Volume V Part 20 (1/2)

The Eldest, called _Belvideera_, was indefatigably addicted to Study, which she had improv'd so far, that by the sixteenth Year of her Age, she understood all the _European_ Languages, and cou'd speak most of'em, but was particularly pleas'd with the _English_, which gave me the Happiness of many Hours Conversation with her; and I may ingenuously declare, 'twas the most Pleasant I ever enjoy'd, for besides a piercing Wit, and depth of Understanding peculiar to herself, she delivered her Sentiments with that easiness and grace of Speech, that it charm'd all her Hearers.

The Beauties of the second Sister, nam'd _Maria_, grew with her Age, every twelve Months saluting her with a New-years Gift of some peculiar Charm; her Shapes were fine set off with a graceful and easy Carriage; the Majesty and Softness of her Face, at once wrought Love and Veneration; the Language of her Eyes sufficiently paid the Loss of her Tongue, and there was something so Commanding in her Look, that it struck every Beholder as dumb as herself; she was a great Proficient in Painting, which puts me in mind of a notable Story I can't omit; her Father had sent for the most Famous Painter in _Italy_ to draw her Picture, she accordingly sat for it; he had drawn some of the Features of her Face; and coming to the Eye, desired her to give him as brisk and piercing a Glance as she cou'd; but the Vivacity of her Look so astonished the Painter, that thro' concern he let his Pencil drop and spoiled the Picture; he made a second Essay, but with no better Success, for rising in great Disorder, he swore it impossible to draw that which he cou'd not look upon; the Lady vexed at the Weakness of the Painter, took up his Pencils and the Picture, and sitting down to her Gla.s.s, finished it herself; she had improv'd her silent Conversation with her Sister so far, that she was understood by her, as if she had spoke, and I remember this Lady was the first I saw use the significative Way of Discourse by the Fingers; I dare not say 'twas she invented it (tho' it probably might have been an Invention of these ingenious Sisters) but I am positive none before her ever brought it to that Perfection.

In the seventeenth of _Belvideera's_, and sixteenth Year of _Maria's_ Age, _Francisco_, Brother to _Rinaldo_, was made Admiral of the _Venetian_ Fleet, and upon his first Entrance upon his Command, had obtained a signal Victory over the _Turks_; he returning to _Venice_ with Triumph, applause and spoil, presented to the great Duke a young _English_ Gentleman, who only as a Volunteer in the Action, had signalized himself very bravely in the Engagement, but particularly by first boarding the _Turkish_ Admiral Galley, and killing her Commander hand to hand; the Fame of this Gentleman soon spread over all _Venice_, and the two Sisters sent presently for me, to give an Account of the Exploits of my Countryman, as their Unkle had recounted it to them; I was pleas'd to find so great an Example of _English_ Bravery, so far from Home, and long'd extreamly to converse with him, vainly flattering myself, that he might have been of my Acquaintance. That very Night there was a grand Ball and Masquerade at the great Duke's Palace, for the most signal Joy of the late Success, thither _Belvideera_ invited me to Accompany her and _Maria_, adding withal as a Motive, that we might there most probably meet, and Discourse with this young Hero; and equipping me with a Suit of Masquerade, they carried me in their Coach to the Ball, where we had pa.s.s'd half an Hour, when I saw enter a handsom Gentleman in a rich _English_ Dress; I show'd him to _Belvideera_, who moving towards him, with a gallant Air, slaps him on the Shoulder with her Fan, he turning about, and viewing her Person, the Defaults of which were not altogether hidden by her Disguise; 'Sir, (said he) if you are a Man, know that I am one, and will not bear Impertinence; but, if you are a Lady, Madam, as I hope in Heavens you are not, I must inform you, that I am under a Vow, not to converse with any Female to Night;' 'Know then, Sir, (answered _Belvideera_ very smartly) that I am a Female, and you have broke your Vow already; but methinks, Sir, the Ladies are very little oblig'd to your Vow, which wou'd rob them of the Conversation of so fine a Gentleman.'

