The Siege of Mentz, or, The German heroin a novel.

The Siege of Mentz, or, The German heroin a novel.

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Title page

To the ever Honoured, Adam Felton, Knight Barronet.

THE SIEGE OF MENTZ. A NOVEL

Books newly Printed for Sam. Briſcoe, over againſt Will's Coffee Houſe, in Ruſſel▪ Street, in Covent-Garden.

THE SIEGE OF MENTZ. A NOVEL

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THERE is ſo great a diſparity betwixt Mars and the God of Love, that one would imagine where the firſt did appear, the laſt ſhould not preſume to ſhew his head: The one is all Fierceneſs Valour, and Undauntedneſs, which ſcorns all Advantages▪ but what are gained by Bravery and Courage: And the other is of ſo ſoft and delicate a F [...]ame, that it [Page] uſes nothing but Policy and Stratagems to bring about its Amorous Intrigues and Deſigns. Yet, notwithſtanding this vaſt difference, Mars is ſeldom ſeen to take the Field, but that Love is perceived to follow in the Rear, not without hopes of obtaining as conſiderable Conqueſts there, as the other can hope for in the firſt ranks of Honour. We are not without divers examples of this kind; but this which I here preſent to the publick, is of ſo modern a date, and ſo remarkable in our days, that I thought I ſhould not a little oblige the World in giving it this Piece of Gallantry, in which one of our own Nation, was one of the principal Heroes, both as to War and Love.

We will diſguiſe him under the Name of Peregrine, of a conſiderable Family in the North of England, though a younger Brother, who being come to London, (that famous place for framing of Youth to Virtue, as well as to Vice,) there he ſell in Company with ſome Officers of the Conſederates, who had left their German Winter-Quarters, to ſpend ſome days in ſeeing the Engliſh-Court.

[Page]His natural tendency to Arms put him on the deſign of ſeeing a Campaigne, or two; and though he had ſome thoughts at firſt, to make his firſt Eſſay in Flanders, yet the Friendſhip which he contracted with theſe German-Officers, made him to proffer to accompany them back, to ſerve with them in quality of Voluntier in the Army of the Allies, in hopes they would continue their Friendſhip towards him. They readily imbrac'd his offers, with aſſurances of not only their Services out of their Friendſhip; alſo, eſpecially Count Zinzendorf, who had a conſiderable Poſt, took him into particular Protection, aſſuring him, That he would write to him, and ſend him word where he ſhould find him at the opening of the Campaigne.

Peregrine having laid ſo good a Foundation, to build his war-like Reſolution upon, thinks of no more but getting, againſt the Seaſon, ſuch an Equipage as might ſute with his Deſigns, and the quality of thoſe that honoured him with their Friendſhip; wherefore ſo ſoon as theſe German Gentlemen had ſatisfied their Curioſities, in all that was remarkable in this great City, and the adjacent [Page] places to it, (in which Peregrine did aſſiſt them, not only with all his Intereſt, but that of his Friends alſo,) they took leave of him, and imbarked for Holland, in order to their return in their own Country.

Now is Peregrine buſied to the utmoſt, to get himſelf provided with Horſes, Servants, Monies, and other neceſſaries, to appear like a Gentleman, being reſolved to ſignalize himſelf by ſome brave action to render himſelf worthy of the honour of theſe brave Strangers, who had ſo freely taken him into their Friendſhip.

Peregrine had left in the Country, a young Gentlewoman, who was deeply in love with him; but his Mind having been for a conſiderable time, before he could perceive her affections, poſſeſt with the deſires of Travelling, he had avoided, as much as he could, her Company, for fear of being diverted by her from his beloved deſign. This Gentlewoman hearing of Peregrine's ſuddain leaving of England, writ to him a Letter, which was extraordinary full of Paſſion, which he received the day before his departure; the contents of which I ſhall have occaſion [Page] to deliver, in the Thread of this following Diſcourſe.

There is nothing like a willing mind to diſpatch Buſineſs; his deſires were ſo great, that in a ſhort time he had got ready an Equipage ſuitable to his worth; with which, after having taken leave of his particular Friends, in the Month of March he ſet forward for Harwich, where having found the Pacquet-Boat ready for ſail, he went in it for Holland; where he ſafely arrived the third day after [...] Netherlands, [...] where nothing happened to him▪ [...] able, 'till he was got within a day [...] ncy of the City of Mentz, which was then in the poſſeſſion of the French, who put all the Country thereabouts under Contribution, & took up ſuch conſiderable Hoſtages as they could find, for ſecurity, which they carried with them into that place, threatning them with Death if the Contributions were not duly brought in.

There had fallen ſuch a vaſt quantity of Rain, during a whole day and night, that all the Roads were covered with Waters, and the ſmall Rivers ſwollen into [Page] Torrents: He was to paſs on through a Ford that was at a ſmall diſtance from an ancient Caſtle, by whoſe Walls the River run, taring up, and hurrying along with its Streams, Trees, and pieces of Rocks.

There was a Lady on the other ſide of the River, who leaning over ſome Rails on the Banks, beholding the ſtrange conſuſion which this medly of things made; Peregrine having made an halt, while he had ſent one of his Men for a Guide, he, mean time, had leaſure to conſider that Perſon, who with her ſumptuous Dreſs, and delicate Beauty, had fix'd his Eyes in admiration of her; when on the ſuddain, the Earth ſhe ſtood upon, gave way, and ſhe, with the Rails, fell headlong into the Torrent; ſhe gave a moſt vehement out-cry, which was ſeconded by Peregrine, and his Servants. He Preſently ſet Spurs to his Horſe, and having gon beyond where ſhe was floting on the Currant, being buoy'd up by her Cloths, and the rapidneſs of the Stream, he plung'd into the River, and with much ado, got hold of her; but finding his Horſe might hurt her, while he dragg'd her along, he quitted him, not without [Page] receiving a hurt in the Leg, which made it the more difficult for him to reach the ſhore, with his drowning Prize: At laſt he got hold of ſome Roots of Trees, by which he hung, 'till he had recovered Breath, holding the Lady's Head, as much as poſſible he could, above Water, 'till his Man reaching ſome Branches to him, which they had haſtily lopp'd off of Trees; he got hold of them, and was pulled to ſhoar, with the Lady: She laid for dead, on the Graſs; and he with ſmall ſigns of life.

By this time, the out-crys that had been made at the Lady's fall in the Water, had brought ſome of the Servants of the Caſtle to the Rivers ſide, where having beheld the ſad Spectacle, they renewed the out-crys; but above all, Mariana, Clarinda's Kinſwoman, tranſported beyond her ſelf, at the ſight of her dead Friend, did fling her ſelf violently upon her Body, making the greateſt Lamentations imaginable; at the ſhock of theſe two Bodies, Clarinda coming a little to her ſelf, open'd her Eyes, and fetching a ſhort ſigh, gave viſible ſigns that there was ſome Life in her. Peregrine, who was come to himſelf a little before, [Page] began to give advice, (in French, for he could not ſpeak one word of German, though his Groom could) That the Lady ſhould inſtantly be carried into her Chamber, and there laid with her head downwards, to let out of her Stomach as much. Water as they could: This Language being underſtood by her who was come to them, it was preſently done, with the aſſiſtance of two of Peregrine's Servants▪ who told them all the circum [...]ces of that ſad accident.

Clarinda▪ by theſe▪ and other means [...] fallen into the River▪ but was wholly ignorant of all that had happened to he [...] after? Mariana took upon her to ſatisfie her dear Friend in that point, as well as [...]he could, with the relation ſhe had received from Peregrine's Groom. And what is become of my Deliverer? ſaid Clarinda. Is he alive? We left him, reply'd Mariana▪ ſitting on the Bank over the River. An ill place, anſwered Clarinda, for a Perſon that has taken ſomuch pains to lave my Life, with ſo great an hazard of his own: Go, continued ſhe, [Page] let him be invited in, and provide a Chamber, and all things neceſſary for his reception: Let me not appear ungrateful to a Perſon ſo deſerving my care, the rather to, becauſe he is a Stranger, who has done theſe great [...]gs for me. This ſaid, was ſoon obey'd, ſhe being abſolute Miſtreſs in that Caſtle, by her Father's detention, her Brother's abſence in the Wars of Hungary, and the Death of her Mother; 'tis true, there was an old Aunt liv'd with her, but ſo antiquated, that ſhe was rather a burden, than an aid. Peregrine was preſently laid in a good warm Bed, in a decent Apartment; great excuſes made for having defered ſo long the performance of thoſe things, ſo juſtly due to his Merits, laying the whole fault on the care they had taken of their young Miſtreſs's recovery. Then inquiry was made how he felt his Leg: He told them, that he found he ſhould want the uſe of ſome expert Chyrurgeon, becauſe he felt the pain to increaſe, and to ſpread it ſelf upwards: there was preſently a Chyrurgeon ſent for; as alſo a Phyſician to look to Clarinda's, as well as to Peregrine's Health; they were both blooded▪ to [...]reyent Fevers; and with the [...] [Page] ſome ſlight Remedies, Clarinda was in a ſhort time perfectly recovered; but it was not ſo with Peregrine; for what with having his Contuſion ſo long bathed in cold Water, at a Seaſon when the Air was ſomething ſharp, there was ſome apprehenſion of a Gangrene, which ſhew'd it ſelf by the lividity, and inſenſibility of the part. So ſoon as Clarinda underſtood the danger, ſhe doubled her diligence in attending him: She was no longer contented to let him have all that the Caſtle and Neighbourhood could afford of comfort and refreſhment, but ſhe thought her ſelf oblig'd to adminiſter them her ſelf: while Peregrine dy'd for Love of Clarinda, and ſlighted his own illneſs.

It is an old ſaying, That Love will creep where it cannot go; and it is as true as ancient. At firſt Clarinda did all theſe pieces of ſervice to her Deliverer, as incumbent Duties on thoſe Obligations ſhe was ingag'd to him for her Life. But little, by little, ſhe found that there was ſome other motive, though ſhe knew nor what, that led her on; ſhe was more concern'd, and more inquiſitive after Peregrine's well-fare, every day, though he daily increaſed in health: She would frequently [Page] find her ſelf in his Room, yet forget how ſhe came there, and for what purpoſe; which would ſometimes ſo diſcompoſe her, that Peregrine could not but obſerve it, and ſhe perceiving his taking notice of it, that would put her in the greater diſorder. Once, amongſt the reſt, Clarinda having entred his Chamber, with a preſerving Pan, with young Chickens in it, did not know that ſhe had miſtaken his Room for hers, 'till Peregrine ask'd her aloud, Whether ſhe had brought him a Pan full of Caudle for his Brakefaſt? That indeed put her into ſuch a confuſion, that not having a ready excuſe, ſhe ſpeedily went▪ out of the Chamber again, without replying one word: whereupon Peregrine offered to riſe, and run after her, but found he had attempted beyond the power of his Leg: I cannot follow you Madam, cry'd he, but it ſhall be for the next time. When ſhe was got to her own Chamber, ſhe began to conſider her condition, and how inſenſibly Love had drawn her into his Net, was very much troubled at it, but much more, that ſhe had given Peregrine ſo great an inſight into the affairs▪ of her Heart: She endeavoured to frame ſome [Page] excuſes a thouſand ways, but all to no purpoſe; ſhe could not find any thing in the whole Magazine of her Wit, that could attone for that Error▪ becauſe ſhe knew that Peregrine had taken particular notice of it, and that her ſuddain, and ſilent retreat, had confirmed him but too much of her miſtake. In this great perplexity ſhe abſtain'd from viſiting him all that day▪ and when it began to grow duskiſh, in hopes to conceal the diſorders ſhe ſhould be in, at the ſight of him, ſhe adventured into his Chamber, not being able to abſtain any longer from the ſight of a Perſon who had made a greater progreſs in her Heart, than ſhe expected. I come, Sir, ſaid ſhe, not to make an Applogy for entring your Chamber this Morning, but for my obrupt return, without ſhewing you thoſe pretty little Creatures I had in my Pan, and not ſo much as making any excuſe for my rudeneſs. I had forgot to ſay ſomething of moment to that Perſon who had preſented me with them. Madam, reply'd Peregrine▪ who had a mind to reclaim her; It would be a great [...] in me to controul your Actions; all that I have to ſay, [...] [...]y that you had any occaſion [Page] oblig'd you to ſo ſuddain a return, to deprive me of your moſt charming Converſation; I have paſſed this redious long day like an Hermit in my ſelf, or rather like a condemn'd Perſon, after the hopes of a Reprieve. Upon the fear, I have been in all this day, of having given you ſome diſtaſte. Sir, you might, or you might nor, ſhe replied, according as you may cenſure my Actions. I am all reſpect, Madam, ſaid he, and if I had any thought in me otherwiſe, I ſhould ſoon deſtroy them, as Rebels to my Heart. There ſhe interrupted him, ſaying; Take heed, Sir, what you advance, for ſhould it at any time, be contradicted, by Words or Actions, that would be ſufficient to debaſe you in my good Opinion. Theſe Words check the brisk thoughts which Clarinda's late Action, had raiſed in his mind, fearing that it was his offer to go after her in the morning, that had deprived him of her preſence all that day; ſo that he preſently turned the deſign he had made to rally her, into a profound reſpect. And ſilence, which gave opportunity to Clarinda, thus to continue, I know that you Men, are but too apt to flatter your ſelves▪ [Page] and to conſtrue the leaſt of our inconſiderate Actions, to your beſt Advantages, though they were intended quite contrary. There he interrupted her, ſaying, when I look on all theſe Accompliſhments of body and mind, which ſpake you the moſt admirable Creature in the World, or that I turn back my Eyes on my own Unworthineſs: How is it poſſible for me, Madam, to do more, than admire; and with trembling, frame anſwers to your demands, for fear of breaking that reſpect that is due to you from the whole World? Nay, Sir, ſhe ſaid, then I can take notice of what I owe you, which I muſt acknowledge to be great, being oblig'd to you for no leſs than my Life, with the addition of the great hazard you put yours in, in that worthy Action; and I am not ſo deſtitute of Gratitude, as not to own that I have nothing to preſent you with, proportionable to ſo ſignal a piece of Service; but when all is done, I can but offer you thoſe ſmall means that I have at preſent at my own diſpoſal, being yet under the Tuition of a Father, and a Brother, both unfortunately abſent now that I want them here, to add their Acknowledgments, where mine are deficient Oh! [Page] Madam, What have you named? Or rather, what have you endeavoured to conceal? Anſwered he, Are not you Miſtreſs of the richeſt Jewel upon Earth? And can all the Fathers, Mothers, or brothers, in the World, diſpoſe of the Treaſure of your Heart? That, Madam, is certainly at your own diſpoſal. That, Sir, replied Clarinda, what price ſo ever you are pleaſed to ſet upon it, is not of ſo much value in my eſteem; though, I muſt confeſs, I ſhould be unwilling, on the other hand, to caſt it away; eſpecially,—ſhe was going on, when ſhe was interrupted with the entring of a Gentleman of the Neighbour-hood, who had the conſent of her Father to Court her for a Wife, whom I ſhall call Count Mansfielt. Madam, ſaid he, at the firſt news of your late diſaſter, I come to offer you my moſt humble Service, even with the hazard of my Life. Sir, anſwered Clarinda, I have no Enemy to fight, to take you for my Second, except you would call the two Elements of Earth and Water to an account, for having together conſpired againſt my Life. But here's a Gentleman, continued ſhe, preſenting him to Peregrine, who has [Page] done that already, and reſcued me from both their furies, to the hazard of his Life; at this the Count and Peregrine ſaluting one another, the firſt ſaid, I envy your Happineſs, Sir, in having been thought, by Fate, a worthy Inſtrument in the Preſervation of this Lady; I might have challenged a Prerogative in that, even by the conſent of thoſe that may claim an Authority over her; but Fortune is blind▪ Sir, you know, and—I can not call her blind, Sir, upon theſe fortunate Occaſions, ſaid Clarinda, ſeeing that when I was deſtitute of all other helps, from Friends, ſhe called this worthy Stranger [...] my reſcue. Madam, then, ſaid Peri [...]ne, if there is any thing, in this late [...]tion, that is worthy your Record, I [...] attribute it, but to my good Fortune, [...] guided me hither; where the ſame [...]g, might have been performed by [...] wortheir Perſon, as this Gentleman, [...]e like: Yes, Sir, replied the young [...], as being doubly engaged for my [...] Intereſt as well as that Ladies. I hope, [...]ered Clarinda, in a little heat) that [...] will not ſay, I ever gave you any In [...] me? And I am of Opinion, that [...]ever my Parents may have done▪ [Page] without my conſent, of this nature, may be, by me alter'd as I ſhall▪ think [...] not ſo faſt, Sir, ſhe continued, leſt you leave me behind; after which; ſhe [...] ed a ſide, which being obſerved by Peregrine, it▪ put a new Life; into his d [...] ing Spirits, which he ha [...] almoſt loſt [...] this young Count's confident▪ App [...] [...] which made him venture to ſay▪ that [...] Lady was [...] the right, and th [...] [...] [...]eved moſt Perſons would be of her [...] adding▪ There [...] a force▪ [...] [...] [...] to [...] Count, and [...]wed to give their Advices a [...] Right Sir, anſwered Clarinda, and▪ [...] that we ought to receive them with Reſpect, as coming from them. You ſay well, Madam, ſaid the young Count, and that was the Motive that induced me to proceed after the manner I have done, towards the honour of pleaſing you. My Father and Mother, you mean, Sir, who from me are diſtinct Perſons, ſo that you might apply your ſelf to them, and pour your whole Soul into their Boſoms▪ make them wholly yours, with your [Page] great Eloquence; and yet I might ſtill be the ſame indifferent Perſon in all reſpects: Yet, Madam, replied the Count, I have had the Happineſs of finding a favourable Reception at your Hands, which there Clarinda interrupted him, ſaying, In Obedience to my Mothers Advices; but ſhe is no more, and what power ſoever ſhe might have, as a Parent, yet ſhe could not, nor never did offer, to have a Juriſdiction over my Mind, and Inclinations. You have a Father ſtill, Madam, who was pleaſed to encourage my Adreſſes to your fair ſelf; I'll plead his Authority, and Favour. Here Peregrine could not forbear, ſaying, With this Ladies leave, I'll venture to ſay, That durſt I raiſe my Thoughts, towards ſo much Happineſs, I ſhould truſt rather on Fortune, though blind, and my own Merits, though never ſo mean and unworthy, than on any other Cauſe whatſoever; Aſſidious Services, and a moſt Submiſſive Obedience, are great Advocates in matters of this weight. Pardon me, Sir, if I muſt tell you, added Clarinda, adreſſing to the Count, that this Gentleman has named, two of the chiefeſt means, to which I may add Fidelity and Perſeverance: [Page] In oppoſition to all Trials▪ Madam, whatever you ſay, muſt be aſſented to, replied the Count, you are a Party concerned; but for this Gentleman to give his un-ask'd for Advice, I think it very unneceſſary. With that the Count look'd very frowningly towards Perigrine; which Action, and Words, having the more netled Clarinda, ſhe in ſome kind of Emotion, returned, Sir, This Gentleman I look upon as the Preſerver of my Life, which may have intitled him to ſome ſhare▪ in the Care of me, as well as he may be in my Eſteem. Though blind Fortune, ſaid the Count, has brought this Gentleman to do you a piece of Service, of that Nature; yet I, with Juſtice, claim ſuch a conſiderable Intereſt in you, as I muſt not ſuffer any Stranger to equal, or come near, without declaring him my Enemy. I am not an Enemy to any one, replied Peregrine; but I will die in maintaining, that all the World, ought to admire this Ladies Perfections, and not without vehement Deſires. Clarinda finding, that the heat increaſed, betwixt thoſe two Rivals, as ſhe felt Love to glow more fiercely in her Breaſt, towards the worthy Stranger; ſhe broke off the Diſcourſe, [Page] or Diſpute rather, by ſaying, the Count would oblige her much more, in letting fall that Diſcourſe, which was very unpleaſing to her, and to exerciſe his Talient on any other Subject; and turning towards Peregrine, ſhe added, I fear, Sir, that my too long viſit, may have cauſed ſome Diſorder, which may retard your Health, towards which I ought rather to contribute. Then, turning again towards the Count, If you pleaſe, Sir, continued ſhe, you and I will retire into [...] his Hand.

