AVRELIAN was the only Son to a Principal Gentleman of Florence. The Indulgence of his Father prompted, and his Wealth en­abled him, to bestow a generous Educa­tion upon him, whom, he now began to look upon as the Type of himself; an Impression he had made in the Gayety and Vigour of his Youth, before the Rust of Age had debilitated and obscur'd the Splendour of the Original: He was sen­sible, That he ought not to be sparing in the Adornment of him, if he had Reso­lution [Page 2] to beautifie his own Memory. Indeed Don Fabio (for so was the Old Gentleman call'd) has been observ'd to have fix'd his Eyes upon Aurelian, when much Company has been at Table, and have wept through Earnestness of Inten­tion, if nothing hapned to divert the Object; whether it were for regret, at the Recollection of his former self, or for the Joy he conceiv'd in being, as it were, reviv'd in the Person of his Son, I never took upon me to enquire, but suppos'd it might be sometimes one, and sometimes both together.

Aurelian, at the Age of Eighteen Years, wanted nothing (but a Beard) that the most accomplished Cavalier in Florence could pretend to: he had been Educated from Twelve Years old at Siena, where it seems his Father kept a Receiver, ha­ving a large Income from the Rents of several Houses in that Town. Don Fabio gave his Servant Orders, That Aurelian should not be stinted in his Expences, when he came up to Years of Discretion. By which means he was enabled, not only to keep Company with, but also to confer many Obligations upon Strangers [Page 3] of Quality, and Gentlemen who tra­velled from other Countries into Italy, of which Siena never wanted store, be­ing a Town most delightfully Situate, upon a Noble Hill, and very well suit­ing with Strangers at first, by reason of the agreeableness and purity of the Air: There also is the quaintness and delicacy of the Italian Tongue most likely to be learned, there being many publick Professors of it in that place; and indeed the very Vulgar of Siena do express themselves with an easiness and sweetness surprizing, and even grateful to their Ears who understand not the Language.

Here Aurelian contracted an ac­quaintance with Persons of Worth of several Countries, but among the rest an intimacy with a Gentleman of Quality of Spain, and Nephew to the Archbishop of Toledo, who had so wrought himself into the Affections of Aurelian, through a Conformity of Temper, an Equality in Years, and something of resemblance in Feature and Proportion, that he look'd upon [Page 4] him as his second self. Hippolito, on the other hand, was not ungrateful in return of Friendship, but thought himself either alone or in ill Com­pany, if Aurelian were absent: but his Uncle having sent him to travel, under the Conduct of a Governour, and the two Years which limited his stay at Siena being expired, he was put in mind of his departure.

His Friend grew melancholy at the News, but considering that Hippolito had never seen Florence, he easily pre­vailed with him to make his first Journey thither, whither he would accompany him, and perhaps prevail with his Father to do the like through­out his Travels.

They accordingly set out, but not being able easily to reach Florence the same Night, they rested a League or two short, at a Villa of the great Duke's called Poggio Imperiale, where they were informed by some of his Highness's Servants, That the Nupti­als of Donna Catharina (near Kinswo­man to the great Duke) and Don Fer­dinand [Page 5] de Rovori, were to be solemni­zed the next day, and that extraor­dinary Preparations had been making for some time past, to illustrate the Solemnity with Balls and Masques, and other Divertisements; that a Tilting had been proclaimed, and to that purpose Scaffolds erected a­round the Spacious Court, before the Church Di Santa Croce, where were usually seen all Cavalcades and Shews, performed by Assemblies of the Young Nobility: That all Mechanicks and Tradesmen were forbidden to work or expose any Goods to Sale for the space of three days; during which time all Persons should be en­tertain'd at the Great Duke's Cost; and publick Provision was to be made for the setting forth and furnishing a multitude of Tables, with Entertain­ment for all Comers and Goers, and several Houses appointed for that use in all Streets.

This Account alarm'd the Spirits of our Young Travellers, and they were overjoy'd at the prospect of Pleasures [Page 6] they foresaw. Aurelian could not contain the satisfaction he conceiv'd in the welcome Fortune had prepar'd for his dear Hippolito. In short, they both remembred so much of the pleasing Relation had been made them, that they forgot to sleep, and were up as soon as it was light, pounding at poor Signior Claudio's Door (so was Hippolito's Governour call'd) to rouse him, that no time might be lost till they were arriv'd at Florence, where they would furnish themselves with Disguises and other Accoutrements necessary for the Pro­secution of their Design of sharing in the publick Merriment; the rather were they for going so early because Aurelian did not think fit to publish his being in Town for a time, least his Father knowing of it, might give some restraint to that loose they design'd themselves.

Before Sun rise they entred Florence at Porta Romana, attended only by two Servants, the rest being left be­hind to avoid notice; but, alas! they [Page 7] needed not to have used half that caution; for early as it was, the Streets were crowded with all sorts of People passing to and fro, and e­very Man employ'd in something re­lating to the Diversions to come; so that no notice was taken of any bo­dy; a Marquess and his Train might have pass'd by as unregarded as a single Fachin or Cobler. Not a Win­dow in the Streets but echoed the tuning of a Lute or thrumming of a Gitarr: for, by the way, the Inhabi­tants of Florence are strangely ad­dicted to the love of Musick, inso­much that scarce their Children can go, before they can scratch some Instrument or other. It was no un­pleasing Spectacle to our Cavaliers (who, seeing they were not observ'd, resolv'd to make Observations) to behold the Diversity of Figures and Postures of many of these Musici­ans. Here you should have an af­fected Vallet, who, Mimick'd the Be­haviour of his Master, leaning care­lesly against the Window, with his [Page 8] Head on one side, in a languishing Posture, whining, in a low, mournful Voice, some dismal Complaint; while, from his sympathizing Theorbo, issued a Base no less doleful to the Hearers. In Opposition to him was set up per­haps a Cobler, with the wretched Skeleton of a Gitarr, battered and waxed together by his own Industry, and who with three Strings out of Tune, and his own tearing hoarse Voice, would rack attention from the Neighbourhood, to the great af­fliction of many more moderate Practi­tioners, who, no doubt, were full as desirous to be heard. By this time Aurelian's Servant had taken a Lodg­ing and was returned, to give his Ma­ster an Account of it. The Cavaliers grown weary of that ridiculous En­tertainment, which was diverting at first sight, retired whither the Lac­quey conducted them; who, accord­ing to their Directions, had sought out one of the most obscure Streets in the City. All that day, to the evening, was spent in sending from [Page 9] one Brokers Shop to another, to furnish them with Habits, since they had not time to make any new.

There was, it happened, but one to be got Rich enough to please our young Gentlemen, so many were taken up upon this occasion. While they were in Dispute and Comple­menting one another, ( Aurelian pro­testing that Hippolito should wear it, and he, on 'tother hand, forswear­ing it as bitterly) a Servant of Hip­polito's came up and ended the Con­troversie; telling them, That he had met below with the Vallet de Chambre of a Gentlemen, who was one of the greatest Gallants about the Town, but was at this time in such a condi­tion he could not possibly be at the Entertainment; whereupon the Vallet had designed to dress himself up in his Master's Apparel, and try his ta­lent at Court; which he hearing, told him he would inform him how he might bestow the Habit for some time much more to his profit if not to his pleasure, so acquainted him with [Page 10] the occasion his Master had for it. Hippolito sent for the Fellow up, who was not so fond of his design as not to be bought off it, but upon having his own demand granted for the use of it, brought it; it was very Rich, and upon tryal, as fit for Hippolito as if it had been made for him. The Ceremony was performed in the Morning, in the great Dome, with all magnificence correspondent to the wealth of the great Duke, and the esteem he had for the Noble Pair. The next Morning was to be a Tilt­ing, and the same Night a Masquing Ball at Court. To omit the Descripti­on of the universal Joy, (that had diffus'd it self through all the Con­duits of Wine, which convey'd it in large measures to the People) and only relate those effects of it which concern our present Adven­turers. You must know, that about the fall of the Evening, and at that time when the aequilibrium of Day and Night, for some time, holds the Air in a gloomy suspence between an un­willingness [Page 11] to leave the light, and a natural impulse into the Dominion of darkness. About this time our Hero's, shall I say, sally'd or slunk out of their Lodgings, and steer'd toward the great Palace, whither, before they were arrived, such a pro­digious number of Torches were on fire, that the day, by help of these Auxiliary Forces, seem'd to continue its Dominion; the Owls and Bats apprehending their mistake, in count­ing the hours, retir'd again to a con­venient darkness; for Madam Night was no more to be seen than she was to be heard; and the Chymists were of Opinion, That her fuliginous Damps rarefy'd by the abundance of Flame, were evaporated.

Now the Reader I suppose to be upon Thorns at this and the like impertinent Digressions, but let him alone and he'll come to himself; at which time I think fit to acquaint him, that when I degress, I am at that time writing to please my self, when I continue the Thread of the [Page 12] Story, I write to please him; sup­posing him a reasonable Man, I con­clude him satisfied to allow me this liberty, and so I proceed.

If our Cavaliers were dazled at the splendour they beheld without doors, what surprize, think you, must they be in, when entering the Palace they found even the lights there to be but so many foils to the bright eyes that flash'd upon 'em at every turn.

A more glorious Troop no occa­sion ever assembled; all the fair of Florence, with the most accomplished Cavaliers, were present; and however Nature had been partial in bestow­ing on some better Faces than o­thers, Art was alike indulgent to all, and industriously supplyed those Defects she had left, giving some Ad­dition also to her greatest Excellen­cies. Every body appear'd well shap'd, as it is to be supposed, none who were conscious to themselves of any visible Deformity would pre­sume to come thither. Their Ap­parel was equally glorious, though [Page 13] each differing in fancy. In short, our Strangers were so well bred, as to conclude from these appa­rent Perfections, that there was not a Masque which did not at least hide the Face of a Cherubim. Perhaps the Ladies were not behind hand in return of a favourable Opinion of them: for they were both well dress'd, and had something inexpres­sibly pleasing in their Air and Mien, different from other People, and in­deed differing from one another. They fansy'd that while they stood together they were more particular­ly taken notice of than any in the Room, and being unwilling to be taken for Strangers, which they thought they were, by reason of some whispering they observed near them. They agreed upon an hour of meeting after the company should be broke up, and so separately mingled with the thickest of the As­sembly. Aurelian had fixed his eye upon a Lady whom he had observ'd to have been a considerable time in [Page 14] close whisper with another Woman; he expected with great impatience the result of that private Conference, that he might have an opportunity of engaging the Lady whose Person was so agreeable to him. At last he perceived they were broke off, and the 'tother Lady seem'd to have taken her leave. He had taken no small pains in the mean time to put himself in a posture to accost the La­dy, which, no doubt, he had happi­ly performed had he not been inter­rupted; but scarce had he acquitted himself of a preliminary bow (and which, I have heard him say, was the lowest that ever he made) and had just opened his Lips to deliver himself of a small Complement, which, nevertheless he was very big with, when he unluckily miscarried, by the interposal of the same Lady, whose departure, not long before, he had so zealously-pray'd for: but, as Providence would have it, there was only some very small matter for­got, which was recovered in a short [Page 15] whisper. The Coast being again cleared, he took heart and bore up, and, striking sail, repeated his Cere­mony to the Lady; who, having obligingly returned it, he accosted her in these or the like words:

