NEver was Man so asto­nisht as the Marquess d' Osseyra, when he found he had wounded his Mi­stress the same moment, and with the same Weapon he thought he had taken Revenge of his Rival. The Count de Benavi­dez gave him an account of all that had happen'd, when he surpriz'd (the suppos'd) S. Aubin with his Lady, and particularly of the dis­coveries he fancy'd he had made of [Page 2]the Intelligence between them: The Relation was so surprizing, and the Circumstances so extraor­dinary, the Marquess was con­founded, and under so strong a Convulsion of different Passions, that what with fear, what with grief, he was Mute for some time, and appear'd like a Statue without Sense or Motion: But the Passion he had had for Christina prevailing over the rest, and reproaching him fecretly with having destroy'd her, he pray'd the Count to go instantly learn what news of her wound; the disorder he was in being so great, he had not the confidence to visit her; but he follow'd the Count, though he scarce knew what he did. At the news of the Rancounter, several of his Friends flock'd to the Marquess; some of the Commanders were so imperti­nently officious, they would needs stop him from going any further, [Page 3]to save him the trouble of seeing his Enemy the second time: But the return he made their mistaken Civility, was so unexpectedly un­toward, his best Friends not know­ing the motions of his heart, were highly offended at it. They were all amaz'd to see him so troubled, and not one could imagine what reason he should have to go to the Count of Benavidez's, where he knew they had carried his Enemy S. Aubin. The Marquess was not inclin'd to violent courses, yet they apprehended he might use his Au­thority to ruine the unfortunate Person that so publickly ingag'd him. A Colonel, his Friend, was so officious, that to prevent a mis­chief he dreaded so much, he met him by the way, and intreated him to go no further, assuring him S. Aubin was so desperately ill, he could not live an hour longer. This was the Critical moment the Mar­quess [Page 4]really needed the assistance of his Friends, and had they not hindred him, he had certainly stabb'd himself. The Count de Be­navidez mindful of the disorder he had left him in, return'd as hastily as he could, to let him know S. Au­bin's wound was not dangerous: But the Marquess, who began to relapse into the extremity of his first Passion for Christina, was so fully prepossest with the discourse of the Colonel, that he thought the Count did out of kindness con­ceal the danger S. Aubin was in, and was loth to tell him News he knew would grieve him. This made the Marquess resolve person­ally to visit S. Aubin in his Cham­ber; and he had certainly done it, had net the Count diverted him, by representing the inconvenien­ces might attend the surprize and discoveries their first Enterview would occasion before so many per­sons [Page 5]who were of his Retinue, and then bore him Company. The Mar­quess yielded to the perswasions of his Friend, but not till the Chy­rurgion had assur'd him, the wound he thought so dangerous would be cur'd in a short time. The Mar­quess could not forbear telling the Chyrurgion his Life should answer for S. Aubin's; and swore to him, that if he dy'd, he should be con­cern'd to make ready to follow him presently into another World. This being past, they brought the Mar­quess home, where he was visited by all the Persons of Quality in the Court at Brussels, who comple­mented him for his pretended ad­vantage: Some carried on the Complement so far, that they blam'd him for the trouble he was in, having so great reason to be satisfi'd with the advantage he had gain'd over one of the bravest men of France. He was so tir'd with [Page 6]these troublesome Civilities, that to be rid of them, he was forc'd to give order to his Porter to say, he was not to be spoke with. The Count de Benavidez loth to leave him under so much vexation, staid with him, in hopes by his Com­pany to ease him a little of the Ty­ranny of his Passions. As soon as they were alone, the Marquess con­jur'd him, to tell him truly what he thought of Christina's wound: The Count assur'd him it was very slight; and to pleasure him, offer'd to prepare Christina to receive his Visit that night. This offer com­forted the Marquess, and the Count had no sooner made it, but he was forc'd to go home to find means to satisfie the impatience of his Friend. At his return, he found his Wife was gone to Christina's Chamber, and he took the advantage of it to give her a Visit: When he had ex­prest the trouble he was under for [Page 7]her misfortune, he assur'd her the Marquess was almost distracted at it, and begg'd her permission to throw himself at her feet. Chri­stina thinking the Marquess still took her for S. Aubin, not know­ing the Count had told him all, was extremely surpriz'd at the news; and answering, she passion­ately desir'd to justifie her self, and let the Marquess know she was in­capable of betraying so generous a Friend, who had so highly oblig'd her. The Count hasted away to carry his Friend the good News, and shortly after both entred the Chamber where Christina lay, who taking upon her to be S. Aubin, as­sur'd the Marquess he could never have been satisfi'd with himself for being so unfortunate as to have disoblig'd him, had not the Counts Relation, and the generous Visit he was pleas'd personally to make him, given him reasonable hopes he was [Page 8]satisfi'd of his Innocence. The kind Marquess, as if he had forgot Christina had ever been S. Aubin, answer'd in terms full of transport and tenderness, praying her to change her Language, and quite rid her self of that unfortunate Name of S. Aubin, that had so un­happily occasion'd his mistake, and ingag'd him blindly to attack a Life a thousand times dearer to him than his own. He continued the discourse with so much Passion and kindness, that Christina finding it impossible to keep him longer in Errour, gave free vent to her tears, perhaps for joy she found him so constant: However, she pretended her self angry with the Count for having broken his word in disco­vering her to the Marquess. The Marquess then telling her how much he long'd to know what had befallen her since she left Spain, the Countess having observ'd how much [Page 9]he was concern'd for Christina, sav'd her the trouble of the Rela­tion, and gave the Marquess a com­pleat Relation of all the Adven­tures Christina had acquainted her with. The loving Marquess, who thought all along Christina was Marri'd, but hearing no such mat­ter in all the Relation, was extreme­ly impatient to know the truth of that particular. But the Count ha­ving bethought himself that longer discourse might incommode the Sick Party, told his Friend of it, and prevail'd with him to with­draw.

The Marquess was so full of the Idea of Christina, that he call'd to mind the smallest circumstances of his first passion; and not able to comprehend how she had left her Husband, his Love made him wish heartily he might find she had not been Married. He could not give over musing of his former Amour; [Page 10]at length he remembred, that the Person he had imploid to carry her his Letter, and told him she was Marry'd, was a Sergeant in a Spa­nish Regiment in Garrison at Valen­ciennes: He presently dispatch'd a Messenger to bring him to him in all haste: The Sergeant being ar­riv'd betimes the next morning, the Marquess lock'd him up with him­self in his Chamber, and with hor­rible threats charged him to de­clare truly why he had deceiv'd him, and what reason he had to tell him his Mistress was Married, whereas he was newly inform'd by a French Prisoner, she never had been so. The Man was so astonisht at the Marquesses Menaces, and be­traid by his own Conscience, that he stood for a while mute as a Fish: But being press'd to tell the truth, he fell at his feet, and confest he had been forced by the Marchio­ness his Mother to tell him that [Page 11]Lye. The Marquess not desiring to know any more, sent back the Sergeant; and not doubting but Christina had been always faithful to him, he resolv'd to love her as long as he liv'd. A Servant he had sent to enquire of her health, brought him word she was much better: With that he went pre­sently to her, and entred her Cham­ber the moment they were going to bloud her: But the Chyrurgion remembring how terribly the Mar­quess had threatned him the day before, was so disordered at the sight of him, that he miss'd the Vein twice; so that they were forc'd to pray the Marquess to withdraw, and sent for another Chyrurgion, who had a better heart, and did the business. As great care as was taken to conceal Christina's Sex, her Combat with the Marquess was become the dis­course of the Town, and the noyse [Page 12]of her Adventures had inspir'd in­to all a curiosity about her: Every one spoke of her according to his humour: The Publick is never sa­tisfi'd with the bare truth of things, and you may believe so many cir­cumstances added to the disadvan­tage of the Countess in the story of Christina, that coming to her Husbands Ear, he could not for­bear expressing to her his Resent­ment, and in very harsh terms. The Countess having already en­tertain'd a secret jealousie against Christina, and perceiving her self the Cully of all this Intrigue, was vext at the heart to see her self robb'd of her Gallant, and at the same time in disgust with her Hus­band. This made her resolve to endeavour making sure of the Marquess, being satisfi'd, that Guilty or Innocent, she should be equally odious to her Husband, having the misfortune to be alrea­dy [Page 13]suspected by him. The design was scarce fram'd into her mind, but the Marquess entred her Cham­ber, intreating her, that since he could not with decency visit Chri­stina alone any longer, she would favour him with her company to Christina's Chamber. The Coun­tess receiv'd him with more kind­ness than ordinary; and the Mar­quess sensible what advantage it might be to him to have her his Friend to do him good Offices with Christina, laid hold on the occasion, and answer'd her Civility so very obligingly, it gave her great satis­faction.

As soon as Christina began to be somewhat better, she was visited by all the Persons of Quality in the Court at Brussels, Curiosity mo­ving several to see her, who had no other reason to perform that re­spect. Her ilness made her look much thinner than ordinary, but [Page 14]her Complexion had mended up­on't, her long lying a-bed having recover'd the delicate white and red of her face, which the service of War had miserably tann'd. She appear'd very charming in very plain habit; and the Gentlemen of the Court exprest so much esteem for her, that it contributed very much to her cure. It may be said to the praise of the Spanish Gentry, that they are the greatest Gallants of any in Europe; and in menage of Intrigues, and carrying on the subtilties of neat and delicate Gal­lantry, exceed the French, who value themselves so much upon it. They have the Sex in so great Ve­neration, that to praise their Mi­stresses, they seldom scruple to run into profaneness: so that it will not appear strange, that the miserable condition of a Person beautiful as Christina, confin'd to her Bed upon an occasion so unusual with those [Page 15]of her Sex, mov'd all those who vi­sited her, to pity her extremely.