What various and different Motions did animate thoſe three Perſons Breaſts: Peregrine was all Reſpect and Love; the Count Intereſt and Revenge, mixt with ſome grounds of Affection; and Clarinda, full of Gratitude, which was almoſt all turned into Paſſion. Peregrine, who before had had divers opportunities to obſerve a worthy Gratitude in Clarinda's Breaſt, was raviſh'd to find that by degrees it grow up into an Affection: That Noble Vigour, with which ſhe had maintained his Intereſt againſt the Count, had [Page] almoſt wholly convinc'd his Modeſty, that he was perfectly happy in her Bo [...]ome? but ſtill he feared he had reaſon to: apprehend the Oppoſition of a powerful Rival, but then he hop'd that the Count's own Raſhneſs would work him out a ſhorter way to his Happineſs, than he might expect, by the due Methods in Love. He therefore contributed all he could towards his Recovery, and in that Reſolution, his Spirits being rais'd above their ordinary pitch, by the thoughts of Conqueſt, he forc'd himſelf out of his Seat, by the aid of a Staff, and getting into the Room, where he expected to have found Clarinda and the Count together. He was ſtrangely, ſurpriſed to find Clarinda alone, imerg'd in Tears▪ under a gale of Sighs, which ſhe was not able to ſuppreſs ſo ſuddainly, but that Peregrine over-heard; he found of ſome of them, ſhe had covered her Face all over with her Handkerchief, ſo that Peregrine came up cloſe to her, and ſtood ſome time before her, ere ſhe could perceive him; beſides, ſhe little expected his coming, and knew no Body but her dear Mariana was permitted▪ to enter where ſhe was; if ſhe heard any noiſe, [Page] ſhe believed it to proceed from her: Wherefore, as ſoon as her Sighs would permit her to make uſe of her Speech, remaining ſtill in the ſame poſture, Let us, dear Mariana, ſaid ſhe, Let us prevent, if we can poſſible, the dangerous effects of the Count's fury and power, over a Stranger, to whom I owe ſo much, and whom thou knoweſt I love. With that uncovering her Face, and perceiving Peregrine ſtanding before her, ſhe gave a ſhriek, and preſently clouding her Countenance with ſome marks of Diſpleaſure, in another Accent, ſhe ſaid; It was not fair, Sir, thus to intrude upon my Retirement, and become a ſpie to my moſt ſecret Actions; it muſt needs leſſen you in my thoughts, and that which mere Gratitude had made me to expreſs to your Advantage, may by ſuch proceedings tu [...]n to your Prejudice. Peregrine, perceiving his Error, flung himſelf on his Knees before her, ſaying, I own my fault, Madam, and thus ſo I beg your pardon, but be ſo juſt as to hear my excuſe; I have accus'd my ſelf of a Crime, which I have committed without deſign, therefore I hope the eaſier to be pardon'd; but if I muſt incur your Diſpleaſure, doom [Page] me to Death, command my Rival to chaſtiſe that Preſumption, which lead me to inquire after his Behaviour towards ſo much worth; 'twas the Apprehenſions of his want of reſpect towards you, that forc'd me out of my Chamber, to be a bridle to his ruggid Temper, which I fear, Madam, has been the Cauſe of theſe Diſorders, I unhappily find you in. The Count, who Peregrine had thought to be gone, was returning again upon his ſteps, but was met by Mariana at the Chamber Door, who having ſeen the poſture of theſe two Lovers, judg'd it convenient to prevent the Count from the ſame Spectacle; but yet not ſo well but that he had time to perceive, as ſhe was ſhutting the Door, how Courteouſly Clarinda was raiſing Peregrine from the Floor. Hell and Confuſion, cried the Count, Can I ſee this tamely? It muſt not, it ſhall not be, one of us two muſt yield to the other, by a ſuddain Death; with that he went haſtily out again, grumbling to himſelf. Mariana did attempt to appeaſe him, and called to him, but he had no Ears left but for revenge, which preſs'd him forward to ſome fatal Enterpriſe.

[Page]The noiſe the Count had made, had reach'd the Lovers [...]s; and Peregrine was earneſtly perſuading Clarinda, to permit him to go and correct his Inſolence; but ſhe retain'd him by the Hand, telling him ſhe knew better how to allay his paſſion, as being better acquainted with it▪ I'll take my [...] to do it, continued ſhe, mean time, I muſt diſſuade you, from ſo much Preſumption as to believe that if [...] mention'd Love, as you have intimated, I thought then of you; I muſt confeſs you have a great ſhare in my Gratitude, and ſome Progreſs you may have made in my Eſteem, by your obliging Behaviour; yet not ſo firmly eſtabliſh, but that, the leaſt, Preſumption in your very▪ Thoughts, would beat down all the Fabrick, your modeſty had raiſed, ſhould it come to my Knowledge▪ Madam, replied Pere [...]ne, I am nothing [...] what you would have me to b [...], and I will never preſume to think▪ to ſpeak, or to act, but what ſhall [...] correſpondent to your Will and [...] replied Clarinda, I will [...] believe that I ha [...] ſome [...] you, but let that be the [...] of your Ambition. I am all Obedience, Madam, replied Peregrine; [Page] and in order to bring my ſelf to this frame of Temper, I will have the vileſt Thoughts of my ſelf, and the moſt honourable of the Count, that I can conceive in my Imagination: as for your Excellencies, I am already ſatisfied, that they put you above the aſpiring of the moſt accompliſhed Monarchs on Earth. Mariana's coming in to acquaint them with what the Count had ſeen, and ſaid, made them to change their Diſcourſe; and ſome time after, Peregrine ſeeing it grow late, took his leave of Clarinda, in order to go to his Bed; at which Clarinda thought fit (to ſweeten his reliſh after the bitter Potion ſhe had given him,) with ſome kindneſſes, to ſay, that ſhe had a great deſire to ſee his Leg, which ſhe fear'd was not ſo well as ſhe could wiſh, by his favouring it ſo much. I have attained, added ſhe, to ſome skill in Wounds and Bruiſes, from ſome obſervations which I have made in my Mother's, and my Aunt's charitable practiſe amongſt the Poor of the Neighbourhood. Peregrine would have excuſed himſelf from giving her that trouble.

[Page]But Clarinda, who deſign'd to ſweeten him again, ordered Mariana to ſend for thoſe things with which he dreſs'd his Leg, that ſhe might ſee it opened her ſelf.

Peregrine muſt have been more than blind, not to diſcern that all Clarinda's pretended actions of gratitude, were the meer effects of Love. But notwithſtanding all his knowledge, he was to ſeem ignorant: He therefore conſented to all her deſires, and permitted his Leg to be dreſs'd by his two new Chyrurgeons. Clarinda perceiving ſome blackneſs ſtill remaining on the bruiſed part, appeared much concerned at it, and ſaid, ſhe fear'd very much that he was not yet paſt all danger. Peregrine proteſted all was well; that he felt no other inconveniency at that preſent, but a little weakneſs which attended his Ankle, which he attributed to the want of uſing his Leg, and the fall of ſome humours upon that part. Mariana, who knew it would pleaſe Clarinda, did ſecond her in what ſhe ſaid, and added, it was fit to ſend for the Chyrurgeon very early in the Morning, before he ſhould be gone forth: ſo that Peregrine, for fear of offending, had not a word to [Page] reply. This being concluded on, and Peregrine's Leg ſwadled up again, he took his leave once more of his two Doctreſſes, and by the aid of one of his Servants, retir'd to his own Chamber.

Peregrine was no ſooner got thither, but Clarinda went into hers, attended by her Faithful Mariana; where, while Clarinda was undreſſing, they had a large diſcant upon that Evenings Tranſactions; wherein Mariana endeavoured to convince Clarinda, That ſeeing ſhe her ſelf was grown to that paſs, as not to be capable of concealing her Paſſion towards Peregrine, ſhe ought to take other methods with him, and not deny ſo abſolutely, that which ſhe could not conceal from him in the day, and from her at night, in her Dreams and paſſionate Tranſports, at her awaking. Clarinda confeſs'd, that ſhe could not well palliate her Paſſion much longer, it was grown to ſuch a heighth, but that ſhe was reſolved not wholly to declare in favour of Peregrine neither, 'till ſhe had got her Father's conſent to diſingage herſelf from the Count; and that ſhe would loſe no time, nor leave no means unattempted to accompliſh her deſigns; wherefore ſhe had [Page] deſign'd the next Morning to ſend an Expreſs to her Father about it. Theſe Reſolutions being taken, they went to their repoſe,

The young Count, who had but very little reſt all that Night, and that found himſelf the next Morning very indiſpoſed, deſigned to prevent a Fever, by a bleeding in the Arm; he thereunto imploy'd the ſame Chyrurgeon that had been ſent for that very Morning by Clarinda to Peregrine, becauſe he liv'd near him, and was conſtantly made uſe of on any occaſion by the whole Family, as thoſe kind of Perſons affect to make themſelves buſie in their employ: he told the Count, that he was preſently to go to the Lady Clarinda's, to look on a ſtrange Gentleman's Leg, who he had in hand before, and had left, as believing him quite out of danger. The Count hearing of this, cauſed the Chyrurgeon to bleed him in the left Arm; after which he took the opportunity of this Meſſenger to convey a Challenge into Peregrine's hand, and to receive an anſwer by the ſame way, unknown, and unſuſpected by any Perſon of the Caſtle. He then writ as follows.

[Page]

SIR,

MY Right to fair Clarinda is ſo ſubſtantial and ſolid, that you muſt reſolve to quit all your imaginary Claims to her, under your hand, or be ready to maintain your weak pretenſions, with your Sword in hand, to Morrow, at Five in the Morning, in the Gravel Pits, about the midway, betwixt the Caſtle and the Habitation of

Your Humble Servant Count Man [...]fi [...] ▪

The leaſt Child will ſhew you the place.

He delivered this Paper, ſealed up, to the Chyrurgeon, giving him ſtrict charge to convey into that Gentleman's own hands, unperceived of any Perſon whatſoever, and to require an anſwer, and bring it as ſecretly back to him again. The Chyrurgeon promiſed to perform his commands to a tittle, and upon that went his way to the Caſtle. He was preſently admitted into Peregrine's Chamber, [Page] where, not long after, Clarinda and Mariana appear'd alſo; they inquir'd after his Health, which he own'd to be perfect, and that it was meerly to condeſcend to others deſires, that he admitted of this unneceſſary viſit from the Chyrurgeon. The Chyrurgeon did not think fit to deliver the Letter, while they were in the Room, wherefore he imploy'd himſelf in pulling out his Pocket, all the Inſtruments he had, which were not a few, though he had no occaſion for any; and with ſearching all his Pockets, he at laſt let drop the Letter by accident, which being perceived by Mariana, ſhe took it up, and convey'd it into Clarinda's hands, who went out to read. Mean time, the Leg was taken into Examination, and after all adjudg'd by the Leech-Oracle, to be as the owner of it had certified. Now he had no more to do, but to deliver the Letter, but ſtill is very uneaſie at the Women's preſence; he tumbles all over himſelf, to have it in readineſs to deliver, with the firſt opportunity; frets within himſelf that he cannot find it, at laſt perceives it on the Table, where Clarinda had laid it, after ſhe had read, and ſeal'd it up again: [Page] He greedily ſnatches it up; and Clarinda perceiving he had found it, retires with Mariana, to give him the opportunity of delivery: He preſently conveys it into Peregrine's hands, and waits for an anſwer: Peregrine reads it, and inſtantly ſends him back with theſe following Lines.

SIR,

HAD you ſaid, That neither you, nor I, nor none elſe, had any right in that Lady, more than ſhe is pleas'd herſelf to diſpoſe of to any Perſon ſhe judges worthy of that Honour, I had join'd with you▪ in oppoſition to all Contradictions. But becauſe I am of Opinion, you ground your right on a falſe bottom, I am willing to inform you, I ſhall not fail to meet you, at the time and place appointed▪ with my Sword in hand, to let you know [...] what right I ground my pretenſions in that fair perſon; 'till then, I am

Your Humble Servant Peregrine.

[Page] Now are all parties very well pleas'd with their cunning contrivances, though every one in a diſtinct reſpect; Peregrine appear'd all that day more gay and pleaſant than ever, walking up and down, and would willingly have taken the Air out of Doors, but that he could not obtain of his courteous Guardian; when he found that by no means he could not get out, to ſee himſelf where was the place of Rendezvous, being ſo narrowly watch'd by all the Family, he ſent one of his Servants to inquire the way to the Count's, and then to follow that Road, 'till he found ſome Gravel Pits about the mid-way; after that, he gave order to another of his, to keep all the Horſes, and all things elſe, in a readineſs, as if to depart the next Morning; but that they ſhould do it very privately, and not go about it 'till all the Servants were in Bed. After this, he apply'd himſelf to the compoſing of this following Letter.

I Fly, Madam, to inform the Count, with the point of my Sword, that you are a fewel I can yield to no Man, but accompanied with my Life; not Madam, that I dare preſume to think any thing in me, [Page] worthy ſo rich a prize. But I am ſo vain as to aſſert, That none can love you better, and that none dare do for you more, then I am ready to perform at all times, and yet attribute to my ſelf no Merits in the leaſt, on that account. I go with that confidence, that I repoſe on the advantage of your Eſteem and Friendſhip, that makes me ſure of the Victory. If I live, it will be but to continue your Slave all the days of my Life. If I fall, and you afford but one kind thought to accompany me to my Grave, I ſhall reſt in peace; but either in Life or Death, I am, and ſhall ever be

Your moſt humble Servant Peregrine.

This Letter was to be left, ſeal'd up, on his Pillow, that it might not ſo readily be ſound, and that he might firſt have time to diſpoſe of himſelf, according to the Event of the Combat; he ſtill, by intervals, mixt himſelf with Clarinda and Mariana, who had other Thoughts in their Heads, and Peregrine perceiving them to be ſomething more penſive than ordinarily, did all he could to divert [Page] them; all this did but ſtill more, and more inſnare Clarinda, who could not but be highly pleas'd at her Lover's great Paſſion and Bravery, which very much ficted her Maſculine Spirit; but ſhe had deſign'd to prevent all miſchief, for this time, with a reſolution to give her ſelf to him, ſo ſoon as the Meſſenger ſhe had ſent to her Father, were return'd, what anſwer ſoever he brought, in order to prevent all future quarrels, in the opinion, that being once his, all other pretenſions would be at an end, and fall of themſelves,

The Day drawing to an end, Clarinda pretended her ſelf ſomewhat indiſpoſed, that ſhe might the ſooner retire to perfect the deſign, which ſhe, and Mariana had laid, to diſappoint Peregrine of his Intentions: Peregrine alſo, to take time to pack up all things, without noiſe, was glad of that opportunity to retire.

He had not been long alone in his Chamber, but he thought he heard the ſound of ſome Inſtrument, at a diſtance, which made him give an Attention to it; he ſhifted to all ſides of the Room, to find from whence it came; at laſt, having opened a Cloſet Door, he was ſenſible [Page] that it proceeded from behind that Wall: He laid his Ear as cloſe as he could to it, and diſcern'd 'twas a Lute; after which he heard ſome body ſay, Here, take this Inſtrument, it ſuits not now my too diſtracted Thoughts, come lets to reſt: I think 'twill be convenient, anſwer'd another, that we may not fail of encountring the Count early enough, to defeat his Deſigns. 'Twill be a ſtrange Surpriſal, anſwer'd the other, to him, and to our Gueſts, who little think how faſt he is ſecure. After this, there was a ſilence which made him give over hearkning, to break their Meaſures, not doubting but 'twas Clarinda and Mariana, who had had ſome Intelligence of the Duel: He was alone in his Chamber, having ordered his Servants to their reſt; he went to open his Chamber-Door, to call one of them, but found he was double lock'd in. This made him to diſtruſt the more, but knew not how to remedy it; in this perplexity walking up and down, he at laſt thought of getting out at the Window; he takes what he thought fit with him, looks every where for his Sword, but finds it not; ſo gets out of the Window without it, and finds himſelf near to the [Page] Stable-Yard, he makes towards the Stables, where he finds his Man getting the Horſes in a readineſs, according to order, inquires after his Sword, but no News of it, ſo was forc'd to take one of his Servants Weapons, and that he might not be followed by Clarinda, cauſes his Servants, to turn all the Horſes looſe, out of the Stable, except his own, believing it too far a Journey for her to walk. Now, he grows very impatient, thinks the time long, returns not to his Chamber, but waits for the tedious hour by his Horſes; and ſo ſoon as day began to peep, he gets his Horſes ſadled our, without noiſe, and he follows himſelf, without being diſcover'd. That Servant who had been ſent to find where the Gravel pits were, leads the Van, Peregrine followed; after Five or Six Miles riding, the Guide told his Maſter, that they were within half a Mile of the Pits; there Peregrine makes a halt, and perceicing a thick Wood, on the right, commands his Men to go wait for him there; after which, he rides on with his Guide, who leads him to the Pits; there he orders his Man, that ſo ſoon as he ſhould ſee a Gentleman appear, he ſhould retire homewards, in the Road, [Page] at ſome convenient diſtance, a little out of the way, not to be ſeen, and there wait his coming.

Clarinda, full of Thoughts and Fears, could not Sleep, nor ſuffer Mariana to take reſt; but ſo ſoon as Day began to appear, they did ariſe, and calling up ſome Servants, gave Orders to have three Horſes ſadled, her own, and Marianas, and another for a Groom, and they went about to get themſelves ready. The Meſſenger preſently returned, ſaying, That there was not an Horſe in the Stable; this did alarum Clarinda: What, ſaid ſhe, are not our Gueſt's Horſes there neither? The Perſon anſwered, that there was not one; this put Clarinda in a great plunge, and Mariana was ſent immediately down, with the Key of Peregrine's Chamber-Door, to ſee after him; ſhe paſſing by that Window, out of which Peregrine had got, perceiving it open, and ſomething white lying on the ground, ſhe took it up, and feared he had got out that way, ſhe haſtily run to his Chamber-Door, and having opened it, found that the Bird was flown; ſhe immediately run back to acquaint Clarinda of it, and both in great ſurpriſe, run to the Stables, [Page] half dreſſed, and half undreſſed; there Clarinda met a Groom, leading her own Pad, who ſaid, He, nor his Fellows, could find no more Horſes, as yet, ſhe cauſed him immediately to be ſaddled, mean time, ſends Mariana for Peregrine's Sword, which ſhe had laid out of the way; and ſo ſoon as her Horſe was ready, gets up, orders Mariana to follow her, ſo ſoon as poſſible ſhe could, and rides towards the Pits, as faſt as her Horſe could carry her.

