The History of Canace.

THE Story which I shall tell you will be brief, having no Adventure to entertain your Ears, but the unaccountable Passion of a foolish and credulous Woman.

My Birth, without ostentation, is as con­siderable as any Family this day in Italy, being Daughter of the Marquess de Castigli­one Della Stivere, who married one of the Illustrious House of Caraffa in Naples; their Hearts were firmly united, and for some few years enjoy'd the calmest Sererity that a tender Passion, attended with Greatness and Plenty, could create: But Love, nor [Page 63]all this Tranquility, could not defend them from the Tyrannick Power of Death; for, my Mother, after being deliver'd of me her fatal Offspring, at the end of thirteen months resign'd her Charms to the cold Tomb, lea­ving the Marquess my Father the most deplo­rable of Men; which he gave evident de­monstration of to the World, not being able to survive the dear Partner of his softer hours full three months.

My Parents being dead, I was committed to the charge of the Viscount Bozzolos, the noble and reciprocal Friend of my deceased Father, who in particular had left me his Ward, where I was brought up by the Viscountess (his Lady) with all the care imaginable, till maturer years made me ca­pable of the best Education, which was li­berally bestow'd upon me. But ill Fortune still attended me, and bereft me a second time of an affectionate Mother: 'Twas a Loss difficultly to be supported by the dis­consolate Viscount; yet Time wearing out the Excess of his Sorrow, he began to be comforted in the blooming Virtues of one only Son, and me, now his adopted Daugh­ter, in whom every little Advantage of Wit and Beauty was his Glory. I was now the absolute Mistress of his House, and so equal­ly did he share his Favours between Octavio (so was his Son call'd) and me, that the [Page 64]nicest Eye could not judge which stood fair­est in his Affections. Yet an unkind turn of Fortune render'd us two the ingrateful In­struments of his Affliction; for, our Infant Natures, which had made us Companions in our harmless Pleasures, united us in a strong Band of Friendship, which daily improving, as we ripen'd in years, at length produced a mighty flame: Not that this could have done us any prejudice of itself, being (as we understood after) what the Viscount ever wished: but not knowing how it would be accepted of, (and a timerous bashfulness that generally attends young Lovers) made us industrious to conceal a Passion which con­sequently prov'd my Ruine.

Joyn'd to Octavio's Virtue, Wit, and Beauty, he had all the Power and Art of fine Perswasion; noble, facetious, and gene­rous, but juster to his Friendship than his Love; one who could never fail to make his Passion prosper; with such Insinuation would he move, none could resist his Whispers and Address. In short, he made a Conquest of Canace, turn'd me to what he wish'd; he won my Soul with honourable Vows, and for my Love return'd me double Interest. Thus, for some years, we enjoy'd a calm Content of secret, innocent, and virtuous Friendship. Wrap'd in these chast Delights, we never once had Dreams of greater Bliss, [Page 65]had not the revolution of Affairs convinc'd us, that a Lover's Hopes has no Confine­ment.

Octavio, to be render'd more polite, being already Master of his Studies, was by his Father sent to read the World and Men.

This Separation was a fatal blow, to two united with an ardent Passion; but, being limited to just three years, we strove to bear it with a handsom courage, not part­ing without mutual Protestations of Love, Fidelity, of Truth and all. Here Passion swell'd so big she could not speak, and fill'd her Auditors with feeling pity. But a few Sighs being past, and having dried her love­ly Eyes, she renew'd her Discourse, where 'twas broke off, and all that lavish Wishes could suggest, to Hearts then flaming with a pure Desire.

His Travels being accompanied with a noble Youth, the Confidant and Friend of all his Pleasures, (by Name Alcidas, of the great Family of Pittis, those mighty Com­petitors to the House of Medicis, whose En­mity has been so long contracted, that the colateral Branches of that House still bear the unjust Resentment of that Quarrel;) some minutes stole away without Regret; my Faith I plighted, and he swore to be for ever mine. But, oh! forgive my interrupt­ing Sighs, Who can relate the fickle Chance [Page 66]of Fortune, without grief, which more is to be blam'd than any breach of my Octavio's Promise?

A constant correspondence pass'd between us; and that we might with freedom write our Thoughts, our Letters were directed to one had been my Servant, who being now dispos'd of in the World, liv'd still with grateful Sentiments to serve me.

Having thus passed two Year, and better, my cruel Fate drew on apace,

Alcidas's business call'd him home in haste, when having made all ready for his Journey, Octavio recommended to his care, Letters to his Father, and to me. He was no Stranger to our constant Vows; Octavio had impar­ted all that pass'd, and left him as the trusti­est of his Friends, with Justice to applaud his Love and Virtue. But see the strange reverse of Fortune, Alcidas came full fraught from poor Octavio, with Love, fresh Vows, and a thousand fond Addresses; which he defers to a kind opportunity, dispatching first his business to the State. He now be­came a constant Visiter, entertaining us with Stories of Octavio; the great delight I took in hearing of him, made me ne'r fail to be in company; yet no secure occasion did present, to make me happy with that dear Epistle. My [...]rm attention, when he did display the Courage, Wit, and Beauty of [Page 67]my Lover, engag'd my Heart, my Ears, my Eyes upon him; but, oh! how often have I been surpriz'd to find his Colour come and go, his Speech to faulter, with all the sym­ptoms of a troubled Mind. This pass'd without my knowing what it meant, being resolv'd not to take notice of it; but yet, alas! too soon I knew the Cause. Alcidas being frequent in his visits, came on a day the Viscount was abroad; I entertain'd him with an easie Freedom, but the ungenerous Passion raging in his Breast, made him remiss in all the Gallantries he did observe, he look'd wild, turn'd pale, and answer'd, Mal a Propos, to all I spoke, seeming involv'd in anxious Cares and Trouble.

I knew not what to think, but fear'd the worst, and was just going to ask him his Disease, when I percerv'd him rise, and come towards me trembling, he held a Letter in his Hand, his Eyes half drown'd in Tears, he had not power to speak, till a large shower was sprinkled at my Feet, then in the po­sture of an humble Supplicant, he thus be­gan:

Madam, you see here prostrate at your feet one whom the Fates have done their worst to plague. The envious Gods throw heavy Curses on me, and rend my Soul with Horrour and with Death. I from my youth have been [Page 68]Octavio's Friend, his secret, constant, honest, bosom Friend, lov'd where he lov'd, contemn'd where he despis'd, affected all Diversions he approv'd, loath'd Place and Person that he did not like: So equally, so firm, so true we lov'd, as we were made to pleasure one another. What shall I say? The Heavens have done their worst to make a Wretch of base undone Alci­das; this Friend, that dar'd to trust me with his Life, made me the Confidant to your A­mours, and recommended to my faithful charge Ten thousand tender Vows, and passionate Ad­dresses, withal this Letter, (putting in my Hand the Billet which he held, but still went on) which I discharge, as I am bound by Ho­nour. But, oh! when making to this happy Soil, why was I not blasted on the way, drown'd in the turbulent, rude, boisterous Floods, or shook by some rough Thunderbolt to Atomes? Then Friends might say, So fell just good Alcidas. But I must live to lose my Fame and Value, and dye a Blot and Scandal to my Name. Cursed be those Stars that did conduct me to those Charms which made a Captive of my Friend Octavio; my Opticks are the same, my Heart is his, and where he loves, I cannot but adore. Then pardon, Madam, that you here behold your Slave re­duc'd to love, without a Limit.

[Page 69]Here having stop'd, I knew not what to say: I must confess, I felt a great Compassi­on, his modest Speech could not incurr my Anger; his sense of Wrongs and Faults com­mitted pleas'd me; and I commiserating his ill chance, was going to return, when he proceeded:

Judge, Madam, the sad Conflict of my Heart, betwixt my Love and those most sa­cred Ties of Friendship. Must I then wrong my Friend? By all that's good, I will not play him false. And at these words he started up in haste, his Words and Gesture seem­ing much resolv'd, when suddenly his Ayre was wholly chang'd, and falling faint­ly at my Feet again; But, oh! (said he) my Heart is not my own; who can resist those Charms I now behold? And saying so, his Spirit sunk within him, and left him breath­less by me on the Floor.

This Accident indeed disturb'd me much, I call'd for the Assistance of my Maid, and with our Industry and Care recover'd him. Then I began to plead against his Passion, to represent my Contract to Octavio; still taking care to clinch upon his Honour, and blow those noble Sparks I still felt warm with Generosity, which I affirm'd would render him more Praise, more Joy, than the fruition of my dull Embraces: He heard with all the torment of Despair; yet being [Page 70]byass'd by his generous Genius, he did re­solve to quit the Siege, and never, never more to see my Face; but parting, told me, when I heard his Death, which suddenly would invade my Ears, I should remember, none ever lov'd so well, nor none e'er suffer'd more.