But the Count de Salazar, Go­vernour of the Cittadel at An­twerp, had scarcely seen her, but he fell desperately in Love with her. This Gentleman was a near Kins­man of the Countess de Benavidez, which gave him the advantage of visiting her oftner than others. His Love tormented him, yet he durst not complain of it, either fearing it might be in vain, or finding no small reluctancy in himself to act so unfaithful a part against the Marquess d' Osseyra his Friend. Love observes no mean, when fixt on extraordinary persons; and every Visit the Count made Christina, he found his Passion increase. At last it became so violent, he could not Master it: He thought it high time to make his Declaration, and re­solved twenty times to tell her how much he lov'd her, and twen­ty [Page 16]times fail'd of the confidence to do it. After all, he resolv'd to make his Kinswoman his Confident; and having acquainted her with the ve­hemence of his Passion, the Coun­tess pretending her self very much concern'd for him, promis'd to serve him; though in truth the princi­pal motive that ingag'd her in the affair, was her particular interest to rob Christina of the Marquess, and at the same time to revenge her self of her Husband for his jealousie. Salazar assur'd of the Protection of the Countess, visited Christina very frequently, who as courteously re­ceived him, as introduc'd into her Acquaintance by the Marquess. Christina's Civility made Salazar believe the Countess had spoken to Christina in his favour. Being full of this Opinion, he spoke to her with that liberty he durst not o­therwise have done. Christina per­ceiving by Salazar's discourse he [Page 17]was more concern'd for her Reco­very than might be expected meer­ly from his friendship for the Mar­quess, made as if she understood not his meaning; and to prevent the occasion of a breach with him, answer'd in Railery his obliging expressions. Salazar applauded him­self for the good success of his first attempt: this confirm'd his Passi­on, and made him forget the re­spects he should have retain'd for his Friend. The Countess de Be­navidez omitted nothing the while to rekindle the Marquesses flame: But finding her endeavours vain to recover for her self the affection of a heart which had newly sub­mitted it self to the violence of its first impressions, which are ever the strongest, she bethought her self of an expedient, which (she doubted not) would make her Mistress of her design; and the better to de­ceive Christina, pretending her [Page 18]self very much her friend, she told her, by way of confidence, she had newly learn'd a secret Christina was very much concern'd to know. When she had made all the Pream­bles usual to smooth the way for a piece of ill news, she fell to aggra­vating the unhappiness of Women that trust the Oaths of men who make Love to them, when after her signal fidelity to the Marquess d' Osseyra, he was still in doubt of her, and set on his Friend Salazar to try her, by pretending to love her: that the Conduct of the Mar­quess in this particular appear'd so criminal, when he had so great rea­son to rest assur'd of her fidelity, that she thought it her duty to make her acquainted with it as soon as her Kinsman Salazar had told her of it. Christina calling to mind Salazar's discourse, thought the in­telligence the Countess had given her of very great importance, and [Page 19]no less sincerity; and having ex­prest no small resentment against the Marquess, she thank'd the Countess, and assur'd her she would take her advantages of the advice she had given her, and would make that fickle-headed Lover know the interest he had in her was not so well-grounded, but a proceeding so unhandsom and disobliging as this might utterly destroy it. The Countess joyful to see her Intrigue take so well, and making no doubt but Christina to be reveng'd of the Marquess would use Salazar well, made him sensible what good ser­vice she had done him, and told him he might declare himself freely, and never fear the success. This made him wait on Christina the oftner, and take his opportunity to make a formal Declaration of his Passion. Christina received his Complement so gently and quietly, that Salazar flatter'd himself she [Page 20]was in Love with him. The Mar­quess observing how constant and diligent his Friend Salazar was in visiting his Mistress, began to ap­prehend he might be his Rival: And she us'd him with that kind­ness in the Marquesses presence, it almost distracted him. He made his complaints of it to Christina, but she made so light of all he said, it vext him at the heart. The Coun­tess watching all opportunities, took her advantage of these favou­rable circumstances, to invite the Marquess more than ever: But all to no purpose; this threw her into absolute despair, and made her re­solve to satisfie her Revenge if she could not her Love. A Woman in that condition will sacrifice any thing to her resentment; and the Countess had recourse to new Ar­tifices to provoke Christina against the Marquess, and him against Sa­lazar: They were all so dispos'd [Page 21]for her purpose, she easily accom­plisht her design. The Marquess and Salazar were at very high words; and the Governour of the Spanish Netherlands being inform'd of it, ordered them both to be secur'd. Christina having newly recover'd her health, was so troubled she had been the cause of so much noyse, she resolv'd to return into France, and spend her life in a Covent, and be no longer the May-game of Love, and of Fortune. She im­parted her resolution to the Coun­tess, who seeming to disapprove it, offer'd some weak reasons to di­vert her from the design, though in truth she was glad at heart she had taken that resolution, in hopes to see so dangerous a Rival at further distance, which Christina might have easily perceived, had she not been prepossest to Blindness with the Opinion of sincere kindness she thought the Countess had for her.

The Dutchess of Arschott ha­ving about that time obtain'd a Pass-port from his Majesty of France to go from Mons to Lille, to settle some private affairs, pass'd through Brussels. Christina being in search of means to execute her design, and looking upon this as a favourable occasion for her return into France under the Pass-port of the Dutchess, communicated her thoughts to the Countess, who seeing her resolved, facilitated all things for her private retirement, that the Marquess might know no­thing of it. She presented her to the Dutchess, and said in her fa­vour whatever she thought neces­sary to perswade the Dutchess to take her along. The Dutchess re­ceived her very obligingly, and de­clar'd her self very glad of the company of so lovely a Person. Christina left Brussels abundantly satisfi'd, at least in appearance, to [Page 23]have the opportunity of returning to her Country, yet not without a secret reluctance to be at so great a distance from the Marquess, for whom she had more kindness than she was aware of. The Amorous Marquess fail'd not a day to send to the Countess to inquire of his Mi­stress: The Countess fearing he might have news of her departure timely enough to stay her, took care to tell those who were going from the Marquess to her Lodging, that she went to Bed very late the Night before, and desired not to be awaked. The second day the Countess laid her self in the Bed Christina usually lay in, and coun­terfeiting her voice, answer'd the Person the Marquess had sent to inquire of her health, that she was much obliged to his Master for his care of her. The Countess had longer continued the Cheat, had not one of her Maids (who knew [Page 24]by experience the Marquess never fail'd to reward very liberally the smallest services done him) given him intelligence of passages; those who have been in Love can easily imagine the effect this News had upon the Marquess: He would pre­sently have followed her, but that he continued under Confinement: the thoughts of the ill condition he was in, inspir'd into him a thou­sand extravagant resolutions, when he called to mind how he had lost a person he had so dearly lov'd in the Flower of his Youth, and had luckily met with after so long se­paration by extraordinary Adven­tures, and had no sooner disco­ver'd her, but he yielded himself absolutely at her dispose. He strict­ly examin'd his Conduct in the af­fair, to the very smallest circum­stances, but could not find any cause to charge himself with ha­ving occasion'd so sudden a depar­ture: [Page 25]it was not in his power to guess the reason of it, though suf­ficiently assur'd he was not the cause of it; but he look'd upon her remove as fatal to him, who could not live separated from her. Having tir'd himself with reflecti­ons, he thought he should but la­bour in vain to retrieve her, who in all appearance was got already to Lille: Yet unwilling his passion should justly reproach him to have omitted any thing in his power for recovering Christina, he resolv'd at all adventures, to pray the Duke de Montalto, General of the Horse, and his very good Friend, to send out a strong Party toward the way of Lille, with strict Order to stay all they met with, whether with Pass-port, or without. The Or­ders were punctually executed, and the Party brought in several who travelled with Pass-ports, but no news of Christina; and all this ado [Page 26]serv'd only to make a great deal of disorder, and give occasion to the Rumor rais'd about that time, that the Duke de Villa Hermosa had call'd in all his Pass-ports.

The Marquess would not be discourag'd for all this, but search­ing the means to have a Letter convey'd to her, he found a man who promis'd to follow her to her very home, rather than fail to bring him an account of her. The Marquess in the condition he was in thought this some comfort; and having loaded the man with his li­berality, and filled him with hopes of more, he dispatch'd him away with this Letter:

When the kind Marquess had written this Letter, he read it se­veral times, and finding it very a­greeable to his sentiments, thought it long till 'twas delivered to his Mistress: But fearing the Bearer might by the way be taken by some Party, he resolved to send a second with such another Letter, in hopes that if one miscarried, the other might pass safe.

Salazar was much troubled for Christina's departure, though the despair his Rival was in gave him some comfort: The passionate love he had for her, and the opinion he flatter'd himself with, that she ha­ted him not, made him send after her a trusty person, that upon his report he might the better take his measures for his future Conduct: And not long after the Marquesses Friends, and his, reconcil'd the two Rivals, and Salazar received Order to repair to his Government.

The Countess the while tri­umph'd for the good success of her Artifices; and the passion her de­sire of revenge had given birth to, was grown up to that violence by the resistance it found from the Marquess, and the advantages she promis'd her self by the remove of her Rival, it was not in her power to conceal her joy and her transport from the passionate Lover; who far from answering her hopes, loaded her with reproaches; let­ting her know, he was not ignorant what Tricks she had us'd to make his Mistress fall out with him. This touch'd her to the quick, and put her into such a confusion, and so desperate a fret, to see her Artifices discovered, she took her Bed upon't that very day, and continued a long time very dangerously ill; the Physitians who attended her ha­ving never discover'd the cause of her distemper, but using Remedies [Page 30]for Diseases she never was troubled with.

While the Countess was in Cure, the Dutchess of Arschott was at Lille, so well-pleas'd with the agreeable Conversation of Christina, that she intreated her company, at least for the time she tarried at Lille. Christina finding her self staid by reasons she could not master, easily consented, being glad of a pretence to continue a little longer in Flanders. He whom Salazar had imploid to inquire af­ter her, had learnt she was to spend some days at the Dutchess of Ar­schott's; and as he returned to give Salazar that account, he met one of the Marquesses Messengers; and being a witty man, and well-acquainted with Salazar's secrets, he presently suspected the Messen­gers business, and examin'd him so cunningly, that at last he disco­ver'd the occasion of his Journey: [Page 31]And applying himself after to get out of his hands the Marquesses Letter, he set about him so dex­trously, that he finger'd the Letter, and carried it to Salazar, who re­ceived it with all the satisfaction i­maginable. But the Marquesses o­ther Messenger more fortunate than his Fellow, delivered his Letter to Christina; who heartily glad of it, was extremely satisfied to find the expressions so passionately kind, and answer'd it thus:

The Marquess having received this Letter two days after it was writ, was so well-pleas'd with it that he never inquir'd whether both his Letters were delivered. He kiss'd Christina's a thousand times over; and impatiently long­ing to see her, he did nothing but think of the means how to do it▪ The enterprize was dangerous, and he saw well enough what a hazard he should run to enter an Enemies Town, where the vigilance of the Governour justly heightned his ap­prehension of being surprized.

But Love, which never loves long debates, especially such as tend to keep it at distance from its object, quickly suggested an expe­dient the Marquess thought infalli­ble. He procur'd from the Marshal d' Humiers a Pass-port for a Pedler of Brussels to go trade at Lille; and having got some English Point, the best he could meet with, he went for Lille, and easily got en­trance to the Dutchess of Ar­schott's, under pretence to sell his Points; which were so fine, and so very cheap, he sold many of them to the Dutchess, and her Women. At last he was brought into Christina's apartment, who ve­ry luckily was alone in her Cham­ber, perhaps to read over the Mar­quesses Letter.

