were riding the Great Horse, or at his Study of Philosophy, or Mathematicks, Singing, Dancing, or whatsoever other Exercise his Tutors ordered, his Thoughts were continually onAtlante. And now he profited no more, whatever he seem’d to do: every Day he fail’d not to write to her by the Hand of the kindCharlot; who, young as she was, had conceiv’d a great Friendship forRinaldo, and fail’d not to fetch her Letters, and bring him Answers, such as he wish’d to receive. But all this did not satisfy our impatient Lover; Absence kill’d, and he was no longer able to support himself, without a sight of this adorable Maid; he therefore implores, she will give him that Satisfaction: And she at last grants it, with a better Will than he imagin’d. The next Day was the appointed Time, when she would, under Pretence of going to Church, give him an Assignation: And because all publick Places were dangerous, and might make a great Noise, and they had no private Place to trust to,Rinaldo, under Pretence of going up the River in his Pleasure-Boat, which he often did, sent to have it made ready by the next Day at Ten of the Clock. This was accordingly done, and he gaveAtlanteNotice of his Design of going an Hour or two on the River in his Boat, which lay near to such a Place, not far from the Church. She andCharlotcame thither: and because they durst not come out without a Footman or two, they taking one, sent him with aHow-do-yeto some young Ladies, and told him, he should find them at Church: So getting rid of their Spy, they hastened to the River-side, and found a Boat andRinaldo, waiting to carry them on board his little Vessel, which was richly adorn’d, and a very handsome Collation ready for them, of cold Meats, Sallads and Sweetmeats.As soon as they were come into the Pleasure-Boat, unseen of any, he kneel’d at the Feet ofAtlante, and there utter’d so many passionate and tender Things to her, with a Voice so trembling and soft, with Eyes so languishing,and a Fervency and a Fire so sincere, that her young Heart, wholly uncapable of Artifice, could no longer resist such Language, and such Looks of Love; she grows tender, and he perceives it in her fine Eyes, who could not dissemble; he reads her Heart in her Looks, and found it yielding apace; and therefore assaults it anew, with fresh Forces of Sighs and Tears: He implores she would assure him of her Heart, which she could no other way do, than by yielding to marry him: He would carry her to the next Village, there consummate that Happiness, without which he was able to live no longer; for he had a thousand Fears, that some other Lover was, or would suddenly be provided for her; and therefore he would make sure of her while he had this Opportunity: and to that End, he answer’d all the Objections she could make to the contrary. But ever, when he named Marriage, she trembled, with fear of doing something that she fancy’d she ought not to do without the Consent of her Father. She was sensible of the Advantage, but had been so us’d to a strict Obedience, that she could not without Horror think of violating it; and therefore besought him, as he valued her Repose, not to urge her to that: And told him further, That if he fear’d any Rival, she would give him what other Assurance and Satisfaction he pleas’d, but that of Marriage; which she could not consent to, till she knew such an Alliance would not be fatal to him: for she fear’d, as passionately as he lov’d her, when he should find she had occasion’d him the Loss of his Fortune, or his Father’s Affection, he would grow to hate her. Tho’ he answer’d to this all that a fond Lover could urge, yet she was resolv’d, and he forc’d to content himself with obliging her by his Prayers and Protestations, his Sighs and Tears, to a Contract, which they solemnly made each other, vowing on either Side, they would never marry any other. This being solemnly concluded, he assum’d a Look more gay and contented than before: He presented her a very rich Ring,which she durst not put on her Finger, but hid it in her Bosom. And beholding each other now as Man and Wife, she suffer’d him all the decent Freedoms he could wish to take; so that the Hours of this Voyage seem’d the most soft and charming of his Life: and doubtless they were so; every Touch ofAtlantetransported him, every Look pierced his Soul, and he was all Raptures of Joy, when he consider’d this charming lovely Maid was his own.Charlotall this while was gazing above-deck, admiring the Motion of the little Vessel, and how easily the Wind and Tide bore her up the River. She had never been in any thing of this kind before, and was very well pleas’d and entertain’d, whenRinaldocall’d her down to eat; where they enjoy’d themselves, as well as was possible: andCharlotwas wondring to see such a Content in their Eyes.But now they thought it was high time for them to return; they fancy the Footman missing them at Church, would go home and alarm their Father, and the Knight of the Ill-favour’d Countenance, asCharlotcall’d CountVernole, whose Severity put their Father on a greater Restriction of them, than naturally he would do of himself. At the Name of this Count,Rinaldochang’d Colour, fearing he might be some Rival; and ask’dAtlante, if thisVernolewas a-kin to her? She answer’d no; but was a very great Friend to her Father, and one who from their Infancy had had a particular Concern for their Breeding, and was her Master for Philosophy. ‘Ah! (reply’dRinaldo, sighing) this Man’s Concern must proceed from something more than Friendship for her Father’; and therefore conjur’d her to tell him, whether he was not a Lover: ‘A Lover! (reply’dAtlante) I assure you, he is a perfect Antidote against that Passion’: And tho’ she suffer’d his ugly Presence now, she should loathe and hate him, should he but name Love to her.She said, she believed she need not fear any such Persecution, since he was a Man who was not at all amorous;that he had too much of the Satire in his Humour, to harbour any Softness there: and Nature had form’d his Body to his Mind, wholly unfit for Love. And that he might set his Heart absolutely at rest, sheassur’dhim her Father had never yet propos’d any Marriage to her, tho’ many advantageous ones were offer’d him every Day.The Sails being turned to carry them back from whence they came; after having discoursed of a thousand Things, and all of Love, and Contrivance to carry on their mutual Design, they with Sighs parted;Rinaldostaying behind in the Pleasure-Boat, and they going a-shore in the Wherry that attended: after which he cast many an amorous and sad Look, and perhaps was answer’d by those ofAtlante.It was past Church-time two or three Hours, when they arrived at home, wholly unprepar’d with an Excuse, so absolutely wasAtlante’sSoul possest with softer Business. The first Person that they met was the Footman, who open’d the Door, and began to cry out how long he had waited in the Church, and how in vain; without giving them time to reply.De Paiscame towards ’em, and with a frowning Look demanded where they had been?Atlante, who was not accustom’d to Excuses and Untruth, was a while at a stand; whenCharlotwith a Voice of Joy cry’d out, ‘Oh Sir! we have been a-board of a fine little Ship’: At thisAtlanteblush’d, fearing she would tell the Truth. But she proceeded on, and said, that they had not been above a Quarter of an Hour at Church, when the Lady——, with some other Ladies and Cavaliers, were going out of the Church, and that spying them, they would needs have ’em go with ’em: My Sister, Sir, continu’d she, was very loth to go, for fear you should be angry; but my Lady——was so importunate with her on one side, and I on the other, because I never saw a little Ship in my Life, that at last we prevail’d with her: therefore, good Sir, be not angry. He promised them he was not. And when they came in, they found CountVernole, who had been inspiringDe Paiswith Severity, and counselled him to chide the young Ladies, for being too long absent, under Pretence of going to their Devotion. Nor was it enough for him to set the Father on, but himself with a Gravity, where Concern and Malice were both apparent, reproachedAtlantewith Levity; and told her, He believed she had some other Motive than the Invitation of a Lady, to go on Ship-board; and that she had too many Lovers, not to make them doubt that this was a design’d thing; and that she had heard Love from some one, for whom it was design’d. To this she made but a short Reply, That if it was so, she had no reason to conceal it, since she had Sense enough to look after herself; and if any body had made love to her, he might be assur’d, it was some one whose Quality and Merit deserved to be heard: and with a Look of Scorn, she passed on to another Room, and left him silently raging within with Jealousy: Which, if before she tormented him, this Declaration increas’d it to a pitch not to be conceal’d. And this Day he said so much to the Father, that he resolv’d forthwith to sendCharlotto a Nunnery: and accordingly the next day he bid her prepare to go.Charlot, who was not yet arrived to the Years of Distinction, did not much regret it; and having no Trouble but leaving her Sister, she prepared to go to a Nunnery, not many Streets from that where she dwelt. The Lady Abbess was her Father’s Kinswoman, and had treated her very well, as often as she came to visit her: so that with Satisfaction enough, she was condemned to a Monastick Life, and was now going for her Probation-Year.Atlantewas troubled at her Departure, because she had no body to bring and to carry Letters betweenRinaldoand she: however, she took her leave of her, and promis’d to come and see her as often as she should be permitted to go abroad; for she fear’d now some Constraint extraordinary would be put upon her: and so it happened.Atlante’sChamber was that to which the Balconybelong’d; and tho’ she durst not appear there in the Daytime, she could in the Night, and that way give her Lover as many Hours of Conversation as she pleased, without being perceiv’d: But how to giveRinaldonotice of this, she could not tell; who not knowingCharlotwas gone to a Monastery, waited many days at his Window to see her: at last, they neither of them knowing who to trust with any Message, one day, when he was, as usual upon his watch, he sawAtlantestep into the Balcony, who having a Letter, in which she had put a piece of Lead, she tost it into his Window, whose Casement was open, and run in again unperceived by any but himself. The Paper contained only this:My Chamber is that which looks into the Balcony; from whence, tho’ I cannot converse with you in the Day, I can at Night, when I am retired to go to bed: therefore be at your Window.Farewel.There needed no more to make him a diligent Watcher: and accordingly she was no sooner retired to her Chamber, but she would come into the Balcony, where she fail’d not to see him attending at his Window. This happy Contrivance was thus carry’d on for many Nights, where they entertain’d one another with all the Endearment that two Hearts could dictate, who were perfectly united and assur’d of each other; and this pleasing Conversation would often last till Day appear’d, and forced them to part.But oldBellyaurdperceiving his Son frequent that Chamber more than usual, fancy’d something extraordinary must be the Cause of it; and one night asking for his Son, his Valet told him, he was gone into the great Chamber, so this was called:Bellyaurdasked the Valet what he did there; he told him he could not tell; for often he had lighted him thither, and that his Master would take the Candle from him at the Chamber-Door, and suffer him to go no farther. Tho’ the old Gentleman could not imaginewhat Affairs he could have alone every Night in that Chamber, he had a Curiosity to see: and one unlucky Night, putting off his Shoes, he came to the Door of the Chamber, which was open; he enter’d softly, and saw the Candle set in the Chimney, and his Son at a great open Bay-Window: he stopt awhile to wait when he would turn, but finding him unmoveable, he advanced something farther, and at last heard the soft Dialogue of Love between him andAtlante, whom he knew to be she, by his often calling her by her Name in their Discourse. He heard enough to confirm him how Matters went; and unseen as he came, he returned, full of Indignation, and thought how to prevent so great an Evil, as this Passion of his Son might produce: at first he thought to round him severely in the Ear about it, and upbraid him for doing the only thing he had thought fit to forbid him; but then he thought that would but terrify him for awhile, and he would return again, where he had so great an Inclination, if he were near her; he therefore resolves to send him toParis, that by Absence he might forget the young Beauty that had charm’d his Youth. Therefore, without lettingRinaldoknow the Reason, and without taking Notice that he knew any thing of his Amour, he came to him one day, and told him, all the Masters he had for the improving him in noble Sciences were very dull, or very remiss: and that he resolved he should go for a Year or two to the Academy atParis. To this the Son made a thousand Evasions; but the Father was positive, and not to be persuaded by all his Reasons: And finding he should absolutely displease him if he refus’d to go, and not daring to tell him the dear Cause of his Desire to remain atOrleans, he therefore, with a breaking Heart, consents to go, nay, resolves it, tho’ it should be his Death. But alas! he considers that this Parting will not only prove the greatest Torment upon Earth to him, but thatAtlantewill share in his Misfortunes also: This Thought giveshim a double Torment, and yet he finds no Way to evade it.The Night that finished this fatal Day, he goes again to his wonted Station, the Window; where he had not sighed very long, but he sawAtlanteenter the Balcony: He was not able a great while to speak to her, or to utter one Word. The Night was light enough to see him at the wonted Place; and she admires at his Silence, and demands the Reason in such obliging Terms as adds to his Grief; and he, with a deep Sigh, reply’d, ‘Urge me not, my fairAtlante, to speak, lest by obeying you I give you more cause of Grief than my Silence is capable of doing’: and then sighing again, he held his peace, and gave her leave to ask the Cause of these last Words. But when he made no Reply but by sighing, she imagin’d it much worse than indeed it was; and with a trembling and fainting Voice, she cried, ‘Oh!Rinaldo, give me leave to divine that cruel News you are so unwilling to tell me: It is so,’ added she, ‘you are destin’d to some more fortunate Maid thanAtlante.’ At this Tears stopped her Speech, and she could utter no more. ‘No, my dearest Charmer (reply’dRinaldo, elevating his Voice) if that were all, you should see with what Fortitude I would die, rather than obey any such Commands. I am vow’d yours to the last Moment of my Life; and will be yours in spite of all the Opposition in the World: that Cruelty I could evade, but cannot this that threatens me.’ ‘Ah! (criedAtlante) let Fate do her worst, so she still continueRinaldomine, and keep that Faith he hath sworn to me entire: What can she do beside, that can afflict me?’ ‘She can separate me (cried he) for some time fromAtlante.’ ‘Oh! (reply’d she) all Misfortunes fall so below that which I first imagin’d, that methinks I do not resent this, as I should otherwise have done: but I know, when I have a little more consider’d it, I shall even die with the Grief of it; Absence being so great an Enemy to Love, and making us soonforget the Object belov’d: This, tho’ I never experienc’d, I have heard, and fear it may be my Fate.’ He then convinc’d her Fears with a thousand new Vows, and a thousand Imprecations of Constancy. She then asked him, ‘If their Loves were discover’d, that he was with such haste to depart?’ He told her, ‘Nothing of that was the Cause; and he could almost wish it were discover’d, since he could resolutely then refuse to go: but it was only to cultivate his Mind more effectually than he could do here; ’twas the Care of his Father to accomplish him the more; and therefore he could not contradict it. But (said he) I am not sent where Seas shall part us, nor vast Distances of Earth, but toParis, from whence he might come in two Days to see her again; and that he would expect from that Balcony, that had given him so many happy Moments, many more when he should come to see her.’ He besought her to send him away with all the Satisfaction she could, which she could no otherwise do, than by giving him new Assurances that she would never give away that Right he had in her to any other Lover: She vows this with innumerable Tears; and is almost angry with him for questioning her Faith. He tells her he has but one Night more to stay, and his Grief would be unspeakable, if he should not be able to take a better leave of her, than at a Window; and that, if she would give him leave, he would by a Rope or two, tied together, so as it may serve for Steps, ascend her Balcony; he not having time to provide a Ladder of Ropes. She tells him she has so great a Confidence in his Virtue and Love, that she will refuse him nothing, tho’ it would be a very bold Venture for a Maid, to trust her self with a passionate young Man, in silence of Night: and tho’ she did not extort a Vow from him to secure her, she expected he would have a care of her Honour. He swore to her, his Love was too religious for so base an Attempt. There needed not many Vows to confirm her Faith; and it was agreed on betweenthem, that he should come the next Night into her Chamber.It happen’d that Night, as it often did, that CountVernolelay with MonsieurDe Pais, which was in a Ground-Room, just under that ofAtlante’s. As soon as she knew all were in bed, she gave the word toRinaldo, who was attending with the Impatience of a passionate Lover below, under the Window; and who no sooner heard the Balcony open, but he ascended with some difficulty, and enter’d the Chamber, where he foundAtlantetrembling with Joy and Fear: He throws himself at her Feet, as unable to speak as she; who nothing but blushed and bent down her Eyes, hardly daring to glance them towards the dear Object of her Desires, the Lord of all her Vows: She was asham’d to see a Man in her Chamber, where yet none had ever been alone, and by Night too. He saw her Fear, and felt her trembling; and after a thousand Sighs of Love had made way for Speech, he besought her to fear nothing from him, for his Flame was too sacred, and his Passion too holy to offer any thing but what Honour with Love might afford him. At last he brought her to some Courage, and the Roses of her fair Cheeks assum’d their wonted Colour, not blushing too red, nor languishing too pale. But when the Conversation began between them, it was the softest in the world: They said all that parting Lovers could say; all that Wit and Tenderness could express: They exchanged their Vows anew; and to confirm his, he tied a Bracelet of Diamonds about her Arm, and she returned him one of her Hair, which he had long begged, and she had on purpose made, which clasped together with Diamonds; this she put about his Arm, and he swore to carry it to his Grave. The Night was far spent in tender Vows, soft Sighs and Tears on both sides, and it was high time to part: but, as if Death had been to have arrived to them in that Minute, they both linger’d away the time, likeLovers who had forgot themselves; and the Day was near approaching when he bid farewel, which he repeated very often: for still he was interrupted by some commanding Softness fromAtlante, and then lost all his Power of going; till she, more courageous and careful of his Interest and her own Fame, forc’d him from her: and it was happy she did, for he was no sooner got over the Balcony, and she had flung him down his Rope, and shut the Door, butVernole, whom Love and Contrivance kept waking, fancy’d several times he heard a Noise inAtlante’sChamber. And whether in passing over the Balcony,Rinaldomade any Noise or not, or whether it were still his jealous Fancy, he came up in his Night-Gown, with a Pistol in his Hand.Atlantewas not so much lost in Grief, tho’ she were all in Tears, but she heard a Man come up, and imagin’d it had been her Father, she not knowing of CountVernole’slying in the House that Night; if she had, she possibly had taken more care to have been silent; but whoever it was, she could not get to bed soon enough, and therefore turn’d her self to her Dressing-Table, where a Candle stood, and where lay a Book open of the Story ofAriadneandTheseus. The Count turning the Latch, enter’d halting into her Chamber in his Night-Gown clapped close about him, which betray’d an ill-favour’d Shape, his Night-Cap on, without a Perriwig, which discover’d all his lean wither’d Jaws, his pale Face, and his Eyes staring: and made altogether so dreadful a Figure, thatAtlante, who no more dreamt of him than of a Devil, had possibly have rather seen the last. She gave a great Shriek, which frightedVernole; so both stood for a while staring on each other, till both were recollected: He told her the Care of her Honour had brought him thither; and then rolling his small Eyes round the Chamber, to see if he could discover any body, he proceeded, and cry’d, ‘Madam, if I had no other Motive than your being up at this time of Night, or rather of Day, I could easily guess how you have beenentertain’d.’ ‘What Insolence is this (said she, all in a rage) when to cover your Boldness of approaching my Chamber at this Hour, you would question how I have been entertain’d! Either explain your self, or quit my Chamber; for I do not use to see such terrible Objects here.’ ‘Possibly those you do see (said the Count) are indeed more agreeable, but I am afraid have not that Regard to your Honour as I have’: And at that word he stepped to the Balcony, open’d it, and look’d out; but seeing no body, he shut it to again. This enragedAtlantebeyond all Patience; and snatching the Pistol out of his Hand, she told him, He deserved to have it aimed at his Head, for having the Impudence to question her Honour, or her Conduct; and commanded him to avoid her Chamber as he lov’d his Life, which she believ’d he was fonder of than of her Honour. She speaking this in a Tone wholly transported with Rage, and at the same time holding the Pistol towards him, made him tremble with Fear; and he now found, whether she were guilty or not, it was his turn to beg Pardon: For you must know, however it came to pass that his Jealousy made him come up in that fierce Posture, at other timesVernolewas the most tame and passive Man in the World, and one who was afraid of his own Shadow in the Night: He had a natural Aversion for Danger, and thought it below a Man of Wit, or common Sense, to be guilty of that brutal thing, called Courage or Fighting; His Philosophy told him,It was safe sleeping in a whole Skin; and possibly he apprehended as much Danger from thisVirago, as ever he did from his own Sex. He therefore fell on his Knees, and besought her to hold her fair Hand, and not to suffer that, which was the greatest Mark of his Respect, to be the Cause of her Hate or Indignation. The pitiful Faces he made, and the Signs of Mortal Fear in him, had almost made her laugh, at least it allay’d her Anger; and she bid him rise and play the fool hereafter somewhere else, and not in herPresence; yet for once she would deign to give him this Satisfaction, that she was got into a Book, which had many moving Stories very well writ; and that she found her self so well entertain’d, she had forgot how the Night passed. He most humbly thanked her for this Satisfaction, and retired, perhaps not so well satisfied as he pretended.After this, he appear’d more submissive and respectful towardsAtlante; and she carry’d herself more reserv’d and haughty towards him; which was one Reason, he would not yet discover his Passion.Thus the Time run on atOrleans, whileRinaldofound himself daily languishing atParis. He was indeed in the best Academy in the City, amongst a Number of brave and noble Youths, where all things that could accomplish them, were to be learn’d by those that had any Genius; butRinaldohad other Thoughts, and other Business: his Time was wholly past in the most solitary Parts of the Garden, by the melancholy Fountains, and in the most gloomy Shades, where he could with most Liberty breathe out his Passion and his Griefs. He was past the Tutorage of a Boy; and his Masters could not upbraid him, but found he had some secret Cause of Grief, which made him not mind those Exercises, which were the Delight of the rest: so that nothing being able to divert his Melancholy, which daily increased upon him, he fear’d it would bring him into a Fever, if he did not give himself the Satisfaction of seeingAtlante. He had no sooner thought of this, but he was impatient to put it in execution; he resolved to go (having very good Horses) without acquainting any of his Servants with it. He got a very handsom and light Ladder of Ropes made, which he carry’d under his Coat, and away he rid forOrleans, stay’d at a little Village, till the Darkness of the Night might favour his Design: And then walking aboutAtlante’sLodgings, till he saw a Light in her Chamber, and then making that Noise on his Sword, as was agreed between them, he was heard by his adorableAtlante, and suffer’d to mount her Chamber, where he would stay till almost break of Day, and then return to the Village, and take Horse, and away forParisagain. This, once in a Month, was his Exercise, without which he could not live; so that his whole Year was past in riding betweenOrleansandParis, between Excess of Grief, and Excess of Joy by turns.It was now thatAtlante, arrived to her fifteenth Year, shone out with a Lustre of Beauty greater than ever; and in this Year, in the Absence ofRinaldo, had carry’d herself with that Severity of Life, without the youthful Desire of going abroad, or desiring any Diversion, but what she found in her own retired Thoughts, thatVernole, wholly unable longer to conceal his Passion, resolv’d to make a Publication of it, first to the Father, and then to the lovely Daughter, of whom he had some Hope, because she had carry’d her self very well towards him for this Year past; which she would never have done, if she had imagin’d he would ever have been her Lover: She had seen no Signs of any such Misfortune towards her in these many Years he had conversed with her, and she had no Cause to fear him. When one Day her Father taking her into the Garden, told her what Honour and Happiness was in store for her; and that now the Glory of his fall’n Family would rise again, since she had a Lover of an illustrious Blood, ally’d to Monarchs; and one whose Fortune was newly encreased to a very considerable Degree, answerable to his Birth. She changed Colour at this Discourse, imagining but too well who this illustrious Lover was; whenDe Paisproceeded and told her, ‘Indeed his Person was not the most agreeable that ever was seen: but he marry’d her to Glory and Fortune, not the Man: And a Woman (says he) ought to look no further.’She needed not any more to inform her who this intended Husband was; and therefore, bursting forth into Tears, she throws herself at his Feet, imploring him notto use the Authority of a Father, to force her to a thing so contrary to her Inclination: assuring him, she could not consent to any such thing; and that she would rather die than yield. She urged many Arguments for this her Disobedience; but none would pass for current with the old Gentleman, whose Pride had flatter’d him with Hopes of so considerable a Son-in-law: He was very much surpriz’d atAtlante’srefusing what he believ’d she would receive with Joy; and finding that no Arguments on his Side could draw hers to an obedient Consent, he grew to such a Rage, as very rarely possest him: vowing, if she did not conform her Will to his, he would abandon her to all the Cruelty of Contempt and Poverty: so that at last she was forced to return him this Answer, ‘That she would strive all she could with her Heart; but she verily believed she should never bring it to consent to a Marriage with Monsieur the Count.’ The Father continued threatning her, and gave her some Days to consider of it: So leaving her in Tears, he returned to his Chamber, to consider what Answer he should give CountVernole, who he knew would be impatient to learn what Success he had, and what himself was to hope.De Pais, after some Consideration, resolved to tell him, she receiv’d the Offer very well, but that he must expect a little Maiden-Nicety in the Case: and accordingly did tell him so; and he was not at all doubtful of his good Fortune.ButAtlante, who resolved to die a thousand Deaths rather than break her solemn Vows toRinaldo, or to marry the Count, cast about how she should avoid it with the least Hazard of her Father’s Rage. She foundRinaldothe better and more advantageous Match of the two, could they but get his Father’s Consent: He was beautiful and young; his Title was equal to that ofVernole, when his Father should die; and his Estate exceeded his: yet she dares not make a Discovery, for fear she should injure her Lover; who at this Time, though she knew it not,lay sick of a Fever, while she was wondering that he came not as he used to do. However she resolves to send him a Letter, and acquaint him with the Misfortune; which she did in these Terms:ATLANTEtoRINALDO.MyFather’s Authority would force me to violate my sacred Vows to you, and give them to the CountVernole, whom I mortally hate, yet could wish him the greatest Monarch in the World, that I might shew you I could even then despise him for your Sake. My Father is already too much enraged by my Denial, to hear Reason from me, if I should confess to him my Vows to you: So that I see nothing but a Prospect of Death before me; for assure your self, myRinaldo, I will die rather than consent to marry any other: Therefore come myRinaldo, and come quickly, to see my Funerals, instead of those Nuptials they vainly expect fromYour FaithfulATLANTE.This LetterRinaldoreceiv’d; and there needed no more to make him fly toOrleans: This raised him soon from his Bed of Sickness, and getting immediately to horse, he arrived at his Father’s House; who did not so much admire to see him, because he heard he was sick of a Fever, and gave him leave to return, if he pleas’d: He went directly to his Father’s House, because he knew somewhat of the Business, he was resolv’d to make his Passion known, as soon as he had seenAtlante, from whom he was to take all his Measures: He therefore fail’d not, when all were in Bed, to rise and go from his Chamber into the Street; where finding a Light inAtlante’sChamber, for she every Night expected him, he made the usual Sign, and she went into the Balcony; and he having no Conveniency of mounting up into it, they discoursed, and said all they had to say. From thence she tells him of the Count’s Passion, of her Father’s Resolution, and that her own was rather to die his, than live any Body’s else: And at last, as their Refuge,they resolv’d to discover the whole Matter; she to her Father, and he to his, to see what Accommodation they could make; if not, to die together. They parted at this Resolve, for she would permit him no longer to stay in the Street after such a Sickness; so he went home to bed, but not to sleep.The next Day, at Dinner, MonsieurBellyaurdbelieving his Son absolutely cur’d, by Absence, of his Passion; and speaking of all the News in the Town, among the rest, told him he was come in good time to dance at the Wedding of CountVernolewithAtlante, the Match being agreed on: ‘No, Sir (reply’dRinaldo) I shall never dance at the Marriage of CountVernolewithAtlante; and you will see in MonsieurDe Pais’sHouse a Funeral sooner than a Wedding.’ And thereupon he told his Father all his Passion for that lovely Maid; and assur’d him, if he would not see him laid in his Grave, he must consent to this Match.Bellyaurdrose in a Fury, and told him, ‘He had rather see him in his Grave, than in the Arms ofAtlante: Not (continued he) so much for any Dislike I have to the young Lady, or the Smallness of her Fortune; but because I have so long warn’d you from such a Passion, and have with such Care endeavour’d by your Absence to prevent it.’ He travers’d the Room very fast, still protesting against this Alliance: and was deaf to allRinaldocould say. On the other side the Day being come, whereinAtlantewas to give her final Answer to her Father concerning her Marriage with CountVernole; she assum’d all the Courage and Resolution she could, to withstand the Storm that threatned a Denial. And her Father came to her, and demanding her Answer, she told him, ‘She could not be the Wife ofVernole, since she was Wife toRinaldo, only son toBellyaurd.’ If her Father storm’d before, he grew like a Man distracted at her Confession; andVernolehearing them loud, ran to the Chamber to learn the Cause; where just as he enter’d he foundDe Pais’sSword drawn, and ready to kill hisDaughter, who lay all in Tears at his Feet. He with-held his Hand; and asking the Cause of his Rage, he was told all thatAtlantehad confess’d; which putVernolequite beside all his Gravity, and made him discover the Infirmity of Anger, which he used to say ought to be dissembled by all wise Men: So thatDe Paisforgot his own to appease his, but ’twas in vain, for he went out of the House, vowing Revenge toRinaldo: And to that end, being not very well assur’d of his own Courage, as I said before, and being of the Opinion, that no Man ought to expose his Life to him who has injur’d him; he hiredSwissandSpanishSoldiers to attend him in the nature of Footmen; and watch’d several Nights aboutBellyaurd’sDoor, and that ofDe Pais’s, believing he should some time or other see him under the Window ofAtlante, or perhaps mounting into it: for now he no longer doubted, but this happy Lover was he, whom he fancy’d he heard go from the Balcony that Night he came up with his Pistol; and being more aSpaniardthan aFrenchmanin his Nature, he resolv’d to take him any way unguarded or unarm’d, if he came in his Way.Atlante, who heard his Threatnings when he went from her in a Rage, fear’d his Cowardice might put him on some base Action, to depriveRinaldoof his Life; and therefore thought it not safe to suffer him to come to her by Night, as he had before done; but sent him word in a Note, that he should forbear her Window, forVernolehad sworn his Death. This Note came, unseen by his Father, to his Hands: but this could not hinder him from coming to her Window, which he did as soon as it was dark: he came thither, only attended with his Valet, and two Footmen; for now he car’d not who knew the Secret. He had no sooner made the Sign, but he found himself incompass’d withVernole’sBravoes; and himself standing at a distance cry’d out, ‘That is he’: With that they all drew on both sides, andRinaldoreceiv’d a Wound in his Arm.Atlanteheard this, and ran crying out, ‘ThatRinaldo, prest by Numbers, would be kill’d.’De Pais, who was reading in his Closet, took his Sword, and ran out; and, contrary to all Expectation, seeingRinaldofighting with his Back to the Door, pull’d him into the House, and fought himself with the Bravoes: who being very much wounded byRinaldo, gave ground, and sheer’d off; andDe Pais, putting up oldBilbointo the Scabbard, went into his House, where he foundRinaldoalmost fainting with loss of Blood, andAtlante, with her Maids binding up his Wound; to whomDe Paissaid, ‘This charity,Atlante, very well becomes you, and is what I can allow you; and I could wish you had no other Motive for this Action.’Rinaldoby degrees recover’d of his Fainting, and as well as his Weakness would permit him, he got up and made a low Reverence toDe Pais, telling him, ‘He had now a double Obligation to pay him all the Respect in the World; first, for his being the Father ofAtlante; and secondly, for being the Preserver of his Life: two Tyes that should eternally oblige him to love and honour him, as his own Parent.’De Paisreply’d, ‘He had done nothing but what common Humanity compell’d him to do: But if he would make good that Respect he profess’d towards him, it must be in quitting all Hopes ofAtlante, whom he had destin’d to another, or