'Madam, (said the Gentleman) the Sweetness of your Voice bespeaks you a Lady, and I hope the breaking my Vow will be so far from d.a.m.ning me, that I shall thereby merit Heaven, if I may be blest in your Divine Conversation.' _Belvideera_ made such ingenious and smart Repartees to the Gentleman, who was himself a great Courtier, that he was entirely captivated with her Wit, insomuch, that he cou'd not refrain making Protestations of his Pa.s.sion; he talked about half an Hour in such pure _Italian_, that I began to mistrust my _Englishman_, wherefore taking some Occasion to jest upon his Habit, I found 'twas only a Masquerade to cloak a down-right _Venetian_; in the mean Time, we perceiv'd a Gentleman Gallantly attir'd with no Disguise but a _Turkish_ Turbant on, the richliest beset with Jewels I ever saw; he addressed _Maria_ with all the Mien and Air of the finest Courtier; he had talked to her a good while before we heard him, but then _Belvideera_, knowing her poor Sister uncapable of any Defence, 'Sir, (said she to the _Venetian_,) yonder is a Lady of my Acquaintance, who lies under a Vow of Silence as you were, I must therefore beg your Pardon, and fly to her Relief': 'She can never be conquer'd, who has such a Champion,' (reply'd the Gentleman) upon which _Belvideera_ turning from him, interpos'd between the Gentleman and her Sister, saying, 'This Lady, Sir, is under an Obligation of Silence, as a Penance imposed by her Father-Confessor.'

'Madam, (reply'd the Gentleman) whoever impos'd Silence on these fair Lips, is guilty of a greater Offence than any, such a fair Creature cou'd commit.' 'Why, Sir, (said _Belvideera_) have you seen the Lady's Beauty': 'Yes, Madam, (answer'd he) for urging her to talk, which I found she declin'd, I promis'd to disengage her from any farther Impertinence, upon a Sight of her Face; she agreed by paying the Price of her Liberty, which was ransom enough for any Thing under Heavens, but her fair Company'; he spoke in an Accent that easily shew'd him a Stranger; which _Belvideera_ laying hold of, as an Occasion of Railery, 'Sir, (said she,) your Tongue p.r.o.nounces you a great Stranger in this Part of the World, I hope you are not what that Turbant represents; perhaps, Sir, you think your self in the Seraglio'; 'Madam, (reply'd he,) this Turbant might have been in the _Turkish_ Seraglio, but never in so fair a one as this; and this Turbant (taking it off) is now to be laid at the Foot of some Christian Lady, for whose safety, and by whose protecting Influence, I had the Happiness to win it from the Captain of the _Turkish_ Admiral Galley.' We were all surpriz'd, knowing him then the young _English_ Gentleman, we were so curious of seeing; _Belvideera_ presently talk'd _English_ to him, and made him some very pretty Complements upon his Victory, which so charm'd the young Soldier, that her Tongue claim'd an equal Share in his Heart with _Maria's_ Eyes; 'Madam, (said he to her) if you have the Beauty of that Lady, or if she has your Wit, I am the most happy, or the most unfortunate Man alive.'

'Sir,' said the _Venetian_ coming up, 'pray give me leave to share in your Misfortunes.' 'Sir, (said _Belvideera_ very smartly) you must share in his good Fortunes, and learn to conquer Men, before you have the Honour of being subdu'd by Ladies, we scorn mean Prizes, Sir.' 'Madam, (said the _Venetian_ in some Choler) perhaps I can subdue a Rival.'

'Pray, Sir, (said the Stranger) don't be angry with the Lady, she's not your Rival I hope, Sir.' Said the _Venetian_, 'I can't be angry at the Lady, because I love her; but my Anger must be levell'd at him, who after this Declaration dare own a Pa.s.sion for her.' 'Madam, (said the _English_ Gentleman turning from the _Venetian_) Honour now must extort a Confession from me, which the Awfulness of my Pa.s.sion durst never have own'd: And I must declare,' added he in a louder Voice, 'to all the World, that I love you, lest this Gentleman shou'd think his Threats forc'd me to disown it.' 'O! then (said _Belvideera_) you're his Rival in Honour, not in Love.' 'In honourable Love I am, Madam,' answer'd the Stranger. 'I'll try,' (said the _Venetian_, going off in Choler,) he Whisper'd a little to a Gentleman, that stood at some Distance, and immediately went out; this was _Gonzago_, a Gentleman of good Reputation in _Venice_, his Principles were Honour and Gallantry, but the Former often sway'd by Pa.s.sions, rais'd by the Latter. All this while, _Maria_ and I were admiring the Stranger, whose Person was indeed wonderfully Amiable; his Motions were exact, yet free and unconstrain'd; the Tone of his Voice carried a sweet Air of Modesty in it, yet were all his Expressions manly; and to summ up all, he was as fine an _English_ Gentleman, as I ever saw Step in the _Mall_.