By this the Count was come, Peregrine had left him for dead, and at his fall, having perceived a blue Ribbon hang out of his Pocket, he had the Curioſity to pluck it out, at the end of which, he found a Picture, which perceiving to be Clarindas, he put it in his own Pocket, and run back to find his Man and Horſe, to make his eſcape. He had not gon far, before he met with an Horſe, on which hung Clarinda, by the Foot in the Stirrup, and her Head dragging on the ground, crying out for help. He preſently knew her by her voice, and perceiving that the Horſe was frighted, he gently drew near him till he got hold of the Bridle; and by that means [Page] was a ſecond time the Preſerver of his dear Miſtreſſes Life. He diſingaged her, and knowing he could not be far from his Servant, he whiſtled, at which he preſently came: Clarinda had been cruelly bruiſed, all about the Head and Shoulders, and receiv'd a dangerous Wound, on her Arm, with a tread of the Horſe, which cauſed her to ſwound, ſo ſoon as ſhe had been layd in Peregrine's Lap, who with both his Hands, hill'd her Head, and endeavour'd to ſtop the Blood which ran very faſt. He was in this poſture, when Mariana came full ſpeed, who perceiving the Diſaſter, leapt off of her Horſe, and ran to Clarinda, who ſhe found coming to her ſelf; and who began to return thanks to Peregrine for his timely Aſſiſtance. He preſently enquir'd how ſhe found her ſelf, which was ſeconded by Mariana. Clarinda, not ſenſible then of her pain, told them, She hop'd it would be nothing, and that the fright was the moſt: But Peregrine, who knew better than her ſelf, in what a Condition ſhe was, deſired that ſhe ſhould immediately be carried back to her Bed, and Chirurgeons ſent for to take Care of her Wounds, and Bruiſes; ſhe would not [Page] conſent to be remov'd, till ſhe had inquir'd whether Peregrine had any hurt? And what was become of the Count? He anſwer'd, He was perfectly well, except the grief that he conceiv'd at her diſaſter; ſhe ask'd him again earneſtly, What is become of the Count? You have not kill'd him, I hope? Added ſhe, I know not what he is, Madam, replied Peregrine, I left him unable to perſue my retreat. If he's in danger, replied Clarinda, there's no ſtaying here; he has powerful Friends, that will revenge his Death: Flie Peregrine, added ſhe, and preſerve that Life, which twice has ſav'd mine: This is no place for us to ſtay in any longer; Let us, at leaſt, retire from the Road: And are you ſure, you are not hurt? Continued ſhe, looking on Peragrine with a paſſionate air. With that, not ſtaying for his Anſwer, ſhe made offer to riſe, which with the aid of Peregrine, and Mariana, ſhe perform'd: They led her into a thick Wood, which was cloſe by, where they ſet her down; and ſhe having once more inquired whether Peregrine was not hurt, and he aſſured her no; ſhe related, how galloping down a Hill, her Horſe had ſtumbl'd, flung her over his [Page] Head, and dragg'd her all along, and had undoubtedly kill'd her, had not the Heavens ſent him to her Relief. Peregrine knew well in what danger he ſtayed there, but could not leave his dear Clarinda, all wounded as ſhe was, which made him very Reſtleſs; ſhe ſoon perceiv'd it, and dreading the worſt; I fear, ſaid ſhe, you have more cauſe to flie, than to ſtay here; 'twas my Misfortune, and your too great Raſhneſs, has brought you into danger: Flie, Sir, to ſave that Life, which I muſt prize above my own Content. Where e'er you go, think of Clarinda, Sir; She's yours by Acquiſition, The Heavens will have it ſo; but when you're ſafe, fail not to let me know where e'er you are; my Prayers to Heaven ſhall be to keep you ſafe, as ſafe as I ſhall keep you in my Thoughts. Peregrine was going to reply, but hearing a great noiſe of Horſe paſſing by; and Mariana having perceiv'd ſome of the Count's Liveries, they gueſt it was in purſuit of Peregrine; he therefore had no longer time, then to kneel, take her Hand, and kiſs it; Adieu ſweet Angel, ſaid he to Clarinda, Death only ſhall drive thee out of my Thoughts; I am, forever thine: Adieu, kind Mariana, [Page] added he, ſupply my place in the Preſervation of this fair one, I may live to return to ſee you both. This Farewel drew Tears from all their Eyes; he got on Horſe-back, and with his Man, went to ſeek after the reſt of his Equipage, ſtill looking behind him, going with a ſlow pace, and heavy Heart, till he had loſt the ſight of them. He met with his other Servants, with whom he got into a croſs Road, with all the ſpeed he could.

Thoſe who had paſs'd by in ſuch haſte, were purſuers of Peregrine, who having found the Count, as they thought, expiring, followed him, while the reſt were conveying the poor Count home, in whom, they had found ſome ſigns of Life. They were running with all ſpeed towards the Caſtle, where not being contented to inquire after the Stranger (whom they believ'd had done the Deed, by what they had gather'd from the Chirurgeon, who had began to ſuſpect the Contents of thoſe Letters he had carried,) they alſo ſearch all over the Caſtle, but finding nothing, were returning home; (not knowing which way to go,) when they were met by Clarinda, on her Horſe, ſupported by Mariana, on one ſide, and by the [Page] Groom, on the other, who had follow'd as faſt as he could get a Horſe, and make him go; they knew her, though muffl'd up, and all in Blood; but the Buſineſs they had been about, and their rude Behaviour in the Caſtle, made them unwilling to take notice of her, ſo they poſted by, without any further notice.

Poor Clarinda was thus brought home, laid in her Bed, her Heart more full of Grief for Peregrine's Abſence, though neceſſary for the ſafety of his Life, than her Body was of pain, by the Wounds ſhe had receiv'd; they were ſoon made whole again, by the Care and Diligence of her Phyſicians, and Chirurgeons; but it was not ſo with that of her Heart, no Phyſician was capable of curing thoſe Wounds which Peregrine's Dangers and Abſence had made there; nothing but time, and his dear Preſence, could be a fit Salve for thoſe great Evils. As ſhe lay penſive in her Bed, after ſhe had been dreſs'd, a Servant brought in the Letter which ſhe had found upon Peregrine's Pillow; ſhe bid Mariana open it, and read it to her, which drew Tears from her Eyes; and this having put Mariana in mind of the Papers ſhe had found in the morning, [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] ſhe pull'd them out of her Pocket, told Clarinda how ſhe had found them, and then read as follows,

Verſes for a Song.

WHile Beauteous Cloris,on the Waters lay,

Panting for Life, Damonwandred that way;

He 'ſpi'd, plung'd, ſeis'd, and to the deſir'd Shore,

His expiring fair Prize, in triumph bore;

But when his Purchaſe, he had laid,

And ſaw no ſigns of Life, he ſaid,

Why made I not more haſh, to ſet thee free?

Or, being too late, Why died I not with thee?

The charming Nymph, after ſome moments reſt,

Gave ſigns, ſome Life ſtill harbour'd in her Breaſt;

She ſigh'd, ſhe groan'd, ſhe open'd both her Eyes,

She ſtruggl'd hard, but yet, ſhe could not riſe,

[Page]

Till Damongiving her ſome eaſe,

Her helpleſs Hand did gently ceaſe;

Which having warm'd with Kiſſes, down he laid,

And cried, Heaven pity this poor dying Maid.

At this her Eyes, which ſhe again had clos'd,

Were lifted up; on his Breaſt ſhe repos'd

Her wearied Head, look'd gaſhly on the Youth,

Not knowing whither 'twas a Dream, or Truth;

'Till he be ſought her to declare,

How ſhe, within her ſelf did fare;

To which, with languid Looks, ſhe did reply,

'Tis too late Shepheard, Cloris,now muſt die.

Theſe Words did ſo tranſpierce the poor Youth's Heart,

(Who firſt had wounded been with Cupid'sDart,)

That to cold Death he was reſigning all,

When the fair Nymph, from Death thus did him call,

[Page]Do not die, ſaid ſhe, and I'll live,

And ſtreight her gentle hand did give;

So were they heard no longer to complain;

But liv'd to Love, and lov'd to live again.

Theſe things did but add fuel to that amorous Fire, which flam'd in the afflicted Clarinda's Breſt. Why were the Heavens ſo kind, ſaid ſhe, to provide ſo worthy a Preſerver of my Life, and ſo cruel again, as to ſnatch him from me, before I could let him know the gratitude of my Heart! His firſt brave action had ſufficiently engag'd me to him, without being twice made beholden for my Life; but, as if that was not yet enough, to make me his Debtor beyond hopes of redemption, he alſo cruel proves in his paſſionate Expreſſions, and brave Performances. Mariana, who did all ſhe could to divert her from thoſe Reflections, told her, that ſhe had a great fancy to give the Verſes to ſet, to her Maſter of the Lute, the next time he ſhould come, that ſhe might ſing and play them both together. Clarinda ſaid, that would but increaſe her ſorrow for the abſence of the Compoſer; yet do, continued ſhe, ſince I cannot have his ſweet preſence, let me [Page] injoy what I can, of the Fruits of his Love; my greateſt comfort, in all my afflictions is, to find he loves me. No, ſaid ſhe again, that is rather grief upon affliction; as circumſtances are, it had been better had he prove unkind. Thus was poor Clarinda afflicting her ſelf, and her dear Mariana comforting of her, when news were brought, her Muſick-Maſter waited in the Parlor. Clarinda would have him ſent back, ſaying, ſhe was not in condition to hear Muſick; but Mariana did ſo ſtrongly plead, in hopes it would aid to compoſe her Spirits, that he was ſent for up, and part of the accident that had befallen her, related to him, as it had been to the reſt of the Houſhold, to put a ſtop to their overcurious Inquiſitions. He took up her Lute, which having tun'd, he plaid on it ſuch Leſſons as vs'd to delight her moſt; but ſhe ſeem'd not to hearken to them. Ask of Mariana the Verſes which ſhe began to read; then returning them to her again, there, ſaid ſhe, do what you will with them. Mariana taking this as a tacit conſent, to what ſhe had propos'd, ſhew'd them to the Muſick-Maſter, and deſir'd him to ſet them to a Tune, ſo as that they [Page] might be ſung, and play'd upon the Lute; he promiſed ſo to do, and to bring them with him the next day; and having play'd two or three Tunes more, he took his leave, and retired.

Then had Mariana leaſure, and not before, to unfold the other Paper which ſhe had taken up; but ſhe found it written in a Language ſhe did not underſtand. Here is, I know not what, ſaid ſhe to Clarinda, giving her the Paper; (which was that Letter which Peregrine received from that Lady I mentioned before, the day before he left England:) Clarinda was as far to ſeek, as Mariana; ſhe fancied it to be a Woman's hand, and was confirm'd in that Opinion, ſo ſoon as ſhe had read at the bottom of it, the word Iſabella; her Heart ſtarted at it, as a preſage of the ſorrows which it would cauſe her; ſhe dreaded the contents, yet was impatient to know them; ſhe doubted not but this was a Letter to him from ſome Engliſh Woman, writ in that Language, and therefore was the leſs in hopes of having it decyphered: they both beat their Heads very much about it, but to no purpoſe; 'till at laſt it came into Clarinda's mind, that ſhe had heard her old [Page] Aunt ſay, That preſently upon the death of her Husband, who had died at London, ſhe had been forc'd to go thither, to recover ſome conſiderable Sums of Mony, that were due to her Husband, which ſhe could not recover but by long and coſtly Suits at Law, which had caus'd her to remain in that Kingdom, near two years, in which time, ſhe had got ſome imperfect knowledge of that Language. Clarinda ſent Mariana immediately with the Letter to her Aunt, to deſire her that ſhe would Tranſlate it for her, as well as ſhe could poſſible. The old Gentlewoman was very unwilling to undertake ſuch a Task, pleading her long diſcontinuance in that Tongue; but being overperſuaded by her Neice's, and Mariana's Importunities, ſhe writ out of it that which follows, pick'd out here and there, as well as ſhe could gather it, without any coherence.

The deſpair of ever ſeen you more, has—my Paſſion was too great, not to be—to beſtow on others, that which by my—ſo Cruel to one, who never—but in loving you—my [Page] Death a ſalve to all—Peregrine hear—of the unfortunate

Iſabella.

The old Lady had required time, 'till Night, for the unravelling of thoſe Myſteries, which Mariana was forc'd to allow her, but through Clarinda's Impatience ſhe was frequently interrupted by Mariana, which caus'd the old Lady to lock her ſelf up, 'till ſhe had done, to avoid any further Diſturbance; at laſt, the Buſineſs was Accompliſh'd, as well as could be done by her, and Mariana called up, to whom it was delivered, not without being ask'd by the old Gentlewoman, how ſhe had come by that Letter, adding that that was all ſhe could make of it▪ Mariana, told her ſhe had found it by chance, ſo run down immediately to ſhew it to the impatient Clarinda.

Heavens, What do I ſee? Said Clarinda, after ſhe had read a little. How's this? Cried ſhe again, reading on; What read I more? Continued ſhe, here is his Name, and that alſo of that unfortunate Woman, whom he has render'd Miſerable; See, ſee Mariana, continued ſhe, Peregrine [Page] is falſe; Oh Heavens! What will become of me? Mariana, having read [...], ſaid, I perceive a complaint made by one Iſabella; at Peregrine's depart, ſhe [...]eems to tax him with cruelty, and owns [...]he loves him, but in all this, I do not find that ſhe calls him Unconſtant, Infidel, Perjur'd, Deceitful, or the like: No, [...]eplied Clarinda, but all that, and a great deal more does follow. Thoſe Inferences may eaſily be drawn from what I have ſeen; Oh! Unfortunate Clarinda, and Falſe Peregrine; with that ſhe gave her [...]elf over to Unconſolable Grief. Mariana did all ſhe could to comfort her, but [...]ll in vain, ſhe repreſented to her, that though all was true which ſhe but ſurmi [...]ed at moſt; yet, this was before he had [...]een her, and that ſhe believ'd the very Heavens had contributed by ſtrange Accidents to make him conſtant to her. A [...]alſe Man minds not Heaven, anſwered Clarinda, Oh! that I had ſeen but this before he had gone, I had commanded him never more to ſee my Face. In [...]hort, Clarinda was in ſuch a fury, that Mariana thought it Prudence, not to inſiſt any longer on Peregrine's Juſtification, [...]t that preſent, but rather to divert her [Page] from the Thoughts of him, by raiſing of ſome other Diſcourſe, not queſtioning but that in time Peregrine would be able to juſtifie himſelf; for Mariana had entertained ſo good an Opinion of him, that ſhe would believe all things elſe, rather than that he ſhould be falſe. The Meſſenger, which Clarinda had ſent to her Father at Mentz, being juſt at that time return'd, he brought her the ſad News of her Father's deſperate Illneſs. This Addition of Grief, made her reſolve to leave the Caſtle, that place which had lately prov'd ſo fatal to her, and to go and tend her Father in the Town of Mentz, without any further Deſires to hear of Peregrine's ſafe Retreat. She began from that time, to gather all that ſhe thought convenient to carry with her, as Money, Plate, and Jewels, the rather to, becauſe the Servant had told her that there was great Apprehenſions in Mentz, of the Confederate Troops ſpeedy Approaches, and that no doubt they would ravage the Country: Wherefore, partly her own ſafety, and partly in a diſpair, ſhe took that Reſolution, deſigning to put in Execution, with the earlieſt haſte, and to leave Mariana, in the Caſtle, to attend [Page] [...]er old Aunt, who kept continually Cloi [...]ter'd up in her Chamber, and to ſend [...]er News, by ſome means or other, of that Perfidious Man, in Caſe ſhe had any to ſend, that ſhe might inform him, ſhe now knew him: This was a hard Pill for Mariana to ſwallow, but finding ſhe might [...]o Peregrine a great piece of Service, in [...]ending Clarinda News of him, from whom ſhe did not queſtion but to hear, ſo ſoon as he was got in a place of ſecurity; ſhe conſented to Clarindas requeſt.

The earneſt Deſires Clarinda had to be gone, haſtened in ſome meaſure her Cure; ſo that the third day, after her Diſaſter, ſhe was fit to get on Horſe back; but having been further informed that all the Roads were full of the Confederate's Forces, ſhe thought it would be dangerous for her to adventure in her own Aparel, for fear of being met by ſome rude party▪ ſhe therefore put on one of her Brother's Suits, aſſuming his Name, and being fitted with all things elſe, to make her a compleat Cavalier; ſhe ſet forward in the cloſe of the Evening, with three of her Men Servants, deſigning to be ſo near Mentz by Morning, that the Confederates ſhould not prevent her getting in▪

[Page]Fortune did ſo favour her Enterpriſe, that by the next Morning, ſhe got ſafe into Montz, but it was not without riding very hard, having been purſued for two Miles, even to the very Gates of the Town; there (for Addition to her Grief) ſhe learnt the Death of her Father, and that he had been buried the day before her coming: Thoſe who had ſeen the Servant that had been ſent before, returning with her, who now went under the Notion of Frederick, (which was her Brother's Name,) and Son and Air to the Deceaſed, did not in the leaſt queſtion the truth thereof; wherefore, they delivered to Frederick, all that his Father had left; but he diſliking his Lodgings, he took one up in a more convenient place, and preſently ſent back all three of his Servants, giving them charge to put his dear Mariana in mind, of what ſhe had promiſed to do.

Peregrine, mean time, as he was making his eſcape, fell into a Party of the Conſederates, who took him Priſoner, and brought him where he was moſt deſirous to be, in the Abſence of his charming Clarinda. He preſently made inquiry after his worthy Friend, Count Zinzerdorf, [Page] and was not long after brought to his Quarters, where he was receiv'd with all the Careſſes imaginable. He came into the Camp, about the beginning of July, having been taken by a Party of Foot, the Evening before, who were Convey to the Baggage and Artillary. The Camp being on one Line, and the Regiments of Horſe and Foot being intermix'd, it was late the next Morning, before he was ſurrender'd into the Count's Hands. He being thus ſafe, his next Care was to give notice to Clarinda of his ſafety, which he conceiv'd in theſe Terms.

If there was any perfect felicity to be had, where the charming Clarinda is not, I might think my ſelf not far from attaining it. I am with my Friends, in an Army that fronts, and threatens the Enemy's Deſtruction; and I have that particular and vaſt Advantage over the reſt, of having you, Madam, for my Guardian Angel; but when I reflect on the Condition, in which my hard Fate, forc'd me to leave you; eſpecially, conſidering that I am to place all your Misfortunes on the account of my perverſe Stars, all my great proſpect of Contentedneſs is reduc'd into a black Cloud of Diſpair; [Page] I earneſtly intreat the moſt obliging Mariana to let me know whether I ſtand for Life or Death, for both depend ſo abſolutely upon Clarindas State, that according to my Information, I am prepared to live, or die an eternal Votary to that fair Saint.

With this Letter he diſpatch'd one of his Servants, who ſpoke German, to convey it to the Caſtle, and got a Paſs that he might not be hindred in his going or coming back. This Meſſenger, who was his Groom, made a ſhift to looſe himſelf, in the dark of the Evening, betwixt the Camp and the Town, in a Vale, near a Mill, where ſome of the Army of Loraine had orders to poſt themſelves. This made the Groom to avoid them (not knowing who they were) to get betwixt them and the Town, with a Deſign, ſo ſoon as any light did appear, never ſo little, to get from amongſt them as faſt as ever he could, and ſo inquire out the way to the Caſtle: But he fail'd in his Meaſures, for the French ſallied out, which gave an alarum to the Germans, who ſoon drove back the Salliers, who took but one Man Priſoner, that prov'd to be Peregrine's Groom. He was brought into the Town, [Page] and ſome would have made him paſs for a Spie, but that the Fellow had ſo much wit as to call himſelf a Deſerter, who being ſent with a Letter, from a Gentleman, came but the day before into the Camp, of the Confederates, to a Lady that liv'd in a Caſtle, about a days Journey from thence, he had taken that opportunity of eſcaping into the Town, and that he was waiting for ſome opportunity of doing ſo, when he was luckily brought in; this and the Fellow's Readineſs to produce the Letter, ſoon gain'd Credit, ſo that he was releas'd, and the Letter, after read, return'd to him.

Amongſt thoſe who were preſent at the Fellow's Examination; a perſon who lived in the ſame Houſe where Frederick [...]ay, had been a Spectator, and being ask'd, at his return, what news from the Party that had ſallied out that Night, he ſaid, they had loſt three or four Men, but had got but one Priſoner, who it ſeems was a Deſerter, then he told them the whole Story; this having been related juſt by Frederick's Chamber Door, ſo that he had over heard all; he began to fancy, that he might be ſomething concern'd in this Buſineſs more than ordinary; he therefore [Page] inquir'd, where he might ſee this Deſerter, and what Livery he had on? But could learn neither, he only was offer'd by the Fellow to go ſeek after him, and bring him to him, if he would conſider him for his pains; Frederick having promis'd the Fellow a good reward, and given him a ſmall advance, he went his ways to ſeek after Peregrine's Groom, who he found about ſome two Hours after drinking with ſome Soldiers; but he ſcarce knew him again, becauſe the Soldiers had taken the pains to eaſe him of his upward Garment, which was Peregrine's Livery. But hearing him ſay that the Lady muſt excuſe him, if he made bold to light his Pipe, with ſome of theſe Compliments which his Maſter ſent to her; that made the Fellow confident it was the ſame Perſon, he ſtopt his Hand, and told him there was a young Gentleman, in the Town, that had ſomething to ſay to him: The Groom preſently put up the Letter again, with his Pipe, and ſaid, he was ready to follow him, deſiring his Comrades to forbare drinking the reſt of his Coat, 'till he return'd to have his ſhare of it; with that he follow'd his Guide, who ſoon brought him to Frederick.

