INCOGNITA: OR, LOVE AND DUTY RECONCIL'DA NOVELby William Congreve

TO THEHonoured and Worthily Esteem'dMrs. _Katharine Leveson_. 

_Madam_, A Clear Wit, sound Judgment and a Merciful Disposition, are things sorarely united, that it is almost inexcusable to entertain them with anything less excellent in its kind. My knowledge of you were a sufficientCaution to me, to avoid your Censure of this Trifle, had I not as intirea knowledge of your Goodness. Since I have drawn my Pen for aRencounter, I think it better to engage where, though there be Skillenough to Disarm me, there is too much Generosity to Wound; for so shallI have the saving Reputation of an unsuccessful Courage, if I cannot makeit a drawn Battle. But methinks the Comparison intimates something of aDefiance, and savours of Arrogance; wherefore since I am Conscious to myself of a Fear which I cannot put off, let me use the Policy of Cowardsand lay this Novel unarm'd, naked and shivering at your Feet, so that ifit should want Merit to challenge Protection, yet, as an Object ofCharity, it may move Compassion. It has been some Diversion to me toWrite it, I wish it may prove such to you when you have an hour to throwaway in Reading of it: but this Satisfaction I have at least beforehand, that in its greatest failings it may fly for Pardon to that Indulgencewhich you owe to the weakness of your Friend; a Title which I am proudyou have thought me worthy of, and which I think can alone be superior tothat

_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 showthee that I am not one of those, I will make no Apology for this, but dotell thee that I think it necessary to be prefix'd to this Trifle, toprevent thy overlooking some little pains which I have taken in theComposition of the following Story. Romances are generally composed ofthe Constant Loves and invincible Courages of Hero's, Heroins, Kings andQueens, Mortals of the first Rank, and so forth; where lofty Language, miraculous Contingencies and impossible Performances, elevate andsurprize the Reader into a giddy Delight, which leaves him flat upon theGround whenever he gives of, and vexes him to think how he has suffer'dhimself to be pleased and transported, concern'd and afflicted at theseveral Passages which he has Read, viz. These Knights Success to theirDamosels Misfortunes, and such like, when he is forced to be very wellconvinced that 'tis all a lye. Novels are of a more familiar nature;Come near us, and represent to us Intrigues in practice, delight us withAccidents and odd Events, but not such as are wholly unusual orunpresidented, such which not being so distant from our Belief bring alsothe pleasure nearer us. Romances give more of Wonder, Novels moreDelight. And with reverence be it spoken, and the Parallel kept at duedistance, there is something of equality in the Proportion which theybear in reference to one another, with that betwen Comedy and Tragedy;but the Drama is the long extracted from Romance and History: 'tis theMidwife to Industry, and brings forth alive the Conceptions of the Brain. Minerva walks upon the Stage before us, and we are more assured of thereal 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 sincethere is no possibility of giving that life to the Writing or Repetitionof a Story which it has in the Action, I resolved in another beauty toimitate Dramatick Writing, namely, in the Design, Contexture and Resultof the Plot. I have not observed it before in a Novel. Some I have seenbegin with an unexpected accident, which has been the only surprizingpart of the Story, cause enough to make the Sequel look flat, tedious andinsipid; 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 kepton in hopes that at some time or other it may mend; but the 'tother issuch 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 havenot only endeavoured to avoid, but also have used a method for thecontrary purpose. The design of the Novel is obvious, after the firstmeeting of Aurelian and Hippolito with Incognita and Leonora, and thedifficulty is in bringing it to pass, maugre all apparent obstacles, within the compass of two days. How many probable Casualties intervenein opposition to the main Design, viz. Of marrying two Couple so oddlyengaged in an intricate Amour, I leave the Reader at his leisure toconsider: As also whether every Obstacle does not in the progress of theStory act as subservient to that purpose, which at first it seems tooppose. In a Comedy this would be called the Unity of Action; here itmay pretend to no more than an Unity of Contrivance. The Scene iscontinued in Florence from the commencement of the Amour; and the timefrom first to last is but three days. If there be any thing more inparticular resembling the Copy which I imitate (as the Curious Readerwill soon perceive) I leave it to show it self, being very well satisfy'dhow 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 extraordinaryin 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 soinconsiderable a Birth. I have gratified the Bookseller in pretending anoccasion for a Preface; the other two Persons concern'd are the Readerand my self, and if he be but pleased with what was produced for thatend, my satisfaction follows of course, since it will be proportion'd tohis Approbation or Dislike. 

INCOGNITA:OR, Love & DutyRECONCIL'D

Aurelian was the only Son to a Principal Gentleman of Florence. TheIndulgence of his Father prompted, and his Wealth enabled him, to bestowa generous Education upon him, whom, he now began to look upon as theType of himself; an Impression he had made in the Gayety and Vigour ofhis Youth, before the Rust of Age had debilitated and obscur'd theSplendour of the Original: He was sensible, That he ought not to besparing in the Adornment of him, if he had Resolution to beautifie hisown Memory. Indeed Don Fabio (for so was the Old Gentleman call'd) hasbeen observ'd to have fix'd his Eyes upon Aurelian, when much Company hasbeen at Table, and have wept through Earnestness of Intention, if nothinghapned to divert the Object; whether it were for regret, at theRecollection of his former self, or for the Joy he conceiv'd in being, asit were, reviv'd in the Person of his Son, I never took upon me toenquire, but suppos'd it might be sometimes one, and sometimes bothtogether. 

Aurelian, at the Age of Eighteen Years, wanted nothing (but a Beard) thatthe most accomplished Cavalier in Florence could pretend to: he had beenEducated from Twelve Years old at Siena, where it seems his Father kept aReceiver, having a large Income from the Rents of several Houses in thatTown. Don Fabio gave his Servant Orders, That Aurelian should not bestinted in his Expences, when he came up to Years of Discretion. Bywhich means he was enabled, not only to keep Company with, but also toconfer many Obligations upon Strangers of Quality, and Gentlemen whotravelled from other Countries into Italy, of which Siena never wantedstore, being a Town most delightfully Situate, upon a Noble Hill, andvery well suiting with Strangers at first, by reason of the agreeablenessand purity of the Air: There also is the quaintness and delicacy of theItalian Tongue most likely to be learned, there being many publickProfessors of it in that place; and indeed the very Vulgar of Siena doexpress themselves with an easiness and sweetness surprizing, and evengrateful to their Ears who understand not the Language. 

Here Aurelian contracted an acquaintance with Persons of Worth of severalCountries, but among the rest an intimacy with a Gentleman of Quality ofSpain, and Nephew to the Archbishop of Toledo, who had so wrought himselfinto the Affections of Aurelian, through a Conformity of Temper, anEquality in Years, and something of resemblance in Feature andProportion, that he look'd upon him as his second self. Hippolito, onthe other hand, was not ungrateful in return of Friendship, but thoughthimself either alone or in ill Company, if Aurelian were absent: but hisUncle having sent him to travel, under the Conduct of a Governour, andthe two Years which limited his stay at Siena being expired, he was putin mind of his departure. His Friend grew melancholy at the News, butconsidering that Hippolito had never seen Florence, he easily prevailedwith him to make his first journey thither, whither he would accompanyhim, and perhaps prevail with his Father to do the like throughout hisTravels. 

They accordingly set out, but not being able easily to reach Florence thesame Night, they rested a League or two short, at a Villa of the greatDuke's called Poggio Imperiale, where they were informed by some of hisHighness's Servants, That the Nuptials of Donna Catharina (near Kinswomanto the great Duke) and Don Ferdinand de Rovori, were to be solemnized thenext day, and that extraordinary Preparations had been making for sometime past, to illustrate the Solemnity with Balls and Masques, and otherDivertisements; that a Tilting had been proclaimed, and to that purposeScaffolds erected around the Spacious Court, before the Church Di SantaCroce, where were usually seen all Cavalcades and Shews, performed byAssemblies of the Young Nobility: That all Mechanicks and Tradesmen wereforbidden to work or expose any Goods to Sale for the space of threedays; during which time all Persons should be entertain'd at the GreatDuke's Cost; and publick Provision was to be made for the setting forthand furnishing a multitude of Tables, with Entertainment for all Comersand Goers, and several Houses appointed for that use in all Streets. 

This Account alarm'd the Spirits of our Young Travellers, and they wereoverjoy'd at the prospect of Pleasures they foresaw. Aurelian could notcontain the satisfaction he conceiv'd in the welcome Fortune had prepar'dfor his dear Hippolito. In short, they both remembred so much of thepleasing Relation had been made them, that they forgot to sleep, and wereup as soon as it was light, pounding at poor Signior Claudio's Door (sowas Hippolito's Governour call'd) to rouse him, that no time might belost till they were arriv'd at Florence, where they would furnishthemselves with Disguises and other Accoutrements necessary for theProsecution of their Design of sharing in the publick Merriment; therather were they for going so early because Aurelian did not think fit topublish 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 bytwo Servants, the rest being left behind to avoid notice; but, alas! theyneeded not to have used half that caution; for early as it was, theStreets were crowded with all sorts of People passing to and fro, andevery Man employ'd in something relating to the Diversions to come; sothat no notice was taken of any body; a Marquess and his Train might havepass'd by as unregarded as a single Fachin or Cobler. Not a Window inthe Streets but echoed the tuning of a Lute or thrumming of a Gitarr:for, by the way, the Inhabitants of Florence are strangely addicted tothe love of Musick, insomuch that scarce their Children can go, beforethey can scratch some Instrument or other. It was no unpleasingSpectacle to our Cavaliers (who, seeing they were not observ'd, resolvedto make Observations) to behold the Diversity of Figures and Postures ofmany of these Musicians. Here you should have an affected Vallet, whoMimick'd the Behaviour of his Master, leaning carelessly against theWindow, with his Head on one side, in a languishing Posture, whining, ina low, mournful Voice, some dismal Complaint; while, from hissympathizing Theorbo, issued a Base no less doleful to the Hearers. InOpposition to him was set up perhaps a Cobler, with the wretched Skeletonof a Gitarr, battered and waxed together by his own Industry, and whowith three Strings out of Tune, and his own tearing hoarse Voice, wouldrack attention from the Neighbourhood, to the great affliction of manymore moderate Practitioners, who, no doubt, were full as desirous to beheard. By this time Aurelian's Servant had taken a Lodging and wasreturned, to give his Master an Account of it. The Cavaliers grown wearyof that ridiculous Entertainment, which was diverting at first sight, retired whither the Lacquey conducted them; who, according to theirDirections, 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 Shopto another, to furnish them with Habits, since they had not time to makeany new. 