Poor _Maria_ never before envied her Sister the Advantage of Speech, or never deplor'd the Loss of her own with more Regret, she found something so Sweet in the Mien, Person, and Discourse of this Stranger, that her Eyes felt a dazling Pleasure in beholding him, and like flattering Mirrours represented every Action and Feature, with some heightning Advantage to her Imagination: _Belvideera_ also had some secret Impulses of Spirit, which drew her insensibly into a great Esteem of the Gentleman; she ask'd him, by what good Genius, propitious to _Venice_, he was induced to Live so remote from his Country; he said, that he cou'd not imploy his Sword better than against the common Foe of Christianity; and besides, there was a peculiar Reason, which prompted him to serve there, which Time cou'd only make known. I made bold to ask him some peculiar Questions, about Affairs at Court, to most of which he gave Answers, that shew'd his Education liberal, and himself no Stranger to Quality; he call'd himself _Dangerfield_, which was a Name that so pleas'd me, that being since satisfied it was a Counterfeit, I us'd it in a Comedy of mine: We had talk'd 'till the greater Part of the Company being dispers'd, _Dangerfield_ begg'd Leave to attend us to our Coach, and waiting us to the Door, the Gentleman, whom _Gonzago_ whisper'd, advanc'd and offer'd his Service to hand _Maria_; she declin'd it, and upon his urging, she turn'd to the other Side of _Dangerfield_, who, by this Action of the Ladies finding himself int.i.tled to her Protection, 'Sir, (said he) Favours from great Beauties, as from great Monarchs, must flow Voluntarily, not by Constraint, and whosoever wou'd extort from either, are liable to the great Severity of Punishment.' 'Oh! Sir, (reply'd the _Venetian_ very arrogantly,) I understand not your Monarchy, we live here under a free State; besides, Sir, where there is no Punishment to be dreaded, the Law will prove of little Force; and so, Sir, by your Leave,' offering to push him aside, and lay hold on the Lady. _Dangerfield_ returned the Justle so vigorously, that the _Venetian_ fell down the Descent of some Stairs at the Door, and broke his Sword: _Dangerfield_ leap'd down after him, to prosecute his Chastizement, but seeing his Sword broken, only whisper'd him, that if he wou'd meet him next Morning at Six, at the Back-part of St. _Mark's_ Church, he wou'd satisfie him for the Loss of his Sword; upon which, the _Venetian_ immediately went off, cursing his ill Fate, that prevented his quarrelling with _Dangerfield_, to whom he had born a grudging Envy ever since his Success in the late Engagement, and of whom, and his Lodgings, he had given _Gonzago_ an Account, when he whisper'd him at the Ball. _Dangerfield_ left us full of his Praises, and went home to his Lodgings, where he found a Note directed to him to this Effect:

SIR,

_You declared Publickly at the Ball, you were my Rival in Love and Honour: If you dare prove it by Maintaining it, I shall be to morrow Morning at Six, at the Back-part of St. +Mark's+ Church, where I shall be ready to fall a Sacrifice to both._

Gonzago.