The Love she had for him pre­serv'd the Idea of him so fresh in her mind, that disguiz'd as he was, she knew him at first sight; and [Page 34]concealing her surprize, she pray'd the Dutchesses Maid who had brought in the Pedler, to go call another Maid who had good skill in Points. By good fortune that Maid was abroad, and she who had been to call her being withdrawn, the two Lovers having clear'd all misunderstandings, and the Mar­quess having justifi'd himself, they had the opportunity to express themselves with all the freedom and tenderness imaginable. Chri­stina quarrell'd with him for ha­ving expos'd himself to such evi­dent danger: the Marquess took that occasion to tell her, that if she were so much concern'd for his danger, as she appear'd, she might easily prevent his exposing himself for the future, by permitting him to take her back with him to Brus­sels, and marry her. She confest with some trouble, she could find in her heart to do it; yet found by [Page 35]her self, it would be impossible for her to resolve to be married to an Enemy of the Kings: What, in­terrupts the Marquess, would you have me then be a Traytor to my Prince, and my Country? I am not so unjust, replies Christina, nor can I think you capable of such a thought, and should esteem you much less if you were: But there is hope the War will not last ever; and the scruples you make to be marry'd to an Enemy of your Prince, I may very justly pretend to, would my love give me leave: Do not you think we sufficiently espouse the Quarrel of our Sove­raigns, by sacrificing every day our Lives and our Fortunes to their In­terest, without making our Love a part of the Sacrifice? But pray, let's have no more of these matters of State, but imploy better the moments of a Conversation hath cost me so dear▪ Company coming [Page 36]in as he was speaking, Christina was forced to dismiss the pretend­ed Pedler, and appoint him to come two hours after to her, being un­willing to buy any thing till she had first shewn it to one who had judgment in it. He went away displeas'd he was so unhappily in­terrupted. Christina seeing it would be hard for her to have private dis­course with him, writ him a Billet which she resolv'd to deliver him secretly, to let him know her mind.

The suppos'd Pedler being re­turn'd at the hour assign'd, Christina who was in the Dutchesses Cham­ber went to meet him at the door, and told him aloud, she had as much English Point as she needed, and would buy none but Spanish, which pleas'd her best of any. With that she neatly slipped into the Marquesses hand a Billet to this effect:

The Marquess having under­stood by this Billet the disquiet of his Mistress, return'd for Brussels, and appear'd at Court before they miss'd him: the Dutchess of Ar­schott was the mean time visited by all the Persons of Quality at Lille, her Merit no less than the respect due to her Birth, drawing [Page 38]to her House all the good company of the Town. The Marchioness de Belabre, in her return from Pa­ris, (where she had been cast in her Suit) gave the Dutchess a Visit, and was extremely surpriz'd at the sight of Christina there, whom she presently knew for S. Aubin; and calling to mind the last years Car­naval, she made no doubt but Love had a great share in this new dis­guize; and according to most Wo­mens humour, thinking it a migh­ty matter to penetrate the depth of an Amorous Intrigue, she was rea­dy to applaud her self for the dis­covery she had made; and to carry on her design, came frequently to the Dutchesses. Christina having been very well acquainted with the Marchioness at Paris, presently knew her; and not able to forbear blushing as often as she saw her, she resolv'd to take her time to speak to her in private, and unde­ceive [Page 39]her: But the Marchioness out of excess of discretion always a­voided her; and perceiving it trou­bled Christina, she came to her one day, and whisper'd her in the Ear, Trouble not your self, and never fear me, I can keep my Friends counsel. Christina endeavour'd to disabuse her, but in vain. The Marchioness having a strong fancy she knew the Lady had ingag'd S. Aubin to put on this disguize, though she made a thousand false guesses: for as soon as she saw S. Aubin speak to any Lady, imme­diately she concluded she was the Person.

After much labour in vain, and fruitless observation, the Marchio­ness made the Baroness of S. Sau­veur her Confident in the business, imparting to her the Mighty My­stery; imagining S. Aubin not mi­strusting the Baroness, she would not be so reserv'd in her presence; [Page 40]and so she might easily find out the truth of what she earnestly desir'd to know. The Baroness being a young Lady, and of a very jovial humour, was ravish'd with joy at the discovery of such a Secret, and applying her self to a business so suitable to her humour, she ob­serv'd Christina with a great deal of care, though little satisfaction. Angred at her ill success, and ap­prehending the Marchioness would impute it to her want of Address, she doubled her diligence, and watch'd Christina more narrowly than before: But all this care and extremity of attention serv'd for no more, than to make her take better notice of the good meen of the pretended Gentleman. She thought him so amiable, and took such delight in viewing him, that in a short time she found her Cu­riosity had produc'd an effect quite other than she expected, having [Page 41]insensibly ingag'd her in a passion for S. Aubin which was already so strong, she perceiv'd she was not Mistress of it. This made her long for an intimate acquaintance with so Charming a Person; and the better to obtain it, she sought for occasions of seeing and discoursing her; which was easie to find, all Persons of Quality having free ac­cess to the Dutchesses. Christina satisfi'd the longing of the Baro­ness with so good a Grace, she was no less pleas'd with her Civility, than taken with her good meen. She was a hundred times upon the point of telling her, she knew the secret of her Sex; and that natu­ral modesty that sticks so close to Women well-born, made her as often change her resolution, and quit her design. After many Con­flicts in her heart, where Love, Modesty, Freedom and Reserved­ness strove in vain to get the better [Page 42]one over the other, she found Chri­stina alone, and adventur'd to tell her, she had never known a Person so deserving of Love as she was, and that had Heaven made her of a Sex different from hers, she should have found it very difficult to save her self from passion for a person so amiable. Christina who thought of nothing less than Love, thought this discourse an effect of her friend­ship; and answer'd, she was ex­tremely oblig'd to her for her kind­ness, assuring her she would endea­vour to return it her with all the tenderness of affection she was ca­pable of. The Baroness having al­ready advanc'd so far, was not sa­tisfi'd with so cold an answer: However, she thought it necessary to appear content for the present, and to prevent the loss of all, she imbrac'd her tenderly, and gave her many thanks. The Dutchess coming in, and finding them in that [Page 43]posture, ask'd the reason. The Ba­roness who thought her imbraces as criminal as Christina believ'd them innocent, answer'd with some trouble (for a pretence to deceive the Dutchess) that she was upon going, and could not take leave without imbracing her dear friend. What she said was believ'd, not one having perceived how heartily she was vext to leave a House where she so much lov'd to be.

Every time the Marchioness saw the Baroness de S. Sauveur, she ask'd if she had not found out the rea­sons why S. Aubin had disguiz'd himself: But having no account to satisfie her Curiosity, she became more impatient, and resolv'd to know it one way or other. Having mus'd a while, she resolv'd to tell her (whom she thought S. Aubin) of the business, and to oblige him to impart to her the secret of his Love; and in case of refusal, to [Page 44]threaten him she would publish the secret of his Sex. Christina ex­tremely surpriz'd with the Propo­sal, would have undeceiv'd her, by making her a saithful Relation of her Adventures. But the Mar­chioness prepossest with an Opini­on she spoke to S. Aubin, gave no credit to the discourse, telling him, she would allow him till that time to morrow to think on't, assuring him he might relye on her discre­tion; but if he delay'd any longer to acquaint her with the secret, she would certainly spoil all. Christina who conceal'd nothing from the Dutchess, gave her an account of the perplexity she was in, by the earnest solicitations of the Marchi­oness. This was good sport for them, and made them laugh hear­tily, and resolve together, since the Marchioness was so absolutely bent to be deceiv'd, and not be disabus'd, they would for their divertisement [Page 45]afford their help to deceive her: the sole question remain'd was, what Lady should be the Object of the pretended passion: Several were in nomination, but none so likely to take as the Baroness de S. Sau­veur, being a handsom and jovial young Lady, and Christina's inti­mate friend. The Marchioness be­ing told of it, was surpriz'd at the news, but promis'd to keep his counsel, and exprest great satisfa­ction at the confidence he repos'd in her.

Christina, by agreement with the Dutchess affected thenceforward so much kindness and care for the Baroness de S. Sauveur, and to ap­pear so much concern'd for her, and still long for her company, which the Baroness answer'd on her part with a great deal of pleasure, that the Marchioness having often observ'd them, was confirm'd in her Errour; and inwardly applauding [Page 46]her self for having so luckily disco­ver'd the Intrigue, would needs make the Baroness sensible of it, that she might know her self at her mercy for the discovery. And not longer able to keep a secret which was already a burden to her, she gave her a visit; and having re­proach'd her for not dealing clearly by her, in concealing her know­ledge of S. Aubin's passion; In ear­nest, says she, by way of Railery, [...] was not ill prepar'd to penetrate S. Aubin's concerns, and you have acted your part very well, only 'tis pity you had not to do with a Fool. All things seem'd to con­spire to deceive the Marchioness; for the Baroness blushing, made her think that change of her counte­nance an effect of her confusion at the discovery she had made. You do not deserve, adds the Marchio­ness, I should use so much discretion in your concern, who were so un­willing [Page 47]to make me of your coun­el: But fear me not, had I not promis'd S. Aubin secresie at his confession, the respect I have for you would oblige me to silence. The Baroness surpriz'd at the dis­course, stood mute for some time, not knowing what [...] think on't: but as we easily believe what we passionately desire, the Baroness no [...]nger doubting but S. Aubin lov'd [...]er, and that the Marchioness [...]oke in good earnest, quickly past [...]ut of a great astonishment into a [...]r greater joy: If a man will love one, says she, how can we help it? Would you not think it hard to throw a Gentleman into despair, who does things so extraordinary for his Mistress, and demonstrates by his actions the violence of his passion? I will pardon you, replies the Marchioness, your want of con­fidence in me hitherto, upon condi­tion you will hide nothing from me [Page 48]for the future. It was agreed, and they parted both very well-pleas'd with their mistakes; the Marchio­ness to see her self the Confident in an Intrigue she had so great a de­sire to penetrate; the Baroness to be assured by so good a hand thing that did so much flatter her passion She was so fully perswaded S. A [...] ­bin was in love with her, she bega [...] to repent she had been so forward to let him know the kindness sh [...] had for him, fearing it might have lessen'd the esteem she could will he should have for her. This made her resolve to force her self into more reservedness, and be more shy for a while, to set an edge o [...] his passion. It fell out as she wish­ed; for Christina to mainta [...] throughout the part she was to a [...] for the Dutchesses divertisement and her own, was every day kinde than other to the Baroness, wh [...] through dissimulation (usual with [Page 49]Women) receiving Christina's Courtship very coldly, hop'd by that means to heighten the passion of her supposed Lover.