There was, it happened, but one to be got Rich enough to please our youngGentlemen, so many were taken up upon this occasion. While they were inDispute and Complementing one another, (Aurelian protesting thatHippolito should wear it, and he, on 'tother hand, forswearing it asbitterly) a Servant of Hippolito's came up and ended the Controversie;telling them, That he had met below with the Vallet de Chambre of aGentleman, who was one of the greatest Gallants about the Town, but wasat this time in such a condition he could not possibly be at theEntertainment; whereupon the Vallet had designed to dress himself up inhis Master's Apparel, and try his talent at Court; which he hearing, toldhim he would inform him how he might bestow the Habit for some time muchmore to his profit if not to his pleasure, so acquainted him with theoccasion his Master had for it. Hippolito sent for the Fellow up, whowas not so fond of his design as not to be bought off it, but upon havinghis 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. TheCeremony was performed in the Morning, in the great Dome, with allmagnificence correspondent to the wealth of the great Duke, and theesteem 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 ofthe universal Joy, (that had diffus'd it self through all the Conduits ofWine, which convey'd it in large measures to the People) and only relatethose effects of it which concern our present Adventurers. You mustknow, 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 gloomysuspence between an unwillingness to leave the light, and a naturalimpulse into the Dominion of darkness, about this time our Hero's, shallI say, sally'd or slunk out of their Lodgings, and steer'd toward thegreat Palace, whither, before they were arrived, such a prodigious numberof Torches were on fire, that the day, by help of these Auxiliary Forces, seem'd to continue its Dominion; the Owls and Bats apprehending theirmistake, 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 theChymists were of Opinion, That her fuliginous Damps, rarefy'd by theabundance of Flame, were evaporated. 

Now the Reader I suppose to be upon Thorns at this and the likeimpertinent Digressions, but let him alone and he'll come to himself; atwhich time I think fit to acquaint him, that when I digress, I am at thattime 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 himsatisfied 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 theyfound even the lights there to be but so many foils to the bright eyesthat flash'd upon 'em at every turn. 

A more glorious Troop no occasion ever assembled; all the fair ofFlorence, with the most accomplished Cavaliers, were present; and howeverNature had been partial in bestowing on some better Faces than others, Art was alike indulgent to all, and industriously supplyed those Defectsshe 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 wereconscious to themselves of any visible Deformity would presume to comethither. Their Apparel was equally glorious, though each differing infancy. In short, our Strangers were so well bred, as to conclude fromthese apparent Perfections, that there was not a Masque which did not atleast hide the Face of a Cherubim. Perhaps the Ladies were not behindhand in return of a favourable Opinion of them: for they were both welldress'd, and had something inexpressibly pleasing in their Air and Mien, different from other People, and indeed differing from one another. Theyfansy'd that while they stood together they were more particularly takennotice of than any in the Room, and being unwilling to be taken forStrangers, which they thought they were, by reason of some whisperingthey observed near them, they agreed upon an hour of meeting after thecompany should be broke up, and so separately mingled with the thickestof the Assembly. Aurelian had fixed his eye upon a Lady whom he hadobserv'd to have been a considerable time in close whisper with anotherWoman; he expected with great impatience the result of that privateConference, that he might have an opportunity of engaging the Lady whosePerson was so agreeable to him. At last he perceived they were brokeoff, and the 'tother Lady seem'd to have taken her leave. He had takenno small pains in the mean time to put himself in a posture to accost theLady, which, no doubt, he had happily performed had he not beeninterrupted; but scarce had he acquitted himself of a preliminary bow(and which, I have heard him say, was the lowest that ever he made) andhad just opened his Lips to deliver himself of a small Complement, which, nevertheless he was very big with, when he unluckily miscarried, by theinterposal of the same Lady, whose departure, not long before, he had sozealously pray'd for: but, as Providence would have it, there was onlysome very small matter forgot, which was recovered in a short whisper. The Coast being again cleared, he took heart and bore up, and, strikingsail, repeated his Ceremony to the Lady; who, having Obligingly returnedit, he accosted her in these or the like words:

'If I do not usurp a priviledge reserved for some one more happy in youracquaintance, may I presume, Madam, to entreat (for a while) the favourof your Conversation, at least till the arrival of whom you expect, provided you are not tired of me before; for then upon the leastintimation of uneasiness, I will not fail of doing my self the violenceto withdraw for your release. The Lady made him answer, she did notexpect any body; by which he might imagine her Conversation not of valueto be bespoke, and to afford it him, were but farther to convince him toher own cost. He reply'd, 'She had already said enough to convince himof something he heartily wished might not be to his cost in the end. Shepretended not to understand him; but told him, 'If he already foundhimself grieved with her Conversation, he would have sufficient reason torepent the rashness of his first Demand before they had ended: for thatnow she intended to hold discourse with him, on purpose to punish hisunadvisedness, 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 punishmentyou intend: and though it be an aggravation of a Crime to persevere inits justification, yet I cannot help defending an Opinion in which now Iam more confirm'd, that probable conjectures may be made of the ingeniousDisposition of the Mind, from the fancy and choice of Apparel. Thehumour I grant ye (said the Lady) or constitution of the Person whethermelancholick or brisk; but I should hardly pass my censure upon so slightan indication of wit: for there is your brisk fool as well as your briskman of sense, and so of the melancholick. I confess 'tis possible a foolmay reveal himself by his Dress, in wearing something extravagantlysingular and ridiculous, or in preposterous suiting of colours; but adecency of Habit (which is all that Men of best sense pretend to) may beacquired by custom and example, without putting the Person to asuperfluous expence of wit for the contrivance; and though there shouldbe occasion for it, few are so unfortunate in their Relations andAcquaintance not to have some Friend capable of giving them advice, ifthey are not too ignorantly conceited to ask it. Aurelian was so pleasedwith the easiness and smartness of her Expostulation, that he forgot tomake a reply, when she seem'd to expect it; but being a Woman of a quickApprehension, and justly sensible of her own perfections, she soonperceived he did not grudge his attention. However she had a mind to putit 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 Icannot discover one fool in the Company; for they are all well drest. This was spoken with an Air of Rallery that awakened the Cavalier, whoimmediately made answer: 'Tis true, Madam, we see there may be as muchvariety of good fancies as of faces, yet there may be many of both kindsborrowed and adulterate if inquired into; and as you were pleased toobserve, the invention may be Foreign to the Person who puts it inpractice; and as good an Opinion as I have of an agreeable Dress, Ishould 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 mustallow it impossible to tell who of all this Assembly did or did not makechoice of their own Apparel. Not all (said Aurelian) there is anungainness in some which betrays them. 'Look ye there (says he) pointingto a Lady who stood playing with the Tassels of her Girdle, I dare answerfor that Lady, though she be very well dress'd, 'tis more than she knows. His fair unknown could not forbear laughing at his particulardistinction, and freely told him, he had indeed light upon one who knewas little as any body in the Room, her self excepted. Ah! Madam, (reply'd Aurelian) you know every thing in the World but your ownPerfections, and you only know not those because 'tis the top ofPerfection not to know them. How? (reply'd the Lady) I thought it hadbeen the extremity of knowledge to know ones self. Aurelian had a littleover-strain'd himself in that Complement, and I am of Opinion would havebeen puzzl'd to have brought himself off readily: but by good fortune theMusick came into the Room and gave him an opportunity to seem to declinean answer, because the company prepared to dance: he only told her he wastoo mean a Conquest for her wit who was already a Slave to the Charms ofher Person. She thanked him for his Complement, and briskly told him sheought to have made him a return in praise of his wit, but she hoped hewas a Man more happy than to be dissatisfy'd with any of his ownEndowments; 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. Aureliandid not know well what to make of this last reply; for he always abhor'dany thing that was conceited, with which this seem'd to reproach him. Buthowever modest he had been heretofore in his own thoughts, yet never washe so distrustful of his good behaviour as now, being rally'd so by aPerson 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 toDance with him: She promised him to Dance with no body else, nor Ibelieve had she inclination; for notwithstanding her tartness, she wasupon equal terms with him as to the liking of each others Person andHumour, and only gave those little hints to try his Temper; there beingcertainly no greater sign of folly and ill breeding, than to grow seriousand concerned at any thing spoken in rallery: for his part, he wasstrangely 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 masterof; and for her Face, which he had not seen, he bestowed upon her thebest his Imagination could furnish him with. I should by right nowdescribe her Dress, which was extreamly agreeable and rich, but 'tispossible I might err in some material Pin or other, in the sticking ofwhich may be the whole grace of the Drapery depended. Well, they dancedseveral times together, and no less to the satisfaction of the wholeCompany, than of themselves; for at the end of each Dance, some publicknote of Applause or other was given to the graceful Couple. 

Aurelian was amaz'd, that among all that danced or stood in view he couldnot see Hippolito; but concluding that he had met with some pleasingConversation, and was withdrawn to some retired part of the Room, heforbore his search till the mirth of that Night should be over, and theCompany ready to break up, where we will leave him for a while, to seewhat became of his adventurous Friend. 

