Volume V Part 21 (2/2)

Old 'Squire _Constance_ was a very worthy Gentleman, and Sir _Henry_ had a particular Friends.h.i.+p for him; but (perhaps) that dy'd with him, and only a neighbourly Kindness, or something more than an ordinary Respect, surviv'd to his Posterity. The Day came that was to carry 'em to the young Lady _Constance's_, and her Lover was preparing to attend 'em, when the old Gentleman ask'd him, What he meant by that Preparation? And whether he design'd to leave him alone? Or if he could think 'twere dutifully or decently done? To which the Son reply'd, That his Care of his Sister, and his Respect to a young Lady, in a Manner a Stranger to him, had misled his Thoughts from that Duty and Regard he ought to have pay'd to his Father, which he hop'd and begg'd he would pardon, tho' he design'd only just to have seen her safe there, and to have return'd at Night. With this the old Gentleman seem'd pacify'd for the present; and he bid him go take Leave of the Lady; which he did with a great deal of Concern, telling her, that he should be most miserable 'till he had the Happiness of seeing her again; however, he begg'd she would converse with him by Letters, which might (happily) a little palliate his Misfortune in her Absence: Adding, that he would be eternally hers, and none but hers. To which she made as kind a Return as he could wish; letting him know, that she desired to live no longer than she was a.s.sur'd that she was belov'd by him. Then taking as solemn a Farewel of her as if he had never been to see her more, after he had given his Sister a parting Kiss or two, he led 'em down to his Father, who saw 'em mounted, and attended by two of his Servants. After which he walked with 'em about a Mile from the House, where he and young _Hardyman_ left 'em to persue their Journey.

In their Return to the House, said Sir _Henry_, I find, Son, I have hitherto mistaken your Inclinations: I thought they had altogether prompted you to great and manly Actions and Attempts; but, to my Sorrow, I now find my Error. How, I beseech you, Sir? (ask'd the Son.) You are guilty of a foolish lazy Pa.s.sion, (reply'd the Father) you are in Love, _Miles_; in Love with one who can no Way advance your Fortune, Family, nor Fame. 'Tis true, she has Beauty, and o'my Conscience she is virtuous too; but will Beauty and Virtue, with a small Portion of 2000_l._ answer to the Estate of near 4000_l._ a Year, which you must inherit if you survive me? Beauty and Virtue, Sir, (return'd young _Hardyman_) with the Addition of good Humour and Education, is a Dowry that may merit a Crown. Notion! Stuff! All Stuff (cry'd the old Knight) Money is Beauty, Virtue, good Humour, Education, Reputation, and high Birth. Thank Heaven, Sir, (said _Miles_) you don't live as if you believ'd your own Doctrine; you part with your Money very freely in your House-keeping, and I am happy to see it. 'Tis that I value it for; (reply'd the Father) I would therefore have thee, my Son, add to what in all Likelihood will be thine, so considerably, by Marriage, that thou mayst better deserve the Character of Hospitable _Hardyman_ than thy Father Sir _Henry_.--Come, _Miles_, (return'd he) thou shalt think no more on her.

I can't avoid it, Sir, (said t'other.) Well, well, think of her you may, (said Sir _Henry_) but not as for a Wife; no, if you mean to continue in your Father's Love, be not in Love with Madam _Diana_, nor with any of her Nymphs, tho' never so fair or so chast--unless they have got Store of Money, Store of Money, _Miles_. Come, come in, we'll take a Game at _Chess_ before Dinner, if we can. I obey you, Sir, (return'd the Son) but if I win, I shall have the Liberty to love the Lady, I hope. I made no such Promise, (said the Knight) no, no Love without my Leave; but if you give me _Checque-Mate_, you shall have my Bay Gelding, and I would not take 50 Broad Pieces for him. I'll do my best, Sir, to deserve him, (said the young Gentleman.) 'Tis a mettl'd and fiery Beast (said Sir _Henry_.) They began their Game then, and had made about six Moves apiece before Dinner, which was serv'd up near four Hours after they sate down to play. It happen'd they had no Company din'd with 'em that Day; so they made a hasty Meal, and fell again to their former Dispute, which held 'em near six Hours longer; when, either the Knight's Inadvertency, or the young Gentleman's Skill and Application, gave him the Victory and Reward.

The next Day they hunted; the Day following, the House was fill'd with Friends, and Strangers; who came with 'em; all which were certain of a hearty Welcome e'er they return'd. Other Days other Company came in, as Neighbours; and none of all that made their Visits, could be dismiss'd under three or four Days at soonest.

