IN Sevil, a place both otherwise famous, and for being the capital Citie of Andaluzia, was born Carlo the se­cond son of Count Ho­ratia, who for his ver­tuous qualittes was so well belov'd, that all that knew him were afflicted that he was not the chief Heir of his fathers e­state. He was in his deportment gentile and pleasing; of a comely & graceful per­son; in his apparel not exceeding the mo­deration that became a younger brother: but that which was chiefly commendable, he was of a clear and candid Judgment; a gift which doth not always speak men fortunate. His Brother, whole name was Alfredo, though superiout in years, yet in vertues far inferiour, by the death of his [Page 2]father became possess'd of all his honor'd Titles and great Possessions; his right pre-existing above his brother Carlo's by the priviledge onely of one years Seniori­ty: He was more envious than for one of his quality might seem possible; proud, and above sufferance imperious: and in so despightful and haughty a manner trea­ted he Carlo, as that he might well have been thought rather his utter enemy, then his brother. If any thing may be said in favour of Alfredo, it is this; That since he would needs be envious, his Envie could not have sound a nobler object. O powerful Disease! how generally dost thou reign over the whole world, and how strangely infest all sorts and degrees of men! thou not onely frequentest Courts, Palaces, Universities, and Reli­gious Societies themselves; but even taintest the blood of persons most neerly related. But whereas Alfredo was of so uncontrol'd a power, so respected and so fear'd of all; what reason had he to bear so great an envie toward one so curb'd and depress'd, that there seemed no great diffe­rence between him and one of his ser­vants? There needs no other answer, but that famous saying of an ancient Author: The Envious man hates all: his Inferiours, [Page 3]because they do not equal him; his Equals, because they do not exceed him; his Superiours, because they are above him: so that neither brothers nor dearest friends are exempted from his malice. It was Envie which put so great a difference between the two Romane twins, who had the self-same Cradle upon the banks of Tyber, and the self-same Couch in the Hostile field that Romulus, to assume the whole Empire to himself, gave license to the murthering of his brother Remus: It was Envie which so dis-united the af­fections of powerful Mithridates from his brother, that Mithridates, to enlarge his power and dominion, commanded his brother to be publikely beheaded. To conclude, where this Monster ruleth, nei­ther means, nor honours, nor even life it self, can promise any to themselves securi­ty. Carlo, that he might set himself to resist the discourtesies of Fortune, and not de­pend any longer upon his brothers cold courtesies, he resolves to engage himself in the love of some fair and rich Lady of that Citie, whose portion might dis-en­thral him from that servile estate which he liv'd in under his brothers tyranny. But among all the Illustrious Dames which that famous place afforded, (and it afford­ed not a few) he thought none more fair, [Page 4]and there was none more rich, than a La­dy whose name was Donna Stella, whose father was of the noblest and wealthiest Gentlemen of the Citie, having acquir'd a great estate in the Indies. This Stella was doubly fair, as being both fair and rich: both these respects make Carlo desi­rous to be her servant; both these respects render Stello worthy of his service: but as yet he is resolv'd to communicate his degsines to no body but his own thoughts. There is nothing that abateth the courage of Lovers more then Pover­ty; nothing that more restraineth them from revealing the secrets of their minds. If the riches of Stella mov'd him at first to seek her love, no less powerful with him is her beauty now, to perswade him to persevere in that minde: but the means and oportunity of discovering his faith­ful flames, and preferring his amorous suit to her, were denied him by the male­volence of his stars. He knew he was not able to promote his designe, nor have ac­cess to his Mistress, without employing the industry and fidelity of some of her servants: and to have made use of their assistance, without the demonstration of his own liberality, would have been a great dishonour to him, not having where­withal [Page 5]to reward them according to the greatness of his Generosity and Birth, as being Brother to him who was absolute Lord of the whole Country. To prove ungrateful, the generousness of his minde made him scorn; to appear co [...]ferable, and in want, the greatness of his spirit made him disdain: therefore the language of his eyes only had liberty to express that which his tongue was constra [...]ed to con­ceal. The day came nor more certainly, then he was certain to dispose of himself in some secret Walk neer the back part of her house; that if at any time sh [...] c [...]me forth that way, he might obtain his wish­ed sight: and there pass'd not a night, wherein he did not duely walk by the door of her house; that at least if he might not be so happie as to enjoy her sight, he might in some sort please himself with see­ing the place made happie by her pre­sence. But when he consider'd with him­self what an airy contentment he now en­joy'd, and that time was trifl'd away, [...]d his loves labour lost, while his affections were kept unreveal'd from her who was the Mistress of his affections; and that he had small reason to expect favours from her, who scarce knew him, much less knew him to be her servant; he saw him­self [Page 6]constrain'd (for want of other means) to cast himself upon the courtesie of his discourteous Brother, and to impart those counsels to him, which he had purpos'd to lock up in the most secret Arcanum of his brest; presuming he should come off with the more credit, and his address to his Mistress finde greater acceptance, be­ing back'd by his brothers authority; whom although he knew not to stand so well-affected to him or his proceedings, yet he assur'd himself that he might haply be led to it, if not by any other respect, yet at least by a willingness to be rid of his company he so little car'd for, and to be freed from the charge he was at in maintaining him; with this assurance, he repairs to Alfredo, represents to him the exquisiteness of Stella's beauty, and effe­ctually sets forth with what passionate de­sires her beauty had enflam'd him, and how extremely it perplex'd him not to ob­tain that which he so infinitely desir'd. His Brother outwardly commended his discreet choice, inwardly maligned it; pro­mis'd to further him in it what he might, intended nothing less: for having consi­der'd well the excellent feature and the rare endowments of Stella, he purpos'd to obtain her for himself; nor did he seek [Page 7]her more for his own love and her deserts sake, then out of a desire to deprive his brother of that contentment and felicity he aim'd at; so great was his envie to­ward him: whose mean and lowe condi­tion, if it were so much the object of his envie; how much more would he have been envi'd, being advanc'd to a contented and prosperous estate, wherein he should not any longer have stood in need of him! He was not, in times past, so much not his friend, as now he is resolv'd to become his mortal adversary: so that, making his brothers desires the promoters of his own designe, he often frequented the house of Stella's father, and, after a few visits, re­veal'd to him his minde. No marvel if the old man willingly consented; know­ing, that to accept of the Counts profer, imported him no less then the marrying of his daughter to the greatest Fortune in that Country. In all haste, he goes to Stella, and tells her the happie news: who grown to womans estate, and thinking the time long till she were married, embrac'd the motion with much gladness. Carlo per­ceiving his brother to be much at the house of Stella's father, rested secure of his good success. He whose minde is free from traiterous intentions, is least apt to [Page 8]suspect others for being guilty of the like, Stella, by some means or other, became ac­quainted with Carlo's affection to her; which could not finde any place in her heart, being prepossest already by that of Alfredo. And there wanted not those, on the other side, who inform'd Carle of his brothers proceedings toward him; dis­swading him from continuing any longer a servant to her, for that she was extreme­ly incens'd against him, both for his bold­ness in aspiring to her favours, which were elsewhere bestow'd; and for his rashness, to stand in competition with his brothers Authority in so high a nature, as to be­come his Rival. In this manner did the two Brothers prosecute the same designe; but with far different success: Carlo's love was hindered by the fraud of Alfredo; Al­fredo's seconded by the favour of Stella. Notwithstanding Carlo, seeing himself thus slighted, was resolved not so easily to take a repulse from one whom he never talk'd with; but rather to try if by speak­ing with her, who was the cause of his in­nocent flames, he could prevail with her to know what should be the cause of her disdain. This resolution of his was fa­voured by an accident no less fortunate than unexpected; he having long, and [Page 9]with much impatience awaited the ap­proach of night, at length that silent sea­son came, wherein darkness and solitude had given truce to the busie motions and labours of men, and kept the inquisitive neighbours from stirring abroad to his hinderance; when Carlo, more curious then prudent, hastes toward the Mansion of his Beloved, whom to his joy he found standing in a Balcone, in expectation of Alfredo's coming: for seeing him resolute­ly bent to be her Spouse, she long'd to have conference with him first, without any other witness than the still silence of night, that she might make trial whether his wit and understanding were correspon­dent to the properness of his person, and the greatness of his estate: having abso­lutely concluded with her self, that if he prov'd any way defective of judgement, she would rather chuse to want the pomp and splendour which his alliance would bring her, then to tie her self to the tedi­ousness of leading her whole life with such a one, whom folly and simplicity should make unfit to be convers'd with. Carlo imputed it to the goodness of his stars, that he had lighted upon an occasion so much according to his desire, so much beyond his hopes; and so drew neer unto [Page 10]her: and she imagining nothing more, than that it was the Count himself, (be­cause it had been agreed between them the night before, to meet in this place, and at the very same hour) receiv'd him with more obliging expressions then he had reason or hopes to expect: and after she had affirm'd to him her great desire to speak with him, she entertain'd him with the subtil'st and most complemental dis­course (for she was not altogether void of Eloquence) that her womans wit could furnish her withal; that the acuteness of his wit and understanding might be made to appear and he reply'd in terms so a­morous and discreet, that Stella render'd Heaven thanks for her happie fortune, in having obtain'd a servant so compleat and to her minde, that her own fancie could not have depainted forth a nobler. Thus were they both deluded, both favour'd by each other. Stella perswading her self that Alfredo, and no other man in the world, was to be possessor of her beauty, That pleasure, said she, Alfredo, that you have done me, in coming so alone to visit me alone, at a time and place so lovely, is such, that it ought not to be register'd in the roll of common courtesies. I have had a great desire to com­municate unto you some particulars which have [Page 11]disturb'd the tranquility of my minde: And although I would willingly have conceal'd this distaste; yet because it is a kinde of treason in the Will, to bury in silence those things which ought to be reveal'd, I should make my self guilty of this crime, if I should hide this busi­ness from you, which it imports you so much to know. Carlo exceedingly amaz'd to see that he should be so much not diseern'd by Stella as to be taken by her for Alfredo, dissembled as much as in him lay, the trouble and confusion of his thoughts; and recollecting himself, turns to his beloved Enemy, to hear what she had far­ther to say; who thus went on: You are to know (said she) that your Brother Carlo, who in the opinion of most is held for discreet and vertuous, is so discourteous to my Honor, so trayterous to your Love, that having fixed his affections on me, he not considering that I was born to be wholly yours, boldly promiseth to himself a possibility of triumphing over the conquest of my Will: how audacious and obsti­nate a besieger of my Chastity he is, these Walls, which at all hours he haunts, can testi­fie; insomuch that I have some reason to be afraid, lest at this very moment of time, that we are now talking together, he should be with­in hearing of us. I had certainly conceal'd from you this extravagancy of his, had not this [Page 12]consideration mov'd me to be willing rather to let you understand it from me than any body else, that, if haply you may hereafter hear from the hand of any body beside, this thing so tending to your dishonor, you may assure your self it was not my beauty, but his want of wisdom, which prompted him to so inconsider ate an attempt.