Hippolito, a little after he had parted with Aurelian, was got among aknot of Ladies and Cavaliers, who were looking upon a large Gold Cup setwith Jewels, in which his Royal Highness had drank to the prosperity ofthe new married Couple at Dinner, and which afterward he presented to hisCousin Donna Catharina. He among the rest was very intent, admiring therichness, workmanship and beauty of the Cup, when a Lady came behind himand pulling him by the Elbow, made a sign she would speak with him;Hippolito, who knew himself an utter Stranger to Florence and every bodyin it, immediately guessed she had mistaken him for her acquaintance, asindeed it happened; however he resolved not to discover himself till heshould be assured of it; having followed her into a set Window remotefrom Company, she address'd her self to him in this manner: 'Signior DonLorenzo (said she) I am overjoy'd to see you are so speedily recovered ofyour Wounds, which by report were much more dangerous than to havesuffered your coming abroad so soon; but I must accuse you of greatindiscretion, in appearing in a Habit which so many must needs rememberyou to have worn upon the like occasion not long ago, I mean at theMarriage of Don Cynthio with your Sister Atalanta; I do assure you, youwere known by it, both to Juliana and my self, who was so far concernedfor you, as to desire me to tell you, that her Brother Don Fabritio (whosaw you when you came in with another Gentleman) had eyed you verynarrowly, and is since gone out of the Room, she knows not upon whatdesign; however she would have you, for your own sake, be advised andcircumspect when you depart this place, lest you should be set uponunawares; you know the hatred Don Fabritio has born you ever since youhad the fortune to kill his Kinsman in a Duel: Here she paused as ifexpecting 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 hemade her no Answer, went on. 'I perceive (continued she) you are in somesurprize 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'sVoice, than to have forgot it so soon: Yet in Complaisance to your illMemory, I will put you past doubt, by shewing you my Face; with that shepulled off her Mask, and discovered to Hippolito (now more amaz'd thanever) the most Angelick Face that he had ever beheld. He was just aboutto have made her some answer, when, clapping on her Mask again withoutgiving him time, she happily for him pursu'd her Discourse. (For 'tisodds but he had made some discovery of himself in the surprize he wasin. ) Having taken him familiarly by the Hand, now she had made her selfknown to him, 'Cousin Lorenzo (added she) you may perhaps have taken itunkindly, that, during the time of your indisposition by reason of yourWounds, I have not been to visit you; I do assure you it was not for wantof any Inclination I had both to see and serve you to my power; but youare well acquainted with the Severity of my Father, whom you know howlately you have disobliged. I am mighty glad that I have met with youhere, where I have had an Opportunity to tell you what so much concernsyour Safety, which I am afraid you will not find in Florence; consideringthe great Power Don Fabritio and his Father, the Marquess of Viterbo, have in this City. I have another thing to inform you of, That whereasDon Fabio had interested himself in your Cause, in Opposition to theMarquess of Viterbo, by reason of the long Animosity between them, allhopes of his Countenance and Assistance are defeated: For there has beena Proposal of Reconciliation made to both Houses, and it is said it willbe confirm'd (as most such ancient Quarrels are at last) by the Marriageof Juliana the Marquess's Daughter, with Aurelian, Son to Don Fabio: towhich effect the old Gentleman sent 'tother Day to Siena, where Aurelianhas been Educated, to hasten his coming to Town; but the Messengerreturning this Morning, brought word, That the same day he arriv'd atSiena, Aurelian had set out for Florence, in Company with a young SpanishNobleman, 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. Forever since the naming of Don Fabio he had been very attentive; butbefore, his Thoughts were wholly taken up with the Beauty of the Face hehad seen, and from the time she had taken him by the Hand, a successivewarmth and chillness had play'd about his Heart, and surpriz'd him withan unusual Transport. He was in a hundred Minds, whether he should makeher sensible of her Error or no; but considering he could expect nofarther Conference with her after he should discover himself, and that asyet he knew not of her place of abode, he resolv'd to humour the mistakea little further. Having her still by the Hand, which he squeez'dsomewhat more eagerly than is usual for Cousins to do, in a low andundistinguishable Voice, he let her know how much he held himself obligedto her, and avoiding as many words as handsomely he could, at the sametime, entreated her to give him her Advice, toward the management ofhimself in this Affair. Leonora, who never from the beginning hadentertain'd the least Scruple of distrust, imagined he spoke faintly, asnot being yet perfectly recovered in his strength; and withal consideringthat the heat of the Room, by reason of the Crowd, might be uneasie to aPerson in his Condition; she kindly told him, That if he were asinclinable to dispense with the remainder of that Nights Diversion as shewas, and had no other engagement upon him, by her consent they shouldboth steal out of the Assembly, and go to her House, where they mightwith more freedom discourse about a business of that importance, andwhere he might take something to refresh himself if he were (as sheconceiv'd him to be) indisposed with his long standing. Judge youwhether the Proposal were acceptable to Hippolito or no; he had beenruminating with himself how to bring something like this about, and hadalmost despair'd of it; when of a suddain he found the success of hisdesign had prevented his own endeavours. He told his Cousin in the samekey as before, That he was unwilling to be the occasion of her Divorcefrom so much good Company; but for his own part, he was afraid he hadpresumed too much upon his recovery in coming abroad so soon, and that hefound 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 theArm, and bid him follow her at a convenient distance to avoidObservation. 

Whoever had seen the Joy that was in Hippolito's Countenance, and theSprightliness with which he follow'd his Beautiful Conductress, wouldscarce have taken him for a Person griev'd with uncured Wounds. She ledhim down a back pair of Stairs, into one of the Palace Gardens which hada Door opening into the Piazza, not far from where Don Mario her Fatherlived. They had little Discourse by the way, which gave Hippolito timeto consider of the best way of discovering himself. A thousand thingscame into his Head in a minute, yet nothing that pleased him: and afterso many Contrivances as he had formed for the discovery of himself, hefound 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 mustneeds be in, at the appearance of a Stranger, whom she had never seenbefore, yet whom she had treated so familiarly. He knew Women were aptto shriek or swoon upon such Occasions, and should she happen to doeither, he might be at a loss how to bring himself off. He thought hemight easily pretend to be indisposed somewhat more than ordinary, and somake an excuse to go to his own Lodging. It came into his Head too, thatunder pretence of giving her an account of his Health, he might enquireof 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 insinuatesomething of that Passion he had conceiv'd, which he was sure he couldnot have opportunity to speak of if he bluntly revealed himself. He hadjust resolv'd upon this Method, as they were come to the great Gates ofthe Court, when Leonora stopping to let him go in before her, he of asuddain fetch'd his Breath violently as if some stitch or twinging smarthad just then assaulted him. She enquired the matter of him, and advisedhim to make haste into the House that he might sit down and rest him. Hetold her he found himself so ill, that he judged it more convenient forhim to go home while he was in a condition to move, for he fear'd if heshould once settle himself to rest he might not be able to stir. She wasmuch troubled, and would have had a Chair made ready and Servants tocarry him home; but he made answer, he would not have any of her FathersServants know of his being abroad, and that just now he had an intervalof ease, which he hop'd would continue till he made a shift to reach hisown Lodgings. Yet if she pleased to inform him how he might give anaccount of himself the next morning, in a line or two, he would not failto give her the thanks due to her great kindness; and withal, would lether know something which would not a little surprize her, though now hehad not time to acquaint her with it. She show'd him a little Window atthe corner of the House, where one should wait to receive his Letter, andwas just taking her leave of him, when seeing him search hastily in hisPocket, she ask'd him if he miss'd any thing; he told her he thought aWound which was not throughly heal'd bled a little, and that he had losthis Handkerchief. His design took; for she immediately gave him hers:which indeed accordingly he apply'd to the only wound he was then griev'dwith; which though it went quite through his Heart, yet thank God was notMortal. He was not a little rejoyc'd at his good Fortune in getting soearly a Favour from his Mistress, and notwithstanding the violence he didhimself to personate a sick Man, he could not forbear giving someSymptoms of an extraordinary content; and telling her that he did notdoubt to receive a considerable Proportion of ease from the Applicationof what had so often kiss'd her fair Hand. Leonora who did not suspectthe Compliment, told him she should be heartily glad if that or any thingin 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 forhis Mistress. 

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

Fabritio being much concerned for his Kinsman, vow'd revenge (accordingto 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, muchmore 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 Malesof this Family. This same Fabritio had indeed (as Leonora toldHippolito) taken particular notice of him from his first entrance intothe Room, and was so far doubtful as to go out immediately himself, andmake enquiry concerning Lorenzo, but was quickly inform'd of thegreatness of his Error, in believing a Man to be abroad, who was so illof his Wounds, that they now despair'd of his recovery; and thereuponreturn'd to the Ball very well satisfied, but not before Leonora andHippolito were departed. 

So, Reader, having now discharg'd my Conscience of a small Discoverywhich 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 whichhe neither could, nor which is worse desired to untangle. 

His Soul was charm'd to the movement of her Body: an Air so graceful, sosweet, so easie and so great, he had never seen. She had something ofMajesty in her, which appear'd to be born with her; and though it struckan awe into the Beholders, yet was it sweetned with a familiarity ofBehaviour, which rendred it agreeable to every Body. The grandeur of herMien 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 ofPerfection. Every turn she gave in dancing snatcht Aurelian into aRapture, and he had like to have been out two or three times withfollowing 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 ofBreath and Lungs, to speak sufficiently in her Commendation; Shesmilingly told him, he did ill to dance so much then: Yet inConsideration of the pains he had taken more than ordinary upon heraccount she would bate him a great deal of Complement, but with thisProviso, That he was to discover to her who he was. Aurelian wasunwilling 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 andCharacter of Hippolito, who he was sure was not known in Florence. Hethereupon, after a little pause, pretended to recal himself in thismanner: 'Madam, it is no small demonstration of the entire Resignationwhich I have made of my Heart to your Chains, since the secrets of it areno longer in my power. I confess I only took Florence in my way, notdesigning any longer Residence, than should be requisite to inform theCuriosity of a Traveller, of the rareties of the Place. WhetherHappiness or Misery will be the Consequence of that Curiosity, I am yetin fear, and submit to your Determination; but sure I am, not to departFlorence till you have made me the most miserable Man in it, and refuseme 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 aMan 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 makemuch dearer to me. Thus in obedience to your Commands, and contrary tomy 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, Ihope, the free discovery I have made of my self, will encourage you totrust me with the knowledge of your Person. 

Here a low bow, and a deep sigh, put an end to his Discourse, andsignified his Expectation of her Reply, which was to this purpose--(But Ihad forgot to tell you, That Aurelian kept off his Mask from the timethat he told her he was of Spain, till the period of his Relation. ) HadI thought (said she) that my Curiosity would have brought me in debt, Ishould certainly have forborn it; or at least have agreed with you beforehand about the rate of your discovery, then I had not brought my self tothe Inconveniency of being censur'd, either of too much easiness orreservedness; but to avoid, as much as I can, the extreamity of either, Iam resolv'd but to discover my self in part, and will endeavour to giveyou as little occasion as I can, either to boast of, or ridicule theBehaviour 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 makeFlorence the place of his abode, whatever concerns he had elsewhere. Sheadvised 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 allthe Fine Things he had said, since she gave him his choice whether hewould know who she was, or see her Face. 