Christina not knowing the inten­tion of the Baroness, nor the rea­sons she us'd her so, took so ill the slight return she made of her Civi­lities, that she forbore the continu­ance of them, and shunn'd her com­pany, to prevent occasions of dis­course with her. The Baroness perceiving it, could not brook this indifference above a day; the mor­row she goes to Christina, and in some heat ask'd her what she had done to be slighted so by her, and make her affect avoiding her com­pany, as she observ'd she did. She let fall some other hasty words, which surpriz'd Christina extreme­ly; who answer'd, she had never been wanting to the friendship she had promis'd her; but that the Ba­roness had appear'd so cold the day [Page 50]before towards her, she had no reason to wonder it had made her more shy. The Baroness was so impatient, she would not allow he time to finish, but imbrac'd her in­stantly, and was upon the point of telling her, 'twas in vain to en­deavour concealing his Sex from her, who knew it already, by very good information: But she forbore foreseeing she could not with de­cency take some little libertie with S. Aubin discover'd she us'd with Christina disguiz'd. Never did Woman love more to deceive her self, and never was there love of so singular a Character. Press'd by her passion, she gave S. Aubin thousand occasions to declare him self to be what she took him for but finding all would not do, and attributing it to his fear, she studie [...] a thousand expedients to accom­plish an Adventure she could not endure should hang in suspence. [Page 51]Time furnish'd her with an unex­pected occasion: Her Husband be­ing gone one Evening for the Country, she sat up very late at the Dutchesses, and having cunningly let fall a [...]word, she would willingly lye there that night: She ask'd one of the Dutchesses Women if she would admit her her Bedfellow: Christina offer'd her a part of her Bed; the Baroness at first seem'd loth to accept of it, for fear of in­commoding her, but at last she was perswaded, the Maid she had first spoken to having a Bedfellow already, which the Baroness knew, though she pretended the contrary.

When they were just ready to go to bed, the Baroness retaining some remains of modesty, was so troubled, and out of countenance, she knew not what she did. But to give her dying Vertue some small satisfaction for the disorder her pas­sion had brought her in, she told [Page 52] Christina she would have only one corner of the bed, where she pray'd her to let her sleep quietly without touching her all night. Christin very readily promis'd what she de­sir'd, and as readily perform'd i [...] When the Lights were taken a way, the Baroness who expected with impatience the darkness s [...] long'd for, was astonisht to fin [...] Christina fast asleep. At first s [...] thought it her own fault, and th [...] her Gallant feign'd himself asle [...] to express his obedience to he [...] yet she knew not what to thi [...] on't. But having long expected vain to find him more confider she ask'd him if he were aslee [...] but receiving no answer, it alm [...] put her beside her self. She fell [...] sighing, but her sighs as little [...] fected Christina, who was in a de [...] sleep. The Baroness thought tw [...] ­ty times to awake her, but sha [...] and vexation made her forbe [...] [Page 53]Never had Woman so bad a night, though never Woman expected a better. At length it was day; and seeing her insensible Lover lye still as a Stock, she dress'd her self ha­stily; and the despair she was in not permitting her to quit the Room without leaving behind her some mark of her resentment, she found Pen, Ink and Paper ready on the Table, and writ immediately this Billet:

The Baroness having written the Letter, laid it on Christina's To [...] lette, and withdrew. As soon a she got home, she feign'd she ha [...] been all night up at Play; and h [...] ving had her self undrest, went pre­sently to bed, which you may be­lieve was not very easie to her Christina at getting up having found the Billet, drest her self in a haste to carry it to the Dutchess: [...] made them good sport; and when they reflected on the course the Ba [...] roness had taken to get an interest in Christina, they concluded the Marchioness had imparted her se­cret to her, and so involv'd her in the same Errour with her self.

The Dutchess was concern'd at it, and had the goodness to go to the Baroness to undeceive her; and [Page 55]having fully told her what she knew of the business, at last, though with difficulty, disabus'd her. She would have gone thence to the Marchioness of Belabre to do her the like good office: but the Baro­ness sufficiently confounded alrea­dy, and fearing further explication might reflect more on her Credit, intreated the Dutchess to say no more of it, but to leave the Mar­chioness to her mistakes, as not da­ring to trust her discretion in so tender a point, where the matter appear'd so fit for mirth, and her Reputation was so deeply con­cern'd.

The Dutchess had now almost finish'd her business at Lille, and had written to Brussels she would return thither speedily, and hop'd to bring Christina back again with her. The Countess de Benavidez, who was pretty well recover'd, and had not lost by her sickness any [Page 56]part of her passion for the Marque d' Osseyra, hearing talk of Chr [...] ­stina's return, was so frighted [...] the News, she made it her busine [...] by all means to prevent it; and length found an occasion to have Letter writ to the Dutchess of A [...] ­schott by a Lady, and of her be [...] Friends, to inform her she was wi [...] impatience expected at Brussel [...] that her concerns being very de [...] to her, she thought fit to acquai [...] her there was great murmuring Court that she had thoughts bringing back Christina, who wou [...] not fail to give intelligence to t [...] French of all she could learn [...] Brussels; at least it would be b [...] liev'd so, Christina being alrea [...] under suspition of Guilt in that pa [...] ­ticular. The Dutchess being hig [...] ­ly concern'd to hold fair with th [...] Spaniards, and fearing their j [...] ­lousie of her long stay at Lille, [...] specially since the News spread [...] [Page 57] Flanders of her having had a hand in the Marriage of the Prince of Izinguien with the Daughter of the Marshal d' Humiers, look'd up­on the advice as not to be slighted: And whatever kindness she had for Christina, she could not find in her heart to expose her self to ruine for her sake, in praying her to bear her company to Brussels. As they were alone one day, the Dutchess took her opportunity to make a long discourse of the state of her affairs, and the necessity she was under to avoid any thing that might give a jealousie of her to the Spaniards: adding, that this oblig'd her to be very cautious in her Conduct, and to deny her self many things in themselves very agreeable to her. Christina had too much Wit not to apprehend the meaning of this discourse, and answer'd, she had for the same reasons resolv'd to re­turn into France, as soon as she [Page 58]should receive Answer to a Letter she had writ into her Country; and in the mean time to put her self into a Covent. They concluded their discourse with mutual assu­rances of Eternal Friendship; and two days before the Dutchess left Lille, Christina entred the Covent of the Nuns of S. Thomas.

The Marquess d' Osseyra seeing the Dutchess arriv'd at Brussels without Christina, was very much alarm'd at it, and went in great haste to inquire the news of her. When he heard she was gone into a Nunnery, it extremely disturb'd him, not knowing what reason she had for it: But the Countess de Benavidez watching all occasions to vex him, dextrously gave out, that Christina had long since pri­vately communicated to her the disgust she had for the World, and the design she had espous'd to spend her days in a Religious House. This [Page 59]coming to the Marquesses ear, the violence of his affection allow'd him so little time of consideration, that he went away that Evening for Lille, with his former Pass-port as a Pedler; and made such haste, that he would have been there timely the next day, had he not been unfortunately staid by the way by Robbers, who pretending them­selves Souldiers of the Garrison of Ypres, got together to the number of seven, and robbed Travellers with­out any regard to their Pass-ports. They led away the Marquess into a very thick Wood, where deceiv'd by his Habit and Pass-ports, they took him for a Trades-man, and forc'd him to draw a Bill of Ex­change upon some of his Corre­spondents, threatning to kill him if it were not paid at sight; and that in the mean time he should stay with them for security. The Mar­quess was in no small perplexity, [Page 60]not knowing who to draw the Bill on; and if he discover'd himself, they would certainly kill him, for fear of being punisht by him when once at liberty: what course soever he took, death seem'd inevitable; but to gain time, he gave them a Bill upon an Inn-keeper at Brussels, who had been his Servant, and knew his Character. When he had written it in the most pressing terms for payment at sight, they could not agree which of them should be trusted with it for recei­ving so considerable a Sum: At last they pitch'd upon two of their Company whom they put most confidence in: The Marquess in the mean time endeavour'd to in­sinuate himself with the Robbers, letting them know he could scarce find in his heart to be angry with them, not doubting but that they had been reduc'd to that way of li­ving through the avarice of their [Page 61]Officers, who perhaps defrauded them of the poor Pay their Prince allow'd them; and that he thought himself happy, in falling into their hands who us'd him so civilly, and were satisfied with a little Money. The desire he had to see Christina made the Marquess descend into Complaisances for saving his life, he had disdain'd to stoop to on any other score: These were so agree­able to their humour, that he was presently very familiar with them, and they us'd him more kindly than at first, and made him sup with them. The morrow betimes they sent away one of their Com­rades to buy in Provisions; the Marquess seeing their number les­sen'd, and fearing the return of those who were gone to receive the Money on his Bill, resolv'd to seize one of their Swords, and die at least with his Weapon in his hand. One of the four who staid [Page 62]in the Wood, watch'd always while the other slept: The Marquess feigning himself very sleepy, the Watchman observing it himself, went a little further into the Wood. The Marquess to lose no time, in­stantly seiz'd their Guns before a­ny of them awak'd: but being too generous to kill men in their sleep, he took out the priming out of two of the Guns, having the other two in readiness to be discharged: Then went he to meet him who was gone into the Wood, and having threatned to kill him if he made the least resistance, he told him he was unwilling to take the advan­tage he had against him, and his Fellows, and was content they should have the Money on the Bill of Exchange, but that for his safe passage through the Wood he must have his company a League fur­ther, assuring him he would do him no harm. The Robber believing a [Page 63]Trades-man incapable of so bold a resolution, and astonisht to hear him speak so stoutly, was forc'd to obey, and do whatever the Mar­quess commanded him. They were scarce got out of the Wood, but they were met by a Party of Horse of the Garrison of Lille. The Mar­quess immediately presented his Pass-port; but having been taken with two Pistols about him, and in a quarter very suspitious, they told him, he made use of his Pass­ports to rob the more safely: The Marquess to clear himself, told them, he had been robb'd in that Wood, and related truly what had past, and how he had escap'd out of the Robbers hands, which made the Troopers resolve to enter the Wood to seize upon the Thieves. But the Commander having be­thought himself this discourse might be a meer invention of the Marquesses, to draw them perhaps [Page 64]into some Ambush, ordered only ten Horsemen to dismount, and g [...] into the quarter the Prisoner should lead them, where they found th [...] Rogues, and took them without re­sistance. They were all brought t [...] Lille, and having confirm'd all th [...] Marquess had said, he had his libe [...] ­ty, and no doubt made but he was as he pretended, a Trades-ma [...] What became of the Robbers, know not, though likely they wer [...] hang'd: But 'tis certain, the Mar [...] ­quess impatiently longing for new of Christina, went strait to the C [...] ­vent where he had been told sh [...] was. When he was come, the [...] told him there was no speaking with any of the Nuns, that da [...] being set aside for receiving [...] French Gentlewoman into the H [...] ­bit.