In short, he seem'd fix'd in his Resoluti­on, which fill'd me with a World of Satis­faction, hoping that Absence might effect his Cure, without that cruel Remedy of Death. I retir'd with a Mind transported with the Thoughts of my Octavio, read his dear Letter over twenty times, kiss'd and caress'd his Characters and Seal, and thought my self secure from this Alcidas.

But see the frailty of a Lover's Promise: 'Tis true, he made no more his common Vi­sits, endeavouring with true care to avoid my presence; but the cross Destinies, that ow'd us Spight, led his dull pensive Steps in­to a Church where I was offering up my Hours Devotions: He came up to the Altar where I kneel'd, and plac'd himself a little distance from me, but knew me not, by rea­son of my Veil: Nor had I yet observ'd a Man so near me; for being wrap'd in a Se­raphick Joy, my Thoughts had no relation to the World; when flinging up my Veil, to breath some Air, I heard the Voice of one in great surprize cry out, Good God, de­fend [Page 71]me; with that I turn'd, and to my troubled view appear'd Alcidas, pale as Death, unable to support his sinking Limbs, his Eyes all languishing with Love and Pain, spoke with more moving Rhetorick than a Tongue; yet, Pity being all I could afford, I left him in that most deplorable estate, whilst he, without the power to move my stay, made faint Petitions with his trem­bling Hands; but I, deaf and insensible as the Winds, fled, and with eager paces got me home, where I began to exclaim against this Chance, with angry resentment of Al­cidas. How much he lov'd, I was too well convinc'd, and doubted the Event of such a Passion: I plainly saw how Willingly he strove, with Violence and Art, to quench his Flame, but yet the gnawing Tortures of his Breast insensibly excites him to relief: Two or three Interviews he got of me, fan­ned his soft Fire into a furious Blaze, which he no longer able to support, abandon'd Friendship, Honour, Truth, and Virtue, and gave himself intirely up to Love.

The first Advance he put in execution, was, to propose our Marriage to the Viscount, which several times was done without my Knowledge. The aged Seniors met in con­sultation, and struck the Bargain as them­selves thought fit. Alcidas's Family was rich and noble, himself admir'd for a gallant [Page 72]Youth, lov'd, valu'd, and approv'd of by the World; which pleas'd the Viscount, that I there should match, to Honour, and to Wealth, as I was born.

Things being thus decreed, 'twas requisite next to consult my Mind in this Affair, of which I had not entertain'd the least Suspici­on; till on a day, pensive, and sad as Death, I chose the Garden for a safe retreat, to nurse that melancholy vapour which op­press'd me. After I had spent some time in troubled Thoughts, under the shady Bran­ches of the Trees, my Maid drew near, and gave to me a Letter; the Character I had never seen before, which seiz'd me with a strange unusual Distrust; but when I open'd it, and found Alcidas's Name, Gods! how it struck me with a killing Fear! my feeble Limbs could hardly do their Office, to bear me to a little private Arbour, where I sate down to read the fatal Billet; the Contents thereof were these:

I found by this, his Hopes were much ex­alted; the Viscount's Promise strangely did amaze me, for yet he had not told me his In­tentions, nor did I dream I was so near a Ruine; what should be done, I could no way determine, but sate confounded at this cruel blow. When I perceiv'd the Viscount pass me by, a thousand Resolutions fill'd my Mind, which suddenly were lost without Conclusion: Sometimes I thought to charge him with Injustice, blame his too free di­sposal [Page 74]of my Heart, and positively refuse the Match. When milder Thoughts took place, I soon found this too rash; Honour and Virtue bound me still to Duty, since he had prov'd in all respects a Father: to tell him how Octavio and I lov'd, could no way get admittance from my Tongue; and Reason did suggest, that had he liked that Love, he would have first propos'd it.

Debates and Tumults rising in my Breast, I knew no Method how I should allay them. Oppress'd without the comfort of Relief, various Opinions ended in this last, of tax­ing him with an unkind proceeding: With that I quit the Arbour where I sate, and met the Viscount, who was now return'd. My Thoughts swell'd high to vent a Flood of Grief, but a respectful Awe confin'd my Tongue, and I had no more power left than just to ask him of his Health: However, long I was not in suspence; the Viscount fondly told me his Design, bid me prepare to make a happy Bride, and bless the World with an Illustrious Offspring. He told me, I must wed the brave Alcidas, with all the Advantages that Fate could give, or I could wish for. What I return'd I cannot now re­tain; my Thoughts were so disturb'd, I quite forgot my Answer, but sure I am I very much oppos'd it, which he imply'd to [Page 75]Virgin-Modesty, bidding me depart, and wisely make my Choice.

I left him almost ready to expire, got to my Chamber, where I wrote at large each circumstance and tittle to Octavio, bid him make haste to save a constant Maid, since Life or Death depended on his stay; but not a Letter ever reach'd his Hands, Alcidas in­tercepted all that pass'd, still pushing on with violence and care the consummation of a wretched Bliss.

Hard shift I made to get two months Re­prieve, in hopes to have an Answer from Octavio, but seeing none, I found there was a Cheat; Rage and Resentment so possess'd my Mind, I gave myself up wholly to De­spair, and did at the last extremity resolve to sacrifice myself when at the Altar. Things were now almost brought to a conclusion, the Wedding-day prefix'd, a Pomp prepa­red, where I was to surrender by compulsion a Hand, where I could not resign a Heart: but what prevented my unhappy fall, kills my sad Soul with the remembrance: Octa­vio, by some base officious Hand, had false Intelligence of this Amour, wherein they represented it my Choice, with all the ag­gravations could incense a man abus'd, as he believ'd he was: The Viscount's Letters told him of our Marriage, without the circum­stance of my aversion, and ne'er receiving [Page 76]any one from me, confirm'd him easily, be­yond dispute, that I was turn'd a fickle mean Ingrate.

What he design'd I never yet could learn, but he with speed came posting home to Ma­drid, a place where we for many years re­sided, enter'd the City privately at night, and got admittance in the Family; 'twas late, and we were all retired to Rest, which made him give Command not to disturb us; but no Repose could ease my weary Eyes, that almost were consum'd with Tears and Grief. I spent that night in Tortures be­yond Wracks, dreading each moment which drew on the day when I was to be married to Alcidas.

This News Octavio learnt in his Discourse with an old Servant, that had let him in, which raised him to the heighth of Despara­tion. Some hours he trac'd the Room in great disorder, having difmiss'd the Servant to his Bed, with charge to keep it secret he was there; whilst bandying in his Thoughts Ten thousand Projects, ill Chance, and not Premeditation, forc'd an Act, which Love, and only Love, must justifie.

Just as the Day peep'd thro' its thick Veil, and cast imperfect Shadows on the Earth, Alcidas, whose transported Thoughts ne'r rested, impatient of delay, came under­neath [Page 77]my Window, and with a gentle Sum­mons rais'd his voice to these Expressions, which as my Maid took down, I well re­member:

[Page 78] Octavio did with pain attend the end, and being well convinc'd this was Alcidas, rush'd out upon him in a Storm of Rage, and with a Dagger smiting in his Breast, cry'd out, This as a grateful Present from Canace, deliver'd by the Hands of wrong'd Octavio.

Alcidas struggl'd with a weak defence, and strove to gain some time to draw his Sword, but 'twas too late, the Wound he had receiv'd laid him on the Ground, de­priv'd of Life.

I from my Chamber plainly heard what passed, which render'd me half dead with Fear and Horrour; too well I knew Octa­vio's voice to be deceiv'd, and could not guess what Fate had brought him thither; a thousand dreadful Thoughts did multiply, and fill'd my Bosom with a throbbing Ter­rour: hurried by distracted Fears, I flung a Night-gown carelesly upon me, and ran with open Arms to find Octavio, but found him in a manner overwhelm'd with Sorrow. The lovely Mourner, fix'd as in a Trance, stood weeping o'er the Body of Alcidas, when I with trembling Transport seiz'd up­on him, spoke all the tenderness that Love could dictate, but he contemning all my Sighs and Tears, forced himself violently from my Arms, made no Reply to any thing I said, but threw me from him with a scorn­ed [Page 79]Disdain, and left my Heart just bursting with this usage, whilst he with nimble flight stole from the City, got to his Servant left without the Gates, mounted his Horse, and rode for Life and Refuge, abandon'd by all Comfort to his Fortune.

Mad as a frantick Bacchanal I rav'd, and hardly could be hinder'd from pursuing him. My Maid had us'd all Arguments with Rea­son that might perswade a sense not wholly banish'd; but finding I was refractory to Advice, and hearing the trampling noise of Feet draw near, made no Apology, but pul­led me in, and gently shut the Door.