No wonder if Carlo with the utmost of his discretion had enough to do to sup­press his outragious passions, which through the anguish of his mind, were ready to burst forth into vehement out­cries; on the one side he saw himself dis­dain'd by her whom he most admir'd, on the other side injur'd by him of whom it was impossible for him to take revenge: the rigour and neglect of Stella pierc'd him deeply to the heart, and as deeply did he resent the blows of adverse Fortune, which so apparently persecuted him, but that which most of all afflicted him, was, To have a Brother of so perfideous a dis­position, that having been intreated with so much submission, such a deluge of tears, to assist him in obtaining the reward of his faithful and long-languishing desires, had not only not effected it, but with a most ignoble fraud, sought himself to reap that fruit which for so many days his hopes had husbanded. Carlo was just about to [Page 13]frame an Answer to Stella, if he had not at that very instant been disturb'd by a cer­tain Man interposing himself between them; who told him, That this place which he possest, was by right anothers, and therefore desired him presentty to avoid it. Stella sup­posing him that came last to be Carlo, was afraid, lest if they had come to Swords-dispute, the life of Alfredo would have been in danger. But Carlo less dismaid than glad at this present occasion, judg'd it now a fit time to ease his big stomack of that great indignation wherewith it swel'd by reason of the former injury offer'd him, by taking revenge of this present affront; and either not thinking him that surpriz'd him to be his Brother, or thinking if it were he, to take a brave revenge of him for his treacherous dealing, he, with his rapier drawn, answer'd him in such rugged tearms, that if Alfredo had not quickly re­treated, 'tis to be doubted, lest he had stay'd to the hazard of his life. By this time the tumult was heard by some of Alfredo's Attendants, that had stay'd a pretty way behinde; they coming neer, and knowing Carbo, admonish'd him by all means to de­sist from so unadvised an Enterprize: so both parties retired, without so much as speaking to each other, or giving any sa­tisfaction: [Page 14]as for Alfredo, his pride was such, he would give none; Carlo was so injur'd, he had no cause to give any.

Poor deluded Stella remains all this while in great perplexity of minde; yet glad to see, that the courage of her sup­posed Lover, was answerable to the preg­nancy of his wit: so that whereas Carlo had been the Actor of so much Gallan­try, Alfredo usurped the praise and honor. Carlo was he, that both by his Language and Valour ravish'd the thoughts of Stella; Alfredo was the Man thought worthy of her Affection and care, triumphing in the atchievement of Actions which he could never own. Alfredo would no longer delay the execution of his Will, but went again the day following to Stella's Father, to consult farther with him about the Match: from whom he receiv'ed this comfortable Answer, That he might securely build upon this assurance, that she should be his; and, that it might appear how much the good will he bore to his Daughter pleased him, he from hence­forth gave him free leave to visit her as often as he pleased. This permission, which Alfredo esteemed the greatest of Favours, he soon made use of, and went forthwith to visit Stella; who receiv'd him with a charming Modesty, honouring him with [Page 15]those gracious and rich Beams of Favour from her fair Eyes, that those of far more merit than himself might have been proud of the like. They had not far entred into their Discourse, which was of sundry mat­ters, before Alfredo, besides that he betray'd much ignorance, utter'd so many unsavory and impertinent speeches, that Stella quick­ly observ'd neither his Behaviour nor his Wrds to be any way consistent with that which she had been Witness of the night before; and the thought of this, took so strong an impression in her minde, that in stead of resolving him fully in the busi­ness which he came about, she earnestly desired of her Father to give her time to consider of it, that she might not rashly enter into a condition which she must be tied to all her life-time, without well considering beforehand what she went about. Alfredo remained for the time pretty well satisfied, although not free from suspicion, both because he had seen Carlo with her the night before, and because she was doubtful in her Answers when he made the motion: nevertheless, relying upon the promise which her Fa­ther had made him, he gave out, that within four dayes he was to be Married. This went for currant among credulous [Page 16]vulgar, who observing him often frequent that house, thought nothing able to resist the power and will of so mighty a man. With what grief and amazement the Heart of Carlo was struck when he heard this news, let him judge who hath lost the chief joy of his life by so unjust a way. Carlo now expects no other than to see himself miserable, than to see in the arms of his Adversary, his lov'd Stella; yet Carlo still loves, Carlo is still discreet: can it possibly be, that he should either love or be discreet, and not become fran­tick with grief, being so injuriously de­prived of his hopes and desires? Having oft revolved these things in his minde, at last he reason'd thus to himself, That if his Competitor, either a stranger or his e­nemy, had done this wrong, he should not have had that cause to admire; but that his own Brother should do him so great a de­spite both in his Content, his Credit, and his Honour, was a vexation so grievous to him, that although necessity forced him to undergo it, yet his stomack would not permit him to endure it. A thousand times did he, incited with these injuries, vow to revenge himself; and at other times repented himself of his rash Vow, not so much out of tenderness to his Bro­ther, [Page 17]as for fear of offending Stella: but at length, seeing there were small hopes left him of ever being able to prevent those misfortunes which grew so fast upon him, he pitch'd upon this, as the surest course he could betake himself to; namely, for a while to shake hands with his native Country, thereby to try if while he chang'd his Climate, Fortune would smile upon him with a more propitious coun­tenance: So putting himself into a Mili­tary garb, he resolv'd upon a voyage to Madrid, with an intention to procure Letters of recommendation from thence to Don Juan of Austria, who at that time govern'd the Low-Countries. Alfredo applauded his noble Resolution; Saying, That it became men nobly born, to set upon the bravest and highest Adventures, such as might lead them to Fortunes, which (however de­ni'd them by the P [...]simonie of their Fates) were yet most correspondent to the greatness of their qualities: and readily furnished him with two thousand Crowns, w [...]h his promise to be Assistant to him upon all emergencies. Carlo rested satisfied, com­forting himself with this thought. That whatever benefit he enjoy'd beside▪ he should at least be freed from having con­tinually before his eyes the object of his [Page 18]disquiet, and that the large distance of place would separate between him and those inconveniences, which, remaining at home, he must have unavoidably run into: And when the time of his departure drew nigh, he us'd to come abroad in so brave an Equipage, that like the Sun under a Cloud, he appeared bright in the midst of obscurity; nor did he shew forth less gallantry than if he had liv'd in the height of Splendor and content. Thus being clad in sky colour'd Sattin (a true Em­blem of the grief he suffered) edg'd a­bout with Gold, while the braveness of his Aspect drew admiration from the peoples eyes, the crossness of his Stars drew pity from their hearts. But he sup­posing, That to take his journey without first giving Stella a visit, would be both a great discourtesie, and a thing apt to breed suspition, he went to take leave of her, and to receive his dispatch from her fair eyes; both that the memory of them might be the more fresh and present with him in his travels, and that their kind influence might be the more auspicious to his enterprizes: he found her more sad than she was accustom'd to be, or than he imagin'd to have found her; yet he made no great wonder at it, because he perswa­ded [Page 19]himself for a certain, That this solitu­riness of hers was rather feigned, on pur­pose to send him on his journey the more cheerful and contented, than any real sor­row conceiv'd for his departure; so easie it is to shew favour to any, when we ima­gine it is the last favour we shall need to shew them; but most certain it is, that Stella weighing with her self the displea­sing conditions of Alfredo, his mean wit, and his immeasurable pride, was much troubled in her minde, that she had so far imparted her favours towards him, as that she was hardly able to recal them; being somwhat asham'd to let her father now un­derstand her disaffection to him, to whom he knew she had formerly exprest so much good will; complaining much of her hard hap, for that she had seen so much desert in a man whom both her honour and her former choice constrain'd her to dis­respect. In the midst of these troubles and doubts, so deep a melancholy possest her, that it caus'd admiration and pity in all that knew her and beheld her in that disconsolate plight, which began to seize upon her from this very time that Carlo came to take his farewel of her: for care­lesly lifting up her eyes upon him, after she had earnestly view'd all his perfecti­ons, [Page 20]his sprightly carriage, his comely person, and the noble anger and disdain he shew'd in accusing the severe carriage of his Lordly Brother towards him; she intreated the cause of this so suddenly un­dertaken journey. Whereunto, in brief and discreet terms, he reply'd, That in his own Country he perceiv'd himself so discour­teously entreated, as he could not with any con­tent or satisfaction to his mind remain at home, and therefore had bethought himself of an ex­pedient to try if by living in a place where he was less known, he should be more respected. But the principal reason which incited him to this voluntary banishment was the fervent affecti­on wherewith he had devoted himself to a Lady of that City; whom yet he lov'd so warily, and with such respect, that although for her sake an Aetna of desire was kindled in his breast, yet the tender regard he had to her Honour, and the consideration that one more deserving than himself was already possest of her Favour, mov'd him to suppress those flames by absenting himself, which if he had staid would difficultly have been stifled; and the rather, because of the anguish which to see her in anothers em­bracements would plunge him into, if he did not speedily withdraw himself into some remote part, until either the death of his rival should put a period to his jealousie, or his own should [Page 21]lay those thoughts asleep which suffer'd him li­ving to take so little rest.