[Page]The Groom having never ſeen Frederick before, no not in his former Aparel, nor Frederick him; he was oblig'd to interogate him the more ſtrictly, and the Groom gave Frederick ſuch ſatisfactory Anſwers, that when he was preſented with the open Letter, all rompl'd, he ſoon knew the Character, and remained well ſatisfied of the truth of all the reſt; he gratifi'd both the Fellows, and bid the Groom come to him the next day, then he retir'd to his own Chamber, to read with the greater leiſure, and privacy, that which he thought moſt concerned him in this World; he could not but reflect at Fortune's figaries, who had miſ-lead this Fellow, by which means he had come the ſooner to hear of that falſe Man, to whom he was reſolv'd to ſend a ſevere Epiſtle. Frederick read, but did not; kiſs'd thoſe Lines which Peregrine had writ, an Hundred times over, as he had done before, when he was ſtill Clarinda, and finding ſo much Paſſion in them, he thought he could not diſpute them too much. He was impatient of the Groom's return, that he might further examine him, and find whither he might intruſt him with his Deſigns; in the mean time, [Page] he buſied himſelf in reading all Peregrine's Writings; after which, he took his Lute, Play'd and Song to it thoſe Verſes, which his Muſick-Maſter had given him, that ſame day he had ſet forth for Mentz, which he had got very perfect, with repeating them continually, as he daily did, but not with that pleaſure he had formerly done. Of Truth, this had been the greateſt of his Diverſion ever ſince his coming to that place, where he had liv'd retire, without any Communication even at his Meals, ſo that he paſſed under the Notion of the Woman hater, becauſe there were divers Gentlewomen in the ſame Houſe, Boarders, whoſe Company Frederick did avoid, as if they had had the Plague; and when any one came to make his Bed, or clean his Chamber, he would all that time retire into a Cloſet, at the further end of his Chamber, which contained all his Trunks, Boxes and Cheſts, and where he would frequently retire to play on the Lute, or to meditate on thoſe Writings once ſo precious to him, that he might ſtill be the leſs heard, and thought on. There he began to think in what perplexities Peregrine would have been in, had he been [Page] true, at his not hearing any News from him, which made him think the time very long before the Groom's return, who at laſt came. Frederick brought him into his Cloſet; after he had ſhut the Chamber Door, where he examin'd ſo cloſly the Groom, that he confeſt to him, he had pretended to be a Deſerter, when he had been taken by the Enemy, only that he might have the better opportunity to get to that Caſtle, where they had been made ſo much on by the good Lady of that place, on his Maſters Account, he was ſure; for he had heard his Fellow-Servants, who were oftner within Door, than he, whoſe whole Buſineſs was in the Stable, talk ſtrange things of them: And do they believe, ſaid Frederick, that your Maſter does really Love that Gentlewoman? Love her, anſwered the Groom, doats upon her, ay, and will e'en run ſtatk-ſtaring Mad for her, to, it's believ'd; for a does neither eat, drink, nor ſleep; but all Night he's a ſighing and ſobbing, as if his own Hearts Blood and Guts, would burſt aſunder: By'r Lady, I could not live ſo, for my part, continued he. Well, honeſt Friend, replied Frederick, ſince thou haſt been ſo faithful to thy Maſter, [Page] and doſt deſign to continue ſo, here is to encourage thee to go on, in ſerving him truly; and now I will tell thee that I am nearly related to that Lady, to whom thou were going with the Letter, and that if thou wilt venture to carry back a Letter to thy Maſter, I ſhall reward thee well for thy pains: Odds-buds, Maſter, anſwered the honeſt blunt Groom, I did fancy ſo much ſo ſoon as I ſaw you, though I never ſaw her, and might my Girdle never hold, if I do not venture my Whizle, at any time for any of you Three; trie me elſe, continued he, do ye but contrive, and drive me forwards, and trie if I don't go. This hearty proffer from ſo blunt a Fellow, could not but highly pleaſe Frederick, who reſolved to take this opportunity to make a Trial of Peregrine's Conſtancy, beginning to hearken to his Love, who very much inclined him to clear Peregrine in his Thoughts, ever ſince he had, without paſſion or prejudice read over and over, thoſe broken Fragments which did pretend a paſſionate Love, from the Woman, but no Perfidiouſneſs in the Man, who after all might never have lov'd her. However, he was reſolved to put Peregrine on very ſevere [Page] Trials, that ſhould throughly confirm him of his conſtancy towards him, before he would admit him again, to the ſame place, he before that diſcovery poſſeſs'd in his Heart; to that purpoſe, Frederick reſolv'd to conceal himſelf, under the Character of a Friend of the Counts, and in that Humour, writ the following Lines.

If all the Men in your Armies were as expert as you are, at killing of both Sexes, we ſhould have reaſon not to fear for our ſelves only, but for our Wives and Daughters alſo; you are not contented with thoſe Murthers which you have committed at home, but wearied there, with Blood, you are come to exerciſe your Talient amongſt us, alſo; we have had but too woful Examples of it, in the late unfortunate Count Mansfielt, and ſince that, in the much to be lamented Clarinda, whoſe knowledg of your Domeſtick Perfidiouſneſs, has untimely ſnatched away from us. As a Friend to both theſe, I declare my ſelf your Mortal Enemy, who will never have quiet till I have waſhed, with your Blood, thoſe ſtains which muſt render you odious to all Mankind.

[Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] This ſhort but ſmart Epiſtle being ſeal'd up, he gave it without Superſcription to the Groom, with ſome Gold, and bid him to get himſelf in a Readineſs, to Sally out the next Night with a Party that was appointed to that purpoſe, and gave him one of the Soldier's Coats to conceal himſelf under, which he might well enough do in the dark; then giving him an handful of Silver, he thus diſmiſſed him.

The following Night, the Garriſon made four falſe Sallies, in one of which, the truſty Groom made a ſhift to get out of the Town, and return to his Maſter, to whom, having given the Letter, he related all that had happened to him ſince his Abſence. You may imagine into what ſurpriſing terrour, a Letter ſo fill'd with horrour, did put him; he was for a long time mute, and as ſtiff as a Stake, without the leaſt Motion, out of which he ſuddainly ſtarred, asking the Groom if he had brought him e're a Letter? There 'tis in your hand, ſaid the Fellow, Thou lieſt, Villain, replied diſtracted Peregrine; then looking on the Letter, See, added he, Is this directed to me? Holding it to the poor trembling Fellow; [Page] Alack, Sir, I cannot read, not I, ſaid the Groom, but I am ſure that he who gave it me, bid me to deliver it into your own hands. Why, who am I, Dog? Said poor Peregrine; my Maſter, Sir, I think, anſwered the Fellow, but I think ſtrangely chang'd. I'll go ask what is the matter, added he, with that he ſlipt out of the Chamber, and left Peregrine alone, to deſcant upon that ſevere Letter, where we will leave him for ſome ſmall ſpace, to inform you of what was become of the Count, and of Mariana.

As for the Count he had been ſo carefully look'd after, that he was perfectly recovered of his Wound, but not of that extream Weakneſs, which that vaſt quantity of Blood he had loſt, had brought upon him; he, and his Friends, were reſolved not to give over that Buſineſs ſo, but to have a full revenge, ſo ſoon as they could but hear where Peregrine was retired; to that purpoſe, they had made all the inquiries they could poſſible, from the Servants at the Caſtle; as alſo, of the Chirurgeon. They had learnt, that he was an Engliſh Man, Peregrine by Name, that he deſign'd to paſs the Campaign, in the Confederates Army, and they believed, [Page] that without doubt, he was retired there; but they would not attempt any thing againſt him, to the prejudice of the Count's Honour; wherefore, they but ſtaid till the Count was in Condition to call Peregrine to an Account himſelf.

As for Mariana, ſhe had been ſo afrighted, and the old Lady alſo, by a Party from the Confederates, who had committed a world of Rudeneſs, that they were retired, Servants and all, to a place Twenty Miles off of the Caſtle; Mariana having concluded that it would be as impoſſible to ſend any News to Clarinda, as ſhe fear'd Peregrine had found it difficult to ſend to her, at the Caſtle; ſhe ſtill continuing in that Confidence, ſhe had of Peregrine's Virtues; wherefore, was willing to attribute his ſilence, to any other Cauſe than his Inconſtancy.

Things were at that paſs, amongſt the Lovers Conſerns, when that the Confederate's Army had made their Approaches, very near to the Town, at 450 Paces from the Counterſcarp, where the Saxons, (amongſt which, Peregrine was a Voluntiere) had taken their Poſt, on which the Enemy did Fire continually all that day; and one of their Shot, out of a Falcon, [Page] unfortunately killed, the Prince Palatine, Frederick William, who was come, as a Voluntiere, in the Camp; and was, that day, with Peregrine, at the head of the French; where, alſo, were the Prince Elector, his Brother, and the Grand Maſter of the Tutonick Order. The Body of that unfortunate Prince was carried to Francfort, there to be embalmed.

Peregrine, who notwithſtanding all his Afflictions and Grief, would not let paſs any opportunity of ſhewing that he was not come ſo far only to ſee, and to be ſeen, did not omit this occaſion of waiting on the Prince, at the head of the French, but did wiſh, a thouſand times, that the Bullet had met with his Head, in liew of the Princes; ſince he had received that fatal Letter, there had not been any dangerous Enterpriſe, but he had been in it, with a purpoſe Deſign of not out-living his dear Clarinda, whom he concluded Dead, of which, he counted himſelf the Cauſe; but ſtill he did come off with Honour, his better Fortune reſerving him to injoy his Hearts Deſires: How often did he call himſelf negligent Fool, for not having burnt that fatal Engliſh Letter, to which he attributed all [Page] his Misfortunes, as was intimated, in that which he had received, from an unknown Hand? He was reſolved, with the firſt opportunity, to get into the Town, to inform himſelf, more at large, and to find out that unknown Perſon, who had been ſo ſevere in his Cenſure of him. That, of Truth, had been the Occaſion of his going on all Parties; but, as yet, he had not met with any opportunity, of accompliſhing his Deſign, which ſtill did diſtract him more, and more, in ſo much, that his Friends, and eſpecially, the Count Zinzendorf, had divers times inquired what was the matter with him? What Cauſe of Diſcontent he had had, which appeared ſo viſibly in his Countenance? And that made him ſo deſperately throw himſelf into all kind of Dangers? Deſiring him to manage himſelf a little better? But to all theſe Interrogatories, and Advices, he would make no Anſwer, nor give his Friends (who were really highly concerned for him) any Satisfaction, ſo that they were forced to let him take his own Courſe, giving him over for a loſt Man. He ſtill continued deaf, to all their Advices; and he, moſt impatiently, watch'd for an opportunity of deſerting, [Page] with a Reſolution, in caſe he found Clarinda gone, to throw himſelf head long, amongſt the Enemies, and there be ſacrificed, a Victim to her Memory.

Clarinda, or Frederick, rather, on the other hand, had a thouſand times wiſh'd he had not ſent ſo ſevere a Letter, which he feared would produce Peregrine's death, his Innocence daily getting ground over Frederick's Indignation; at laſt, not hearing from him, it brought Frederick into ſuch an impatiency, that he could no longer reſt, without learning ſomething of his once ſo dearly beloved Preſerver; he had been brought into that violent deſire by the frequent Reflections he had made, on Peregrine's Bravery; concluding with himſelf, that it was impoſſible ſo gallant a Perſon, who had done ſo much for him, could be guilty of ſo horrid a Crime, as he had taxed him with, in his Paſſion: He had tried all means imaginable to ſend ſome body to him, but had found it impoſſible, which had made him take up the brave Reſolution to join in the next Party that ſhould go out, and to get over to the Army, or periſh in the attempt. To accompliſh this, he went a Voluntiere, and joined himſelf to the Horſe-Guard, [Page] that the Town had ſent forth to front that of the Confederates; and there being no other Action, on that time, on the Confederates ſide; Peregrine, rather then do nothing at all, was got amongſt their Horſe Guard. Towards Night, there were ſome Pickeerings, in which divers were killed, on both ſide, amongſt which was one D' Andlau, Captain in Palfe's Regiment, and divers made Priſoners, on both ſides, amongſt which, Frederick was the beſt pleaſed.

It proved luckily for Frederick, that he was the Priſoner of one of Peregrine's intimate Friends. For this Gentleman, having not heard what was become of Peregrine, had ſent to inquire after him; News was brought that he was ſuppoſed to be killed, for his Horſe was found dead, which was known again by his own Groom, but his Body was not yet to be found; ſo it was concluded, that he had quitted his Horſe, and having fought on Foot, and that he might be dropt amongſt the Enemies. This having been told in the preſence of Frederick, it cauſed ſuch a ſuddain change in him, that notice was taken of it; and preſently after, he retired into that Room which [Page] had been allotted for him (for his Ranſom had already been ſet to an hundred Piſtols, to which he had readily agreed,) where having flung himſelf upon a Couch, he gave way to all that paſſion could move in a ſenſible Breaſt. He called himſelf, a thouſand times, a Murtherer, in having writ that cruel Letter, which doubtleſs, was the cauſe of his becoming ſo Careleſs of his Life, as he was reported to be; ſome Servants having taken notice of this great paſſion, in the young Priſoner, they went and acquainted the Officer with it, who, coming near to the Tent Door, heard Frederick ſay, unfortunate Woman. The Officer entered haſtily, and going to the Bed, What Woman do you mean? Said he, And what is the cauſe of that great Paſſion you have fallen into, ſince the News of my worthy Friend's Death?

Frederick thought himſelf now abſolutely ruin'd, and remained ſilent for a conſiderable time, not knowing what to ſay. This made the Officer to add, were you acquainted with him? If ſo, let me know it? If he was a Friend of yours, I aſſure you, you ſhall fare the better for it? Frederick, that deſired no [Page] longer to live, now he thought Peregrine was dead; with a deſign to urge the Officer to do him ſome Miſchief, thus anſwered, If you was Peregrine's Friend, you can not do his Memory a greater piece of Service, than to Sacrifice me to it? For, I declare, I was his mortal Enemy, that I writ to him a Letter, which put him into that Diſpair, which made him ſo little to manage his Life, to which I add, that I let my ſelf be taken Priſoner, (as the poſture I was found in, might eaſily ſhew), being alighted, and amongſt your own Party, that I might have his Blood, for having been the Death of a Gentlewoman to whom I am related. Now, Sir, continued he, If you have any reſpect for your Friend's memory, do what he himſelf would have done to me, or I had been his Executioner? And ſeeing the Officer ſtand as amazed, he added, If it is the loſs of my Ranſome, detains you from doing that piece of Juſtice, to your Friend, here is that which will be worth better than an 100 Piſtols to you? And with that drew a Jewel out of his Boſome, which he preſented to the Officer, but he refuſed it; and being ſtill more and more ſurpriſed, at theſe ſtrange [Page] things, knew not what to think, and after he had remained a little ſilent, he thus ſaid, I know not, Young Man, what to think of you; I find you are in a kind of Deſpair, which makes you ſeek for relief, in Death, but I am not a Perſon to take Advantage of any-one's Misfortunes. I do not know but that my Friend may have been taken Priſoner, ſeeing, that though his Horſe has been found ſlain, his body has not been yet diſcovered; wherefore, I would have you manage your ſelf, till we have a certainty of the matter; not doubting, but that if my Friend lives, he will give you all the Satisfaction that you can receive from a gallant Perſon: forbear but ſpeaking ill of my worthy Friend, and injoy here all the conveniencies that my Quarters will afford; I will leave you to your ſelf, a dieu, with that the Officer went out of the Tent.

Thus was the poor afflicted Frederick left, a Prev to all his Sorrows, with the only ſmall glimpſe, which Peregrine's Friend had left him, by ſaying, he might be made a Priſoner; Frederick, reſolv'd to know the truth of it, out of hand, by eſcaping into the City, though with the hazard of his Life; with a firm Reſolution, [Page] to die, if he found not Peregrine there a live; he began to be extraordinary ſenſible of the evil Effects of his Raſhneſs, in ſending that fatal Letter, which had been the certain cauſe of all the Evils that followed upon it, ſo accounted himſelf the Murtherer of him, who had twice preſerved his Life, and whom he now verily believed to be true, and conſtant, by the ſtrange effects which thoſe curſed Lines had wrought in him, which made him ſo careleſsly to proſtitute his Life, in the greateſt dangers, as believing it not worth preſerving, after the loſs of his Clarinda; thus did Frederick's Boſome declare in favour of the unfortunate Peregrine, which made him to conclude to kill himſelf, if he found him not in Mentz, deſigning to get thither the next Night, or to die in the attempt; but the Heavens had ordained otherwiſe of him, as I am going to relate.

The Confederates did throw abundance of Bombs, every Night, into the City, which fired many Houſes; that in which poor wounded Priſoners lay, having been ſet on Fire, they were forced to be removed, as faſt as they could, and they put a wounded Gentleman into a Chamber, [Page] at the very next Houſe, which pro [...]ed to be in Frederick's own Chamber, [...]ill they had found ſome other conveni [...]ncy for him. Frederick having given [...]ut, when he left his Lodgings, that he [...]hould not return in three or four days, [...]ecauſe he was to go to the other end of [...]he Town, about earneſt buſineſs; he [...]ad taken the Key of his large Cloſet [...]ith him, but had left his Chamber [...]oor open; and this Fire happening in [...]he Night, they had carried the wounded Gentleman in there, as being neareſt at [...]and, with a deſign to remove him a [...]ain, ſo ſoon as the owner of the Cham [...]er ſhould return. That Night divers [...]eſerters got into the Town, and Frede [...]ick heard that two or three French Offi [...]rs had gotten in at noon day, that [...]ave him hopes of having as good a ſuc [...]eſs in his attempt; in theſe hopes he [...]alks out to take a little Air, as he pre [...]ended, but it was to obſerve which way [...]e ſhould attempt to put in Execution his [...]eſign.

As he was thus walking penſive alone, [...] perceived a ſmall Party, riding up to [...]ards him; he, who had no mind to be [...]en, ſtept a little out of the way, that [Page] they might paſs him unregarded; but, as the company▪ was got cloſe to him, he thought he knew one of their Voices, he looked ſuddainly up, and perceiving that it was Count Mansfeilt, he preſently turned his Head another way, and obſerved which way they were marching, and ſaw them go into that Tent which belonged to the Officer that had taken him. The Count being now perfectly recovered of his Wounds, and Weakneſs, and having learnt where Peregrine was entertained, had been with his Kinſman, Count Zinzendorf, to demand Juſtice of him, againſt a Stranger, who had wronged him, and taken ſomething from him, whom he protected. The Count, who was related to Mansfeilt, received him very Courteouſly, and aſſured him of all the Services that lay in his power; but told him, withal, that he had had ſo many Proofs of that Gentleman's bravery, and generous Temper, whom he accus'd, that none but his Kinſman could ſuſpect, without offending him; that he hoped he was miſtaken in the Perſon, and that to be ſatisfied in that, he himſelf would conduct his Kinſman, to his Friends Quarters, having not heard of him in two [Page] days: They were going to ſeek after Peregrine, when Frederick did take notice of them. It enter'd into Frederick's Head, that the Count came not there for any good to Peregrine, which made him (though Peregrine was far from thence, if he was at all) to have a Deſire of knowing the nature of the Count's Buſineſs. He therefore walks back, [...]o [...]ly after, and getting in by the back way of the Tent, waited to hear what would be ſaid.

He had looked on the young Count, as the firſt Cauſe of all his, and of Peregrine's Misfortunes, and even of his Death, if he was ſlain: This had bred ſuch an hatred in his Breaſt, rowards the Count, that he wiſhed he could be the Death of him; wherefore, very far from ever receiving him into Favour again. Being thus prepoſſeſt, he heard the Officer relate how Peregrine had been loſt, and that he had a young Priſoner, who he had taken that Night, that had declared he had permitted himſelf to be taken, but to be brought where Peregrine was, that he might kill him, for being the Death of a Kinſwoman of his. He is very deſperate, added the Officer, and [Page] Careleſs of his Life, expreſſes much Courage, though very young. Upon this, the Count ſaid, That it was not he alone who complained of Peregrine's Unworthineſs; and that beſides that Gentlewoman, for whoſe Death he was accuſed, he believed, that the Death of another Lady might be laid to his Charge alſo, of whom no News was to be had, and who doubtleſs he had made away, it may be, after he had had his Pleaſure of her. Here, Frederick could not any longer forbear, but ruſhing into the Tent, adreſſed himſelf to the Count, with a ſtern Countenance, and his Hand upon his Sword. Thou lieſt Count, cried he, aloud, in the Relation thou giveſt of Peregrine, and becauſe he is not here to juſtifie himſelf of thoſe baſe and falſe Accuſations, I come to vindicate him in the preſence of all theſe; therefore draw, added he, and with that, drew his Sword, and run at the Count: The Count had but time to draw, and making a paſs, gave a ſlight Wound to Frederick's Hand, and diſarmed him, before any could come into them. They were parted, and Frederick put out of the Tent, and every Body remained in a maze, at the raſh, [Page] and deſperate Actions, of ſo young a Youth; but, above all, the Officer was ſtrangely ſurpriſed to ſee one who had declar'd was come to kill Peregrine, eſpouſe, with ſo much fierceneſs, his Intereſt, in ſo raſhly expoſing his Life to maintain Peregrine's Reputation.