_Dangerfield_, on the Perusal of this Challenge, began to reflect on the Strangeness of that Evening's Adventure, which had engag'd him in a Pa.s.sion for two Mistresses, and involv'd him in two Duels; and whether the Extravagance of his Pa.s.sion, or the Oddness of his Fighting-Appointments, were most remarkable, he found hard to Determine; his Love was divided between the Beauty of one Lady, and Wit of another, either of which he loved pa.s.sionately, yet nothing cou'd satisfy him, but the Possibility of enjoying both. He had appointed the Gentleman at the Ball to meet him at the same Time and Place, which _Gonzago's_ Challenge to him imported; this Disturbance employed his Thought till Morning, when rising and dressing himself very richly, he walked to the appointed Place. _Erizo_, who was the Gentleman whose Sword he had broke, was in the Place before him; and _Gonzago_ entered at the same Time with him. _Erizo_, was surprized to see _Gonzago_, as much as he was to find _Erizo_ there. 'I don't remember, Friend (said _Gonzago_) that I desired your Company here this Morning.' 'As much as I expected yours,' answered _Erizo_. 'Come, Gentlemen, (said _Dangerfield_, interrupting them) I must fight you both, it seems: which shall I dispatch first?' 'Sir, (said _Erizo_) you challeng'd me, and therefore I claim your Promise.' 'Sir, (reply'd _Gonzago_) he must require the same of me first, as I challenged him.' Said _Erizo_, 'the Affront I received was unpardonable, and therefore I must fight him first, lest if he fall by your Hands, I be depriv'd of my Satisfaction.' 'Nay (reply'd _Gonzago_) my Love and Honour being laid at Stake, first claims his Blood; and therefore, Sir, (continued he to _Dangerfield_) defend yourself.' 'Hold (said _Erizo_ interposing,) if you thrust home, you injure me, your Friend.' 'You have forfeited that t.i.tle, (said _Gonzago_ all in Choler,) and therefore if you stand not aside, I'll push at you.'

'Thrust home then, (said _Erizo_) and take what follows.' They immediately a.s.saulted each other vigorously. 'Hold, Gentlemen, (said _Dangerfield_ striking down their Swords) by righting your selves you injure me, robbing me of that Satisfaction, which you both owe me, and therefore, Gentlemen, you shall fight me, before any private Quarrel among your selves defraud me of my Revenge, and so one or both of you,'

thrusting first at _Erizo_. 'I'm your Man,' (said _Gonzago_) parrying the Thrust made at _Erizo_. The Clas.h.i.+ng of so many Swords alarm'd some Gentlemen at their _Mattins_ in the Church, among whom was _Rinaldo_, who since the Death of his Wife, had constantly attended Morning-Service at the Church, wherein she was buried. He with Two or Three more, upon the Noise ran out, and parting the three Combatants, desired to know the Occasion of their Promiscuous Quarrel. _Gonzago_ and _Erizo_ knowing _Rinaldo_, gave him an Account of the Matter, as also who the Stranger was. _Rinaldo_ was overjoy'd to find the brave _Britain_, whom he had received so great a Character of, from his Brother the Admiral, and accosting him very Courteously, 'Sir, (said he) I am sorry our Countrymen shou'd be so Ungrateful as to Injure any Person, who has been so Serviceable to the State; and pray, Gentlemen, (added he, addressing the other two) be intreated to suspend your Animosities, and come Dine with me at my House, where I hope to prevail with you to end your Resentments.' _Gonzago_ and _Erizo_ hearing him Compliment the Stranger at their Expence, told him in a Rage, they wou'd chuse some other Place than his House, to end their Resentments in, and walk'd off.

_Dangerfield_, on _Rinaldo's_ farther Request, accompanied him to his House.