Not with more attention than pleasure, did Stella hearken to the words of Carlo, who delivered himself with such a natu­ral and comely Grace, in such apposite Expressions, and so movingly setting forth the lively sense of his Condition, that she was no longer able to withstand the force of Love, which, by his winning Per­son and Behaviour, had captivated her Heart: she plainly perceiv'd her self to be the Object of his Love; and assur'd her self, that his Love was firm and real since for her sake, and that he might not see her in the power of Alfredo, he was so willing to forsake both Country, Friends, and Kindred, and all those Comforts which those Men must needs be depriv'd of, who are secluded from their Native Soyl. She hath now plainly found, That her af­fections are wholly subdu'd by the Gal­lantry of Carlo; insomuch, that through the relenting of her Heart toward him she was hardly able to contain her self from requesting him to desist from his intended Journey; but she was quickly withheld, by the Conscience which she always made of keeping her Modesty inviolable, and a certain timorous caution, not to precipi­tate [Page 22]her self rashly into the choice of a new Lover, having had her Expectation so much deceiv'd in the old one. Alfredo; who being, for the space of a Night, re­presented unto her fancy a most accom­plish'd and prudent Personage, prov'd af­terwards to be nothing less than the Man she took him for. Thus taking his fare­wel of Stella, he left her not without some sadness and regret for his departure; for so it often falls out, that those things which being present are lightly esteem'd, use when they are wanted, to leave be­hind them a deep sense of their absence: he put off his journey no longer than till the next day; and because to have been silent, at his departure, of those things he had to say unto his Brother concerning his unkindness toward him, had been to go his journey with a disquieted and sur­charged mind, he had a desire to declare himself at large unto him. It is not the least of satisfactions to a mind agriev'd, and not having any other means to be a­veng'd, to complain freely of the wrongs receiv'd, unto the party by whom they are offer'd; He hearing that he was at the house where Stella liv'd, went thither to him, and tali'd him aside, that he might privately confer with him: Alfredo un­willing [Page 23]to send him away with an exaspe­rated mind, refus'd not to go aside with him to know his pleasure; and the rather, because haply it might be the last time he should have to do with him. No sooner were the two Brothers retir'd unto a cor­ner of the Court that was on the back-side of the house, but Stella having had some intimation of the business, she led by a womans curiosity (a quality incident to that Sex) ascended up into a Balcone which jutted forth on the same side; where she stood not only safe and unsuspected, but so commodiously withal, that through a low Lattice, she could both plainly discern them, and hear most of what they said: Among other things that past between them, she might hear Carlo in an angry mood speak thus unto his Bro­ther; Tell me (said he) Brother, Have I not all the reason in the world to tax you of cruelty and infidelity? since I having so faithfully im­parted to you the good will I bare to Stella, im­ploring your assistance, and you seeming to fa­vour my intent; you went about, notwithstan­ding this, to bereave me of my content, my hopes, and even my life it self (for, to bereave me of Stella, was to bereave me of all these) Is it possible that there could harbour in your heart so high a degree of inhamanity toward me? Had [Page 24]I been a meer stranger to you, as I am your Bro­ther, what could you have done more? Nay, had I been your utter Enemy, what greater cruelty could you have offer'd me? If indeed it had appeared to me before I had communicated my mind, that you had been before hand with me in your Addresses to her, I should not have thought it strange to see my self prevented by you, but should have thought your love groun­ded upon vertuous Principles; but that you should promote your service to her, not so much out of any real love derived from your own free choice, but meerly that you might disappoint me of the innocent happiness I aim'd at, was such a carriage in you, as I both admire and de­test: It is a thing scarce ever heard of in any story, That one extracted from so noble a Race should stain his generous blood with a deed so in­famous. 'Tis true, when I consider your power and authority, I do not much wonder that your tyranny over me hath been so great; for it is not unknown to me how much you have ever ha­ted me: but as oft as I consider how dear a thing Honour and Reputation is to those that do but pretend to the least Gentility, I am astonisht to think that you should not be ashem'd, not only to commit so much baseness, but even to have the least imagination of it. To be brief. Alfre­do, I love Stella, as you well know; I would to Heaven you had never known it: You are [Page 25]now aspiring to her Nuptials, whilest I am go­ing I know not whither, and for no other cause, but that I may sequester my self from a place where to live in this unfortunate condition would be worse than to die a hundred deaths. Know this, That an insufferable injury may prove of dangerous consequence, even to the Actor, when it lights upon such a one as knows how to resent it with disdain: yet since it ap­pears that Stella meets your Love with equal Ardor, so much a Servant I am to her desires, so fearful of being any hinder ance to her content, that, not to distaste her in the least measure, I am prepar'd to go this Voyage, on purpose that I may suffer you to enjoy her freely; and may ye enjoy her for multitudes of years, so I be not a beholder of your happiness, which is my unhap­piness: for I verily believe, That if I should see her in your embraces, such a torrent of Jea­lousie would burst forth from my enraged brest, that the whole world would not be able to allay it. Nay, even that night when I thought my self so much blest by being admitted into her company, she in detestation of the love I profest to her, spake so many things ill of me to my self, (thinking without doubt it had been you to whom she spake) that had the fervency of my Affection been any whit less than it was, I had scarce been able to refrain from breaking out into some outragious Act; and while you at the [Page 26]same time came thither to our amazement, and forbid me the place which I had more right to than your self, that I did not then pay you the reward of your treachery, was not for want of courage, or that I was not throughly spirited with anger, but because your prudent caution advis'd you to retire your self (and 'tis not so safe to pursue eagerly a retreating person:) and now that I may not be a perpetual molestation to you, or zun the hazzard of ruining my self, therefore it is that I betake my self to stranger-Countries, haply to meet (if heaven be not the more propitious) with an untimely death; for my life is expos'd to the mercy of a Fortune, which how unsure and deceitful a Guide she hath been to me, the experience of many years hath taught me. These things I speak to you, not that I make account my words will ought more pre­vail with you, than if they were spoken to the Wind; but that laying them open before you, you may be made conscious to your self of your unworthy dealings toward me; and that at the remembrance of them, the sting of your guilty mind may afflict you a little, since your cru­elty hath afflicted me so much.

Alfredo was both asham'd and angry at himself, that he had endur'd to hear out with patience this so peremptory and taunting Speech of his; and attributing that to inordinate Liberty in him, which [Page 27]was indeed a just resentment, He told him, ‘That whereas he had tax'd him so much of Imperiousnesse and Tyranny, he had all the reason in the world to ac­count him merciful, for that he had so often suffer'd his insolent carriage to go unpunish'd; especially that night when he found him in Discourse with Stella, when being attended with his Servants, he had both the power and opportunity to have punisht him even with death it self.’ Moreover, he advertiz'd him, ‘That his depriving him of the enjoyment of Stella, was not out of envie, but a just check to his Arrogance; because that he knowing well how much he hated him, had gone about notwithstanding to make him a forwarder of his desires.’ He added farther, ‘That if he Married her, it was not so much for any real love he bare her, as because he disdain'd that a­ny attempt which he had undertaken should not succeed; for that although she were fair, witty, and nobly descen­ded, yet that in other respects she came short of deserving him.’ In this sort had inconsiderate Alfredo run on disparaging Stella, had not Carlo stopt the swift car­reer of his tongue, by saying, ‘That he did unworthily, in speaking any thing [...] [Page 28]the dispraise of her, and wish'd him to be assur'd, That if he did not think Stella not only to be his equal in desert, but al­so to be a companion for one far more deserving than himself; his presumpti­on deceiv'd him very much.’ Adding withal, ‘That he should sooner be mov'd to draw his Sword in the defence of her fame and vertue, than in his own behalf.’ He had no sooner spoken these words, but Alfredo weary of what had been said al­ready, and impatient of hearing any more, flung from him in a fume, without giving him any other Answer. Upon this, Carlo immediately departed thence, and betook himself to his own Lodging, to prepare all things in a readinesse for the taking of his Journey the next day.