‘If I do not usurp a priviledge re­served for some one more happy in your acquaintance, may I pre­sume, Madam, to entreat (for a while) the favour of your Conver­sation, at least till the arrival of whom you expect, provided you are not tired of me before; for then upon the least intimation of uneasi­ness, I will not fail of doing my self the violence to withdraw for your release.’ The Lady made him answer, she did not expect any body; by which he might imagine her Con­versation not of value to be be­spoke, and to afford it him, were but farther to convince him to her own cost. He reply'd, ‘She had al­ready said enough to convince him of something he heartily wished might not be to his cost in the end.’ She [Page 16] pretended not to understand him but told him, ‘If he already found himself grieved with her Conver­sation, he would have sufficient rea­son to repent the rashness of his first Demand before they had ended: for that now she intended to hold discourse with him, on purpose to punish his unadvisedness, in pre­suming upon a Person whose dress and mien might not (may be) be disagreeable to have wit. I must confess (reply'd Aurelian) my self guilty of a Presumption, and wil­lingly submit to the punishment you intend: and though it be an ag­gravation of a Crime to persevere in its justification, yet I cannot help defending an Opinion in which now I am more confirm'd, that proba­ble conjectures may be made of the ingenious Disposition of the Mind, from the fancy and choice of Ap­parel.’ ‘The humour I grant ye (said the Lady) or constitution of the Person whether melancholick or brisk; but I should hardly pass my [Page 17] censure upon so slight an indica­tion of wit: for there is your brisk fool as well as your brisk man of sense, and so of the melancholick. I confess 'tis possible a fool may re­veal himself by his Dress, in wear­ing something extravagantly singu­lar and ridiculous, or in preposte­rous suiting of colours; but a decency of Habit (which is all that Men of best sense pretend to) may be ac­quired by custom and example, with­out putting the Person to a super­fluous expence of wit for the con­trivance; and though there should be occasion for it, few are so un­fortunate in their Relations and Ac­quaintance not to have some Friend capable of giving them advice, if they are not too ignorantly con­ceited to ask it.’ Aurelian was so pleased with the easiness and smart­ness of her Expostulation, that he for­got to make a reply, when she seem'd to expect it; but being a Woman of a quick Apprehension, and justly sensible of her own Perfections, [Page 18] she soon perceived he did not grudge his attention. However she had a mind to put it upon him to turn the discourse, so went on upon the same Subject. ‘Signior (said she) I have been looking round me, and by your Maxim I cannot discover one fool in the Company; for they are all well drest.’ This was spoken with an Air of Rallery that awakened the Cavalier,who immediately made answer: ‘'Tis true, Madam, we see there may be as much variety of good fancies as of faces, yet there may be many of both kinds bor­rowed and adulterate if inquired into; and as you were pleased to observe, the invention may be Fo­reign to the Person who puts it in practice; and as good an Opinion as I have of an agreeable Dress, I should be loth to answer for the wit of all about us. I believe you (says the Lady) and hope you are convinced of your error, since you must allow it impossible to tell who of all this Assembly did or did not [Page 19] make choice of their own Apparel. Not all (said Aurelian) there is an ungainness in some which betrays them. Look ye there (says he) pointing to a Lady who stood playing with the Tassels of her Girdle, I dare answer for that La­dy, though she be very well dress'd, 'tis more than she knows. His fair unknown could not forbear laughing at his particular distinction, and freely told him, he had indeed light upon one who knew as little as any body in the Room, her self excepted. Ah! Madam, (reply'd Aurelian) you know every thing in the World but your own Perfecti­ons, and you only know not those, because 'tis the top of Perfection not to know them. How? (re­ply'd the Lady) I thought it had been the extremity of knowledge to know ones self. Aurelian had a little over-strain'd himself in that Complement, and I am of Opini­on would have been puzzl'd to have brought himself off readily: [Page 20] but by good fortune the Musick came into the Room and gave him an opportunity to seem to decline an answer, because the company prepared to dance: he only told her he was too mean a Conquest for her wit who was already a Slave to the Charms of her Person. She thanked him for his Complement, and briskly told him she ought to have made him a return in praise of his wit, but she hoped he was a Man more happy than to be dissatisfy'd with any of his own En­dowments; and if it were so, that he had not a just Opinion of him­self, she knew her self incapable of saying any thing to beget one.’ Aurelian did not know well what to make of this last reply; for he al­ways abhor'd any thing that was con­ceited, with which this seem'd to reproach him. But however modest he had been heretofore in his own thoughts, yet never was he so di­strustful of his good behaviour as now, being rally'd so by a Person [Page 21] whom he took to be of judgment: Yet he resolved to take no notice, but with an Air unconcerned and full of good humour entreated her to Dance with him: She promised him to Dance with no body else, nor I believe had she inclination; for notwithstanding her tartness, she was upon equal terms with him as to the liking of each others Person and Hu­mour, and only gave those little hints to try his Temper; there be­ing certainly no greater sign of folly and ill breeding, than to grow se­rious and concerned at any thing spoken in rallery: for his part, he was strangely and insensibly fallen in love with her Shape, Wit and Air; which, together with a white Hand, he had seen (perhaps not accidental­ly) were enough to have subdued a more stubborn Heart than ever he was master of; and for her Face, which he had not seen, he bestowed upon her the best his Imagination could furnish him with. I should by right now describe her Dress, which [Page 22] was extreamly agreeable and rich, but 'tis possible I might err in some material Pin or other, in the sticking of which may be the whole grace of the Drapery depended. Well, they danced several times together, and no less to the satisfaction of the whole Company, than of themselves; for at the end of each Dance, some publick note of Applause or other was given to the graceful Couple.

Aurelian was amaz'd, that among all that danced or stood in view he could not see Hippolito; but conclud­ing that he had met with some pleasing Conversation, and was with­drawn to some retired part of the Room, he forbore his search till the mirth of that Night should be over, and the Company ready to break up, where we will leave him for a while, to see what became of his ad­venturous Friend.

Hippolito, a little after he had parted with Aurelian, was got among a knot of Ladies and Cavaliers, who were looking upon a large Gold Cup [Page 23] set with Jewels, in which his Royal Highness had drank to the Prospe­rity of the new married Couple at Dinner, and which afterward he pre­sented to his Cousin Donna Catharina. He among the rest was very intent, admiring the richness, workmanship and beauty of the Cup, when a Lady came behind him and pulling him by the Elbow, made a sign she would speak with him; Hippolito, who knew him­self an utter Stranger to Florence and every body in it, immediately gues­sed she had mistaken him for her ac­quaintance, as indeed it happened; however he resolved not to discover himself till he should be assured of it; having followed her into a set Window remote from Company, she address'd her self to him in this manner: ‘Signior Don Lorenzo (said she) I am over­joy'd to see you are so speedily re­covered of your Wounds, which by report were much more dangerous than to have suffered your coming a­broad so soon; but I must accuse you of great indiscretion, in ap­pearing [Page 24] in a Habit which so many must needs remember you to have worn upon the like occasion not long ago, I mean at the Marri­age of Don Cynthio with your Sister Atalanta; I do assure you, you were known by it, both to Iuliana and my self, who was so far concerned for you, as to desire me to tell you, that her Brother Don Fabritio (who saw you when you came in with another Gentleman) had eyed you very nar­rowly, and is since gone out of the Room, she knows not upon what de­sign; however she would have you, for your own sake, be advised and circumspect when you depart this place, lest you should be set upon unawares; you know the hatred Don Fabritio has born you ever since you had the fortune to kill his Kins­man in a Duel: Here she paused as if expecting his reply; but Hip­polito was so confounded, that he stood mute, and contemplating the hazard he had ignorantly brought himself into, forgot his design of [Page 25] informing the Lady of her mistake.’ She finding he made her no Answer, went on. ‘I perceive (continued she) you are in some surprize at what I have related, and may be, are doubt­ful of the Truth; but I thought you had been better acquainted with your Cousin Leonara's Voice, than to have forgot it so soon: Yet in Complaisance to your ill Memory, I will put you past doubt, by shewing you my Face;’ with that she pulled off her Mask, and discovered to Hippolito (now more amaz'd than ever) the most Angelick Face that he had ever beheld. He was just about to have made her some answer, when, clapping on her Mask again without giving him time, she happily for him pursu'd her Discourse. (For 'tis odds but he had made some dis­covery of himself in the surprize he was in.) Having taken him sami­liarly by the Hand, now she had made her self known to him, ‘Cou­sin Lonenza (added she) you may perhaps have taken it unkindly, that, [Page 26] during the time of your indisposition, by reason of your Wounds, I have not been to visit you; I do assure you it was not for want of any Inclina­tion I had both to see and serve you to my power; but you are well ac­quainted with the Severity of my Father, whom you know how late­ly you have disobliged. I am mighty glad that I have met with you here, where I have had an Opportunity to tell you what so much concerns your Safety, which I am afraid you will not find in Florence; considering the great Power Don Fabritio and his Fa­ther, the Marquess of Viterbo, have in this City. I have another thing to inform you of, That whereas Don Fabio had interested himself in your Cause, in Opposition to the Marquess of Viterbo, by reason of the long A­nimosity between them, all hopes of his Countenance and Assistance are defeated: For there has been a Pro­posal of Reconciliation made to both Houses, and it is said it will be confirm'd (as most such ancient [Page 27] Quarrels are at last) by the Marriage of Iuliana the Marquess's Daughter, with Aurelian, Son to Don Fabio: to which effect the old Gentleman sent 'tother Day to Siena, where Aure­lian has been Educated, to hasten his coming to Town; but the Messen­ger returning this Morning, brought word, That the same day he ar­riv'd at Siena, Aurelian had set out for Florence, in Company with a young Spanish Nobleman, his inti­mate Friend, so it is believ'd, they are both in Town, and not unlikely in this Room in Masquerade.’

Hippolito could not forbear smiling to himself, at these last words. For ever since the naming of Don Fabio he had been very attentive; but be­fore, his Thoughts were wholly taken up with the Beauty of the Face he had seen, and from the time she had taken him by the Hand, a succes­sive warmth and chillness had play'd about his Heart, and sur­priz'd him with an unusual Transport. He was in a hundred Minds, whether [Page 28] he should make her sensible of her Error or no; but considering he could expect no farther Conference with her after he should discover himself, and that as yet he knew not of her place of abode, he resolv'd to hu­mour the mistake a little further. Having her still by the Hand, which he squeez'd somewhat more eagerly than is usual for Cousins to do, in a low and undistinguishable Voice, he let her know how much he held him­self obliged to her, and avoiding as many words as handsomely he could, at the same time, entreated her to give him her Advice, toward the management of himself in this Affair. Leonora, who never from the begin­ning had entertain'd the least Scruple of distrust, imagined he spoke faint­ly, as not being yet perfectly re­covered in his strength; and withal considering that the heat of the Room, by reason of the Crowd, might be uneasie to a Person in his Condition; she kindly told him, That if he were as inclinable to dispense with the re­mainder [Page 29] of that Nights Diversion as she was, and had no other engagement upon him, by her consent they should both steal out of the Assembly, and go to her House, where they might with more freedom discourse about a business of that importance, and where he might take something to refresh himself if he were (as she con­ceiv'd him to be) indisposed with his long standing. Judge you whe­ther the Proposal were acceptable to Hippolito or no; he had been rumi­nating with himself how to bring something like this about, and had almost despair'd of it; when of a suddain he found the success of his design had prevented his own en­deavours. He told his Cousin in the same key as before, That he was unwilling to be the occasion of her Divorce from so much good Compa­ny; but for his own part, he was afraid he had presumed too much up­on his recovery in coming abroad [...] soon, and that he found himself so unwell, he feared he should be quick­ly [Page 30] forc'd to retire. Leonora stay'd not to make him any other reply, only tipp'd him upon the Arm, and bid him follow her at a convenient distance to avoid-Observation.

Whoever had seen the Joy that was in Hippolito's Countenance, and the Sprightliness with which he follow'd his Beautiful Conductress, would scarce have taken him for a Person griev'd with uncured Wounds. She led him down a back pair of Stairs, into one of the Palace Gardens which had a Door opening into the Piazza, not far from where Don Mario her Father lived. They had little Dis­course by the way, which gave Hip­polito time to consider of the best way of discovering himself. A thousand things came into his Head in a minute, yet nothing that pleased him: and after so many Contrivances as he had formed for the discovery of him­self, he found it more rational for him not to reveal himself at all that Night, since he could not foresee what effect the surprize would have, [Page 31] she must needs be in, at the appearance of a Stranger, whom she had never seen before, yet whom she had treat­ed so familiarly. He knew Women were apt to shriek or swoon upon such Occasions, and should she happen to do either, he might be at a loss how to bring himself off. He thought he might easily pretend to be indisposed somewhat more than ordinary, and so make an excuse to go to his own Lodging. It came into his Head too, that under pretence of giving her an account of his Health, he might enquire of her the means how a Let­ter might be convey'd to her the next morning, wherein he might inform her gently of her mistake, and insi­nuate something of that Passion he had conceiv'd, which he was sure he could not have opportunity to speak of if he bluntly revealed himself. He had just resolv'd upon this Method, as they were come to the great Gates of the Court, when Leonora stopping to let him go in before her, he of a sud­dain fetch'd his Breath violently as if [Page 32] some stitch or twinging smart had just then assaulted him. She enquired the matter of him, and advised him to make haste into the House that he might sit down and rest him. He told her he found himself so ill, that he judged it more convenient for him to go home while he was in a condition to move, for he fear'd if he should once settle himself to rest he might not be able to stir. She was much troubled, and would have had a Chair made ready and Servants to carry him home; but he made answer, he would not have any of her Fathers Servants know of his being abroad, and that just now he had an interval of ease, which he hop'd would continue till he made a shift to reach his own Lodg­ings. Yet if she pleased to inform him how he might give an account of himself the next morning, in a line or two, he would not fail to give her the thanks due to her great kindness; and withal, would let her know something which would not a little surprize her, though now he [Page 33] had not time to acquaint her with it. She show'd him a little Window at the corner of the House, where one should wait to receive his Letter, and was just taking her leave of him, when seeing him search hastily in his Pocket, she ask'd him if he miss'd a­ny thing; he told her he thought a Wound which was not throughly heal'd bled a little, and that he had lost his Handkerchief. His design took; for she immediately gave him hers: which indeed accordingly he apply'd to the only would he was then griev'd with; which though it went quite through his Heart, yet thank God was not Mortal. He was not a little rejoyc'd at his good For­tune in getting so early a Favour from his Mistress, and notwithstanding the violence he did himself to personate a sick Man, he could not forbear giving some Symptoms of an extraordinary content; and telling her that he did not doubt to receive a considerable Proportion of ease from the Applica­tion of what had so often kiss'd her [Page 34] fair Hand. Leonora who did not sus­pect the Compliment, told him she should be heartily glad if that or a­ny thing in her power might con­tribute to his recovery; and wishing him well home, went into her House, as much-troubled for her Cousin as he was joyful for his Mistress.