Aurelian who was really in Love, and in whom Consideration would havebeen a Crime, greedily embrac'd the latter, since she assured him at thattime he should not know both. Well, what follow'd? Why, she pull'd offher Mask, and appear'd to him at once in the Glory of Beauty. But whocan tell the astonishment Aurelian felt? He was for a time senseless;Admiration had suppress'd his Speech, and his Eyes were entangled inLight. I short, to be made sensible of his condition, we must conceivesome Idea of what he beheld, which is not to imagined till seen, nor thento be express'd. Now see the impertinence and conceitedness of anAuthor, who will have a fling at a Description, which he has Prefacedwith an impossibility. One might have seen something in her Compositionresembling the Formation of Epicurus his World, as if every Atome ofBeauty had concurr'd to unite an excellency. Had that curious Painterlived in her days, he might have avoided his painful search, when hecollected from the choicest pieces the most choice Features, and by a dueDisposition and Judicious Symmetry of those exquisite parts, made onewhole and perfect Venus. Nature seem'd here to have play'd the Plagiary, and to have molded into Substance the most refined Thoughts of inspiredPoets. Her Eyes diffus'd Rays comfortable as warmth, and piercing as thelight; they would have worked a passage through the straightest Pores, and with a delicious heat, have play'd about the most obdurate frozenHeart, untill 'twere melted down to Love. Such Majesty and Affabilitywere in her Looks; so alluring, yet commanding was her Presence, that itminged awe with love; kindling a Flame which trembled to aspire. She haddanced much, which, together with her being close masked, gave her atincture of Carnation more than ordinary. But Aurelian (from whom I hadevery tittle of her Description) fancy'd he saw a little Nest of Cupidsbreak from the Tresses of her Hair, and every one officiously betakehimself to his task. Some fann'd with their downy Wings, her glowingCheeks; while others brush'd the balmy Dew from off her Face, leavingalone a heavenly Moisture blubbing on her Lips, on which they drank andrevell'd for their pains; Nay, so particular were their allotments in herservice, that Aurelian was very positive a young Cupid who was but justPen-feather'd, employ'd his naked Quills to pick her Teeth. And athousand other things his transport represented to him, which none butLovers who have experience of such Visions will believe. 

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

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

Aurelian was growing a little too loud with his Admiration, had she notjust then interrupted him, by clapping on her Masque, and telling himthey should be observed, if he proceeded in his Extravagance; and withal, that his Passion was too suddain to be real, and too violent to belasting. He replied, Indeed it might not be very lasting, (with asubmissive mournful Voice) but it would continue during his Life. Thatit was suddain, he denied, for she had raised it by degrees from hisfirst sight of her, by a continued discovery of Charms, in her Mien andConversation, 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 wereblown up. 

He begg'd her to believe the Sincerity of his Passion, at least to enjoinhim something, which might tend to the Convincing of her Incredulity. Shesaid, she should find a time to make some Trials of him; but for thefirst, she charged him not to follow or observe her, after theDissolution of the Assembly. He promised to obey, and entreated her totell him but her Name, that he might have Recourse to that in hisAffliction for her Absence, if he were able to survive it. She desiredhim to live by all means; and if he must have a Name to play with, tocall 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 obligingsmile, caused another fit of Transport, which lasted till she was goneout of Sight. Aurelian gathered up his Spirits, and walked slowlytowards his Lodging, never remembring that he had lost Hippolito, tillupon turning the Corner of a Street, he heard a noise of Fighting; andcoming near, saw a Man make a vigorous Defence against two, who pressedviolently upon him. He then thought of Hippolito, and fancying he sawthe glimmering of Diamond Buttons, such as Hippolito had upon the Sleevesof his Habit, immediately drew to his Assistance; and with that Eagernessand Resolution, that the Assailants, finding their unmanly odds defeated, took to their Heels. The Person rescued by the Generous Help ofAurelian, came toward him; but as he would have stoop'd to have salutedhim, 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 ofsuch Disorders in an Universal Merriment) came up to him with Lights, andhad 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 notHippolito, but his Governour Claudio, in the Habit he had worn at theBall. He was extreamly surpriz'd, as were the Prisoners, who confess'dtheir Design to have been upon Lorenzo; grounding their Mistake upon theHabit which was known to have been his. They were Two Men who formerlyhad been Servants to him, whom Lorenzo had unfortunately slain. 

They made a shift to bring Claudio to himself; and part of the Guardcarrying off the Prisoners, whom Aurelian desired they would secure, therest accompanied him bearing Claudio in their Arms to his Lodging. Hehad not patience to forbear asking for Hippolito by the Way; whom Claudioassured him, he had left safe in his Chamber, above Two Hours since. Thathis coming Home so long before the Divertisements were ended, andUndressing himself, had given him the Unhappy Curiosity, to put on hisHabit, and go to the Pallace; in his Return from whence, he was set uponin the Manner he found him, which if he recovered, he must own his Lifeindebted to his timely Assistance. 

Being come to the House, they carried him to his Bed, and having sent forSurgeons Aurelian rewarded and dismissed the Guard. He stay'd thedressing of Claudio's Wounds, which were many, though they hop'd noneMortal: and leaving him to his Rest, went to give Hippolito an Account ofwhat had happened, whom he found with a Table before him, leaning uponboth his Elbows, his Face covered with his Hands, and so motionless, thatAurelian concluded he was asleep; seeing several Papers lie before him, half written and blotted out again, he thought to steal softly to theTable, and discover what he had been employed about. Just as he reach'dforth his Hand to take up one of the Papers, Hippolito started up so onthe suddain, as surpriz'd Aurelian and made him leap back; Hippolito, onthe other hand, not supposing that any Body had been near him, was sodisordered with the Appearance of a Man at his Elbow, (whom his Amazementdid not permit him to distinguish) that he leap'd hastily to his Sword, and in turning him about, overthrew the Stand and Candles. Here werethey both left in the Dark, Hippolito groping about with his Sword, andthrusting at every Chair that he felt oppose him. Aurelian was scarcecome to himself, when thinking to step back toward the Door that he mightinform his Friend of his Mistake, without exposing himself to his blindFury; Hippolito heard him stir, and made a full thrust with suchViolence, that the Hilt of the Sword meeting with Aurelian's Breast beathim down, and Hippolito a top of him, as a Servant alarm'd with thenoise, came into the Chamber with a Light. The Fellow trembled, andthought they were both Dead, till Hippolito raising himself, to see whomhe had got under him, swoon'd away upon the discovery of his Friend. Butsuch was the extraordinary Care of Providence in directing the Sword, that it only past under his Arm, giving no Wound to Aurelia, but a littleBruise between his Shoulder and Breast with the Hilt. He got up, scarcerecovered of his Fright, and by the help of the Servant; laid Hippolitoupon 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 ThousandTimes, and curs'd himself as often, who was so near to committing themost Execrable Act of Amicide. 

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

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

Aurelian broke the Silence, by telling him the Misfortune of hisGovernour. Hippolito rejoic'd as at the luckiest Accident which couldhave befall'n him. Aurelian wondred at his unseasonable Mirth, anddemanded the Cause of it; he answer'd, It would necessitate his longerStay in Florence, and for ought he knew be the Means of bringing a happyPeriod to his Amour. 

His Friend thought him to be little better than a Madman, when heperceiv'd him of a suddain snatch out of his Bosom a Handkerchief, whichhaving 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 theWorld. I have since I saw you beheld the most Beautiful of Women. I amfaln desperately in Love with her, and those Papers which you see soblotted and scattered, are but so many Essays which I have made to theDeclaration of my Passion. And this Handkerchief which I so zealouslyCaress, is the Inestimable Token which I have to make my self known toher. 'O Leonora! (continued he) 'how hast thou stamp'd thine Image on mySoul! How much dearer am I to my self, since I have had thy HeavenlyForm in keeping! Now, my Aurelian, I am worthy thee; my exalted Love hasDignified me, and rais'd me far above thy poor former DespicableHippolito. 

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

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

Hippolito on the other side (though Aurelian thought him in a much betterWay) was no less afflicted for himself. The Difficulties which he saw inhis Friend's Circumstances, put him upon finding out a great many more inhis own, than really there were. But what terrified him most of all, washis being an utter Stranger to Leonora; she had not the least knowledgeof him but through mistake, and consequently could form no Idea of him tohis Advantage. He look'd upon it as an unlucky thought in Aurelian totake upon him his Name, since possibly the Two Ladies were acquainted, and should they communicate to each other their Adventures; they mightboth reasonably suffer in their Opinions, and be thought guilty ofFalshood, since it would appear to them as One Person pretending to Two. Aurelian told him, there was but one Remedy for that, which was forHippolito, 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 herto Secrecy, least his Father should know of the Reason which kept himconcealed in Town. And it was likely, though perhaps she might notimmediately entertain his Passion; yet she would out of Generosityconceal, what was hidden only for her sake. 

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

Aurelian laid himself down to rest, that is, upon the Bed; for he was abetter Lover than to pretend to sleep that Night, while Hippolito sethimself 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 guesswhen you read it in its proper Place. 

It was break of Day when the Servant, who had been employed all theforegoing Day in procuring Accoutrements for the Two Cavaliers, to appearin at the Tilting, came into the Room, and told them all the YoungGentlemen in the Town were trying their Equipage, and preparing to beearly in the Lists. They made themselves ready with all Expedition atthe Alarm: and Hippolito having made a Visit to his Governour, dispatch'da Messenger with the Letter and Directions to Leonora. At the Signalagreed upon the Casement was opened and a String let down, to which theBearer having fastned the Letter, saw it drawn up, and returned. It werea vain attempt to describe Leonora's Surprize, when she read theSuperscription. --The Unfortunate Aurelian, to the Beautiful Leonora--Aftershe was a little recovered from her Amaze, she recollected to her selfall the Passages between her and her supposed Cousin, and immediatelyconcluded him to be Aurelian. Then several little Circumstances whichshe thought might have been sufficient to have convinced her, representedthemselves to her; and she was in a strange Uneasiness to think of herfree Carriage to a Stranger. 