This Quarrel reach'd no Ears but only ours, except the Servant, who had let him in, who finding him uneasie in his Mind, had modestly withdrawn to wait his Order, and accidentally being fallen asleep, not waken'd till the Fray was almost over: Scarce had my Maid chain'd up the out­ward Gate, but he approach'd us with dis­order'd Care, making a strict Enquiry for Octavio; Oh! how I sunk beneath my load of Fears, left this loved cruel Man should now be ruin'd; Ingrateful as he was, I still ador'd him: 'Twas then, even tho' his Per­juries were fresh, I did forget the Outrage done my Heart, to think of Means for his Security: Stifling the Anguish of my sinking Soul, I made a cunning search into this Ser­vant, [Page 80]and learnt from him the time Octavio came, and that he was alone, disguised and dull, that none had seen him enter but him­self, whom Business accidentally had kept up. This gave, through all my Fears, some little Hope, that probably there might be no Di­strust, if I could bribe this man to Se­crefie.

With subtile Instruments I prob'd his Breast, and found it at the bottom truly honest, his Interest and Advantage was Octa­vio's, whom he loved and served for many Years, admir'd in Infancy his budding Vir­tues, and at those early days sought his Af­fection; yet I not failed, from time to time, to seal his vow'd Fidelity with powerful Gold. Having thus passed a sacred solemn Promise, next, to avoid Suspition in the House, we stole with silent Caution all to Bed, to me the most detested place in Na­ture (because design'd for Rest and Fase); yet forc'd my Heart even far beyond my Will, since all this Care concern'd Octavio's Good.

Till nine of the Clock the next morning, I suffer'd all the racking Pains of Love, Fear, and Jealousie, and by this time Report was spread throughout the City, that Alcidas was slain, his Hat and Gloves, that drop'd in the Rencounter, being found drench'd in a dreadful gore of Blood, but for the Body, [Page 81]it could not be heard of, tho' careful strict enquiry was made. The Viscount startled at the fatal news, came trembling with sur­prize and grief, to tell me; at sight of whom, before he spoke a word, Reflection dash'd my tortur'd breast, and not being able to support its weight, I sunk from the Chair I sate, into a Swoon. He guess'd, by this, that I had been inform'd, and weeping, bore a part in my Affliction, pitying my Loss, and poor Alcidas's Fortune. Industry was us'd to bring my Life, but all their Application was in vain, till above half the day was spent, then I began to breath the Air of wild Di­straction. Madrid was now the Seat of Wonder, Rage, and Sorrow; the Murder of so great a man was generally lamented: a search was now began throughout the City, both for the Assassinates and wretched Corps, no House, or Vault, or Well escap'd a ran­sack, which gave me all the agony of Fear, for the unfortunate distress'd Octavio; yet all this diligence made no discovery, no Author found that had done such a deed, nor could Alcidas's Body e'er be heard of, which Riddle I could never understand. Our Fa­mily did suffer cruel Censures; my strange Aversion, and the fatal Place, the Time, nay, every Circumstance look'd odd, and gave too fair Pretences for Suspicion, but nothing could be prov'd; so that the Death [Page 82]of this Unfortunate receiv'd no other expia­tion than a publick Sorrow.

Contrary to my Hopes, 'tis true, I liv'd, but liv'd the most dejected She on Earth; mourn'd that this Tragedy was not my own, rather than be the Fate of all adored me: I saw the passionate Alcidas fall, and fear'd the utter loss of brave Octavio; his parting Blow kept still a fresh Idea of all the Cruel­ty that there was acted. I doubted his ex­tremity of Mind would prompt him rashly to destroy himself; or, if he liv'd, he liv'd no longer mine. How wretched, how un­happy was my Life! my Fears augmented by perpetual Silence; no Tidings of Octavio could be heard, no Letter nor no Message did come near us, which much perplexed the melancholy Viscount; but I, that knew too much, and dreaded to know more, dy'd dai­ly with the expectation of the worst. Some­times I thought I was oblig'd to speak, that necessary Methods might be taken; but, oh! the Bloody Fact had so much Horror, that my Soul shrunk at the remembrance, to tell the Viscount 'twas impossible, and likewise barbarous to disturb his Peace; besides, I knew not how he would resent my manage­ment, in keeping it so long. Thus restless, thus oppress'd, I sunk beneath the Burden of a Secret, which Time had made too dange­rous to reveal. The small Relief of Hope [Page 83]had almost left me: Silent and sad, I bore a tedious Pain, and only waited Death to give me Ease, when there arriv'd a Letter from Octavio; the Viscount, unto whom it was directed, read it with all the smiling Ayr of Pleasure, but my prophetick Fear allow'd no Transport; an unaccountable foretelling Sad­ness did overcome my Joy, to hear he liv'd; I dreaded to enquire, yet knew not why; but, oh! too soon the Viscount did expose that Letter, which produc'd my final Ruin.

Octavio was now at Portugal, from whence he excused his long silence and stay, since 'twas not to be imagin'd he could return to Madrid, without endangering the loss of Life and Fortune, for Reasons which he guess'd the Viscount knew; but he, good Man, did only apprehend these words as they related to the next that follow'd, which told him of a noble Match propos'd, between himself and a most glorious Maid, fram'd by peculiar Providence with care, and made a charming Abstract of Perfection; Aspatia, happy Aspatia, was her Name, Daughter to the most Renowned Duke de Almeyda, born to command and conquer all that saw her: Crowds of adoring Slaves lay at her Feet, and gloried in their blest Captivity, the Uni­verse did ne'r produce before a clearer Vir­tue, Wit, or solid Judgment; nor Nature form so lovely or exact a Beauty; For, oh! [Page 84](said she, in Sighs and floods of Tears) I have heard her perfect and impartial Chara­cter.

At this Don Lelio blush'd, and almost died with swift reflections on his vanquish'd Ho­nour, and the kind lavish Praises of his Rival. The sad conceal'd Melantius, at this part, was ready with his Passion to expire, but chaced with violence his Spleen away, to give attention to the mournful Sequel; whilst Don Ariosto, who had too much Grief to mind an alteration in Don Lelio, proceeded in this manner:

'Twas here my Fugitive discover'd Charms; nor Sorrow, Wit, nor Reason coul withstand; such Charms, that when his Soul was all o'er dark and dismal Horror calm'd and dispers'd the melancholy Cloud, disarm'd the torturing Fury in his Breast, and plac'd a Troop of smiling Cupids there; 'twas not without encouragement he wrote to learn what he might hope for from his Father, on what Demands he might expect to gain a Beauty of that bounteous Wit and Dower, giving his Raptures latitude to speak the most he thought his Mistress could deserve.

This when I read, no Tongue can tell my smart, my throbbing Breast did heave, my Eyes distorted, no doubtful Wretch that stood their latest Doom, was half so shock'd [Page 85]at a condemning Sentence, speechless and cold I fell upon the ground, and only short­breath'd Sighs declar'd I liv'd; but soon a­gain I did recover strength, to fall a Suppli­cant at the Viscount's Feet, to whom I wept, and told the movingst Tale, that his sad Pressures, like to Niobe's, seem'd to have turn'd his reverend Frame to Stone. I wept, and told him even from our budding Loves, each circumstance of what I have now rela­ted, declar'd the Murder, and display'd my Wrongs, begging him to compassionate my Cause, since I was still compel'd to die or love him.

Grief stop'd his Tongue from making a Reply, but with his Head he bid me quit the Room, to give him liberty to vent his Trou­ble. I left him languishing to that degree, that Fate sate daring Reason in his Face, which pierc'd my very Soul; as I departed, the look he gave me seem'd a last Farewel; and 'twas with great compulsion I retir'd, to leave him to the rigid Sourge of Fortune, which, I perceiv'd, did handle him severely.

After some wretched hours of close retire­ment, he forc'd a settl'd Mind, and sent for me; his Countenance appear'd without a Cloud, and every Action had an easie Ayr: Smiling, he rose, and took me by the Hand, and plac'd me on a Seat just by him, discour­sed me with the greatest Moderation, that I [Page 86]could hardly credit what I saw. Maturely he discuss'd upon each point, and brought it subtilely to a kind result; told me, that since hard Fate had play'd its Game, our Care must be to help and crown all future ma­nagements with good Success; bid me not mourn what I could not redress, but learn of him to bear the Lash of Fortune.

I could not judge if this was Artifice, or whether he had overcome his Passion, yet parted from him much more satisfied, for he had promis'd to restore Octavio, if I would leave the Conduct to his Will. With hum­ble resignation I consented, wholly to be di­spos'd by his Command; for, I confess that my unparallel'd Love fell to the heighth of abject Supplication.

Within two days I went from Madrid, to pass the tedious minutes more sedate, in a still rural Villa of the Viscount's, that thirty miles stood distant from the City; there, there how many wretched hours flew, in the reflection of my dubious Destiny; no Shade, no Grove, but conscious of my Grief, my Tears supplied each Rivulet and Spring, and every melancholy Grotto spoke Despair, to the perpetual Volleys of my Sighs.