Hippolito as soon as she was gone in, began to make his Remarks about the House, walking round the great Court, viewing the Gardens and all the Pas­sages leading to▪ that side of the Piazza. Having sufficiently informed himself, with a Heart full of Love, and a Head full of Stratagem, he walked toward his Lodging, impatient till the arri­val of Aurelian that he might give him­self vent. In which interim, let me take the liberty to digress a little, and tell the Reader something which I do not doubt he has apprehended himself long ago, if he be not the dullest Reader in the World; yet only for orders sake, let me tell him I say, That a young Gentleman (Cousin to the aforesaid Don Fa­britio) [Page 35] happened one night to have some words at a Gameing House with one Lorenzo, which created a Quarrel of fatal Consequence to the former, who was killed upon the Spot, and likely to be so to the latter, who was very desperately wounded.

Fabritio being much concerned for his Kinsman, vow'd revenge (ac­cording to the ancient and laudable custom of Italy) upon Lorenzo if he surviv'd, or in case of his death (if it should happen to anticipate that, much more swinging Death which he had in store for him) upon his next of Kin, and so to descend Lineally like an English Estate, to all the Heirs Males of his Family. This same Fa­britio had indeed (as Leonora told Hip­polito) taken particular notice of him from his first entrance into the Room, and was so far doubtful as to go out immediately himself, and make en­quiry concerning Lorenzo, but was quickly inform'd of the greatness of his Error, in believing a Man to be abroad, who was so ill of his Wounds, [Page 36] that they now despair'd of his reco­very; and thereupon return'd to the Ball very well satisfied, but not be­fore Leonora and Hippolito were de­parted.

So, Reader, having now discharg'd my Conscience of a small Discovery which I thought my self obliged to make to thee, I proceed to tell thee, that our Friend Aurelian had by this time danced himself into a Net which he neither could, nor which is worse desired to untangle.

His Soul was charm'd to the move­ment of her Body: an Air so graceful, so sweet, so easie and so great, he had never seen. She had something of Majesty in her, which appear'd to be born with her; and though it struck an awe into the Beholders, yet was it sweetned with a familiarity of Be­haviour, which rendred it agreeable to every Body. The grandeur of her Mien was not stiff, but unstudied and unforced, mixed with a simplicity; free, yet not loose nor affected. If the former seem'd to condescend, the [Page 37] latter seem'd to aspire; and both to unite in the centre of Perfection. E­very turn she gave in dancing snatcht Aurelian into a Rapture, and he had like to have been out two or three times with following his Eyes, which she led about as Slaves to her Heels.

As soon as they had done dancing, he began to complain of his want of Breath and Lungs, to speak sufficient­ly in her Commendation; She smil­ingly told him, he did ill to dance so much then: Yet in Consideration of the pains he had taken more than or­dinary upon her account, she would bate him a great deal of Complement, but with this Proviso, That he was to discover to her who he was. Aurelian was unwilling for the present to own himself to be really the Man he was; when a suddain thought came into his Head to take upon him the Name and Character of Hippolito, who he was sure was not known in Florence. He thereupon, after a little pause, pre­tended to recal himself in this manner: [Page 38] ‘Madam, it is no small demonstrati­on of the entire Resignation which I have made of my Heart to your Chains, since the secrets of it are no longer in my power. I confess I on­ly took Florence in my way, not de­signing any longer Residence, than should be requisite to inform the Cu­riosity of a Traveller, of the rareties of the Place. Whether Happiness or Misery will be the Consequence of that Curiosity, I am yet in fear, and submit to your Determination; but sure I am, not to depart Florence till you have made me the most misera­ble Man in it, and refuse me the fa­tal Kindness of Dying at your Feet. I am by Birth a Spaniard, of the City of Toledo; my name Hippolito di Sa­violina: I was yesterday a Man free, as Nature made the first; to day I am fallen into a Captivity, which must continue with my Life, and which, it is in your power, to make much dearer to me. Thus in obe­dience to your Commands, and con­trary to my Resolution of remaining [Page 39] unknown in this place, I have in­form'd you, Madam, what I am; what I shall be, I desire to know from you; at least, I hope, the free discovery I have made of my self, will encourage you to trust me with the knowledge of your Person.’

Here a low bow, and a deep sigh, put an end to his Discourse, and signi­fied his Expectation of her Reply, which was to this purpose—(But I had forgot to tell you, That Aurelian kept off his Mask from the time that he told her he was of Spain, till the period of his Relation.) ‘Had I thought (said she) that my Curio­sity would have brought me in debt, I should certainly have forborn it; or at least have agreed with you be­fore hand about the rate of your discovery, then I had not brought my self to the Inconveniency of be­ing censur'd, either of too much easiness or reservedness; but to a­void, as much as I can, the extreami­ty of either, I am resolv'd but to discover my self in part, and will [Page 40] endeavour to give you as little occa­sion as I can, either to boast of, or ridicule the Behaviour of the Women of Florence in your Travels.’

Aurelian interrupted her, and swore very solemnly (and the more heartily, I believe, because he then indeed spoke truth) that he would make Florence the place of his abode, whatever concerns he had elsewhere. She ad­vised him to be cautious how he swore to his Expressions of Gallantry; and farther told him she now hoped she should make him a return to all the Fine Things he had said, since she gave him his choice whether he would know whom she was, or see her Face.

Aurelian who was really in Love, and in whom Consideration would have been a Crime, greedily embrac'd the latter, since she assured him at that time he should not know both. Well, what follow'd? Why, she pull'd off her Mask, and appear'd to him at once in the Glory of Beauty. But who can tell the astonishment Aurelian felt? He was for a time senseless; Admira­tion [Page 41] had suppress'd his Speech, and his Eyes were entangled in Light. In short, to be made sensible of his con­dition, we must conceive some Idea of what he beheld, which is not to be imagined till seen, nor then to be ex­press'd. Now see the impertinence and conceitedness of an Author, who will have a sling at a Description, which he has Prefaced with an im­possibility. One might have seen something in her Composition resem­bling the Formation of Epicurus his World, as if every Atome of Beauty had concurr'd to unite an excellency. Had that curious Painter lived in her days, he might have avoided his pain­ful search, when he collected from the choicest pieces the most choice Fea­tures, and by a due Disposition and Judicious Symmetry of those exquisite parts, made one whole and perfect Venus. Nature seem'd here to have play'd the Plagiary, and to have molded into Substance the most re­fined Thoughts of inspired Poets. Her Eyes diffus'd Rays comfortable [Page 42] as warmth, and piercing as the light; they would have worked a pas­sage through the straightest Pores, and with a delicious heat, have play'd about the most obdurate frozen Heart, untill 'twere melted down to Love. Such Majesty and Affability were in her Looks; so alluring, yet com­manding was her Presence, that it mingled awe with love; kindling a Flame which trembled to aspire. She had danced much, which, together with her being close masked, gave her a tincture of Carnation more than ordinary. But Aurelian (from whom I had every tittle of her Description) fancy'd he saw a little Nest of Cupids break from the Tresses of her Hair, and every one officiously betake him­self to his task. Some fann'd with their downy Wings, her glowing Cheeks; while others brush'd the balmy Dew from off her Face, leaving alone a heavenly Moisture blubbing on her Lips, on which they drank and revell'd for their pains; Nay, so particular were their allotments in [Page 43] her service, that Aurelian was very po­sitive a young Cupid who was but just Pen-feather'd, employ'd his naked Quills to pick her Teeth. And a thousand other things his transport re­presented to him, which none but Lovers who have experience of such Visions will believe.

As soon as he awaked and found his Speech come to him, he employ'd it to this effect:

‘'Tis enough that I have seen a Divinity—Nothing but Mercy can inhabit these Perfections—Their utmost rigour brings a Death pre­ferable to any Life, but what they give—Use me, Madam, as you please; for by your fair self, I can­not think a Bliss beyond what now I feel—You Wound with Pleasure, and if you Kill it must be with Transport—Ah! Yet methinks to live—O Heaven! to have Life pronounced by those Bless'd Lips—Did they not inspire where they command, it were an immedi­ate Death of Joy.’

[Page 44] Aurelian was growing a little too loud with his Admiration, had she not just then interrupted him, by clapping on her Masque, and telling him they should be observed, if he proceeded in his Extravagance; and withal, that his Passion was too sud­dain to be real, and too violent to be lasting. He replied, Indeed it might not be very lasting, (with a submissive mournful Voice) but it would con­tinue during his Life. That it was suddain, he denied, for she had raised it by degrees from his first sight of her, by a continued discovery of Charms, in her Mien and Conversa­tion, till she thought sit to set Fire to the Train she had laid, by the Light­ning of her Face; and then he could not help it, if he were blown up.

He begg'd her to believe the Since­rity of his Passion, at least to enjoin him something, which might tend to the Convincing of her Incredulity. She said, she should find a time to make some Trials of him; but for the first, she charged him not to follow [Page 45] or observe her, after the Dissolution of the Assembly. He promised to o­bey, and entreated her to tell him but her Name, that he might have Re­course to that in his Affliction for her Absence, if he were able to survive it. She desired him to live by all means; and if he must have a Name to play with, to call her Incognita, till he were better informed.

The Company breaking up, she took her leave, and at his earnest En­treaty, gave him a short Vision of her Face; which, then dress'd in an ob­liging smile, caused another fit of Transport, which lasted till she was gone out of Sight. Aurelian gathered up his Spirits, and walked slowly to­wards his Lodging, never remem­bring that he had lost Hippolito, till upon turning the Corner of a Street, he heard a noise of Fighting; and coming near, saw a Man make a vigo­rous Defence against two, who pres­sed violently upon him. He then thought of Hippolito, and fancying he saw the glimmering of Diamond But­tons, [Page 46] such as Hippolito had upon the Sleeyes of his Habit, immediately drew to his Assistance; and with that Eagerness and Resolution, that the Assailants, finding their unmanly odds defeated, took to their Heels. The Person rescued by the Generous Help of Aunelian, came toward him; but as he would have stoop'd to have sa­luted him, dropp'd, fainting at his feet. Aurelian, now he was so near him, perceiv'd plainly Hippolito's Ha­bit, and step'd hastily to take him up. Just as some of the Guards (who were going the Rounds, apprehensive of such Disorders in an Universal Mer­riment) came up to him with Lights, and had taken Prisoners the Two Men, whom they met with their Swords drawn; when looking in the Face of the Wounded Man, he found it was not Hippolito, but his Gover­nour Claudio, in the Habit he had worn at the Ball. He was extreamly surpriz'd, as were the Prisoners, who confess'd their Design to have been upon Lorenzo; grounding their Mi­stake [Page 47] upon the Habit which was known to have been his. They were Two Men who formerly had been Servants to him, whom Lorenzo had unfortu­nately slain.

They made a shift to bring Claudio to himself; and part of the Guard carrying off the Prisoners, whom Au­relian desired they would secure, the rest accompanied him bearing Claudio in their Arms to his Lodging. He had not patience to forbear asking for Hippolito by the Way; whom Claudio assured him, he had left safe in his Chamber, above Two Hours since. That his coming Home so long before the Divertisements were ended, and Undressing himself, had given him the Unhappy Curiosity, to put on his Habit, and go to the Ballace; in his Return from whence, he was set up­on in the Manner he found him, which if he recovered, he must own his Life indebted to his timely As­sistance.