It is not to be exprest, in what vexation of Spirit, in what sadnesse and suspension of mind Stella remain'd, after she perceiv'd her self so palpably undeceiv'd: not able to suppresse the grief, wherewith her heart went great, she confin'd her self to her Chamber; that so breathing out her Complaints to her self, she might have a little ease and respite from those restlesse passions where with her minde was agita­ted: she revolved in her minde the person of Carlo, his gallant deportment, his pru­dence, [Page 29]and above all, his real and noble Intentions: and at length call'd to minde that Carlo must needs be the man who first gave her a testimony of his love; com­plaining on the injustice of Fortune, that rob'd her eyes of the sight of him whom she lov'd, and impos'd upon her the com­pany of so loath'd an object. It was not long since Carlo, small in her esteem, did all that might make him worthy of her Service; Alfredo invested in her favour, did nothing that was not unworthy of it: now Carlo, inthron'd in her heart and af­fection, must be banish'd from her sight; and Alfredo, long since cashiered from her favour, must remain to afflict with his Sollicitings: and her minde giving her that the last time Carlo had been at her Fa­thers house, her eyes had taken their last farewel of him; the thought of it drew tears from her eyes, and pierc'd her heart with grief: She was infinitely sorry in her mind, that his Country and she were to be depriv'd so soon of him; and per­swading her self that if she were but once more to have come to the Speech of him, her words would have so far prevail'd with him as to have retarded his journey, if not to have put an end [...]; With tears in her eyes, and love in her heart, [Page 30] ‘Oh Carlo (said she) if these Complaints of mine, which I breath from the bottom of my heart had wings to flye unto you, they would doubtlesse be so powerful with you, as haply to make you change your resolution of leaving Sevil, at least to depart with the greater contentment of mind; for now so strong an Ascen­dant have your perfections upon me, that it is in vain for me to flatter my self any longer in thinking that I am able not to love you; the truth and reality of this love, I have but now began sensibly to feel, although many days are past since it first took root within me: that to me so fortunate night wherein I had the hap­pinesse to discourse with you, there was not any thing you did which I did not admire, nor spake you ought which was not wonderfully pleasing; and from that time forth I was really yours, although I seem'd Alfredo's; for it was your va­lour, your prudence, and discreer carri­age, which enamour'd me of him, think­ing they had proceeded from him. It is true, when first I knew my self to be lov'd by you, I thought I had some rea­son to be offended, thinking it had been your envie toward your Brother that mov'd you to affront me for his sake; [Page 31]but since it hath been so cleer unto me, that the passion you have for my love, hath been so constant and faithful as not at all to grow cold through ill successe, and that on the contrary it was rather out of envie to you, than any true affecti­on to me, that your Brother profess'd himself my Servant; be assur'd, Oh Car­lo, that I am not only not offended with your love, but even so pleas'd that I am thought worthy of it, that nothing but death it self, and scarce that neither, shall have power to make me prove unthank­ful. In this one thing I account my self happy, that I may as justly, without dan­ger of being deceiv'd, boast my self to have dominion over your heart, as she that hath been both an eye and an eare­witnesse of the same. But whereas I ow­ing you so much respect, can notwith­standing consent to suffer your absence, and not yield you the place your vertue deserves, I seem to my self to surpasse the cruelty of my own Sex: and yet, fool that I am, how do I know, what thoughts you may be apt to conceive of me, if I should go about to shew my self but indifferently familiar? for a person of quality is above others lyable to bring her fame in question, by striving to [Page 32]appear not ungrateful.’ Thus stood she discoursing with Carlo absent, as if he had been present; and carefully considering with her self, that the next morning being determin'd the ultimate time of his stay, she could not be permitted the happinesse of seeing him, to perform the dear Ce­remonies of a parting Lover, she reassum'd her old Complaints afresh; yet having put on a firm resolution that Alfredo, whose Service was utterly hateful to her, were he never so imperious, never so im­portunate, never so much back'd with her Fathers authority, should notwithstan­ding be constrain'd, through her utmost neglect of him, to forgo all his interest in her; she immediately took in hand (al­though not without some fear of her ho­nour) to deal so effectually with Carlo, as to possesse him, that his long absence from Serail, would be a means to bring her life in danger: To this end, she forthwith dispatch'd short Note, desiring him, ‘He would be pleas'd, the night following, to give her the meeting at the back-gate of her fathers house, for that she had to com­municate unto him a business that would much import him to know, before his lea­ving Sevil; and in requital of so great an honor, he should receive such satisfaction [Page 33]touching the Effect of his constant love to her, as perhaps would be unto him no lesse welcom than unexpected.’ No sooner was the morning come, but she de­liver'd this Letter to her Maid (the confi­dent of all her Secrets) bidding her ‘To enquire for Carlo's Lodgings, and to pre­sent him with the Letter so privately, that no body should be present at the delivery of it.’ All that her Mistris commanded, the Maid punctually perform'd in every circumstance; and came at the very sea­son, that Carlo was wholly taken up with his Friends and Kindred; when calling him aside, she delivered her Message and Letter; telling him withal, ‘That she was not to stay his Answer, partly lest it might be discern'd who she was, by some curious pryer into Secrets; and partly because the Letter requir'd not to be Answer'd at present, but in the eve­ning, and that by himself in person.’ He stood for a while astonish'd at this un­dream'd of news. but knowing there was that with him which could easily disde­ceive him (for he knew it to be Stella's hand) he broke up the Seals; and after having slightly glanc'd over the contents, and ruminated many things to himself he began to enter into a serious debate, what [Page 34]might be the reason that mov'd her to send him this request, whenas he was fully possest, not only that he was not favor'd of her himself, but that she having given her hear already to Alfredo, was shortly to [...] her hand in Marriage: Not­withstanding he was altogether impatient t [...]ll he had obey'd her desire; he would fam have put off his Journey for a while longer; which could difficultly be done, both in regard that between him and the Friends who were met together, the fare­wel-Salutations had already past; and be­cause almost all the people of the City were flock'd together in heaps to see him passe out of Town: so that he was con­strain'd at least to counterfeit a departure. He went forth accompanied with the chief Gentlemen of the City, and was bid adieu by the loud exclamations of the multitude; carrying along with him out of Town as much happinesse and prospe­rity from the voyces of the people, as he left troubles and vexations behind him in his Brothers tyranny. It was not long be­fore Fame convey'd this unwelcom news unto the ears of disconsolate Stella: to think that he should set solittle by her kind proffer, afflicted her mind with the bitterest sorrow that could be imagin'd, [Page 35]and made her repent that she had any way manifested her love to him; resolving thenceforward to hold this for a maxime, ‘That for a Lady to confer her favours on any man, is the only way to make him prove perfidious and ingrateful.’ She accus'd her self as inconsiderate, for ven­tring over-hastily to impart her courtesies, since so unfortunately they had lighted upon one that either distrusted, or disre­garded them. By this time the day-light, as it were dismay'd at the blacknesse and deformity of night, had hid it self under the shadow of the earth; when Stelia chan­cing upon some or other occasion to go into that place, where the night before she had been a witnesse of Carlo's Gallan­try, she might discern a man, who seem­ing well acquainted with every part of the Court, fixed him self in the middle of it; and looking more intently upon him, she strongly conjectur'd that either her eyes deceiv'd her, or by the Majesty of his per­son it should be Carlo: Nor was she in­deed mistaken; for he having, with some difficulty, dis-engag'd himself from the Company that attended him, made a shift to return back, to see his beloved Stella, and to know what she had to command: And hearing some little noise about the [Page 36]window, he call'd by her name the Maid that had brought him the Letter in the morning; upon which Stella knew him by his voice: and that she might not lose the opportunity which the time and place of­fer'd her, she immediately discover'd her self; and after she had related to him the false Title that his proud Brother preten­ded to her, the mistake that hapned many nights ago, the much wherewith his ver­tue and discretion had enamour'd her, the means she took to disdeceive her self, the reason that mov'd her to love him, and how bitterly she resented his absence; she continued thus:

‘It was for no other reason, Carlo, that I writ to you, than to endeavour to di­vert your intended voyage: and you may well think, that before I could pre­vail with my self to put such a design in practice, it cost me many a sorrowful tear: and it is a usual art (among women highly born) to keep their flames so, not to be discover'd by any, unlesse by their secret tears and sighs, that in time they grow too masterlesse for either their breasts to be able to contain, or their eyes to dissemble them. Heaven knows what frequent and painful conflicts I have had with my Honor, till in the end, [Page 37]my Affections prevail'd more with me than my Fame; so that I am confirm'd in this truth, That to be able to over­come ones self (especially in things re­lating to the vehement desires of the Soul) is a work rather of Practice than of Contemplation. You see, Carlo, how much the night befriends me in hiding my blushes; which makes me the rather presume to be so plain and free with you as I am, not putting any false glosse up­on my words. In fine, I am devoted yours; and of all men living, you are he alone that shall have power to dispose of my heart: The wealth that my Fa­ther hath abundantly to spare, is of it self so sofficient, that you may have where with to live splendidly, and yet not need to be beholding to your Bro­ther for the least supply. All the favors he can boast to have received from me, are so few, so slight, that to have show'd him­self a Gentleman for one nights space, would have much more conduc'd to the advancement of his hopes. Impute not (I request you) this my freedom to a­ny impudence in me, but rather to those your irresistable Charms that have in­flav'd my Affection to you; nor think me guilty of any great Grime in laboring [Page 38]to requite him with love, of whom I have been so much belov'd; who hath been so eminent in constancy, as to ho­nour and respect me, although rejected by me. I appeal to your self, whether you think it is ordinary with men, to love with so much truth and faithfulnesse? I profess to ye, That were you not endued with those perfections that cause me to little less than idolize you, your loyalty & firmness would be sufficient of them­selves to endear you to me. And be assur'd, howsoever Fortune deals with me, whether your first Resolution be more powerful with you to hold on your jour­ney, or my late invitation to you to al­ter your mind, I am prepar'd to receive either condition with as equal a minde as it is possible for me; at least, I shall have attain'd to this degree of contentment, That I have given a little earnest of the much that I am indebted to you.’ With attentive admiration Carlo heard her speak these things, whereby it grew apparent to him, by what means it came to passe, that Stella was so melted in her rigour to­ward him: with a graceful humility he render'd her thanks for the great and new favour she had done him, as far from ex­pected as deserv'd; promising that to serve [Page 39]her he was ready to become her very slave. The conclusion of this amorous Discourse, was, that she gave him her hand, in token that she unfeignedly de­sir'd to be his Wife. By this, the royal Sun had summon'd the day to appear, while he with his beams gilded the tops of the western Groves, when Carlo took his leave of her, with a purpose to divide his time between two esteemed persons; in the day-time, to hush himself up in the house of Leonardo, a Gentleman of qua­lity, his intimate friend; in the night, to visit his Mistress Stella? which ha­ving vow'd to perform as oft as the night came, he went to find out Leonardo, to whom he communicated the particulars of his whole successe. There past many nights and days, wherein there interceded between these two Lovers such familiari­ty as was not inconsistent with modesty and civility. Stella, all this while, had much ado to forbear betraying by her looks the disturbance which was in her minde, seeing Alfredo still continu'd to haunt her with his foolish importunities; and her Father having found her at first plyable to his desires, she had promis'd him, that which both her honour and her second choice injoyn'd her not to consent [Page 40]to. The very next time Carlo and she met, she declar'd unto him her Fathers cares and watchfulness over her ways, and unto what difficult streights their counsels were like to be reduc'd. These words sorely perplexed the poor Gentleman; who ntistrusting that through Stella's fear, and observance of her Fathers pleasure, his hopes might be in danger to miscarry, told her, ‘That if she found her love was not powerful enough to resist those stronger Obligations before mention'd, she had best to consult with her own minde, and do as she thought fit; that for his part, he had been so accustom'd to the brunt of adverse Fortune, as that he should not count it any new mishap, although the greatest that had yet befaln him.’ He would have said somthing more, but that through the suddennesse and greatnesse of his passion, he became as mute and motionlesse as a marble Sta­tue. Whereupon she, to take from him all that might give him cause to suspect her reality, affirm'd, that when she first made her love known unto him, it was not out of any other design, than an un­feigned intention that he only should en­joy her; and therefore she purposed (the better to free her self from the persecution [Page 41]of her Fathers carefulnesse, and Alfredo's troublesomnesse) to let him in at a private gate, the night following, which should stand ready open for him; that so her Fa­ther (when he should come and see him with her, and finde him to be of the self­same extraction with Alfredo, seeing no o­ther means left to preserve his daughters honour) might give way to the accom­plishment of their lawful and honest de­sires.