Thus they past the Hours away for about six Weeks; in all which Time our Lover could get but one Opportunity of writing to his adorable, and that was by the Means of a Servant, who came with a Letter from his Sister _Lucretia_ to Sir _Henry_, and another to him, that held one inclos'd to him from the beautiful _Diana_; the Words, as perfectly as I can remember 'em, were these, or to this Effect:

_My +Hardyman+,_

_Too Dear!--No,--too much lov'd!--That's impossible too. How have I enjoy'd my self with your Letters since my Absence from you! In the first, how movingly you lament the unkind Distances of Time and Place that thus divorces you from me! In another, in what tender and prevailing Words your Pa.s.sion is express'd! In a Third, what invincible Arguments are urg'd to prove the Presence of your Soul to me in the Absence of your Body! A Fourth, how fill'd with just Complaints of a rigorous Father! What a.s.surances does the Fifth give me of your speedy Journey hither! And the Sixth, (for no less methought I should have receiv'd from you) confirms what you last said to me, +That you will ever be mine, and none but mine.

--O boundless Blessing!+ --These (my Life) are the Dreams, which, for six several Nights, have mock'd the real Pa.s.sion of_

_Your forgotten +Diana+._

He read it, smil'd, and kiss'd it, and then proceeded to examine his Sisters, which held a great many Expressions of a tender Affection, and withal gave him Notice, that there was a mighty Spark lately come from Town into those Parts, that made his Court to the young Lady _Constance_; desiring him therefore to be as sudden in his Visit, if he intended any, as Possibility would permit. This startled and stung him: Wherefore, taking the Opportunity of his Father's Retirement, to write to the young Lady and his Sister; he dispatch'd a Letter to _Lucretia_, wherein he thank'd her for her Intelligence and Caution, and promis'd to be with her the next Night at farthest, if alive; and, at the same Time, writ to this Purpose to _Diana_:

Thou only Blessing for which I wish to live,

_How delightfully do you punish my seeming Neglect! I acknowledge I have not sent to you 'till now, but it was because it was utterly impossible, my Father continually keeping so strict a Guard over me himself, that not even +Mercury+ could evade or illude his Vigilance. Alas! my Soul, he is now no Stranger to my Pa.s.sion for you, which he pretends, at least, is highly offensive to him, for what Reasons I blush to think. But what signifies an Offence to him of so generous a Nature as my Love! I am a.s.sured I was born for you, or none other of your fair s.e.x, though attended with all the Advantages of Birth and Fortune. I will therefore proceed in this Affair, as if we were already united by the outward Ceremonies of the Church, and forsake him and all the World for you, my better Part! Be certain, therefore, that to-Morrow Night, e'er you sleep, you shall see (my Life, my Soul, my All)_

Your most sincere, and Most pa.s.sionate Lover, _Hardyman_.

This, with the Letter to his Sister, he convey'd into the Servant's Hand that came from 'em, undiscover'd of his Father; who likewise dismiss'd the Messenger with his grave Epistle, full of musty Morals, to the two young gay Ladies. But he had an unlucky Thought, that he was overseen in giving his Son the Opportunity of retiring from him, whilst he was writing to his Daughter and t'other fair Creature, having a Jealousy that young _Hardyman_ might have made Use of that very Article of Time to the same End. This made him very uneasy and restless. On t'other Side, the young Gentleman though he was extreamly satisfy'd with those endearing Expressions of Love which he found in _Diana's_ Letter, yet he was all on Fire with the Apprehension of a Rival, and the Desire to see him, that he might dispute with him for the glorious Prize.

The next Day, at Four in the Afternoon, they went to Bowls about a Mile off; where, after several Ends, the Knight and his Party lay all nearest about the Jack for the Game, 'till young _Hardyman_ put in a bold Cast, that beat all his Adversaries from the Block, and carry'd two of his Seconds close to it, his own Bowl lying partly upon it, which made them up. Ha! (cry'd a young Gentleman of his Side) bravely done, _Miles_, thou hast carry'd the Day, and kiss'd the Mistress. I hope I shall before 'tis dark yet, (return'd he.) Sir _Henry_ overhearing him, said, (his Face all glowing red with Pa.s.sion) How dare you, Sir, express your self so freely in my Hearing? There, (persu'd he, and struck him a Blow on the Ear) I first salute you thus: Do you know where you are, and who I am? Yes, you are my Father, Sir, (reply'd young _Hardyman_, bowing.) If you see her to Night, (said the pa.s.sionate Father) resolve to see me no more. By Heaven, and all my Hopes, no more I will, after this Minute, (return'd the Son, being retreated some Distance from him, out of his Hearing.) So taking his Leave of the Company, with the usual Ceremony, he went directly Home, where immediately he order'd his Servant _Goodlad_ to saddle their Horses, whilst he himself went up to his Chamber, and took all the Rings and Jewels that his Mother had left him, and the Money that he had then in his Possession, which altogether amounted to near twelve hundred Pounds; and packing up some Linnen in his Portmanteau, he quickly mounted with his Servant, and made his Way towards the Lady _Constance's_.