[Page 48]Being come to the House, they carried him to his Bed, and having sent for Surgeons Aurelian rewarded and dismissed the Guard. He stay'd the dressing of Claudio's Wounds, which were many, though they hop'd none Mortal: and leaving him to his Rest, went to give Hippolito an Ac­count of what had happened, whom he found with a Table before him, leaning upon both his Elbows, his Face covered with his Hands, and so motionless, that Aurelian concluded he was asleep; seeing several Papers lie before him, half written and blotted out again, he thought to steal softly to the Table, and discover what he had been employed about. Just as he reach'd forth his Hand to take up one of the Papers, Hippolito started up so on the suddain, as surpriz'd Aurelian and made him leap back; Hippolito, on the other hand, not sup­posing that any Body had been near him, was so disordered with the Ap­pearance of a Man at his Elbow, (whom his Amazement did not per­mit [Page 49] him to distinguish) that he leap'd hastily to his Sword, and in turning him about, overthrew the Stand and Candles. Here were they both left in the Dark, Hippolito groping about with his Sword, and thrusting at eve­ry Chair that he felt oppose him. Aurelian was scarce come to himself, when thinking to step back toward the Door that he might inform his Friend of his Mistake, without ex­posing himself to his blind Fury; Hippolito heard him stir, and made a full thrust with such Violence, that the Hilt of the Sword meeting with Au­relian's Breast beat him down, and Hippolito a top of him, as a Servant a­larm'd with the noise, came into the Chamber with a Light. The Fellow trembled, and thought they were both Dead, till Hippolito raising him­self, to see whom he had got under him, swoon'd away upon the disco­very of his Friend. But such was the extraordinary Care of Providence in directing the Sword, that it only past under his Arm, giving no Wound to [Page 50] Aurelian, but a little Bruise between his Shoulder and Breast with the Hilt. He got up, scarce recovered of his Fright, and by the help of the Ser­vant laid Hippolito upon the Bed; who when he was come to himself could hardly be perswaded, that his Friend was before him and alive, till he shew'd him his Breast, where was no­thing of a Wound. Hippolito begg'd his Pardon a Thousand Times, and curs'd himself as often, who was so near to committing the most Execra­ble Act of Amicide.

They dismiss'd the Fellow, and with many Embraces, congratulated their fortunate Delivery from the Mischief which came so near them, each blaming himself as the Occasion: Aurelian accusing his own unadvised­ness in stealing upon Hippolito; Hip­polito blaming his own temerity and weakness, in being so easily fright­ed to Disorder; and last of all, his blindness, in not knowing his dearest Friend. But there he gave a Sigh, and passionately taking Aurelian by [Page 51] the Hand, cry'd, Ah! my Friend, Love is indeed blind, when it would not suffer me to see you—There arose another Sigh; a Sympathy seiz'd Aurelian immediately: (For, by the Way, sighing is as catching among Lovers, as yawning among the Vul­gar.) Beside hearing the Name of Love, made him fetch such a Sigh, that Hippolito's were but Fly-blows in Comparison, that was answered with all the Might Hippolito had, Aurelian ply'd him close till they were both out of Breath.

Thus not a Word pass'd, though each wondred why the t'other sigh'd, at last concluded it to be only Com­plaisance to one another.

Aurelian broke the Silence, by tell­ing him the Misfortune of his Gover­nour. Hippolito rejoic'd as at the luckiest Accident which could have befall'n him. Aurelian wondred at his unseasonable Mirth, and demand­ed the Cause of it; he answer'd, It would necessitate his longer Stay in Florence, and for ought he knew be [Page 52] the Means of bringing a happy Period to his Amour.

His Friend thought him to be little better than a Mad-man, when he per­ceiv'd him of a suddain snatch out of his Bosom a Handkerchief, which having kiss'd with a great deal of Ardour, he took Aurelian by the Hand, and smiling at the Surprize he saw him in;

‘Your Florentine Cupid is certainly (said he) the most Expert in the World. I have since I saw you be­held the most Beautiful of Women. I am faln desperately in Love with her, and those Papers which you see so blotted and scattered, are but so many Essays which I have made to the Declaration of my Passion. And this Handkerchief which I so zea­lously Caress, is the Inestimable To­ken which I have to make my self known to her. O Leonora! (con­tinued he) how hast thou stamp'd thine Image on my Soul! How much dearer am I to my self, since I have had thy Heavenly Form in keeping! [Page 53] Now, my Aurelian, I am worthy thee; my exalted Love has Digni­fied me, and rais'd me far above thy poor former Despicable Hippolito.’

Aurelian seeing the Rapture he was in, thought it in vain to expect a set­tled Relation of the Adventure, so was reaching to the Table for some of the Papers, but Hippolito told him, If he would have a little patience he would acquaint him with the whole Matter; and thereupon told him Word for Word how he was mi­staken for Lorenzo, and his Manage­ment of himself. Aurelian commend­ed his Prudence, in not discovering himself; and told him, If he could spare so much time from the Con­templation of his Mistress, he would in­form him of an Adventure, though not so Accidental, yet of as great Con­cern to his own future Happiness. So related all that had happened to him with his Beautiful Incognita.

Having ended the Story, they be­gan to consider of the Means they were to use toward a Review of their [Page 54] Mistresses. Aurelian was Confounded at the Difficulty he conceived on his Part. He understood from Hippolita's Adventure, that his Father knew of his being in Town, whom he must un­avoidably Disoblige if he yet conceal­ed himself, and Disobey if he came into his Sight; for he had already enter­tain'd an Aversion for Iuliana, in ap­prehension of her being Imposed on him. His Incognita was rooted in his Heart, yet could he not Comfort himself with any Hopes when he should see her: He knew not where she lived, and she had made him no Promise of a second Conference. Then did he repent his inconsiderate Choice, in preferring the momentary Vision of her Face, to a certain Intel­ligence of her Person. Every thought that succeeded distracted him, and all the Hopes he could presume upon, were within compass of the Two Days Merriment yet to come; for which Space he hop'd he might excuse his remaining conceal'd to his Fa­ther.

[Page 55] Hippolito on the other side (though Aurelian thought him in a much bet­ter Way) was no less afflicted for himself. The Difficulties which he saw in his Friend's Circumstances, put him upon finding out a great many more in his own, than really there were. But what terrified him most of all, was his being an utter Stranger to Leonora; she had not the least know­ledge of him but through mistake, and consequently could form no Idea of him to his Advantage. He look'd upon it as an unlucky thought in Au­relian to take upon him his Name, since possibly the Two Ladies were ac­quainted, and should they communi­cate to each other their Adventures; they might both reasonably suffer in their Opinions, and be thought guilty of Falshood, since it would appear to them as One Person pretending to Two. Aurelian told him, there was but one Remedy for that, which was for Hippolito, in the same Manner that he had done, to make use of his Name, when he writ to Leonora, and [Page 56] use what Arguments he could to per­swade her to Secrecy, least his Father should know of the Reason which kept him concealed in Town. And it was likely, though perhaps she might not immediately entertain his Passion; yet she would out of Generosity con­ceal, what was hidden only for her sake.

Well this was concluded on, after a great many other Reasons used on ei­ther Side, in favour of the Contri­vance; they at last argued themselves into a Belief, that Fortune had be­friended them with a better Plot, than their regular Thinking could have contriv'd. So soon had they convinc'd themselves, in what they were willing to believe.

Aurelian laid himself down to rest, that is, upon the Bed; for he was a better Lover than to pretend to sleep that Night, while Hippolito set him­self again to frame his Letter design'd for Leonora. He writ several, at last pitched upon one, and very probably the worst, as you may guess when you read it in its proper Place.

[Page 57]It was break of Day when the Ser­vant, who had been employed all the foregoing Day in procuring Accou­trements for the Two Cavaliers, to appear in at the Tilting, came into the Room, and told them all the Young Gentlemen in the Town were trying their Equipage, and preparing to be early in the Lists. They made themselves ready with all Expediti­on at the Alarm: And Hippolito ha­ving made a Visit to his Governour, dispatch'd a Messenger with the Let­ter and Directions to Leonora. At the Signal agreed upon the Casement was opened and a String let down, to which the Bearer having fastned the Letter, saw it drawn up, and return­ed. It were a vain attempt to de­scribe Leonora's Surprize, when she read the Superscription.— The Vn­fortunate Aurelian, to the Beautiful Leonora—After she was a little recovered from her Amaze, she recol­lected to her self all the Passages be­tween her and her supposed Cousin, and immediately concluded him to be [Page 58] Aurelian. Then several little Circum­stances which she thought might have been sufficient to have convinced her, represented themselves to her; and she was in a strange Uneasiness to think of her free Carriage to a Stran­ger.

She was once in a Mind to have burn'd the Letter, or to have stay'd for an Opportunity to send it again. But she was a Woman, and her Curi­osity opposed it self to all thoughts of that Nature: at length with a firm Resolution, she opened it, and found Word for Word, what is under­written.

She read the Letter over and over, then flung it by, then read it again; the Novelty of the Adventure made her repeat her Curiosity, and take more than ordinary Pains to under­stand it. At last her Familiarity with the Expressions grew to an Intimacy, [Page 62] and what she at first permitted she now began to like. She thought there was something in it a little more se­rious, than to be barely Gallantry. She wondred at her own Blindness, and fancy'd she could remember some­thing of a more becoming Air in the Stranger than was usual to Lorenzo. This thought was parent to another of the same kind, till a long Chain successively had Birth, and every one somewhat more than other, in Favour of the supposed Aurelian. She reflect­ed upon his Discretion, in deferring the Discovery of himself, till a little time had, as it were, weaned her from her perswasion, and by removing her farther from her Mistake, had prepared her for a full and determinate Convincement. She thought his Be­haviour, in personating a Sick Man so readily, upon the first hint was not amiss, and smil'd to think of his Ex­cuse to procure her Handkerchief; and last of all, his sifting out the Means to write to her, which he had done with that Modesty and [Page 63] Respect, she could not tell how to find fault with it.

She had proceeded thus far in a maze of Thought, when she started to find her self so lost to her Reason, and would have trod back again that path of deluding Fancy; accusing her self of Fondness, and inconsiderate Easi­ness, in giving Credit to the Letter of a Person whose Face she never saw, and whose first Acquaintance with her was a Treachery, and he who could so readily deliver his Tongue of a Lye upon a Surprize, was scarce to be trusted when he had sufficient Time allow'd him to beget a Fiction, and Means to perfect the Birth.

How did she know this to be Aure­lian, if he were? Nay farther, put it to the Extremity, What if she should upon farther Conversation with him proceed to Love him? What Hopes were there for her? Or how could she consent to Marry a Man already Destined for another Woman? nay, a Woman that was her Friend, whose Marrying with him was to compleat [Page 64] the happy Reconciliation of Two No­ble Families, and which might pre­vent the Effusion of much Blood likely to be shed in that Quarrel: Besides, she should incurr share of the Guilt, which he would draw upon him by Disobedience to his Father, whom she was sure would not be consenting to it.

'Tis strange now, but all Accounts agree, that just here Leonora, who had run like a violent Stream against Aurelian hitherto, now retorted with as much precipitation in his Favour. I could never get any Body to give me a satisfactory Reason, for her suddain and dextrous Change of Opinion just at that stop, which made me con­clude she could not help it; and that Nature boil'd over in her at that time when it had so fair an Opportunity to show it self: For Leonora it seems was a Woman Beautiful, and other­wise of an excellent Disposition; but in the Bottom a very Woman. This last Objection, this Opportunity of perswading Man to Disobedience, de­termined [Page 65] the Matter in Favour of Aurelian, more than all his Excellen­cies and Qualifications, take him as Aurelian, or Hippolito, or both toge­ther.

Well, the Spirit of Contradiction and of Eve was strong in her; and she was in a fair Way to Love Aure­lian, for she lik'd him already; that it was Aurelian she no longer doubted, for had it been a Villain, who had only taken his Name upon him for any ill Designs, he would never have slip'd so favourable an Opportunity as when they were alone, and in the Night coming through the Garden and broad Space before the Piazza. In short, thus much she resolv'd, at least to conceal the Knowledge she had of him, as he had entreated her in his Letter, and to make particular Re­marks of his Behaviour that Day in the Lists, which should it happen to Charm her with an absolute liking of his Person, she resolv'd to dress her self to the best Advantage, and mu­stering up all her Graces, out of [Page 66] pure Revenge to kill him down right.