The reports which had past of Christina's having taken that reso­lution, and the Marquesses fears, [Page 65]made him believe it was she. Con­firm'd in this Opinion by his, de­sperate Love, he bustled through the Croud, and without further inquiry, address'd himself to the Priest ready to begin the Ceremo­ny, and pray'd him to stay till he had spoke with the Abbess. Those who observ'd with what disorder he pronounc'd his words, were sur­priz'd; and the Priest who had prepar'd an Elegant discourse in praise of a Religious Life, was a­fraid he should be oblig'd to reserve it for another occasion. The Mar­quess in the mean time was got to the Grate, and the Abbess appear­ing, he told her he was come to acquaint her, the Person she in­tended to receive into the Number of her Sisters had promis'd him Marriage, and all the Vows she should make would be null. The Abbess much surpriz'd, call'd the Maid to the Grate, and having told [Page 66]her what the Marquess had said, she charg'd her to declare the truth. The Young Maid, already sufficiently perplex'd, under the ap­prehension of that variety of Fun­ctions she was to undergo that day, thought the discourse of the Ab­bess a piece of formality, usually observ'd on such occasions, the bet­ter to assure her self of the willing­ness of those who took the Habit; and turning toward the Sister who had the care of her Education, she ask'd her very Innocently, what Answer to make. This, and the confusion in the Marquesses coun­tenance at the sight of a Person he knew not, made all believe she was in good earnest. And the peo­ple cry'd out the man was a Fool. The Marquess defended himself so ill, that the distraction of his looks, and his silence, made them abso­lutely conclude he was mad; and they drove him out of the Congre­gation, [Page 67]without his being able once to make his Complaint.

While his passion procur'd him all this ill usage, his friends were extremely concern'd for his person. The Inn-keeper at Brussels having been much prest by the Thieves to pay his Correspondents Bill of Ex­change, knew the hand, and pre­tending he would pay them, went to the Marquesses quarters, and shew'd the Bill to one of his prin­cipal Servants, who confirm'd it was of his Masters hand-writing, which made them believe he was in the Robbers hands: They ap­ply'd themselves to the Duke de Montalto, whom they knew to be his very good friend; and having shew'd him the Bill, the Duke cau­sed the two men, who demanded payment of it, to be presently ar­rested; and having severely threat­ned them, they confest all. The Duke was in fear for the danger of [Page 68]his Friend, and went out in Person in the Head of a Party of three hundred Horse, and some Dra­goons. When he came to the Wood where the two Robbers had left their Comrades, he plac'd Guards at all the Avenues, and went in himself at the Head of his Dra­goons, and so cross'd all the Woods, but found not one person. This heighten'd his fear, and made him detach three several Parties, sending them away into several quarters, to endeavour a discovery where these Rogues had their re­fuge, but all to no purpose; so that he was forc'd to return with­out having any account of his Friend.

The morrow, a servant of the Marquesses impatient for news of him, and thinking he might find him at Lille, put himself into Boors habit, and went in search of him. As soon as he was arriv'd at Lille, [Page 69]he pretended he had a Letter for Christina; and having got her call'd to the grate of the Covent she was in, he ask'd her privately what news of the Marquess. Christina not able to give him any account of him, the Servant acquainted her with the departure of the Marquess from Brussels, the adventure of the Bill of Exchange, and all other cir­cumstances of his absence. Chri­stina who found in her heart a stronger inclination for the Mar­quess than she thought she had, was so concern'd for his misfortune, that the trouble she was in at the news convinc'd her of the height of the passion she had for him. She earnestly pray'd the Man to return instantly for Brussels, not to omit any thing, to learn some news of his Master, and to let her know without delay the success of his care. Before she could make an end of these few words, her tears be­tray'd [Page 70]the affection of her heart. When the Servant was gone, she past some hours in those inquie­tudes none can comprehend but those only who have been in Love. The mean time the Marquesses Servant being an honest Fleming, and very devout, despairing to find his Master, goes into a Church, and having heartily pray'd God to in­spire him where to meet with the Marquess, he no sooner turn'd him­self about toward the Church-door to go out, but he spy'd the Mar­quess standing before him; and not able to contain himself, cry'd out at the Miracle. The Marquess also astonisht at so unexpected an accident, had much ado to make his Man hold his peace; and gi­ving out he was his Comrade, he told those who came running in at the report of the Miracle, that the Man was a little crack'd, and had often such Fits. They got off by [Page 71]this Artifice, and went into a house where the Marquess had lain. His Man gave him an account of what had past at Brussels, and of the dis­order Christina was in at the news; the tears she shed, and the lamenta­ble condition he left her in. The Marquess, who after the last days work durst not appear at the Co­vent-gate, was ravish'd with joy at the news of her being so concern'd for his misfortunes; and having got her call'd for by his Man, he slipt into the Speaking room, and quickly reviv'd her by his presence. Never was Conversation more tender than theirs; 'twas not in Christina's power to reproach her Lover with any thing the violence of his passion for her could not presently justifie. She promis'd him once for all, never to be any mans but his, and pray'd him not to ex­pose himself again to so many acci­dents, assuring him she had already [Page 72]written into her Country to desire the Abbot Dizeste, who had the management of her Affairs, to take a journey into Flanders to agree with him about her Marriage. The Marquess well satisfied with these fair hopes, that she might be at ease, withdrew sooner than he would have done, and return'd to Brussels, where his Friends by their joy to see him again, convinc'd him of the trouble they were in by the fears they had been under of having lost him: To keep them in igno­rance, lest they should discover the mystery of his absence, he gave out he had lost himself a Hunting, (a Sport he was known to use) and was taken by Robbers, who having detain'd him three days, set him a [...] liberty. This past for current, be­ing so very probable, only the Countess of Benavidez would not believe it, her Jealousie having gi­ven her a true guess at the cause of [Page 73]his absence; it vex'd her to that height, she presently resolv'd to leave no stone unturn'd to break the Correspondence between the Marquess and Christina.

About this time news came to Brussels, the French Troops were on their march: it was very early in the year, and the Spanish Generals were extremely alarm'd to hear of an Army in the Field in January, in a very cold season. All the con­siderable Officers came to Brussels to assist the Governour of the Spa­nish Netherlands with their counsel in a conjuncture of this impor­tance. Count Salazar being ar­ [...]iv'd there one of the first, and ha­ving given the Countess of Bena­videz a Visit, she endeavour'd to revive his passion for Christina, re­proaching him with his indiffe­rence, and acquainting him the same time with the dangers his Ri­val had expos'd himself to for a [Page 74]sight of her. Salazar, who had been discourag'd from seeing Chri­stina by the difficulties appear'd in the attempt, was somewhat a­sham'd; and to cover his coolness with a plausible pretence, and let her see he had not been wanting to his Duty, he bethought himself of putting a Trick on his Kinswoman, and perswading her he was more in Christina's Books than she made account. The Countess answer'd, She could hardly believe it: He of­fer'd to make it out, and desir'd on­ly time to step to his Quarters to do it. 'Twas not long e're he re­turn'd, and brought her a very pas­sionate Letter of the Marquesses to Christina, being the same formerly spoken of which Salazars men cun­ningly got from the Marquesses. Salazar having in his hand a Let­ter which so clearly prov'd what he had said, shewed it his Kinswoman, and told her, she might judge by [Page 75]the Sacrifice Christina had made him, how much he was in her fa­vour. The Countess having read the Letter, was very well pleas'd, and thought it very proper and ef­fectual for setting the Marquess and his Mistress at variance: She spoke Salazar so fair, that she prevail'd with him to leave it in her custo­dy, upon her promise to make no ill use of it; which she kept so ill, that the very next moment she went to one of her friends, a Lady of the Marquesses familiar acquain­tance, and having aggravated the dangers the Marquess had expos'd himself to for seeing Christina, and the ill consequence of his passion; it might be excus'd, adds she, did Christina but love him; which she is so far from, that she cannot en­dure him, but sacrifices his kindest and most affectionate Letters to Salazar, who to my knowledge hath several of them, though he [Page 76]hath the discretion not to shew them. To this she added many o­ther particulars which convinc'd the Lady, and made her believe she could not do the Marquess a better office, than to cure him of his pas­sion, and disabuse him as to his O­pinion of Christina. She fell to work on the morrow, and made use of all means the Countess had fur­nish'd her with to perswade the Lover to think no more of so faith­less a Mistress. The Marquess who could not imagine Christina capa­ble of falshood to him, did not easi­ly believe what was said of her, and would not for a long time ad­mit the suspitions they endea­vour'd to infuse into him of her: But this Lady pressing him to it continually, he promis'd at length to believe what she said, if she would shew him one Letter to con­vince him of the falshood of Chri­stina. The Countess of Benavidez [Page 77]inform'd of this good success, sent the Letter to her good Friend, who having shew'd it the Marquess ex­tremely disturb'd him: He read it over and over, and knew it to be the same he had writ to Christina, and she had sent him an Answer of. He made no longer doubt but she had betray'd him, and his heart re­proaching him for having been so long fool'd by so ingrateful a Wretch, he blindly resolv'd to de­clare his resentment, by writing her a Letter full of Scorn and Con­tempt, and in the most vilifying and bitter terms he could invert; which he did to this purpose:

The Marquess had no sooner written this Letter, but he gave it him who carried the former, char­ging him to be gone immediately, and deliver it Christina. Ill news fly apace, and the Letter was de­livered her within two days after the writing it. Christina was so little acquainted with the language of it, she could hardly believe what she read: We are naturally inclin'd to be ignorant of what we wish should not be, and she would fain have been deceiv'd. But seeing the [Page 79]Letter unquestionably of the Mar­quesses hand-writing, and knowing the Bearer to be one he confided in, it offended her so highly, she thought it below her to justifie her self a­gainst an Accusation so improbable and unworthy her Noble and Ge­nerous Soul: And laying aside, on the sudden, the gentleness and sweetness of her Nature, she angri­ly told the man who waited her Answer, she would never take the pains to clear her self to a man who thought her capable of Falshood: And tearing the Letter in pieces in the presence of him who deliver'd it, she threatned to have him ap­prehended for a Spy, if he went not away immediately, or ever saw her face more.

As haughty and couragious as she appear'd before the Marquesses man, it was not in her power to o­ver-rule the infirmity of her Sex, but she burst out into tears, and was [Page 80]tormented with a thousand diffe­rent thoughts. The despair she was in press'd her to take a course that should remove her for ever far enough from the Marquess: yet a secret inclination (the cause where of she knew not) render'd her reso­lutions uncertain and ineffectual. Sometimes she thought to return home, but presently dislik'd it, a having lately received a considera­ble supply of Money, and desir'd her Friends Consent to be married to the Marquess, which now could be of no other use to her, but to procure her the reproaches of [...] Province, where people naturally love to talk of their Neighbours. A Religious Life pleas'd her as lit­tle; and after a thousand reflecti­ons, finding none so agreeable to her humour as the Military, she took a strong resolution to spend the rest of her days in Arms.