an eternal Inclosure in a Monastery: He had another Daughter, whom if he would think worthy of his Regard, he should take his Alliance as a very great Honour; but his Word and Reputation, nay his Vows were past, to giveAtlanteto CountVernole.’Rinaldo, who before he spoke took measure fromAtlante’sEyes, which told him her Heart was his, return’d this Answer toDe Pais, ‘That he was infinitely glad to find by the Generosity of his Offer, that he had no Aversion against his being his Son-in-law; and that, next toAtlante, the greatest Happiness he could wish would be his receivingCharlotfrom his Hand; but that he could not think of quittingAtlante, how necessary soever it would be, forGlory, and his—(the further) Repose.’De Paiswould not let him at this time argue the matter further, seeing he was ill, and had need of looking after; he therefore begg’d he would for his Health’s sake retire to his own House, whither he himself conducted him, and left him to the Care of his Men, who were escap’d the Fray; and returning to his own Chamber, he foundAtlanteretir’d, and so he went to bed full of Thoughts. This Night had increas’d his Esteem forRinaldo, and lessen’d it for CountVernole; but his Word and Honour being past, he could not break it, neither with Safety nor Honour: for he knew the haughty resenting Nature of the Count, and he fear’d some Danger might arrive to the braveRinaldo, which troubled him very much. At last he resolv’d, that neither might take any thing ill at his Hands, to loseAtlante, and send her to the Monastery where her Sister was, and compel her to be a Nun. This he thought would prevent Mischiefs on both sides; and accordingly, the next Day, (having in the Morning sent Word to the Lady Abbess what he would have done) he carriesAtlante, under pretence of visiting her Sister, (which they often did) to the Monastery, where she was no sooner come, but she was led into the Inclosure: Her Father had rather sacrifice her, than she should be the Cause of the Murder of two such noble Men asVernoleandRinaldo.The Noise ofAtlante’sbeing inclos’d, was soon spread all over the busy Town, andRinaldowas not the last to whom the News arriv’d: He was for a few Days confin’d to his Chamber; where, when alone, he rav’d like a Man distracted; But his Wounds had so incens’d his Father againstAtlante, that he swore he would see his Son die of them, rather than suffer him to marryAtlante; and was extremely overjoy’d to find she was condemn’d, for ever, to the Monastery. So that the Son thought it the wisest Course, and most for the advantage of his Love, to say nothing to contradict his Father; but being almost assur’dAtlantewould never consent to be shut up in aCloyster, and abandon him, he flatter’d himself with hope, that he should steal her from thence, and marry her in spite of all Opposition. This he was impatient to put in practice: He believ’d, if he were not permitted to seeAtlante, he had still a kind Advocate inCharlot, who was now arriv’d to her Thirteenth Year, and infinitely advanc’d in Wit and Beauty.Rinaldotherefore often goes to the Monastery, surrounding it, to see what Possibility there was of accomplishing his Design; if he could get her Consent, he finds it not impossible, and goes to visitCharlot; who had command not to see him, or speak to him. This was a Cruelty he look’d not for, and which gave him an unspeakable Trouble, and without her Aid it was wholly impossible to giveAtlanteany account of his Design. In this Perplexity he remain’d many Days, in which he languish’d almost to Death; he was distracted with Thought, and continually hovering about the Nunnery-Walls, in hope, at some time or other, to see or hear from that lovely Maid, who alone could make his Happiness. In these Traverses he often metVernole, who had Liberty to see her when he pleas’d: If it happen’d that they chanc’d to meet in the Daytime, tho’Vernolewas attended with an Equipage of Ruffians, andRinaldobut only with a couple of Footmen, he could perceiveVernoleshun him, grow pale, and almost tremble with Fear sometimes, and get to the other Side of the Street; and if he did not,Rinaldohaving a mortal Hate to him, would often bear up so close to him, that he would jostle him against the Wall, whichVernolewould patiently put up, and pass on; so that he could never be provok’d to fight by Day-light, how solitary soever the Place was where they met: but if they chanc’d to meet at Night, they were certain of a Skirmish, in which he would have no part himself; so thatRinaldowas often like to be assassinated, but still came off with some slight Wound. This continu’d so long, and made so great a Noise in theTown, that the two old Gentlemen were mightily alarm’d by it; and CountBellyaurdcame toDe Pais, one Day, to discourse with him of this Affair; andBellyaurd, for the Preservation of his Son, was almost consenting, since there was no Remedy, that he should marryAtlante.De Paisconfess’d the Honour he proffer’d him, and how troubled he was, that his Word was already past to his Friend, the CountVernole, whom he said she should marry, or remain for ever a Nun; but ifRinaldocould displace his Love fromAtlante, and place it onCharlot, he should gladly consent to the Match.Bellyaurd, who would now do anything for the Repose of his Son, tho’ he believ’d this Exchange would not pass, yet resolv’d to propose it, since by marrying him he took him out of the Danger ofVernole’sAssassinates, who would never leave him till they had dispatch’d him, should he marryAtlante.WhileRinaldowas contriving a thousand ways to come to speak to, or send Billets toAtlante, none of which could succeed without the Aid ofCharlot, his Father came and propos’d this Agreement betweenDe Paisand himself, to his Son. At firstRinaldoreceiv’d it with a chang’d Countenance, and a breaking Heart; but swiftly turning from Thought to Thought, he conceiv’d this the only way to come atCharlot, and so consequently atAtlante: he therefore, after some dissembled Regret, consents, with a sad put-on Look: AndCharlothad Notice given her to see and entertainRinaldo. As yet they had not told her the Reason; which her Father would tell her, when he came to visit her, he said.Rinaldoover-joy’d at this Contrivance, and his own Dissimulation, goes to the Monastery, and visitsCharlot; where he ought to have said something of this Proposition: but wholly bent upon other Thoughts, he sollicits her to convey some Letters, and Presents toAtlante; which she readily did, to the unspeakable Joy of the poor Distrest. Sometimes he would talk toCharlotof her own Affairs; asking her, if sheresolv’d to become a Nun? To which she would sigh, and say, If she must, it would be extremely against her Inclinations; and, if it pleas’d her Father, she had rather begin the World with any tolerable Match.Things past thus for some Days, in which our Lovers were happy, andVernoleassur’d he should haveAtlante. But at lastDe Paiscame to visitCharlot, who ask’d her, if she had seenRinaldo? She answer’d, ‘She had.’ ‘And how does he entertain you? (reply’dDe Pais) Have you receiv’d him as a Husband? and has he behav’d himself like one?’ At this a sudden Joy seiz’d the Heart ofCharlot; and both to confess what she had done for him to her Sister, she hung down her blushing Face to study for an Answer.De Paiscontinued, and told her the Agreement betweenBellyaurdand him, for the saving of Bloodshed.She, who blest the Cause, whatever it was, having always a great Friendship and Tenderness forRinaldo, gave her Father a thousand Thanks for his Care; and assur’d him, since she was commanded by him, she would receive him as her Husband.And the next Day, whenRinaldocame to visit her, as he us’d to do, and bringing a Letter with him, wherein he propos’d the flight ofAtlante; he found a Coldness inCharlot, as soon as he told her his Design, and desir’d her to carry the Letter. He ask’d the Reason of this Change: She tells him she was inform’d of the Agreement between their two Fathers, and that she look’d upon herself as his Wife, and would act no more as a Confident; that she had ever a violent Inclination of Friendship for him, which she would soon improve into something more soft.He could not deny the Agreement, nor his Promise; but it was in vain to tell her, he did it only to get a Correspondence withAtlante: She is obstinate, and he as pressing, with all the Tenderness of Persuasion: He vows he can never be any butAtlante’s, and she may see him die, but never break his Vows. She urges her Claimin vain, so that at last she was overcome, and promised she would carry the Letter; which was to have her make her Escape that Night. He waits at the Gate for her Answer, andCharlotreturns with one that pleased him very well; which was, that Night her Sister would make her Escape, and that he must stand in such a Place of the Nunnery-Wall, and she would come out to him.After this she upbraids him with his false Promise to her, and of her Goodness to serve him after such a Disappointment. He receives her Reproaches with a thousand Sighs, and bemoans her Misfortune in not being capable of more than Friendship for her; and vows, that nextAtlante, he esteems her of all Womankind. She seems to be obliged by this, and assured him, she would hasten the Flight ofAtlante; and taking leave, he went home to order a Coach, and some Servants to assist him.In the mean time CountVernolecame to visitAtlante; but she refused to be seen by him: And all he could do there that Afternoon, was entertainingCharlotat the Grate; to whom he spoke a great many fine Things, both of her improved Beauty and Wit; and how happyRinaldowould be in so fair a Bride. She received this with all the Civility that was due to his Quality; and their Discourse being at an End, he took his Leave, being towards the Evening.Rinaldo, wholly impatient, came betimes to the Corner of the dead Wall, where he was appointed to stand, having ordered his Footmen and Coach to come to him as soon it was dark. While he was there walking up and down,Vernolecame by the End of the Wall to go home; and looking about, he saw, at the other End,Rinaldowalking, whose Back was towards him, but he knew him well; and tho’ he feared and dreaded his Business there, he durst not encounter him, they being both attended but by one Footman a-piece. ButVernole’sJealousy and Indignation were so high, that he resolved to fetch his Bravoes to his Aid, and come and assault him: For he knew he waited there for some Message fromAtlante.In the mean Time it grew dark, andRinaldo’s Coach came with another Footman; which were hardly arrived, whenVernole, with his Assistants, came to the Corner of the Wall, and skreening themselves a little behind it, near to the Place whereRinaldostood, who waited now close to a little Door, out of which the Gardeners used to throw the Weeds and Dirt,Vernolecould perceive anon the Door to open, and a Woman come out of it, callingRinaldoby his Name, who stept up to her, and caught her in his Arms with Signs of infinite Joy.Vernolebeing now all Rage, cry’d to his Assassinates, ‘Fall on, and kill the Ravisher’: And immediately they all fell on.Rinaldo, who had only his two Footmen on his Side, was forc’d to let go the Lady; who would have run into the Garden again, but the Door fell to and lock’d: so that whileRinaldowas fighting, and beaten back by the Bravoes, one of which he laid dead at his Feet,Vernolecame to the frighted Lady, and taking her by the Hand, cry’d, ‘Come, my fair Fugitive, you must go along with me.’ She wholly scar’d out of her Senses, was willing to go any where out of the Terror she heard so near her, and without Reply, gave her self into his Hand, who carried her directly to her Father’s House; where she was no sooner come, but he told her Father all that had past, and how she was running away withRinaldo, but that his good Fortune brought him just in the lucky Minute. Her Father turning to reproach her, found by the Light of a Candle that this wasCharlot, and notAtlante, whomVernolehad brought Home: At whichVernolewas extremely astonish’d. Her Father demanded of her why she was running away with a Man, who was design’d her by Consent? ‘Yes, (saidCharlot) you had his Consent, Sir, and that of his Father; but I was far from getting it: I found he resolv’d to die rather than quitAtlante; and promising him my Assistance in his Amour, since he could never be mine, he got me to carry a Letter toAtlante; which was, to desire her to fly away with him. Instead of carrying her this Letter, I told her, he was design’d for me, and had cancell’d all his Vows to her: She swoon’d at this News; and being recover’d a little, I left her in the Hands of the Nuns, to persuade her to live; which she resolves not to do withoutRinaldo. Tho’ they press’d me, yet I resolv’d to pursue my Design, which was to tellRinaldoshe would obey his kind Summons. He waited for her; but I put my self into his Hands in lieu ofAtlante; and had not the Count receiv’d me, we had been marry’d by this time, by some false Light that could not have discover’d me: But I am satisfied, if I had, he would never have liv’d with me longer than the Cheat had been undiscover’d; for I find them both resolved to die, rather than change. And for my part, Sir, I was not so much in Love withRinaldo, as I was out of love with the Nunnery; and took any Opportunity to quit a Life absolutely contrary to my Humour.’ She spoke this with a Gaiety so brisk, and an Air so agreeable, thatVernolefound it touch’d his Heart; and the rather because he foundAtlantewould never be his; or if she were, he should be still in Danger from the Resentment ofRinaldo: he therefore bowing toCharlot, and taking her by the Hand, cry’d, ‘Madam, since Fortune has dispos’d you thus luckily for me, in my Possession, I humbly implore you would consent she should make me entirely happy, and give me the Prize for which I fought, and have conquer’d with my Sword.’ ‘My Lord, (reply’dCharlot, with a modest Air) I am superstitious enough to believe, since Fortune, so contrary to all our Designs, has given me into your Hands, that she from the beginning destin’d me to the Honour, which, with my Father’s Consent, I shall receive as becomes me.’De Paistransported with Joy, to find all Things would be so well brought about, it being all one to him, whetherCharlotorAtlantegave him CountVernolefor his Son-in-law, readily consented;and immediately a Priest was sent for, and they were that Night marry’d. And it being now not above seven o’Clock, many of their Friends were invited, the Musick sent for, and as good a Supper as so short a Time would provide, was made ready.All this was perform’d in as short a time asRinaldowas fighting; and having kill’d one, and wounded the rest, they all fled before his conquering Sword, which was never drawn with so good a Will. When he came where his Coach stood, just against the Back-Garden-Door, he looked for his Mistress: But the Coachman told him, he was no sooner engaged, but a Man came, and with a thousand Reproaches on her Levity, bore her off.This made our young Lover rave; and he is satisfied she is in the Hands of his Rival, and that he had been fighting, and shedding his Blood, only to secure her Flight with him. He lost all Patience, and it was with much ado his Servants persuaded him to return; telling him in their Opinion, she was more likely to get out of the Hands of his Rival, and come to him, than when she was in the Monastery.He suffers himself to go into his Coach and be carry’d home; but he was no sooner alighted, than he heard Musick and Noise atDe Pais’sHouse. He saw Coaches surround his Door, and Pages and Footmen, with Flambeaux. The Sight and Noise of Joy made him ready to sink at the Door; and sending his Footmen to learn the Cause of this Triumph, the Pages that waited told him, That CountVernolewas this Night married to MonsieurDe Pais’sDaughter. He needed no more to deprive him of all Sense; and staggering against his Coach, he was caught by his Footmen and carried into his House, and to his Chamber, where they put him to Bed, all sensless as he was, and had much ado to recover him to Life. He ask’d for his Father, with a faint Voice, for he desir’d to see him before he died. It was told him he was gone to CountVernole’sWedding, where there was a perfectPeace agreed on between them, and all their Animosities laid aside. At this NewsRinaldofainted again; and his Servants call’d his Father home, and told him in what Condition they had brought home their Master, recounting to him all that was past. He hasten’d toRinaldo, whom he found just recover’d of his Swooning; who, putting his Hand out to his Father, all cold and trembling, cry’d, ‘Well, Sir, now you are satisfied, since you have seenAtlantemarried to CountVernole, I hope now you will give your unfortunate Son leave to die; as you wish’d he should, rather than give him to the Arms ofAtlante.’ Here his Speech fail’d, and he fell again into a Fit of Swooning; His Father ready to die with fear of his Son’s Death, kneel’d down by his Bed-side; and after having recover’d a little, he said, ‘My dear Son, I have been indeed at the Wedding of CountVernole, but ’tis notAtlanteto whom he is married, butCharlot; who was the Person you were bearing from the Monastery, instead ofAtlante, who is still reserv’d for you, and she is dying till she hear you are reserv’d for her; Therefore, as you regard her Life, make much of your own, and make your self fit to receive her; for her Father and I have agreed the Marriage already.’ And without giving him leave to think, he call’d to one of his Gentlemen, and sent him to the Monastery, with this News toAtlante.Rinaldobowed himself as low as he could in his Bed, and kiss’d the Hand of his Father, with Tears of Joy: But his Weakness continued all the next Day; and they were fain to bringAtlanteto him, to confirm his Happiness.It must only be guessed by Lovers, the perfect Joy these two receiv’d in the sight of each other.Bellyaurdreceived her as his Daughter; and the next Day made her so, with very great Solemnity, at which wereVernoleandCharlot: BetweenRinaldoand him was concluded a perfect Peace, and all thought themselves happy in thisdouble Union.