Carlo overjoy'd to hear a matter pro­pos'd so likely to take effect, was scarce able to expresse how much he resented her continu'd favours; and wish'd that she could have read his heart in his eyes, that her courtesies might the sooner appear to have been bestow'd upon a person that knew not to be ingrateful; and that if he had been born to the whole Empire of the World, as he was destin'd but to low Fortunes, (though he were a Gentleman) he would have been neverthelesse ready to have prostrated himself at her feet; protesting, that his Fates could not have confer'd a more contented estate upon him, than to have render'd him worthy to enjoy her beauty. By this the morning having display'd her Lilies in the East, Carlo was fain to retire himself from his [Page 42]beloved station. Never had any day been so tedious to him, as was this, wherein he thought Time perform'd his course more lazily than he was wont: but the day, and his restlesse expectation, had at length an end. No sooner was the wished night re­turn'd, but he hasted out of doors, ac­companied with his friend Leonardo; whom leaving at the entrance of the Court, to guard (if need were) that part of the house, he went directly toward the window: he had but touch'd it with his Sword, when he might discern a glimpse of his beautiful Sun, whom love had made diligent to observe her time ex­actly. After she had fetch'd a turn about the house to make sure all things, leaving her Father in bed, and the rest of the Fa­mily retir'd every one to their rests, unac­companied of any but her Servant-Maid (a fit coadjutor for such an enterprize) she came back to Carlo; and first giving him a brief admonishment how much it be­hov'd him to continue resolv'd and firm to his first engagement, that if ever he should happen to prove so much a meer man, as to grow cold in his Affection, he should yet be careful not to let slip out of his me­mory, how much she had suffer'd for his sake, how many dangers undergone; after­ward [Page 43]she directed him to go about to the false gate of her house, where she would be ready to receive him. While he obedi­ent to her will, was about to perform her directions; and she gone to expect him at the place appointed, there hapned to meet him in the street, through which he was to pass, a great company of people, whom by their multitude he ghess'd to be the ci­ty-watch: he thought it not expedient that they should see him enter Stella's house: and to have staid their coming up to him, would have made him in danger of being discover'd by them; therefore he resolv'd to avoid the street till they were past by: and so stealing by them, he and his Friend slipt into the next house they saw open. The street was wholly pos­sest with the great number of those that came in quest of these two; who seeing them nowhere to be found, and disdain­ing that two men should be able to baffle the hopes of so many, they divided them­selves into several companies, the better to be able to search every corner of the street. And Carlo, as soon as they were disperst, thinking the coast had been cleer, he told his friend Leonardo, that now, if he pleas'd, he might return to his own house, for any thing that was now to [Page 44]be done, which would either require his company or his assistance: and so ventur'd abroad again, as being fully perswaded, that the people he had seen, were no other than the Watch, that nightly were to walk about, to see if any tumult or dis­order were stirring in the City: but he was deceiv'd; for his Brother Alfredo, out of a capricious perseverance in his Suit to Stella, because he would needs shew himself to have omitted no pains, no ear­nestnesse, nor vigilancy to win her impreg­nable heart, went accompanied with all his train of Servants to visit her; and ha­ving by chance espy'd, about the entrance into the Court, two men who seem'd to slink away fearful of being discover'd, he commanded some of his followers to pur­sue them, and not to return till they dis­cover'd who they were; and destitute of company as he was, went directly toward Stella's house; just at that juncture of time, when she, according to her appointment, was come to open the door, and her arms, to her expected Lover; telling him, (for she thought it had been Carlo) in the most endearing terms that could be imagin'd, That he was happily come to receive the reward of his fidelity. Alfredo knew well, that he was not the man, to whom these Fa­vours [Page 45]were intended; but imagin'd that one of the Maid-servants of the house was to steal a Meeting with her Sweet-heart at this appointed hour; and that being de­ceiv'd by the darknesse of the night, and his design, she had mistaken him for her Enamorado: therefore he resolv'd to lay hold upon this opportunity for the gain­ing accesse to the sight and speech of his Mistris. And so, invited by the false per­swasion of her that op'ned the door, he follow'd her in, wrapping his face up in his Cloak, that he might not be discern'd by her; who, not lesse asham'd than de­ceiv'd, led him up stairs into her Cham­ber, which she thought to be a place where she might entertain him with the greatest freedom. By this time Carlo ar­riving at the house, had only not reach'd the door, when it was shut against him by the Maid; to whom the sad Lover call'd out, and pray'd her to tell her Lady that Carlo was now at the door awaiting her promis'd Favours, and that she should not long be ignorant of the accident that detain'd him from her so long. How can this be, (reply'd the Maid) whenas Carlo is already enter'd, and possest of those Favours which you speak of? Carlo at first suspended with admiration, came neer enough to be [Page 46]discover'd by her; who when she knew him, was strangely surpriz'd at this en­counter; and almost dead with amaze­ment, confusedly related to him, that a certain man, who he was she knew not, coming just as her Lady was op'ning the door, took advantage of her mistake, and slipt in without being discover'd. Carlo asham'd that his resentment was not powerful enough to take away his life, in­stantly intreated her to open him the door, lest the growth of this mistake might proceed to the ruine of his dearest hopes. She opened him the door; coun­selling him so to bridle in his passion, as that it might not break forth into any di­sturbance, to the betraying or endan­gering of either of them; and with much intreaty (for he was all on fire to unwind this intricate deceipt) she led him to the Chamber, where finding the door lock'd, he quickly espy'd a crevise, through which it was no hard matter for him to discern plainly whatever was done in the Chamber: he perceiv'd Stella with a Dagger in her hand, resolutely defending her self against Alfredo; to whom, both weeping and inrag'd, she spake thus: So great is the rudeness that you have shewn in this disorderly action, so great the disgrace I suffer [Page 47]in your rashness, that I should have much ado to forbear bathing my Steel in your infamous blood, before you stir out of this place, if the con­sideration of my honour did not more withhold me, than any humour I have to put up so villa­nous an affront; but I swear by heaven, Though I am a woman, and hinder'd by the imbecility of my sex, from making your life a sacrifice to my just anger and revenge; yet I will at least ven­ture to knew who you are, that ye may not live secure from my rage, though you should obscure your self in the bowels of the earth; for outra­ges of this nature, as they cannot be excus'd from blame, so they ought not to remain un­punish'd: I invited you in, 'tis true; but it was because I thought you to be the man, who is tomorrow morning to be my Spouse: at length, mistrusting some deceit, I could not but seek the satisfaction of knowing who you were; but your face was so muffled, your whispers so low, that I could not inform my self either by your countenance or voice who you should be: no won­der, if after my earnest, but vain endeavours to know you, your obstinate silence render'd you suspected to me. Nor had I less reason to be a­fraid, when being both alone, and a woman, I perceiv'd it your design, by obscuring your self, to deprive me of the hopes of discovering your imposture: but whoever you are, I have reason to conclude, that you are not the person whom I [Page 48]expected; seeing your actions are so little con­formable to that nobleness and civility which alwayes accompanies his behaviour, and that you are no other than of the meanest and rudest sort of men: he, whom shame forceth to con­ceal his face, is made to discover the falsity of his heart. I had call'd out to raise the Family, if I had not fear'd that my Fathers passion, should he find me in such a state as this, would hinder him from giving ear to any reason I should alleadge to justifie my innocency; so that I have put my self upon this defensive posture; and Heaven hath been so favourable to me, as to permit me the means both of opposing your vil­lanous intentions, and of being able to quit this wretched life, rather than consent, in the least manner, to my own dishonour: therefore resolve suddenly what it is you would with me; for if you shall dare to attempt any thing ignoble upon my person, you shall soon seeme weltring in my bloud, and your design made frustrate by my death.

Carlo's minde was pretty well pacified, when he saw how ill it succeeded with the unknown in his base enterprize, and with what courage Stella defended her self from whatever violence he might of­fer: but he became inflam'd with a gene­rous desire to make it appear to her, how highly he resented the injury that was [Page 49]offer'd her, and that he wanted neither force nor courage to revenge it. He or­der'd the Maid to run in haste into her Chamber, and to give out, That her Ma­ster was coming: whereat Stella was as much troubled, as Alfredo amaz'd; his haugh­ty heart condescended to wish that he had been out of the house at that instant: yet when he bethought himself, how much affection and good will the Old man had for him, he boldly op'ned the door, as ra­ther hoping that this might prove advan­tageous to his design, than fearing it would be any hinderance to it; but he was scarce out of the Chamber, when he saw his Brother comming toward him, who setting his Sword to his breast, threatned him with present death, unlesse he would instantly declare to him who he was: So surprized was Alfredo at this Rancontre, that what he heard and saw before his eyes, he could scarce believe to be any other than a dream; perceiving him present, whom he suppos'd to have been many miles off. It was not a little confusion to him, to behold Carlo with fu­ry in his looks, still persist in his menacing demand: Neverthelesse he made this re­solute Answer, That he would as soon consent to be cut in pieces as to declare his name; but [Page 50]That if he esteem'd his own puissance such, as to be able to extort from him a confession of his name, he might (if he pleas'd to repair to the street which was neer at hand, and a place much fitter to decide such controversies in) give testimony of it, with more honor and safety to himself, and with less hazard to the reputation of Stella. The thing which he propos'd was not more pleasing to Carlo than di­stasteful to Stella, who thought her self as much concern'd in his well or ill being, as if one life had been common to them both; and would by all means have hin­der'd their purpose, but knew not how. Carlo went forth follow'd by Alfredo, who beheld him with a world of envie, since he had so plainly discover'd, that he was become absolute Lord of Stella's af­fections, and that it was he whom she ex­pected, and in stead of whom he himself was admitted into her Chamber. Who would have thought, that had but heard Alfredo word it so resolutely with Carlo, and so freely to appoint a meeting, that he had not been of the most valiant? but it was indeed upon this confidence only, that his followers, in whose obedience he reposed much trust, had seen him enter into the house, and were standing at the door to attend his coming forth: yet so [Page 51]cunningly masked his cowardice, that it caus'd Stella to have much trouble and fear for the safety of her loved Carlo.