_Maria_ had newly risen, and with her Night-gown only thrown loose about her, had look'd out of the Window, just as her Father and _Dangerfield_ were approaching the Gate, at the same Instant she cast her Eyes upon _Dangerfield_, and he accidentally look'd up to the Window where she stood, their Surprize was mutual, but that of _Dangerfield_ the greater; he saw such an amazing Sight of Beauty, as made him doubt the Reality of the Object, or distrust the Perfection of his Sight; he saw his dear Lady, who had so captivated him the preceeding Day, he saw her in all the heightning Circ.u.mstances of her Charms, he saw her in all her native Beauties, free from the Inc.u.mbrance of Dress, her Hair as black as Ebony, hung flowing in careless Curls over her Shoulders, it hung link'd in amorous Twinings, as if in Love with its own Beauties; her Eyes not yet freed from the Dullness of the late Sleep, cast a languis.h.i.+ng Pleasure in their Aspect, which heaviness of Sight added the greatest Beauties to those Suns, because under the Shade of such a Cloud, their l.u.s.tre cou'd only be view'd; the lambent Drowsiness that play'd upon her Face, seem'd like a thin Veil not to hide, but to heighten the Beauty which it cover'd; her Night-gown hanging loose, discover'd her charming Bosom, which cou'd bear no Name, but Transport, Wonder and Extasy, all which struck his Soul, as soon as the Object hit his Eye; her b.r.e.a.s.t.s with an easy Heaving, show'd the Smoothness of her Soul and of her Skin; their Motions were so languis.h.i.+ngly soft, that they cou'd not be said to rise and fall, but rather to swell up towards Love, the Heat of which seem'd to melt them down again; some scatter'd jetty Hairs, which hung confus'dly over her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, made her Bosom show like _Venus_ caught in _Vulcan's_ Net, but 'twas the Spectator, not she, was captivated. This _Dangerfield_ saw, and all this at once, and with Eyes that were adapted by a preparatory Potion; what must then his Condition be? He was stricken with such Amazement, that he was forced to Support himself, by leaning on _Rinaldo's_ Arm, who started at his sudden Indisposition.

'I'm afraid, Sir, (said he) you have received some Wound in the Duel.'

'Oh! Sir, (said he) I am mortally wounded'; but recollecting himself after a little Pause, 'now I am better.' _Rinaldo_ wou'd have sent for a Surgeon to have it searched. 'Your pardon, Sir, (said _Dangerfield_) my Indisposition proceeds from an inward Malady, not by a Sword, but like those made by _Achilles's_ Spear, nothing can cure, but what gave the Wound.' _Rinaldo_ guessing at the Distemper, but not the Cause of it, out of good Manners declined any further enquiry, but conducting him in, entertained him with all the Courtesy imaginable; but in half a Hour, a Messenger came from the Senate, requiring his immediate Attendance; he lying under an indispensable Necessity of making his personal Appearance, begg'd _Dangerfield's_ Pardon, intreating him to stay, and command his House till his return, and conducting him to a fine Library, said he might there find Entertainment, if he were addicted to Study; adding withal, as a farther Engagement of his Patience, that he should meet the Admiral at the Senate, whom he wou'd bring home as an Addition to their Company at Dinner. _Dangerfield_ needed none of these Motives to stay, being detained by a secret Inclination to the Place; walking therefore into the Library, _Rinaldo_ went to the Senate. _Dangerfield_ when alone, fell into deep Ruminating on his strange Condition, he knew himself in the House, with one of his dear Charmers, but durst not hope to see her, which added to his Torment; like _Tantalus_ remov'd the farther from Happiness, by being nearer to it, contemplated so far on the Beauties of that dear Creature, that he concluded, if her Wit were like that of his t'other Mistress, he wou'd endeavour to confine his Pa.s.sion wholly to that Object.