Rinaldo, after a restless Night, was up very early in the Morning; and tho’ he was not certain of seeing his adorableAtlante, he dress’d himself with all that Care, as if he had been to have waited on her, and got himself into the Window, that overlook’d MonsieurDe Pais’sBalcony, where he had not remain’d long, before he saw the prettyCharlotcome into it, not with any design of seeingRinaldo, but to look and gaze about her a little.Rinaldosaw her, and made her a very low Reverence, and found some disorder’d Joy on the sight of evenCharlot, since she was Sister toAtlante. He call’d to her, (for the Window was so near her, he could easily be heard by her) and told her, ‘He was infinitely indebted to her Bounty, for giving him an Opportunity yesterday of falling on that Discourse, which had made him the happiest Man in the World’: He said, ‘If she had not by her agreeable Conversation encourag’d him, and drawn him from one Word to another, he should never have had the Confidence to have toldAtlante, how much he ador’d her.’ ‘I am very glad, (replyedCharlot) that I was the Occasion of the Beginning of an Amour, which was displeasing to neither one nor the other; for I assure you for your Comfort, my Sister nothing but thinks on you: We lie together, and you have taught her already to sigh so, that I could not sleep for her.’ At this his Face was cover’d over with a rising Joy, which his Heart could not contain: And after some Discourse, in which this innocent Girl discovered more thanAtlantewish’d she should, he besought her to become his Advocate; and since she had no Brother, togive him leave to assume that Honour, and call her Sister. Thus, by degrees, he flatter’d her into a Consent of carrying a Letter from him toAtlante; which she, who believ’d all as innocent as her self, and being not forbid to do so, immediately consented to; when he took his Pen and Ink, that stood in the Window, with Paper, and wroteAtlantethis following Letter:

