Title: Incognita; or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd
Author: Congreve, William, 1670-1729
Language: English
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INCOGNITA: OR, LOVE AND DUTY RECONCIL'D
A NOVEL
by William Congreve


TO THE
Honoured and Worthily Esteem'd
Mrs. _Katharine Leveson_.

_Madam_,

A Clear Wit, sound Judgment and a Merciful Disposition, are things so
rarely united, that it is almost inexcusable to entertain them with any
thing less excellent in its kind.  My knowledge of you were a sufficient
Caution to me, to avoid your Censure of this Trifle, had I not as intire
a knowledge of your Goodness.  Since I have drawn my Pen for a
Rencounter, I think it better to engage where, though there be Skill
enough to Disarm me, there is too much Generosity to Wound; for so shall
I have the saving Reputation of an unsuccessful Courage, if I cannot make
it a drawn Battle.  But methinks the Comparison intimates something of a
Defiance, and savours of Arrogance; wherefore since I am Conscious to my
self of a Fear which I cannot put off, let me use the Policy of Cowards
and lay this Novel unarm'd, naked and shivering at your Feet, so that if
it should want Merit to challenge Protection, yet, as an Object of
Charity, it may move Compassion.  It has been some Diversion to me to
Write it, I wish it may prove such to you when you have an hour to throw
away in Reading of it: but this Satisfaction I have at least beforehand,
that in its greatest failings it may fly for Pardon to that Indulgence
which you owe to the weakness of your Friend; a Title which I am proud
you have thought me worthy of, and which I think can alone be superior to
that

_Your most Humble and_
_Obliged Servant_
CLEOPHIL.



THE PREFACE TO THE READER.


Reader,

Some Authors are so fond of a Preface, that they will write one tho'
there be nothing more in it than an Apology for its self.  But to show
thee that I am not one of those, I will make no Apology for this, but do
tell thee that I think it necessary to be prefix'd to this Trifle, to
prevent thy overlooking some little pains which I have taken in the
Composition of the following Story.  Romances are generally composed of
the Constant Loves and invincible Courages of Hero's, Heroins, Kings and
Queens, Mortals of the first Rank, and so forth; where lofty Language,
miraculous Contingencies and impossible Performances, elevate and
surprize the Reader into a giddy Delight, which leaves him flat upon the
Ground whenever he gives of, and vexes him to think how he has suffer'd
himself to be pleased and transported, concern'd and afflicted at the
several Passages which he has Read, viz. these Knights Success to their
Damosels Misfortunes, and such like, when he is forced to be very well
convinced that 'tis all a lye.  Novels are of a more familiar nature;
Come near us, and represent to us Intrigues in practice, delight us with
Accidents and odd Events, but not such as are wholly unusual or
unpresidented, such which not being so distant from our Belief bring also
the pleasure nearer us.  Romances give more of Wonder, Novels more
Delight.  And with reverence be it spoken, and the Parallel kept at due
distance, there is something of equality in the Proportion which they
bear in reference to one another, with that betwen Comedy and Tragedy;
but the Drama is the long extracted from Romance and History: 'tis the
Midwife to Industry, and brings forth alive the Conceptions of the Brain.
Minerva walks upon the Stage before us, and we are more assured of the
real presence of Wit when it is delivered viva voce--

   Segnius irritant animos demissa per aurem,
   Quam quae sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus, & quae
   Ipse sibi tradit spectator.--Horace.

Since all Traditions must indisputably give place to the Drama, and since
there is no possibility of giving that life to the Writing or Repetition
of a Story which it has in the Action, I resolved in another beauty to
imitate Dramatick Writing, namely, in the Design, Contexture and Result
of the Plot.  I have not observed it before in a Novel.  Some I have seen
begin with an unexpected accident, which has been the only surprizing
part of the Story, cause enough to make the Sequel look flat, tedious and
insipid; for 'tis but reasonable the Reader should expect it not to rise,
at least to keep upon a level in the entertainment; for so he may be kept
on in hopes that at some time or other it may mend; but the 'tother is
such a balk to a Man, 'tis carrying him up stairs to show him the Dining-
Room, and after forcing him to make a Meal in the Kitchin.  This I have
not only endeavoured to avoid, but also have used a method for the
contrary purpose.  The design of the Novel is obvious, after the first
meeting of Aurelian and Hippolito with Incognita and Leonora, and the
difficulty is in bringing it to pass, maugre all apparent obstacles,
within the compass of two days.  How many probable Casualties intervene
in opposition to the main Design, viz. of marrying two Couple so oddly
engaged in an intricate Amour, I leave the Reader at his leisure to
consider: As also whether every Obstacle does not in the progress of the
Story act as subservient to that purpose, which at first it seems to
oppose.  In a Comedy this would be called the Unity of Action; here it
may pretend to no more than an Unity of Contrivance.  The Scene is
continued in Florence from the commencement of the Amour; and the time
from first to last is but three days.  If there be any thing more in
particular resembling the Copy which I imitate (as the Curious Reader
will soon perceive) I leave it to show it self, being very well satisfy'd
how much more proper it had been for him to have found out this himself,
than for me to prepossess him with an Opinion of something extraordinary
in an Essay began and finished in the idler hours of a fortnight's time:
for I can only esteem it a laborious idleness, which is Parent to so
inconsiderable a Birth.  I have gratified the Bookseller in pretending an
occasion for a Preface; the other two Persons concern'd are the Reader
and my self, and if he be but pleased with what was produced for that
end, my satisfaction follows of course, since it will be proportion'd to
his Approbation or Dislike.