In the mean Time, _Maria_ was no less confounded, she knew herself in Love with a Stranger, whose Residence was uncertain, she knew her own Modesty in concealing it; and alas! she knew her Dumbness uncapable of ever revealing it, at least, it must never expect any Return; she had gather'd from her Sister's Discourse, that she was her Rival; a Rival, who had the Precedency in Age, as the Advantage in Wit, and Intreague, which want of Speech render'd her uncapable of; these Reflections, as they drew her farther from the dear Object, brought her nearer Despair; her Sister was gone that Morning with her Unkle, the Admiral, about two Miles from _Venice_, to drink some Mineral Waters, and _Maria_ finding nothing to divert her, goes down to her Father's Library, to ease her Melancholy by reading. She was in the same loose Habit in which she appeared at the Window, her Distraction of Thought not permitting her any Care in dressing herself; she enter'd whilst _Dangerfield's_ Thoughts were bent by a full Contemplation of her Idea, insomuch that his Surprize represented her as a Phantom only, created by the Strength of his Fancy; her depth of Thought had cast down her Eyes in a fix'd Posture so low, that she discover'd not _Dangerfield_, till she stood close where he sat, but then so sudden an Appearance of what she so lov'd, struck so violently on her Spirits, that she fell in a Swoon, and fell directly into _Dangerfield's_ Arms; this soon wakened him from his Dream of Happiness, to a Reality of Bliss, he found his Phantom turn'd into the most charming Piece of Flesh and Blood that ever was, he found her, whom just now he despair'd of seeing; he found her with all her Beauties flowing loose in his Arms, the Greatness of the Pleasure rais'd by the two heightning Circ.u.mstances of Unexpectancy and Surprize, was too large for the Capacity of his Soul, he found himself beyond Expression happy, but could not digest the Surfeit; he had no sooner Leisure to consider on his Joy, but he must reflect on the Danger of her that caus'd it, which forced him to suspend his Happiness to administer some Relief to her expiring Senses: He had a Bottle of excellent Spirits in his Pocket, which holding to her Nose, soon recover'd her; she finding herself in the Arms of a Man, and in so loose a Dress, blush'd now more red, than she look'd lately pale; and disengaging herself in a Confusion, wou'd have flung from him; but he gently detaining her by a precarious Hold, threw himself on his Knees, and with the greatest Fervency of Pa.s.sion cry'd out: 'For Heavens sake, dearest Creature, be not offended at the accidental Blessing which Fortune, not Design, hath cast upon me; (She wou'd have rais'd him up,) No Madam, (continu'd he) never will I remove from this Posture, 'till you have p.r.o.nounc'd my Pardon; I love you, Madam, to that Degree, that if you leave me in a distrust of your Anger, I cannot survive it; I beg, intreat, conjure you to speak, your Silence torments me worse than your Reproaches cou'd; am I so much disdain'd, that you will not afford me one Word?' The lamentable Plight of the wretched Lady every one may guess, but no Body can comprehend; she saw the dearest of Mankind prostrate at her Feet, and imploring what she wou'd as readily grant as he desire, yet herself under a Necessity of denying his Prayers, and her own easy Inclinations.

The Motions of her Soul, wanting the freedom of Utterance, were like to tear her Heart asunder by so narrow a Confinement, like the force of Fire pent up, working more impetuously; 'till at last he redoubling his Importunity, her Thoughts wanting Conveyance by the Lips, burst out at her Eyes in a Flood of Tears; then moving towards a Writing-Desk, he following her still on his Knees, amidst her Sighs and Groans she took Pen and Paper, writ two Lines, which she gave him folded up, then flinging from him, ran up to her Chamber: He strangely surpriz'd at this odd manner of Proceeding, opening the Paper, read the following Words:

_You can't my Pardon, nor my Anger move.

For know, alas! I'm dumb, alas! I love._

He was wonderfully Amaz'd reading these Words. 'Dumb, (cried he out) naturally Dumb? O ye n.i.g.g.ard Powers, why was such a wond'rous Piece of Art left imperfect?' He had many other wild Reasonings upon the lamentable Subject, but falling from these to more calm Reflections, he examined her Note again, and finding by the last Words that she loved him, he might presently imagine, that if he found not some Means of declaring the Continuance of his Love, the innocent Lady might conjecture herself slighted, upon the Discovery of her Affection and Infirmity: Prompted, by which Thought, and animated by the Emotions of his Pa.s.sion, he ventured to knock at her Door; she having by this Time dressed herself, ventured to let him in: _Dangerfield_ ran towards her, and catching her with an eager Embrace, gave her a thousand Kisses; 'Madam, (said he) you find that pardoning Offences only prepares more, by emboldning the Offender; but, I hope, Madam,' shewing her the Note, 'this is a general Pardon for all Offences of this sort, by which I am so encouraged to Transgress, that I shall never cease Crimes of this Nature'; Kissing her again. His Happiness was interrupted by _Belvideera's_ coming Home, who running up Stairs, called, 'Sister, Sister, I have News to tell you': Her Voice alarms _Maria_, who fearing the Jealousy of _Belvideera_, shou'd she find _Dangerfield_ in her Bed-Chamber, made Signs that he shou'd run into the Closet, which she had just lock'd as _Belvideera_ came in: 'Oh, Sister! (said _Belvideera_) in a lucky Hour went I abroad this Morning.' In a more lucky Hour stay'd I at home this Morning, thought _Maria_. 'I have, (continued she,) been Instrumental in parting two Gentlemen fighting this Morning, and what is more, my Father had parted them before, when engag'd with the fine _English_ Gentleman we saw at the Ball yesterday; but the greatest News of all is, that this fine _English_ Gentleman is now in the House, and must Dine here to Day; but you must not appear, Sister, because 'twere a Shame to let Strangers know that you are Dumb.'