I would not have the Reader now be impertinent, and look upon this to be force, or a whim of the Au­thor's, that a Woman should proceed so far in her Approbation of a Man whom she never saw, that it is impos­sible, therefore ridiculous to suppose it. Let me tell such a Critick, that he knows nothing of the Sex, if he does not know that a Woman may be taken with the Character and De­scription of a Man, when general and extraordinary, that she may be pre­possess'd with an agreeable Idea of his Person and Conversation; and though she cannot imagine his real Features, or manner of Wit, yet she has a ge­neral Notion of what is call'd a fine Gentleman, and is prepar'd to like such a one who does not disagree with that Character. Aurelian, as he bore a very fair Character, so was he ex­treamly deserving to make it good, which otherways might have been to his prejudice; for oftentimes, through [Page 67] an imprudent Indulgence to our Friends merit, we give so large a De­scription of his excellencies, that People make more room in their Expe­ctation, than the Intrinsick worth of the Man will fill, which renders him so much the more despicable as there is emptyness to spare. 'Tis certain, though the Women seldom find that out; for though they do not see so much in a Man as was promised, yet they will be so kind to imagine he has some hidden excellencies which time may discover to them, so are content to allow him a considerable share of their esteem, and take him into Favour upon Tick. Aurelian as he had good Credit, so he had a good Stock to support it, and his Person was a good promising Security for the payment of any Obligation he could lie under to the Fair Sex. Hippolito, who at this time was our Aurelian, did not at all lessen him in appearing for him: So that although Leonora was indeed mistaken, she could not be said to be much in the wrong. I could [Page 68] find in my Heart to beg the Reader's pardon for this Digression, if I thought he would be sensible of the Civility; for I promise him, I do not intend to do it again throughout the Story, though I make never so many, and though he take them never so ill. But because I began this upon a bare Supposition of his Impertinence, which might be somewhat impertinent in me to suppose I do, and hope to make him amends by telling him, that by the time Leonora was dress'd, several La­dies of her acquaintance came to ac­company her to the place designed for the Tilting, where we will leave them drinking Chocholate till 'tis time for them to go.

Our Cavaliers had by good Fortune provided themselves of two curious Suits of light Armour, finely enammel­led and gilt. Hippolito had sent to Poggio Imperiale for a couple of fine led Horses which he had left there with the rest of his Train at his entrance into Florence. Mounted on these and every way well Equipt, they [Page 69] took their way, attended only by two Lacqueys, toward the Church di Santa Croce, before which they were to per­form their Exercises of Chivalry. Hippolito wore upon his Helm a large Plume of Crimson Feathers, in the midst of which was artificially placed Leonora's Handkerchief. His Armour was gilt, and enammell'd with Green and Crimson. Aurelian was not so happy as to wear any token to re­commend him to the notice of his Mistress, so had only a Plume of Sky-colour and White Feathers, suitable to his Armour, which was Silver en­ammelled with Azure. I shall not de­scribe the Habits of any other Cava­liers, or of the Ladies; let it suffice to tell the Reader they were all very Fine and very Glorious, and let him dress them in what is most agreeable to his own Fancy.

Our Gallants entred the Lists, and having made their Obeysance to his Highness, turned round to salute and view the Company. The Scaffold was circular, so that there was no [Page 70] end of the Delightful Prospect. It seem'd a Glory of Beauty which shone around the admiring Beholders. Our Lovers soon perceived the Stars which were to Rule their Destiny, which sparkled a lustre beyond all the in­feriour Constellations, and seem'd like two Suns to distribute Light to all the Planets in that Heavenly Sphere. Leonora knew her Slave by his Badge and blushed till the Lilies and Roses in her Cheeks had resemblance to the Plume of Crimson and White Hand­kerchief in Hippolito's Crest. He made her a low bow, and reined his Horse back with an extraordinary Grace, into a respectful retreat. Au­relian saw his Angel, his beautiful In­cognita, and had no other way to make himself known to her, but by saluting and bowing to her after the Spanish mode; she guess'd him by it to be her new Servant Hippolito, and signified her apprehension, by making him a more particular and obliging re­turn, than to any of the Cavaliers who had saluted her before.

[Page 71]The Exercise that was to be per­form'd was in general a running at the Ring; and afterwards two Ca­valiers undertook to defend the Beau­ty of Donna Catharina, against all who would not allow her prehemi­nence of their Mistresses. This thing was only designed for show and form, none presuming that any body would put so great an affront upon the Bride and Duke's Kinswoman, as to dispute her pretentions to the first place in the Court of Venus. But here our Cavaliers were under a mistake; for seeing a large Shield car­ry'd before two Knights, with a Lady painted upon it; not knowing who, but reading the Inscription which was (in large Gold Letters) Above the In­solence of Competition. They thought themselves obliged, especially in the presence of their Mistresses, to vin­dicate their Beauty; and were just spurring on to engage the Champions, when a Gentleman stopping them, told them their mistake, that it was the Picture of Donna Catharina, and a [Page 72] particular Honour done to her by his Highness's Commands, and not to be disputed. Upon this they would have returned to their Post, much concerned for their mistake; but notice being taken by Don Ferdinand of some Show of Opposition that was made, he would have begged leave of the Duke, to have maintained his Lady's Honour against the Insolence of those Cavaliers; but the Duke would by no means permit it. They were arguing about it when one of them came up, before whom the Shield was born, and demanded his Highness's Permission, to inform those Gentlemen better of their mistake, by giving them the Foyl. By the Inter­cession of Don Ferdinand, leave was given them; whereupon a Civil Challenge was sent to the two Strangers, informing them of their Er­ror, and withal telling them they must either maintain it by force of Arms, or make a publick acknowledg­ment by riding bare headed before the Picture once round the Lists. The [Page 73] Stranger-Cavaliers remonstrated to the Duke how sensible they were of their Error, and though they would not justifie it, yet they could not decline the Combate, being pres­sed to it beyond an honourable re­fusal. To the Bride they sent a Com­plement, wherein, having first begg'd her pardon for not knowing her Picture, they gave her to understand, that now they were not about to dis­pute her undoubted right to the Crown of Beauty, but the honour of being her Champions was the Prize they sought for, which they thought themselves as able to maintain as any other Pretenders. Wherefore they pray'd her, that if fortune so far befriended their endeavours as to make them Victors, that they might receive no other Reward, but to be crown'd with the Titles of their Ad­versaries, and be ever after esteem'd as her most humble Servants. The excuse was so handsomely designed, and much better express'd than it is here, that it took effect. The Duke [Page 74] Don Ferdinand and his Lady were so well satisfied with it as to grant their Request.

While the running at the Ring lasted, our Cavaliers alternately bore away great share of the Honour. That Sport ended, Marshals were appoint­ed for the Field, and every thing in great form settled for the Combat. The Cavaliers were all in good earnest, but orders were given to bring 'em blunted Lances, and to forbid the drawing of a Sword upon pain of his Highness's Displeasure. The Trumpets sounded and they began their Course: The Ladies Hearts, particularly the Incognita and Leonora's, beat time to the Horses Hoofs, and hope and fear made a mock Fight within their tender Breasts, each wishing and doubting success where she lik'd: But as the generality of their Prayers were for the graceful Stran­gers, they accordingly succeeded. Aurelian's Adversary was unhorsed in the first Encounter, and Hippolito's lost both his Stirrups and dropt his [Page 75] Lance to save himself. The Honour of the Field was immediately granted to them, and Donna Catharina sent them both Favours, which she pray'd them to wear as her Knights. The Crowd breaking up, our Cavaliers made a shift to steal off unmarked, save by the watchful Leonora and Incognita, whose Eyes were never off from their re­spective Servants. There was en­quiry made for them, but to no pur­pose; for they to prevent their being discovered had prepared another House, distant from their Lodging, where a Servant attended to disarm them, and another carried back their Horses to the Villa, while they walk­ed unsuspected to their Lodging; but Incognita had given command to a Page to dog 'em till the Evening, at a distance, and bring her word where they were latest housed.

While several Conjectures pass'd a­mong the Company, who were all gone to Dinner at the Palace, who those Cavaliers should be, Don Fabio thought himself the only Man able to [Page 76] guess; for he knew for certain that his Son and Hippolito were both in Town, and was well enough pleased with his humour of remaining In­cognito till the Diversions should be over, believing then that the surprize of his Discovery would add much to the Gallantry he had shown in Mas­querade; but hearing the extraordi­nary liking that every body express'd, and in a particular manner, the great Duke himself, to the Persons and Be­haviour of the unknown Cavaliers, the Old Gentleman could not forbear the Vanity to tell his Highness, that he believed he had an interest in one of the Gentlemen, whom he was pleased to honour with so favourable a Cha­racter; and told him what reason he had to believe the one to be his Son, and the other a Spanish Nobleman, his Friend.

This discovery having thus got vent, was diffused like Air; every bo­dy suck'd it in, and let it out again with their Breath to the next they met withal; and in half an hours time it [Page 77] was talked of in the House where our Adventures wer lodged. Aurelian was shark mad at the News, and knew what search would be immediately made for him. Hippolito, had he not been desperately in Love, would cer­tainly have taken Horse and rid out of Town just then; for he could make no longer doubt of being discovered, and he was afraid of the just Ex­ceptions Leonora might make to a Per­son who had now deceived her twice. Well, we will leave them both fretting and contriving to no purpose, to look about and see what was done at the Palace, where their doom was deter­mined much quicker than they ima­gined.

Dinner ended, the Duke retired with some chosen Friends to a Glass of Wine; among whom were the Mar­quess of Viterbo and Don Fabio. His Highness was no Stranger to the long Fewd that had been between the two Families, and also understood what Overtures of Reconciliation had been lately made, with the Proposals of [Page 78] Marriage between Aurelian and the Marquess's Daughter. Having waited till the Wine had taken the effect pro­posed, and the Company were raised to an uncommon pitch of Chearfulness, which he also encouraged by an Ex­ample of Freedom and Good Humour, he took an opportunity of rallying the two grave Signiors into an Accommo­dation: That was seconded with the praises of the young Couple, and the whole Company joined in a large Encomium upon the Graces of Aure­lian and the Beauties of Iuliana. The old Fellows were tickled with Delight to hear their Darlings so admired, which the Duke perceiving, out of a Principle of Generosity and Friend­ship, urged the present Consummati­on of the Marriage; telling them there was yet one day of publick Re­joycing to come, and how glad he should be to have it improved by so acceptable an Alliance; and what an honour it would be to have his Cousin's Marriage attended by the Conjuncti­on of so extraordinary a Pair, the [Page 79] performance of which Ceremony would crown the Joy that was then in Agitation, and make the last day vie for equal Glory and Happiness with the first. In short, by the Complai­sant and Perswasive Authority of the Duke, the Dons were wrought into a Compliance, and accordingly embraced and shook Hands upon the Matter. This News was dispersed like the former▪ and Don Fabio gave orders for the enquiring out his Son's Lodg­ing, that the Marquess and he might make him a Visit, as soon as he had acquainted Iuliana with his purpose, that she might prepare her self. He found her very chearful with Donna Catharina and several other Ladies; whereupon the old Gentleman, pretty well warmed with the Duke's Good-fellowship, told her aloud he was come to crown their Mirth with an­other Wedding; that his Highness had been pleased to provide a Husband for his Daughter, and he would have her provide her self to receive him to morrow. All the Company at first, as [Page 80] well as Iuliana her self, thought he had rally'd, till the Duke coming in confirmed the serious part of his Dis­course. Iuliana was confounded at the haste that was imposed on her, and desired a little time to consider what she was about. But the Marquess told her, she should have all the rest of her Life to consider in; that Au­relian should come and consider with her in the Morning, if she pleased; but in the mean time, he advised her to go home and call her Maids to Counsel.

Iuliana took her leave of the Com­pany very gravely, as if not much delighted with her Father's Rallery. Leonora happened to be by, and heard all that passed; she was ready to swoon, and found her self seized with a more violent Passion than ever for Aurelian: Now upon her apprehensions of losing him, her active fancy had brought him before her with all the advantages imaginable, and though she had before found great tenderness in her Inclina­tion toward him, yet was she some­what [Page 81] surprized to find she really lov'd him. She was so uneasie at what she had heard, that she thought it conve­nient to steal out of the presence and retire to her Closet, to bemoan her unhappy helpless Condition.

Our Two Cavalier-Lovers had rack'd their Invention till it was quite disabled, and could not make discovery of one Contrivance more for their Relief. Both sat silent, each depending upon his Friend, and still expecting when t'other should speak. Night came upon them while they sate thus thoughtless, or rather drowned in Thought; but a Servant bringing Lights into the Room awakened them: And Hippolito's Speech, usher'd by a pro­found Sigh, broke Silence.

‘Well! (said he) what must we do, Aurelian? We must suffer, re­plied Aurelian faintly.’ When imme­diately raising his Voice, he cry'd out, ‘Oh ye unequal Powers, why do ye urge us to desire what ye doom us to forbear; give us a Will to chuse, then curb us with a Duty to restrain [Page 82] that Choice! Cruel Father, Will nothing else suffice! Am I to be the Sacrifice to expiate your Offences past; past ere I was born? Were I to lose my Life, I'd gladly Seal your Reconcilement with my Blood. But Oh my Soul is free, you have no Title to my Immortal Being, that has Existence independent of your Power; and must I lose my Love, the Extract of that Being, the Joy, Light, Life, and Darling of my Soul? No, I'll own my Flame, and plead my Title too.—But hold, wretched Aurelian, hold, whither does thy Passion hurry thee? Alas! the cruel fair Incognita Loves thee not! She knows not of thy Love! If she did, what Merit hast thou to pre­tend? —Only Love.—Ex­cess of Love. And all the World has that. All that have seen her. Yet I had only seen her once, and in that once I lov'd above the World; nay, lov'd beyond my self, such vigorous Flame, so strong, so quick she dar­ted at my Breast; it must rebound, [Page 83] and by Reflection, warm her self. Ah! welcome Thought, lovely de­luding Fancy, hang still upon my Soul, let me but think▪ that once she Loves and perish my Despair.’

Here a suddain in stop gave a Period also to Hippolito's Expectation, and he hoped now that his Friend had given his Passion so free a vent, he might recollect and bethink himself of what was convenient to be done; but Au­relian; as if he had mustered up all his Spirits purely to acquit himself of that passionate Harangue, stood mute and insensible like an Alarum Clock, that had spent all its force in one vio­lent Emotion. Hippolito shook him by the Arm to rouze him from his Li­thargy, when his Lacquey coming in­to the Room, out of Breath, told him there was a Coach just stopp'd at the Door, but he did not take time to see who came in it. Aurelian concluded immediately it was his Father in quest of him; and without saying any more to Hippolito, than that he was Ruined if discovered, took his Sword and [Page 84] slipp'd down a back pair of Stairs into the Garden, from whence he con­veyed himself into the Street. Hippo­lito had not bethought himself what to do, before he perceiv'd a Lady come into the Chamber close veil'd, and make toward him. At the first Ap­pearance of a Woman, his Imagina­tion flattered him with a Thought of Leonora; but that was quickly over upon nearer Approach to the Lady, who had much the Advantage in Sta­ture of his Mistress. He very civilly accosted her, and asked, if he were the Person to whom the Honour of that Visit was intended. She said, her Business was with Don Hippolito di Saviolina, to whom she had Matter of Concern to import, and which re­quired haste. He had like to have told her, That he was the Man, but by good Chance reflecting upon his Friend's Adventure, who had taken his name, he made Answer, that he be­lieved Don Hippolito not far off, and if she had a Moments Patience he would enquire for him.

[Page 85]He went out, leaving the Lady in the Room, and made search all round the House and Garden for Aurelian, but to no purpose. The Lady impa­tient of his long stay took a Pen and Ink and some Paper which she found upon the Table, and had just made an End of her Letter, when hearing a Noise of more than one coming up Stairs, she concluded his Friend had found him, and that her Letter would be to no purpose, so tore it in, pieces, which she repented; when turning a­bout, she found her Mistake, and be­held. Don Fabio and the Marquess of Viterbo just entring at the Door. She gave a Shriek at the Surprize of their Appearance, which much troubled the Old Gentlemen, and made them retire in Confusion for putting a Gen­tlewoman into such a Fright. The Marquess thinking they had been mis­informed, or had mistaken the Lodg­ings, came forward again, and made an Apology to the Lady for their Errour; but she making no reply, walk'd directly by him down Stairs [Page 86] and went into her Coach, which hur­ried her away as speedily as the Hor­ses were able to draw.

The Dons were at a loss what to think, when, Hippolito coming into the Room to give the Lady an Account of his Errant, was no less astonished to find she was departed, and had left Two Old Signiors in her stead. He knew Don Fabio's Face, for Aurelian had shewn him his Father at the Tilt­ing; but being confident he was not known to him, he ventur'd to ask him concerning a Lady whom just now he had left in that Chamber. Don Fabio told him, she was just gone down, and doubted they had been Guilty of a Mistake, in coming to en­quire for a Couple of Gentlemen whom they were informed were Lodg­ed in that House; he begg'd his Par­don if he had any Relation to that Lady, and desired to know if he could give them any Account of the Persons they sought for. Hippolito made an­swer, He was a Stranger in the Place, and only a Servant to that Lady whom [Page 87] they had disturb'd, and whom he must go and seek out. And in this Per­plexity he left them, going again in Search of Aurelian, to inform him of what had passed.

The Old Gentlemen at last meeting with a Servant of the House, were directed to Signior Claudio's Chamber, where they were no sooner entered but Aurelian came into the House. A Servant who had skulk'd for him by Hippolito's Order, followed him up in­to the Chamber, and told him who was with Claudio then making Enqui­ry for him. He thought that to be no Place for him, since Claudio must needs discover all the Truth to his Fa­ther; wherefore he left Directions with the Servant, where Hippolito should meet him in the Morning. As he was going out of the Room he espied the torn Paper, which the Lady had thrown upon the Floor: The first piece he took up had In­cognita written upon it; the sight of which so Alarum'd him, he scarce knew what he was about; but hear­ing [Page 88] a Noise of a Door opening over Head, with as much Care as was con­sistent with the haste he was then in, he gathered up the scattered pieces of Paper, and betook himself to a Ram­ble.

Coming by a Light which hung at the Corner of a Street, he join'd the torn Papers and collected thus much, that his Incognita had Written the Note, and earnestly desired him (if there were any reality in what he pretended to her) to meet her at Twelve a Clock that Night at a Con­vent Gate; but unluckily the Bit of Paper which should have mentioned what Convent, was broken off and lost.

Here was a large Subject for Aure­lian's Passion, which he did not spare to pour forth in Abundance of Curses on his Stars. So earnest was he in the Contemplation of his Misfortunes, that he walk'd on unwittingly; till at length a Silence (and such as was on­ly to be found in that part of the Town, whither his unguided Steps [Page 89] had carried him) surpriz'd his Atten­tion▪ I say, a profound Silence rouz­ed him from his Thought; and a clap of Thunder could have done no more.

Now because it is possible this at some time or other may happen to be read by some Malicious or Ignorant Person, (no Reflection upon the present Reader) who will not admit, or does not understand that Silence should make a Man start; and have the same Effect, in provoking his Attention, with its opposite Noise; I will illu­strate this Matter, to such a diminu­tive Critick, by a Parallel Instance of Light; which though it does chiefly entertain the Eyes, and is indeed the prime Object of the Sight, yet should it immediately cease, to have a Man left in the Dark by a suddain defici­ency of it, would make him stare with his Eyes, and though he could not see, endeavour to look about him. Why just thus did it fare with our Adven­turer; who seeming to have wandred both into the Dominions of Silence [Page 90] and of Night, began to have some tender for his own Safety, and would willingly have groped his Way back again; when he heard a Voice, as from a Person whose Breath had been stopp'd by some forcible Oppression, and just then, by a violent Effort, was broke through the Restraint.— ‘Yet— Yet—(again reply'd the Voice, still struggling for Air;) Forbear—and I'll forgive what's past—I have done nothing yet that needs a Pardon, (says another) and what is to come, will admit of none.’

Here the Person who seemed to be the Oppressed, made several Attempts to speak, but they were only inarticu­late Sounds, being all interrupted and choaked in their Passage.

Aurelian was sufficiently astonish'd, and would have crept nearer to the Place whence he guessed the Voice to come; but he was got among the Ruines of an Old Monastery, and could not stir so silently, but some loose Stones he met with made a rum­bling. [Page 91] The Noise alarm'd both Par­ties; and as it gave Comfort to the one, it so Terrified the t'other, that he could not hinder the Oppressed from calling for help. Aurelian fan­cy'd it was a Womans Voice, and im­mediately drawing his Sword, deman­ded what was the Matter; he was an­swered with the Appearance of a Man, who had opened a Dark Lanthorn which he had by him, and came to­ward him with a Pistol▪ in his Hand ready cock'd.

Aurelian seeing the irresistable ad­vantage his Adversary had over him, would fain have retired; and, by the greatest Providence in the World, going backwards fell down over some loose Stones that lay in his Way, just in that Instant of Time when the Villain fired his Pistol, who see­ing him fall, concluded he had Shot him. The Crys of the afflicted Person were redoubled at the Tragical Sight, which made the Murderer, drawing a Poniard, to threaten-him, that the next Murmur should be his last. Au­relian, [Page 92] who was scarce assured that he was unhurt, got softly up; and co­ming near enough to perceive the Vio­lence that was used to stop the Inju­red Man's Mouth; (for now he saw plainly it was a Man) cry'd out, —Turn, Villain, and look upon thy Death.—The Fellow amazed at the Voice, turn'd about to have snatch'd up the Lanthorn from the Ground; either to have given Light only to himself, or to have put out the Candle, that he might have made his Escape; but which of the Two he designed, no Body could tell but him­self: And if the Reader have a Curi­osity to know, he must blame Aurelian; who thinking there could be no foul Play offered to such a Villain, ran him immediately through the Heart, so that he drop'd down Dead at his Feet, without speaking a Word. He would have seen who the Person was he had thus happily delivered, but the Dead Body had fallen upon the Lanthorn, which put out the Candle: However, coming up toward him, he [Page 93] ask'd him how he did▪ and bid him be of good Heart; he was answered with nothing but Prayers, Blessings and Thanks, called a Thousand De­liverers, good Genius's and Guardian Angels. And the Rescued would cer­tainly have gone upon his Knees to have worshipped him, had he not been bound Hand and Foot; which Aurelian understanding, groped for the Knots, and either untied them or cut them asunder; but 'tis more pro­bable the latter, because more ex­peditious.

They took little heed what became of the Body which they left behind them, and Aurelian was conducted from out the Ruins by the Hand of him he had delivered. By a faint light issuing from the just rising Moon, he could discern that it was a Youth; but coming into a more frequented part of the Town, where several Lights were hung out, he was amaz'd at the extream Beauty which appeared in his Face, though a little pale and dis­ordered with his late fright. Aure­lian [Page 94] longed to hear the Story of so odd an adventure, and entreated his Charge to tell it him by the way; but he desired him to forbear till they were come into some House or other, where he might rest and recover his tired Spirits, for yet he was so faint he was unable to look up. Aurelian thought these last words were deliver­ed in a Voice, whose accent was not new to him. That thought made him look earnestly in the Youth's Face, which he now was sure he had somewhere seen before, and thereup­on asked him if he had never been at Siena? That Question made the young Gentleman look up, and some­thing of a Joy appeared in his Counte­nance, which yet he endeavoured to smother; so praying Aurelian to con­duct him to his Lodging, he promised him that as soon as they should come thither, he would acquaint him with any thing he desired to know. Aurelian would rather have gone any where else than to his own Lodging; but being so very late he was [Page 95] at a loss, and so forced to be con­tented.

As soon as they were come into his Chamber, and that Lights were brought them and the Servant dis­missed, the paleness which so visibly before had usurped the sweet Counte­nance of the afflicted Youth vanished, and gave place to a more lively Flood of Crimson, which with a modest heat glow'd freshly on his Cheeks. Aurelian waited with a pleasing Admi­ration the discovery promised him, when the Youth still struggling with his Resolution, with a timorous haste, pulled off a Peruke which had con­cealed the most beautiful abundance of Hair that ever graced one Female Head; those dishevelled spreading Tresses, as at first they made a dis­covery of, so at last they served for a veil to the modest lovely blushes of the fair Incognita; for she it was and none other. But Oh! the inexpressi­ble, inconceivable joy and amazement of Aurelian! As soon as he durst ven­ture to think, he concluded it to be [Page 96] all vision, and never doubted so much of any thing in his Life as of his be­ing then awake. But she taking him by the Hand, and desiring him to sit down by her, partly convinced him of the reality of her presence.

‘This is the second time, Don Hip­polito, (said she to him) that I have been here this Night. What the occasion was of my seeking you out, and how by miracle you preserved me, would add too much to the sur­prize I perceive you to be already in should I tell you: Nor will I make any further discovery, till I know what censure you pass upon the con­fidence which I have put in you, and the strange Circumstances in which you find me at this time. I am sensible they are such, that I shall not blame your severest Conjectures; but I hope to convince you, when you shall hear what I have to say in justificati­on of my Vertue.’