'Twas near seven a Clock e'er they got within Sight of his Mistress's, when our Lover perceiv'd a Gentleman and his Servant mounted at some Distance on t'other Side of the House, as coming from _London_: This unfortunately happen'd to be _Lewis Constance_, just return'd from his Travels, whom young _Hardyman_ had never seen before, and therefore could not know him at that Time: Observing therefore that they made to the same Place for which he was design'd, he halted a little, taking Covert under a large Elm-Tree, within a hundred Paces of the House, where he had the unlucky Opportunity to see his Mistress and Sister come out; whom _Lewis_ perceiving at the same Time, alighted, and ran eagerly to embrace her, who receiv'd him with Arms expanded, crying, O my Dear, dearest Brother; but that last Word was stifled with Kisses. Do I once more hold thee in my Arms! O come in, and let me give my Joys a Loose!

I am surpriz'd, and rave with extream Hapiness! O! thou art all to me that is valuable on Earth! (return'd he.) At these Words she, in a Manner, hal'd him in. This Sight was certainly the greatest Mortification to her Lover that ever Man surviv'd! He presently and positively concluded it could be none but that Rival, of whom his Sister had given him Advice in her Letter. What to do he could by no Means determine; sometimes he was for going in, and affronting him before his Mistress; a second Thought advis'd him to expect his coming out near that Place; upon another Consideration he was going to send him a Challenge, but by whom he knew not, for his Servant was as well known there as himself. At last he resolv'd to ride farther out of the Road, to see for some convenient Retreat that Night, where he might be undiscover'd: Such a Place he found about two Miles thence, at a good substantial Farmer's, who made him heartily welcome that Night, with the best Beer he had in his Cellar, so that he slept much better than he could have expected his Jealousy would have permitted: But the Morning renew'd and redoubled his Torture: But this jolly Landlord, hugely pleas'd with his good Company the Night past, visited him as he got out of his Bed, which was near two Hours after he wak'd; in which Time he had laid his Design how to proceed, in order to take Satisfaction of this Rival. He suffer'd himself, therefore, to be manag'd by the good Man of the House, who wou'd fain have made a Conquest of him; but he found that the young Gentleman could bear as much in his Head as he could on his Shoulders, which gave _Hardyman_ the Opportunity of keeping a Stowage yet for a good Dinner: After which they fell to b.u.mping it about, 'till the Farmer fell asleep; when young _Hardyman_ retir'd into his Chamber, where, after a Turn or two, he writ as follows to his Mistress's Brother, whose Name he knew not; and therefore the Billet is not superscrib'd.

_SIR,_

_You have done me an unpardonable Injury; and if you are a Gentleman, as you seem, you will give me Satisfaction within this Hour at the Place whither this Messenger shall lead you. Bring nothing with you but your Sword and your Servant, as I with mine, to take Care of him that falls.--'Till I see you, I am your Servant, &c._