RINALDOtoATLANTE.

Ifmy Fate be so severe, as to deny me the Happiness of sighing out my Pain and Passion daily at your Feet, if there be any Faith in the Hope you were pleased to give me (as ’twere a Sin to doubt) Oh charmingAtlante! suffer me not to languish, both without beholding you, and without the Blessing of now and then a Billet, in answer to those that shall daily assure you of my eternal Faith and Vows; ’tis all I ask, till Fortune, and our Affairs, shall allow me the unspeakable Satisfaction of claiming you: yet if your Charity can sometimes afford me a sight of you, either from your Balcony in the Evening, or at a Church in the Morning, it would save me from that Despair and Torment, which must possess a Heart so unassur’d, as that of

Your Eternal Adorer,Rin. Bellyaurd.

He having writ and seal’d this, toss’d it into the Balcony toCharlot, having first look’d about to see if none perceiv’d them. She put it in her Bosom, and ran in to her Sister, whom by chance she found alone;Vernolehaving takenDe Paisinto the Garden, to discourse him concerning the sendingCharlotto the Monastery, which Work he desir’d to see perform’d, before he declar’d his Intentions toAtlante: for among all his other good Qualities, he was very avaricious; and as fair asAtlantewas, he thought she would be much fairer with the Addition ofCharlot’sPortion. This Affair of his with MonsieurDe Pais, gaveCharlotan opportunity of delivering her Letter to her Sister; who no sooner drew it from her Bosom, butAtlante’sFace was covered over with Blushes: For she imagin’d from whence it came, and had a secret Joy in that Imagination, tho’ she thought she must put on the Severity and Niceness of a Virgin, who would not be thought to have surrendered her Heart with so small an Assault, and the first too. So she demanded from whenceCharlothad that Letter? Who replyed with Joy, ‘From the fine young Gentleman, our Neighbour.’ At whichAtlanteassum’d all the Gravity she could, to chide her Sister; who replied, ‘Well, Sister, had you this day seen him, you would not have been angry to have receiv’d a Letter from him; he look’d so handsome, and was so richly dress’d, ten times finer than he was yesterday; and I promis’d him you should read it: therefore, pray let me keep my Word with him; and not only so, but carry him an Answer.’ ‘Well (saidAtlante) to save your Credit with MonsieurRinaldo, I will read it’: Which she did, and finish’d with a Sigh. While she was reading,Charlotran into the Garden, to see if they were not likely to be surpriz’d; and finding the Count and her Father set in an Arbour, in deep Discourse, she brought Pen, Ink, and Paper to her Sister, and told her, she might write without the Fear of being disturbed: and urged her so long to what was enough her Inclination, that she at last obtained this Answer:

ATLANTEtoRINALDO.

Charlot, your little importunate Advocate, has at last subdued me to a Consent of returning you This. She has put me on an Affair with which I am wholly unacquainted; and you ought to take this very kindly from me, since it is the very first time I ever writ to one of your Sex, tho’ perhaps I might with less Danger have done it to any other Man. I tremble while I write, since I dread a Correspondence of this Nature, which may insensibly draw us into an Inconvenience, and engageme beyond the Limits of that Nicety I ought to preserve: For this Way we venture to say a thousand little kind Things, which in Conversation we dare not do: for now none can see us blush. I am sensible I shall this Way put my self too soon into your Power; and tho’ you have abundance of Merit, I ought to be asham’d of confessing, I am but too sensible of it:—But hold—I shall discover for your Repose (which I would preserve) too much of the Heart of

Atlante.

She gave this Letter toCharlot; who immediately ran into the Balcony with it, where she still foundRinaldoin a melancholy Posture, leaning his Head on his Hand: She shewed him the Letter, but was afraid to toss it to him, for fear it might fall to the Ground; so he ran and fetched a long Cane, which he cleft at one End, and held it while she put the Letter into the Cleft, and staid not to hear what he said to it. But never was Man so transported with Joy, as he was at the reading of this Letter; it gives him new Wounds; for to the Generous, nothing obliges Love so much as Love: tho’ it is now too much the Nature of that inconstant Sex, to cease to love as soon as they are sure of the Conquest. But it was far different with our Cavalier; he was the more inflamed, by imagining he had made some Impressions on the Heart ofAtlante, and kindled some Sparks there, that in time might increase to something more; so that he now resolves to die hers: and considering all the Obstacles that may possibly hinder his Happiness, he found none but his Father’s Obstinacy, perhaps occasioned by the Meanness ofAtlante’sFortune. To this he urged again, that he was his only Son, and a Son whom he loved equal to his own Life; and that certainly, as soon as he should behold him dying forAtlante, which if he were forc’d to quit her he must be, he then believed the Tenderness of so fond a Parent would break forth into Pity, and plead within for his Consent. These were the Thoughts that flatter’d this young Lover allthe Day; and whether he were riding the Great Horse, or at his Study of Philosophy, or Mathematicks, Singing, Dancing, or whatsoever other Exercise his Tutors ordered, his Thoughts were continually onAtlante. And now he profited no more, whatever he seem’d to do: every Day he fail’d not to write to her by the Hand of the kindCharlot; who, young as she was, had conceiv’d a great Friendship forRinaldo, and fail’d not to fetch her Letters, and bring him Answers, such as he wish’d to receive. But all this did not satisfy our impatient Lover; Absence kill’d, and he was no longer able to support himself, without a sight of this adorable Maid; he therefore implores, she will give him that Satisfaction: And she at last grants it, with a better Will than he imagin’d. The next Day was the appointed Time, when she would, under Pretence of going to Church, give him an Assignation: And because all publick Places were dangerous, and might make a great Noise, and they had no private Place to trust to,Rinaldo, under Pretence of going up the River in his Pleasure-Boat, which he often did, sent to have it made ready by the next Day at Ten of the Clock. This was accordingly done, and he gaveAtlanteNotice of his Design of going an Hour or two on the River in his Boat, which lay near to such a Place, not far from the Church. She andCharlotcame thither: and because they durst not come out without a Footman or two, they taking one, sent him with aHow-do-yeto some young Ladies, and told him, he should find them at Church: So getting rid of their Spy, they hastened to the River-side, and found a Boat andRinaldo, waiting to carry them on board his little Vessel, which was richly adorn’d, and a very handsome Collation ready for them, of cold Meats, Sallads and Sweetmeats.

As soon as they were come into the Pleasure-Boat, unseen of any, he kneel’d at the Feet ofAtlante, and there utter’d so many passionate and tender Things to her, with a Voice so trembling and soft, with Eyes so languishing,and a Fervency and a Fire so sincere, that her young Heart, wholly uncapable of Artifice, could no longer resist such Language, and such Looks of Love; she grows tender, and he perceives it in her fine Eyes, who could not dissemble; he reads her Heart in her Looks, and found it yielding apace; and therefore assaults it anew, with fresh Forces of Sighs and Tears: He implores she would assure him of her Heart, which she could no other way do, than by yielding to marry him: He would carry her to the next Village, there consummate that Happiness, without which he was able to live no longer; for he had a thousand Fears, that some other Lover was, or would suddenly be provided for her; and therefore he would make sure of her while he had this Opportunity: and to that End, he answer’d all the Objections she could make to the contrary. But ever, when he named Marriage, she trembled, with fear of doing something that she fancy’d she ought not to do without the Consent of her Father. She was sensible of the Advantage, but had been so us’d to a strict Obedience, that she could not without Horror think of violating it; and therefore besought him, as he valued her Repose, not to urge her to that: And told him further, That if he fear’d any Rival, she would give him what other Assurance and Satisfaction he pleas’d, but that of Marriage; which she could not consent to, till she knew such an Alliance would not be fatal to him: for she fear’d, as passionately as he lov’d her, when he should find she had occasion’d him the Loss of his Fortune, or his Father’s Affection, he would grow to hate her. Tho’ he answer’d to this all that a fond Lover could urge, yet she was resolv’d, and he forc’d to content himself with obliging her by his Prayers and Protestations, his Sighs and Tears, to a Contract, which they solemnly made each other, vowing on either Side, they would never marry any other. This being solemnly concluded, he assum’d a Look more gay and contented than before: He presented her a very rich Ring,which she durst not put on her Finger, but hid it in her Bosom. And beholding each other now as Man and Wife, she suffer’d him all the decent Freedoms he could wish to take; so that the Hours of this Voyage seem’d the most soft and charming of his Life: and doubtless they were so; every Touch ofAtlantetransported him, every Look pierced his Soul, and he was all Raptures of Joy, when he consider’d this charming lovely Maid was his own.

Charlotall this while was gazing above-deck, admiring the Motion of the little Vessel, and how easily the Wind and Tide bore her up the River. She had never been in any thing of this kind before, and was very well pleas’d and entertain’d, whenRinaldocall’d her down to eat; where they enjoy’d themselves, as well as was possible: andCharlotwas wondring to see such a Content in their Eyes.

But now they thought it was high time for them to return; they fancy the Footman missing them at Church, would go home and alarm their Father, and the Knight of the Ill-favour’d Countenance, asCharlotcall’d CountVernole, whose Severity put their Father on a greater Restriction of them, than naturally he would do of himself. At the Name of this Count,Rinaldochang’d Colour, fearing he might be some Rival; and ask’dAtlante, if thisVernolewas a-kin to her? She answer’d no; but was a very great Friend to her Father, and one who from their Infancy had had a particular Concern for their Breeding, and was her Master for Philosophy. ‘Ah! (reply’dRinaldo, sighing) this Man’s Concern must proceed from something more than Friendship for her Father’; and therefore conjur’d her to tell him, whether he was not a Lover: ‘A Lover! (reply’dAtlante) I assure you, he is a perfect Antidote against that Passion’: And tho’ she suffer’d his ugly Presence now, she should loathe and hate him, should he but name Love to her.

She said, she believed she need not fear any such Persecution, since he was a Man who was not at all amorous;that he had too much of the Satire in his Humour, to harbour any Softness there: and Nature had form’d his Body to his Mind, wholly unfit for Love. And that he might set his Heart absolutely at rest, sheassur’dhim her Father had never yet propos’d any Marriage to her, tho’ many advantageous ones were offer’d him every Day.

The Sails being turned to carry them back from whence they came; after having discoursed of a thousand Things, and all of Love, and Contrivance to carry on their mutual Design, they with Sighs parted;Rinaldostaying behind in the Pleasure-Boat, and they going a-shore in the Wherry that attended: after which he cast many an amorous and sad Look, and perhaps was answer’d by those ofAtlante.

It was past Church-time two or three Hours, when they arrived at home, wholly unprepar’d with an Excuse, so absolutely wasAtlante’sSoul possest with softer Business. The first Person that they met was the Footman, who open’d the Door, and began to cry out how long he had waited in the Church, and how in vain; without giving them time to reply.De Paiscame towards ’em, and with a frowning Look demanded where they had been?Atlante, who was not accustom’d to Excuses and Untruth, was a while at a stand; whenCharlotwith a Voice of Joy cry’d out, ‘Oh Sir! we have been a-board of a fine little Ship’: At thisAtlanteblush’d, fearing she would tell the Truth. But she proceeded on, and said, that they had not been above a Quarter of an Hour at Church, when the Lady——, with some other Ladies and Cavaliers, were going out of the Church, and that spying them, they would needs have ’em go with ’em: My Sister, Sir, continu’d she, was very loth to go, for fear you should be angry; but my Lady——was so importunate with her on one side, and I on the other, because I never saw a little Ship in my Life, that at last we prevail’d with her: therefore, good Sir, be not angry. He promised them he was not. And when they came in, they found CountVernole, who had been inspiringDe Paiswith Severity, and counselled him to chide the young Ladies, for being too long absent, under Pretence of going to their Devotion. Nor was it enough for him to set the Father on, but himself with a Gravity, where Concern and Malice were both apparent, reproachedAtlantewith Levity; and told her, He believed she had some other Motive than the Invitation of a Lady, to go on Ship-board; and that she had too many Lovers, not to make them doubt that this was a design’d thing; and that she had heard Love from some one, for whom it was design’d. To this she made but a short Reply, That if it was so, she had no reason to conceal it, since she had Sense enough to look after herself; and if any body had made love to her, he might be assur’d, it was some one whose Quality and Merit deserved to be heard: and with a Look of Scorn, she passed on to another Room, and left him silently raging within with Jealousy: Which, if before she tormented him, this Declaration increas’d it to a pitch not to be conceal’d. And this Day he said so much to the Father, that he resolv’d forthwith to sendCharlotto a Nunnery: and accordingly the next day he bid her prepare to go.Charlot, who was not yet arrived to the Years of Distinction, did not much regret it; and having no Trouble but leaving her Sister, she prepared to go to a Nunnery, not many Streets from that where she dwelt. The Lady Abbess was her Father’s Kinswoman, and had treated her very well, as often as she came to visit her: so that with Satisfaction enough, she was condemned to a Monastick Life, and was now going for her Probation-Year.Atlantewas troubled at her Departure, because she had no body to bring and to carry Letters betweenRinaldoand she: however, she took her leave of her, and promis’d to come and see her as often as she should be permitted to go abroad; for she fear’d now some Constraint extraordinary would be put upon her: and so it happened.

Atlante’sChamber was that to which the Balconybelong’d; and tho’ she durst not appear there in the Daytime, she could in the Night, and that way give her Lover as many Hours of Conversation as she pleased, without being perceiv’d: But how to giveRinaldonotice of this, she could not tell; who not knowingCharlotwas gone to a Monastery, waited many days at his Window to see her: at last, they neither of them knowing who to trust with any Message, one day, when he was, as usual upon his watch, he sawAtlantestep into the Balcony, who having a Letter, in which she had put a piece of Lead, she tost it into his Window, whose Casement was open, and run in again unperceived by any but himself. The Paper contained only this:

My Chamber is that which looks into the Balcony; from whence, tho’ I cannot converse with you in the Day, I can at Night, when I am retired to go to bed: therefore be at your Window.Farewel.

There needed no more to make him a diligent Watcher: and accordingly she was no sooner retired to her Chamber, but she would come into the Balcony, where she fail’d not to see him attending at his Window. This happy Contrivance was thus carry’d on for many Nights, where they entertain’d one another with all the Endearment that two Hearts could dictate, who were perfectly united and assur’d of each other; and this pleasing Conversation would often last till Day appear’d, and forced them to part.