Justification! (cry'd Aurelian) what Infidel dares doubt it! Then kneeling down, and taking her Hand, [Page 97] ‘Ah Madam (says he) would Hea­ven would no other ways look upon, than I behold your Perfections— Wrong not your Creature with a Thought, he can be guilty of that horrid Impiety as once to doubt your Vertue.—Heavens! (cry'd he, starting up) am I so really blessed to see you once again! May I trust my Sight?—Or does my fancy now only more strongly work?— For still I did preserve your Image in my Heart, and you were ever pre­sent to my dearest Thoughts.—’

‘Enough Hippolito, enough of Rapture (said she) you cannot much accuse me of Ingratitude; for you see I have not been unmindful of you; but moderate your Joy till I have told you my Condition, and if for my sake you are raised to this Delight, it is not of a long conti­nuance.—’

At that (as Aurelian tells the Sto­ry) a Sigh diffused a mournful sweet­ness through the Air, and liquid grief fell gently from her Eyes, tri­umphant [Page 98] sadness sat upon her Brow, and even sorrow seem'd delighted with the Conquest he had made. See what a change Aurelian felt! His Heart bled Tears, and trembled in his Breast; Sighs struggling for a vent had choaked each others passage up: His Floods of Joys were all supprest; cold doubts and fears had chill'd 'em with a sudden Frost, and he was troubled to excess; yet knew not why. Well, the Learned say it was Sympathy; and I am always of the Opinion with the Learned, if they speak first.

After a World of Condoleance had passed between them, he prevailed with her to tell him her Story. So having put all her Sighs into one great Sigh, she discharged her self of 'em all at once, and formed the Relation you are just about to Read.

‘Having been in my Infancy Con­tracted to a Man I could never en­dure, and now by my Parents being likely to be forced to Marry him, is in short, the great occasion of my grief. I fansy'd (continued she) [Page 99] something so Generous in your Coun­tenance, and uncommon in your Be­haviour, while you were diverting your self, and rallying me with Ex­pressions of Gallantry, at the Ball, as induced me to hold Conference with you. I now freely confess to you, out of design, That if things should happen as I then feared, and as now they are come to pass, I might rely upon your assistance in a matter of Concern; and in which I would sooner chuse to depend up­on a generous Stranger, than any Acquaintance I have. What Mirth and Freedom I then put on, were, I can assure you, far distant from my Heart; but I did violence to my self out of Complaisance to your Tem­per.— I knew you at the Tilting, and wished you might come off as you did; though I do not doubt, but you would have had as good Suc­cess had it been opposite to my Incli­nations. Not to detain you by too te­dious a Relation, every day my Friends urged me to the Match they had [Page 100] agreed upon for me, before I was capable of Consenting; at last their importunities grew to that de­gree, that I found I must either con­sent, which would make me misera­ble, or be miserable by perpetually enduring to be baited by my Father, Brother and other Relations. I resol­ved yesterday, on a suddain, to give firm Faith to the Opinion I had con­ceived of you; and accordingly came in the Evening to request your as­sistance, in delivering me from my Tormentors, by a safe and private conveyance of me to a Monastry a­bout four Leagues hence, where I have an Aunt who would receive me, and is the only Relation I have averse to the Match. I was surprized at the appearance of some Company I did not expect at your Lodgings; which made me in haste tear a Pa­per which I had written to you with Directions where to find me, and get speedily away in my Coach to an old Servant's House, whom I acquainted with my purpose: By my Order she [Page 101] provided me of this Habit which I now wear; I ventured to trust my self with her Brother, and resolved to go under his Conduct to the Mo­nastery; he proved to be a Villain, and pretending to take me a short and private way to the place where he was to take up a Hackney Coach (for that which I came in was broke some where or other, with the haste it made to carry me from your Lodg­ing) led me into an old ruined Mo­nastery, where it pleased Heaven, by what Accident I know not, to di­rect you. I need not tell you how you saved my Life and my Honour, by revenging me with the Death of my Persidious Guide. This is the summ of my present Condition, bating the apprehensions I am in of being taken by some of my Relations, and forced to a thing so quite contra­ry to my Inclinations.’

Aurelian was confounded at the Relation she had made, and began to fear his own Estate to be more despe­rate than ever he had imagined. He [Page 102] made her a very Passionate and Elo­quent Speech in behalf of himself (much better than I intend to in­sert here) and expressed a mighty concern that she should look upon his ardent Affection to be only Rallery or Gallantry. He was very free of his Oaths to confirm the Truth of what he pretended, nor I believe did she doubt it, or at least was unwilling so to do: For I would Caution the Reader by the bye, not to believe every word which she told him, nor that admirable sorrow which she coun­terseited to be accurately true. It was indeed truth so cunningly inter­mingled with Fiction, that it re­quired no less Wit and Presence of Mind than she was endowed with so to acquit her self on the suddain. She had entrusted her self indeed with a Fellow who proved a Villain, to con­duct her to a Monastery; but one which was in the Town, and where she intended only to lie concealed for his sake; as the Reader shall under­derstand ere long: For we have an­other [Page 103] Discovery to make to him, if he have not found it out of himself al­ready.

After Aurelian had said what he was able upon the Subject in hand, with a mournful tone and dejected look, he demanded his Doom. She asked him if he would endeavour to convey her to the Monastery she had told him of? ‘Your commands, Madam, (re­plied he) are Sacred to me; and were they to lay down my Life I would obey them.’ With that he would have gone out of the Room, to have given order for his Horses to be got ready immediately; but with a Coun­tenance so full of sorrow as moved Compassion in the tender hearted In­cognita. ‘Stay a little Don Hippolito (said she) I fear I shall not be able to undergo the Fatigue of a Journey this Night.—Stay and give me your Advice how I shall conceal my my self if I continue to morrow in this Town.’ Aurelian could have sa­tisfied her she was not then in a place to avoid discovery: But he [Page 104] must also have told her then the rea­son of it, viz. whom he was, and who were in quest of him, which he did not think convenient to de­clare till necessity should urge him; for he feared least her knowledge of those designs which were in agitation between him and Iuliana, might de­ter her more from giving her consent. At last he resolved to try his utmost perswasions to gain her, and told her accordingly, he was afraid she would be disturbed there in the Morning, and he knew no other way (if she had not as great an aversion for him as the Man whom she now en­deavour'd to avoid) than by making him happy to make her self secure. He demonstrated to her, that the disobligation to her Parents would be greater by going to a Monastery, since it was only to avoid a choice which they had made for her, and which she could not have so just a pretence to do till she had made one for her self.

[Page 105]A World of other Arguments he used, which she contradicted as long as she was able, or at least willing. At last she told him, she would consult her Pillow, and in the Morning conclude what was fit to be done. He thought it convenient to leave her to her rest, and having lock'd her up in his Room, went himself to repose upon a Pallat by Signior Claudio.

In the mean time, it may be conve­nient to enquire what became of Hip­polito. He had wandered much in pur­suit of Aurelian, though Leonora e­qually took up his Thoughts; He was reflecting upon the oddness and extra­vagance of his Circumstances, the Continuation of which had doubtless created in him a great uneasmess, when it was interrupted with the noise of opening the Gates of the Convent of St. Lawrence, whither he was arrived sooner than he thought for, being the place Aurelian had appointed by the Lacquey to meet him in. He wondered to see the Gates opened at so unseasonable an hour, and went [Page 106] to enquire the reason of it from them who were employ'd; but they pro­ved to be Novices, and made him signs to go in, where he might meet with some body allow'd to answer him. He found the Religious Men all up, and Tapers lighting every where: at last he follow'd a Friar who was going into the Garden, and asking him the cause of these Preparations, he was answered, That they were en­treated to pray for the Soul of a Ca­valier, who was just departing or de­parted this Life, and whom upon far­ther talk with him, he found to be the same Lorenzo so often mentioned. Don Mario, it seems Uncle to Lorenzo and Father to Leonora, had a private Door out of the Garden belonging to his House into that of the Convent, which Door this Father was now a going to open, that he and his Fami­ly might come and offer up their Oraisons for the Soul of their Kins­man. Hippolito having informed him­self of as much as he could ask without suspicion, took his leave of the Friar, [Page 107] not a little joyful at the Hopes he had by such unexpected Means, of seeing his Beautiful Leonora: As soon as he was got at convenient Distance from the Friar, (who 'tis like thought he had return'd into the Convent to his Devotion) he turned back through a close Walk which led him with a little Compass, to the same private Door, where just before he had left the Friar, who now he saw was gone, and the Door open.

He went into Don Mario's Garden, and walk'd round with much Caution and Circumspection; for the Moon was then about to rise, and had al­ready diffused a glimmering Light, sufficient to distinguish a Man from a Tree. By Computation now (which is a very remarkable Circumstance) Hippolito entred this Garden near up­on the same Instant, when Aurelian wandred into the Old Monastery and found his Incognita in Distress. He was pretty well acquainted with the Platform, and Sight of the Garden; for he had formerly surveyed the Out­side, [Page 108] and knew what part to make to if he should be surpriz'd and driven to a precipitate Escape. He took his Stand behind a well-grown Bush of Myrtle, which, should the Moon shine brighter than was required, had the Advantage to be shaded by the Indulgent Boughs of an ancient Bay-Tree. He was de­lighted with the Choice he had made, for he found a Hallow in the Myrtle, as if purposely contriv'd for the Re­ception of one Person, who might undiscovered perceive all about him. He looked upon it as a good Omen, that the Tree Consecrated to Venus was so propitious to him in his Amo­rous Distress. The Consideration of that, together with the Obligation he lay under to the Muses, for sheltering him also with so large a Crown of Bays, had like to have set him a Rhy­ming.

He was, to tell the Truth, natu­rally addicted to Madrigal, and we should undoubtedily have had a small desert of Numbers to have pick'd and Criticiz'd upon, had he not [Page 109] been interrupted just upon his Deli­very; nay, after the Preliminary Sigh had made Way for his Utterance. But so was his Fortune, Don Mario was coming towards the Door at that very nick of Time, where he met with a Priest just out of Breath, who told him that Lorenzo was just brea­thing his last, and desired to know if he would come and take his final Leave before they were to administer the Extream Unction. Don Mario, who had been at some Difference with his Nephew, now thought it his Duty to be reconciled to him; so calling to Leonora, who was coming after him, he bid her go to her Devotions in the Chappel, and told her where he was go­ing.

He went on with the Priest, while Hippolito saw Leonora come forward, only accompanied by her Woman. She was in an undress, and by reason of a Melancholy visible in her Face, more Careless than usual in her At­tire, which he thought added as [Page 110] much as was possible to the abundance of her Charms. He had not much Time to Contemplate this Beauteous Vision, for she soon passed into the Garden of the Convent, leaving him Confounded with Love, Admiration, Joy, Hope, Fear, and all the Train of Passions, which seize upon Men in his Condition, all at once. He was so teazed with this Variety of Tor­ment, that he never missed the Two Hours that had slipped away during his Automachy and Intestine Conflict. Leonora's Return settled his Spirits, at least united them, and he had now no other Thought but how he should present himself before her. When she calling her Woman, bid her bolt the Garden Door on the Inside, that she might not be Surpriz'd by her Father, if he returned through the Convent; which done, she ordered her to bring down her Lute, and leave her to her self in the Gar­den.

[Page 111]All this Hippolito saw and heard to his inexpressible Content, yet had he much to do to smother his Joy, and hinder it from taking a Vent, which would have ruined the only Oppor­tunity of his Life. Leonora withdrew into an Arbour so near him, that he could distinctly hear her if she Play­ed or Sung: Having tuned her Lute, with a Voice soft as the Breath of Angels, she sung to it this following Air:

The Song ended grieved Hippolito that it was so soon ended; and in the Ecstacy he was then rapt, I be­lieve he would have been satisfied to have expired with it. He could not help Flattering himself, (though at the same Time he checked his own Vanity) that he was the Person meant in the Song. While he was indulging which thought, to his happy Asto­nishment, he heard it encouraged by these Words:

[Page 113] ‘Unhappy Leonora (said she) how is thy poor unwary Heart misled? Whither am I come? The false de­luding Lights of an imaginary Flame, have led me, a poor benighted Vi­ctim, to a real Fire. I burn and am consumed with hopeless Love; those Beams in whose soft temperate warmth I want [...]'d heretofore, now flash destruction to my So [...], my Treacherous greedy Eyes have suck'd the glaring Light, they have united all its Rays, and, like a burning-Glass, convey'd the pointed Meteor to my Heart—Ah! Aurelian, how quickly hast thou Conquer'd, and how quickly! [...] thou For­sake. —Oh Happy ( [...] me un­fortunately Happy) Iuliana!— I am to be the Subject of thy Tri­umph —To thee Aurelian comes laden with the Tribute of my Heart and Glories in the Oblation of his broken Vows.—What then, is Aurelian False!—False! alass, I know not what I say; How can he be False, or True, or any Thing to [Page 114] me? What Promises did he ere make or I receive? Sure I dream, or I am mad, and fansie it to be Love; Foolish Girl, recal thy banish'd Reason.—Ah! would it were no more, would I could rave, sure that would give me Ease, and rob me of the Sense of Pain; at least, among my wandring Thoughts, I should at sometime light upon Aurelian, and fansie him to be mine; kind Mad­ness would flatter my poor feeble Wishes, and sometimes tell me Au­relian is not lost—not irre­coverably —not for ever lost.’