While she was taking private or­der [Page 81]for going to another Town to put her self in fit Equipage for War, the Marquess (now his pas­sion was over) began to repent all he had done: And having consi­der'd former passages, and endea­vouring to find his Mistress less guilty, he bethought himself that the man who had one of his Let­ters to carry to Christina, never came back again, but took Arms for the French. This made him believe he had sold his Letter to Salazar, and deserted the service of his Prince, for fear of being punish'd. The quick return of him he had sent to Lille two days before, who brought him the news of Christi­na's indignation, and the Answer she had made him, confirm'd his Opinion of the Innocence of his Mistress. He was upon the point of going to cast himself at her feet; but desirous to know the manner how this Letter came into [Page 82]the hands of his Rival, he pray'd the Duke de Montalto (who was both their friend, and charged them never to question one another) to go to Salazar, and intreat him to tell him upon the word of a Gen­tleman, how he came by that Let­ter; assuring the Duke, however it had happen'd, he would not re­sent it, provided he might know the truth, which for other reasons he was concern'd to be inform'd of.

Salazar being press'd by the Duke to give a positive answer, was highly displeas'd to find him­self reduc'd to such a strait by the indiscretion of the Countess; and after a weak denial, was at last oblig'd to confess to his Friend the truth of the business. The Mar­quess having made this discovery by the Duke, was ready to die for grief, for having upon so light [...] suspected the fidelity of [Page 83]his Mistress. This was not all his misfortune; for while he thought of going to ask her pardon, news came to Brussels, that the Monarch of France was at the Gates of the strong Tower of Valenciennes, which he besieg'd in a season, when the Heroes of former Ages would have thought it impossible to have an Army in the Field: Wherein he surpass'd the Sun (which he hath taken for his Devise) since the Frost and the Snow which hinder the appearance of that Luminary, could not retard for one day the course of his Conquests.

The surprize the Spaniards were under at the news, was incredible. Every man had order to be in rea­diness; and the Marquess d' Os­seyra, Master of the Artillery, had his hands full: yet he was not so taken up with the business of his Charge, but he thought how to make his peace with his Mistress. [Page 84]But how pressing soever his passion was, his duty was more; and he found himself under the necessity of being content with writing her a Letter, which probably was very submissive and kind: What it con­tain'd, I cannot give you a certain account, Christina having never received it. This Illustrious He­roine, who had laid her design for serving in the Wars, and promis'd her self never more to entertain any passion but for Honour, had left Lille, and put her self into Equi­page, good or bad; and having joyn'd the Kings Army, near Vi­lenciennes, in a Troopers Habit, and under her former Name S. Au­bin, he made his Court to the Marshal of Luxembourg, who for­merly knew him; and having pray'd to be admitted to serve him in the quality of Ayd de Camp, the generous Marshal having inclinati­ons of kindness for those who are [Page 85]handsom, especially if persons of Merit, granted his request, and im­ploy'd him that very day to carry Orders into several Quarters of the Camp. Valenciennes, which boasted it self to have been fatal to the French, willing to preserve the re­putation it had gain'd in the late Wars, made a vigorous defence. This happy beginning put the Spa­niards in hopes the valour of the Inhabitants, assisted with the rigor of the season, would give them time to assemble their forces, and expect those of their Confederates for raising the Siege. But the Re­nowned Monarch who besieged it, taking notice of this vigorous re­sistance, and that they were pro­vided to endure a Formal Siege, caus'd them to be attaqu'd a new way, which may serve for an ex­ample to the Captains in future Ages. For having made a Detach­ment from his Army, those brave [Page 86]Souls animated by the presence and Orders of a General so much Su­periour to others, made themselves Masters of all the Out-works in o­pen day: Nor can it be said it was by surprize, or without resistance, eight hundred men having dy'd up­on the spot, in an obstinate defence of their several Posts. The Kings Musqueteers being foremost of the Assailants, entred the Town pell­mell with those that fled into it.

I shall not undertake to write the Great Actions done this Re­markable Expedition; I leave it to the Historians, whose business it is, and shall speak only of what con­cerns my Heroine. This Generous Person was always near Mounsieur de Luxembourg, who being upon the service of the day, commanded that glorious Detachment. S. Au­bin seeing that Worthy Marshal carry his Orders in Person through­out, thought the assistance of an [Page 87] Ayd de Camp very useless in so hot a service; and having mingled him­self among the Kings Musqueteers, he entred the Town with them, and shar'd in the glory of so hardy an Action. The Grenadiers of the Kings Houshold, and the Regiment of Guards following the next mo­ment, the Garrison laid down their Arms, and the Squadron of Horse who were drawn up in the Mar­ket-place were dismounted. The Townsmen, who never expected an Assault of that nature, were so a­maz'd to see the French in the Town, that most of them retir'd into the Churches and Monasteries to avoid the fury of the Souldier.

While all was yet in confusion, some greedy Souldiers broke into the first Houses they met with; and S. Aubin seeing no more Ho­nour to be gain'd where there was no more resistance, was marching out of the Town; and having by [Page 88]the way spy'd some Souldiers en­tring a House, which probably be­long'd to some Person of Quality, his generosity inspir'd him to enter among them, to prevent their pil­laging it. He presently met with a young Maid, very handsom, who all in tears threw her self at his feet, praying him to save her Ho­nour, and rest satisfied with the many Goods he should find in the House, which she wholly yielded up to him with all her heart. S. Au­bin's heart melting at the disorder and tears of the poor Maid, he put on a face of Authority, and made the Souldiers, partly by civility, partly by force, to get out of doors; and having lock'd them, promis'd the Maid he would protect her, and stay by her as long as should be ne­cessary to save her from the inso­lence of the Souldiers. This dis­course, which in appearance should have dissipated her fears, serv'd on­ly [Page 89]to heighten them: She could not imagine a man cover'd with bloud, and with dirt ('twas not a season for dust) should have so much Humanity, but fancy'd he sav'd her from others, the better to play a Game for himself. Prepos­sest with these thoughts, she stood at a distance, and in a lamentable tone pray'd him not to lessen the Greatness of the service he had done her, [...]y offering her violence to no purpose, being resolved ra­ther to lose her life, than her Ho­nour: Fear nothing, saith S. Aubin, were you acquainted with me, and knew me better, you would have better thoughts of me: I stay here only to guard you, and will be gone as soon as you command me.

This Maids Mo [...]r was gone that morning to Mass, and the Town was so suddenly taken, she had not time to return home e're the business was done. The Fa­ther, [Page 90]who could not find in his heart to see his House rifled, retir'd into the Covent of Capucines, in company with several others who expected like usage, as very well knowing the Rights Victory gives them who take a Town by Assault. But the Serene Monarch of France, as full of Clemency as Valour, and willing the season of the Siege, the taking of the Town, and the use of the Victory should [...]e equally extraordinary, sent in Mounsieur de Louvoy, who by mentioning the Kings Name, presently staid the fury of the Souldiers, and within a quarter of an hour caus'd better Orders to be observ'd in Valencien­nes taken by Assault, than had been observ'd by the Enemies at three days end in Treves, surrender'd by Composition. 'Tis easie to guess what a pleasant surprize it was to the Inhabitants, when creeping out of their lurking-holes, and places [Page 91]of refuge, instead of smoaking ru­nes they expected to see, they found houses very well furnish'd, [...]nd in the same condition they had [...]eft them; and instead of Fire and Sword they were so justly afraid of, they met with Officers coming [...]nto their houses with Gold and Silver in their hands to pay for what they wanted. S. Aubin a while after looking out at a Win­dow, saw all things quiet by the in­defatigable cares of the Minister I have nam'd: And having observ'd the Shops of that great City begin to open, and that his fair Hostess was now out of fear, he went out to seek his General, whom he found with his Majesty, giving him an ac­count of the particulars. The Pa­rents of the Maid S. Aubin had so generously protected being return'd home, ravish'd to find their Daugh­ter there, imbrac'd her with inex­pressible joy. The first transperes [Page 92]of this pleasant Enterview being over, she made them a faithful Re­lation of the Obligations she had to the brave French-man who suc­cour'd her, and declar'd the cir­cumstances of the service he had done her so much to the life, and how free the Gentleman appear'd from Self-interest, that her Father conceiving it not in his power suf­ficiently to acknowledge so vertu­ous and excellent an action; re­solv'd to clear himself from being lyable to an imputation of ingrati­tude, and spent two whole days i [...] searching (though in vain) for his Daughters Deliverer in the City and Camp. Having heard the Kings Musqueteers had first entre [...] the Town, he presently fanci'd the man he look'd for might be one of them. But having acquainted his Daughter with his thoughts, and told her the Musqueteers were Red­coats, she presently undeceiv'd him, [Page 93]by assuring him, her Protector was in a Habit of a different co­lour. Those who are good-na­tur'd, will easily guess what a tor­ment it was to those grateful per­sons not to find him they held themselves so much oblig'd to: They were vext at the heart they could not have sav'd their Goods without being ingrateful, and re­solved to make new search for the man, when S. Aubin curious to know who she was he had been so happy to save from the fury of the Souldiers, entred the House by a Back-door, the very same he entred by at first.

He cross'd a little Yard, and found himself just in the Room of a young Servant-maid, who not fully recover'd of her frights the day before, was so troubled to see a Stranger in her Chamber, that she set up her throat, and with the [...]oudness of her cryes drew all the [Page 94]House to her. They had certainly taken him for a Robber, had no [...] his good meen, and his Habit which was very decent, made then think him no such man. The [...] look'd on him with astonishment and knew not how to begin speak­ing to him, till the Daughter of the House came in after the rest, an [...] knowing S. Aubin's face, cry'd ou [...] That same was her Guardian Ange [...] and stood at his Elbow in a tran­sport of joy with the ingenuity an [...] innocence of a true Flemish Gi [...] The Father and Mother as sensib [...] as their Daughter of so happy [...] rencontre, ravish'd with joy to fin [...] themselves under those strong obli­gations to so lovely a Gentleman imbrac'd him with that affection and kindness may better be under­stood than exprest. The Father made him an offer of what part b [...] pleas'd of his Goods, owning h [...] held them of him, by whose boun­ty [Page 95]and goodness alone they were still his. The Mother, who had not yet spoke a word, interrupted her Husband, telling him, that in gi­ving the Gentleman part of their Goods, they paid him only in part for the service he had done them: But since he had preserved Mary-Anne their Daughter, dearer to them than all the treasures of the World, it was but reasonable to re­compence so considerable a good Office to the full, by intreating him to marry her; adding, she was their only Child, and that they had de­my'd her to Wife to one of the best Gentlemen in their Country. The Father applauded his Wifes Propo­sals, and Mary-Anne gave consent by her silence. S. Aubin who was not altogether so hasty, answer'd their offers with a great deal of Ci­vility, and gave them thanks for the Honour they would have done for him. The modesty of his an­swer [Page 96]heightned their kindness, and made them more eager, and put him to no small trouble to resist their pressing solicitations.