But oldBellyaurdperceiving his Son frequent that Chamber more than usual, fancy’d something extraordinary must be the Cause of it; and one night asking for his Son, his Valet told him, he was gone into the great Chamber, so this was called:Bellyaurdasked the Valet what he did there; he told him he could not tell; for often he had lighted him thither, and that his Master would take the Candle from him at the Chamber-Door, and suffer him to go no farther. Tho’ the old Gentleman could not imaginewhat Affairs he could have alone every Night in that Chamber, he had a Curiosity to see: and one unlucky Night, putting off his Shoes, he came to the Door of the Chamber, which was open; he enter’d softly, and saw the Candle set in the Chimney, and his Son at a great open Bay-Window: he stopt awhile to wait when he would turn, but finding him unmoveable, he advanced something farther, and at last heard the soft Dialogue of Love between him andAtlante, whom he knew to be she, by his often calling her by her Name in their Discourse. He heard enough to confirm him how Matters went; and unseen as he came, he returned, full of Indignation, and thought how to prevent so great an Evil, as this Passion of his Son might produce: at first he thought to round him severely in the Ear about it, and upbraid him for doing the only thing he had thought fit to forbid him; but then he thought that would but terrify him for awhile, and he would return again, where he had so great an Inclination, if he were near her; he therefore resolves to send him toParis, that by Absence he might forget the young Beauty that had charm’d his Youth. Therefore, without lettingRinaldoknow the Reason, and without taking Notice that he knew any thing of his Amour, he came to him one day, and told him, all the Masters he had for the improving him in noble Sciences were very dull, or very remiss: and that he resolved he should go for a Year or two to the Academy atParis. To this the Son made a thousand Evasions; but the Father was positive, and not to be persuaded by all his Reasons: And finding he should absolutely displease him if he refus’d to go, and not daring to tell him the dear Cause of his Desire to remain atOrleans, he therefore, with a breaking Heart, consents to go, nay, resolves it, tho’ it should be his Death. But alas! he considers that this Parting will not only prove the greatest Torment upon Earth to him, but thatAtlantewill share in his Misfortunes also: This Thought giveshim a double Torment, and yet he finds no Way to evade it.

The Night that finished this fatal Day, he goes again to his wonted Station, the Window; where he had not sighed very long, but he sawAtlanteenter the Balcony: He was not able a great while to speak to her, or to utter one Word. The Night was light enough to see him at the wonted Place; and she admires at his Silence, and demands the Reason in such obliging Terms as adds to his Grief; and he, with a deep Sigh, reply’d, ‘Urge me not, my fairAtlante, to speak, lest by obeying you I give you more cause of Grief than my Silence is capable of doing’: and then sighing again, he held his peace, and gave her leave to ask the Cause of these last Words. But when he made no Reply but by sighing, she imagin’d it much worse than indeed it was; and with a trembling and fainting Voice, she cried, ‘Oh!Rinaldo, give me leave to divine that cruel News you are so unwilling to tell me: It is so,’ added she, ‘you are destin’d to some more fortunate Maid thanAtlante.’ At this Tears stopped her Speech, and she could utter no more. ‘No, my dearest Charmer (reply’dRinaldo, elevating his Voice) if that were all, you should see with what Fortitude I would die, rather than obey any such Commands. I am vow’d yours to the last Moment of my Life; and will be yours in spite of all the Opposition in the World: that Cruelty I could evade, but cannot this that threatens me.’ ‘Ah! (criedAtlante) let Fate do her worst, so she still continueRinaldomine, and keep that Faith he hath sworn to me entire: What can she do beside, that can afflict me?’ ‘She can separate me (cried he) for some time fromAtlante.’ ‘Oh! (reply’d she) all Misfortunes fall so below that which I first imagin’d, that methinks I do not resent this, as I should otherwise have done: but I know, when I have a little more consider’d it, I shall even die with the Grief of it; Absence being so great an Enemy to Love, and making us soonforget the Object belov’d: This, tho’ I never experienc’d, I have heard, and fear it may be my Fate.’ He then convinc’d her Fears with a thousand new Vows, and a thousand Imprecations of Constancy. She then asked him, ‘If their Loves were discover’d, that he was with such haste to depart?’ He told her, ‘Nothing of that was the Cause; and he could almost wish it were discover’d, since he could resolutely then refuse to go: but it was only to cultivate his Mind more effectually than he could do here; ’twas the Care of his Father to accomplish him the more; and therefore he could not contradict it. But (said he) I am not sent where Seas shall part us, nor vast Distances of Earth, but toParis, from whence he might come in two Days to see her again; and that he would expect from that Balcony, that had given him so many happy Moments, many more when he should come to see her.’ He besought her to send him away with all the Satisfaction she could, which she could no otherwise do, than by giving him new Assurances that she would never give away that Right he had in her to any other Lover: She vows this with innumerable Tears; and is almost angry with him for questioning her Faith. He tells her he has but one Night more to stay, and his Grief would be unspeakable, if he should not be able to take a better leave of her, than at a Window; and that, if she would give him leave, he would by a Rope or two, tied together, so as it may serve for Steps, ascend her Balcony; he not having time to provide a Ladder of Ropes. She tells him she has so great a Confidence in his Virtue and Love, that she will refuse him nothing, tho’ it would be a very bold Venture for a Maid, to trust her self with a passionate young Man, in silence of Night: and tho’ she did not extort a Vow from him to secure her, she expected he would have a care of her Honour. He swore to her, his Love was too religious for so base an Attempt. There needed not many Vows to confirm her Faith; and it was agreed on betweenthem, that he should come the next Night into her Chamber.

It happen’d that Night, as it often did, that CountVernolelay with MonsieurDe Pais, which was in a Ground-Room, just under that ofAtlante’s. As soon as she knew all were in bed, she gave the word toRinaldo, who was attending with the Impatience of a passionate Lover below, under the Window; and who no sooner heard the Balcony open, but he ascended with some difficulty, and enter’d the Chamber, where he foundAtlantetrembling with Joy and Fear: He throws himself at her Feet, as unable to speak as she; who nothing but blushed and bent down her Eyes, hardly daring to glance them towards the dear Object of her Desires, the Lord of all her Vows: She was asham’d to see a Man in her Chamber, where yet none had ever been alone, and by Night too. He saw her Fear, and felt her trembling; and after a thousand Sighs of Love had made way for Speech, he besought her to fear nothing from him, for his Flame was too sacred, and his Passion too holy to offer any thing but what Honour with Love might afford him. At last he brought her to some Courage, and the Roses of her fair Cheeks assum’d their wonted Colour, not blushing too red, nor languishing too pale. But when the Conversation began between them, it was the softest in the world: They said all that parting Lovers could say; all that Wit and Tenderness could express: They exchanged their Vows anew; and to confirm his, he tied a Bracelet of Diamonds about her Arm, and she returned him one of her Hair, which he had long begged, and she had on purpose made, which clasped together with Diamonds; this she put about his Arm, and he swore to carry it to his Grave. The Night was far spent in tender Vows, soft Sighs and Tears on both sides, and it was high time to part: but, as if Death had been to have arrived to them in that Minute, they both linger’d away the time, likeLovers who had forgot themselves; and the Day was near approaching when he bid farewel, which he repeated very often: for still he was interrupted by some commanding Softness fromAtlante, and then lost all his Power of going; till she, more courageous and careful of his Interest and her own Fame, forc’d him from her: and it was happy she did, for he was no sooner got over the Balcony, and she had flung him down his Rope, and shut the Door, butVernole, whom Love and Contrivance kept waking, fancy’d several times he heard a Noise inAtlante’sChamber. And whether in passing over the Balcony,Rinaldomade any Noise or not, or whether it were still his jealous Fancy, he came up in his Night-Gown, with a Pistol in his Hand.Atlantewas not so much lost in Grief, tho’ she were all in Tears, but she heard a Man come up, and imagin’d it had been her Father, she not knowing of CountVernole’slying in the House that Night; if she had, she possibly had taken more care to have been silent; but whoever it was, she could not get to bed soon enough, and therefore turn’d her self to her Dressing-Table, where a Candle stood, and where lay a Book open of the Story ofAriadneandTheseus. The Count turning the Latch, enter’d halting into her Chamber in his Night-Gown clapped close about him, which betray’d an ill-favour’d Shape, his Night-Cap on, without a Perriwig, which discover’d all his lean wither’d Jaws, his pale Face, and his Eyes staring: and made altogether so dreadful a Figure, thatAtlante, who no more dreamt of him than of a Devil, had possibly have rather seen the last. She gave a great Shriek, which frightedVernole; so both stood for a while staring on each other, till both were recollected: He told her the Care of her Honour had brought him thither; and then rolling his small Eyes round the Chamber, to see if he could discover any body, he proceeded, and cry’d, ‘Madam, if I had no other Motive than your being up at this time of Night, or rather of Day, I could easily guess how you have beenentertain’d.’ ‘What Insolence is this (said she, all in a rage) when to cover your Boldness of approaching my Chamber at this Hour, you would question how I have been entertain’d! Either explain your self, or quit my Chamber; for I do not use to see such terrible Objects here.’ ‘Possibly those you do see (said the Count) are indeed more agreeable, but I am afraid have not that Regard to your Honour as I have’: And at that word he stepped to the Balcony, open’d it, and look’d out; but seeing no body, he shut it to again. This enragedAtlantebeyond all Patience; and snatching the Pistol out of his Hand, she told him, He deserved to have it aimed at his Head, for having the Impudence to question her Honour, or her Conduct; and commanded him to avoid her Chamber as he lov’d his Life, which she believ’d he was fonder of than of her Honour. She speaking this in a Tone wholly transported with Rage, and at the same time holding the Pistol towards him, made him tremble with Fear; and he now found, whether she were guilty or not, it was his turn to beg Pardon: For you must know, however it came to pass that his Jealousy made him come up in that fierce Posture, at other timesVernolewas the most tame and passive Man in the World, and one who was afraid of his own Shadow in the Night: He had a natural Aversion for Danger, and thought it below a Man of Wit, or common Sense, to be guilty of that brutal thing, called Courage or Fighting; His Philosophy told him,It was safe sleeping in a whole Skin; and possibly he apprehended as much Danger from thisVirago, as ever he did from his own Sex. He therefore fell on his Knees, and besought her to hold her fair Hand, and not to suffer that, which was the greatest Mark of his Respect, to be the Cause of her Hate or Indignation. The pitiful Faces he made, and the Signs of Mortal Fear in him, had almost made her laugh, at least it allay’d her Anger; and she bid him rise and play the fool hereafter somewhere else, and not in herPresence; yet for once she would deign to give him this Satisfaction, that she was got into a Book, which had many moving Stories very well writ; and that she found her self so well entertain’d, she had forgot how the Night passed. He most humbly thanked her for this Satisfaction, and retired, perhaps not so well satisfied as he pretended.

After this, he appear’d more submissive and respectful towardsAtlante; and she carry’d herself more reserv’d and haughty towards him; which was one Reason, he would not yet discover his Passion.

Thus the Time run on atOrleans, whileRinaldofound himself daily languishing atParis. He was indeed in the best Academy in the City, amongst a Number of brave and noble Youths, where all things that could accomplish them, were to be learn’d by those that had any Genius; butRinaldohad other Thoughts, and other Business: his Time was wholly past in the most solitary Parts of the Garden, by the melancholy Fountains, and in the most gloomy Shades, where he could with most Liberty breathe out his Passion and his Griefs. He was past the Tutorage of a Boy; and his Masters could not upbraid him, but found he had some secret Cause of Grief, which made him not mind those Exercises, which were the Delight of the rest: so that nothing being able to divert his Melancholy, which daily increased upon him, he fear’d it would bring him into a Fever, if he did not give himself the Satisfaction of seeingAtlante. He had no sooner thought of this, but he was impatient to put it in execution; he resolved to go (having very good Horses) without acquainting any of his Servants with it. He got a very handsom and light Ladder of Ropes made, which he carry’d under his Coat, and away he rid forOrleans, stay’d at a little Village, till the Darkness of the Night might favour his Design: And then walking aboutAtlante’sLodgings, till he saw a Light in her Chamber, and then making that Noise on his Sword, as was agreed between them, he was heard by his adorableAtlante, and suffer’d to mount her Chamber, where he would stay till almost break of Day, and then return to the Village, and take Horse, and away forParisagain. This, once in a Month, was his Exercise, without which he could not live; so that his whole Year was past in riding betweenOrleansandParis, between Excess of Grief, and Excess of Joy by turns.