Mean time, Frederick was glad he had been put out, before he had been diſcovered by any there; and for fear of being called to an account, for this Action, before the Count, who might, at laſt, know him, he went his way, telling ſome Servants, he met, that he was going to ſeek ſome Chirurgeon to dreſs his Hand. Of Truth, the Count began to entertain ſome Ideas of that Face, which perſuaded him he had ſeen it ſomewhere before; and upon that he had deſired that Perſon ſhould be brought in again, that he might have a more full view of him; but he was gone, and was not found by any at that time. All this did ſtill breed more Suſpition in the Count, and Wonders in the Beholders; he, at laſt, with pondring much upon the knowledge of that Face, did really conclude, that this was none but Clarinda, in a Diſguiſe; but, on what account, could not imagine; he had but [Page] too well found that Peregrine had rendered himſelf abſolute Maſter of Clarindas Heart, he fear'd, beyond all the Art he had to reclaim it again; yet, he was loth to abſolutely give over the purſute; he found he ſtill had the ſame Love and Affection for her, but had great reaſon to believe ſhe hated him, witneſs her late Action; in this Agitation of Spirit, he knew not what to reſolve, nor indeed, what to ſay to his Friends: He thought that if he could but once more ſet his Eye upon her, he would haunt her Day and Night, rather than not receive ſome favourable anſwer from her: In this Reſolution, he takes his leave of Count Zinzendorf, and of the other Officer, and with thoſe Friends that he had brought along with him, returns, with a deſign to ſeparate, and all go in ſearch after her, ſeveral ways, and in caſe Peregrine was dead (as it was believed) never to abandon her, till he had gained her good Will; but in caſe he ſhould ſtill be living, either to kill, or be killed, by him, finding it impoſſible for him to live, without the Poſſeſſion of Clarinda. He thus ſent his Friends ſeveral ways to ſeek her, amongſt her own Relations, and at the Caſtle, but [Page] reſerves to himſelf, to ſearch the whole Camp after her.

Frederick having got as far as the Lorrain Attack, he perceived a French Party, of about 400 Foot, that appeared within a mile of the Trenches, he deſigned, at firſt, to have run amongſt them, but they preſently diſappeared again, ſo remain'd fruſtrated of that deſign; ſome time after, it rained very hard, which made Frederisk to ſeek for ſome ſhelter; as he was ſo doing, he perceived a Woman, at ſome diſtance, that crept on all four, whom he concluded to be ſome Spie, or ſome Carrier of Intelligence; he, after the ſame manner, got to her, before ſhe had eſpied him; when, finding it was too late for her to endeavour her eſcape, ſhe turned towards him, fell on her Knees, and beſought him to ſpare her Life, promiſing that ſhe would never more ſtir out of the Town; this ſhe did, believing verily that ſhe was diſcovered to be a Spie, and that Frederick had come that way, and had ventured ſo near the Shot of the Town, but to ſeize on her. Some few Shots, indeed, were made at them, while Frederick bid her not to fear, that he would do her no hurt. So ſoon as ſhe had his promiſe, [Page] ſhe called to a black Dog of hers, that was not far from thence, which being perceived by thoſe on the Ramparts, that had Shot at them before, they preſently ceaſed firing. Frederick asked the Woman how he might get into the Town, ſhe judging, by that, that he was ſome Deſerter, plucked up a good Heart, and told him, that if he pleaſed to have patience a while, he ſhould ſee her get in, and-that he might after do the like, if he pleaſed; all this time they being got into a little hollow, that covered them from the Camp, though not from the Town; ſhe told him that ſhe had uſed this Trade daily, ever ſince the Town had been Beſieged, and that ſhe had never been ſurpriſed; that in caſe ſhe ſhould be at any time taken, that nothing might be found about her, that could prejudice her, ſhe roll'd up her Intelligence, in a piece of Parchment, and put that Parchment in a piece of Gut, which ſhe gave to her Dog to carry, and that he had been uſed to follow her, at a great diſtance; that when ſhe came near the Gate, ſhe would ſlip her ſelf into her little H [...]t, that was cloſe by the Centry, by the back Door, and open the fore Door, in which [Page] her Dog would come; that ſo ſoon as he was got in, ſhe would lock him up, feed him well, and then would go, and deliver her Intelligence to the Governour; and that, by ſo doing, ſhe had got the Character of being a Witch, that uſed to go in, and out of the Town, in the ſhape of a black Dog; that ſhe had a Piſtol every time, and that all that mounted the Guard, had Orders not to Shoot any Dog. Not long after this, at a ſign that was given, ſhe went ſidling towards the Town, her Dog ſtill remaining in the ſame place; ſhe bid Frederick to follow the Dog, who would not go faſt, ſo ſoon as he ſhould ſee him move. It proved as the Woman had ſaid, when ſhe was got about an hundred yards, from the Dog, the Dog took up the piece of Gut, which lay by him, and followed the Woman, ſtill keeping the ſame diſtance behind her. Frederick, perceiving this, began to follow the Dog, thereby, expoſing himſelf wholly to the Towns Shot, but there was not one made at him; thus little by little, taking a ſmall compaſs, ſtill tending towards the Gate Gaw; where, at laſt, being come, they were both let in; at the Foot of the Rampart, ſhe had [Page] made a halt, at which the Dog had done the like; but Frederick advanced, after ſhe had given him a ſign. Thus did Frederick get into the Town again, without any great hazard; he gave the Woman a Piſtol, and then went towards his old Lodgings, which were almoſt at the other end of the Town: They had ſeen ſix or ſeven French Officers, well mounted, who had endeavoured to get into the Town, at a conſiderable diſtance from them; Frederick, at firſt, though on Foot, wiſh'd himſelf amongſt them, but ſeeing two of them drop, he took the Woman's Advice, and did not follow the reſt, who got ſafe in.

Frederick, after his wonted Cuſtom, ſo ſoon as he got into that Houſe, where he lodged, was going into his Chamber, without ſpeaking to any body; but his Landlady called, and told him, that his Chamber was taken up, by ſuch an Accident, which ſhe related to him, but that the Party ſhould preſently be removed; mean time, a Servant was gone to bid the wounded Gentleman prepare to be removed, which News he received with much diſguſt, fearing the prejudice which another diſturbance would produce [Page] to his Wound; he deſired therefore, that he might firſt ſpeak with the Gentleman that owned the Chamber; Frederick, hearing that, went in▪ Sir, ſaid the Sick Man, to him, You ſee, a poor wounded Priſoner; I am a Gentleman, continued he, and if, beſides the Ranſom I am to pay, I can purchaſe my ſtay here, till I am in a better Condition to remove, ſpake but your demands, and I will procure it you. Frederick, pittying the poor Gentleman's Condition, whom he gueſt to be very ill, by the faintneſs of his Voice, made anſwer, that he knew how to be civil even to his Enemies, that he ſhould remain there ſo long as he pleaſed, and trouble himſelf no further; with that, Frederick, ſhutting the Bed-Curtains cloſe, bid him take his reſt, and went immediately out of the Houſe again, in the deſign of employing ſome Perſons, to go in every part of the Town, and inquire after a Gentleman Priſoner, taken ſuch a day, and ſuppoſed to be brought in wounded, his Horſe having been ſhot under him. Frederick having reſolved to remain in the Cloſet, all that day, and the next, where there was a little Couch; he got [Page] a Bottle of Wine, another of Water, and ſome Bisket, with which he retired into the Cloſet, without having been perceived of any Body, no not ſo much as by the Sick Man, who knew of no Cloſet, and when he heard any noiſe, ſuppoſed it to be ſome Servant, who was going in and out; thus did Frederick lock himſelf into his Cloſet, for that time, having told the Perſons whom he had employed, on the ſearch after Peregrine, that he would meet them, at ſuch a certain place, two days after.

In the Night time, as Frederick lay on his Couch, he heard great complaints, and having hearkened to them, he found it was the Sick Man, who was lamenting his hard Fate. What vaſt difference, ſaid he, do I find, betwixt the Wounds of the Body, and thoſe of the Mind! How inſenſible I am of the firſt, when, my Miſeries preſent themſelves to my thoughts! And, what Balm have I to allay the ſmart of the laſt, but this poor Relick of that fair Saint, which my Soul did Adore! How dare I look on it? What Advantage can I expect from it? After what I have made the Original to ſuffer; Thou ſweet repreſenter of all my paſt Joys, I [Page] would not part with thee for leſs than the Original; the whole World is of leſs value to me, than this dead Idea of that which with me was all in all. Why do I live ſtill, ſo long as ſhe's no more? Well, a ſhort time ſhall put an end to all my Miſeries; I will follow in death, ſhe who I have ſent before, by my inconſiderateneſs; and ſeeing I am deprived of her dear Converſation in this Life, I will endeavour to injoy it in the next, ſo ſoon as my ſlight Wound will but permit me to ſacrifice my life to thoſe dear Aſhes; mean time I muſt continue miſerable. Oh Heavens! After this there was a great ſilence, which continuing, Frederick open'd the Cloſet Door, without the leaſt noiſe, and approaching little by little, towards the Bed, and finding that the Gentleman was fallen faſt aſleep, he ventur'd to ſearch upon it for the Picture that had lately been mention'd; but hearing ſome noiſe at the Chamber-Door, that made him to retire again, to lock himſelf up, and to defer his curioſity, till ſome other convenient time.

It was that Officer who had taken Peregrine Priſoner, who having learnt that day, by a Deſerter, that the Beſiegers [Page] deſigned very ſuddainly to give a general Aſſault, was come to bid his Priſoner provide the 100 Piſtoles for his Ranſome: To which the Chyrurgeon that was with him, added, That now he was almoſt well, he deſired he ſhould alſo ſend for Money to pay his Charges. This was ſomething ſurpriſing to Peregrine, who made no anſwer; which made the Quarter-Maſter ſay, That he did not know how Fortune might order the day; and that he was loath to loſe ſo much Money, which might ſerve for a Ranſome for himſelf, ſhould he have the Fortune to be made a Priſoner; and bidding Peregrine imploy ſome body about it, the next day at the fartheſt, he went huffing out of the Chamber. Peregrine, who had not ſpoke one Word all the while, but anſwered with Sighs, then ſaid, Here is ſome comfort yet, this want of a Ranſome may invite this greedy man to ſend me to my dear Clarinda. Oh! that Name has ſtill ſuch Charms in it, that it puts life in me when I hear it ſound: She was too forward, too credulous, too—Ah! Fatal Iſabella; Thou haſt carried home thy Revenge againſt me, for ſlighting of thy Love; my time to Love [Page] was not yet come; Clarinda was [...]g [...] to gather the firſt Fruits of my Affections; but how dear ſhe has paid for it, is the ſubject of my eternal Grief. After theſe, and divers others regrets, he remained ſilent.

Frederick, who had heard all, being now intirely convinced, that this Perſon was her dear Peregrine, and that he was blameleſs, and never lov'd any other but him, he reſolved to put an end to both their Afflictions in a ſhort time, but would do it with the greateſt ſurprize that could be imagined, having ſo fair an opportunity to do it; and to begin, he roll'd up two ſeveral Papers, containing each an hundred Piſtoles, then writ what follows.

Your good Angel, to preſerve your Life, and compoſe your Spirits, has provided what Gold you have occaſion for; and in requital of it, has deprived you of the renewer of your grief. Still live in hope it is Clarinda's Ghoſt will have it ſo.

After this, having watched till he was aſleep, he came ſoftly to the Bedſide, and having laid the two Papers of Gold cloſe to his Pillow, was groping for [Page] the [...]tu [...]e, he ſelt him to move, then heard him ſigh, which had put him by from ſeeking any farther, for fear of being diſcovered; but as he was taking up his hand, he found his Fingers intangled, which prov'd to be the Ribbon belonging to the Picture; he preſently took it up, and retired ſoftly, unperceived, and juſt as he was getting into the Cloſet, he heard Peregrine ſay, Divine Clarinda; at which he could not forbear anſwering, in a low voice, Conſtant Peregrine. Ha! What's that I hear? cry'd out Peregrine, in a ſtrange ſurpriſe, having he knew not how got ſitting in the Bed, which he had not done e'er ſince his Wound before; the [...] he hearkned very attentively for a time; after which he laid himſelf down again, ſaying, with a great ſigh, 'twas but a Dream, but very pleaſing to me; after which, he again remain'd ſilent. So ſoon as Day began to permit him to ſee, he was again at his exerciſe of ſighing, and going to order his Pillow, he felt ſomething heavy, lye cloſe to his Head; he laid his hand upon it, took it up, and found it to be the rolls of Gold, lapt up in a ſheet of Paper, in which Frederick had writ thoſe few Lines. Peregrine, in great ſurprize, [Page] open'd the ſheet of Paper, and there read what had been writ: This did wonderfully amaze him; he could not imagine how this relief ſhould come ſo unexpected to him; he buſied his Thoughts a thouſand ways to find out the right cauſe; and all he could imagine that came neareſt to it was, that Count Zinzendorf, having ſound out that he was a Priſoner in Mentz, had (he knew not how) convey'd that Relief to him: But then, how ſhould he come to the knowledge of his concerns with Clarinda, and that he had her Picture, he having never diſcovered to any Perſon one title of the whole Tranſaction, that he could not dive into; he only conjectur'd that Mariana might have ſent a Letter to him, which mention'd all thoſe particulars; and that in his abſence his Friends might have open'd it, to learn how far it concern'd him: then feeling for the Picture, and finding it gone, he was in as great a concerne at all theſe ſurpriſing things unknown to him, admiring how it was poſſible he ſhould be ſeiz'd with ſo profound a Sleep, as not to be awaken'd; then ſure, ſaid he, theſe People will come again when I am not aſleep, and give me ſome Information of [Page] the whole Event: He was thus canvaſſing the buſineſs in his Mind, when he heard the tuning of an Inſtrument, as it were in ſome other Room of the Houſe; he liſtened, and was ſurpriſed more than ever, to hear thoſe Verſes he had made on his accidental ſaving of Clarinda, ſung to a Theorbo-Lute. Theſe were all Inchantments to him; and the moſt probable conjecture he could make of it, was that certainly it was Mariana who had done all this; but how ſhe ſhould come there, find him out, learn his particular wants, and all the reſt, was a Miracle to him. So ſoon as the Song was ended, he ſtrove ſo much that he reach'd a Shooe, with which he made a ſhift to knock ſo loud, that ſome of the Servants came to him. He ask'd them who had been there? They anſwered him, they were certain no body had been in the Chamber ſince the Quarter-Maſter and the Chyrurgeon had been there; becauſe the laſt going out had double-lock'd the Door, and given the Key to his Miſtreſs, from whom he had juſt now received it, to come into him.

[Page]This could not but ſtrangely diſorder Peregrine, who ask'd the Fellow whether there was not ſome other way into his Chamber. The Fellow, who was but newly in that ſervice, anſwered, he knew not, that he did not believe there was, and that he would ſee: with that he walk'd round the Chamber, then told him he could ſee no other Door: with which anſwer poor Peregrine was forc'd to reſt ſatisfied; and the Servant having ask'd him what he wanted; Peregrine told him, He wanted now the Quarter-Maſter to pay him his Ranſome, and the Chyrurgeon alſo, to diſcharge him, and all the reſt of his Ingagements; for I have been ſufficiently ſupply'd this Night, continued he, but by what means. Then he purſued, Has no Gentleman been lately entertained in this Houſe? No, anſwered the Servant; but there were two went yeſterday away. So Peregrine finding himſelf, after all theſe Interrogations, as much in the dark as ever, he ſent the Servant away.

Frederick was once giving himſelf to be plainly diſcovered, and was in great fears when the Fellow walk'd about the Chamber, but when he found he was gone, he [Page] reſolved to purſue his deſign to the laſt: he, upon that, concluded to continue one Night longer in his concealment, though he began to be very weary of living on Bisket and Sweet▪Meats, which was all the Food he had had ſince his retirement, with the addition of a Glaſs of Wine, with which he ſometimes refreſhed himſelf.

Some time after, the Quarter Maſter return'd with the Chyrurgeon, and were encountred by the Miſtreſs of the Houſe, who giving them the Key of Peregrine's Chamber, told them, That now they needed not to fear the Priſoner, for he had Gold enough to ſatisfie all demands, as the Servant had informed her, but that no body knew how it came to him, ſeeing he had been lock'd up ever ſince they had laſt been there. The Quarter-Maſter began to prick up his Ears, and ſaid, all that is mine; for when I took him, all he had was mine, and he muſt needs have concealed all that Gold about him: He muſt provide for another Ranſome beſides this, continued he, for this I will ſeize on as my due. Hold there, reply'd the Chyrurgeon, I will not loſe my ſhare of it, be he ten times your Priſoner; while [Page] he has Money I will be ſatisfied for my Pains, Cares, and all the Charges I have been at. And why ſhould I loſe any thing, ſaid the Landlady, he has had attendance, and all the Houſe could afford, I am ſure, ever ſince he was removed here; and it is but reaſonable I ſhould be paid. The Quarter-Maſter, to avoid thoſe broils, being greedy of the Money, went into Peregrine's Chamber, but was follow'd cloſe at the Heels by the Chyrurgeon, and the Land-lady. I am glad, cry'd Peregrine, (ſeeing them come in,) that you are here, for now I have wherewith to ſatisfie you all. Hold a little, pray not ſo faſt, ſaid the Quarter-Maſter, all you have is mine, continued he, as being conceal'd about you, when I made you Priſoner. If you could prove that, ſaid Peregrine, it were ſomething, though not quite as you would have it neither; for there has an agreement paſt ſince betwixt us, that I ſhould have my full liberty in paying you an hundred Piſtoles, which I am now ready to do; but beſide, I can aſſure you, that I have received it of late. You could not, ſince I was here, ſaid the Quarter-Maſter; you did not mention yeſterday that you had any ſuch [Page] thing in readineſs: How came you by this Money? To which Peregrine made Anſwer, that he had parted with a Rich Picture, for that Money, that he might be ſet at Liberty; which Picture, you have ſeveral times ſeen me ſigh over, added he, addreſſing to the Chyrurgeon, and which I priſed much more than all this Gold. I remember, ſaid the Chyrurgeon, that I have often chid you, for putting your ſelf into paſſions, with gazing too much on it; and really, in my opinion, ſeeing it was left you ſo long after you had been here, I think you may in Juſtice make the beſt Advantage you can of it. The Quarter-Maſter, perceiving that they were all againſt him, yielded, for the preſent, and was contented to receive the hundred Piſtols, but not without giving a Diſcharge to his Priſoner, which he did at laſt, with great difficulty; that being done, Peregrine paid off his Chyrurgeon, upon Condition, that he ſhould, from time to time, viſit him, and furniſh him with ſuch Plaiſters and Salves, as he ſhould want, till he was able to return to the Camp; this was freely aſſented to: Next, the Landlady was ſattisfied, in all ſhe demanded, and Peregrine inquiring [Page] after the Gentleman, who had ſo generouſly quitted his Chamber to him. The Woman told him, ſhe had not heard from him ſince, but that ſhe knew he would return again, becauſe he had a great many Goods ſtill in the Houſe. Peregrine ſaid, he long'd to return him Thanks; and ask'd the Chyrurgeon how long it would be before he might riſe, and ſet His Foot to the Ground. I was going to tell you Sir, reply'd he, That if you find your ſelf without great pain when you move it in Bed, or when you feel it with your hand, you may venture to riſe, and for ſome time keep it upon a Stool, ſometimes reſting it on the Floor. Very well, reply'd Peregrine; upon which they all took leave of him, and left him to himſelf.

I told you how the young Count Mansfeilt had ſeparated himſelf from all the reſt of his Friends, in order to ſearch the whole Camp after Clarinda; for he concluded that ſhe muſt needs be there; he thought ſhe could not be far neither, becauſe he had unfortunately wounded her. He therefore deſign'd to act as a Voluntier, and to ingage in ſome warm Action. He was in ſome deſpair alſo, ſince he had [Page] ſeen with what fierceneſs Clarinda had taken Peregrine's Intereſt; he was vext for having ſpoken ill of him before her. The hurt he had given her was not much to his advantage neither; he had no other hopes therefore, but in what the Officer had related; That his young Priſoner confeſs'd he hated Peregrine, and was come into the Camp, on purpoſe to kill him: He built his hopes barely upon that weak bottom, which in time he hoped might again reclaim her.