Hippolito could hear no more, he had not Room for half his Transport. When Leonora perceived a Man co­ming toward her, she fell a trembling, and could not speak. Hippolito ap­proached with Reverence, as to a Sacred Shrine; when coming near e­nough to see her Consternation, he fell upon his Knees.

[Page 115] ‘Behold, O Adored Leonora (said he) your ravished Aurelian, behold at your feet the Happiest of Men, be not disturb'd at my Appearance, but think that Heaven conducted me to hear my Bliss pronounced by that dear Mouth alone, whose breath could fill me with new Life.’

Here he would have come nearer, but Leonora (scarce come to her self) was getting up in haste to have gone away▪ he catch'd her Hand, and with all the Endearments of Love and Tran­sport pressed her stay; she was a long time in great Confusion, at last, with many Blushes, she entreated him to let her go where she might hide her Guil­ty Head, and not expose her shame before his Eyes, since his Ears had been sufficient Witnesses of her Crime. He begg'd pardon for his Treachery in over-hearing, and confessed it to be a Crime he had now repeated. With a Thousand Submissions, En­treaties, Prayers, Praises, Blessings, and passionate Expressions he wrought upon her to stay and hear him. Here [Page 116] Hippolito made use of his Rhetorick, and it proved prevailing: 'Twere te­dious to tell the many ingenious Argu­ments he used, with all her Nice Di­stinctions and Objections. In short, he convinced her of his Passion, re­presented to her the necessity they were under, of being speedy in their Resolves: That his Father (for still he was Aurelian) would undoubted­ly find him in the Morning, and then it would be too late to Repent. She on the other Hand, knew it was in vain to deny a Passion, which he had heard her so frankly own; (and no doubt was very glad it was past and done;) besides apprehending the dan­ger of delay, and having some little Jealousies and Fears of what Effect might be produced between the Com­mands of his Father and the Beauties of Iuiliana; after some decent Denials, she consented to be Conducted by him through the Garden into the Con­vent, where she would prevail with her Confessor to Marry them. He was a scrupulous Old Father whom [Page 117] they had to deal withal, insomuch that ere they had perswaded him, Don Mario was returned by the Way of his own House, where missing his Daughter, and her Woman not being able to give any farther Ac­count of her, than that she left her in the Garden; he concluded she was gone again to her Devotions, and in­deed he found her in the Chappel upon her Knees with Hippolito in her Hand, receiving the Father's Bene­diction upon Conclusion of the Cere­mony.

It would have asked a very skilful Hand, to have depicted to the Life the Faces of those Three Persons, at Don Mario's Appearance. He that has seen some admirable Piece of Transmutation by a Gorgon's Head, may form to himself the most proba­ble Idea of the Prototype. The Old Gentleman was himself in a sort of a Wood, to find his Daughter with a Young Fellow and a Priest, but as yet he did not know the Worst, till Hip­polito and Leonora came, and kneeling [Page 118] at his Feet, begg'd his Forgiveness and Blessing as his Son and Daughter. Don Mario, instead of that, fell into a most violent Passion, and would un­doubtedly have committed some ex­travagant Action, had he not been restrained, more by the Sanctity of the Place, than the Perswasions of all the Religious, who were now come about him. Leonora stirr'd not off her Knees all this time, but conti­nued begging of him that he would hear her.

‘Ah! Ungrateful and Undutiful Wretch (cry'd he) how hast thou requited all my Care and Tenderness of thee? Now when I might have expected some return of Comfort, to throw thy self away upon an un­know Person, and, for ought I know, a Villain; to me I'm sure he is a Villain, who has robb'd me of my Treasure, my Darling Joy, and all the future Happiness of my Life prevented. Go—go, thou now­to-be-forgotten Leonora, go and en­joy thy unprosperous Choice; you [Page 119] who wanted not a Father's Counsel, cannot need, or else will slight his Blessing.’

These last Words were spoken with so much Passion and feeling Concern, that Levnora, moved with Excess of Grief, fainted at his Feet, just as she had caught hold to Embrace his Knees. The Old Man would have shook her off, but Compassion and Fatherly Af­fection came upon him in the midst of his Resolve, and melted him into Tears; he Embraced his Daughter in his Arms, and wept over her, while they endeavoured to restore her Senses.

Hippolito was in such Concern he could not speak, but was busily em­ployed in rubbing and chafing her Temples; when she opening her Eyes laid hold of his Arm, and cry'd out— Oh my Aurelian— how un­happy have you made me! With that she had again like to have fainted away, but he shook her in his Arms, and begg'd Don Mario to have some pity on his Daughter, since by his Severity [Page 120] she was reduced to that Condition. The Old Man hearing his Daughter name Aurelian, was a little revived, and began to hope Things were in a pretty good Condition, he was per­swaded to comfort her; and having brought her wholly to her self, was content to hear her Excuse, and in a little time was so far wrought upon as to beg Hippolito's Pardon for the Ill Opinion he had conceived of him, and not long after gave his Consent.

The Night was spent in this Con­flict, and it was now clear Day, when Don Mario Conducting his new Son and Daughter through the Garden, was met by some Servants of the Marquess of Viterbo, who had been enquiring for Donna Leonona; to know if Iuliana had lately been with her; for that she was missing from her Father's House, and no conjectures could be made of what might become of her. Don Mario and Leonora were surprized at the News, for he knew well enough of the Match that was design'd for Iuli­ana; and having enquired where the [Page 121] Marquess was, it was told him, That he was gone with Don Fabio and Fa­britio toward Aurelian's Lodgings. Don Mario having assured the Servants that Iuliana had not been there, dis­missed them, and advised with his Son and Daughter how they should undeceive the Marquess and Don Fabio in their Expectations of Aurelian. Hippolito could oftentimes scarce for­bear smiling at the old Man's Contri­vances who was most deceived him­self; he at length advised them to go all down together to his Lodging, where he would present himself before his Father, and ingenuously confess to him the truth, and he did not questi­on his approving of his Choice.

This was agreed to, and the Coach made ready. While they were upon their way, Hippolito pray'd heartily that his Friend Aurelian might be at the Lodging, to satisfie Don Mario and Leonora of his Circumstances and Quality, when he should be obliged to discover himself. His Petitions were granted; for Don Fabio had beset the [Page 122] House long before his Son was up or Incognita awake.

Upon the arrival of Don Mario and Hippolito, they heard a great Noise and Hubbub above Stairs, which Don Ma­rio concluded was occasioned by their not finding Aurelian, whom he thought he could give the best account of: So that it was not in Hippolito's power to disswade him from going up before to prepare his Father to receive and for­give him. While Hippolito and Leo­nora were left in the Coach at the Door, he made himself known to her, and begg'd her pardon a thousand times for continuing the deceit. She was under some concern at first to find she was still mistaken; but his Beha­viour, and the Reasons he gave, soon reconciled him to her; his Person was altogether as agreeable, his Estate and Quality not at all inferiour to Aureli­an's; in the mean time, the true Aurelian who had seen his Father, begg'd leave of him to withdraw for a moment; in which time he went into the Chamber where his Incognita was dressing her [Page 123] self, by his design, in Woman's Ap­parel, while he was consulting with her how they should break the matter to his Father; it happened that Don Mario came up Stairs where the Marquess and Don Fabio were; they undoubtedly concluded him Mad, to hear him making Apologies and Ex­cuses for Aurelian, whom he told them if they would promise to forgive he would present before them immedi­ately. The Marquess asked him if his Daughter had lain with Leonora that Night; he answered him with another question in behalf of Aurelian. In short, they could not understand one another, but each thought 'tother be­side himself. Don Mario was so con­cern'd that they would not believe him, that he ran down Stairs and came to the Door out of Breath, de­siring Hippolito that he would come in­to the House quickly, for that he could not perswade his Father but that he had already seen and spoke to him. Hippolito by that understood that Aurelian was in the House; so [Page 124] taking Leonora by the Hand, he fol­lowed Don Mario, who led him up in­to the Dining-Room, where they found Aurelian upon his Knees, beg­ging his Father to forgive him, that he could not agree to the Choice he had made for him, since he had al­ready disposed of himself, and that before he understood the designs he had for him, which was the reason that he had hitherto concealed himself. Don Fabio knew not how to answer him, but look'd upon the Marquess, and the Marquess upon him, as if the Cement had been cool'd which was to have united their Families.

All was silent, and Don Mario for his part took it to be all Conjura­tion; he was coming forward to present Hippolito to them, when Au­relian spying his Friend, started from his Knees and ran to embrace him— My dear Hippolito (said he) what happy chance has brought you hither, just at my Necessity? Hip­polito pointed to Don Mario and Le­onora, and told him upon what terms [Page 125] he came. Don Mario was ready to run mad, hearing him called Hippolito, and went again to examine his Daughter. While she was informing him of the truth, the Marquess's Servants returned with the melancho­ly News that his Daughter was no where to be found. While the Mar­quess and Don Fabritio were wonder­ing at, and lamenting the Misfortune of her loss, Hippolito came towards Don Fabio and interceded for his Son, since the Lady perhaps had withdrawn her self out of an Aversion to the Match. Don Fabio, though very much incens'd, yet forgot not the Respect due to Hippolito's Quality; and by his perswasion spoke to Aurelian, though with a stern Look and angry Voice, and asked him where he had disposed the cause of his Disobedience, if he were worthy to see her or no; Au­relian made answer, That he desired no more than for him to see her; and he did not doubt a Consequence of his Approbation and Forgiveness— Well (said Don Fabio) you are very [Page 126] conceited of your own Discretion, let us see this Rarety. While Aurelian was gone in for Incognita, the Mar­quess of Viterbo and Don Fabritio were taking their leaves in great disor­der for their loss and disappointment; but Don Fabio entreated their stay a moment longer till the return of his Son. Aurelian led Incognita into the Room veil'd, who seeing some Com­pany there which he had not told her of, would have gone back again. But Don Fabio came bluntly forwards, and ere she was aware, lifted up her Veil and beheld the Fair Incognita, differ­ing nothing from Iuliana, but in her Name. This discovery was so ex­treamly surprizing and welcome, that either Joy or Amazement had tied up the Tongues of the whole Company. Aurelian here was most at a loss, for he knew not of his Happiness; and that which all along prevented Iuli­ana's confessing her self to him, was her knowing Hippolito (for whom she took him) to be Aurelian's Friend, and she feared if he had known her, [Page 127] that he would never have consented to have deprived him of her. Iu­liana was the first that spoke, falling upon her Knees to her Father, who was not enough himself to take her up. Don Fabio ran to her, and a­wakened the Marquess, who then em­braced her, but could not yet speak. Fabritio and Leonora strove who should first take her in their Arms; for Au­relian he was out of his wits for Joy, and Iuliana was not much behind him, to see how happily their Loves and Duties were reconciled. Don Fabio embraced his Son and forgave him: The Marquess and Fabritio gave Iuli­ana into his hands, he received the Blessing upon his Knees; all were o­ver-joy'd, and Don Mario not a little proud at the discovery of his Son-in-Law, whom Aurelian did not fail to set forth with all the ardent Zeal and Eloquence of Friendship. Iuliana and Leonora had pleasant Discourse about their unknown and mistaken Rivalship, and it was the Subject of a great deal of Mirth to hear Iuliana [Page 128] relate the several Contrivances which she had to avoid Aurelian for the sake of Hippolito.

Having diverted themselves with many Remarks upon the pleasing sur­prize, they all thought it proper to attend upon the Great Duke that Morning at the Palace, and to ac­quaint him with the Novelty of what had pass'd; while, by the way, the two Young Couple entertained the Company with the Relation of seve­ral Particulars of their Three Days Adventures.