'Twas thus I spent the best part of a Year, whilst the kind Viscount acted things at home beyond the expectation of a Friend, and cun­ningly in my behalf he did proceed: he writ [Page 87] Octavio word, That his Fears need not any way oppose his coming home, for none could guess him guilty of that Crime; besides, the great Affair which he propos'd could ne'r be decided at that distance; therefore 'twas requisite he should return, to settle all in Peace for his advantage: giving some hints, that I was then retir'd, lest that should be a Motive for his staying.

It was these generous Letters once more induc'd Octavio to see Madrid; the Inter­view between him and the Viscount, I heard, was very passionate and moving, which be­ing mitigated in few days, he introduc'd the mournful Tragick Tale, which was the fatal Cause of all our Evil: Octavio charg'd the weighty Sin on me, whose Falseness had be­tray'd him to that Mischief, and then the good old Man did weep, to vindicate my much wrong'd Faith and Honour, owning the Act (as really 'twas) his own, to force me on a Match I loath'd and hated. At this Octavio sensibly was touch'd, and bore a friendly part in my Misfortune, but Love was banish'd, all that Stock he swore could never be exhaust­ed, now was spent, and I was then reduc'd to sordid Pity: Nothing could move a kind Consent to see me, his Heart was absolutely now another's; for tho' upon the Fall of poor Alcidas he fled, to seek a noble Death, entirely despising Thoughts of Life, resistless [Page 88]Beauty, that o'erweighs the World, and bal­lances bright Virtue with a Bubble, with her engaging Charms seiz'd on his wandring Soul, and laid her strict Commands on him to live; he could not view a Mistress so abu­sed, nor stand the Test of my severe Reproa­ches; nor would he wed the Woman for whose sake his Hands had been imbrew'd in that dear Blood; or rather 'twas his new­born Flame prevail'd, to make him quit the Seat of his Confusion, and seek a Sanctuary of Repose on the soft Bosom of his chosen Bride.

Within six Weeks he went from Madrid, to prosecute his last-establish'd Love; nor were there any Offers could reclaim him: Which News the Viscount would have hid from me, but oh! I had too true Intelligence, Reason kept Argus Watch, tho' Love was blind; nor could my hundred Eyes be all deluded, too obvious was this last ungrateful part for me to be deceiv'd, or Heaven to pardon. I scorn'd myself, that I could not contemn the Man that had so slighted and abused me; but, oh! impossible, I lov'd to that degree, not all my Wrongs had influ­ence to reclaim; still I ador'd, still languish'd to retain the most perfidious Wretch that ever breath'd; in vain I sigh'd, in vain de­plor'd the loss of all my Hopes, the false Octavio, in whom I yet discern'd Ten thou­sand [...]

[Page 93]Thus you have heard the Fate of poor Canace, the most unhappy Maid that ever lov'd; hitherto all my Life has been one Plague, and what I am to suffer will be great, since now the utmost prospect of my Hope is Bankrupt to that last and wretched point of learning how to bear with Resignation.

The History of Aspatia.

LET not an empty Name incurr your Rage, nor be you too too partial in Re­sentment, then I'll confess myself to be Aspa­tia, that very same Aspatia you distrust, yet Honour with so high a Character, she whom blind Fortune took delight to jilt, and make the Pastime of her fickle Humour; she who has met with too severe a Curse; yet con­scious of no weighty Sin but Love, your Ri­val [Page 95]once, for evermore your Friend, if you will generously embrace the Offer; for know, it was my unexperienc'd years gave me that Title, and not Inclination, Gratitude may sometimes be mistook for Passion; no more was mine no farther my Concern: But I'll not dare to justifie Octavio; he who insensi­bly abandons Charms the greatest Monarch would be proud to boast of, can no way make addition to a Crime, of which the World most justly will accuse him: Yet since 'twas you that first engag'd his Heart, and taught it how to love, and to resent, Pity a Mad-man's Frenzy, 'tis no more, and let me plead for him who is my Ruin.

At this she paus'd, and gave Ariosto time to view her with Amazement, and Disorder, Fear, Hope; and Jealousie at once attack'd, and batter'd her with fierce Artillery; she look'd upon her sometimes as a Foe, sometimes a Friend, and knows not which to think her, but prudently her Judgment did suspend, till she had heard the sequel of the Story.

Never till now Melantius was so lost, to see Aspatia by him in that habit, within the compass of his Arms, there in a Country de­solate, remote, far from her noble Father and Relations, weeping to craggy Rocks and sensless Trees, far from that Princely Splen­dor once she us'd to grace the Courts and Palaces of Lisbon, where glorious Captives [Page 96]waited at her Feet, proud to be chose to do some little Service, and where he had ima­gin'd her in all the Gaiety of Youth and Pleasure, triumphing o'er a Crowd of bleed­ing Hearts, stabbing by Frowns, transporting by her Smiles, beyond the Wishes of fanta­stick Woman: What could this mean? by what strange Miracle found he Aspatia, on the Verge of Naples? That sprightly Beau­ty that enslav'd the World, tracing a soli­tary Grove in Sorrow, wasting the Treasure of her Youth in Exile; oh! how amazed, how Thunder struck was he, to see that un­expected killing Object, the Mistress of his Soul before his Eyes, with all those Charms that made him first her Captive! her whom he unadvisedly abandon'd, whose very Me­mory he once contriv'd to banish, too late alas! he found he was deceiv'd, found that the Gods had Interest in her Cause, and took peculiar care to make it prosper; 'twas hard­ly he gave credit to his Eyes, but really did believe he saw a Vision, wishing perpetual Sleep to charm his Senses, still to retain that dear deluding Phantasm; but when he re­collected from that Thought, and found each Faculty was sound and perfect, his Wonder and Confusion did encrease, to know what God, what Fate had brought her thither: All angry Resentments left his Breast, inspi­red by Wishes and Love's softer Fire, the [Page 97]little God sate playing in her Eyes and shew'd him all the Pleasure, not the Pain, of dazling Rapture and more fond Desire, inviting him by all those little Arts that first betray'd his easie tranquil Mind to the subjection of his wanton Snares, to curse his Rigour, yet adore his Power: Once more he triumphs o'er his bleeding Heart, shot thick his Arrows, and secur'd his Throne, tickled him with the Feathers of his Dart, till unperceiv'd he fell upon the Steel, and smiling at his Wound, suck'd in the Poyson.

Don Lelio's Dress did render him more fair, exposing Beauties that were made to conquer; Charms that had been conceal'd lay open now, Limbs the most regular and most surprizing. Lost in a mighty Extasie, he gaz'd, dying and languishing for the pos­session; not one past Injury did grate his Soul, or discompose its ravish'd Entertain­ment; Resentment fled beyond the very Clouds, and buried all his Wrongs in dark Oblivion. The Nymph, all chast and inno­cent, did look youthful, engaging, beautiful and tempting, and to his Eyes appear'd with­out a blemish: None but his wretched self he did accuse and tax with too much Folly and Credulity, who rashly had forsook, for the first Fault, the most deserving Creature in the World: If she had Sence, he knew she must resent it, and therefore was distracted [Page 98]with his Fears, how to retrieve the Interest he had lost: With Looks unguarded, and unbounded Thoughts, he gave away the rem­nant of his Soul, each wandring Faculty, caught by surprize, was made a second and substantial Conquest, prompt by Distrust and violent Desire, his breaking Heart no longer could resist, but was just falling at her Feet for Mercy, when the distressed fair One thus broke silence, and Curiosity stop'd his pro­ceeding:

That I am Daughter to the Duke Antonio de Almeyda, I blush to own, having the least deserv'd that worthy Lot, and most abused my Interest in that Name: My Mother, who deriv'd from no inconsiderable Branch of the Piacenze's Dukes, had all Advantages that could compleat a Beauty; for, besides the rare Perfections of her Person, she had Wit, Fortitude, Judgment, and Virtue, which be­got her the Applause, Admiration, and Esteem of all that knew her: she was universally a­dor'd, and industriously sought for by all the neighbouring Princes in Italy; nor did a Stranger pass throughout the Country, that made it not his chiefest care to see the fine Charlott, so was she call'd.

Amongst the rest, it was the Duke d' Al­meyda's chance (who was just then come to that Title by the Death of his Father) to travel through Parma, where she then resi­ded; [Page 99]he resolv'd not to quit the City till he had a sight of this lovely celebrated Beauty, which was no hard matter for a Man of his Quality. He saw, and was convinc'd, gave up his Freedom at the fatal View, and ever after own'd himself her Slave.