It was now thatAtlante, arrived to her fifteenth Year, shone out with a Lustre of Beauty greater than ever; and in this Year, in the Absence ofRinaldo, had carry’d herself with that Severity of Life, without the youthful Desire of going abroad, or desiring any Diversion, but what she found in her own retired Thoughts, thatVernole, wholly unable longer to conceal his Passion, resolv’d to make a Publication of it, first to the Father, and then to the lovely Daughter, of whom he had some Hope, because she had carry’d her self very well towards him for this Year past; which she would never have done, if she had imagin’d he would ever have been her Lover: She had seen no Signs of any such Misfortune towards her in these many Years he had conversed with her, and she had no Cause to fear him. When one Day her Father taking her into the Garden, told her what Honour and Happiness was in store for her; and that now the Glory of his fall’n Family would rise again, since she had a Lover of an illustrious Blood, ally’d to Monarchs; and one whose Fortune was newly encreased to a very considerable Degree, answerable to his Birth. She changed Colour at this Discourse, imagining but too well who this illustrious Lover was; whenDe Paisproceeded and told her, ‘Indeed his Person was not the most agreeable that ever was seen: but he marry’d her to Glory and Fortune, not the Man: And a Woman (says he) ought to look no further.’

She needed not any more to inform her who this intended Husband was; and therefore, bursting forth into Tears, she throws herself at his Feet, imploring him notto use the Authority of a Father, to force her to a thing so contrary to her Inclination: assuring him, she could not consent to any such thing; and that she would rather die than yield. She urged many Arguments for this her Disobedience; but none would pass for current with the old Gentleman, whose Pride had flatter’d him with Hopes of so considerable a Son-in-law: He was very much surpriz’d atAtlante’srefusing what he believ’d she would receive with Joy; and finding that no Arguments on his Side could draw hers to an obedient Consent, he grew to such a Rage, as very rarely possest him: vowing, if she did not conform her Will to his, he would abandon her to all the Cruelty of Contempt and Poverty: so that at last she was forced to return him this Answer, ‘That she would strive all she could with her Heart; but she verily believed she should never bring it to consent to a Marriage with Monsieur the Count.’ The Father continued threatning her, and gave her some Days to consider of it: So leaving her in Tears, he returned to his Chamber, to consider what Answer he should give CountVernole, who he knew would be impatient to learn what Success he had, and what himself was to hope.De Pais, after some Consideration, resolved to tell him, she receiv’d the Offer very well, but that he must expect a little Maiden-Nicety in the Case: and accordingly did tell him so; and he was not at all doubtful of his good Fortune.

ButAtlante, who resolved to die a thousand Deaths rather than break her solemn Vows toRinaldo, or to marry the Count, cast about how she should avoid it with the least Hazard of her Father’s Rage. She foundRinaldothe better and more advantageous Match of the two, could they but get his Father’s Consent: He was beautiful and young; his Title was equal to that ofVernole, when his Father should die; and his Estate exceeded his: yet she dares not make a Discovery, for fear she should injure her Lover; who at this Time, though she knew it not,lay sick of a Fever, while she was wondering that he came not as he used to do. However she resolves to send him a Letter, and acquaint him with the Misfortune; which she did in these Terms:

ATLANTEtoRINALDO.

MyFather’s Authority would force me to violate my sacred Vows to you, and give them to the CountVernole, whom I mortally hate, yet could wish him the greatest Monarch in the World, that I might shew you I could even then despise him for your Sake. My Father is already too much enraged by my Denial, to hear Reason from me, if I should confess to him my Vows to you: So that I see nothing but a Prospect of Death before me; for assure your self, myRinaldo, I will die rather than consent to marry any other: Therefore come myRinaldo, and come quickly, to see my Funerals, instead of those Nuptials they vainly expect from

Your FaithfulATLANTE.

This LetterRinaldoreceiv’d; and there needed no more to make him fly toOrleans: This raised him soon from his Bed of Sickness, and getting immediately to horse, he arrived at his Father’s House; who did not so much admire to see him, because he heard he was sick of a Fever, and gave him leave to return, if he pleas’d: He went directly to his Father’s House, because he knew somewhat of the Business, he was resolv’d to make his Passion known, as soon as he had seenAtlante, from whom he was to take all his Measures: He therefore fail’d not, when all were in Bed, to rise and go from his Chamber into the Street; where finding a Light inAtlante’sChamber, for she every Night expected him, he made the usual Sign, and she went into the Balcony; and he having no Conveniency of mounting up into it, they discoursed, and said all they had to say. From thence she tells him of the Count’s Passion, of her Father’s Resolution, and that her own was rather to die his, than live any Body’s else: And at last, as their Refuge,they resolv’d to discover the whole Matter; she to her Father, and he to his, to see what Accommodation they could make; if not, to die together. They parted at this Resolve, for she would permit him no longer to stay in the Street after such a Sickness; so he went home to bed, but not to sleep.

The next Day, at Dinner, MonsieurBellyaurdbelieving his Son absolutely cur’d, by Absence, of his Passion; and speaking of all the News in the Town, among the rest, told him he was come in good time to dance at the Wedding of CountVernolewithAtlante, the Match being agreed on: ‘No, Sir (reply’dRinaldo) I shall never dance at the Marriage of CountVernolewithAtlante; and you will see in MonsieurDe Pais’sHouse a Funeral sooner than a Wedding.’ And thereupon he told his Father all his Passion for that lovely Maid; and assur’d him, if he would not see him laid in his Grave, he must consent to this Match.Bellyaurdrose in a Fury, and told him, ‘He had rather see him in his Grave, than in the Arms ofAtlante: Not (continued he) so much for any Dislike I have to the young Lady, or the Smallness of her Fortune; but because I have so long warn’d you from such a Passion, and have with such Care endeavour’d by your Absence to prevent it.’ He travers’d the Room very fast, still protesting against this Alliance: and was deaf to allRinaldocould say. On the other side the Day being come, whereinAtlantewas to give her final Answer to her Father concerning her Marriage with CountVernole; she assum’d all the Courage and Resolution she could, to withstand the Storm that threatned a Denial. And her Father came to her, and demanding her Answer, she told him, ‘She could not be the Wife ofVernole, since she was Wife toRinaldo, only son toBellyaurd.’ If her Father storm’d before, he grew like a Man distracted at her Confession; andVernolehearing them loud, ran to the Chamber to learn the Cause; where just as he enter’d he foundDe Pais’sSword drawn, and ready to kill hisDaughter, who lay all in Tears at his Feet. He with-held his Hand; and asking the Cause of his Rage, he was told all thatAtlantehad confess’d; which putVernolequite beside all his Gravity, and made him discover the Infirmity of Anger, which he used to say ought to be dissembled by all wise Men: So thatDe Paisforgot his own to appease his, but ’twas in vain, for he went out of the House, vowing Revenge toRinaldo: And to that end, being not very well assur’d of his own Courage, as I said before, and being of the Opinion, that no Man ought to expose his Life to him who has injur’d him; he hiredSwissandSpanishSoldiers to attend him in the nature of Footmen; and watch’d several Nights aboutBellyaurd’sDoor, and that ofDe Pais’s, believing he should some time or other see him under the Window ofAtlante, or perhaps mounting into it: for now he no longer doubted, but this happy Lover was he, whom he fancy’d he heard go from the Balcony that Night he came up with his Pistol; and being more aSpaniardthan aFrenchmanin his Nature, he resolv’d to take him any way unguarded or unarm’d, if he came in his Way.

Atlante, who heard his Threatnings when he went from her in a Rage, fear’d his Cowardice might put him on some base Action, to depriveRinaldoof his Life; and therefore thought it not safe to suffer him to come to her by Night, as he had before done; but sent him word in a Note, that he should forbear her Window, forVernolehad sworn his Death. This Note came, unseen by his Father, to his Hands: but this could not hinder him from coming to her Window, which he did as soon as it was dark: he came thither, only attended with his Valet, and two Footmen; for now he car’d not who knew the Secret. He had no sooner made the Sign, but he found himself incompass’d withVernole’sBravoes; and himself standing at a distance cry’d out, ‘That is he’: With that they all drew on both sides, andRinaldoreceiv’d a Wound in his Arm.Atlanteheard this, and ran crying out, ‘ThatRinaldo, prest by Numbers, would be kill’d.’De Pais, who was reading in his Closet, took his Sword, and ran out; and, contrary to all Expectation, seeingRinaldofighting with his Back to the Door, pull’d him into the House, and fought himself with the Bravoes: who being very much wounded byRinaldo, gave ground, and sheer’d off; andDe Pais, putting up oldBilbointo the Scabbard, went into his House, where he foundRinaldoalmost fainting with loss of Blood, andAtlante, with her Maids binding up his Wound; to whomDe Paissaid, ‘This charity,Atlante, very well becomes you, and is what I can allow you; and I could wish you had no other Motive for this Action.’Rinaldoby degrees recover’d of his Fainting, and as well as his Weakness would permit him, he got up and made a low Reverence toDe Pais, telling him, ‘He had now a double Obligation to pay him all the Respect in the World; first, for his being the Father ofAtlante; and secondly, for being the Preserver of his Life: two Tyes that should eternally oblige him to love and honour him, as his own Parent.’De Paisreply’d, ‘He had done nothing but what common Humanity compell’d him to do: But if he would make good that Respect he profess’d towards him, it must be in quitting all Hopes ofAtlante, whom he had destin’d to another, or an eternal Inclosure in a Monastery: He had another Daughter, whom if he would think worthy of his Regard, he should take his Alliance as a very great Honour; but his Word and Reputation, nay his Vows were past, to giveAtlanteto CountVernole.’Rinaldo, who before he spoke took measure fromAtlante’sEyes, which told him her Heart was his, return’d this Answer toDe Pais, ‘That he was infinitely glad to find by the Generosity of his Offer, that he had no Aversion against his being his Son-in-law; and that, next toAtlante, the greatest Happiness he could wish would be his receivingCharlotfrom his Hand; but that he could not think of quittingAtlante, how necessary soever it would be, forGlory, and his—(the further) Repose.’De Paiswould not let him at this time argue the matter further, seeing he was ill, and had need of looking after; he therefore begg’d he would for his Health’s sake retire to his own House, whither he himself conducted him, and left him to the Care of his Men, who were escap’d the Fray; and returning to his own Chamber, he foundAtlanteretir’d, and so he went to bed full of Thoughts. This Night had increas’d his Esteem forRinaldo, and lessen’d it for CountVernole; but his Word and Honour being past, he could not break it, neither with Safety nor Honour: for he knew the haughty resenting Nature of the Count, and he fear’d some Danger might arrive to the braveRinaldo, which troubled him very much. At last he resolv’d, that neither might take any thing ill at his Hands, to loseAtlante, and send her to the Monastery where her Sister was, and compel her to be a Nun. This he thought would prevent Mischiefs on both sides; and accordingly, the next Day, (having in the Morning sent Word to the Lady Abbess what he would have done) he carriesAtlante, under pretence of visiting her Sister, (which they often did) to the Monastery, where she was no sooner come, but she was led into the Inclosure: Her Father had rather sacrifice her, than she should be the Cause of the Murder of two such noble Men asVernoleandRinaldo.

The Noise ofAtlante’sbeing inclos’d, was soon spread all over the busy Town, andRinaldowas not the last to whom the News arriv’d: He was for a few Days confin’d to his Chamber; where, when alone, he rav’d like a Man distracted; But his Wounds had so incens’d his Father againstAtlante, that he swore he would see his Son die of them, rather than suffer him to marryAtlante; and was extremely overjoy’d to find she was condemn’d, for ever, to the Monastery. So that the Son thought it the wisest Course, and most for the advantage of his Love, to say nothing to contradict his Father; but being almost assur’dAtlantewould never consent to be shut up in aCloyster, and abandon him, he flatter’d himself with hope, that he should steal her from thence, and marry her in spite of all Opposition. This he was impatient to put in practice: He believ’d, if he were not permitted to seeAtlante, he had still a kind Advocate inCharlot, who was now arriv’d to her Thirteenth Year, and infinitely advanc’d in Wit and Beauty.Rinaldotherefore often goes to the Monastery, surrounding it, to see what Possibility there was of accomplishing his Design; if he could get her Consent, he finds it not impossible, and goes to visitCharlot; who had command not to see him, or speak to him. This was a Cruelty he look’d not for, and which gave him an unspeakable Trouble, and without her Aid it was wholly impossible to giveAtlanteany account of his Design. In this Perplexity he remain’d many Days, in which he languish’d almost to Death; he was distracted with Thought, and continually hovering about the Nunnery-Walls, in hope, at some time or other, to see or hear from that lovely Maid, who alone could make his Happiness. In these Traverses he often metVernole, who had Liberty to see her when he pleas’d: If it happen’d that they chanc’d to meet in the Daytime, tho’Vernolewas attended with an Equipage of Ruffians, andRinaldobut only with a couple of Footmen, he could perceiveVernoleshun him, grow pale, and almost tremble with Fear sometimes, and get to the other Side of the Street; and if he did not,Rinaldohaving a mortal Hate to him, would often bear up so close to him, that he would jostle him against the Wall, whichVernolewould patiently put up, and pass on; so that he could never be provok’d to fight by Day-light, how solitary soever the Place was where they met: but if they chanc’d to meet at Night, they were certain of a Skirmish, in which he would have no part himself; so thatRinaldowas often like to be assassinated, but still came off with some slight Wound. This continu’d so long, and made so great a Noise in theTown, that the two old Gentlemen were mightily alarm’d by it; and CountBellyaurdcame toDe Pais, one Day, to discourse with him of this Affair; andBellyaurd, for the Preservation of his Son, was almost consenting, since there was no Remedy, that he should marryAtlante.De Paisconfess’d the Honour he proffer’d him, and how troubled he was, that his Word was already past to his Friend, the CountVernole, whom he said she should marry, or remain for ever a Nun; but ifRinaldocould displace his Love fromAtlante, and place it onCharlot, he should gladly consent to the Match.Bellyaurd, who would now do anything for the Repose of his Son, tho’ he believ’d this Exchange would not pass, yet resolv’d to propose it, since by marrying him he took him out of the Danger ofVernole’sAssassinates, who would never leave him till they had dispatch’d him, should he marryAtlante.