_Maria_ perceived her Jealousy, pointed to her Limbs, intimating thereby, that it was as great a Shame for her to be seen by Strangers; but she made farther Signs, that since it was her Pleasure, she wou'd keep her Chamber all that Day, and not appear abroad. _Belvideera_ was extreamly glad of her Resolution, hoping that she shou'd enjoy _Dangerfield's_ Conversation without any Interruption. The Consternation of the Spark in the Closet all this while was not little, he heard the Voice of the Charmer, that had so captivated him, he found that she was Sister to that Lady, whom he just now was making so many Protestations to, but he cou'd not imagine how she was Instrumental in parting the two Gentlemen, that shou'd have fought him; the Occasion was this:

_Gonzago_ and _Erizo_, parting from _Rinaldo_ and _Dangerfield_, had walk'd towards the _Rialto_, and both exasperated that they had missed their intended Revenge against _Dangerfield_, turned their Fury upon each other, first raising their Anger by incensed Expostulations, then drawing their Swords, engaged in a desperate Combat, when a Voice very loud calling, (_Erizo_, hold) stopt their Fury to see whence it proceeded; when a Coach driving at full Flight stopt close by them, and _Francisco_ the _Venetian_ Admiral leaped out with his Sword drawn, saying, 'Gentlemen, pray let me be an Instrument of Pacification: As for your part, _Erizo_, this Proceeding suits not well with the Business I am to move in Favour of you in the Senate to Day; the Post you sue for claims your Blood to be spilt against the common Foe, not in private Resentment, to the Destruction of a Citizen; and therefore I intreat you as my Friend, or I command you as your Officer, to put up.' _Erizo_, unwilling to disoblige his Admiral, upon whose Favour his Advancement depended, told _Gonzago_, that he must find another time to talk with him. 'No, no, Gentlemen, (said the Admiral) you shall not part 'till I have reconciled you, and therefore let me know your Cause of Quarrel.'

_Erizo_ therefore related to him the whole Affair, and mentioning that _Dangerfield_ was gone Home to Dine with _Rinaldo_; 'With _Rinaldo_ my Father?' said _Belvideera_ from the Coach, overjoy'd with Hopes of seeing _Dangerfield_ at Home. 'Yes, (reply'd _Gonzago_ surpriz'd) if _Rinaldo_ the Senator be your Father, Madam.' 'Yes, he is,' reply'd _Belvideera_. _Gonzago_ then knew her to be the Lady he was enamour'd of, and for whom he wou'd have fought _Dangerfield_; and now cursed his ill Fate, that he had deny'd _Rinaldo's_ Invitation, which lost him the Conversation of his Mistress, which his Rival wou'd be sure of. 'Come, come, Gentlemen, (said the Admiral) you shall accompany me to see this Stranger at _Rinaldo's_ House, I bear a great Esteem for him, and so it behoves every loyal _Venetian_, for whose Service he hath been so signal.' _Erizo_, unwilling to deny the Admiral, and _Gonzago_ glad of an Opportunity of his Mistress's Company, which he just now thought lost, consented to the Proposal, and mounting all into the Coach, the three Gentlemen were set down at the Senate, and the Lady drove Home as above-mentioned.