Their Amour was romantick and enter­taining, but too tedious to recite here, there­fore passing over all Preliminaries, we arrive at their Nuptials, which was very noble and magnificent, with splendid Masques, Balls and Tournaments, wherein all the youthful Nobility assembl'd, and perform'd diversity of Gallantries: Three years after Marriage the Duke stay'd in that Country, by the In­tercession of his Wife, who found no small. Regret to leave her Native Soil; but at length, urg'd by necessity of some weighty Affairs, wherein the Duke had been a very considerable Loser, they were forc'd on their Journey at a very inconvenient time for my Mother, who was then eight months gone with Child of me, Heaven had already bless'd them with a Son, whose graceful Aspect pro­mis'd early Virtues: Not much above one year they had enjoy'd him, when they set forward towards Portugal; they met with a pleasant Land-Journey, and embarqued with as fair a Prospect, but that over-ruling Power that finds it expedient sometimes to dash our sweetest Cups with Gall, presented them a [Page 100]too too bitter Draught, which when com­pel'd by Fate, there's no Man can resist.

They were within some few hours sail of shore, when the Heavens overcast, and a dreadful Storm arose, which prov'd only a direful Omen of their Misfortunes, for in less than half an hour it clear'd again to pleasant calmness and serenity; when from the Top­mast-head they 'spied a Ship that gave them chace, with all the sail that she could make they crowded down upon them; they were in some consternation and surprize, but the Duke, whose noble Soul could ne'r admit of Fear, took all the most convenient methods for defence that the short time would give him leave. Now, by the nigh approach, to their Perplexity, they discern'd her to be a famous Pyrate, who for many years had scou­red those Seas; no way they had to escape, for their Adversary having the Wind, soon boarded them. The Duke at this time per­form'd Wonders, but having few Assistants besides his own Attendants, and not being well provided for what so little was expected, after a stout defence, which startled much the Pyrates, by desperate Multitudes he was re­puls'd: They being now the Masters of the Ship, grew insolent, and rifled all their Trea­sure, clapping the Sailors under Hatches, and making all their Prize. My Mother, who had endur'd all the violence of Fears and [Page 101]Terrour, at this last Scene of immediate Death or Slavery, fell with the direful Ima­gination into a Swoon. The Duke being luc­kily by, receiv'd her in his Arms, and altho' his Reflections did present him with too clear a Prospect of their Woe, he us'd all the In­dulgence and tender Applications that could recover her, and encourage her to bear Fa [...]e with a Patience worthy of herself. It was a considerable time before he was convinc'd she liv'd, and the fatal demonstration serv'd but to involve him in a greater Doubt; for the warm Perswasions he had whisper'd, summo­ned back some fleeting Hopes, and untimely disclos'd her Eyes, to be a Spectator of young Frederick (their only Child) and his Nurse, just forc'd on board the Pyrate. This Sight renews her former Grief, and sunk her with the weight of Desperation: Nor was the Duke, with all his Fortitude, now in conditi­on to address a Comfort, he saw his Wife expiring at his Feet, his Child a Captive to insulting Villains, and he the sinking Prop that should relieve them; Love, Pity, Cha­rity divides his Breast, and equally demands his kind Assistance, but all the Means was taken from his Hands, and he had nothing left but his bare Wishes, which was reduc'd to wish himself, and his dear Wife, next Prey, that they might suffer all together.

Whilst he stood in this Extremity of [Page 102]Care, a violent and unexpected Hurricane a­rose, and separated the Ships, which lay gra­pled together, the fury of the Tempest drove them so fast, that in short time they lost sight of each other: The Seamen, who were very industrious at their Plunder, were most of them in the Long-boat, conveying off their Booty, and but two at this time left on board the Duke, abject Rascals, who finding their Necessity, meanly were imploring for their Lives, but the Duke, who was wholly taken up with his Sorrow, had but just reason enough left to release his own Seamen, to whose Mer­cy he left them, and from whose hand they receiv'd their Deaths, whilst he imploy'd him­self in the recovery of my Mother: Grief, and the cruel Sufferings she underwent had taken full possession of her Heart, and it was with great difficulty they kept her Soul and Body together, till they made a Port in Al­garves, call'd Tavila, where she had not been two days, but she was deliver'd of me, some­time before the usual season, and deliver'd up her Life at the same minute: My Father was the most afflicted Man in the World, and had it not been in consideration of me, which oblig'd him to preserve his Life, in care to mine, he hardly had surviv'd my Mother. He stay'd not long after the Funeral-Rites, but took me, with my Nurse, to a House he has near Ville-Neuove, where he liv'd a dis­engag'd [Page 103]and retired Life, till I attained the Years of Fourteen, at which time he thought it convenient to introduce me into the World, that I might be the better capable of acting for my self: We then remov'd to Lisbon, where we liv'd with all the Gran­deur that could render an advantage to my blooming Years, I had the Priviledge of vi­siting the Court, and some publick Places, which, in a short time, got me not a few Admirers. The Duke was willing to see me well disposed of, and incouraged those of the most Illustrious Families, and of the greatest Characters, for me to make my Choice; but I being only taken with the Gallantry and Address, liv'd with a cold Indifference to the Sex, and could not be prevail'd upon to Marry.

It was at this time, that my small Beauty gained some little Fame at Lisbon, when Octavio appear'd at Court, and was gene­rally reported, a Noble Cavalier, but one whose nice Virtues were eclipsed by a pro­found Melancholly, there lack'd not those who imputed it to Love, and apply'd it to several of our Beauties, yet knew no more then from their bare Opinion; he had the good luck to be particularly receiv'd amongst the Ladies; and I confess my self, that of­ten I have view'd him with some Pleasure: He had something in his Aspect that attract­ed [Page 104]all Eyes, and something in his Dispositi­on so engaging, that there was no beholding him with bare Indifference; yet mine was Admiration, and not Love, which after­wards I was too dear convinc'd of: Several small Services I had receiv'd, which past with me but as his common Humour, till a more evident Address too fatally inform'd me; Madrigals, Songs, and Billet-doux, he sent; by Night with Sighs and Serenades he entertain'd me; by these and a thousand o­ther ways, he oft declared the Message of his Heart, which found more free access in­to my Breast, then all the Gallantry I knew before; yet I had Conduct to conceal my Thoughts, and gave him not the least In­couragement, but rather seem'd vext at his ill plac'd Passion; some Months pass'd on with this Amusement, without much Love, or much Consideration, till daily Services inhaunced the Store of mighty Favours, that I began to fear the Payment; hitherto he had no access into our House, and found it difficult to gain my Presence, till a most fam'd remarkable Exploit, gave him a fair, and plausible Pretension:

One Day at a famous Match of Hunting, where most of the Nobility (then residing at Lisbon) participated of the Diversion, Ladies as well as Men, were in the Field to see the Pastime, and partake of the Chace, I [Page 105]being mounted on a fierce Arrabian Cour­ser, followed the Game with earnest satisfa­ction; my Inclination to those Country Sports, and the Rural Life I had been used to, gave me opportunity to make my self a compleat Horse-woman: I was now hot in pursuance of the Chace, and gave full Reins to my Horse, without consideration, when a Servant followed me to deliver a Tablet I had dropt, which I turning back to receive, just as I was at the brink of a rapid River, and not checking my speed, the Horse not being used to boggle at any opposition, took the Water, and before I could recover, plung'd into the Stream, where with the vi­olence of the Flood, and strugling of the Beast, I lost my Saddle, and was left float­ing.

All that saw this Accident, were in great Consternation how to deliver me from the danger, yet was cautious of themselves, but the Duke my Father, urg'd by his Paternal Love and Care, desperately pursued me in­to the River, where instead of preserving me, he met with the same Misfortune, and we had like to have sunk together, had not the Brave Octavio, (who was then on the top of a Bridge built over the Stream) seeing our Distress, quited his Horse, and like Per­sius, or some Guardian Deity leapt in to save us: The Event answered his Design, for [Page 106]after some little strugling, he recovered us both, and swam with us out in each Hand in Triumph.

This God-like Action begot Admiration in all the Spectators, but for our parts, that had not yet sence to know our Safety, or Deliverer, stupid, and half dead, we were conveyed to a Grange within view, where the best means was used to recover us: And here Octavio's Gallantry was more observa­ble, in refusing to shift his Cloaths till he was confirm'd we lived.