After long discourse, S. Aubin being call'd away by his Imploy­ment, was going off with promise to see them again; but his intend­ed Father-in-law looking upon him already as his Son, would not run the hazard of seeking him in vain, as he had done, over all the Army, but bore him company to his Quar­ters. By the way he gave him ac­count what a considerable Estate he had, and forgot not to acquaint him with the personal Merits of his Daughter, and the Quality of her Suitors. S. Aubin desirous to put the thoughts of Marriage out of his head, took occasion to tell him, it would be great wrong to the Fair Mary-Anne to be married to a Stranger, who had nothing to trust to but his Sword, and must needs [Page 97]make her unhappy, by being forc'd the morrow after his Marriage to follow the Camp, and leave her. The grateful Father was so far from being discourag'd by these Reasons, that having highly com­mended S. Aubin for his modesty, he imbrac'd him again, and with wonderful frankness told him, he thought himself the happiest man on Earth for having it in his power to contribute to the making the Fortune of a Gentleman of so sin­gular Worth. With that they parted, and the Father, when re­turn'd home, gave there an ac­count of his discourse with S. Au­bin, magnifying the good Fortune of his Daughter, now likely to be the Wife of a Gentleman, the handsomest, the least huffish, and the best humour'd of any in France.

The mean time the Victorious Monarch having given order for he reparations necessary for the [Page 98]safety of the place, decamped a few days after; and S. Aubin go­ing to take leave of those who had so much kindness for him, the whole Family was extremely sur­priz'd to see him upon going. To be rid of them, he told them, he was under an indispensable necessi­ty to follow the Army the begin­ning of the Campagne, upon pain of losing the little Honour he had gain'd, and the esteem of all that knew him; yet to satisfie their im­portunities, he promis'd in some time to come and refresh himself at their house for a moneth. The Mo­ther taking notice he said not a word of Marriage, ask'd him if he intended not to be their Son-in-law. S. Aubin having thank'd them for the Honour they would have done him, repeated almost the very words he had said to the Father on the like occasion. But being de­sir'd to speak more positively, he [Page 99]answer'd in general terms, he had never yet thought of Marriage; that in truth he found himself ve­ry averse from it, and would advise them to lose no time for setling their Daughter. The Parents of­fended at the Answer, thought he slighted their Daughter. S. Aubin perceiv'd it, and knowing they were troubled at it, he took his oc­casion to speak of Mary-Anne with all imaginable esteem and respect: But seeing they were not perswa­ded his discourse was sincere, he was at last forc'd, for their satisfa­ction, to make them a promise (which they desir'd of him) that he would never marry any other Maid but Mary-Anne. The Father presented him with a very fine Horse, which he was oblig'd to ac­cept, to avoid utterly disguisting them: And having taken his leave, after a thousand imbraces, S. Aubin got again to the Army.

All Europe had their eyes fixt on the march of that victorious Ar­my; some believ'd, that after an advantage which appear'd rather the work and fruit of an intire Campagne, than a Conquest of fifteen days, the King would have return'd to S. Germain to refresh himself after so great Fatigues, e­specially when his Majesty had News from all parts of the moti­ons of the Prince of Orange, to joyn his Troops with those of the Spaniards, with design to oppos [...] his Majesties undertakings. Bu [...] that great Monarch not us'd to qui [...] his delicious Palaces, to end [...] Campagne by the taking of on [...] Town, how important soever, dou­bled the surprize and astonishment of the World, by pouring his For­ces upon Cambray, the same which the Emperour Charles the Fifth had fortifi'd with so much care and ex­pence, the last Age, to heighter [Page 101]the Trophies of that Great, that Wise and Generous King, though the Emperour, when he fortifi'd it, design'd it the Bull-wark of the Low-Countries, and Cittadel of France, as the Spaniards in the late times called it.

While the greatest part of Eu­rope was differently concern'd for so famous a Siege, S. Aubin was busie in the service of his General with extraordinary assiduity and care, far beyond the usual rate of Ayds de Camp, which the Marshal de Luxembourg so well approv'd of, that he chose to imploy him before any other. The City of Cambray being reduc'd to capitulate, the Governour, before he would retire into the Cittadel, desir'd some fa­vour (the particulars I know not) in behalf of the Wives of the prin­cipal Officers. Mounsieur de Lux­embourg being upon the service of the day in the Trenches, and con­cern'd [Page 102]in that Negotiation, sent S. Aubin to Complement the La­dies from him. He entred the Ci­ty for that purpose; and having learnt that several of these Women were retir'd into a Monastery, he went thither; and seeing two or three amongst them, to whom all the rest paid extraordinary respect, he made up to them to speak to them. He had scarce begun, but he perceiv'd he spoke to the Coun­tess de Benavidez, who had fol­low'd her Husband to Cambray, where his Regiment was. S. Aubin, though surpriz'd at the sight of her, endeavour'd to recover him­self, and would have made an end of his Complement: But the Countess, who presently knew him, would not give him time, but imbrac'd him with such a tran­sport, as scandaliz'd the Company; this Lady, who always lov'd S. Aubin, having then forgot her [Page 103]Jealousie that made her hate Chri­stina. They spent some time in private discourse; and S. Aubin having told her what great reason he had to complain of the Mar­quess de Osseyra, the Countess who had so great a hand in setting them at variance, was glad at the heart to hear the News, and pretending her self much concern'd for her, pray'd her to shew her the quarrel­ling Letter he had injuriously sent her. S. Aubin having torn it, could not satisfie her desire, but told her the substance of it, assuring her it had occasion'd her taking Arms a­fresh, with a resolution not to en­tertain any passion but for Honour and Renown. The Countess would gladly have continued this dis­course, but fearing the Company would take it ill, she put an end to it, telling them, this Gentleman having been Prisoner the last year at Brussels, had done her the Ho­nour [Page 104]to visit her often. S. Aubin having confirm'd what the Coun­tess had said, retir'd, having offer'd them all the service in his power to obtain the favour they desir'd; which he perform'd so well, that the Ladies were satisfi'd, and gave him thanks by Letter.

The King desirous his Subjects of the Province of Boulonnois might be eas'd of the continual Incursions of the Garrison of S. O­mer, and by his reducing that place might injoy the redress his Majesty intended Picardy by the ta­king of Cambray, and the quiet all the rest of the Provinces of his Realm are blest with in the heat of War, his Majesty ordered a Body of an Army to be formed under the Command of his Worthy Brother for besieging S. Omer, the same time he lay before Cambray. This Enterprize appear'd so great, that Strangers doubted the success; and [Page 105]the Spaniards, who very well knew the strength of those places, and how well they were provided of necessaries for a long resistance, made no great haste at first to send their Succours: But frighten'd by the example of Valenciennes, they us'd extraordinary diligence to joyn their Troops to those of the Prince of Orange, in order to raising the Siege of S. Omer. The King ha­ving notice of their motions, and foreseeing their design, made a De­tachment out of his Army, which he sent under the Command of Mounsieur de Luxembourg, in aid of the Duke of Orleans before S. O­mer.

While Mounsieur de Luxembourg was conducting his Detachment with his usual activity and vigi­lance, S. Aubin, who follow'd him still, and animated by the happy success of the Kings Arms, and the Marshals Illustrious example, forti­fi'd [Page 106]his resolution of continuing in Arms, had by his diligence so far gain'd the esteem of his General, that he took particular notice of him, and imploy'd him on all re­markable occasions. This drew on S. Aubin the envy of his Com­rades, particularly a young Gentle­mans, whose other good qualities prevail with me to conceal his right Name, and to give him that of Richmond. This young Gentle­man, jealous of the kind usage S. Aubin received from the General Officers, and looking on him as an Upstart, and a very raw Souldier, let fall on several occasions some sharp language against him. S. Au­bin, who was naturally good-hu­mour'd, and had a very insinuating way, perceiving his disgust, endea­vour'd to gain him by fair means, Courting him every day, and o­mitting nothing that might oblige him to answer his kindness by some [Page 107]evidence of affection. Richmond had the ill nature to attribute S. Aubin's Civilities and obliging Carriage to his weakness, and fear of quarrelling him. This made him more insolent, so that he pur­posely affronted him on several oc­casions, reproaching him often with his Womans Face, and telling him a Martial-soul seldom lodg'd in so delicate a body. S. Aubin find­ing himself touch'd in so nice a point, could not forbear blushing at his reproaches; but willing to decline the noyse of a quarrel, en­deavour'd to put off all with a Jest, which did but incourage Richmond to be worse than before. At last S. Aubin, urg'd by frequent persecutions, and sensible he could no longer conceal his resentment, without exposing himself to conti­nual affronts, he took his time to find him alone, and tell him he was a-weary of his Raileries, nor would [Page 108]endure them any longer, but pray'd him, once for all, to put an end to them; otherwise he should be oblig'd to let him see, he knew how to revenge himself, though unacquainted with the ways of gi­ving affronts. Richmond made small account of this discourse, but fell again to his old way of Jeering. S. Aubin met him one day on his march, and taking his Pistol in his hand, told him, he was now re­solv'd to keep his word with him. Richmond having put himself in a posture of defence, S. Aubin dis­charging his Pistol, wounded him in the arm he held his Pistol by. Richmond being disabled, S. Aubin making use of his advantage, laid his other Pistol to his breast, threat­ning to kill him, unless he would beg his life. Richmond obstinately refusing, S. Aubin insisted on't no further, but told him, his obstinacy should not make him forget to be [Page 109]generous. Presently after they were parted by some Horsemen that o­vertook them. The Marshal of Luxembourg having heard of the Combat, caus'd them both to be ar­rested; and having carefully in­quir'd into the cause of the quarrel, he heard only in general, that S. Aubin was the Aggressor. This surpriz'd him the more, as having ever known him of a sweet and peaceable humour; which made him believe, he came not to these extremities without great provoca­tion: So that he resolv'd to know the bottom of the business, and found S. Aubin had made use of all fair means in his power to win over his Adversary (but all to no purpose) before he had ingag'd him. Richmond was blam'd for it, and Mounsieur de Luxembourg un­willing he should serve any longer under him, sent him to Perron, un­der pretence of having his wound [Page 110]cur'd, though 'twas very light. The Combat prov'd much to S. Aubin's advantage, the General esteeming him the better for't; and the other Ayds de Camp finding 'twas ill jesting with him, forbore their Raileries.

Mounsieur de Luxembourg was by this time arriv'd before S. Omer, just as Mounsieur was preparing to quit his Lines to go meet the Ene­my, though far more numerous. The succour came so seasonably, that both Armies being ingag'd, that of the Confederates was in­tirely defeated: The particulars of the Battel have been already so faithfully and fully related, I shall not attempt writing what is better done to my hand by another; the very relations made of it by the E­nemy, attribute all the advantage and glory of it to the Valiant Philip de France, who was every-where present; reviving their courage [Page 111]who began to give ground, and a­nimating the whole Army by his Example and Orders.