The whole Army was getting in a readineſs for a general Aſſault, which they deſign'd to begin at the covered way; the ſignal being given by the diſcharge of three Canons, and one Bomb that broke in the Air. The young Count took this opportunity to do ſome Action worthy himſelf, and the fair Clarinda; ſo he put himſelf amongſt the Voluntiers: They all March to the Aſſault, with that undauntedneſs end courage, that the Enemy not being able to endure the on-ſet, immediately gave way, at the Imperial, the Saxon, and the Bavarian Attacks. The Enemy, a while after, having rallied, and taken new Poſts on both ſides, as well as in Front, their Firing was ſo [Page] great and continual, during ſome Hours, that it is impoſſible to apprehend the leaſt Idea of it. The Confederate Army was near two Hours expoſed to all their Enemies Shot, without any covering on the Glacis, joining to the Palliſadoes, not being able to ſhelter it ſelf, by reaſon of the Enemies continual Firing upon them, which they endured with a world of bravery; till at laſt, the Beſieged being broken, and preſſed upon on all ſides, they were forced to give way, but not till they had ſprung a Mine, which involv'd a great number of Men, and four Colours in its Mines; whereupon the Beſiegers took their Poſt on the very brink of the Ditch.

All the following Night was taken up in continual Skirmiſhes; the Count had behaved himſelf ſo bravely, that particular notice had been taken of him, but he was not to be found neither amongſt the living nor the dead: He was changing Ground to come where the warmeſt Skirmiſhes was, he over-took two Horſe-men that were running from him towards the Gate Altmunſter; he diſmounted the one, and took the other Priſoner, who readily yielded upon Quarters for Life. The Count [Page] was going to deliver his Priſoner into Cuſtody, that he might have ſome more Skirmiſhes, when he was ſurrounded with a ſmall party of Horſe, that were getting into the Town, who took him along with them, and his Priſoner alſo, and beſtowed them both ſafe for the reſt of that Night.

The Count had not been much troubled, had he had the charming Clarinda with him: But the other Priſoner ſeemed very much concerned, and did all he could not to be ſeen; they had a Room alotted them, with a Bed in it, and a Centry ſat over them. The Count threw himſelf on the Bed, and asked his Fellow Priſoner, whither he would do the ſame, adding, that if he had not been retaken from him, he had found him a Generous Enemy; the other returned him thanks, ſaying, he had more a mind to ſit up, ſtill turning his Face, that the Count might not ſee it. The Count, a while after, cried out, ha! dear Clarinda, that you were but here ſafe and well. Thoſe Words confirmed the other Priſoner, in the opinion, that he knew the Count, ſo that afterwards he was more ſhie than ever of ſhewing his Face; there we will [Page] leave them for a ſhort time, to return to the amazed Peregrine, that could not yet reconcile himſelf to thoſe ſurpriſing Accidents, that ſo lately had happened to him; ſtill did his mind run on Marianas being there, concealed, unwilling he ſhould know of her, concluding, that none but ſhe, or his dear Clarinda, returned from the dead, could act as had been done. Clarinda, dear Clarinda ▪ then cried he out, If it is thy Spirit that is ſtill ſo Officious to me after Death, bleſs me but with one ſhort ſight of thee, I am ſure thou canſt not aſſume any ſhape can affright thy diſtracted Peregrine; but if I could behold thee with all thoſe real Charms about thee, which thou once wore, though they were now but mere Deluſions, I ſhould die with Exceſs of Joy! Thus was he continuing in his Tranſports, when News was brought him that divers Priſoners had been taken in the laſt Aſſault, but that the Enemy had poſted themſelves very Advantagious, and had repulſed the beſieged very far. Peregrine, who had given thoſe Orders, that when they heard of any Priſoners, they ſhould give him notice; ſent the Servant to make inquiry of their Names, as well as [Page] he could, and that to oblige them to declare their Names, they ſhould ſay it was one Peregrine deſired it.

Amongſt the other places, that this Meſſenger was at, he came to that, where the Count was, with his Fellow Priſoner, where he found them both very unwilling to tell their Names, till after he had named Peregrine, he obſerved the Count to riſe off of the Bed, and ſay, how, Peregrine? Where is that Perſon? Who anſwered, not far in the Town, and then began to tell the Count all that he knew of him, adding, that certainly he was a Devil, or ſome Conjurer, for, ſaid he, when he was locked up in his Chamber, without one farthing towards his Ranſome of an hundred Piſtols. The next Morning, when the Door was opened, he had two hundred Piſtols, with which he diſcharged all he owed, and now remains full of Gold, which it is thought the Devil brings to him, by the Window, or down the Chimney. This did not a little trouble the Count, but the other Priſoner, was not leſs concerned at this Narrative, yet would not diſcover his Surpriſal before the Count, but taking the opportunity, when the Meſſenger was [Page] going out, he deſired him to tell the Gentleman, that there was a Priſoner, who belonged to a Lady, named Clarinda, that would be glad to ſee him, if he could contrive it. The Meſſenger, well ſatisfied with what he had done, returned home, and gave Peregrine an Account of his diſcovery: Peregrine, had no ſooner heard the charming word Clarinda, but he immediately ſent back the Meſſenger, rewarding him well, and charged him to know what Ranſome was ſet upon that Priſoner; he went, and returned not long after, to tell Peregrine, that fifty Piſtols, payed preſently, would ſet him free; they were immediately ſent, and the Priſoner ſet at Liberty, to go where he pleaſed, who went along with the Meſſenger, to Peregrine's Lodging; and the Count having loſt his Companion, was left Diſconſolate, all alone. The fear of having the Town taken by Storm, was the Cauſe of this Priſoner's going off with ready Money; for it was verily believed that ſuch another Aſſault would certainly carry it.

The late Priſoner being brought into Peregrine's Chamber, he got to his Bedſide, and began to return him thanks, [Page] for the Ranſome he had been ſo kind to pay for him; aſſuring him, that ſo ſoon as Clarinda ſhould come to the knowledg of it, ſhe would return it him with hearty thanks, becauſe he was a Servant, for whom Clarinda had always a particular Kindneſs. At this, Peregrine, fetching a deep ſigh from the bottom of his Heart, anſwered, Then do your Office, repay me of your Ranſome, in ſending me immediately to wait on that fair Saint, you juſt now named; and to invite you the more to do that piece of ſingular Service, to the Memory of your dear Miſtreſs, know, I have murthered her, at that the Perſon ſtarted, and cried, Heavens forbid! Yes, replied Peregrine, I am an expert Murtherer, I need no Weapons, nor Poiſons, to act with all, I can do it with a bare Letter, nay, even when I have no ſuch Thoughts, Miſchief is ſo natural to me. Pray recollect your ſelf, replied Clarindas Servant, you ſpeak as if you were not well, in your Mind; Whence do you derive that fancy of Clarindas Death? Is it becauſe you have not heard from her lately? Or, do you believe that you are dead in her Heart, and that conſequently ſhe may be counted dead as to [Page] you? If any ſuch thing were, I yet might live and hope; Peregrine anſwered, but ſhe is really: dead; Oh, unſpeakable Grief! I have it from good Hands, a Friend of the unfortunate Count; therefore, an Enemy to me, has certified it to me; and, upon that, has vowed my Death, but is not ſo kind as to come and give it me; but now, you are here, do that which Juſtice, Revenge, and Duty, ought to prompt you to, Kill, kill, that miſerable Wretch, that has had the Confidence to ſurvive her ſo long. Clarindas Servant, at theſe Words, let himſelf fall upon the Bed, ſaying, in a low voice, unfortunate Clarinda, and miſerable Mariana; Die Mariana, why ſhouldſt thou live to hear ſuch doleful News, with that, he ſounded quite away; at thoſe laſt Words, Peregrine, who was ſet up, in his Bed, looking ſtedfaſt on the Perſon's Face, Mariana, ſaid he, take a little of this to ſtay thee, till thou takeſt me along with thee, giving her a little Cordial, out of a Bottle, which he had by him; after which, he did all he could beſides, to recover her, without the Aſſiſtance of any body elſe, becauſe of her Sex. Frederick had over-heard all, and was ſo moved at his [Page] dear Marianas Trouble, that he was coming out to diſcover himſelf, when he heard her fetch a great ſigh; after which, ſhe came to her ſelf again, ſaying, Pray Heavens you may have been abuſed; that Happineſs cannot be hoped for, replied Peregrine, I ſhould certainly have heard of her, I that have ſought her in all places. At this, Mariana did ſhed a flood of Tears, and Peregrine ſent forth whole gales of Sighs; after which, Peregrine gave Mariana an Account of all his Actions, ſince his Abſence; and how oft he had ſought Death, but was not ſo happy as to meet with it: Heavens forbid, ſaid Mariana, poor Clarindas Death, added ſhe, is more to be attributed to her Paſſion, and Raſhneſs, than to your Cruelty; and I muſt confeſs, that my Imprudence, has been Inſtrumental alſo; with that, ſhe gave him an Account of all that had happened to Clarinda, and to her ſelf, ſince Clarindas departure. Thus, after a long Diſcourſe, what with Grief, and Wearineſs, poor Mariana, fell a ſleep, at Peregrine's Beds Feet, which obliged him to do the like, not long after.

[Page]This ſilence did ſomewhat appeaſe Frederick's diſturbed Mind, at both thoſe dear Friends Afflictions: He was very deſirous to Accompliſh what he had begun, and did hope that they would continue their Sleep, till Night, at which time, he intended to perform the laſt act of his Tragicomedy; and from that time, he began to prepare himſelf for it, and it luckily happened that they both did ſleep, till there was Candles brought into the Chamber, that did awake Peregrine, who gave order that no noiſe ſhould be made, and that a Fowl ſhould be got ready for Supper; as for Mariana, ſhe ſlept on till Supper was brought up, ſhe having had no ſleep, in two Nights before; and Peregrine would by no means diſturb her, but let her awake of her ſelf. He invited her to cat, but ſhe excuſed her ſelf, telling him, that ſhe never more ſhould enjoy her ſelf; he could not ſo much as make her drink a Glaſs of Wine; thus they both ſate, Peregrine, in the Bed, and Mariana, on the ſide of it, looking dolefully, on each other, not knowing what to ſay; Ah! That my dear Clarinda was here at laſt, ſaid Mariana, then you would have no cauſe to invite me to eat, [Page] or drink; that is a bit ſhe uſed to love, added ſhe, pointing at ſome part of the Fowl; her Ghoſt, would ſuffice me, ſaid Peregrine, or, at leaſt, that ſweet Picture, which is vaniſhed from me. Frederick, hearing this, came ſoftly, and laid the Picture upon the Bed; a little while after, Peregrine, having leaned towards Mariana, till his Arm ak'd, turn'd, to ſit up, and ſaw the Picture lie before him; he takes it up, kiſſes it, and cried, ſee Mariana, the Heavens grow kind, and have ſent me my Deſires: Heavens! How comes this to paſs? Replied, poor Mariana, as affrighted, ſure, you had not look'd for it well! 'Tis like, it has never been off of the Bed, but ingaged in ſome of the foldings of the Bed-Cloths; none of all that, dear Mariana, replied Peregrine, this Paper left in the room of it, with the Gold, expreſſes otherwiſe, read it; he gave her the Paper, in which ſhe read, as he had done before; then, ſhe added, ſure, this is her own hand, or I am the moſt miſtaken in the World! Why may not her Hand be imitated, added Peregrine, as well as Bodies be aſſumed by kind obliging Spirits, and appear? The one is as feaſible, as the other; thoſe [Page] are ſtrange things, Mariana, continued he: they much ſurpriſe me, ſaid Mariana, who ſtood in a kind of Amazement; How would you be then, ſaid Peregrine, if her ſweet Ghoſt, ſhould inſtantly appear? Ah! would it would; yet, no, added he, it would affright you too much: No, I believe not, anſwered Mariana, I know not what it might do, if I was alone, but you being here:—Drink to me, Mariana, drink her Health, I'll pledg it, though 'twas Poiſon, ſaid Peregrine,—He was going to proceed, when Clarinda, appeared, coming up cloſe to the little Table, by the Bed-ſide, on which the Supper was laid.

She had put a Linnen Cloth, over her Head, which hung over her Face, down to her upper Lip; and ſhe had put over that, a large white Sheet, which ſhe had tied of a bunch, at the top of her Head, which covered her all over, but the Face; ſhe had, beſides, a Glaſs of Wine, in each Hand; ſhe ſtood a while, without moving, before them, at which, Mariana, wrapt her ſelf round, in the Curtain, making a great ſhriek; but Peregrine ſat gazing, with a Countenance that expreſſed a great diſorder; after that, Clarinda, [Page] who had ſtood without motion, ſtooped towards Peregrine, offering one of the Glaſſes of Wine, which he refuſed to take, pulling himſelf back; with that, ſhe ſat one of the Glaſſes on the Table, then ſtanding up ſtreight, Is this the Man, ſaid ſhe, would drink my Health, in Poiſon? Why have I diſturbed my ſweet reſt, in hopes to ſee ſuch conſtancy, after Death, in one I loved, and be thus diſappointed? I muſt return again, with this certain Truth, there is no Faith in Man; Adieu, fond Morrals, adieu, for ever more; at theſe laſt Words, as ſhe was turning, Hold, cried Peregrine, Though thou canſt not be Clarindas Ghoſt, for that would know me better, I will drink the Poiſon, give me the Glaſs; Ghoſt, ſtay, added he, and take me with you, or go tell Divine Clarinda, how thou ſeeſt me take that Paſs which is to convey me to her; with ſaying this, he took the Glaſs from Clarinda, and raiſing his voice, Here's to Clarinda, whom I ſtill Adore, ſaid he, and drank up the Wine. I ſhould not have pronounced that Name, continued he, after drinking, it may prove an Antidote, beyond the power of the moſt virulent Poiſon, and prevent my flight [Page] to her; it has, for certain, much better'd the Taſte. Clarinda,—added he, at which, ſhe lifting off the Sheet, and Cloth, which covered her Face, ſhe appeared, in a Dreſs, which Peregrine had formerly ſeen. Conſtant, and Faithful, Peregrine, here is thy Clarinda, ſhe is wholly thine, ſaid Clarinda; with that, inclining on the Bed, ſhe took him by the Hand, preſſing it hard, and kiſſed his frighted Cheeks; feel, ſaid ſhe, I am thy warm Clarinda, living ſtill, to die in thy ſweet Boſome: But where's dear Mariana? Alas, poor Soul, frighted, I fear, too much; Come, my dèar Mariana, and enjoy, once again, thy poor Clarinda. Fear not, I am really ſhe, with that, ſhe unfolded the Curtains, which Mariana, held no longer ſo hard: Mariana; it is ſhe, cried out Peregrine, the living Clarinda; What Wonders do I ſee! What Joys poſſeſs my Heart! They crowd in here too faſt, with that, he ſunk down in a ſwoon: Clarinda having embraced her dear Mariana, and aſſured her of her life, with a thouſand warm Kiſſes, which the ſtill diſcompoſed Girl, returned again, ſo well as her late fears would permit her: Clarinda, caſting an Eye, on Peregrine, [Page] and perceiving him fallen backwards, with his Eyes cloſed, help, Mariana, cried ſhe, aſſiſt me to preſerve my ſecond Life, Peregrine is not well; they both buſied themſelves, to raiſe him up again, at which, he came to himſelf: That Men ſhould die, with too much Joy, ſaid he.

I beg your Pardon my dear Peregrine, ſaid Clarinda, for that great ſhare I have had in producing all your Sorrows and Griefs, when you'l pleaſe to conſider 'twas the effects of my Paſſions towards you, which plung'd me into a ſevere Jealouſie, and deep Deſpair, at the ſight of that fatal Engliſh Letter: You will, I know, be ſo good as to pardon the reſults of that Rage, which had ſo intirely poſſeſt me. Peregrine made anſwer, That his imprudence in keeping that Letter, (which he ought to have burnt, ſince he valued it not,) being the firſt cauſe of all thoſe Miſeries he had ſuffered ſince, he ought to paſs by other leſſer Errors. But, added he, How came you to the underſtanding of it? Who was your Interpreter? I fear he did not do me Juſtice. Clarinda anſwered, When I have eat and drank with you, to confirm you further [Page] I am no Ghoſt, (though I have almoſt liv'd like one theſe two Days,) then I ſhall give my Peregrine that ſatisfaction, with a full account of all has happened to me ſince you went from us: With that they ſate themſelves to eat, which Clarinda did very heartily. They had ſeveral little pickeerings of Wit with one another, which diverted them during Supper; after which, Peregrine, contriving within himſelf how Clarinda and Mariana ſhould be diſpoſed on that Night, Clarinda took notice of his muſing; What poſſeſſes your Thoughts now? ſaid ſhe; To know where you and Mariana ſhall lye this Night; or rather where I ſhall retire, anſwered Peregrine, for i'll quit you my Bed, I find it now grows late. It does, ſaid Clarinda; wherefore I ſhall leave my Narrative till Morning. Mariana and I, will leave you to your Repoſe, which I hope will now be ſweet and long to you; and we will retire to that Elizium, where I kept, while thought dead; there is a little Couch will hold us both. Not ſo, reply'd Mariana; do you go into Bed, and i'll ſit up: But where is this Inchanted place, ſo near, yet ſo inviſible? Here, ſaid Clarinda, [Page] (ſtepping towards the Cloſet, and taking up the Hanging,) within the reach of all you ſaid: Come Mariana, added ſhe, and ſee the Grave in which I was buried alive: They both went into the Cloſet, where after they had remained a while, Peregrine having ſlipt on his Gown, and leaning on a Stick, came halting in, ſaying, He was reſolved that Night to lye in Clarinda's Grave: with that he laid himſelf down on the Couch, and by no intreats nor perſuaſions could be got off again; telling them, That he would paſs the reſt of that Night in that place. Clarinda finding him obſtinate, took out of the Cloſet all that was convenient for her and Mariana, that Night, with a Night-Gown for Mariana, and one of her Mantua's for her to put on the next Morning.

No Servants had come near them all that Evening and Night, becauſe Peregrine had frequently given ſtrict Orders that no body ſhould come to him, except they heard him knock; ſo that they had no diſturbance on that ſide; and having took leave of one another, they all compoſed themſelves to ſleep.

[Page]The next Morning, Clarinda and Mariana being up, and in their Night-Dreſſes, went to ſee how Peregrine had paſt the Night; they found by his chearful looks, and hearty anſwer, that he was much improved as to his Health and Strength. How could I do amiſs, ſaid he, having my Titular Angel ſo near me; and lying in my Clarinda's ſweet Monument? After a while, as they were returning into the Chamber, Mariana making a falſe ſtep, fell down, but did not hurt her ſelf; one of the Servants hearing the noiſe, and believing Peregrine knock'd, came into the Chamber, where eſpying no Man in Bed, and two Gentlewomen dreſſing themſelves, he preſently run down again; telling the Miſtreſs, that certainly the Devil haunted that Chamber; for in lieu of finding a Lame▪Man in Bed, there was two fine Gentlewomen dreſſing themſelves at their Glaſſes; let who will go there for me hereafter, added he, i'll not go to the Devil ſo often. A while after, the Ladies wanting Water, knock in good earneſt, but no body came to them; they repeated the knocking, and finding it was to no purpoſe, Mariana ſtept to the [Page] Stair-head, and aloud ask'd, Whether there was no body in the Houſe? At which the People below Stairs were all mute, but one Maid bolder than the reſt, ſaid, ſhe would ſee theſe Hobgoblings, at what rate ſoever, ſo went up Stairs, and Mariana returning into the Chamber, where the Maid following her, ſhe was told they wanted Water, and deſired they ſhould be a little better attended, aſſuring her, the Servants ſhould not loſe their labour. The Maid made her excuſes, and laid the fault upon the impertinency of a ſilly Fellow in the Houſe, who ever ſince the Gentleman that lay there before, had the Gold brought to him ſo ſtrangely, did take all that was done in that Room for Inchantments; that he had run down Stayrs, ſo ſoon as he had peep'd into the Chamber, and ſaid, he had ſeen there, he knew not how many Devils in Women's Apparel, dreſſing themſelves: which made Clarinda ſmile to her ſelf: Then did the Maid tell them, that at the leaſt Call ſhe would run up to wait on them, or the Gentleman either, if he was there ſtill, as ſhe ſuppoſed he was not, there being but one Bed. Clarinda, to undeceive her, and to take away all ſuſpitions, [Page] brought her to the Cloſet, where ſhe ſhewed her Peregrine in Bed: This is the place, ſaid ſhe, out of which came the Gold, and all the other Inchantments, I being in it all that while, who came here at firſt, in the habit of a Gentleman, to paſs with more ſafety through the Army, that then was gathering about this place: Pray ſatisfie your Miſtreſs, and all other Perſons of this Truth. The Maid, making a Courteſie, went away well ſatisfied, and did according as Clarinda had commanded her; ſo that the next time they knock'd for any thing, they were waited upon by the Miſtreſs of the Houſe, who made a great many Apologies, and gave great Aſſurances of her future attendance. Clarinda informed her of all ſhe thought fit ſhe ſhould know, and ſo diſmiſt her.