WhileRinaldowas contriving a thousand ways to come to speak to, or send Billets toAtlante, none of which could succeed without the Aid ofCharlot, his Father came and propos’d this Agreement betweenDe Paisand himself, to his Son. At firstRinaldoreceiv’d it with a chang’d Countenance, and a breaking Heart; but swiftly turning from Thought to Thought, he conceiv’d this the only way to come atCharlot, and so consequently atAtlante: he therefore, after some dissembled Regret, consents, with a sad put-on Look: AndCharlothad Notice given her to see and entertainRinaldo. As yet they had not told her the Reason; which her Father would tell her, when he came to visit her, he said.Rinaldoover-joy’d at this Contrivance, and his own Dissimulation, goes to the Monastery, and visitsCharlot; where he ought to have said something of this Proposition: but wholly bent upon other Thoughts, he sollicits her to convey some Letters, and Presents toAtlante; which she readily did, to the unspeakable Joy of the poor Distrest. Sometimes he would talk toCharlotof her own Affairs; asking her, if sheresolv’d to become a Nun? To which she would sigh, and say, If she must, it would be extremely against her Inclinations; and, if it pleas’d her Father, she had rather begin the World with any tolerable Match.

Things past thus for some Days, in which our Lovers were happy, andVernoleassur’d he should haveAtlante. But at lastDe Paiscame to visitCharlot, who ask’d her, if she had seenRinaldo? She answer’d, ‘She had.’ ‘And how does he entertain you? (reply’dDe Pais) Have you receiv’d him as a Husband? and has he behav’d himself like one?’ At this a sudden Joy seiz’d the Heart ofCharlot; and both to confess what she had done for him to her Sister, she hung down her blushing Face to study for an Answer.De Paiscontinued, and told her the Agreement betweenBellyaurdand him, for the saving of Bloodshed.

She, who blest the Cause, whatever it was, having always a great Friendship and Tenderness forRinaldo, gave her Father a thousand Thanks for his Care; and assur’d him, since she was commanded by him, she would receive him as her Husband.

And the next Day, whenRinaldocame to visit her, as he us’d to do, and bringing a Letter with him, wherein he propos’d the flight ofAtlante; he found a Coldness inCharlot, as soon as he told her his Design, and desir’d her to carry the Letter. He ask’d the Reason of this Change: She tells him she was inform’d of the Agreement between their two Fathers, and that she look’d upon herself as his Wife, and would act no more as a Confident; that she had ever a violent Inclination of Friendship for him, which she would soon improve into something more soft.

He could not deny the Agreement, nor his Promise; but it was in vain to tell her, he did it only to get a Correspondence withAtlante: She is obstinate, and he as pressing, with all the Tenderness of Persuasion: He vows he can never be any butAtlante’s, and she may see him die, but never break his Vows. She urges her Claimin vain, so that at last she was overcome, and promised she would carry the Letter; which was to have her make her Escape that Night. He waits at the Gate for her Answer, andCharlotreturns with one that pleased him very well; which was, that Night her Sister would make her Escape, and that he must stand in such a Place of the Nunnery-Wall, and she would come out to him.

After this she upbraids him with his false Promise to her, and of her Goodness to serve him after such a Disappointment. He receives her Reproaches with a thousand Sighs, and bemoans her Misfortune in not being capable of more than Friendship for her; and vows, that nextAtlante, he esteems her of all Womankind. She seems to be obliged by this, and assured him, she would hasten the Flight ofAtlante; and taking leave, he went home to order a Coach, and some Servants to assist him.

In the mean time CountVernolecame to visitAtlante; but she refused to be seen by him: And all he could do there that Afternoon, was entertainingCharlotat the Grate; to whom he spoke a great many fine Things, both of her improved Beauty and Wit; and how happyRinaldowould be in so fair a Bride. She received this with all the Civility that was due to his Quality; and their Discourse being at an End, he took his Leave, being towards the Evening.

Rinaldo, wholly impatient, came betimes to the Corner of the dead Wall, where he was appointed to stand, having ordered his Footmen and Coach to come to him as soon it was dark. While he was there walking up and down,Vernolecame by the End of the Wall to go home; and looking about, he saw, at the other End,Rinaldowalking, whose Back was towards him, but he knew him well; and tho’ he feared and dreaded his Business there, he durst not encounter him, they being both attended but by one Footman a-piece. ButVernole’sJealousy and Indignation were so high, that he resolved to fetch his Bravoes to his Aid, and come and assault him: For he knew he waited there for some Message fromAtlante.

In the mean Time it grew dark, andRinaldo’s Coach came with another Footman; which were hardly arrived, whenVernole, with his Assistants, came to the Corner of the Wall, and skreening themselves a little behind it, near to the Place whereRinaldostood, who waited now close to a little Door, out of which the Gardeners used to throw the Weeds and Dirt,Vernolecould perceive anon the Door to open, and a Woman come out of it, callingRinaldoby his Name, who stept up to her, and caught her in his Arms with Signs of infinite Joy.Vernolebeing now all Rage, cry’d to his Assassinates, ‘Fall on, and kill the Ravisher’: And immediately they all fell on.Rinaldo, who had only his two Footmen on his Side, was forc’d to let go the Lady; who would have run into the Garden again, but the Door fell to and lock’d: so that whileRinaldowas fighting, and beaten back by the Bravoes, one of which he laid dead at his Feet,Vernolecame to the frighted Lady, and taking her by the Hand, cry’d, ‘Come, my fair Fugitive, you must go along with me.’ She wholly scar’d out of her Senses, was willing to go any where out of the Terror she heard so near her, and without Reply, gave her self into his Hand, who carried her directly to her Father’s House; where she was no sooner come, but he told her Father all that had past, and how she was running away withRinaldo, but that his good Fortune brought him just in the lucky Minute. Her Father turning to reproach her, found by the Light of a Candle that this wasCharlot, and notAtlante, whomVernolehad brought Home: At whichVernolewas extremely astonish’d. Her Father demanded of her why she was running away with a Man, who was design’d her by Consent? ‘Yes, (saidCharlot) you had his Consent, Sir, and that of his Father; but I was far from getting it: I found he resolv’d to die rather than quitAtlante; and promising him my Assistance in his Amour, since he could never be mine, he got me to carry a Letter toAtlante; which was, to desire her to fly away with him. Instead of carrying her this Letter, I told her, he was design’d for me, and had cancell’d all his Vows to her: She swoon’d at this News; and being recover’d a little, I left her in the Hands of the Nuns, to persuade her to live; which she resolves not to do withoutRinaldo. Tho’ they press’d me, yet I resolv’d to pursue my Design, which was to tellRinaldoshe would obey his kind Summons. He waited for her; but I put my self into his Hands in lieu ofAtlante; and had not the Count receiv’d me, we had been marry’d by this time, by some false Light that could not have discover’d me: But I am satisfied, if I had, he would never have liv’d with me longer than the Cheat had been undiscover’d; for I find them both resolved to die, rather than change. And for my part, Sir, I was not so much in Love withRinaldo, as I was out of love with the Nunnery; and took any Opportunity to quit a Life absolutely contrary to my Humour.’ She spoke this with a Gaiety so brisk, and an Air so agreeable, thatVernolefound it touch’d his Heart; and the rather because he foundAtlantewould never be his; or if she were, he should be still in Danger from the Resentment ofRinaldo: he therefore bowing toCharlot, and taking her by the Hand, cry’d, ‘Madam, since Fortune has dispos’d you thus luckily for me, in my Possession, I humbly implore you would consent she should make me entirely happy, and give me the Prize for which I fought, and have conquer’d with my Sword.’ ‘My Lord, (reply’dCharlot, with a modest Air) I am superstitious enough to believe, since Fortune, so contrary to all our Designs, has given me into your Hands, that she from the beginning destin’d me to the Honour, which, with my Father’s Consent, I shall receive as becomes me.’De Paistransported with Joy, to find all Things would be so well brought about, it being all one to him, whetherCharlotorAtlantegave him CountVernolefor his Son-in-law, readily consented;and immediately a Priest was sent for, and they were that Night marry’d. And it being now not above seven o’Clock, many of their Friends were invited, the Musick sent for, and as good a Supper as so short a Time would provide, was made ready.

All this was perform’d in as short a time asRinaldowas fighting; and having kill’d one, and wounded the rest, they all fled before his conquering Sword, which was never drawn with so good a Will. When he came where his Coach stood, just against the Back-Garden-Door, he looked for his Mistress: But the Coachman told him, he was no sooner engaged, but a Man came, and with a thousand Reproaches on her Levity, bore her off.

This made our young Lover rave; and he is satisfied she is in the Hands of his Rival, and that he had been fighting, and shedding his Blood, only to secure her Flight with him. He lost all Patience, and it was with much ado his Servants persuaded him to return; telling him in their Opinion, she was more likely to get out of the Hands of his Rival, and come to him, than when she was in the Monastery.

He suffers himself to go into his Coach and be carry’d home; but he was no sooner alighted, than he heard Musick and Noise atDe Pais’sHouse. He saw Coaches surround his Door, and Pages and Footmen, with Flambeaux. The Sight and Noise of Joy made him ready to sink at the Door; and sending his Footmen to learn the Cause of this Triumph, the Pages that waited told him, That CountVernolewas this Night married to MonsieurDe Pais’sDaughter. He needed no more to deprive him of all Sense; and staggering against his Coach, he was caught by his Footmen and carried into his House, and to his Chamber, where they put him to Bed, all sensless as he was, and had much ado to recover him to Life. He ask’d for his Father, with a faint Voice, for he desir’d to see him before he died. It was told him he was gone to CountVernole’sWedding, where there was a perfectPeace agreed on between them, and all their Animosities laid aside. At this NewsRinaldofainted again; and his Servants call’d his Father home, and told him in what Condition they had brought home their Master, recounting to him all that was past. He hasten’d toRinaldo, whom he found just recover’d of his Swooning; who, putting his Hand out to his Father, all cold and trembling, cry’d, ‘Well, Sir, now you are satisfied, since you have seenAtlantemarried to CountVernole, I hope now you will give your unfortunate Son leave to die; as you wish’d he should, rather than give him to the Arms ofAtlante.’ Here his Speech fail’d, and he fell again into a Fit of Swooning; His Father ready to die with fear of his Son’s Death, kneel’d down by his Bed-side; and after having recover’d a little, he said, ‘My dear Son, I have been indeed at the Wedding of CountVernole, but ’tis notAtlanteto whom he is married, butCharlot; who was the Person you were bearing from the Monastery, instead ofAtlante, who is still reserv’d for you, and she is dying till she hear you are reserv’d for her; Therefore, as you regard her Life, make much of your own, and make your self fit to receive her; for her Father and I have agreed the Marriage already.’ And without giving him leave to think, he call’d to one of his Gentlemen, and sent him to the Monastery, with this News toAtlante.Rinaldobowed himself as low as he could in his Bed, and kiss’d the Hand of his Father, with Tears of Joy: But his Weakness continued all the next Day; and they were fain to bringAtlanteto him, to confirm his Happiness.

It must only be guessed by Lovers, the perfect Joy these two receiv’d in the sight of each other.Bellyaurdreceived her as his Daughter; and the next Day made her so, with very great Solemnity, at which wereVernoleandCharlot: BetweenRinaldoand him was concluded a perfect Peace, and all thought themselves happy in thisdouble Union.

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