Volume V Part 12 (1/2)
The courageous _Agnes_ was scarce Mistress of the first Transports, at a Discourse so full of Contempt; but calling her Virtue to the aid of her Anger, she recover'd herself by the a.s.sistance of Reason: And considering the Outrage she receiv'd, not as coming from a great King, but a Man blinded and possest by _Don Alvaro_, she thought him not worthy of her Resentment; her fair Eyes animated themselves with so s.h.i.+ning a vivacity, they answer'd for the purity of her Sentiments; and fixing them steadfastly on the King, 'If the Prince _Don Pedro_ have Weaknesses, (reply'd she, with an Air disdainful) he never communicated 'em to me; and I am certain, I never contributed wilfully to 'em: But to let you see how little I regard your Defiance, and to put my Glory in safety, I will live far from you, and all that belongs to you: Yes, Sir, I will quit _Coimbra_ with pleasure; and for this Man, who is so dear to you, (answer'd she with a n.o.ble Pride and Fierceness, of which the King felt all the force) for this Favourite, so worthy to possess the most tender Affections of a great Prince, I a.s.sure you, that into whatever part of the World Fortune conducts me, I will not carry away the least Remembrance of him.' At these words she made a profound Reverence, and made such haste from his Presence, that he could not oppose her going if he would.
The King was now more strongly convinc'd than ever, that she favour'd the Pa.s.sion of _Don Pedro_, and immediately went to _Constantia_, to inspire her with the same Thought; but she was not capable of receiving such Impressions, and following her own natural Inclinations, she generously defended the Virtue of his Actions. The King, angry to see her so well intentioned to her Rival, whom he would have had her hated, reproached her with the sweetness of her Temper, and went thence to mix his Anger with _Don Alvaro's_ Rage, who was totally confounded when he saw the Negotiation of his Master had taken no effect. The haughty Maid braves me then, Sir, said he to the King, and despises the Honour which your Bounty offered her! Why cannot I resist so fatal a Pa.s.sion? But I must love her, in spite of my self; and if this Flame consume me, I can find no way to extinguish it. What can I further do for you, replied the King? Alas, Sir, answered _Don Alvaro_, I must do by force, what I cannot otherwise hope from the proud and cruel _Agnes_. Well then, added the King, since it is not fit for me to authorize publickly a Violence in the midst of my Kingdom, chuse those of my Subjects whom you think most capable of serving you, and take away by force the Beauty that charms you; and if she do not yield to your Love, put that Power you are Master of in execution, to oblige her to marry you.
_Don Alvaro_, ravish'd with this Proposition, which at the same time flatter'd both his Love and his Anger, cast himself at the Feet of the King, and renewed his Acknowledgments by fresh Protestations, and thought of nothing but employing his unjust Authority against _Agnes_.
_Don Pedro_ had been about three Months absent, when _Alvaro_ undertook what the King counselled him to; tho' the Moderation was known to him, yet he feared his Presence, and would not attend the return of a Rival, with whom he would avoid all Disputes.
One Night, when the said _Agnes_, full of her ordinary Inquietudes, in vain expected the G.o.d of Sleep, she heard a Noise, and after saw some Men unknown enter her Chamber, whose Measures being well consulted, they carried her out of the Palace, and putting her in a close Coach, forced her out of _Coimbra_, without being hinder'd by any Obstacle. She knew not of whom to complain, nor whom to suspect: _Don Alvaro_ seem'd too puissant to seek his Satisfaction this way; and she accus'd not the Prince of this attempt, of whom she had so favourable an Opinion: whatever she could think or say, she could not hinder her ill Fortune: They hurried her on with diligence, and before it was Day, were a considerable way off from the Town.
As soon as Day began to break, she surveyed those that encompa.s.sed her, without so much as knowing one of them; and seeing that her Cries and Prayers were all in vain with these deaf Ravishers, she satisfied her self with imploring the Protection of Heaven, and abandon'd herself to its Conduct.
While she sat thus overwhelmed with Grief, uncertain of her Destiny, she saw a Body of Horse advance towards the Troop which conducted her: the Ravishers did not shun them, thinking it to be _Don Alvaro_: but when he approached more near, they found it was the Prince of _Portugal_ who was at the head of 'em, and who, without foreseeing the occasion that would offer it self of serving _Agnes_, was returning to _Coimbra_ full of her Idea, after having performed what he ought in this Expedition.
_Agnes_, who did not expect him, changed now her Opinion, and thought that it was the Prince that had caused her to be stolen away. 'Oh, Sir!