From these generous Actions, (after the Recovery of a dangerous Sickness it gave us both) Octavio became the Darling Friend of the Duke, and their Intimacy grew so remarkable, that it was a great Chance to find them separate; a long while Octavio was so brave to stifle all his Hopes, with feigned Indifference, being loath to urge the mighty Obligation, till Love, resistless Love overcame his Will, and added greater hopes to gratifie his Passion, no longer could he bare the hard Restraint, but willing to im­prove his fleeting Hours, began a more so­lemn Court then ever yet he had pretended to. From my Youth, and Unexperience, and the particular Esteem I had ever found for Octavio, I was inclinable to believe I Lo­ved, he being the first Man that could ever warm me into a Liking, and considering the [Page 107]Duke was just upon the Design of Marrying me, Gratitude, and some small Inclination, made me not violent to oppose a Flame, I thought I could better dispence with than a­ny; but the Duke, since the Misfortune of his Wife and Son, having fixt his future Bliss, and utmost Hopes in me, and lived Unmarried to make me Great and Fortu­nate, could not bare the Thoughts of my Separation to another Kingdom; and I re­ally believe there was nothing but Octavio's being a Stranger, disappointed his Wishes; he declined it with all the Complisance in the World, conferring daily Favours on him, and generous Offers to compensate, if possible, for the Lives he had received at his Hands, without so dear an Acknowledg­ment, not forgetting prviate Commands to me, not to allow or encourage his Address: but I, from the Duke's Affection to him, not expecting this Repulse, had rashly ad­vanced too far, and tho' it was not difficult for my Heart to recant, yet Duty oblig­ed me to refer my self to my Father, and Honour to excuse my self under the same pretext to him.

Affairs were in this manner between us, when Octavio was summoned Home to Ma­drid, which he evaded a long time, nor would not depart till I had promised him, if he could gain the Duke's Consent, he should [Page 108]not fail of mine; we had private Enterviews by the Assistance of my Maid, where through his Intercession, I assented to a Correspondence during his Absence, for the grateful Sentiments I had entertained of him fince his rescuing us from Death, made it dif­sicult for me to deny him any reasonable Request.

With these Assurances, tho' not without great Regret, he set forward his Journey; I was not under the easiest Circumstances when we parted, but Time, and a more dear, yet cruel Remedy, soon disingag'd those Cares.

Melantius, Son to the Marquess de Le­ganes, just return'd from his Studies, (a young Cavalier, Charming as a God, Beautiful to a Wonder, Wise as Apollo; Just, Heroick, Affable and Courteous, Gallant and Enga­ging; a Face, a Shape, and Wit form'd for Love and Success:) (Heavens! I Rave) be­came my Lover. Then, and not till then, my panting Heart, learnt to distinguish a real Passion, from that of an imaginary En­gagement. Gods! With what new Fire was my Breast enflam'd, and how exquisite was the dear sence of all my Joys and Doubts; and how different from the feeble warmth I felt before? But to Behold him was too great a Bliss: To hear him Speak, or Touch him, was a Heaven of boundless [Page 109]Pleasures, and thrilling Satisfaction, and to imagine more, was not to live.

Scarce had she ended this last Accent with a Sigh, but Melantius (charm'd to an un­expressible degree, flung himself at her Feet, (forgeting all past Jealousies and Fears) throughly convinc'd of his Mistake, with eager Kisses he devour'd her Hand, sigh'd on her Knees, and panting on her Breast, assoon as e'er his Passion would give leave, with a transported Joy, he burst into these words: Be false! Be vain! if possible you can; still, still I am born to Love and to A­dore you.

Aspatia thus luckily and strangely surpri­zed, could hardly give a credit to her Sen­ses, and it appear'd incredible to all, a too substantial Blessing to be real, Dumb with Amazement, silently they gazed, and gave themselves intirely up to Wonder: But A­spatia, whose more particular Interest had involved her in a thousand doubtful Appre­hensions, had much ado to recover from the Agitation, either excess of Joy or Fear had drove her to. As soon as she was convinc'd by the tender Imbraces of her Lover, that it was no Illusion, she fain would have assum'd a Neglect and Resentment equivolent to the Injuries she had receiv'd, but Inclination, and Reflection that he had took her at too [Page 110]critical an advantage to impose an Affectati­on, she dispens'd with Form, and raising him from the Ground, with Eyes all Love and languishing, she said, Rise to my Arms, thou dear, thou cruel Man, and once again receive thy own Aspatia. Melantius sprung at the Invitation to the Bosom of the Fair, which was panting him a Welcome, where in equal Raptures, they were a long time Clasp'd, till Aspatia's Curiosity (to know by what prodigious Chance, they had so wonderfully met) rous'd her. Melantius, after a Complement to Don Ariosto (whom he saluted by the Name of Canace, giving her to understand he had overheard her Sto­ry, and wishing her as quick a turn of For­tune) and some kind notice of Carlo (whom he discovered was the trusty Laura) gave them a punctual and diverting Narrative of his Life, from his quitting Portugal, to that happy Minute.

By this time a Reconciliation and Intima­cy was seal'd on all hands, and their Sto­machs giving them a Summons, they ad­journ'd to the Cabbin, referring the Con­clusion of Aspatia's Story to the Afternoon; which when she had finish'd, and Melantius was confirm'd his Mistress had been Con­stant, transported at the News, he prest returning Home, that they at once might satisfie their Parents, and compleat their [Page 111]own Felicity: Aspatia, weary of that way of living, required no perswasions to a thing she already was impatient to put in execu­tion. Don Ariosto, who had determined never to leave Aspatia, was doubly now in­duced to accompany them to a place, where probably she might retrieve her Lover [...]; only desiring the Liberty to continue the Habit she was then in, till some fair occasion presented for her to change it.

Thus being agreed, Melantius took leave for that Night, that he might discharge himself from his Command in the Army, and early the next Morning return'd with Montal, whom he order'd with Speed to provide for their Departure; where we will leave them on that Design, and return to Octavio, whom we left almost Expiring.

Grief, Disappointments, and the Anguish of Octavio's Wound, had reduc'd him to a violent Feavor, which daily increasing to the hazard of his Life, it was thought ex­pedient, to send for a Priest to perform the last good Office: Adrian a Franciscan Fryar in the Neighbourhood, a pious and judicious Man, heard his Confession; after which Introduction, he became a constant Visiter; something in Octavio's Person won his Soul, and he resolved with care and diligence to serve him; his Distress and ill Accommoda­tion mov'd him with Compassion. This [Page 112]Kindness was observ'd by poor Octavio, who as far as his Ability, made a grateful Return. The good Humour and Sanctity of Father Adrian, had begot so great an Esteem in Octavio, that at Intervals he made him his Confident; and now finding himself grow worse, he trusted him to acquaint the Vis­count Bozzolos, where, and under what Cir­cumstance he was, which a long time he had been a Stranger to. Upon the first no­tice the good old Viscount, fearing the Deso­lation of his Family, and inevitable Ruine of all his Joys, made no stay for reply, but without consideration of the Fatigue, got all things ready, and the next Day set Sail for Portugal; the Ship put into the Port of Velle-Neue for Water, and the Viscount impatient to see Octavio, tho 'twas with more trouble to a Man of his Age, yet for more dispatch, resolved to perform the reft of his Journey on that less dangerous Ele­ment: He took but the respite of the Night, and the next Morning mounted Horse for Porto, with Alacrity and Speed, he set for­ward, being attended for twelve Miles to­gether with a cool Breeze that render'd the blushing Cheeks of Aurora very refreshing: About this time he arrived in a pleasant Vale, (where the Duke de Almeyda, and the Marquess de Leganes were a Hunting) the Viscount's Horse starting at the approach [...] [Page 117]Peace, and took care, as much as possible, to conceal my concern from her; but when I found my self opprest, took Horse, and under pretence of taking the Air, privately indulg'd my Sorrow.

In one of these melancholly Humours, as I was moving along the Shore, by the vast Billows that came rolling in upon me, and the mountainous height of the swelling Sur­ges; I rais'd my Eyes that were fixt on the Ground, to contemplate that Emblem of the impetuous Storm in my Breast, when I perceived a Vessel strugling with the Wind, endeavouring with all her Skill to plow her Passage to the Island of Sicily, whilst the swelling Seas repuls'd her Course, and the rapid Waves forc'd her back as fast: This Contest of the angry Floods, and the Sai­lers Task to oppose 'em, took up my Thoughts, till I saw the raging Tempest rush the shattered Vessel on the Sands be­fore me, where Waves after Waves dasht on her Sides with their resistless force, start­ing the Planks, and leaving Breaches that unsatiably receiv'd the Torrents that pour­ed in, till Drunk with the Deluge, she tum­bled down, and sunk with her Freight and most of her Men; Despair or Hopes made some attempt to stem the Tempest, others to catch at Planks, but all in vain, none could float to Shoar, but unable to sustain the Conquering Main, sunk in the Gulph to [Page 118]the Stygian Lake; except a few, whose luckier Thoughts had prompted them to se­cure the Long-Boat, and with great diffi­culty saved their Lives.