The Confederates great advantage which they had got over the Beſieged, in the late Aſſault, caus'd the Governour, who was the Marqueſs of Ʋxelles, to call a grand Council of War; in which it was concluded, That conſidering the great loſs which they had ſuſtained in this laſt Attack, the great Advantages with which the Enemies had poſted themſelves, which was very difficult to regain, [Page] and the great want of Ammunition they were in, having not above 4 C▪ weight of Powder left, together with the great number of Sick and Wounded, and the ſmall hopes of Relief, that the white Flag ſhould be hung out, which was done that very Morning, about eight of the Clock, and a Parley was beaten, in order to Capitulate. Prince Albert of Saxe-Cornbourg, who Commanded that Day in the Trenches, on the ſide of the Imperial Attack, ſent a Trumpet to the Beſieged, to know their meaning. To which was anſwered, That the Governour was inclin'd to give up the Gariſon; that if the Duke of Loraine would be pleaſed to ſend the Governour a Lieutenant-Collonel, with an other Officer; to diſcourſe with them about Conditions, he would ſend into their Camp Hoſtages of the ſame quality. Whereupon the Prince ſent his aid Major to conſult with the Duke of Loraine, and they agreed to the Governour's deſires, upon condition, that he ſhould firſt ſend his two Officers. Whereupon the Duke of Loraine ſent into the City the Prince de Commercy, and Lieutenant Collonel Princj; after which there was a Ceſſation of Arms betwixt [Page] both-Parties, and the Treaty fully concluded before Night.

Count Mansfeilt all this while had not remained Idle, by the aid of divers Meſſengers he had found out Peregrine's Lodgings, and had got the Servant, who was with him before, to come to him again: He inquired of him how Peregrine did? What Company he had with him? And whether he ſtirr'd abroad yet? The Fellow, who was the ſame that had been ſo frighted, told him, That now all the Devils which haunted him before, were all turn'd into Gentlewomen, that were very tame and gentle indeed, wonderous fine and handſome; and that, that very Priſoner, whoſe Ranſome he had paid, by the wounded Gentleman's Orders, was turned to a Gentlewoman alſo. This account gave the Count cauſe to conſider, he apprehended that this was Clarinda, who he had taken, which he had not known in the dark; he began to think how ſhye that Perſon was of ſhowing his Face, how he refuſed lying down with him, with abundance more; from all which he fully concluded it was Clarinda, that he had ſo tamely parted with, to his Mortal Enemy; this put him into [Page] ſuch a rage, that he was almoſt diſtracted; he lay continually ſighing and groaning on the Bed, and would neither eat nor drink. While the Fellow was ſtill with him, the Perſon who had took him, came to tell him, He muſt find out a ſuddain way to pay his Ranſome, which he reſolved not to loſe. To which the Count made no anſwer, but that he was his Priſoner, he might do what he pleaſed with him. That gave but little ſatisfaction to the Officer, who was grumbling very hard; which made the Fellow run home as faſt as he could; he told his Miſtreſs, that the other Priſoner that had been taken with the Man-Gentlewoman, that was above Stairs, was like to be kill'd by him who had taken him, for want of his Ranſome. The Miſtreſs of the Houſe, fancying that he might be known by the Gentlewoman, went up Stairs to give notice of it: At which Mariana cry'd out, alas! this is the Count, who I told you was taken with me. How, a Count, ſaid the Landlady, that will bring a good lump of Mony. No, no, reply'd Clarinda, it is a Voluntier, whoſe Name is le Count: ſo it was turn'd off, and the Land-lady [Page] was deſired to know what Ranſome was demanded for him. Mean time Clarinda and Mariana went into the Cloſet to conſult about it with Peregrine, ſaying, now you have a fair opportunity to rid your ſelf of your Rival, the Count; ſo told him to what a ſad condition he was reduc'd. Why ſends he not to his Friends in the Camp, to let them know his condition, ſaid Peregrine. There's the miſchief of it, ſaid Mariana, with what this Fellow has put in his Head, that the Perſon he had taken was a Woman in man's Apparel, and believing it was you doubtleſs, (ſpeaking to Clarinda) he is in a Deſpair, for having parted ſo tamely with you. Heavens forbid, that we ſhould not aſſiſt him, if we can, ſaid Peregrine; though he will not help himſelf, the more need has he of our aid. Still ſpoken like generous Peregrine. He ſhall be releaved, and preſently too, ſaid Clarinda, ſince my dear Friend has ſaid it. Some time after the Fellow return'd, ſaying, he refus'd all aid, aſſiſtance, or comfort, except he knew from whom it came. This made Peregrine ſay, unfortunate Gentleman! There is nothing but this rich Jewel, but I would part with, added [Page] he, taking Clarinda by the hand, to ſerve him with: But what is his Ranſome? The Fellow ſaid, The Office [...] had told him ſomething was better than nothing; and that ſeeing the Article [...] would be ſigned that Night for the delivery of the Town, in which might be compriſed the releaſing of all Priſoners o [...] both ſides, he would be contented with what he could get. Then ſaid Clarinda I muſt get you Mariana to go with Forty Piſtoles, which I will give you; and give twenty for his Ranſome, and give him the reſt to defray his preſent Neceſſities, as if all this came from your ſelf, taking no notice in the leaſt of us two▪ otherwiſe, peradventure he would refuſe it. Mariana readily accepted the Commiſſion, and prepared to go with the Fellow, after Clarinda had given her the Gold. Mean time did Clarinda give Peregrine an account of all her misfortunes, ſince they had been ſeparated, not forgetting his Friend's Civility towards her, and her Rancounter with the Count.

While ſhe was thus relating her Story to him, News was brought that there was one below, who would ſpake with Peregrine; he ordered him to be brought up, [Page] and it proved to be his honeſt Groom. So ſoon as the Articles had been ſigned, inquiry had been made about the Priſoners of Note, and Count Zinzendorf, having notice thereof, had ſent this Fellow to learn News of his Maſter: The Fellow being come, and perceiving his Maſter ſmile; 'Tis well you're found, at laſt, Maſter, ſaid he, there has been a foul ſtir about you, no body knew what was become of you; and after I told your Friends how I had found poor Crop, meat for Crows, they all concluded you dead; dead, ſaid I, he has other Fiſh to frie, I warrant you; D'you think that a Man has nothing elſe to do, that has a Sweet-Heart? He's gone to Ferret her out, I'll warrant you; and now I find I gueſt well, faith Maſter, or ſhe has ſerrited you out. Well, I'm glad to ſee thee again, old Boy, anſwered Peregrine; How does all things whence you come? With that, he gave him this Account; Your three Horſes, and three Servants, are all well, as you ſee, at this preſent, and all preſent their Service to you; and Count Zinzendorf ſend me to tell you, that you ſhould ſend him word, whither you were dead or alive; iſ ſo, that he would order all your Trinckoms to be [Page] ſent to you; for now the Rogues are weary of fighting, Honeſt Folks may go about their Buſineſs again: Well, continued he, I am woundely miſtaken, if this Gentlewoman-Gentleman, was not the ſame body that gave me that plaguy Letter (a Pox on't) that made you run out of your Wits; if the truth was known, has play'd more tricks than are good, I'll warrant you, and I fear 'tis for no good he's here; pray let's ſearch him, Maſter: Clarinda, and Peregrine, could not but laugh, at the Fellows Bluntneſs: Come, come, let's ſee your Hand, added he, I'll tell you your Fortune, ſhe pulled off her Glove, and ſhewed the Palm of her Hand, thinking he would tell her Fortune; but the Fellow preſently ſaid, I'll a none of your tricks put upon me; let ſee the back-ſide of it? She having turned it, and he having eſpied the Plaſter; there's the mark of the Beaſt, cried he, that's he (though now turn'd to a Woman) that let himſelf be taken, on purpoſe, as he declared, to cut your Throat, as I have been well informed, by the Officer's Man; and for rage, he could not find you, had like to have made a Scieve, of a Count's Belly, but that a was a little too nimble for him, and [Page] gave him that Remembrance, which he carries yet; Pray Maſter, let's ſearch him, I ſay? No, no, replied Peregrine, I'll engage this Lady is no Man, but thou haſt gueſt pretty right, as to the reſt: Nay, nay, if you have ſearched her, you know better than I, I am ſattisfied: Well then, added he, What ſhall I ſay to the Count, and the reſt of your Friends: Tell them, anſwered Peregrine, that I am well; and that the deſperate young Gentleman is well alſo, added Clarinda; at Clarindas ſpeaking, let your betters be firſt ſerved, ſaid the Fellow, my Maſter began firſt; this was very pleaſant to them: Well, go thy ways, added Peregrine, tell all my Friends, I hope to ſee them here▪ in good Health; and do you, and your Comrades, return to me again, preſently, with my Equipage, if it will be permitted. You'll give me leave to drink a Pot of Wine firſt, ſaid the Fellow; two and thou wilt, anſwered Peregrine, but be not drunk▪ There honeſt Fellow, ſaid Clarinda, giving him Money, go drink thy Maſter's Health, and mine, I love thee for being honeſt and true to thy Maſter, with that, the Fellow made a Leg, and went his way, telling his Maſter, he'd go diſpatch his Buſineſs.

[Page] Mariana, mean time, was come to the Count, who was much ſurpriſed at the ſight of her; he forced himſelf to be civil to her; ſhe told him, ſhe had heard of his Misfortune, and was come to offer him all the aid, and aſſiſtance, that lay in her Power; he thanked her, coldly, and told her, he ſhould not be long there; for either, in the Capitulations, the Priſoners would be exchanged, or releaſed, on both ſides, or a Ranſome paid for him; mean time, that he was reſolved to ſuffer, for he did not care what became of him; this he concluded, with a deep ſigh, which drew Tears from Marianas Eves. But, Sir, ſaid ſhe, I come with a Ranſome, from the Perſon you had taken, who thinks it due to you, though he was after that retaken with you alſo: I know, I had Clarinda in my Poſſeſſion, but not ſo fortunate as to keep her; the Croſsneſs of my Stars, do ſtill purſue me, and interpoſe their fatal Influences, 'twixt me, and my Happineſs. In that particular, you are miſtaken, Sir, you never had her in your Power, 'twas I, Sir, you purſued, took, and then loſt again: How! ſaid the Count, and was it not Clarinda? No Count, anſwered Mariana, I can give [Page] you ſuch an exact account of every particular of the Buſineſs (beſides the killing of her Servant) as would convince you: And is ſhe not in Mentz? Anſwer'd the Count: Sir, I ſay not ſo:—There he interrupted her, ſaying, and in my happy Rivals Poſſeſſion: No, I aſſure you Count, anſwered Mariana, ſhe is abſolute Miſtreſs of her ſelf ſtill: If I was ſure of that,—he there was interrupted, by the inſolent Officer, who had taken him, who came to inſult over-him▪ with two or three more, like himſelf: I come for Money, Sir, ſaid he, going up to the Count: Prithy Friend, take my Life, thou wouldſt do me a Kindneſs, for 'tis a Burthen to me, ſo heavy, as I am not able any longer to bear: Mariana, ſeeing the [...]ere going to apply themſelves to the Count, ſhe pulled the Officer by the Sleeve; and having told him, it did not become him, nor thoſe others, to inſult ſo, over a Perſon in Affliction: What will content you? Here, ſaid ſhe, take this, and deliver me your Priſoner: The Officer (having felt in his Hand the weight and bulk of twenty Piſtols) made no anſwer, but coming up to the Count, Sir, you are free, ſaid he, [Page] and I am your humble Servant: Come, added he, to his Friends, I have no longer any concern with him; let us depart, and let him go where he pleaſes, with that they went their way. You, Mariana, are kind, ſaid the Count, but much more you would be, in letting me have a ſight of fair Clarinda. Sir, all that is in my Power, you may command, anſwered Mariana; Clarinda is Miſtreſs of her own Actions, and of ſo good a temper, that I'll engage, ſhe will do you all the Juſtice ſhe can poſſible, ſo ſoon as things are ſettled; mean time, Sir, I earneſtly intreat you to take Care of your ſelf; and, in order to that, be pleaſed to make uſe of thoſe few Piſtols; with that, for fear of farther Interrogations▪ ſhe went her ways, giving the Count▪ Compaſſionate Look, and left the Piſtols on the Table, and the Count to do what he pleaſed with them.

The Count, ſo ſoon as Mariana was gone, took the Gold, and with it went to an Inn, where he got a Meſſenger to go to Count Zinzendorf in the Camp. He after that, began to reflect with a more compos'd mind, than ever he had done before, on all his Concerns; he dwelt [Page] much on Mariana's kindneſs to him; he believed that ſhe had all along been his Friend; he fancied he could make that out from her Actions, and ſomething in her looks: Of truth, Mariana was of a very compaſſionate Temper, apt to ſide with any Perſon in Affliction; ſhe had look'd on the Count, when ſhe left him, with a Countenance full of tenderneſs, in the Opinion that the Count had no hopes left now of ever poſſeſſing Clarinda; for though ſhe had ſaid true, that ſhe was ſtill at her own diſpoſal, yet ſhe knew her thoughts ſo well, that ſhe was certain none but Peregrine would carry her. Clarinda and ſhe were near related, had been brought up, and Educated together; and her Portion, which had been left in Clarinda's Father's hands, at the Death of her Father and Mother, while ſhe was yet very young, had increas'd to very near the Sum of Clarinda's, and her Beauty not much inferiour; ſo that ſhe was as Clarinda's Companion, and they lov'd one another intimately. All theſe things running in the Count's mind, he thought himſelf oblig'd to Mariana's Bounty, and that he ought to requite all her Favours in an handſome manner, and [Page] in that reſolution he remained, till the Town was Surrendered.

The Articles were;That the next day the Confederates ſhould have poſſeſſion given them of St. Jacob'sTower, and of the Gau-Gate;that they ſhould ſend five thouſand Men to poſſeſs themſelves of it; that the next Day after, early in the Morning, theFrenchGariſon ſhould march out of the place, with ſix pieces of Cannon, two Mortars, with the Arms ofFrance,and as many Carts and Waggons as were neceſſary to carry their Baggage, with their Colours flying, Drums beating, lighted Matches, and to be guarded to Landau,with a Convoy of ten Thouſand Men of the Imperialiſts.

Theſe Articles did very much diſpleaſe the Soldiers, who had all along been very deſirous to take the City by Storm, to be reveng'd of thoſe perfidious Incendiaries the French, as they term'd them.

Peregrine's Men were got into the Town, and had given an account of theſe things to him from Count Zinzendorf, who had ſent him word alſo, that he ſhould be with him the next day: [Page] whereupon Peregrine fearing ſome Diſorders might happen, as there is uſually in ſuch Affairs, ſo ſoon as Mariana was returned, he cauſed the Chamber-Door to be continually locked, and his Three Men to be in conſtant waiting at it. He after that endeavoured all he could to ſtand upon his Leg, and he found that he gathered much ſtrength by it, ſo that by the next day he was able to walk, with the aid of a Staff. Both he and Clarinda inquired of Mariana, how the Count did, and how he had received their Civilities, or yours rather, ſaid Clarinda: very indifferently, anſwered Mariana; I was forced to leave the Gold on the Table before him, and to go abruptly from him, for fear he ſhould have returned it me: How does he look? Said Peregrine; very diſmayed, anſwered Mariana, full of trouble, ſo that I could not but pity him very much: I wiſh, ſaid Clarinda, you had the Power, dear Mariana, to change all his Sorrows into Love, of thee I mean: I fear, ſaid Peregrine, that who ever has once loved Clarinda, can never be capable of any other Love: I am of your mind, replied Mariana: I am not, ſaid Clarinda; he never loved to an exceſs; and I believe [Page] there has been more of Obſtinacy and Revenge, in his Conduct towards me, than o [...] ſincere Affection, ſo that he will eaſily be diverted by ſome other Object, when he is once paſſed all hopes: Pray wave this Diſcourſe, replied Mariana, and let us ſpeak of other things: Agreed, ſaid Peregrine; but firſt give me leave to ſay, that next to ſeeing my dear Clarinda intirely mine, paſt all Diſputes, I heartily could wiſh, the Count ſo happy as to be in full Poſſeſſion of the obliging Mariana; from this they fell into various Diſcourſes, with which they paſſed the reſt of that Morning: After Dinner, they deſired Mariana to give them, in a continued Story, the Courſe of her Life, ſince they had been ſeparated, which they had not heard yet, but by pieces; Mariana, having aſſented to their Requeſt, thus began.

After you had been two days gon, and that the Servants you had ſent back, had aſſured me of your ſafe getting into the Town, and of your Father's Death, and Burial; I every moment expected, with great impatiency, to hear from Peregrine, in what place of ſafety he was retired, that I might ſend you word, if poſſible, which I much diſpaired to do, when I heard how [Page] difficult it was for any one to get into the Town, ſince the Confederates had laid a formal Siege before it. I was out of all hopes of hearing from him alſo, and was very willing to lay the fault on any thing elſe, than on his neglect, though I believed it more eaſily to have heard from him, than to have ſent to you; this made me apprehend that he might have fallen into ſome Diſaſter. I was in thoſe fears, when a Party of the Imperialiſts, came to the Caſtle, where they acted a great deal of Rudeneſs, not only towards my old Aunt, and my ſelf, but every one of the Servants were made ſenſible of their Inſolencies; and the worſt was, that when I had made my Complaints to the Officer, under pretence of taking me into his Protection; he offered things to me, beyond what I could tamely endure, ſo that I was forced to Repulſe him with fury: mean time: the Soldiers did ranſack all the Caſtle, taking what they thought convenient to carry along with them, not ſparing my poor Aunts Chamber, which put her into ſuch a fright, that I verily believe much contributed to her Death preſently after. They were not contented with that, but went to the Stables, where they exchanged [Page] their worſe Horſes for ours, and took away the reſt. When they had done all the miſchief they could, except firing, they left us to condole our Misfortunes; I found my poor Aunt in ſo lamentable a Condition, that ſhe looked then as if ſhe had been dead; ſo ſoon as ſhe was recovered from her fright, ſo much as would permit her to ſpeak, ſhe ſaid, Let us begon, good Niece, as far as we can from theſe mercileſs Devils, before another Party of them come to make an end of us; Where ſhall we go, dear Aunt? I anſwered her; to my Farm, ſaid ſhe, which is Twenty miles further from Mentz; I told her ſhe would ſcarce be able to endure the fatigue of ſo long a Journey, eſpecially on Horſeback, and there was then no other conveniency to be had; but ſhe ſaid, ſhe had rather choſe to die by the way, than be again frighted, as ſhe had been before, which would certainly procure her Death: We therefore, the very next morning, very early, ſet forwards, with all they had left us, that was carriable; but though we went but ſlowly, conſidering we fled, my poor Aunt was ſo much fatigated, that ſhe fell ſick of a Fever, of which ſhe died, the day after we came to the Farm; ſhe [Page] by her Will, parted all ſhe had betwixt us two; ſhe left to my Couſin, your Brother, a Legacy, in caſe he were alive, which, if he was not, was to return to us. I took Care to have her decently buried, according to her Quality, as well as I could; after which, I gave my ſelf up to lament her loſs, and your Abſence. I remained ſo, till hearing no News of either of you, and being in Deſpair of having any, I inquired of all the Men Servants, which would be ſo Couragious, as to attempt the getting into Mentz, with me, to learn what was become of their young Miſtreſs; your own Groom was the readieſt to anſwer, but your Brother's Faulkner was the moſt forward to attend me; he only asked, When I would ſet forward? I told him, the next day; he ſaid no more, but got all things in Readineſs, both for me, and himſelf, and coming to me the next morning: Are you ready, Madam? Said he: Why? Anſwered I, Have you got every thing, as it ſhould be? Every thing, anſwered he, even to one, of my young Maſter's Suits, which he was pleaſed to beſtow on me, when he went into Hungary; for I believe it impoſſible for a Woman to get through [Page] ſo many rude Men, without receiving ſome Affronts: I readily accepted his Kindneſs, aſſuring him I ſhould gratifie, him for that, and all his other Troubles and Civilities; and in Concluſion, I goton Horſe-back, accoutred like an abſolute Cadett, and he like my Servant, both well provided with Arms.