An Hour before Supper, his kind Host wak'd, and they eat heartily together that Night, but did not drink so plentifully as they had since their first Meeting; young _Hardyman_ telling him, that he was oblig'd to be mounted at the fore-mention'd Morning, in order to persue his Journey; and that, in the mean Time, he desir'd the Favour of him to let one of his Servants carry a Letter from him, to one that was then at the young Lady _Constance's_: To which t'other readily agreed. The young Gentleman then made him a Present of a Tobacco-Box, with the Head of King _Charles_ the First on the Lid, and his Arms on the Bottom in Silver; which was very acceptable to him, for he was a great Loyalist, tho' it was in the Height of _Oliver's Usurpation_. About four a-Clock in the Morning, as our jealous Lover had order'd him, one of the Servants came to him for the Letter; with which he receiv'd these Instructions, that he should deliver that Note into the Gentleman's own Hand, who came to the Lady _Constance's_ the Night before the last. That he should shew that Gentleman to the Field where young _Hardyman_, should deliver the Note to the Servant, which was just a Mile from either House; or that he should bring an Answer to the Note from that Gentleman. The Fellow was a good Scholar, tho' he could neither read nor write. For he learn'd his Lesson perfectly well, and repeated it punctually to _Lewis Constance_; who was strangely surpriz'd at what he found in the Billet. He ask'd the Messenger if he knew his Name that sent it; or if he were a Gentleman? Nay (Ma.s.s, quoth the Fellow) I warrant he's a Gentleman; for he has given me nine good s.h.i.+llings here, for coming but hither to you; but for his Name, you may e'en name it as well as I--He has got one to wait a top of him almost as fine as himself, zure. The surpriz'd Traveller jump'd out of his Bed, slipt on his Gown, and call'd up his Servant: Thence he went to his Sister's Chamber, with whom _Lucretia_ lay: They both happen'd to be awake, and talking, as he came to the Door, which his Sister permitted him to unlock, and ask'd him the Reason of his so early Rising? Who reply'd, That since he could not sleep, he would take the Air a little. But first, Sister (continu'd he) I will refresh my self at your Lips: And now, Madam, (added he to _Lucretia_) I would beg a Cordial from you. For that (said his Sister) you shall be oblig'd to me this once; saying so, she gently turn'd _Lucretia's_ Face towards him, and he had his Wish.

Ten to one, but he had rather continu'd with _Lucretia_, than have gone to her Brother, had he known him; for he lov'd her truly and pa.s.sionately: But being a Man of true Courage and Honour, he took his Leave of 'em, presently dress'd, and tripp'd away with the Messenger, who made more than ordinary Haste, because of his Success, which was rewarded with another piece of Money; and he danc'd Home to the Sound of the Money in his Pocket.

No sooner was the Fellow out of Hearing, than _Lewis_, coming up to his Adversary, shew'd him the Billet, and said, Sent you this to me, Sir?

I did, Sir, reply'd _Hardyman_: I never saw you 'till now, return'd _Lewis_; how then could I injure you? 'Tis enough that I know it, answer'd _Miles_. But to satisfy you, you shall know that I am sensible that you pretend to a fair Lady, to whom I have an elder t.i.tle. In short, you entrench on my Prerogative. I own no Subjection to you, (return'd _Constance_) and my t.i.tle is as good as your Prerogative, which I will maintain as I can hold this, (continu'd he, and drew his Sword) Hah! n.o.bly done! (cry'd _Hardyman_ drawing) I could almost wish thou wert my Friend: You speak generously, return'd _Lewis_, I find I have to do with a Gentleman. Retire to a convenient Distance, said _Hardyman_ to _Goodlad_. If you come near while we are disputing, my Sword shall thank you for't; and you, Sir, retire! said _Constance_ to his Servant. And if you will keep your Life, keep your Distance! O my brave Enemy! (cry'd _Miles_) Give me thy Hand! Here they shook Hands, and gave one another the Compliment of the Hat, and then (said _Hardyman_) Come on, Sir! I am with you, Sir, (reply'd _Lewis_ standing on his Guard) they were both equally knowing in the Use of their Swords; so that they fought for some few Minutes without any Wound receiv'd on either Side. But, at last, _Miles_ being taller and much stronger than his Adversary, resolv'd to close with him; which he did, putting by a Pa.s.s that _Lewis_ made at him with his left Hand, and at the same Time he run him quite thro' the Body, threw him, and disarm'd him. Rise if thou can'st! (cry'd _Hardyman_) thou art really brave. I will not put thee to the Shame of asking thy Life. Alas! I cannot rise, (reply'd _Lewis_, endeavouring to get up) so short a Life as mine were not worth the Breath of a Coward.--Make Haste! Fly hence! For thou are lost if thou stay'st. My Friends are many and great; they will murther thee by Law. Fly! Fly in Time! Heaven forgive us both! Amen! (Cry'd _Miles_) I hope thou may'st recover! 'Tis Pity so much Bravery and Honour should be lost so early. Farewel.--And now Adieu to the fair and faithless _Diana_! Ha! (Cry'd _Constance_) O b.l.o.o.d.y Mistake! But could speak no more for Loss of Blood. _Hardyman_ heard not those last Words, being spoken with a fainting Voice, but in Haste mounted, and rode with all Speed for _London_, attended by _Goodlad_; whilst _Constance's_ Servant came up to him, and having all along travell'd with him, had two or three Times the Occasion of making Use of that Skill in Surgery which he had learn'd Abroad in _France_ and _Italy_, which he now again practis'd on his Master, with such Success, that in less than half an Hour, he put his Master in a Capacity of leaning on him; and so walking Home with him, tho' very gently and slowly. By the Way, _Lewis_ charg'd his Servant not to say which Way _Hardyman_ took, unless he design'd to quit his Service for ever. But pardon me, Sir! (return'd t'other) your Wound is very dangerous, and I am not sure that it is not mortal: And if so, give me Leave to say, I shall persue him over all _England_, for Vengeance of your Death. 'Twas a Mistake on both Sides, I find; (said _Lewis_) therefore think not of Revenge: I was as hot and as much to blame as he. They were near an Hour getting to the House, after his Blood was stopp'd. As he was led in, designing to be carry'd to his Chamber, and to take his Bed as sick of an Ague, his Sister and _Lucretia_ met him, and both swoon'd away at the Sight of him; but in a little Time they were recover'd, as if to torment him with their Tears, Sighs, and Lamentations. They ask'd him a thousand impertinent Questions, which he defer'd to answer, 'till he was laid in Bed; when he told his Sister, that the Gentleman who had thus treated him, bid her Adieu, by the Epithet of Fair and Faithless. For Heaven's Sake, (cry'd _Diana_) what Manner of Man was he? Very tall and well set, (reply'd her Brother) of an austere Aspect, but a well-favour'd Face, and prodigiously strong. Had he a Servant with him, Sir? (ask'd _Lucretia_) Yes, Madam (answer'd her Lover) and describ'd her Servant. Ah! my Prophetic Fears (cry'd she) It was my Brother, attended by _Goodlad_.