INCOGNITA:
OR,
Love & Duty
RECONCIL'D


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

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

Here Aurelian contracted an acquaintance with Persons of Worth of several
Countries, but among the rest an intimacy with a Gentleman of Quality of
Spain, and Nephew to the Archbishop of Toledo, who had so wrought himself
into the Affections of Aurelian, through a Conformity of Temper, an
Equality in Years, and something of resemblance in Feature and
Proportion, that he look'd upon him as his second self.  Hippolito, on
the other hand, was not ungrateful in return of Friendship, but thought
himself either alone or in ill Company, if Aurelian were absent: but his
Uncle having sent him to travel, under the Conduct of a Governour, and
the two Years which limited his stay at Siena being expired, he was put
in mind of his departure.  His Friend grew melancholy at the News, but
considering that Hippolito had never seen Florence, he easily prevailed
with him to make his first journey thither, whither he would accompany
him, and perhaps prevail with his Father to do the like throughout his
Travels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



The Letter.


   MADAM,

   If your fair Eyes, upon the breaking up of this, meet with somewhat
   too quick a Surprize, make thence, I beseech you, some reflection upon
   the Condition I must needs have been in, at the suddain Appearance of
   that Sun of Beauty, which at once shone so full upon my soul.  I could
   not immediately disengage my self from that Maze of Charms, to let you
   know how unworthy a Captive your Eyes had made through mistake.  Sure,
   Madam, you cannot but remember my Disorder, of which your Innocent
   (Innocent, though perhaps to me Fatal) Error made a Charitable (but
   wide) Construction.  Your Tongue pursued the Victory of your Eyes, and
   you did not give me time to rally my poor Disordered Senses, so as to
   make a tolerable Retreat.  Pardon, Madam, the Continuation of the
   Deceipt, and call it not so, that I appear'd to be other than my self;
   for Heaven knows I was not then my self, nor am I now my own.  You
   told me something that concern'd me nearly, as to a Marriage my Father
   design'd me, and much more nearly in being told by you.  For Heaven's
   sake, disclose not to any Body your Knowledge of me, that I may not be
   forced to an immediate Act of Disobedience; for if my future Services
   and inviolate Love, cannot recommend me to your Favour, I shall find
   more comfort in the cold Embraces of a Grave, than in the Arms of the
   never so much admired (but by me dreaded) Juliana.  Think, Madam, of
   those severe Circumstances I lie under; and withal I beg you, think it
   is in your Power, and only in your Power, to make them happy as my
   Wishes, or much more miserable than I am able to imagine.  That dear,
   inestimable (though undesign'd) Favour which I receiv'd from you,
   shall this Day distinguish me from the Crowd of your Admirers; that
   which I really applied to my inward bleeding Wound, the welcom Wound
   which you have made, and which, unless from you, does wish no Cure;
   then pardon and have pity on, O Adored Leonora, him, who is your's by
   Creation as he is Heaven's, though never so unworthy.  Have pity on

   Your
   Aurelian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   I.

   Ah! Whither, whither shall I fly,
   A poor unhappy Maid;
   To hopeless Love and Misery
   By my own Heart betray'd?
   Not by Alexis Eyes undone,
   Nor by his Charming Faithless Tongue,
   Or any Practis'd Art;
   Such real Ills may hope a Cure,
   But the sad Pains which I endure
   Proceed from fansied Smart.

   II.

   'Twas Fancy gave Alexis Charms,
   Ere I beheld his Face:
   Kind Fancy (then) could fold our Arms,
   And form a soft Embrace.
   But since I've seen the real Swain,
   And try'd to fancy him again,
   I'm by my Fancy taught,
   Though 'tis a Bliss no Tongue can tell,
   To have Alexis, yet 'tis Hell
   To have him but in Thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Incognita; or, Love and Duty Reconcil'd" ***

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