(said she to him, having still the same Thought) is it you that have torn me from the Princess? And could so cruel a Blow come from a Hand that is so dear to her? What will you do with an unfortunate Creature, who desires nothing but Death? And why will you obscure the Glory of your Life, by an Artifice unworthy of you?' This Language astonish'd the Prince no less than the sight of _Agnes_ had done; he found by what she had said, that she was taken away by force; and immediately pa.s.sing to the height of Rage, he made her understand by one only Look, that he was not the base Author of her trouble. 'I tear you from _Constantia_, whose only Pleasure you are! replied he: What Opinion have you of _Don Pedro_?
No, Madam, tho' you see me here, I am altogether innocent of the Violence that has been done you; and there is nothing I will refuse to hinder it.' He then turned himself to behold the Ravishers, but his Presence had already scatter'd 'em, he order'd some of his Men to pursue 'em, and to seize some of 'em, that he might know what Authority it was that set 'em at work.
During this, _Agnes_ was no less confus'd than before; she admir'd the Conduct of her Destiny, that brought the Prince at a time when he was so necessary to her. Her Inclinations to do him justice, soon repair'd the Offence her Suspicions had caus'd; she was glad to have escap'd a Misfortune, which appear'd certain to her: but this was not a sincere Joy, when she consider'd that her Lover was her Deliverer, and a Lover worthy of all her Acknowledgments, but who owed his Heart to the most amiable Princess in the World.
While the Prince's Men were pursuing the Ravishers of _Agnes_, he was left almost alone with her; and tho' he had always resolv'd to shun being so, yet his Constancy was not proof against so fair an Occasion: 'Madam, said he to her, is it possible that Men born amongst those that obey us, should be capable of offending you? I never thought my self destin'd to revenge such an Offence; but since Heaven has permitted you to receive it, I will either perish or make them repent it.' 'Sir, replied _Agnes_, more concern'd at this Discourse than at the Enterprize of _Don Alvaro_, those who are wanting in their respect to the Princess and you, are not obliged to have any for me. I do not in the least doubt that _Don Alvaro_ was the undertaker of this Enterprize; and I judged what I ought to fear from him, by what his Importunities have already made me suffer. He is sure of the King's Protection, and he will make him an Accomplice in his Crime: but, Sir, Heaven conducted you hither happily for me, and I am indebted to you for the liberty I have of serving the Princess yet longer.' 'You will do for _Constantia_, replied the Prince, what 'tis impossible not to do for you; your Goodness attaches you to her, and my Destiny engages me to you for ever.'
The modest _Agnes_, who fear'd this Discourse as much as the Misfortune she had newly shunned, answer'd nothing but by down-cast Eyes; and the Prince, who knew the trouble she was in, left her to go to speak to his Men, who brought back one of those that belong'd to _Don Alvaro_, by whose Confession he found the truth: He pardon'd him, thinking not fit to punish him, who obey'd a Man whom the Weakness of his Father had render'd powerful.
Afterwards they conducted _Agnes_ back to _Coimbra_, where her Adventure began to make a great Noise: the Princess was ready to die with Despair, and at first thought it was only a continuation of the design this fair Maid had of retiring; but some Women that served her having told the Princess, that she was carried away by Violence, _Constantia_ made her Complaint to the King, who regarded her not at all.
'Madam, said he to her, let this fatal Plague remove it self, who takes from you the Heart of your Husband; and without afflicting your self for her absence, bless Heaven and me for it.'
The generous Princess took _Agnes's_ part with a great deal of Courage, and was then disputing her defence with the King, when _Don Pedro_ arrived at _Coimbra_.
The first Object that met the Prince's Eyes was _Don Alvaro_, who was pa.s.sing thro' one of the Courts of the Palace, amidst a Croud of Courtiers, whom his Favour with the King drew after him. This sight made _Don Pedro_ rage; but that of the Princess and _Agnes_ caus'd in _Alvaro_ another sort of Emotion: He easily divin'd, that it was _Don Pedro_, who had taken her from his Men, and, if his Fury had acted what it would, it might have produc'd very sad effects.
'_Don Alvaro_, said the Prince to him, is it thus you make use of the Authority which the King my Father hath given you? Have you receiv'd Employments and Power from him, for no other end but to do these base Actions, and to commit Rapes on Ladies? Are you ignorant how the Princess interests her self in all that concerns this Maid? And do you not know the tender and affectionate Esteem she has for her.' No, replied _Don Alvaro_, (with an Insolence that had like to have put the Prince past all patience) 'I am not ignorant of it, nor of the Interest your Heart takes in her.' 'Base and treacherous as thou art, replied the Prince, neither the Favour which thou hast so much abused, nor the Insolence which makes thee speak this, should hinder me from punis.h.i.+ng thee, wert thou worthy of my Sword; but there are other ways to humble thy Pride, and 'tis not fit for such an Arm as mine to seek so base an Employment to punish such a Slave as thou art.'