Your Brother! Dearest and Fairest of your s.e.x, (said _Lewis_) Heaven send him safely out of _England_ then! Nay, be he who he may, I wish the same; for he is truly brave. Alas, my dear, my cruel _Hardyman_! (cry'd _Diana_) Your _Hardyman_, Sister! (said _Lewis_) Ah! would he had been so! You might then have had Hopes of an affectionate Brother's Life; which yet I will endeavour to preserve, that by the Enjoyment of your dear and nearest Conversation, Madam, (persu'd he to _Lucretia_) I may be prepar'd to endure the only greater Joys of Heaven. But O! My Words prey on my Spirits. And all the World, like a huge s.h.i.+p at Anchor, turn round with the ebbing Tide.--I can no more. At these Words both the Ladies shriek'd aloud, which made him sigh, and move his Hand as well as he could toward the Door; his Attendant perceiv'd it, and told 'em he sign'd to them to quit the Room; as indeed it was necessary they should, that he might repose a while if possible, at least that he might not be oblig'd to talk, nor look much about him. They obey'd the Necessity, but with some Reluctancy, and went into their own Chamber, where they sigh'd, wept, and lamented their Misfortunes for near two Hours together: When all on a suddain, the Aunt, who had her Share of Sorrow too in this ugly Business, came running up to 'em, to let 'em know that old Sir _Harry Hardyman_ was below, and came to carry his Daughter Madam _Lucretia_ Home with him. This both surpriz'd and troubled the young Ladies, who were yet more disturb'd, when the Aunt told them, that he enquir'd for his Son, and would not be convinc'd by any Argument whatever; no, nor Protestation in her Capacity, that young _Hardyman_ was not in the House, nor that he had not been entertain'd there ever since he left his Father--But come, Cousin and Madam, (said she to the young Ladies) go down to him immediately, or I fear he'll come up to you. _Lucretia_ knew she must, and t'other would not be there alone: So down they came to the Old testy Gentleman. Your Servant, Lady, (said he to _Diana_) _Lucretia_ then kneel'd for his Blessing. Very well, very well, (cry'd he hastily) G.o.d bless you! Where's your Brother? Ha!

Where's your Brother? I know not, Sir, (she answer'd) I have not seen him since I have been here. No, (said he) not since you have been in this Parlour last, you mean. I mean, Sir, (she return'd) upon my Hopes of yours and Heaven's Blessing, I have not seen him since I saw you, Sir, within a Mile of our own House. Ha! _Lucretia_, Ha! (cry'd the old Infidel) have a Care you pull not mine and Heaven's Curse on your Head!

Believe me, Sir, (said _Diana_) to my Knowledge, she has not. Why, Lady, (ask'd the pa.s.sionate Knight) are you so curious and fond of him your self, that you will allow no Body else the Sight of him? Not so much as his own Sister? I don't understand you, Sir, (she reply'd) for, by my Hopes of Heaven, I have not seen him neither since that Day I left you.

Hey! pa.s.s and repa.s.s, (cry'd the old suspicious Father) _presto_, be gone!--This is all Conjuration. 'Tis diabolical, dealing with the Devil!

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