At length, into the street went the two adverse Brothers, but with far different Resolutions; for whereas Carlo thought of nothing lesse than being avenged of his Enemy; Alfredo was on the other side much dismay'd when he look'd round a­bout him, and saw not one man in the street except his adversary; for it seems those that came along with him, weary of tracing to and fro the street, returned to the place where they had left their Lord; but finding him not there, they were gone to seek him in some houses of recreation, which for his divertisement he was wont to visit, which stood ready open at all hours to entertain those of the most principal of that place. Alfredo fear­ful of the valour of his enraged Brother, and somwhat distrustful of his own, told him (to hinder if it were possible by some excuse the drawing of Swords) That he had so much love and affection for that Lady, as that he would not that any tumult or mis­chief should happen so neer the place of her dwelling; therefore he thought it more expe­dient that they should retire into the next street, where they might more freely determine, by the [Page 52]dispute of their swords, whether of them had the greatest interest in her. The motion Carlo willingly accepted, as thinking that none ought to be more tender of Stella's honour than himself; who in the mean while suspicious of the event, Ay me! (said she, all bathed in her tears, which were able to make the rocks sensible) Who would have thought, that so hopeful a begin­ning as our loves had, should be attended with such improsperous success? What avails it me to have been favourable to Carlo's passion, and to be disdeceiv'd in the Opinion I had of his indeserts, when this very night, wherein I made full account to have been intirely his, I see my self in such danger of utterly losing him? O Love! how certain is it, that one sorrow wherewith thou of flictest us, countervaileth all those joyes which thy aliurements promise to us! I know not what Witchcraft it is wherewith thou inveiglest mens minds; but sure it is, thou treatest all discourteously, and yet all follow thee; thou deceivest all, and yet all admire thee: It must needs be, that Heaven hath invested thee with some secret vertue, to make thee so charm­ing, that those who have cause to complain of thee, sollicite thee; those whom thou rejectest, adhere unto thee. O cordial poyson, which at once both comfortest and killest! Deceitful fire, which burnest without consuming! Sweet Ty­ranny, [Page 53]which Oppressest all, yet makest all de­light to be Oppressed by thee! In fine, Thou art a Universal Tragedy, that smilest at the begin­ning, yet art accompanied with disustrous ends. There is no condition to which thou art not in­jurious. When one loves, the other disdains, what despair ensueth? When both love, yet are debarr'd injoyment, what impatience it breeds? If separated, what dejectedness? If affected with Jealousie, what trouble and disquietudes? But, if being Married, through interest of For­tune, they both happen to disgust each other, what greater misery can be imagin'd? With these, and such like discourses, sought the disconsolate Stella to divert the violence of her passion, when looking into the street after the two Duellists, and seeing neither the one nor the other appear, she began first to revolve in her minde, what should have betided them; next, to doubt of the event; and lastly, to have sollici­tous thoughts for the safety of her Lover; nor could she refrain from fearing (though she strove to suppress that imagination) lest he might be either wounded or slain: but to free her self from the perplexity of these tormenting doubts, she resolv'd to attempt a thing, which though it seem'd somwhat inconsistent with the decency of a virgins behaviour, yet might be excus'd [Page 54]by the violence of a Lovers passion; well knowing, that whatever she could do for Carlo, could not be lyable to a deeper cen­sure than what she had already done, in professing she had design'd him to be her Husband. So that she went boldly into the streets, leaving her Maid to stand cen­tinel at the door; and passing the first, she came to the place where Carlo behaving himself with much gallantry press'd hard upon the life of his Antagonist, who lesse couragious than his late bravado pro­mis'd, in stead of manfully defending him­self, began to complain of his Brothers presumption, and to question him how he, knowing him to be Alfredo, durst offer so great a violence to his person? But Carlo transported with anger at the memory of former injuries, and resolv'd not to suffer any longer under his Imperious Envie, vow'd not to treat him as a Brother, but as an Enemy. By this, Stella approach'd so neer, that him whom wilful silence and his muffled countenance withheld from her knowledge in the chamber, she could now easily discern to be Alfredo; and fin­ding into what danger the valour of Car­lo had reduc'd his life, foreseeing the evil which would accompany his death, for that it would be the means of her Lovers [Page 55]banishment, and so deprive her at once both of his presence and her own life, she interpos'd her self between the two com­batants, just at the juncture of time, when Alfredo, through haste to avoid his enemies fury, having stumbled and fallen to the ground, Carlo was about to give that fatal blow which was to have put a period to his wretched days, if at the same instant he had not beheld somthing like an Angel stand ready to defend that life which he sought to take away; at which he held his hand, and saw that to be Stella, which he had but even now taken for some heavenly Apparition; who giving way that Alfre­do might rise, spake to him in this man­ner;

‘Is it possible, Alfredo, that being born great, and having had the fairest oppor­tunities that might be, to know the world, you should not yet know that Love is a thing not to be gain'd by any force or compulsion; and that the Will hath so absolute a freedom in it self, as not to be over-rul'd by any power lesse than Heaven it self? You think, belike, that to subdue a Lady's Affection is the same thing with batt'ring down a Wall, or taking in a strong Fortresse; but you deceive your self: for the Ice is not more [Page 56]obdurate against the piercing gusts of the North-wind, than a Womans heart against the importunity of an indiscreet Lover. Perhaps you will tell me, that you did it thinking to weary me out with your incessant Sollicitations, especially since your flames had not arriv'd unto this hight of Ardour, had they not re­ceiv'd nourishment from the respect wherewith I seem'd to treat you at the beginning of your Addresse. To this I shall Answer at a more convenient sea­son. That which I shall now say, is on­ly this, That in despite of all your tray­terous practices to hinder our Loves, it may plainly appear to you, if you are not blind, by the same token to which but even now you have been witnesse, that the love and respect I have for Carlo, is no lesse than what is due to a Husband: And know this, That when a Woman of my condition is driven so openly and freely to declare her passion, to go about to remove it, is no other thing than to attempt impossibilities. But because of the unseasonablenesse of the time, and for fear of what inconveniences would follow, if our late stirring should have caus'd any disquietude to my Fa­ther, I must not consent to any longer [Page 57]delay's in this place; you therefore I commend to your Lodging and repose: as for your Brother, he may (if he please) henceforth account my habita­tion his.’

Stella had not quite made an end of her last words, before Alfredo, pierc'd to the heart with envie and despair, went away, casting about in his minde all ways where­by he might be reveng'd. Carlo on the contrary remain'd so joyful & contented, as if it had seem'd to him, that Fortune weary of persecuting him, had reserv'd no more afflictions for him: but he that was born to be the object of her malice, soon found his imaginations to be but Chi­mera's; for Heaven had decreed to imbit­ter the glory of this his Conquest with such variety of misfortunes, that he might in some sort have been said to be a gai­ner, if he had not gain'd the accomplish­ment of his hopes. It hapned, while Stella was deciding the quarrel between the two Brothers, that her Father having been wakened by the noise which their stirring in the house had made not long before, and not being able again to compose him­self to sleep, for thinking what might be the cause of it, he chose rather to rise and satisfie himself of his doubt, than to [Page 58]watch the whole night out in such a tedi­ous suspension of minde: and so taking his Hat and Cloak, and calling one of his Servants to light him, he went to all the avenues, and search'd every corner of the house; being resolv'd either to pacifie or confirm his jealousies: nor did he leave any probable cause unsuspected, except his daughters entertaining Carlo; the de­cency of her words, the modest compo­sure of her countenance, the reservedness and decorum which she duely observ'd in all her actions, render'd her reputation so unspotted, that it would have been the most hard thing in the world to have pos­sest him with the least prejudice against her integrity. That which he had most to suspect, was, lest some one, who thir­sted after his wealth, had watch'd an op­portunity to ease him of as much of it as they could; willing rather to purchase it at so easie a rate, than to take a journey for it to the Indies as he had done. At length he came to the place where the centinel-Maid stood, expecting the return of the two Lovers; who well aware of her Ma­sters coming, before he could approach neer enough to see her, had betaken her self to a secret place to hide her from his sight: but so distracted she was with this [Page 59]sudden surprizal, that she forgot to take the Key out of the door. the Old man wonder'd at it, but imputed it to the care­lesnesse of the Servant that had been im­ploy'd that night to shut the doors; and so leaving them fast lock'd himself, he took out the Key, and returned back to his Chamber, to compose himself again to his rest. In the mean while Carlo and Stella were come back secure of any such great misfortune: Carlo call'd to the Maid to open them the door; but seeing himself (after many call's unanswer'd) he concluded that she was fallen asleep; but she, as soon as she was assur'd of her Masters being retir'd, was about to have return'd again to the discharge of her Of­fice, which his coming had interrupted, and to see if she could discover the return of the two Lovers: But when she came and found the Key missing, she presently call'd to minde the error she had commit­ted in leaving it in the door when she went to hide her self; and going into the Bal­cone, she found them arriv'd, and related to them all that had hapned. Stella, whe­ther it were that she saw Carlo too much troubled already to be farther afflicted with her lamentations, or that the excess of her grief obstructed the passage of her [Page 60]words, uttered nothing but sighs which she fetch'd from the very bottom of her heart; and lifted up her eyes to heaven, to which she seem'd to complain of the ma­ny injuries wherewith Fortune had trea­ted her. Carlo beheld her with pity, and wish'd her to consider that all these cros­ses came upon her meerly for his sake; and that it was only because she lov'd him, that she was so toss'd upon the waves of adver­sity; and that he was so much more affli­cted for her misfortunes than his own, that he could willingly have consented to sacrifice his life to her quiet, and to the freeing her from those crosse influences which she participated of with him. ‘Ye do well, Carlo, (answer'd Stella) knowing that I am so much yours, as that I sleight all dangers to make sure of your safety, to be so ready to forsake your life to please me; presenting me with the grea­test of discomforts, at a time when I stand most in need of encouragement. But what is it (I beseech you) that causeth in you this willingnesse to die (if, as you say, no afflictions are grievous to you o­therwise than I am concern'd in them) whenas you ought to be confident that your life is the sole cause that makes me have a desire to live? Ah, my Carlo, what [Page 61]greater content can there accrue to me, than to see you live long and happie? Consider that I am devoted to you, and that if I have express'd a deep sence of this misfortune, it is for your sake that I resent it more, than for what I my self suffer; so long as I am with you, there can nothing so sad or disastrous befal me, that shall have power to move me to any great dejection of minde. Dispose of me according to your pleasure, and bring me to what place you shall think most convenient, where I may live conceal'd from my Fathers sight until his displea­sure be over pass'd; and he at length fin­ding me dispos'd of so much to my con­tent, may applaud both his own Fortune and mine, for having given him a Son-in-law so noble, me a Husband so ver­tuous.’ Carlo expressing himself infinite­ly joyful, gave her thanks for the high fa­vours wherewith she had oblig'd him, as briefly as the time and place requir'd: and musing a while with himself what course they were best to take, it was not long ere he resolv'd upon the house of his friend Leonardo for a safe retreat to him and his Lady, where they might consult at leasure for their own advantage. The maid was un­willing to remain in her Masters house, to [Page 62]run the hazard of those inconveniences that attended her, in case it should be dis­covered that she was a party in her yong Ladies fault; and therefore being let down from the Balcone, by the help of Carlo, she went along with him and Stella: being ar­riv'd at Leonardo's house, they related to him all that had hapned; and reposing much confidence in the counsel of so faithful a friend, they besought him to give them his best assistance and advice in this extremity whereinto they were plun­ged; which he faithfully did; telling them, ‘That being it could be no way safe for them to remain there, he thought it would be most expedient for them, be­fore the morning light, to retire to a plea­sant Country-house of his, about three Leagues from the City, beautified with Fountains and delightful Gardens.’ And to that end, he immediately gave order to one of his Servants to make ready his own Coach; and commanded him to wait up­on them, and to observe them with the same respect as if it were to his own per­son. Carlo and Stella having rendred him thanks in such affectionate expressions as shew'd how highly they resented this so great Favour, took their leaves, and pray'd him, ‘That he would be careful to give [Page 63]them notice from time to time what ru­mors or effects this flight of theirs would produce in the City, and what apprehen­sions the Old man would have of it.’