Our Deſign was to get into the Camp, where we were to inquire after Peregrine, and ſo to have converſed with him, how to have proceeded; but when, after a long ſearch, we had no other News of him, but that it was believed he was killed, becauſe his Horſe had been found dead, with a Shot; we then reſolved to attempt the getting into the Town, as Deſerters, ſo ſoon as poſſible we could; to that purpoſe, we were in the Night time, getting as cloſe as we could to the Wall, when we were eſpied by a ſingle Horſeman, who making after us, ſhot at us, and kill'd the poor Faulkner; I perceiving him fall, fearing that my turn would be next, ſlack'd my pace, and turning my Horſe, cried, I yield, ſave my Life, and you ſhall have a Ranſome; my purſuer ſeem'd ſatisfied with that, and was going to ſecure me, from an eſcape, when we were preſently [Page] ſurrounded with a Party of Horſe, that was retiring into the Town, which took us along with them. You have heard ſince, how it proved to be the Count, that had taken me Priſoner, but how he happened on me, or what he was doing there, I am ſtill to learn.

Thus did Mariana put an end to her Narrative; they ſpent the reſt of the day, in contriving how Peregrine ſhould meet with his Friends, and how they ſhall diſpoſe of themſelves, after things were ſetiled again in the Town; Mariana ſaid, That ſhe long'd to ſee them all ſafe returned to their own homes: What ſay you to it, Madam, ſaid Peregrine, Muſt I return to my own home alſo? That would be too far a Journey for you to perform at once, replied Clarinda; you ſhall reſt your ſelf ſome time, at the Caſtle; and then I muſt begon, added Peregrine: Goodneſs, cried Clarinda, you are ſuch a troubleſome Man, you ſhall ſtay there till you are ſent away: That may be the next day after, Madam, anſwered Peregrine, or ſo ſoon as your Brother returns, if you do not anticipate him in that employ: Shall I propoſe an expedient, ſaid Mariana, that will ſalve all? [Page] Let's hear it, anſwered Clarinda: Nay, will you ſtand to it, added Mariana, I aſſure you, before hand, it ſhall be to both your Likings, and Advantages? I will ſtand to it, cried Peregrine, irrevocably: What ſay you, Madam? added he, to Clarinda: Upon Marianas aſſurance, I care not if I do: Give me your Hands to the Bargain, ſaid Mariana; with that ſhe took both their Hands, and joined them together, ſaying, Marry, without delay: Spoken like an Angel, cried out Peregrine, with Joy; and finding Clarinda to pull back her Hand, and to look ſurpriſed: Nay, Madam, added he, it is too late to draw back, we have your conſent: I did not think, ſaid Clarinda, that Mariana would have ſerved me ſo; I believed her more firm to my Intereſts: Can I be more firm to Clarindas Intereſt, anſwered Mariana, than to promote them to the outmoſt of my Power? What can be more your Intereſt, than to be inſeparably united to what you Love; What is there more Advantagious for you, than to once be fixed in Peregrine's Arms? So fix'd, as not to be remov'd but by Death: All this is true, Madam, added Peregrine, If your Heart does not gain-ſay [Page] your Mouth, add the laſt of your Bleſſings, in aſſenting to what our dear Mariana has ſo juſtly propoſed? Nay, ſhe cannot deny me for ſhame, ſaid Mariana; of ſhe ſhould, I ſhould for ever diſ-own her for my Friend; but I know ſhe will not, ſhe has too much of Juſtice, of Senſe, and of Love for me, beſides what ſhe has for you, Sir, to act againſt her own Satiſfaction, and Quiet; Come, I muſt have it ſo, added ſhe, bringing Clarinda, near to Peregrine, and giving her Hand to him once more; Tell him, you are his, and that you will confirm it, by Marriage, with the firſt opportunity: Well, replied Clarinda, on Condition that you ſhall not refuſe to do that which I ſhall propoſe to you, Mariana, I will: Then ſpake Clarinda, anſwered Mariana; ſpake to Peregrine, then next to me: Well then, ſaid Clarinda, with a ſoft ſigh, ſince it muſt be ſo, Clarinda is yours, Sir, here is my Hand to it, and ſo ſoon as opportunity ſhall offer it ſelf, I will be Married to you: I leave you to gueſs at Peregrine's Tranſports, for I cannot expreſs them: Now, added Clarinda; let me ſpeak to you, Mariana, Love the Count, and endeavour to make him yours: Very well repartied, [Page] I'll ſwear, ſaid Peregrine; and I add, may you by that means be the cauſe of our perfect Reconciliation: Amen, ſaid Clarinda; nay, if you will all have it ſo, I ſay Amen too. After this, Supper was ſerved in; they cat and drank, and were merry; Peregrine walked about the Chamber; and after they had tired themſelves, with Mirth, Clarinda, at Peregrine's requeſt, took her Lute, and Sung thoſe Lines, which Peregrine had made; and when it came to the two laſt, they all in Conſort Sang,

So were they heard, no longer to complain;

But liv'd to Love, and lov'd to Live again.

Thus they concluded the Evening, after which, they went to their Repoſe.

The next Morning, was the Day appointed for the Garriſon to March out, and the Confederates to March in, according to the Capitulation that had been made: The Imperialliſts drew up their Army, in two Ranks, by Six in the Morning, to receive their Enemies; divers of the Imperial Cavalry, poſted themſelves, on the Right of the Gaw-Gate; on the [Page] Left ſide, were chiefly to be ſeen, the Guards du Corps, of the Duke of Bavaria; and next to them, thoſe of the Duke of Saxony, with ſome other Troops of the Imperial Cavalry, and Dragoons; after which, the French began to March out of the City, to the number of 6690 Men, with 572 loaded Horſes, 334 Carts, 31 Mules, 43 Light Horſe-Men, 6 Chaires, 2 Coaches, 1 Litter, 36 Colours, and 10 Standards.

Beſides, there were put into Boats, which had been ſent from Straſbourg, with Ammunition for the French, 6 Pieces of Cannon, 2 Mortars, 2 Hawbitz, and 1500 Sick, whereof, ſome died continually, which they threw over into the Rhine. As the Marquiſs D'Ʋxelles marched out of the Garriſon, he took his leave of the Duke of Lorrain, of the Elector of Saxony, and of that of Bavaria; as alſo, of all the reſt of the Princes, and Generals; The French declared, that before the Siege, the Garriſon conſiſted of 11000 Men. The time of their March out of the Garriſon, was from Seven in the Morning, till Three in the Afternoon; after which, the Allies took Poſſeſſion of the City. Upon the French marching out, Peregrine, [Page] and the two Ladies, got at the top of the Houſe, whence they could very diſtinctly ſee the whole Garriſon March.

The Count, on the other hand, upon mature Conſiderations, had taken now Meaſures; he was reſolved to ſlight thoſe who ſlighed him, and to eſteem thoſe who vallued him; ſo that now his whole deſigns were altered, which put him upon writing this Letter to Mariana.

It has always been counted an ill thing to ſtrive againſt a too rapid ſtream; I have too long done ſo, while I might have ſwom down eaſily, with the currant; I have at laſt found out my obſtinacy, in indeavouring to compel Love, not conſidering that it is as tameleſs as it is blind; henceforwards, I will endeavour to Love, where I have hopes to be beloved again. I humbly require the beautious Marianas Advice, on this point, ſhe being a Perſon, to whom I acknowledge my ſelf infinitely obliged, and of ſo ſweet a Diſpoſition, as not to refuſe her Counſel, to the Ʋnfortunate

Count Mansfeilt.

[Page] This Letter was, by his Direction, privately conveyed into Marianas own Hands, by a Maid Servant of the Houſe, who promiſed to return an Anſwer ſafe, if ſhe pleaſed to give her one: Mariana was ſtrangely ſurpriſed, at the reading of this Letter, ſhe did not know well what to make of it, ſhe was loth to flatter her ſelf too much, and as unwilling to take advice of her beſt Friends, for fear they ſhould think her too conceited of her ſelf, and apt to receive Amorous Impreſſions; ſhe therefore concluded to conſider very maturely on the Buſineſs, and then ſend an Anſwer as ſuitable, as ſhe could, to her Modeſty, and her Deſires; ſhe fancied that her Kindneſs towards the Count, when abandoned of all, and the commiſerating Looks, ſhe caſt on him, when ſhe left him laſt, might have had ſome kind Influence over his Mind, that ſeeing he had reſolved to take off his Affections from Clarinda, as he ſeemed to intimate, he might as well have ſome Thoughts of her, as he had had of Clarinda, to whom, ſhe thought not her ſelf Inferiour in Birth, nor not much in Eſtate, except her Brother ſhould chance to die: Theſe, and [Page] many more Thoughts, of the like nature running in her Mind, ſhe reſolved to ſend the Count an Anſwer, as Modeſt as ſhe could, which ſhe conceived in theſe Terms.

I have always profeſſed my ſelf, a Friend to the afflicted, and ſo long as I have thought you ſo, I have been made ſenſible of your Troubles; but now I find you are in the right way of getting out of your Adverſities, I withdraw my pity, you having no further occaſion for it; What need a Man ask the way that is in the right road? You have a ſufficient Eſiate, not to confine you to Match for Riches only, and you want not Senſe, to prefer Diſcretion, good Nature, and Comelineſs, to the bare ſhadow of Beauty. I can therefore contribute no more, than my Wiſhes for your Happineſs, which I deſire, as I do that of your humble Servant,

Mariana.

[Page] When the Count received this, he was in a great perplexity, as to the Nature of Marianas Anſwer, till he had read it; he opened it, and read, with that Satisfaction, that made him repeat it over again, though he ſaw a world of good Nature in it; and he reſolved by one Letter more to know the bottom of Marianas Heart; he was in haſte, becauſe he believed that his late Miſtreſs, and his Rival, was ſo to; and he deſigned to be before hand with them, that his new choice might appear as a contempt; not doubting of Marianas Diſcretion, in keeping the Buſineſs Secret, at the leaſt notice, that he deſired it ſhould be ſo; he therefore, gratifying well the Meſſenger for what he had already done, and promiſing him a farther Bounty, he ſent him immediately back, with this Anſwer.

If the obliging Mariana would but nominate any Perſon, whom ſhe thought would be a proper Subject for my Love, I ſhould think my ſelf extremely obliged to her; but how ſurpriſed ſhould I be, with a tranſport of joy, ſhould ſhe vouchſafe to name her ſelf. My [Page] Deſign is to anticipate Clarindas, and my late Rivals haſte, and to be fixt in my choice, before they have concluded theirs: Let my dear Mariana, be ſo kind, as not to delay ſending me word, whether ſhe will accept of my Perſon and Fortune, that I may thereby be in hopes of poſſeſſing her; this requires ſuch haſte, and ſecrecy, as beggs for a ſuddain definitive Anſwer, to the moſt impatient

Count Mansfeilt.

This was ſufficient to inform Mariana, in every particular Circumſtance, of the Count's Deſign; ſhe could not but ſee that this fit, was the effects of a Contempt and Revenge; ſhe had no time to looſe, knowing how forward Clarinda and Peregrine were in their Concerns; ſhe was pleaſed with the Surpriſal, and knew before-hand, that her dear Clarinda, would be exceedingly pleaſed with it; ſhe verily believed the Count to be Worthy and Juſt, wherefore, ſhe thought ſhe had no more to do, but to throw her ſelf on his Honour, and to readily embrace the offer; ſhe therefore ſent him preſently back, this ſhort Anſwer.

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I put ſuch Confidence in your Word and Honour, that though I might think my ſelf, unworthy your choice, I wholly relie on them both; I therefore reſign my ſelf to be your Wife, when e're you ſhall think fit to beſtow that Honour on,

Your Humble Servant, Mariana.

The Count was ſo fully ſatisfied, with this ſhort, but full Anſwer, from Mariana, that he now went about to contrive how he ſhould make this Secret March break out to his greater Credit and Advantage, as well as to his Antagoniſts Surpriſal; ſo ſoon as his Kinſman▪ Count Zinzendorf, was marched into the Town, he repaired to him, and the better to diſguiſe his Intentions, he began to harp again on the Picture, which he believed Peregrine had taken from him; Zinzendorf told him, that he had found out where Peregrine lay, that he would go and acquaint Peregrine with what he had ſaid, and he would bring him back his [Page] Anſwer, being very deſirous to make a thorough Reconciliation bet wixt them, as being Friend to both, telling him beſides, he thought that the beſt expedient to appeaſe all diſputes, between them, concerning Clarinda, would be to have them both ſtand to her Deciſion, in making choice of whom ſhe liked beſt: The Count ſeemed to give his conſent, by ſaying, Do what you pleaſe: So Count Zinzendorf went immediately to find out Peregrine, and to diſcourſe the buſineſs with him; he found his Friend in company with Clarinda and Mariana: After the firſt Embraces and Compliments to the Ladies, as well as to his Friend, who had acquainted him with their Qualities, he took Peregrine aſide, to let him underſtand what Count Mansfeilt had ſaid to him. As for the Picture, ſaid Peregrine, I own I took it from him, and ſhall reſtore it him again, when e'er he requires it; but I know of no wrong I ever did him; I had engag'd my Affections to this Lady, added he, before I knew any thing of his pretenſions, and had had obliging returns from her; and therefore I find not in what I have incurr'd his diſpleaſure; but if he is pleaſed to let the Lady decide our [Page] difference, I ſhall readily ſubmit to it: If you pleaſe to preſs the Buſineſs to him, that our differences may be ended forthwith, I ſhall be infinitely oblig'd to you. Count Zinzendorf, whoſe buſineſs in ſetling his Quarters, call'd him another way, made what haſt he could back to Count Mansfeilt, and acquainted him with Peregrine's Anſwer, and did further bring the Count to pitch on a certain Hour the next Day, to meet all together, and there make up all Diſcords. The Count, who thought himſelf ſure of Mariana, agreed to all; whereupon Count Zinzendorf left him, to ſend an account to Peregrine of the Hour and Place the Count had nam'd for the Rendezvouz.

The next Day, at the Hour appointed, all Parties met at Count Zinzendorf's Quarters, where Mariana was ſure to make one. Count Zinzendorf broke the Ice, ſaying, That ſeeing both Parties were agreed to ſtand to the Lady's Deciſion, he humbly intreated her to determine, which of thoſe Gentlemen ſhe would pleaſe to make choice of for her Husband. At this Count Mansfeilt cryed out, Which Lady do you mean? And ſtepping up to Mariana, taking her by the Hand, This is the [Page] only Lady I deſire ſhould ſpeak that Decree. What ſay you Madam, will you make me ſo happy, as to make choice of me for your Husband? This he ſaid, looking fixedly on Mariana, and expecting her anſwer. Yes Sir, anſwered Mariana, if you pleaſe to conſent to my choice. With that, the Count kiſs'd her, and ſaid, Bear Witneſs all, that I take this Gentlewoman, my dear Mariana, to be my Wife; and that I will Marry her ſo ſoon as I can get any one to do that Office for us: And now Madam, ſaid he, addreſſing himſelf to Clarinda, I have been before-hand with you, you may now make choice of whom you pleaſe. Count Zinzendorf, after this, ſaid, All things go very well hitherto; I ſhould be glad to ſee the reſt proſper ſo well alſo: My Friend Peregrine, you are now to expect what that Lady will declare. He need not, Sir, anſwered Clarinda, I have already given my ſelf to him; and now I ratifie it before all this Company. At which Peregrine return'd her his moſt humble Thanks.

There are but two things more to be done, ſaid Count Zinzendorf; you Sir, are to make Reſtitution of that Picture, which [Page] once [...]ell to your Lot: Let him keep it, with the Original, now, if he pleaſes, ſaid Count Mansfeilt, interupting him; I am intirely ſatisfied, with this Jewel, added he, preſſing Mariana by the Hand: Now, for the laſt, ſaid Count Zinzendorf, I would gladly ſee a through Reconciliation betwixt you, both my worthy Friends, ſuch as may be as durable as your Lives: It ſhall not be my fault, I aſſure you, ſaid Peregrine, offering forwards, towards the Count: Count Mansfeilt, who would not be behind him, in point of good Nature, as the Cauſe of our Differences is now taken away; I am deſirous, that what has paſt between us, of Jars, and Animoſities, ſhould be forgotten; with that, they both embraced; and, after felicitating one anothers Happineſs, they all retired to Peregrine's Lodgings, till they had time to get ſome more convenient for them all.

FINIS.

§

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THE SIEGE OF MENTZ. OR, THE German Heroin, A NOVEL

LONDON: Printed for Sam. Briſcoe, over againſt Will's Coffee-Houſe, in Ruſſel-Street, Covent-Garden, 1697.

To the ever Honoured, Adam Felton, Knight Barronet.

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SIR,

I Had no ſooner dreſs'd this German Heroine, in an Engliſh Habit, and taught her our Dialect, but that my high Obligations to you, brought you freſh into my Memory, with all the requiſite Accompliſhments, for the Protection of ſo brave a Stranger, againſt the moſt ſevere Inſults, that Malice, and Envy, could produce; in which choice, Sir, I have been further encouraged by that ſingular Affability and Bounty, which renders you the Delights (of the moſt ingenious) of both Sexes. And tho I was ſomewhat aſhamed to prefix [Page] your Name to ſo mean a Subject, as theſe Reſults of ſome hours of my leiſure; yet, I thought it much better, to take this opportunity, to write your Panegyrick, having ſo large a Field, as your Merits to exerciſe in, then to appear wholly inſenſible of your generous Favours, till ſomething more ſutable to your noble Genius ſhould offer it ſelf. But then, reflecting on your Avertion, to all Encomiums (tho never ſo juſtly due) obliges me to lay aſide all other thoughts, than of craving your favourable Acceptance of this trifle, and of ſubſcribing my ſelf,

Sir,

Your moſt Humble Servant, P. B.

Books newly Printed for Sam. Briſcoe, over againſt Will's Coffee Houſe, in Ruſſel▪ Street, in Covent-Garden.

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1. WIves Excuſe, or Cuckolds make themſelves, a Comedy, by Mr. Southern; with a Copy of Verſes on the Play, by Mr. Driden.

2. The Marriage-Hater matched; a Comedy, by Mr. Durfey.

3. Traytor, a Tragedy; newly reviv'd; Written by Mr. Rivers.

4. The true Widow, a Comedy; Written by Thomaes Shandwell. Lauri.—

5. The Lives of the 12 Caeſars, the firſt Emperors of Rome: Written in Latin, by C. Suetonius Tranquillius, and done into Engliſh by ſeveral Gentlemen of the Ʋniverſity of Oxford.

6. Advice to a young Lord; written by his Father, under theſe following Heads; Religion, Study and Exerciſe, Travel, Marriage, Houſe-keeping and Hoſpitality, of the Court, of Friendſhip, of Pleaſure, and Idleneſs, of Converſation.

7. Sir William Temple's Eſſays.

8. Ovid's Epiſtles, Tranſlated by ſeveral Hands, adorned with Cuts.

9. The Works of Horace, Tranſlated by Mr. Creech, of Oxford.

10. The London-Jilt; or the Female Cuckolds a new Novel.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The Siege of Mentz, or, The German heroin a novel.

Edition statement

1692

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A60224

ID [STC]

Wing S3771

ID [STC]

ESTC R20903

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12294600

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12294600

ID [VID]

58987

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A60224)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 58987)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 160:5)

Source

— The Siege of Mentz, or, The German heroin a novel., Belon, P. (Peter).

Extent

[4], 151, [1] p.

Printed for Sam. Briscoe ...,. London :: 1692.. (Dedication signed: P.B. [i.e. Peter Bellon?, translator]. Cf. BM.) (Advertisement on p. [1] at end.) (Reproduction of original in British Library.)

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