I made up to the place where they Land­ed, being curious to know their Circum­stance, and found they were all Sailers; but one who was their Captain, and a Boy about a Year old, very Beautiful and richly Clad; I was strangely taken with the Child, who infinitely resembled mine, and enquir'd his Birth and Country; but they very rea­dily told me, That therein they could not satisfie me, for they knew not themselves, confessing they were Pirats, and that in their Course towards Portugal, had met with a considerable Prize, and again lost it in the late Wrack; their Child they imagined to be by its Splendour a Nobleman's aboard the Ship they Plunder'd, but whose they could not tell; for being suddenly separated by a furious Storm, they had not time to secure more than the Child and his Nurse, who either for fear or spite dyed in half an hour after she was taken; the Child was pre­served in hopes of Ransom, or rather Provi­dence design'd him for a better Fate.

The Duke de Almeyda, who had attend­ed with violent Emotions this part of the Story, was no longer able to forbear inter­rupting him, but with an insupportable A­gony, and the most violent Concern in the [Page 119]World, he enquired what Fortune since had attended that instant: The Viscount won­dering at his Disturbance, only made answer, I hope he Lives; and began to examine, if he had any Interest in such a Loss? The Duke in Tears briefly related his Misfor­tunes; his Ship-wrack, the Death of his Wife, and loss of his Child; which being ended, he prest with all violence to know if he had no Mark, no Remnant of his Cloaths, by which he might be convinc'd of his Hopes.

The Viscount having earnestly heard him, reply'd, How glad am I, and how ea­sily shall I depart this Life, since I leave my Octavio so brave, so good a Father, for I am more than perswaded he is your real Son, look on this Signet; took from off his Neck, wherein a handsome Cypher is ingraved, and call it to remembrance if you can.

No sooner had the Duke survey'd it, but with all the Joy imaginable he cry'd out, Thou infallible Oracle of Truth, I am now confirm'd from these dear Characters which contain the Names of my self and Wife, that it is the same young Frederick wore, when he was Ravish'd from us; and thou my Guardian Angel, let me know, by what strange Providence you have preserv'd the first dear Pledge of all my sacred Vows, that in my trembling Arms I may receive the happy Au­thor of my future Peace, and pant upon thy Breast ten thousand Blessings, before my joy­ful Soul expire with Transport.

[Page 120]The Viscount much surpriz'd at this Dis­covery, and much pleas'd to find he had fo­stered such a Noble Off-spring, proceeded to his Relation.

Sir, (said he) this Child I Ransom'd from the Pirats, with no inconsiderable Sum of Gold, and with an unusual satisfaction bore him Home with me, where having told the whole Adventure, it was look'd upon as a particular Regard Heaven had of my Inte­rest, and therefore had thus miraculously sent this Child to propagate my Name and Family, in lieu of that I had lost; my Wife being from some Reasons so possess'd by the Physicians, to be past hopes of more, it seem'd plausible to me, and from a wonderful Affe­ction I had took to the Child, I was incli­nable to believe it the Decree of Heaven, and immediately with the Consent of my Wife, Adopts him; and from his strange re­semblance of my own, nam'd him after the Deceas'd Octavio: This was manag'd with all prudent Care and Privacy, and had the good luck never to be suspected, which was a great Satisfaction to all but my Wife, whom it had a quite different Effect on, for the mighty Pleasure she saw us take in the early Virtues of that Infant, rack'd her with Imaginations of the double Joys she had received from her own; which her Humble, Modest Disposition endeavouring to conceal from me, for want of Redress in time, broke her Heart.

[Page 121]From hence the Viscount miss'd not a tittle of Octavio's Life, to that of Fryar Adrian's sending for him to a place near Porto, where Melantius left him wounded: I was hasting thither (said he) when I met with this ill ac­cident, which now I bear with less regret, since it has procured me your acquaintance, and dis­cover'd so happy a Secret: concluding it was alwaies his Design before he died, to tell Octavio of his obscure Birth, that he might esteem himself doubly engag'd to the Inte­rest of the Bozzo [...]o's, (that had chose him when Fate had reduc'd him to the station of a Plebean) as likewise to put him upon some glorious Attempt, to demonstrate to the World, that his Birth was noble, which he ever believ'd, tho' till that lucky minute could never be convinc'd of: Notwithstand­ing (said he) I have made it my search this five and twenty years, I wonder'd much I ne'r could find it out; for besides the token of this Cypher, and his swadling Clothes, he has that infallible Mark. In haste the Duke did inter­rupt him there, A Star my Frederick bears upon his Breast. The same has my Octavio, cry'd the Viscount. Not till this period did the Duke recollect how much this long Dis­course might discompose the Viscount, and being throughly convinc'd, and overjoy'd at this Discovery; caressing him with all the Gratitude imaginable he left him to Repose.

Immediately he order'd his Coach to fetch [Page 122] Octavio, waiting with violent impatience his arrival. By this time Octavio was pretty well recover'd, and not hearing from the Viscount, was preparing with all expedition for Italy, when the Duke's Orders arrived: He knew not what to think of the Invitation, but knowing the Duke to be in all respects the most nice in Honour, he could not ap­prehend a Trick; besides, the Equipage and Address had too good a face of Friendship to be cover'd with Deceit; he scorns to distrust, and resolves to comply, and in order to that acquaints his Friend Adrian with this Sum­mons, desiring he would accompany him; Adrian readily consented, and they set for­ward on their Journey. They were no soo­ner arriv'd, but the Duke met Octavio with Tears of Joy, telling him, That Providence had put it in his power to compensate a little for the Favours he had receiv'd from him, for Heaven, in some small Capacity had made him the happy Instrument of serving his Fa­ther, who in his speed to visit him had broke his Leg, and now lay dangerously ill in his House, at whose request he had sent for him, (he fear'd) to take his last Farewel.

Octavio return'd the Duke the heartiest Thanks Gratitude could frame; and having curs'd his Stars and Destiny, for drawing in­to such Troubles all that he lov'd or valued, he beg'd to be conducted to his Father; the Duke himself was his Guide, who drew open [Page 123]the Curtains, and presented him to the Vi­scount. Octavio soon recall'd him to remem­brance, tho' his Sickness had much transfor­med him, and falling on his Knees, implor'd his Blessing, and then religiously beg'd Hea­ven for his Recovery. He desir'd him to at­tribute the Misfortunes he had brought to his Relations and Friends, as the heaviest Plague on his own Head, it being the Decree of Heaven, and not within his power to avert.

The Viscount embraced him with all ten­derness, and after a pious Benediction, told him, 'twas easie to forgive him any thing, so great was his Paternal Care and Love; his joy was mighty for his Welfare, which he de­monstrated by no common satisfaction.

But now (said he) prepare, my dear Octa­vio, to hear a most surprizing, unexpected Story; you are no more my Son; turn to the Duke, and pay that due Obedience, to that most glorious Author of your being; but when I am dead and gone, (as soon I [...]ear I shall) with grateful thoughts remember how I lov'd you. This Speech confounded so Octa­vio, that he began to think his Brain distem­per'd; but the Duke not having patience to wait longer, fell on his Neck, and told him it was true: he sent immediately for the Mar­quess de Leganes, and Father Adrian, to whom at large he did relate each circum­stance the Viscount had told him, as well as that of his own Knowledge; which agreeing [Page 124]so exactly, even to the Mark on his left side, it soon put the reality beyond dispute. This when Octavio heard, and was so well convin­ced of, with all submission he addressed him­self to his new Father, who received him in his Arms with exquisite delight, pouring forth Blessings on him, and confirming him his by the Name of Frederick, which Name for the future he order'd him to assume. Frederick, after this, applied himself to the Viscount, professing all Acknowledgments a generous Soul could shew for such unparallel'd Fa­vours: He told him he would still esteem him as a Parent, serve and obey him with the Duty of a Son, and to the World declare his noble Usage.

This News was soon dispers'd thro' Por­tugal, and every one congratulated the Duke's good Fortune: But poor Frederick's Soul was so oppress'd with Sorrow, that all the Satis­faction he receiv'd stom this Discovery, was, that since his Birth had doubtful been, he prov'd a Branch of such a noble Stock, and luckily was hinder'd from adding to his ma­ny Sins, by marrying of his Sister: But the Blood of Alcidas lay so heavy on his Breast, he ne'r had Hopes of any real Comfort, there­fore was under much concern, that these Af­fairs had prevented his design of leading a Monastick Life, which his own Desire and Fryar Adrian's Advice did prompt him to, by way of Expiation for the Murder of his [Page 125]Friend. 'Twas with these Hopes he kept the Fryar with him, flattering himself, that one day he should have an Opportunity to put in execution what he so much desir'd.