The minde of Stella, considering the se­veral Scenes of Chance she had run through in the space of two days, was by this time fluctuating in the midst of many various and doubtful thoughts; but when she bethought herself, that all these distur­bances were but to make way for her to the free enjoyment of her lov'd Carlo, she resolv'd to bear them with an undaunted patience. Carlo pretended to all that were in the Village, that Stella was his Sister, lest the Country-people resorting to the City, might haply in their common dis­courses let fall some passage or other ten­ding to their discovery. Thus concealing both their Conditions and their Name, they liv'd for a while contented and se­cure. But Carlo's malevolent Planet not yet weary of afflicting him, found out new and unexpected means to complete the number of his sorrows; and to effect this work, there was an Agent provided, the fittest that could have been imagin'd; it was the daughter of him who had the overseeing of Leonardo's Gardens; she was a Virgin, of person not unhandsom, brisk [Page 64]and lively in her behaviour; and of a wit more penetrating, than from one of her birth could have been expected; who see­ing in Carlo so many graces & attracts wor­thy both to be admir'd & lov'd, entertain'd a passion for him, so unbridled, that it could scarce avoid the suspition of Stella her self. But as for Carlo, his imagina­tion was so intirely imploy'd in contem­plating the perfections of his Mistris, that there was no space left void for any other thoughts to enter. Leonardo was us'd to visit them every night, to see how they far'd in their new habitation; and to give them notice how their affairs succeeded: but one time above the rest, he enjoyn'd Carlo, as he tender'd his safety, not to stir abroad where he might be seen of any; for that Stella's Father having already given his word to the Count, ambitious of be­ing advanc'd to so honorable an Alliance, was so far from being to be appeas'd by any intreaty, or admitting of any of those excuses that were made by many of Carlo's Friends in his behalf, that he complain'd to the Magistrate of the City, and ob­tain'd of him, to proclaim the reward of two thousand Growns to whomsoever should apprehend him, or bring any ty­dings of him. This diligent inquisition [Page 65]did not at all trouble the minde of Cario, who thought himself secure in his Coun­try-palace; nor did he care for going any whither abroad, having at home abun­dantly enough to content him; for in the day time, beside the company of his La­dy, he entertain'd himself with the deli­cacy of the Flowers, which yielded plea­sure both to his sight and scent, and the soft Musick of the cleer Streams: In the night-time he intermitted to be Stella's Brother. And thus for a while they en­joy'd one another in security and inno­cent delight.

One evening they were sitting together in the Garden, to take the benefit of the West-winds cool whispers, when they might hear Lucinda (for so was the damosel call'd, that was before menti­on'd) incited by the violence of Love, and secure of any bodies over-hearing her, breath forth her Passion in this Song.

Lucinda concluded her Song with so deep a sigh, that Stella could not chuse but observe it; and being touch'd with a kind of jealousie, she beheld Carlo with a look lesse serene than at other times: but nei­ther did he take any notice of it, nor seem'd she at all to be troubled at it. Lo­vers, in the infancy of their enjoyments, are scarce at leasure to entertain jealousie, or strange Loves: yet Carlo his being so passionately lov'd by Lucinda, cost him dear; for the Servant, whom Leonardo had appointed to attend upon the two Lo­vers, having, not many days since, con­ceiv'd a passion for Lucinda; and not ap­prehending any other cause of her insensi­bility, than that her heart was prepossest with an affection she bore to Carlo, be­thought himself of a way either to ingra­tiate [Page 67]himself into her favour, or to be re­veng'd of her for her disdain, which was, to discover to her the whole progresse of the loves of those two persons, and the true reason of their living conceal'd in that place. As this action of his was most ignoble, to betray those that were com­mitted to his fidelity; so it far'd with him accordingly: he only obtaining the balest of those ends which he had pro­pos'd to himself: for this discovery did not at all move in Lucinda any affection for him, but only made her despair of that successe which she had promis'd to her self in her love to Carlo, which was not long conceal'd from him himself.

One day, as he was sitting to repose himself at the foot of a shady tree, there appeared unto him, neer to the place where he sate, Lucinda, in a posture so me­lancholy, that grief seem'd to have made her really, what was but feign'd of Niobe; which he strictly observing, could not forbear to demand of her what might be the cause of her so deep melancholy? ‘The cause (reply'd she, in a troubled and disdainful way) is so apparent, that do but enquire of these trees, these flowers, nay, toese rocks themselves, and they will all declare my sufferings, being [Page 68]much more sensible than those that are the Authors of them. This purling foun­tain that you see run whisp'ring along the smooth pebbles, about what, think ye, are all her murmuring discourses, but about my love, or rather my fondnesse, who have suff'red my self to be transpor­ted with an affection for him, who (by reason that he hath dispos'd of his heart already to one that hath more right and title to it) is oblig'd to be inflexible to­ward me? I know I ought not, as the case stands, to expect any milder treat­ment from you but tell me plainly, since your true condition is not altogether hid from me, however you have sought to mask it; Is not this Stella your Spouse, whom you feign to be your Sister? are not you Brother to Count Alfredo? and is not she daughter to Don Ferdinand of Aragon? did not you seduce her from her Fathers house? To what end serves this counterfeiting the names of Bro­ther and Sister, whenas the night, through all her darknesse, can discern a different relation? Little do you imagine into what inconveniences this disguise­ment of yours hath plunged me: for had you appear'd at first what really you were, I had been sufficiently warn'd to [Page 69]fortifie my minde against all unlawful desires; it being a thing that cannot en­ter into my thoughts, that any woman, be she never so wanton or unchaste, would give her self liberty to cherish in her breast a passion for one who is intire­ly anothers. But, Oh unhappy me that I am, not to be inform'd of your true condition, until I had lost my self and my liberty in a fond misapprehension: now I am disdeceiv'd, I shall labour with my whole might, to suppresse these un­warrantable flames, before they pro­ceed any farther to ruine me. Never­thelesse, I would not have you ignorant that you owe your safety to the good will which I have born you, though now I strive to forget it: and do not imagine I speak this to flatter you; for is there any one, think you, that knows the abode of a person whom Justice requires, and hearing the reward of two thousand Crowns propos'd to whomsoever should bring tydings of him, would have patience to conceal such a person, without some great consideration? You see I know your abode, and who you are; having an opportunity both to be rich, and to revenge my self of your dis­dain; if I did not approve the reason of [Page 70]it, and forgive it: but to give you proof how unfeignedly my affection hath been, and to let you see that I am not really what these homely garments make me appear to be, long may you enjoy your fair Stella with all the tran­quillity and happinesse that these Soli­tudes can afford, while I implore Hea­ven to give me strength to extinguish these flames which my breast hath un­fortunately harbour'd so long: And I doubt not, but Time, which is wont to bring about greater miracles, will also effect this, since we oft-times see, that that which is doated on to day, to mor­row is forgotten.’

Carlo remain'd in a kind of ecstasie, to hear from Lucinda's mouth such an exact relation of the important accidents of his life; and was somwhat comforted in the assurances she gave him of keeping secret all that she knew of him: yet knowing how little confidence ought to be repos'd in one that loves without being beloved again; and that his own life, and the safe­ty of Stella depended upon her silence; he thought it his wisest course to appear out­wardly to her, not altogether insensible of her love; supposing, that by a seeming compliance, though but for a while, she [Page 71]might be lull'd into such a pleasing con­tentment, as might make her forget all thoughts of divulging any thing to his harm: And just as he was putting this re­solution in practice, telling her how much her good esteem of him had oblig'd him, and wishing himself in a Condition free enough to entertain her love; Stella, with whom it was an unwonted thing, to be never so little absent from him, going to seek him in that fair province of Flowers, came to a little thicket of Myrtles and Laurels, through which, although she could not see him; yet by the distinct sound of his Speech, she ghess'd him to be but at a small distance from her: her curiosity, to know who it was that he dis­cours'd with, led her to a tree, whose branches wider display'd than the rest, permitted her plainly to discern Lucinda and him together.

This unexpected sight, inflam'd her with a desire to know what should be the occasion of this so great familiarity; so that (with a most greedy attention) draw­ing as neer as possibly she could without being discern'd, she heard Carlo say, (but it was rather to engage Lucinda to sec acy, than out of any free inclination to serve her) ‘That he was no lesse sersible of her [Page 72]passion, than deeply affected with her beauty; and that if he did not requite her with those real Services which her love deserv'd from him, she was to im­pute it to a Cause that was very well known to her self; for that being bound to Stella by obligations of so high a na­ture, that the least of them was her ha­ving left her Fathers house to follow him, he was utterly depriv'd of the li­berty to dispose of himself according to his own minde▪ But that when his troublesome estate should be becalm'd, and his affairs quietly compos'd, he would contrive things so much to her contentment, that she should plainly see how much he was her Servant.’