_Rinaldo_ in the mean Time was not idle in the Senate, there being a Motion made for Election of a Captain to the _Rialto_ Galleon, made void by the Death of its former Commander in the late Fight, and which was the Post designed by the Admiral for _Erizo_. _Rinaldo_ catching an Opportunity of obliging _Dangerfield_, for whom he entertain'd a great Love and Respect, proposed him as a Candidate for the Command, urging his late brave Performance against the _Turks_, and how much it concerned the Interest of the State to encourage Foreigners. He being the Admiral's Brother, and being so fervent in the Affair, had by an unanimous Consent his Commission sign'd just as his Brother came into the Senate, who fearing how Things were carried, comforted _Erizo_ by future Preferment; but _Erizo_, however he stifled his Resentment, was struck with Envy, that a Stranger, and his Enemy shou'd be preferred to him, and resolved Revenge on the first Opportunity. They all went home with _Rinaldo_, and arrived whilst _Belvideera_ was talking above Stairs with her Sister. _Rinaldo_, impatient to communicate his Success to _Dangerfield_, ran into the Study, where he left him; but missing him there, went into the Garden, and searching all about, returned to the Company, telling them he believ'd _Dangerfield_ had fallen asleep in some private Arbor in the Garden, where he cou'd not find him, or else impatient of his long stay, had departed; but he was sure, if he had gone, he wou'd soon return: However they went to Dinner, and _Belvideera_ came down, making an Apology for her Sister's Absence, thro' an Indisposition that had seized her. _Gonzago_ had his wished for Opportunity of entertaining his Mistress, whilst she always expecting some News of _Dangerfield_, sat very uneasie in his Company; whilst _Dangerfield_ in the Closet, was as impatient to see her. The short Discourse she had with her Sister, gave him a.s.surance that his Love wou'd not be unacceptable. _Maria_ durst not open the Closet, afraid that her Sister shou'd come up every Minute, besides, 'twas impossible to convey him out of the Chamber undiscovered, untill 'twas dark, which made him Wonder what occasioned his long Confinement; and being tired with sitting, got up to the Window, and softly opening the Cas.e.m.e.nt, looked out to take the Air; his Footman walking accidentally in the Court, and casting up his Eye that way, spy'd him, which confirm'd his Patience in attending for him at the Gate; at length it grew Dark, and _Maria_ knowing that her Sister was engag'd in a Match at Cards with her Father, _Gonzago_ and _Erizo_, the Admiral being gone, she came softly to the Closet, and innocently took _Dangerfield_ by the Hand, to lead him out, he clapt the dear soft Hand to his Mouth, and kissing it eagerly, it fired his Blood, and the unhappy Opportunity adding to the Temptation, raised him to the highest Pitch of Pa.s.sion; he found himself with the most beautiful Creature in the World, one who loved him, he knew they were alone in the Dark, in a Bed-chamber, he knew the Lady young and melting, he knew besides she cou'd not tell, and he was conscious of his Power in moving; all these wicked Thoughts concurring, establish'd him in the Opinion, that this was the critical Minute of his Happiness, resolving therefore not to lose it, he fell down on his Knees, devouring her tender Hand, sighing out his Pa.s.sion, begging her to Crown it with her Love, making Ten thousand Vows and Protestations of his Secrecy and Constancy, urging all the Arguments that the Subtilty of the Devil or Man could suggest. She held out against all his a.s.saults above two Hours, and often endeavoured to Struggle from him, but durst make no great Disturbance, thro' fear of Alarming the Company below, at last he redoubling his Pa.s.sion with Sighs, Tears, and all the rest of Love's Artillery, he at last gain'd the Fort, and the poor conquered Lady, all panting, soft, and trembling every Joynt, melted by his Embraces, he there fatally enjoy'd the greatest Extasy of Bliss, heightned by the Circ.u.mstances of Stealth, and Difficulty in obtaining.

The ruin'd Lady now too late deplored the Loss of her Honour; but he endeavour'd to Comfort her by making Vows of Secrecy, and promising to salve her Reputation by a speedy Marriage, which he certainly intended, had not the unhappy _Crisis_ of his Fate been so near. The Company by this Time had gone off, and _Belvideera_ had retir'd to her Chamber, melancholy that she had missed her Hopes of seeing _Dangerfield_.

_Gonzago_ and _Erizo_ going out of the Gate, saw _Dangerfield's_ Footman, whom they knew, since they saw him with his Master in the Morning. _Gonzago_ asked him why he waited there? 'For my Master, Sir,'