This he resolved, but otherwise Fate de­creed; for in an Evening, to compleat their Joy, (some three months after this Discove­ry, which minutes he melancholy had pass'd) enter'd the Room (where they were all as­sembled) Melant us, Aspatia, Canace, (in her Cavaliers Dress) Laura and Montal; which unexpected Guests amazed them all: Their Wonder was so great, that for some time they gaz'd confusedly upon each other, without the power of moving or of speaking. Aspatia first broke silence, who prostrate at her Fa­ther's Feet, with all the Rhetorick that she could use, desir'd his Pardon: The good In­dulgent Duke o'erflow'd with joy to see his Daughter: her Pardon easily upon her Lips he seal'd, and raising her from off the ground, cried, Welcome my dear Aspatia. With no less joy the Marquess de Leganes saw and receiv'd Melantius, and declar'd Heaven show'd so strong a hand in all these Revolutions, that they were both convinc'd 'twas so decreed by Providence, to make the Event successful to them all. During this time Canace was all Anxiety, striving to bear an equal part be­fore her Lover, whose Eyes she found more lovely now than ever.

From their first entrance her Eyes [...]re [Page 126]fixt upon him, and hardly could she stop the violent sallies of her Jealousie, altho' she knew Aspatia was his Sister, which they had been inform'd of on their Journey, the Fame of so remarkable a thing having rung throughout the Kingdom.

Curious was the Interview between Frede­rick and his Sister; his Passion now was no­bly turn'd to Friendship, and he could gaze upon her without love; he confess'd the Pain and misery that all-along had waited on that Flame, had sufficiently reveng'd his Baseness to Canace, whom he still own'd the Mistress of his Soul; but Revenge, a rash Vow, and the Contempt she had baffled him with (as he imagin'd) made him so violent in his last Amour; but now he finds 'twas manag'd by an unseen Power, who by hidden ways, be­yond our comprehension, easily brings the darkest things to light. That power (replied Aspatia) we are all oblig'd to, who by this Dis­covery had prevented wondrous Mischief, that must have ensued; and now there remains no more to compleat an universal Happiness but the fair, the constant, the virtuous Canace. At this Don Frederick blush'd, and sighing said, Tho' I can love sincerely none but her, yet by a direful Imprecation I have rashly made, Gods, that I live to speak it! she never can be mine. Canace, who had heard with pleasure the most part of this Discourse, felt so violent an effect of Passion at this Part, that, unable to [Page 127]repel its force, she fell into a Swoon. All run to the assistance of the young Cavalier, and wonder'd at the occasion of his sudden Illness. Aspatia thinking it a fair opportunity to dis­cover her, readily reveals both Person and Disease; he was sensibly concern'd, the Com­pany joyning in her behalf, representing her matchless Love and Constancy, he took her in his Arms, (who was but just reviv'd) and pressing her upon his panting Breast, with a Sigh that almost burst his Heart, he cry'd, Ʋnless 'tis possible to call my Friend Alcidas from the Grave, I cannot wed Canace.

Adrain, who till now had been a bare Spe­ctator, thought it high time to act his part; and in order to it, having demanded an at­tention, pull'd off a Beard and false Eye­brows, which hitherto he had wore for a Disguise; and with a Smile took Frederick by one Hand, and Canace by the other, told them, That Heaven, in regard of their mu­tual Affection, had rais'd Acidas from the Dead to do that Friendly Office for them. All that knew him formerly were convine'd 'twas the same, and was more astonished at this Adventure, then all that had happened to them before; but Frederick still doubtful of his good Fortune, had scarce Faith to credit what he saw, not daring to give way to any Joy, least he should meet a Disap­pointment. Alcidas observing this, ran to embrace him, and with a Voice that show'd [Page 128]his mighty Joy, (he cry'd) Doubt not, my der Octavio, for now you hold with is your Arms your Real former Friend Alcidas, who now is throughly satisfy'd of the Contrition, for that unhappy Deed which Love, Despair, and Jealousie provokt you to; and since I have been the fatal Cause of your Misfortunes, I think it now my part to ask a Pardon. At this Fre­derick being convinc'd, tho' with no small wonder receiv'd him with all the Joy and Satisfaction that Friendship, Love, or Gra­titude could move; here all those nice Pun­ctilio's that Emulation, Love, or Honour could inspire, did pass between these Gene­rous, Noble Souls: Thus linkt in one ano­ther's Arms with strict Embraces, they there confirm'd an everlasting Friendship.

This Transport being over, Alcidas by the Company was prest to tell the Story of his strange Escape; who (after some Cere­mony to the Presence, and a particular Ad­dress to Canace, whom he intreated for a Reconciliation) he gratify'd with this Re­lation:

The History of Alcidas.

AFter the fatal Blow I receiv'd under Ca­nace's Window, by the Deluge of Blood that per [...]ued it, I was soon disabled from making any defence, but fell on the Spot, [Page 129]and lay groveling in my Gore: I had just sence enough left to hear the unhappy Au­thor lament my Fall, who soon after retir'd, leaving me for Dead. The Corigidore and his Son going their Rounds, perceived the Body, which knowing, and finding that I yet breath'd, out of Care for my Preserva­tion, convey'd me to his own House, with­out raising an Alarm, which would have ta­ken up too much time; they stop'd my Blood, and I (after some other Applicati­ons) recover'd my Senses, and immediately demanded, If they had secured any Body upon suspicion; they answer'd, None; but excus'd that Neglect from their Industry to preserve my Life; I easily forgave them, and having understood that none knew of my Misfortune but themselves; I Brib'd them to Secresie, desiring to continue con­ceal'd in their House, till I saw what this unlucky Accident would produce, promising, if I was likely to Die, to discover as much as should take the Guilt off them; and if I liv'd to advance their Fortunes: They had formerly been Servants to my Family, and knew my Capacity of performing what I promised: Upon this Score (tho under pre­tence of a powerful Ascendant I had over them) they swore a solemn Secrecy to my Commands, and likewise procur'd me a Chirurgeon, Skilful and very Faithful; thus I remain'd secure from suspicion in their [Page 130]House; and was carefully conceal'd, during the publick Search: After which, happily recovering (tho not without great difficulty) my Eyes were open to the Follies of the World; I abhor'd my extravagant Passion, looking upon it as a vast Crime, being a Breach of our most sacred and solemn Friend­ship, and the fatal Cause of those many Trou­bles that ensued. This moral Reflection wrought so effectually with me, that from that moment I resolved to quit the Vanity of this World, and dedicate all my Love to Heaven, and the Remainder of my Days to the Expiation of my pondrous Sins; 'twas some Pleasure to me also when I reflected what a hearty Attonement this would prove for the Wrongs and Injuries I had done to my dear Octavio. I defer'd the Execution of my Vow some time, least some unhappy Wretch might suffer for my Death, were not I there to clear him; but all prospect of a Discovery being over, and the Unfortu­nate Alcidas almost forgot, I found it a convenient time to Transport my self to Portugal, where I entred my self in a Con­vent of Franciscans, and in due time took the Habit and Order. Having left a Charge with the Corigidore not to reveal any know­ledge of me without my Order, unless the ha­zard of any Man's Life requir'd the Discove­ry, which Commands I find he has been very punctual in observing. And thus you have [Page 131]heard the Fate of Alcidas, whom Heaven miraculously has preserv'd; no more to in­terpose between your Joys, or be a Plague to any of your Hopes, but plac'd in a Sta­tion, luckily to reconcile all Differences, to unite mutual Love, and cement your reci­procal Contracts for ever.

The Affability, Bravery, and Zeal wherewith Alcidas deliver'd this Discourse, and the Pleasure he shew'd, in hopes to be (after all the Misfor­tunes he had caus'd) the happy Instrument to re­concile them, mov'd every Heart with an extra­ordinary sence of his Merit, and from the sincere Dictates of Love and Esteem, each address'd him a particular Congratulation; their Joy was unli­mited, and there required no Perswasions to make an unanimous, Assent to gratifie their Ten­derest Wishes; the fierce Sallies of our Heroes youthful Bloods could hardly be restrained within Bounds, nor could the subtilest Artifice conceal the Ladies Transports, whilst their becoming Blushes betray'd their Thoughts, and their dan­cing Eyes discover'd their Impatience for the ap­proaching Happiness; nothing but the Viscount's Illness was an Obstacle to their Bliss, for whose Recovery they waited; but he, the only Unfor­tunate, having had the Pleasure of hearing this Relation, and the boundless Joy of once again seeing and receiving to his Bosome his dear Ca­nace, on whom he confer'd ten thousand Bles­sings; he had the Satisfaction to depart this Life in Peace, loaden with Honour, and with Years, leaving Frederick and she, the happy Possessors of a vast Inheritance.

Sorrow for this Loss had something eclipsed the [Page 132]Tranquility of every Breast, and defer'd their Joys, to pay a mournful Tribute to the blest Me­mory of the Noble Deceas'd, living in as much Comfort as the occasion would permit, till a just time was expired for their Grief, when they con­sented to enter the Lists of Matrimony, and A­drian perform'd the Nuptial-Rites.

The Ceremony was very magnificent, and at Bed-time Adrian confess'd, That his Soul was so absolutely resign'd to Heaven, that he could see his Mistress in the Arms of his Friend without re­gret. Where we will leave both Couple, 'tis pos­sible, to Repose.