Lucinda upon this retir'd, perceiving some of the Gardiners people coming that way, not without reason; for her love was not so closely carried, but that it was whisper'd among them.

Stella remain'd a while so lost in asto­nishment, that she had scarce life and sence enough left in her, to perceive that she was jealous; and when she came to her self, she was not able to endure, so much as to think of Carlo's treachery, or of Lucinda's impudence: So transported she was with rage and jealousie, to see Carlo not only [Page 73]love a person so much inferiour, but with so great a passion as to reveal those things to her which he ought to have kept undis­cover'd, if it were possible, even from him­self; that she rush'd out in a fury from among the bushes, where she had stood, exclaiming with loud and con [...]u [...]'d cries against his disloyalty. ‘To what end, (said she) ingrateful man, serve all these feigned shews of affection, whenas I e­vidently see that you only pretend a love to me, in the mean while carrying on a secret design, unworthy both of my qua­lity, of your many obligations to me, and the dangers whereunto I have ex­pos'd my self for your sake? you ought to appear what you are, Carlo, the most perfidious man the earth bears. I con­fesse I shall not be able so far to forget the good esteem I have formerly born you, as altogether to refrain from tears and pity, if your life should chance to be indanger'd; yet this advantage I should have, That I should see my self re­veng'd of the ignoble dealings of so in­famous a person; for it is much more a­greeable to a woman of a generous spirit, to die, than to bear the infidelity of a per­son to whom she hath given her heart. How worthy a recompence have you gi­ven [Page 74]me for the losse of that which I held more dear than all things in the world beside? Is it to this, that all those pro­mises are come, which flow'd from you in a stream of tears, when I permitted you to become master of this unfortu­nate beauty? I am glad, however, that at length you appear to me in your own co­lours; that although I cannot take from you again, what to the prejudice of my honour you have already obtain'd of me, I may at least free my self from those your impostures, to which hitherto I have liv'd a Victim: I am likely to see you shortly expos'd to the vengeance of your Brother and my Father, who as they are persons both potent, and highly incens'd against you, will hardly be sa­tisfied with any thing less than your life: therefore I will only deal so candidly with you, as to give you warning before­hand, that you must look for no greater favour from me, than what you would expect from your greatest enemy; and that I shall combine with those that hate you, that they may prosecute you with the more violence.’

Much more than this, had Stella to ut­ter, if grief and vehement passion had not stop'd up the passage of her words: so she [Page 75]retriv'd the violence of her grief with tears, which to a heart oppress'd with ex­cessive sadnesse, are rather a heart-easing, than a burthen.

Carlo observing the whole village rung of Stella's loud Complaints, and con­sidering well the nature of those rustick people, foresaw that his Tragedy only wanted but little of being completed; assuring himself, that the news of his be­ing there, would quickly be convey'd to those that sought his life; which was in effect no sooner fear'd than accomplish'd: For, one of the Bores, frantick with the hopes of Gold, flew to Sevil, and in­form'd the Ministers of Justice of all that had pass'd in the Village.

Stella, in the mean time, was more than ever dismay'd, when she perceiv'd Carlo more sensible of her distaste, than of the dangers that were impendent on him; and seeing him so much troubled and en­danger'd, she could not chuse but repent her of what she had done.

Love may well boast himself the Son of a God, since he partakes of quality so proper unto those above, Aptnesse to forgive.

Carlo, on the contrary, desirous to re­move [Page 76]from Stella's minde the least re­mainder of Suspition, brought Lucinda into her presence, to manifest unto her the manner how she came to be acquain­ted with those secrets which he had been suspected to have declared unto her himself.

Lucinda having unfeignedly declar'd unto them the truth; Carlo, to make an end of cleering himself to Stella, told her,

‘That the reason why he spake so ob­ligingly to one of her mean Condition, was, to engage her to be silent of what was in her power to divulge concerning them; conceiving it more prudence to delude her with false expectation, than to stand to the courtesie of an incensed womans tongue, in matters of so great concernment.’

Stella confess'd her mistake no otherwise than by silence; but within a very short space, while they were discoursing of the strange accidents this night had produc'd, there came in a Messenger, to advise Car­lo,

‘That if he desir'd not to come into the hands of Justice, it was then high time for him to make all possible speed away, for that the Pursuivants were so [Page 77]neer at hand, that it would be very diffi­cult for him, if not impossible, to escape them.’

Stella also seeing the great danger he was like to incur, if they should take him in her company, pray'd him to shift for himself, being that he was the principal object of her Fathers vengeance. He ac­cordingly obey'd; and after some mu­tual caresses, and many a deep fetch'd sigh, took his leave; telling her, ‘That he would flye to Granada, where he had many Friends and Kindred, and there expect the blowing over of these storms.’

But to let him see how constant a friend his ill Fortune was to him, in ne­ver forsaking him; By that time he was arriv'd at the uttermost gate, he found his passage stopt up by his enemies; who demanding of him who he was? his high Courage would not consent to re­solve them. Therefore drawing his Sword, he stood upon his own defence; thinking (as indeed he had reason) that alife would not be ill lost, to avoid the miseries of a prison. And he had lost it, if Leonardo had not come in opportunely enough to perswade him, not to cast away his life so rashly, when he saw himself [Page 78]over-power'd by so great a number of his pursuers: whereupon he rendred him­self, though with much regret, and more out of complyance with his Friends advice, than out of any fear of his ene­mies power. Having secured his person, they made a diligent search after Stella; but that labour might well have been spar'd, for she thinking Carlo had had time enough to evade the Hue and Cry that was made after him, thought it her best course likewise to commit her self to the safeguard of her heels: and when the Souldiers were all busied in apprehen­ding of Carlo, she found a way to escape out at a contrary gate, which was not guarded; resolving to take up her first station at the very next Village she came at.

Thus, with a minde as calm as her Sorrows would permit, and the hopes that at length she should recover again the sight of her dear Carlo, she went a­long unattended by any other company save her own Sorrows, with whom she silently discoursed all the way, till at length, overcome with wearinesse, and invited by the freshnesse of a most plea­sant Rivolet that ran gently sliding along under an impending Rock, she cast her [Page 79]self upon the Flowry bank, yielding up her Sences to the sweet Captivity of Sleep, out of which her very cares could not waken her, until the Sun-beams gilded the mountain tops with light. When she awak'd, and saw her self alone, and in a strange place; not knowing which way to direct her steps unto the place which she intended, she was in no small perplexity: When casting her eyes toward a pleasant valley, she saw a great flock of Sheep; and not far off, their Shepherd sitting in a melancholy posture; who to a certain musical Instrument, which Shepherds use in those Countries, sung this following Sonnet:

As soon as he had ended his Song, she enquir'd of him, which was the way to the [Page 81]next Town? The Shepherd no sooner saw her, but that by her surprizing beau­ty, and those many graces that always accompanied her, his natural rusticity was on a sudden transform'd into those Civilities, which might have befitted a personage of far higher rank; for besides that he omitted no importunities to make her accept part of those poor Viands which he carried in his Wallet; He left his flock, to conduct her to a little Village at the foot of a Mountain, where having provided her of a fit receptacle, both for Safety and Accommodation, he took his leave, and committed her to Heaven's protection.

She remain'd not long in this Village, but remembring that Carlo had determin'd to go to Granada, she prepar'd to go thi­ther after him with all the speed she could: to that end, she sold one of her Jewels, and furnish'd her self with a Mule, and other necessaries for her Journey; and hir'd a poor labouring man to be her guide; who promis'd to serve her with all faithful­ness.

But before she arriv'd at Granada, Carlo was a close Prisoner in Sevil, and under strict guard: but so many, and so power­ful were his friends, and so great the re­spect [Page 82]the whole City bare him for his ma­ny laudable qualities, that Don Fernando, mollified by their perswasions, was in­clin'd to pardon all that was past, so that his Daughter were but restor'd him. They dispach'd Messengers in all haste to the Village where Carlo and she had been con­ceal'd; but the people Certified them, That she stole away from thence the same night that Carlo was apprehended: Then they made a strict enquiry through­out all Sevil, but could not meet with any body that could give them the least inti­mation where she was.

This was a grief which went deepest to Carlo's heart of all that had yet befaln; wherefore he besought Heaven with tears, to fortifie him with patience against all the heavie Crosses that crouded so fast up­on him.

Alfredo now is he only, of all men, who grieves not that she is lost; who since he had been so unsuccesful in his Love to her, is become so far possess'd with ma­lice against her, that he wish'd in his heart no lesse mischief were befallen her, than the losse of her life. But his evil wishes recoil'd upon his own head, instead of reaching her to whose harm they were di­rected: For Stella had not been long ar­riv'd [Page 83]at Granada, before she received infor­mation of Carlo's imprisonment, and of her Fathers indulgence to her: she speeded away a Messenger to Certifie him that she was in Granada, and in health. The Old man over-joy'd to hear such welcome News, went forth to receive her, accom­panied with Carlo, and the prime Gentry of the City: Only Alfredo refus'd to contribute his presence to that Festivity, wherein others joy was his discomfort; nay, so sensible was he of his reproach, when he perceiv'd that his envie and ig­noble carriage was notorious to the world, that soon after, he kept his Chamber; and being seiz'd with a violent sicknesse arising from no other apparent Cause but a deep melancholy, within a few weeks he en­ded his wretched days.

The Sorrow which Carlo had for his Brothers death, was greater then might have been expected from him who gain'd so fair an inheritance by it, and who had been so discourteonsly treated by him in his life-time: But Nature commonly combines more effectually, than other re­spects can dis-unite; especially in noble breasts, and those not possess'd with the Spirit of Ambition. With a serene and sober countenance, he receiv'd the congra­tulations [Page 84]of his new Estate, and gave God thanks that had freed him from the bon­dage of misery, and brought him to a tranquillity of life, which but a few days before he despair'd of ever obtaining: (so it most frequently falls out, that good or bad Fortune come when they are least ex­pected.) Thus, after many rugged brunts of adversity, Carlo liv'd in great Splen­dor and happinesse, enjoying the society of his beloved Stella, and the Honours of his deceased Brother, of whom the com­mon voyce was, That Rancor and Envie shortned his life: a deserved End for him that repines at other mens Prosperities, as if they were his own Afflictions.