S. Aubin having still had a long­ing desire to see a Battel, was hear­tily glad of being at this: the se­veral Orders he had from his Ge­neral to carry through the Army, gave him the occasion to satisfie himself to the full, and to be pre­sent where the Victory was most smartly disputed. Happening to be at the defeat of a Spanish Battalion of Foot, out of his natural abhor­rence of bloudshed, he sav'd the lives of two Officers, under pre­tence of carrying them Prisoners to Mounsieur de Luxembourg: And having ask'd them several questi­ons about the condition of their Army, and what Generals they had, he found the Spaniards made a Body apart, under the Command of the Marquess de Osseyra. S. Au­bin was so troubled at the Name, [Page 112]he stood mute for some time. He was thinking at first to seek him out, and demand satisfaction with his Arms in his hand for the out­rage he conceiv'd he had receiv'd from him; but he had scarce fram'd his design, but he felt his heart fail him, and more concern'd for the person of the Marquess than it could be for an Enemy. He did what he could to suppress and get rid of that unseasonable tender­ness, but all would not do, his heart still hankerd after news of the Marquess, and was strongly bent to save his life, if possible.

While S. Aubin continued under these uncertainties, the Kings Vi­ctorious Brother taking his advan­tage of the disorder and consterna­tion the Enemies were in, com­manded Mounsieur de Luxembourg to pursue them with some Squa­drons: And with admirable fore­sight, his Royal Highness sent o­ther [Page 113]Troops to possess themselves of the Posts, by which the Ene­mies, though routed, might have attempted the relief of S. Omer. The Duke of Luxembourg the mean time being in pursuit of the Ene­my, and perceiving the Dragoons (who should have follow'd him) lag behind, and busie themselves in taking Prisoners, which would but hinder the service of the day, he sent S. Aubin with Orders for them to march, and to kill all their Pri­soners. S. Aubin carried these Or­ders, but with some reluctance; yet knowing it his duty to obey, not dispute the Orders of his Ge­neral, he carried them with his or­dinary diligence; and had no sooner approach'd the Dragoons, but he discern'd the Marquess de Osseyra among the Prisoners, which troubled him beyond expression. The Officer who commanded the Dragoons, seeing an Ayd de Camp [Page 114]coming towards them a gallop, made no doubt but he brought Orders; and having advanc'd a little way to receive them, S. Aubin concealing to his power the sur­prize he was in, without loss of time, he made use of that readiness of wit incident to those of the Sex, and told the Officer, that the Marshal de Luxembourg demanded a Prisoner, nam'd the Marquess de Osseyra: As for the rest, they should be put to the Sword, and the Dragoons to march up to the Troops, in pursuit of the Enemy. The Order was presently obey'd, and the Marquess consign'd into the hands of S. Aubin, whom he follow'd some paces on foot, not a­ble to comprehend by what good fortune he had escap'd the fate of the rest of the Prisoners. The Countess of Benavidez had told him Christina was in the French Army, which made him resolve, [Page 115]after the loss of the Battel, to ex­pose himself where he might be made Prisoner, in hopes by that means to have a sight of his dear Heroine. The thought of this flat­ter'd him so pleasantly, that he had not yet cast his eyes on his Deli­verer, being overjoy'd with his ha­ving escap'd the danger he fear'd of dying with grief, for want of an opportunity to clear himself to his Mistress. This joy was but short; for S. Aubin to carry on his design to the utmost, clapt a Pistol to the Marquesses Breast, and bid him prepare for death. This troubled the Marquess more now than it would have done on another occa­sion; and not able to Master his passion on the sudden, he reproach'd S. Aubin with his cruelty, in ma­king him languish so long, when he had resolv'd to kill him. But reviving himself; I will die (says he) contentedly, if you will give [Page 116]me your word to look out in your Army a Cavalier who goes under the Name of S. Aubin, and tell him, the Marquess de Osseyra thought upon him to the last mo­ment of his life, and had some pleasure in his death, as having been occasion'd by the Love he had for him. He fixt his eye the while on him he spoke to, and began to remember himself, when S. Aubin being on this occasion more Chri­stina than S. Aubin, and having had much ado to act this part with her Lover, dismounted, and exprest by her tears the passion of her heart, with greater Eloquence than the best Orator on Earth could have done it. The Marquess by this time knowing Christina was his Deliverer, was so deeply affe­cted with this new Obligation, that he stood seiz'd with a pleasant amazement at the goodness of his Mistress, at a time when she had [Page 117]so great reason to be angry with him. Yet as joyful as he was for having found her again in so extra­ordinary a manner, when he call'd to mind he had given her cause of offence, it almost distracted him; and not able to indure the misery of that condition, he beg'd her par­don, in terms so submissively passi­onate, that it was readily granted him, before explication made of the mystery of the Letter which had caus'd that disorder.

They had scarce understood one another, but they found themselves hemm'd in by a Body of Spanish Horse, which the Duke of Montal­to had sent to rescue his Friend out of the hands of the French. The Marquess was so full of Idea's of Love, and appear'd so little con­cern'd for a liberty he was no longer Master of, that he was not yet sen­sible of his good fortune; when the Duke of Montalto, who had [Page 118]given him up for dead, or a Pri­soner, imbrac'd him with all the marks of joy a true Friend could express on such an occasion. The Duke seeing him out of humour, and musing, imputed it to the ill success of their Enterprize, and thinking to comfort him said, their loss was not so great perhaps as they fear'd it on the sudden, and as­sur'd him they had taken a consi­derable number of Prisoners. He observ'd, in the mean time, the Marquess had his eye fixt on S. Au­bin, which obliged the Duke to advise him to send away that Pri­soner with the rest, and not trou­ble himself with taking charge of him. I owe my life and my liber­ty, says the Marquess, to his Gene­rosity; but these are the least of my Obligations to him, and the weakest reasons I have to share for­tunes with him; and then judge you what reason I have to see him [Page 119]well us'd. This discourse awaken'd the curiosity of the Duke, and made him look more earnestly than before on S. Aubin, whom after a short view he knew to be the fair Christina he had seen at Brussels, and was no stranger to her extra­ordinary Adventures. He gave his Friend joy of his good fortune, and being well acquainted with the passion he had for her, he easily i­magin'd they had many things to say to one another, and discreetly retreated, on pretence of fetching up the Straglers of his Troops.

Though the day of the loss of a Battel may be thought a time ve­ry improper for a General Officer to busie himself with matters of Love, the Marquess could not forbear en­tring into a large discourse, to clear all misunderstandings between him and his Mistress. After a thousand reciprocal assurances of loving one another for ever, Christina repre­sented [Page 120]to him the inconveniences she expos'd her self to, by being discover'd by several Officers, as she had been by the Duke de Mon­talto; and made him so sensible of the injury it would do them both, and what a trouble it would be to her to be the subject of discourse for a whole Army, that the Mar­quess perswaded by so convincing reasons, consented at last she should return to the French Camp, having faithfully promis'd him she would presently retire to Paris, quit an imployment so unsuitable to her Sex, and put her self into a Co­vent till the end of the Campagne, and that she would then marry him; it being her desire to delay it so long, that she might do it with more decency. The Marquess in Person guarded her as far as he could, and then ordered a Trumpet to bring her safe into the Camp. The General was in pain for S. Au­bin [Page 121]when he arriv'd, and had sent into several Quarters to inquire what was become of him: He told him, he had had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner; and that he was let go upon his Parol. Mounsieur de Luxembourg believ'd him, and promis'd to send the Spaniards a Prisoner in Exchange.

The morrow after the Battel, Mounsieur to make his Victory compleat, by taking S. Omer, re­turn'd to his Camp before the place, and press'd it so vigorously, that they were glad to Capitulate before he was Master of the Coun­terscarp: And S. Aubin had the pleasure to be in imployment about his General, the day the place was surrendred, as he had been at the taking of Valenciennes and Cam­bray, Mounsieur de Luxembourg having had the good Fortune to Command the service of the day, when every of those places was sur­rendred.

Three of the most considerable places of the Low-Countries reduc'd under the Kings Obedience, a great Battel won, wherein the For­ces of two great Potentates were defeated; and all this in the height of Winter, and in less than six Weeks time, are Prodigies Po­sterity will have scarce Faith to believe: Yet hardly any were sur­priz'd at the News, though very surprizing; all who had heard of the Kings Marching in February, having expected Actions altoge­ther extraordinary: And we may truly say of him, he hath taught the World not to be amaz'd at his extraordinary performances. His Enemies do him right in that parti­cular. The Court of Spain was in some Consternation at the News, the wise Prince, who is Prime Mi­nister there, having heard some Grandees speak of it with sur­prize, and attributing the success of [Page 123]the Kings Arms to his good For­tune, interrupted their discourse, to tell them, his success depended more on his Conduct and Merit, than on his good Fortune.

When S. Omer's was taken, the King put his Troops into Quarters of Refreshment, until the ordinary season for drawing them into the Field: And most of the General Officers went to taste the Pleasures of Paris. The Marshal of Luxem­bourg being of the number, S. Au­bin to perform the Promise made to the Marquess, would not lose so fa­vourable an occasion of accompa­nying the Marshal to Paris. He found himself by the way ingag'd in an Adventure extraordinary, as those he had formerly met with. The Duke of Luxembourg and Count Louvigny going together for Paris, the Baron d' Angosse, who has a dependance upon the Count, having in their March taken notice [Page 124]of S. Aubin's Countenance, thought he had seen him, but could not re­member the time, or the place: He took occasion one day to tell him h [...] had seen him before. S. Aubin [...] at it, made d' Angosse [...] inquisitive. Having rack'd his memory a good while, he be thought himself at last this Ayd d' Camp had the Ayr of a Man he had seen at Mounsieur Strasburg's at a Ball the year before, whom he had taken for Madamoiselle de Meyrac, the only thing that puzl'd him was, that Man was a Fleming, and the Duke of Luxembourg's People as­sur'd him, this was a Frenchman, and had served among the Mus­queteers. This put him upon a se­cond address to S. Aubin, to pray him to tell him seriously, if he was not the same Person who was in Maids habit when he mistook him for a Gentlewoman of Bearn. S. Aubin perplex'd to find him so [Page 125]closely and busily curious, thought it better confess he had been dis­guiz'd in Maids Cloaths, than give him occasion to discover he had been disguiz'd in Mans Apparel. D' Angosse having learnt what he so much long'd to know, told him, they might have very good sport when they came to Paris; and that if he would but put on Womans Cloaths, he should easily pass for Madamoiselle de Meyrac, by the help he would give him, to put a Trick on his Countrymen, which would be excellent divertisement. S. Aubin promis'd him all he de­sir'd; both arriv'd at Paris ex­tremely well satisfied, D' Angosse tickled with the Conceit of his Projects, and S. Aubin glad at heart to get rid of his Importunities.