She was once in a Mind to have burn'd the Letter, or to have stay'd foran Opportunity to send it again. But she was a Woman, and her Curiosityopposed it self to all thoughts of that Nature: at length with a firmResolution, 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 morethan ordinary Pains to understand it. At last her Familiarity with theExpressions grew to an Intimacy, and what she at first permitted she nowbegan to like. She thought there was something in it a little moreserious, than to be barely Gallantry. She wondred at her own Blindness, and fancy'd she could remember something of a more becoming Air in theStranger than was usual to Lorenzo. This thought was parent to anotherof the same kind, till a long Chain successively had Birth, and every onesomewhat more than other, in Favour of the supposed Aurelian. Shereflected upon his Discretion, in deferring the Discovery of himself, till a little time had, as it were, weaned her from her perswasion, andby removing her farther from her Mistake, had prepared her for a full anddeterminate Convincement. She thought his Behaviour, in personating aSick Man so readily, upon the first hint was not amiss, and smil'd tothink of his Excuse to procure her Handkerchief; and last of all, hissifting out the Means to write to her, which he had done with thatModesty 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 findher self so lost to her Reason, and would have trod back again that pathof deluding Fancy; accusing her self of Fondness, and inconsiderateEasiness, in giving Credit to the Letter of a Person whose Face she neversaw, and whose first Acquaintance with her was a Treachery, and he whocould so readily deliver his Tongue of a Lye upon a Surprize, was scarceto 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 tothe Extremity, What if she should upon farther Conversation with himproceed to Love him? What Hopes were there for her? Or how could sheconsent to Marry a Man already Destined for another Woman? nay, a Womanthat was her Friend, whose Marrying with him was to compleat the happyReconciliation of Two Noble Families, and which might prevent theEffusion of much Blood likely to be shed in that Quarrel: Besides, sheshould incurr share of the Guilt, which he would draw upon him byDisobedience to his Father, whom she was sure would not be consenting toit. 

'Tis strange now, but all Accounts agree, that just here Leonora, who hadrun like a violent Stream against Aurelian hitherto, now retorted with asmuch precipitation in his Favour. I could never get any Body to give mea satisfactory reason, for her suddain and dextrous Change of Opinionjust at that stop, which made me conclude she could not help it; and thatNature boil'd over in her at that time when it had so fair an Opportunityto show it self: For Leonora it seems was a Woman Beautiful, andotherwise 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 hisExcellencies and Qualifications, take him as Aurelian, or Hippolito, orboth together. 

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

I would not have the Reader now be impertinent, and look upon this to beforce, or a whim of the Author's, that a Woman should proceed so far inher Approbation of a Man whom she never saw, that it is impossible, therefore ridiculous to suppose it. Let me tell such a Critick, that heknows nothing of the Sex, if he does not know that Woman may be takenwith the Character and Description of a Man, when general andextraordinary, that she may be prepossess'd with an agreeable Idea of hisPerson 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 fineGentleman, and is prepar'd to like such a one who does not disagree withthat Character. Aurelian, as he bore a very fair Character, so was heextreamly deserving to make it good, which otherways might have been tohis prejudice; for oftentimes, through an imprudent Indulgence to ourFriends merit, we give so large a Description of his excellencies, thatPeople make more room in their Expectation, than the Intrinsick worth ofthe Man will fill, which renders him so much the more despicable as thereis emptyness to spare. 'Tis certain, though the Women seldom find thatout; for though they do not see so much in a Man as was promised, yetthey will be so kind to imagine he has some hidden excellencies; whichtime may discover to them, so are content to allow, him a considerableshare of their esteem, and take him into Favour upon Tick. Aurelian ashe had good Credit, so he had a good Stock to support it, and his Personwas a good promising Security for the payment of any Obligation he couldlie 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 Leonorawas indeed mistaken, she could not be said to be much in the wrong. Icould find in my Heart to beg the Reader's pardon for this Digression, ifI thought he would be sensible of the Civility; for I promise him, I donot intend to do it again throughout the Story, though I make never somany, and though he take them never so ill. But because I began thisupon a bare Supposition of his Impertinence, which might be somewhatimpertinent in me to suppose, I do, and hope to make him amends bytelling him, that by the time Leonora was dress'd, several Ladies of heracquaintance came to accompany her to the place designed for the Tilting, where we will leave them drinking Chocholate till 'tis time for them togo. 

Our Cavaliers had by good Fortune provided themselves of two curiousSuits of light Armour, finely enammelled and gilt. Hippolito had sent toPoggio Imperiale for a couple of fine led Horses which he had left therewith the rest of his Train at his entrance into Florence. Mounted onthese and every way well Equipt, they took their way, attended only bytwo Lacqueys, toward the Church di Santa Croce, before which they were toperform their Exercises of Chivalry. Hippolito wore upon his Helm alarge Plume of Crimson Feathers, in the midst of which was artificiallyplaced Leonora's Handkerchief. His Armour was gilt, and enammell'd withGreen and Crimson. Aurelian was not so happy as to wear any token torecommend him to the notice of his Mistress, so had only a Plume of Sky-colour and White Feathers, suitable to his Armour, which was Silverenammelled with Azure. I shall not describe the Habits of any otherCavaliers, or of the Ladies; let it suffice to tell the Reader they wereall very Fine and very Glorious, and let him dress them in what is mostagreeable to his own Fancy. 

Our Gallants entred the Lists, and having made their Obeysance to hisHighness, turned round to salute and view the Company. The Scaffold wascircular, so that there was no end of the Delightful Prospect. It seem'da Glory of Beauty which shone around the admiring Beholders. Our Loverssoon perceived the Stars which were to Rule their Destiny, which sparkleda lustre beyond all the inferiour Constellations, and seem'd like twoSuns to distribute Light to all the Planets in that Heavenly Sphere. Leonora knew her Slave by his Badge and blushed till the Lilies and Rosesin her cheeks had resemblance to the Plume of Crimson and WhiteHandkerchief in Hippolito's Crest. He made her a low bow, and reined hisHorse back with an extraordinary Grace, into a respectful retreat. Aurelian saw his Angel, his beautiful Incognita, and had no other way tomake himself known to her, but by saluting and bowing to her after theSpanish mode; she guess'd him by it to be her new Servant Hippolito, andsignified her apprehension, by making him a more particular and obligingreturn, 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 theRing; and afterwards two Cavaliers undertook to defend the Beauty ofDonna Catharina, against all who would not allow her preheminence oftheir Mistresses. This thing was only designed for show and form, nonepresuming that any body would put so great an affront upon the Bride andDuke's Kinswoman, as to dispute her pretentions to the first place in theCourt of Venus. But here our Cavaliers were under a mistake; for seeinga large Shield carry'd before two Knights, with a Lady painted upon it;not knowing who, but reading the Inscription which was (in large GoldLetters) Above the Insolence of Competition. They thought themselvesobliged, especially in the presence of their Mistresses, to vindicatetheir Beauty; and were just spurring on to engage the Champions, when aGentleman stopping them, told them their mistake, that it was the Pictureof Donna Catharina, and a particular Honour done to her by his Highness'sCommands, and not to be disputed. Upon this they would have returned totheir Post, much concerned for their mistake; but notice being taken byDon Ferdinand of some Show of Opposition that was made, he would havebegged leave of the Duke, to have maintained his Lady's Honour againstthe Insolence of those Cavaliers; but the Duke would by no means permitit. They were arguing about it when one of them came up, before whom theShield was born, and demanded his Highness's Permission, to inform thoseGentlemen better of their mistake, by giving them the Foyl. By theIntercession of Don Ferdinand, leave was given them; whereupon a CivilChallenge was sent to the two Strangers, informing them of their Error, and withal telling them they must either maintain it by force of Arms, ormake a publick acknowledgment by riding bare headed before the Pictureonce round the Lists. The Stranger-Cavaliers remonstrated to the Dukehow sensible they were of their Error, and though they would not justifieit, yet they could not decline the Combate, being pressed to it beyond anhonourable refusal. To the Bride they sent a Complement, wherein, havingfirst begg'd her pardon for not knowing her Picture, they gave her tounderstand, that now they were not about to dispute her undoubted rightto the Crown of Beauty, but the honour of being her Champions was thePrize they fought for, which they thought themselves as able to maintainas any other Pretenders. Wherefore they pray'd her, that if fortune sofar befriended their endeavours as to make them Victors, that they mightreceive no other Reward, but to be crown'd with the Titles of theirAdversaries, and be ever after esteem'd as her most humble Servants. Theexcuse was so handsomely designed, and much better express'd than it ishere, that it took effect. The Duke, Don Ferdinand and his Lady were sowell satisfied with it as to grant their Request. 

While the running at the Ring lasted, our Cavaliers alternately bore awaygreat share of the Honour. That Sport ended, Marshals were appointed forthe Field, and every thing in great form settled for the Combat. TheCavaliers were all in good earnest, but orders were given to bring 'emblunted Lances, and to forbid the drawing of a Sword upon pain of hisHighness's Displeasure. The Trumpets sounded and they began theirCourse: The Ladies' Hearts, particularly the Incognita and Leonora's beattime to the Horses Hoofs, and hope and fear made a mock Fight withintheir 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 thefirst Encounter, and Hippolito's lost both Stirrups and dropt his Lanceto save himself. The Honour of the Field was immediately granted tothem, and Don Catharina sent them both Favours, which she pray'd them towear as her Knights. The Crowd breaking up, our Cavaliers made a shiftto steal off unmarked, save by the watchful Leonora and Incognita, whoseEyes were never off from their respective Servants. There was enquirymade for them, but to no purpose; for they to prevent their beingdiscovered had prepared another House, distant from their Lodging, wherea Servant attended to disarm them, and another carried back their Horsesto the Villa, while they walked unsuspected to their Lodging; butIncognita had given command to a Page to dog 'em till the Evening, at adistance, and bring her word where they were latest housed. 

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

This discovery having thus got vent, was diffused like Air; every bodysuck'd it in, and let it out again with their Breath to the next they metwithal; and in half an hours time it was talked of in the House where ourAdventurers were lodged. Aurelian was stark mad at the News, and knewwhat search would be immediately made for him. Hippolito, had he notbeen desperately in Love, would certainly have taken Horse and rid out ofTown 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 Personwho had now deceived her twice. Well, we will leave them both frettingand contriving to no purpose, to look about and see what was done at thePalace, where their doom was determined much quicker than they imagined. 

Dinner ended, the Duke retired with some chosen Friends to a Glass ofWine; among whom were the Marquess of Viterbo and Don Fabio. HisHighness was no Stranger to the long Fewd that had been between the twoFamilies, and also understood what Overtures of Reconciliation had beenlately made, with the Proposals of Marriage between Aurelian and theMarquess's Daughter. Having waited till the Wine had taken the effectproposed, and the Company were raised to an uncommon pitch ofChearfulness, which he also encouraged by an Example of Freedom and GoodHumour, he took an opportunity of rallying the two grave Signiors into anAccommodation: That was seconded with the praises of the young Couple, and the whole Company joined in a large Encomium upon the Graces ofAurelian and the Beauties of Juliana. The old Fellows were tickled withDelight to hear their Darlings so admired, which the Duke perceiving, outof a Principle of Generosity and Friendship, urged the presentConsummation of the Marriage; telling them there was yet one day ofpublick Rejoycing to come, and how glad he should be to have it improvedby so acceptable an Alliance; and what an honour it would be to have hisCousin's Marriage attended by the Conjunction of so extraordinary a Pair, the performance of which Ceremony would crown the Joy that was then inAgitation, and make the last day vie for equal Glory and Happiness withthe first. In short, by the Complaisant and Perswasive Authority of theDuke, the Dons were wrought into a Compliance, and accordingly embracedand shook Hands upon the Matter. This News was dispersed like theformer, and Don Fabio gave orders for the enquiring out his Son'sLodging, that the Marquess and he might make him a Visit, as soon as hehad 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'sGoodfellowship, told her aloud he was come to crown their Mirth withanother Wedding; that his Highness had been pleased to provide a Husbandfor his Daughter, and he would have her provide her self to receive himto-morrow. All the Company at first, as well as Juliana her self, thought he had rally'd, till the Duke coming in confirmed the seriouspart of his Discourse. Juliana was confounded at the haste that wasimposed 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 toconsider in; that Aurelian should come and consider with her in theMorning, if she pleased; but in the mean time, he advised her to go homeand call her Maids to Counsel. 

Juliana took her leave of the Company very gravely, as if not muchdelighted with her Father's Rallery. Leonora happened to be by, andheard all that passed; she was ready to swoon, and found her self seizedwith a more violent Passion than ever for Aurelian: Now upon herapprehensions of losing him, her active fancy had brought him before herwith all the advantages imaginable, and though she had before found greattenderness in her Inclination toward him, yet was she somewhat surprizedto 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 toher Closet, to bemoan her unhappy helpless Condition. 

Our Two Cavalier-Lovers had rack'd their Invention till it was quitedisabled, and could not make discovery of one Contrivance more for theirRelief. Both sat silent, each depending upon his Friend, and stillexpecting when t'other should speak. Night came upon them while theysate thus thoughtless, or rather drowned in Thought; but a Servantbringing 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, repliedAurelian faintly. When immediately raising his Voice, he cry'd out, 'Ohye unequal Powers, why do ye urge us to desire what ye doom us toforbear; give us a Will to chuse, then curb us with a Duty to restrainthat Choice! Cruel Father, Will nothing else suffice! Am I to be theSacrifice to expiate your Offences past; past ere I was born? Were I tolose my Life, I'd gladly Seal your Reconcilement with my Blood. 'But Ohmy Soul is free, you have no Title to my Immortal Being, that hasExistence independent of your Power; and must I lose my Love, the Extractof that Being, the Joy, Light, Life, and Darling of my Soul? No, I'llown my Flame, and plead my Title too. --But hold, wretched Aurelian, hold, whither does thy Passion hurry thee? Alas! the cruel fair IncognitaLoves thee not! She knows not of thy Love! If she did, what Merit hastthou to pretend?--Only Love. --Excess of Love. And all the World hasthat. All that have seen her. Yet I had only seen her once, and in thatonce I lov'd above the World; nay, lov'd beyond my self, such vigorousFlame, so strong, so quick she darted at my Breast; it must rebound, andby Reflection, warm her self. Ah! welcome Thought, lovely deludingFancy, hang still upon my Soul, let me but think, that once she Loves andperish my Despair. 

Here a suddain stop gave a Period also to Hippolito's Expectation, and hehoped now that his Friend had given his Passion so free a vent, he mightrecollect and bethink himself of what was convenient to be done; butAurelia, as if he had mustered up all his Spirits purely to acquithimself of that passionate Harangue, stood mute and insensible like anAlarum Clock, that had spent all its force in one violent Emotion. Hippolito shook him by the Arm to rouze him from his Lethargy, when hisLacquey coming into the Room, out of Breath, told him there was a Coachjust 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; andwithout saying any more to Hippolito, than that he was Ruined ifdiscovered, took his Sword and slipp'd down a back pair of Stairs intothe Garden, from whence he conveyed himself into the Street. Hippolitohad not bethought himself what to do, before he perceiv'd a Lady comeinto the Chamber close veil'd, and make toward him. At the firstAppearance of a Woman, his Imagination flattered him with a Thought ofLeonora; but that was quickly over upon nearer Approach to the Lady, whohad much the Advantage in Stature of his Mistress. He very civillyaccosted her, and asked if he were the Person to whom the Honour of thatVisit was intended. She said, her Business was with Don Hippolito diSaviolina, to whom she had Matter of Concern to import, and whichrequired haste. He had like to have told her, That he was the Man, butby good Chance reflecting upon his Friend's Adventure, who had taken hisname, he made Answer, that he believed Don Hippolito not far off, and ifshe had a Moments Patience he would enquire for him. 

He went out, leaving the Lady in the Room, and made search all round theHouse and Garden for Aurelian, but to no purpose. The Lady impatient ofhis long stay took a Pen and Ink and some Paper which she found upon theTable, and had just made an End of her Letter, when hearing a Noise ofmore 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, whichshe repented; when turning about, she found her Mistake, and beheld DonFabio and the Marquess of Viterbo just entring at the Door. She gave aShriek at the Surprize of their Appearance, which much troubled the OldGentlemen, and made them retire in Confusion for putting a Gentlewomaninto such a Fright. The Marquess thinking they had been misinformed, orhad mistaken the Lodgings, came forward again, and made an Apology to theLady for their Errour; but she making no reply, walk'd directly by himdown Stairs and went into her Coach, which hurried her away as speedilyas the Horses were able to draw. 

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

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

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

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

Now because it is possible this at some time or other may happen to beread by some Malicious or Ignorant Person, (no Reflection upon thepresent Reader) who will not admit, or does not understand that Silenceshould make a Man start; and have the same Effect, in provoking hisAttention, with its opposite Noise; I will illustrate this matter, tosuch a diminutive Critick, by a Parallel Instance of Light; which thoughit does chiefly entertain the Eyes, and is indeed the prime Object of theSight, yet should it immediately cease, to have a Man left in the Dark bya suddain deficiency of it, would make him stare with his Eyes, andthough he could not see, endeavour to look about him. Why just thus didit fare with our Adventurer; who seeming to have wandred both into theDominions of Silence and of Night, began to have some tender for his ownSafety, and would willingly have groped his Way back again; when he hearda Voice, as from a Person whose Breath had been stopp'd by some forcibleOppression, and just then, by a violent Effort, was broke through theRestraint. --'Yet--Yet--(again reply'd the Voice, still struggling forAir, ) 'Forbear--and I'll forgive what's past--I have done nothing yetthat needs a Pardon, (says another) and what is to come, will admit ofnone. 

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

Aurelian was sufficiently astonish'd, and would have crept nearer to thePlace whence he guessed the Voice to come; but he was got among the Runesof an Old Monastery, and could not stir so silently, but some looseStones he met with made a rumbling. The Noise alarm'd both Parties; andas it gave Comfort to the one, it so Terrified the t'other, that he couldnot hinder the Oppressed from calling for help. Aurelian fancy'd it wasa Woman's Voice, and immediately drawing his Sword, demanded what was theMatter; he was answered with the Appearance of a Man, who had opened aDark Lanthorn which he had by him, and came toward him with a Pistol inhis 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, whoseeing him fall, concluded he had Shot him. The Crys of the afflictedPerson were redoubled at the Tragical Sight, which made the Murderer, drawing a Poniard, to threaten him, that the next Murmur should be hislast. Aurelian, who was scarce assured that he was unhurt, got softlyup; and coming near enough to perceive the Violence that was used to stopthe Injured Man's Mouth; (for now he saw plainly it was a Man) cry'dout, --Turn, Villain, and look upon thy Death. --The Fellow amazed at theVoice, 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 theCandle, that he might have made his Escape; but which of the Two hedesigned, no Body could tell but himself: and if the Reader have aCuriosity to know, he must blame Aurelian; who thinking there could be nofoul play offered to such a Villain, ran him immediately through theHeart, 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, butthe 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 ofgood Heart; he was answered with nothing but Prayers, Blessings andThanks, called a Thousand Deliverers, good Genius's and Guardian Angels. And the Rescued would certainly have gone upon his Knees to haveworshipped him, had he not been bound Hand and Foot; which Aurelianunderstanding, groped for the Knots, and either untied them or cut themasunder; but 'tis more probable the latter, because more expeditious. 

They took little heed what became of the Body which they left behindthem, and Aurelian was conducted from out the Ruins by the Hand of him hehad delivered. By a faint light issuing from the just rising Moon, hecould discern that it was a Youth; but coming into a more frequented partof the Town, where several Lights were hung out, he was amaz'd at theextream Beauty which appeared in his Face, though a little pale anddisordered with his late fright. Aurelian longed to hear the Story of soodd an adventure, and entreated his Charge to tell it him by the way; buthe 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 sofaint he was unable to look up. Aurelian thought these last words weredelivered in a Voice, whose accent was not new to him. That thought madehim look earnestly in the Youth's Face, which he now was sure he hadsomewhere seen before, and thereupon asked him if he had never been atSiena? That Question made the young Gentleman look up, and something ofa Joy appeared in his Countenance, which yet he endeavoured to smother;so praying Aurelian to conduct him to his Lodging, he promised him thatas soon as they should come thither, he would acquaint him with any thinghe desired to know. Aurelian would rather have gone any where else thanto his own Lodging; but being so very late he was at a loss, and soforced to be contented. 

As soon as they were come into his Chamber, and that Lights were broughtthem and the Servant dismissed, the paleness which so visibly before hadusurped the sweet Countenance of the afflicted Youth vanished, and gaveplace to a more lively Flood of Crimson, which with a modest heat glow'dfreshly on his Cheeks. Aurelian waited with a pleasing Admiration thediscovery promised him, when the Youth still struggling with hisResolution, with a timorous haste, pulled off a Peruke which hadconcealed the most beautiful abundance of Hair that ever graced oneFemale Head; those dishevelled spreading tresses, as at first they made adiscovery of, so at last they served for a veil to the modest lovelyblushes of the fair Incognita; for she it was and none other. But Oh!the inexpressible, inconceivable joy and amazement of Aurelian! As soonas he durst venture to think, he concluded it to be all Vision, and neverdoubted so much of any thing in his Life as of his being then awake. Butshe taking him by the Hand, and desiring him to sit down by her, partlyconvinced him of the reality of her presence. 

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

'Justification! (cry'd Aurelian) what Infidel dares doubt it! Thenkneeling down, and taking her Hand, 'Ah Madam (says he) would Heavenwould no other ways look upon, than I behold your Perfections--Wrong notyour Creature with a Thought, he can be guilty of that horrid Impiety asonce to doubt your Vertue--Heavens! (cry'd he, starting up) 'am I soreally blessed to see you once again! May I trust my Sight?--Or does myfancy now only more strongly work?--For still I did preserve your Imagein my Heart, and you were ever present to my dearest Thoughts. --

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

At that (as Aurelian tells the Story) a Sigh diffused a mournfulsweetness through the Air, and liquid grief fell gently from her Eyes, triumphant sadness sat upon her Brow, and even sorrow seem'd delightedwith the Conquest he had made. See what a change Aurelian felt! HisHeart bled Tears, and trembled in his Breast; Sighs struggling for a venthad 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 wastroubled to excess; yet knew not why. Well, the Learned say it wasSympathy; and I am always of the Opinion with the Learned, if they speakfirst. 

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

'Having been in my Infancy Contracted to a Man I could never endure, andnow 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 soGenerous in your Countenance, and uncommon in your Behaviour, while youwere diverting your self, and rallying me with Expressions of Gallantry, at the Ball, as induced me to hold Conference with you. I now freelyconfess to you, out of design, That if things should happen as I thenfeared, and as now they are come to pass, I might rely upon yourassistance in a matter of Concern; and in which I would sooner chuse todepend upon a generous Stranger, than any Acquaintance I have. WhatMirth and Freedom I then put on, were, I can assure you, far distant frommy Heart; but I did violence to my self out of Complaisance to yourTemper. --I knew you at the Tilting, and wished you might come off as youdid; though I do not doubt, but you would have had as good Success had itbeen opposite to my Inclinations. --Not to detain you by too tedious aRelation, every day my Friends urged me to the Match they had agreed uponfor me, before I was capable of Consenting; at last their importunitiesgrew to that degree, that I found I must either consent, which would makeme miserable, or be miserable by perpetually enduring to be baited by myFather, Brother and other Relations. I resolved yesterday, on a suddainto give firm Faith to the Opinion I had conceived of you; and accordinglycame in the Evening to request your assistance, in delivering me from myTormentors, by a safe and private conveyance of me to a Monastery aboutfour Leagues hence, where I have an Aunt who would receive me, and is theonly Relation I have averse to the Match. I was surprized at theappearance of some Company I did not expect at your Lodgings; which mademe in haste tear a Paper which I had written to you with Directions whereto 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 thisHabit which I now wear; I ventured to trust my self with her Brother, andresolved to go under his Conduct to the Monastery; he proved to be aVillain, and Pretending to take me a short and private way to the placewhere he was to take up a Hackney Coach (for that which I came in wasbroke some where or other with the haste it made to carry me from yourLodging) led me into an old ruined Monastery, where it pleased Heaven, bywhat Accident I know not, to direct you. I need not tell you how yousaved my Life and my Honour, by revenging me with the Death of myPerfidious Guide. This is the summ of my present Condition, bating theapprehensions I am in of being taken by some of my Relations, and forcedto a thing so quite contrary to my Inclinations. 

Aurelian was confounded at the Relation she had made, and began to fearhis own Estate to be more desperate than ever he had imagined. He madeher a very Passionate and Eloquent Speech in behalf of himself (muchbetter than I intend to insert here) and expressed a mighty concern thatshe should look upon his ardent Affection to be only Rallery orGallantry. He was very free of his Oaths to confirm the Truth of what hepretended, nor I believe did she doubt it, or at least was unwilling soto do: For I would Caution the Reader by the bye, not to believe everyword which she told him, nor that admirable sorrow which shecounterfeited to be accurately true. It was indeed truth so cunninglyintermingled with Fiction, that it required no less Wit and Presence ofMind than she was endowed with so to acquit her self on the suddain. Shehad entrusted her self indeed with a Fellow who proved a Villain, toconduct her to a Monastery; but one which was in the Town, and where sheintended only to lie concealed for his sake; as the Reader shallunderstand ere long: For we have another Discovery to make to him, if hehave not found it out of himself already. 

After Aurelian had said what he was able upon the Subject in hand, with amournful tone and dejected look, he demanded his Doom. She asked him ifhe 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 tolay down my Life I would obey them. With that he would have gone out ofthe 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 thetender hearted Incognita. 'Stay a little Don Hippolito (said she) I fearI shall not be able to undergo the Fatigue of a Journey this Night. --Stayand give me your Advice how I shall conceal my self if I continue tomorrow in this Town. Aurelian could have satisfied her she was not thenin a place to avoid discovery: But he must also have told her then thereason of it, viz. Whom he was, and who were in quest of him, which hedid not think convenient to declare till necessity should urge him; forhe feared least her knowledge of those designs which were in agitationbetween him and Juliana, might deter her more from giving her consent. Atlast he resolved to try his utmost perswasions to gain her, and told heraccordingly, 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 asthe Man whom she now endeavour'd to avoid) than by making him happy tomake her self secure. He demonstrated to her, --that the disobligation toher Parents would be greater by going to a Monastery, since it was onlyto avoid a choice which they had made for her, and which she could nothave 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 shewas able, or at least willing. At last she told him, she would consulther Pillow, and in the Morning conclude what was fit to be done. Hethought it convenient to leave her to her rest, and having lock'd her upin his Room, went himself to repose upon a Pallat by Signior Claudio. 

In the mean time, it may be convenient to enquire what became ofHippolito. He had wandered much in pursuit of Aurelian, though Leonoraequally took up his Thoughts; He was reflecting upon the oddness andextravagance of his Circumstances, the Continuation of which haddoubtless created in him a great uneasiness, when it was interrupted withthe noise of opening the Gates of the Convent of St. Lawrence, whither hewas arrived sooner than he thought for, being the place Aurelian hadappointed by the Lacquey to meet him in. He wondered to see the Gatesopened at so unseasonable an hour, and went to enquire the reason of itfrom them who were employ'd; but they proved to be Novices, and made himsigns 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: atlast he follow'd a Friar who was going into the Garden, and asking himthe cause of these Preparations, he was answered, That they wereentreated to pray for the Soul of a Cavalier, who was just departing ordeparted this Life, and whom upon farther talk with him, he found to bethe same Lorenzo so often mentioned. Don Mario, it seems Uncle toLorenzo and Father to Leonora, had a private Door out of the Gardenbelonging to his House into that of the Convent, which Door this Fatherwas now a going to open, that he and his Family might come and offer uptheir Oraisons for the Soul of their Kinsman. Hippolito having informedhimself of as much as he could ask without suspicion, took his leave ofthe Friar, not a little joyful at the Hopes he had by such unexpectedMeans, of seeing his Beautiful Leonora: As soon as he was got atconvenient Distance from the Friar, (who 'tis like thought he hadreturn'd into the Convent to his Devotion) he turned back through a closeWalk which led him with a little Compass, to the same private Door, wherejust before he had left the Friar, who now he saw was gone, and the Dooropen. 

He went into Don Mario's Garden, and walk'd round with much Caution andCircumspection; for the Moon was then about to rise, and had alreadydiffused a glimmering Light, sufficient to distinguish a Man from a Tree. By Computation now (which is a very remarkable Circumstance) Hippolitoentred this Garden near upon the same Instant, when Aurelian wandred intothe Old Monastery and found his Incognita in Distress. He was prettywell acquainted with the Platform, and Sight of the Garden; for he hadformerly surveyed the Outside, and knew what part to make to if he shouldbe surpriz'd and driven to a precipitate Escape. He took his Standbehind a well grown Bush of Myrtle, which, should the Moon shine brighterthan was required, had the Advantage to be shaded by the Indulgent Boughsof 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 theReception of one Person, who might undiscovered perceive all about him. He looked upon it as a good Omen, that the Tree Consecrated to Venus wasso propitious to him in his Amorous Distress. The Consideration of that, together with the Obligation he lay under to the Muses, for shelteringhim also with so large a Crown of Bays, had like to have set him aRhyming. 

He was, to tell the Truth, naturally addicted to Madrigal, and we shouldundoubtedly have had a small desert of Numbers to have pick'd andCriticiz'd upon, had he not been interrupted just upon his Delivery; nay, after the Preliminary Sigh had made Way for his Utterance. But so washis Fortune, Don Mario was coming towards the Door at that very nick ofTime, where he met with a Priest just out of Breath, who told him thatLorenzo was just breathing his last, and desired to know if he would comeand take his final Leave before they were to administer the ExtreamUnction. Don Mario, who had been at some Difference with his Nephew, nowthought it his Duty to be reconciled to him; so calling to Leonora, whowas coming after him, he bid her go to her Devotions in the Chappel, andtold 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 aMelancholy visible in her Face, more Careless than usual in her Attire, which he thought added as much as was possible to the abundance of herCharms. He had not much Time to Contemplate this Beauteous Vision, forshe soon passed into the Garden of the Convent, leaving him Confoundedwith Love, Admiration, Joy, Hope, Fear, and all the Train of Passions, which seize upon Men in his Condition, all at once. He was so teazedwith this Variety of Torment, that he never missed the Two Hours that hadslipped away during his Automachy and Intestine Conflict. Leonora'sReturn settled his Spirits, at least united them, and he had now no otherThought but how he should present himself before her. When she callingher Woman, bid her bolt the Garden Door on the Inside, that she might notbe Surpriz'd by her Father, if he returned through the Convent, whichdone, she ordered her to bring down her Lute, and leave her to her selfin the Garden. 

All this Hippolito saw and heard to his inexpressible Content, yet had hemuch to do to smother his Joy, and hinder it from taking a Vent, whichwould have ruined the only Opportunity of his Life. Leonora withdrewinto an Arbour so near him, that he could distinctly hear her if shePlayed or Sung: Having tuned her Lute, with a Voice soft as the Breath ofAngels, 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 theEcstacy he was then rapt, I believe he would have been satisfied to haveexpired with it. He could not help Flattering himself, (though at thesame Time he checked his own Vanity) that he was the Person meant in theSong. 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? Whitheram 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 withhopeless Love; those Beams in whose soft temperate warmth I wanton'dheretofore, now flash destruction to my Soul, my Treacherous greedy Eyeshave suck'd the glaring Light, they have united all its Rays, and, like aburning-Glass, convey'd the pointed Meteor to my Heart--Ah! Aurelian, howquickly hast thou Conquer'd, and how quickly must thou Forsake. Oh Happy(to me unfortunately Happy) Juliana! I am to be the subject of thyTriumph--To thee Aurelian comes laden with the Tribute of my Heart andGlories in the Oblation of his broken Vows. --What then, is AurelianFalse! False! alass, I know not what I say; How can he be False, orTrue, 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, recalthy banish'd Reason. --Ah! would it were no more, would I could rave, surethat would give me Ease, and rob me of the Sense of Pain; at least, amongmy wandring Thoughts, I should at sometime light upon Aurelian, andfansie him to be mine; kind Madness would flatter my poor feeble Wishes, and sometimes tell me Aurelian is not lost--not irrecoverably--not forever 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, andcould not speak. Hippolito approached with Reverence, as to a SacredShrine; when coming near enough to see her Consternation, he fell uponhis Knees. 

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

Here he would have come nearer, but Leonora (scarce come to her self) wasgetting up in haste to have gone away: he catch'd her Hand, and with allthe Endearments of Love and Transport pressed her stay; she was a longtime in great Confusion, at last, with many Blushes, she entreated him tolet her go where she might hide her Guilty Head, and not expose her shamebefore his Eyes, since his Ears had been sufficient Witnesses of herCrime. He begg'd pardon for his Treachery in over-hearing, and confessedit to be a Crime he had now repeated. With a Thousand Submissions, Entreaties, Prayers, Praises, Blessings, and passionate Expressions hewrought upon her to stay and hear him. Here Hippolito made use of hisRhetorick, and it proved prevailing: 'Twere tedious to tell the manyingenious Arguments he used, with all her Nice Distinctions andObjections. In short, he convinced her of his Passion, represented toher the necessity they were under, of being speedy in their Resolves:That his Father (for still he was Aurelian) would undoubtedly find him inthe Morning, and then it would be too late to Repent. She on the otherHand, knew it was in vain to deny a Passion, which he had heard her sofrankly own; (and no doubt was very glad it was past and done;) besidesapprehending the danger of delay, and having some little Jealousies andFears of what Effect might be produced between the Commands of his Fatherand the Beauties of Juliana; after some decent Denials, she consented tobe Conducted by him through the Garden into the Convent, where she wouldprevail with her Confessor to Marry them. He was a scrupulous Old Fatherwhom 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 hisDaughter, and her Woman not being able to give any farther Account ofher, than that she left her in the Garden; he concluded she was goneagain to her Devotions, and indeed he found her in the Chappel upon herKnees with Hippolito in her hand, receiving the Father's Benediction uponConclusion of the Ceremony. 

It would have asked a very skilful Hand, to have depicted to the Life theFaces of those Three Persons, at Don Mario's Appearance. He that hasseen some admirable Piece of Transmutation by a Gorgon's Head, may formto himself the most probable Idea of the Prototype. The Old Gentlemanwas himself in a sort of a Wood, to find his Daughter with a Young Fellowand a Priest, but as yet he did not know the Worst, till Hippolito andLeonora came, and kneeling at his Feet, begg'd his Forgiveness andBlessing as his Son and Daughter. Don Mario, instead of that, fell intoa most violent Passion, and would undoubtedly have committed someextravagant Action, had he not been restrained, more by the Sanctity ofthe Place, than the Perswasions of all the Religious, who were now comeabout him. Leonora stirr'd not off her Knees all this time, butcontinued begging of him that he would hear her. 

'Ah! Ungrateful and Undutiful Wretch (cry'd he) 'how hast thou requitedall my Care and Tenderness of thee? Now when I might have expected somereturn 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 hasrobb'd me of my Treasure, my Darling Joy, and all the future Happiness ofmy Life prevented. Go--go, thou now-to-be-forgotten Leonora, go andenjoy 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 asshe had caught hold to Embrace his Knees. The Old Man would have shookher off, but Compassion and Fatherly Affection came upon him in the midstof his Resolve, and melted him into Tears, he Embraced his Daughter inhis Arms, and wept over her, while they endeavoured to restore herSenses. 

Hippolito was in such Concern he could not speak, but was busily employedin rubbing and chafing her Temples; when she opening her Eyes laid holdof 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 hisArms, and begg'd Don Mario to have some pity on his Daughter, since byhis Severity she was reduced to that Condition. The Old Man hearing hisDaughter name Aurelian, was a little revived, and began to hope Thingswere in a pretty good Condition; he was perswaded to comfort her, andhaving 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 Pardonfor the Ill Opinion he had conceived of him, and not long after gave hisConsent. 

The Night was spent in this Conflict, and it was now clear Day, when DonMario Conducting his new Son and Daughter through the Garden, was met bysome Servants of the Marquess of Viterbo, who had been enquiring forDonna Leonora, to know if Juliana had lately been with her; for that shewas missing from her Father's House, and no conjectures could be made ofwhat might become of her. Don Mario and Leonora were surprized at theNews, 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 wasgone with Don Fabio and Fabritio toward Aurelian's Lodgings. Don Mariohaving assured the Servants that Juliana had not been there, dismissedthem, and advised with his Son and Daughter how they should undeceive theMarquess and Don Fabio in their Expectations of Aurelian. Hippolitocould oftentimes scarce forbear smiling at the old Man's Contrivances whowas most deceived himself; he at length advised them to go all downtogether to his Lodging, where he would present himself before hisFather, and ingenuously confess to him the truth, and he did not questionhis approving of his Choice. 

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

Upon the arrival of Don Mario and Hippolito, they heard a great Noise andHubbub above Stairs, which Don Mario concluded was occasioned by theirnot 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 upbefore to prepare his Father to receive and forgive him. While Hippolitoand Leonora were left in the Coach at the Door, he made himself known toher, 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; buthis Behaviour, and the Reasons he gave, soon reconciled him to her; hisPerson was altogether as agreeable, his Estate and Quality not at allinferiour to Aurelian's; in the mean time, the true Aurelian who had seenhis Father, begg'd leave of him to withdraw for a moment; in which timehe went into the Chamber where his Incognita was dressing her self, byhis design, in Woman's Apparel, while he was consulting with her how theyshould break the matter to his Father; it happened that Don Mario came upStairs where the Marquess and Don Fabio were; they undoubtedly concludedhim Mad, to hear him making Apologies and Excuses for Aurelian, whom hetold them if they would promise to forgive he would present before themimmediately. The Marquess asked him if his Daughter had lain withLeonora that Night; he answered him with another question in behalf ofAurelian. In short, they could not understand one another, but eachthought 'tother beside himself. Don Mario was so concern'd that theywould not believe him, that he ran down Stairs and came to the Door outof Breath, desiring Hippolito that he would come into the House quickly, for that he could not perswade his Father but that he had already seenand spoke to him. Hippolito by that understood that Aurelian was in theHouse; so taking Leonora by the Hand, he followed Don Mario, who led himup into the Dining-Room, where they found Aurelian upon his Knees, begging his Father to forgive him, that he could not agree to the Choicehe had made for him, since he had already disposed of himself, and thatbefore he understood the designs he had for him, which was the reasonthat he had hitherto concealed himself. Don Fabio knew not how to answerhim, but look'd upon the Marquess, and the Marquess upon him, as if theCement 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 spyinghis Friend, started from his Knees and ran to embrace him--My dearHippolito (said he) what happy chance has brought you hither, just at myNecessity? Hippolito pointed to Don Mario and Leonora, and told him uponwhat terms he came. Don Mario was ready to run mad, hearing him calledHippolito, and went again to examine his Daughter. While she wasinforming him of the truth, the Marquess's Servants returned with themelancholy News that his Daughter was no where to be found. While theMarquess and Don Fabritio were wondering at, and lamenting the Misfortuneof 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 theMatch. Don Fabio, though very much incens'd, yet forgot not the Respectdue to Hippolito's Quality; and by his perswasion spoke to Aurelian, though with a stern Look and angry Voice, and asked him where he haddisposed the cause of his Disobedience, if he were worthy to see her orno; Aurelian made answer, That he desired no more than for him to seeher; and he did not doubt a Consequence of his Approbation andForgiveness--Well (said Don Fabio) you are very conceited of your ownDiscretion, let us see this Rarety. While Aurelian was gone in forIncognita, the Marquess of Viterbo and Don Fabritio were taking theirleaves in great disorder for their loss and disappointment; but Don Fabioentreated their stay a moment longer till the return of his Son. Aurelianled Incognita into the Room veil'd, who seeing some Company there whichhe had not told her of, would have gone back again. But Don Fabio camebluntly forwards, and ere she was aware, lifted up her Veil and beheldthe Fair Incognita, differing nothing from Juliana, but in her Name. Thisdiscovery was so extreamly surprizing and welcome, that either Joy orAmazement had tied up the Tongues of the whole Company. Aurelian herewas most at a loss, for he knew not of his Happiness; and that which allalong prevented Juliana's confessing her self to him, was her knowingHippolito (for whom she took him) to be Aurelian's Friend, and she fearedif he had known her, that he would never have consented to have deprivedhim of her. Juliana was the first that spoke, falling upon her Knees toher Father, who was not enough himself to take her up. Don Fabio ran toher, and awakened the Marquess, who then embraced her, but could not yetspeak. Fabritio and Leonora strove who should first take her in theirArms; for Aurelian he was out of his wits for Joy, and Juliana was notmuch behind him, to see how happily their Loves and Duties werereconciled. Don Fabio embraced his Son and forgave him. The Marquessand Fabritio gave Juliana into his hands, he received the Blessing uponhis Knees; all were over-joy'd, and Don Mario not a little proud at thediscovery of his Son-in-Law, whom Aurelian did not fail to set forth withall the ardent Zeal and Eloquence of Friendship. Juliana and Leonora hadpleasant Discourse about their unknown and mistaken Rivalship, and it wasthe Subject of a great deal of Mirth to hear Juliana relate the severalContrivances 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 atthe 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 theRelation of several Particulars of their Three Days Adventures.