_Don Pedro_ went away at these Words, and left _Alvaro_ in a Rage, which is not to be express'd; despairing to see himself defeated in an Enterprize he thought so sure; and at the Contempt the Prince shewed him, he promis'd himself to sacrifice all to his Revenge.
Tho' the King lov'd his Son, he was so prepossessed against his Pa.s.sion, that he could not pardon him what he had done, and condemn'd him as much for this last act of Justice, in delivering _Agnes_, as if it had been the greatest of Crimes.
_Elvira_, whom the sweetness of Hope flatter'd some moments, saw the return of _Agnes_ with a sensible Displeasure, which suffer'd her to think of nothing but irritating her Brother.
In fine, the Prince saw the King, but instead of being receiv'd by him with a Joy due to the success of his Journey, he appear'd all sullen and out of humour. After having paid him his first Respects, and given him an exact account of what he had done, he spoke to him about the Violence committed against the Person of _Agnes de Castro_, and complain'd to him of it in the Name of the Princess, and of his own: 'You ought to be silent in this Affair, replied the King; and the Motive which makes you speak is so shameful for you, that I sigh and blush at it. What is it to you, if this Maid, whose Presence is troublesome to me, be removed hence, since 'tis I that desire it?' 'But, Sir, interrupted the Prince, what necessity is there of employing Force, Artifice, and the Night, when the least of your Orders had been sufficient? _Agnes_ would willingly have obey'd you; and if she continue at _Coimbra_, it is perhaps against her Will: but be it as it will, Sir, _Constantia_ is offended, and if were not for fear of displeasing you, (the only thing that retains me) the Ravisher should not have gone unpunished.' 'How happy are you, replied the King, smiling with disdain, in making use of the Name of _Constantia_ to uphold the Interest of your Heart! You think I am ignorant of it, and that this unhappy Princess looks on the Injury you do her with Indifference. Never speak to me more of _Agnes_, (with a Tone very severe.) Content your self, that I pardon what's past, and think maturely of the Considerations I have for _Don Alvaro_, when you would design any thing against him.' 'Yes, Sir, replied the Prince with fierceness, I will speak to you no more of _Agnes_; but _Constantia_ and I will never suffer, that she should be any more expos'd to the Insolence of your Favourite.' The King had like to have broke out into a Rage at this Discourse: but he had yet a rest of Prudence left that hinder'd him. 'Retire (said he to _Don Pedro_) and go make Reflections on what my Power can do, and what you owe me.'
During this Conversation, _Agnes_ was receiving from the Princess, and from all the Ladies of the Court, great Expressions of Joy and Friends.h.i.+p: _Constantia_ saw again her Husband, with a great deal of satisfaction: and far from being sorry at what he had lately done for _Agnes_, she privately return'd him thanks for it, and still was the same towards him, notwithstanding all the Jealousy which was endeavour'd to be inspir'd in her.
_Don Alvaro_, who found in his Sister a Maliciousness worthy of his trust, did not conceal his Fury from her. After she had made vain attempts to moderate it, in blotting _Agnes_ out of his Heart, seeing that his Disease was incurable, she made him understand, that so long as _Constantia_ should not be jealous, there were no hopes: That if _Agnes_ should once be suspected by her, she would not fail of abandoning her, and that then it would be easy to get Satisfaction, the Prince being now so proud of _Constantia's_ Indulgency. In giving this Advice to her Brother, she promis'd to serve him effectually; and having no need of any body but her self to perform ill things, she recommended _Don Alvaro_ to manage well the King.
Four Years were pa.s.s'd in that melancholy Station, and the Princess, besides her first dead Child, and _Ferdinando_, who was still living, had brought two Daughters into the World.
Some days after _Don Pedro's_ return, _Elvira_, who was most dextrous in the Art of well-governing any wicked Design, did gain one of the Servants who belong'd to _Constantia's_ Chamber. She first spoke her fair, then overwhelm'd her with Presents and Gifts; and finding in her as ill a Disposition as in her self, she readily resolv'd to employ her.
After she was sure of her, she compos'd a Letter, which was after writ over again in an unknown Hand, which she deposited in that Maid's Hands, that she might deliver to _Constantia_ with the first Opportunity, telling her, that _Agnes_ had drop'd it. This was the Substance of it: