THE Lucky Mistake: A New NOVEL. Written by Mrs. A. Behn.  
LONDON, Printed for R. Bentley at the Posthouse in Russel-Street in Covent Garden. 1689.   

To George Greenviel Esq SIR,  
AT this Critical Juncture, I find the Authors will have need of a Protector, as well as the Nation, we having peculiar Laws and Liberties to be defended as well as that, but of how different a Nature, none but such Judges as you, are fit to determine; whatever our Province be, I am sure it should be Wit, and you know what Ellevated Ben says, That none can judge of Wit but Wit. Let the Hero's toil for Crowns and Kingdoms, and with what pretences they please. Let the Slaves of State drudge on for false and empty Glories, troubling the repose of the World and ruining their own to gain uneasy Grandeur, whilst you, Ob! happier Sir, great enough by your Birth, yet more Illustrious by your Wit, are capable of enjoying alone that true Felicity of Mind, which belongs to an absolutely Virtuous and Gallant Man, by that, and the lively Notions of Honour Imprinted in your Soul, you are above Ambition, and can Form Kings and Heroes, when 'ere your delicate Fancy shall put you upon the Poetical Creation.  
You can make those Heroes Lovers too, and inspire 'em with a Language so irresistible as may instruct the Fair, how easily you can Conquer when it comes to your turn, to plead for a Heart, nor is your delicate Wit the only Charm; your Person claims an equal share of Graces with those of your Mind, and both together are capable of rendering you Victorious, wherever you shall please to Address 'em, but your Virtue keeps you from those Ravages of Beauty, which so wholty employ the hours of the Rest of the Gay and Young, whilst you have ●●siness more solid, and more ●oble for yours.  
I would not by this have the World imagine, you are therefore exempt from the tenderness of Love, it rather seems you were on purpose formed for that soft Entertainment, such an Agreement there is between the Harmony of your Soul and your Person, and sure the Muses, who have so divinely inspired you with Poetic Fires, have furnished you with that Necessary, Material (Love) to maintain it, and to make it burn with the more Ellevated Flame.  
'tis therefore Sir, I expect you will the more easily Pardon the the Dedicating to your idler hours (if any such you have) this little Amour, all that I shall say for it, is, that 'tis not Translation but an Original, that has more of realty than fiction, if I have not made it fuller of intrigue, 'twas because I had a mind to keep close to the Truth.  
I must own, Sir, the Obligations I have to you, deserves a greater testimony of my respect, than this little piece, too trivial to bear the honour of your Name, but my increasing Indisposition makes me fear I shall not have many opportunities of this Kind, and should be loath to leave this ungrateful World, without acknowledging my Gratitude more signally then barely by word of Mouth, and without wishing you all the happiness your merit and admirable Virtues deserve, and of assuring you how unfeignedly I am (and how Proud of being) Sir,  
Your most obliged and most humble Servant, A. Behn.   

THE FIRST NOVEL. The Luckey Mistake.  
THE River Logre has on its delightful Banks abundance of handsome Beautiful and Rich Towns and Villages, to which the Noble Stream adds no small Graces and Advantages, blessing their Fields with plenty, and their Eyes with a thousand Diversions. In one of these happily cituated Towns, called Orle●nce, where abundance of People of the best Quality and Condition reside. There was a Rich Nobleman now retired from the busy Court, where in his Youth he had been bred, wearied with the Toils of Ceremony and Noise, to enjoy that perfect Tranquillity of Life, which is not where to be found, but in retreat, a faithful Friend and a good Library; and as the admirable Horace says, in a little House and large Gardens, Count Bellyanrd, for so was this Noble Man called, was of this Opinion, and the rather because he had one only Son, called Rinaldo now grown to the Age of Fifteen, who having all the Excellent Qualities and Grace of Youth, by Nature; he would bring him up in all Virtues and Noble Sciences, which he believed the Gaiety and Lustre of the Court might divert: he therefore in this retirement spared no Cost, to those that could instruct and accomplish him, and he had the best Tutors and Masters that could be purchased at Court: Bellyaurd making far less account of Riches than of fine Parts. He found his Son was capable of all Impressions, having a Wit suitable to his delicate Person, so that he was the sole Joy of his Life, and the Darling of his Eyes.  
In the very next House, which joined close to that of Bellyvard', there lived another Count, who had in his Youth been banisbt the Court of France for some misunderstandings, in some high Affairs wherein he was concerned, his Name was De Pais, a Man of great Birth, but no Fortune; or at least one not suitable to the Grandeur of his Original. And as it is most Natural for great Souls to be most proud, (if I may call a handsome Disdain by that Vulgar Name) when they are most depressed, so De Pais was more retired, more estranged from his Neighbours, and kept a greater distance, than if he had Enjoyed all he had lost at Court, and took more Solemnity and State upon him, because he would not be subject to the reproaches of the World, by making himself familiar with it. So that he rarely visited, and was as rarely visited; and contrary to the Custom of those in France, who are easy of excess, and free of conversation, he kept his Family retired so close, that 'twas rare to see any of 'em, but when they went abroad, which was but seldom, they wanted nothing as to outward appearance, that was fit for his Quality, and was much above his Condition.  
This old Count had two only Daughters, of exceeding Beauty, who gave the Generous Father ten thousand Torments, as often as he beheld them, when he considered their Extreme Beauty, their fine Wit, their Innocence, Modesty, and above all, their Birth; and that he had not the Fortune to marry them according to their Quality; and below it he had rather see 'em laid in their silent Graves, than consent to; for he scorned the World should see him forced by his Poverty, to commit an Action below his Dignity.  
There lived in a Neighbouring Town, a certain Nobleman, Friend to De Pais, called Count Vernole; A man of about forty Years of Age, of low Stature, Complexion very black and swarthy, lean, lame, extreme proud and haughty; extracting of a Descent from the Blood Royal, not extremely brave, but very glorious; he had not very great Estate, but was in Election of a greater, and of an Addition of Honour from the King, his Father having done most worthy Services against the Hugonots, and by the high Favour of Cardinal Mazarine was represented to his Majesty, as a Man related to the Crown, of great Name but small Estate; so that there was now nothing but great Expectations and Preparations in the Family of Count Vernole to go to Court, to which he daily hoped an Invitation or Command.  
Vernole's Fortune being hitherto something akin to that of De Pais; there was a greater Correspondency between these two Gentlemen, than they had with any other Persons; They accounting themselves above the rest of the World, believed none so proper and fit for their Conversation, as that of each other; so that there was a very particular Intimacy between them, whenever they went abroad, they clubbed their Train, to make one great Show, and were always together, bemoaning each others Fortune; that from so high a Descent, as one from Monarches, by the Mother's side, and the other from Dukes of his side, they were reduced by Fate, to the degree of Private Gentlemen. They would often consult how to manage Affairs most to Advantage, and often De Pais would ask Council of Vernole, how best he should dispose of his Daughters, which now were about their Ninth Year the Eldest, and Eight the Youngest; Vernole had often seen these two Buds of Beauty, and already saw opening in Atlante's Face and Mind (for that was the Name of the Eldest, and Charlot the Youngest) a Glory of Wit and Beauty; which could not but one Day display itself with Dazzling Lustre to the wondering World  
Vernole was a great Vertuoso, of a Humour, Nice, Delicate, Critical and Opiniative; he had nothing of the French mein in him, but all the Gravity of the Don; his ill Favoured Person, and his low Estate, put him out of Humour with the World, and because that should not upbraid or reproach his Follies and Defects, He was sure to be before hand with that, and to be always Satyric upon it, and loved to live and act contrary to the Custom and Usage of all Mankind besides.  
He was infinitely delighted to find a Man of his own Humour in De Pais, or at least a Man that would be persuaded to like his so well, to live up to it; and it was no little Joy and Satisfaction to him to find, that he kept his Daughters in that Severity, which was wholly agreeable to him, and so contrary to the Manner and Fashion of the French of Quality; who allow all Freedoms, which to Vernole's rigid Nature, seemed as so many Steps to Vice, and in his Opinion, the Ruiner of all Virtue and Honour in Woman kind. De Pais was extremely glad his conduct was so well interpreted which was no other in him, than a proud Frugality; who, because they could not appear, in so much Gallantry, as their Quality required, kept 'em retired, and unseen to all, but his particular Friends, of which Vernole was chief.  
Vernole never appeared before Atlante (which was seldom,) but he assumed a. Gravity and Respect, fit to have entertained a Maid of twenty, or rather a Matron, of much greater Years and Judgement. His Discourses were always of Matters of State or Philosophy; and sometimes when De Pais would laughing say, he might as well entertain Atlante, with Greek and Hebrew, would reply gravely; you are mistaken Sir, I find the Seeds of great and profound Matter in the Soul of this Young Maid, which ought to be nourished, now while she was Young, and they will grow up to very great Perfection; I find Atlante capable of all the Noble Virtues of the Mind, and am infinitely mistaken in my Observations, and Art of Physiognomy, if Atlante be not born for greater things than her Fortune does now promise, she will be very Considerable in the World, believe me, and this will arrive to her perfectly from the Force of her Charms: De Pais was extremely overjoyed to hear such good Prophesied to Atlante, and from that time, set a sort of an Esteem upon her, which he did not on Charlot his Younger; who by the persuasions of Vernole, he resolved to put in a Monastery, that what he had might defcend to Atlante, not but he confessed Charlot had Beauty, extremely attractive, and a Wit that promised much, when it should be cultivated by Years and Experience; and would show itself with great advantage, and Lustre in a Monastery; all this pleased De Pais very well, who was easily persuaded, since he had not a Fortune to marry her well in the World.  
As yet Vernole had never spoke to Atlante of Love; nor did his Gravity think it Prudence, to discover his Heart to so Young a Maid, he waited her more sensible Years, when he could hope to have some return. And all he expected from this her tender Age, was by his daily converse with her, and the Presents, he made her suitable to her Years, to ingratiate himself insensibly into her Friendship and Esteem: Since she was not yet capable of Love, but even in that he mistook his Aim, for every day, he grew more and more disagreeable to Atlante, and would have been her Absolute Aversion, had she known, she had every day entertained a Lover, but as she grew in Years and Sense, he seemed the more despicable in her Eyes as to his Person, but as she had respect to his Parts and Qualities, she paid him all the Complaisance she could, and which was due to him; and it must be confessed, tho' he had a stiff Formality in all he said and did, yet he had Wit and Learning, and was a great Philosopher; as much of his Learning, as Atlante was capable of attaining to, he made her Mistress of, and that was no small Portion, for all his Discourse was fine and easily comprehended, his Notions of Philosophy fit for Ladies; and he took greater pains with Atlante, than any Master would have done with a Scholar; so that it was most certain, he added very great Accomplishments to her Natural Wit, and the more because she took a very great Delight in Philosophy; which very often made her Impatient of his coming: Especially when she had many Questions, to ask him concerning it, and she would often receive him, with a Pleasure in her Face; which he did not fail to interpret to his own Advantage, being very apt to flatter himself, her Sister Charlot would often ask her, how she could give whole afternoons to so disagreeable a Man: What is it, said She, that charms you so, his Tawny Leather Face, his extraordinary high Nose, his wide Mouth and Eyebrows, that hang Lowering over his Eyes, his lean Carcafs, and his Lame and Halting Hips. But Atlante would discreetly reply, if I must grant all you say of Count Vernole to be true yet he has a Wit and Learning, that will atone sufficiently for all those Faults you mention: A fine Soul is infinitely to be preferred to a fine Body; this decays, but that's Eternal; and Age that ruins one, refines the other; Tho' possibly Atlante thought as ill of the Count, as her Sister; yet in Respect to him, she would not own it.  
Atlante was now arrived to her thirteenth Year, when her Beauty, which every day increased, became the discourse of the whole Town; which had already gained her as many Lovers as had beheld her, for none saw her without Languishing for her, or at least but what were in very great Admiration of her, every body talked of the young and charming Atlante, and all the Noble Men who had Sons (knowing the smallness of her Fortune and the lustre of her Beauty) would send them for fear of their being Charmed with her, either to some other part of the World, or exhorted them, by way of precaution, to keep out of her fight: Old Bellyvard was one of these Wise Parents, and by a timely prevention as he thought of Rinaldo's falling in Love with Atlante, perhaps, was the occasion of his being so; he had before heard of Atlante and of her Beauty; but it had made no impressions on his Heart, but his Father no sooner forbidden him Loving, than he felt a new desire Tormenting him, of seeing this lovely and dangerous young Person; he wonders at his unaccountable Pain, which daily solicits him within, to go where he may behold this Beauty; of whom he frames a thousand Ideas, all such as were most agreeable to him, but then upbraids his fancy for not forming her half so delicate as she was, and longs yet more to see her, to know how near she approaches to the Picture he has drawn of her in his Mind; and though he knew she lived the next House to him, yet he knew also she was kept within like a Vowed Nun, or with the severity of a Spaniard: And though he had a Chamber which had a jetting Window that looked just upon the the door of Monsieur De Pays, and that he would watch many hours at a time, in hope, to see them go out, yet he could never get a glimpse of her; yet he heard she often frequented the Church of our Lady: thither than the young Rinaldo resolved to go, and did so two or three Mornings, in in which time to his unspeakable grief, he saw no Beauty appear that charmed him, and yet he fancied that Atlante was there, and that he had seen her, that some one of those young Ladies, that he saw in the Church was she, though he had no body to inquire of, and that she was not so fair as the World reported, for which he would often sigh as if he had lost some very great Expectation, however he ceased not to frequent this Church, and one day saw a young Beauty, who at first glimpse made his Heart leap to his Mouth, and fell trembling again into its wont place, for it immediately told him that that young Maid was Atlante, she was with her Sister Charlot, who was very handsome, but not comparable to Atlante. He fixed his Eyes upon her, as she kneeled at the Altar, which he never removed from that charming face as long as she remained there, he forgot all Devotion, but what he paid to her, he Adored her, he Burnt and Languished already for her, and found he must possess Atlante, or Dye; often as he gazed upon her he saw her fair Eyes lifted up towards his, where they often met, which she perceiving would cast hers down into her Bosom or on her Book, and blush as if she had done a Fault: Charlot perceived all the Motions of Rinaldo, how he folded his Arms, how he sight, and how he gazed on her Sister; she took Notice of his clothes, his Garniture and every particular of his Dress, as young Girls use to do, and seeing him so very handsome, and so much better dressed than all the young Cavaliers that were in the Church, she was very much pleased with him, and could not forbear saying in a low voice to Atlante, look, look, my Sister, what a pretty Monsieur yonder is, see how fine his Face is, how delicate his Hair, how gallant his Dress, and do but look how he gazes on you? This would make Atlante blush anew, who durst not raise her Eyes for fear she should encounter his. While he had the pleasure to imagine they were talking of him, and he saw in the pretty Face of Charlot, that what he said was not to his disadvantage, and by the blushes of Atlante, that she was not displeased with what was spoken to her; he perceived the young one importunate with her, and Atlante jogging her with her Elbow, as much as to say, hold your peace, all this he made a very kind Interpretation of, and was transported with Joy at the good Omens, he was willing to flatter his new Flame, and to Compliment his young Desire, with a little Hope; but the divine Ceremony ceasing, Atlante left the Church, and it being very fair weather she walked home, Rinaldo, who saw her going, felt all the Agonies of a Lover, who parts with all that can make him Happy, and seeing only Atlante attended with her Sister, and a Footman, following with their Books, he was a thousand times about to speak to 'em, but he no sooner advanced a step or two towards 'em, to that purpose (for he followed them) but his Heart failed, and a certain awe and reverence, or rather the fears and tremble of a Lover, prevented him, but when he considered that possibly he might never have so favourable an opportunity again, he resolved anew, and called up so much Courage to his Heart as to speak to Atlante, but before he did so, Charlot looking behind her, saw Rinaldo very near to 'em, and cried out with a voice of Joy: Oh! Sister, Sister, look where the handsome Monsieur, is just behind us, sure he is some body of Quality, for see he has two Footmen that follow him in just such Liveries, and so Rich, as those of our Neighbour Monsieur Bellyaurd: at this Atlante could not forbear, but before she was ware of it, turned her Head and looked on Rinaldo, which encouraged him to advance, and putting off his Hat, which he clapped under his Arm, with a low Bow, said, Ladies you are so slenderly attended, and so many Accidents arrive to the fair in the rude Streets, that I humbly implore you will permit me, whose Duty it is, as a Neighbour, to wait on you to your Door, Sir, said Atlante blushing, we fear no insolence, and need no Protector, or if we did we should not be so rude to take you out of your way to serve us; Madam, said he, my way lies yours, I live at the next door and am Son to Bellyaurd your Neighbour; but Madam added he, if I were to go all my Life out of the way to do you Service, I should take it for the greatest Happiness, that could arrive to me, but Madam, sure a Man can never be out of his way, who has the Honour of so Charming Company, Atlante made no reply at this, but blushed and bowed, but Charlot said, Nay Sir, if you are our Neighbour we will give you leave to Conduct us home; but pray Sir, how came you to know we are your Neighbours, for we never saw you before to our knowledge. My pretty Miss, replied Rinaldo, Iknew it from the tranfcendent Beauty that appeared in your Faces and fine Shapes, for I have heard there was no Beauty in the World like that of Atlante's, and I no sooner saw her but my Heart told me it was she; Heart, said Charlot, Laughing, why does Heart use to speak; the most intelligibly of any thing, replied Rinaldo, when 'tis tenderly touched, when 'tis charmed and transported, at these words he fight, and Atlante to his extreme satisfaction blushed; touched, charmed and transported, said Charlot, what's that? and how do you do to have it be all these things? for I would give any thing in the World to have my Heart speak: Oh! said Rinaldo, your Heart is too young, it is not yet arrived to the Years of speaking, about thirteen or fourteen it may possibly be saying a thousand soft things to you, but it must first be inspired by some Noble Object, whose Idea it must retain; what replied, this pretty Prattler, I'll warrant I must be in Love? Yes, said Rinaldo, most passionately, or you will have but little Conversation with your Heart, Oh! replied she, I am afraid the pleasure of such a Conversation will not make me amends for the Pain that Love will give me, that, said Rinaldo, is according as the Object is kind, and as you hope, if he Love, and you hope you will have a double Pleasure, and in this how great an advantage have you fair Ladies above us Men: 'tis almost impossible for you to Love in vain, you have your choice of a thousand Hearts which you have subdued, and may not only choose your Slaves but be assured of 'em; without speaking you are beloved, it needs not cost you a sigh or tear; but unhappy Man is often destined to give his Heart, where it is not regarded, to sigh, to weep and languish without any hope of Pity. You speak so feelingly, Sir said Charlot, that I am afraid this is your Case; Yes, Madam, replied Rinaldo, sighing, I am that unhappy Man; indeed 'tis pity said she, pray how long have you been so? ever since I heard of the charming Atlante, replied he, sighing again, I adored her Character, but now I have seen her, I die for her; for me, Sir, said Atlante (who had not yet spoke, this is the common compliment of all the young Men, who pretend to be Lovers, and if one should pity all those sighers, we should have but very little left for ourselves; I believe, said Rinaldo, there are none that tell you so, who do not mean as they say, yet among all those adorers and those that say they will die for you, you will find none will be so good as their words as Rinaldo, perhaps said Atlante, of all those who tell me of dying, there are none that tell it with so little reason as Rinaldo, if that be your Name Sir; Madam it is, said he, and who am Transported with an unspeakable joy, to hear those last words from your fair mouth, and let me Oh! Lovely Atlante, assure you that what I have said, are not words of Course, but proceed from a heart that has vowed itself, eternally yours, even before, I had the happiness to behold this Divine Person, but now that my Eyes have made good all my heart before imagined, and did but hope, I swear I will die a Thousand deaths, rather than violate what I have said to you, that I adore you, that my Soul and all my faculties are charmed with your Beauty and Innocence, and that my Life and Fortune, not inconsiderable, shall be laid at your Feet: this he spoke with a fervency of passion, that left her no doubt of what he had said; yet she blushed for shame, and a little angry at herself, for suffering him to say so much to her, the very first time she saw him, and accused herself for giving him any encouragement: and in this confusion she replied, Sir, you have said too much to be believed, and I cannot imagine so short an acquaintance can make so considerable an Impression, of which confession I accuse myself much more than you, in that I did not only hearken to what you said, without forbidding you to entertain me at that rate, but for unheedily speaking something, that has encouraged this boldness; for so must I call it in a Man, so great a stranger to me: Madam, said he, if I have offended by the suddainess of my presumptuous discovery, I beseech you to consider my reasons for it, the few opportunities I am like to have, and the impossibility of waiting on you, both from the severity of your Father and mine; who 'ere I saw you, warned me of my Fate, as if he foresaw, I should fall in Love as soon as I should chance to see you; and for that reason has kept me closer to my Studies, than hitherto I have been, and from that time I began to feel a Flame, which was kindled by report alone, and the Description my Father gave of your wondrous and dangerous Beauty: therefore Madam, I have not suddenly told you of my passion, I have been long your Lover, and have long Languished without telling of my Pain, and you ought to Pardon it now, since it is done with all the respect and Religious Awe, that 'tis possible for a heart to deliver and unload itself in; therefore Madam, if you have by chance uttered any thing, that I have taken advantage or hope from, I assure you 'tis so small, that you have no reason to repent it; but rather if you would have me live, send me not from you, without a confirmation of that little hope; see Madam, said he, more earnestly and trembling, see we are almost arrived at our homes, send me not to mine in a despair, that I cannot support with Life, but tell me I shall be blest with your Sight sometimes in your Balcony, which is very near to a jetting Window in our House, from whence I have sent many a longing look towards yours, in hope to have seen my Soul's Tormenter; I shall be very unwilling, said she, to enter into an intrigue of Love, or Friendship with a Man, whose Parents will be averse to my happiness, and possibly mine as refractory, though he cannot but know such an Alliance would be very considerable; my Fortune being not suitable to yours, I tell you this, that you may withdraw in time from a Engagement, in which I find there will be a great many Obstacles Oh! Madam replied Rinaldo, sighing, if my Person be not disagreeable to you; you will have no cause to fear the rest, 'tis that I dread, and that which is all my fear, he sighing beheld her with a Languishing look, that told her, he expected her answer, when she replied, Sir, if that will be Satisfaction enough for you at this time, I do assure you, I have no aversion for your Person, in which I find more to be valued than in any I have yet seen, and if what you say be real, and proceed from a heart truly affected, I find in spite of me, you will oblige me to give you hope.  
They were come so near their own Houses, that he had not time to return her any answer, but with a low bow he acknowledged her Bounty, and expressed the joy her last words had given him, by a look that made her understand, he was charmed and pleased, and she bowing to him, with an Air of satisfaction in her Face, he was well assured, there was nothing to be seen so lovely as she then appeared, and left her to go into her own House, but till she was out of sight, he had not Power to stir, and then sighing retired to his own Apartment, to think over all that had passed between them, he found nothing but what gave him a thousand joys, in all she had said; and he blest this happy day, and wondered how his Stars came so kind, to make him in one hour at once see Atlante, and have the happiness to know from her own mouth, that he was not disagreeable to her, yet with this satisfaction, he had a thousand thoughts mixed, which were tormenting, and those were the fear of their Parents, he foresaw from what his Father had said to him already, that it would be difficult to draw him to a consent of his Marriage with Atlante, these joys and fears were his companions all the Night, in which he took but little rest. Nor was Atlante without her inquietudes: she found Rinaldo more in her thoughts, than she wished, and a sudden change of humour, that made her know something was the matter with her, more than usual; she calls to mind Rinaldo's speaking of the conversation with his heart, and found hers would be tattling to her, if she would give way to it, and yet the more she strove to avoid it, the more it importuned her, and in spite of all her resistance, would tell her, that Rinaldo had a thousand charms, it tells her that he Loves and adores her, and that she would be the most cruel of her Sex, should she not be sensible of his passion, she finds a thousand graces in his Person and Conversation, and as many advantages in his Fortune, which was one of the most considerable in all those Parts, for his Estate exceeded that of the most Noble Men in Orleans, and she imagines she should be the most Fortunate of all Womankind in such a Match; with these thoughts, she employed all the hours of the Night, so that she lay so long in Bed the next day, that Count Vernole, who had invited himself to Dinner, came before she had quitted her Chamber, and she was forced to say she had not been well; he had brought her a very fine Book, newly come out, of Delicate Philosophy, fit for the study of Ladies, but he appeared so disagreeable to that heart, wholly taken up with a new and fine Object, that she could now hardly pay him that civility, she was wont to do, while on the otherside, that little State and Pride Atlante assumed, made her appear the more charming to him, so that if Atlante had no mind to begin a new Lesson of Philosophy, while she fancied her thoughts were much better employed, the Count every moment expressing his tenderness and passion, had as little an inclination to instruct her, as she was to be instructed; Love had taught her a new Lesson, and he would fain teach her a new Lesson of Love, but fears it will be a diminishing of his Gravity and Grandeur, to open the Secrets of his heart to so young a Maid, he therefore thinks it more agreeable to his Quality and Years, being about forty, to use her Father's Authority in this Affair, and that it was sufficient for him, to declare himself to Monsieur De Pais, who he knew would be Proud of the Honour he did him sometime past, before he could persuade himself, even to declare himself to her Father; he fancies the little coldness and Pride he saw in Atlante's Face, which was not usual, proceeded from some discovery of Passion, which his Eyes had made, or now and then a Sigh, that unawares broke forth, and accuses himself of a Levity below his Quality and the Dignity of his Wit and Gravity: and therefore assumes a more rigid and formal Behaviour than he was wont, which rendered him yet more disagreeable than. before; and 'twas with greater pain than ever, she gave him that respect which was due to his quality.  
Rinaldo after a restless Night, was up very early in the Morning, and tho' he was not certain of seeing his Adorable Atlante, he dressed himself with all that care, as if he had been to have waited on her, and got himself into the Window, that overlooks Monsieur De Pays his Balcony, where he had not remained long, before he saw the pretty Charlot come into it, not with any design of seeing Rinaldo, but to look and gaze about her a little, Rinaldo saw her, and made her a very low Reverence, and found some disordered Joy on the sight of even Charlot, since she was Sister to Atlante, he called to her (for the Window was so near her, he could easily be heard by her) and told her he was infinitely indebted to her Bounty, for giving him an opportunity yesterday of falling on that discourse, which had made him the happiest Man in the World, he said, if she had not by her agreeable Conversation encouraged him, and drawn him from one word to another, he should never have had the confidence to have told Atlante, how much he adored her; I am very glad, replied Charlos, that I was the occasion of the beginning of an Amour which was displeasing to neither one nor to the other, for I assure you for your comfort, my Sister nothing but thinks on you, we lie together and you have taught her already to sigh so, that I could not sleep for her; at this his Face was covered over with a rising Joy which his Heart could not contain, and after some more discourse in which this innocent Girl discovered more than Atlante wished she should, he besought her to become his Advocate, and since she had no Brother, to give him leave to assume that Honour, and call her Sister, thus by degrees he flattered her into a consent of carrying a Letter from him to Atlante, which she who believed all as innocent as herself, and being not forbid to do so, immediately consented to, when he took his Pen and Ink that stood in the Window with Paper, wrote Atlante this following Letter.  
Rinaldo to Atlante.  
IF my Suit be so severe as to deny me the happiness of sighing out my pain and passion daily at your Feet, if there be any Faith in the Hope you were pleased to give me (as 'twere a Sin to doubt,) do not, Oh Charming Atlante! suffer me to Languish both without beholding you, and without the blessing of now and then a Billet in answer to those that shalt daily assure you of my eternal Faith and Vows, 'tis all I ask till Fortune and our Affairs shall allow me the unspeakable satisfaction of Claiming you, yet if your Charity can sometimes afford me a sight of you, either from your Balcony in the Evening, or at Church in the Morning, it would save me from that Dispair and Torment, which must possess a Heart so unassured as that of,  
Your Eternal Adorer Rin. Bellyvard.  
He having Writ and Sealed this, tossed it into the Balcony to Charlot, having first looked about to see if none perceived them; she put it in her Bosom and ran into her Sister, whom by chance she found alone, Vernole having taken De Pays into the Garden to Discourse with him concerning the sending Charlot to the Monastery, which work he desired to see performed, before he declared his intentions to Atlante, for among all his other good qualities, he was very avaricious, and as fair as Atlante was he thought she would be much fairer with the Addition of Charlot's Portion: this Affair of his with Monsieur De Pays gave Charlot an opportunity of delivering her Letter to her Sister, who no sooner drew it from her Bosom, but Atlante's Face was covered over with Blushes, for she imagined from whence it came, and had a secret Joy in that imagination; tho' she thought she must put on the Severity and Niceness of a Virgin, who would not be thought to have surrendered her Heart with so small an Assault, and the first too; so she demanded from whence Charlot had that Letter, who replied with joy, from the fine Young Gentleman, our Neighbour; at which Atlante assumed all the gravity she could, to chide her Sister, who replied, well Sister had you this day seen him, you would not have been angry to have received a Letter from him, he looked so handsome, and was so richly dressed, ten times finer than he was Yesterday; and I promised him you should read it, therefore pray let me keep my word with him, and not only so, but carry him an Answer, well, said Atlante, to save your Credit with Monsieur Rinaldo, I will read it, which she did and finished with a sigh; while she was reading it, Charlot ran into the Garden to see if they were not likely to be surprised, and finding the Count, and her Father, set in an Arbour in deep Discourse, she brought Pen, Ink and Paper to her Sister, and told her she might Write without the fear of being disturbed, and urged her so long to what was enough her inclination, she at last obtained this Answer;  
Atlante to Rinaldo.  
CHarlot, your little importunate Advocate has at last subdued me to a Consent of returning you this; she has put me on an Affair, which I am wholly unacquainted with; and you ought to take this very kindly from me since'tis the very first time I ever Writ to one of your Sex, tho' perhaps I might with less danger have done it to any other Man; I tremble while I Writ, since I dread a Correspondence of this Nature, which may insensibly draw us into an inconvenience, and engage me beyond the limits of that Nicety, I ought to preserve; for this way we venture to say a thousand little kind things which in Conversation we dare not do, for now none can see us blush; I am sensible I shall this way put myself too soon into your power, and tho' you have abundance of Merit, I ought to be ashamed of Confessing, I am but too sensible of them;— but hold— I shall discover for your Repose (which I would. preserve) too much of the Heart of  
Atlante.  
She gave this Letter to Charlot, who immediately ran into the Balcony with it, where she still found Rinaldo in a Melancholy posture, leaning his Head on his Hand, she showed him the Letter, but was afraid to toss it to him, for fear it might fall to the ground, so he ran and fetched a long Cane which he cloven at one End, and holding it where she put the Letter into the Cleft, and stayed not to hear what he said to it, but never was Man so transported with Joy, as he was at the reading of this Letter; it gives him new wounds; for to the generous, nothing obliges Love so much as Love; tho 'tis now too much the Nature of that inconstant Sex to cease to Love as soon as they are sure of the Conquest. But it was far different with our Cavalier, he was the more inflamed by imagining he had made some impressions on the Heart of Atlante, and kindled some sparks there, that in time might increase to something more; so that he now resolves to die hers, and considering all the Obstacles that may possibly hinder his Happiness, he found none but his Father's obstinacy, perhaps occasioned by the meanness of Atlante's Fortune, to this he urged again that he was his only Son, and a Son whom he loved equal to his own Life; and that certainly as soon as he should behold him dying for Atlante, which if forced to quit he must be, that then he believed the tenderness of so fond a Parent, would break forth into Pity and Compassion, and plead within for his Consent: these were the thoughts that flattered this Young Lover all the day, and whether he were Riding the great Horse, or at his Study of Philosophy, or Mathamaticks, Singing or Dancing, or whatever other Exercise his Tutors ordered, his thoughts were continually on Atlante, and now he profited no more; whatever he seemed to do, every day he failed not to Write to her by the Hand of the kind Charlot, who young, as she was, had conceived a very great Friendship for Rinaldo, and failed not to fetch his Letters, and bring him Answers such as he wished to receive; but all this did not satisfy our impatient Lover, absence killed, and he was no longer able to support himself without a sight of this Adorable Maid; he therefore implores she will give him that satisfaction, and she at last grants it, with a better Will than he imagined, the next day was the appointed time, when she would under pretence of going to Church give him an assignation, and because all public places were dangerous, and might make a great noise, and they had no private place to trust to, Rinaldo under pretence of going up the River in his Pleasure Boat, which he often did, sent to have it made ready against the next day, at ten of the Clock; this was accordingly done and he gave Atlante Notice of his design of going an hour or two on the River, in his Boat, which lay near such a place, not far from the Church: she and Charlot came thither, and because they durst not come out, without a Footman or two, they taking one, sent him with a how do ye, to some Young Ladies, and told him he should find them at Church; so getting rid of their spy, they hastened to the River side, and found a Boat and Rinaldo waiting to carry them on Board his little Vessel, which was richly adorned, and a very handsome Collation ready for them of Cold Meats, Salads and Sweetmeats; as soon as they were come into the Pleasure Boat, unseen of any, he kneeled at the Feet of Atlante, and there uttered so many passionate and tender things to her, with a voice so trembling and soft, with Eyes so Languishing, and a Fervency and Fire so sincere, that her young Heart wholly uncapable of Artifice, could no longer resist such Language, and such Looks of Love, she grows tender, and he perceives it in her fine Eyes, who could not dissemble, he reads her Heart in her Looks, and found it yielding apace, and therefore Assaults it anew with fresh forces of Sighs and Tears, he implores she would assure him of her Heart, which she could not other way do then by yielding to Marry him; he would carry her to the next Village, there consummate that Happiness, without which he was able to live no longer, for he had a thousand Fears, that some other Lover was, or would, suddenly be provided for her, and therefore he would make sure of her, while he had this opportunity; and to that end he answered all the Objections, she could make, to the contrary: but ever when he named Marriage, she trembled with fear of doing something that she fancied she ought not to do without the Consent of her Father, she was sensible of the Advantage, but had been so used to a strict Obedience, that she could not without Horror think of Violating it, and therefore besought him, as he valued her Repose, not to urge her to that, and told him further that if he feared any Rival, she would give him what other Assurance and Satisfaction he pleased, but that of Marriage, which she could not consent to, till she knew such an Alliance would not be Fatal to him; for she feared as passionately as he loved her, when he should find she had occasioned him the loss of his Fortune, or his Father's Affection, he would grow to hate her; tho' he answered to this, all that a fond Lover could urge, yet she was resolved, and he was forced to content himself with obliging her by his Prayers and Protestations, his Sighs and his showers of Tears to a Contract, which they solemnly made each other, vowing on either side, that they would never Marry any other, this being solemnly concluded, he assumed a Look more Gay and Contented than before, he presented her a very rich Ring, which she durst not put on her Finger, but hide it in her Bosom: and beholding each other now as Man and Wife, she suffered him all the decent Freedoms he could wish to take, so that the hours of this Voyage seem'd the most soft and charming of his Life, and doubtless they were so, every touch of Atlante transported him, every look pierced his Soul, and he was all Raptures of Joy, when he considered this charming lovely Maid was his own.  
Charlot all this while was gazing above Deck, admiring the motion of the little Vessel, and how easily the Wind and Tide bore her up the River; she had never been in any thing of this Kind before, and was very well pleased and entertained, when Rinaldo called her down to eat, where they enjoyed themselves as well as was possible, and Charlot was wondering to see such a Content in their Eyes.  
But now they thought it was high time for them to return, they fancy the Footman missing them at Church, would go home and Alarm their Father, and the Knight of the ill Favoured Countenance, as Charlot called Count Vernole, whose severity put their Father on a greater restriction of them than naturally he would do of himself: At the Name of this Count, Rinaldo changed colour, fearing he might be some Rival, and asked Atlante, If this Vernole was akin to her, she answered No; but was a very great Friend to her Father, and one who from their Infancy, had had a particular concern for their breeding, and was her Master for Philosophy. Ah! replied Rinaldo sighing, this Man's concern must proceed from something more than Friendship for her Father, and therefore conjured her to tell him, whether he were not a Lover? A Lover replied Atlante; I aslure you, he is a perfect Antidote against that Passion; and tho' she suffered his Ugly Presence now, she should loathe and hate him, should he name but Love to her.  
She said, she believed she need not fear any suchPersecution, since he was a Man, who was not at all Amorous, that he had too much of the satire in his Humour to harbour any softness there: and Nature had formed his Body to his Mind, wholly unfit for Love; and that he might set his Heart absolutely at rest, she assured him her Father had never yet proposed any marriage to her, tho' many advantageous ones are offered him every day.  
The Sails being turned to carry them back from whence they came; after having discoursed of a thousand things, and all of Love and Contrivance to carry on their Mutual Design, they with Sighs parted, Rinaldo staying behind in the Pleasure Boat, and they going a Shore in the Whery, that attended; after which he cast many an Amorous and sad Look, and perhaps was answered by those of Atlante.  
It was past Church time two or three Hours; when they arrived at Home wholly unprepared with an excuse, so Absolutely was Atlante's Soul possessed with Softer Business. The first Person they met withal was the Footman, who opened the Door, and began to cry out, how long he had waited in the Church, and how in Vain; without giving them time to reply, De Pais came towards 'em, and with a Frowning Look, demanded where they had been? Atlante who was not accustomed to Excuses and Untruth, was a while at a stand, when Charlot with a Voice of Joy cried out, Oh Sir we have been a Board of a fine little Ship: At this Atlante blushed fearing she would tell the Truth. But she proceeded on, and said; that they had not been above a Quarter of an Hour at Church, when the Lady— withsome other Ladies and Cavaliers, were going out of the Church, and that spying them, they would needs have them go with 'em; mySisterSir, continued she, was veryloath to go, for fear you should be angry, but my Lady— was so importunate with her on one side, and I on the other; because I never saw a little Ship in my Life, that at last we prevailed with her, therefore good Sir, be not angry. He promised them he was not, and when they came in, they found Count Vernole, who had been inspiring De Pais with Severity, and counseled him to chide the Young Ladies, for being too long Absent, under Pretence of going to their Devotion, nor was it enough for him to set the Father on, but himself with a Gravity, where Concern and Malice were both apparent, reproached Atlante with Levity, and told her, he believed she had some other Motive, than the Invitation of a Lady, to go on Ship board, and that she had too many Lovers, not to make them doubt that this was a Designed thing, and that she had heard Love from some one, for whom it was designed: To this she made him but a short reply, that if it was so, she had no reason to conceal it, since she had Sense enough to look after herself, and if any Body had made Love to her, he might be assured it was some one, whose Quality and Merit deserved to be heard; and with a Look of Scorn, she passed on to another Room, and left him silently raging within with Jealousy. Which if before she tormented him, this Declaration increased it to a Pitch not to be concealed. And this Day he said so much to the Father, that he resolved forthwith to send Charlot to a Nunery, and accordingly the next Day, he bid her prepare to go: Charlot, who was not yet arrived to the Years of Distinction, did not much regret it, and having no trouble, but leaving her Sister, she prepared to go to a Nunery not many Streets from that where she dwelled. The Lady Abbess was her Father's Kinswoman, and had treated her very well, as often as she came to visit her, so that with satisfaction enough, she was condemned to a Monastic Life, and was now going for her Probation Year: Atlante was troubled at her departure, because she had now no body to bring and to carry Letters between Rinaldo and she: However she took her leave of her, and promised to come and see her, as often as she should be permitted to go abroad, for she feared now some constraint extraordinary would be put upon her, and so it happened.  
Atlante's Chamber was that to which the Balcony belonged, and though she durst not appear there in the day time, she could in the Night, and that way give her Lover as many hours of her conversation, as she pleased without being perceived: but how to give Rinaldo notice of this she could not tell, who not knowing Charlot was gone to a Monestary, waited many days at his Window to see her; at last they neither of them knowing who to trust with any Message, one day when he was, as usual, upon his watch, he saw Atlante step into the Balcony, who having a Letter, in which she had put a piece of Led, she tossed it into his Window, whose Casement was open, and run in again unperceived by any but himself, the Paper contained only this.  
My Chamber is that which looks into the Balcony, from whence, tho' I cannot converse with you in the day, I can at Night when I am retired to go to Bed, therefore be at your Window, Farewell.  
There needed no more to make him a diligent watcher, and accordingly she was no sooner retired to her Chamber, but she would come into the Balcony, where she failed not to see him attending at his Window, this happy contrivance was thus carried on for many Nights, where they entertained one another, with all the indearment that two hearts could dictate, who were perfectly united and assured of each other, and this pleasing Conversation would often last till day appeared, and forced 'em to part.  
But old Belyvard perceiving his Son frequent that Chamber more than usual, fancied something extraordinary must be the the cause of it, and one Night ask for his Son, his Vallet told him he was gone into the great Chamber, so this was called: Belyvard asked the Vallet what he did there, he told him he could not tell, for often he had lighted him thither, and that his Master would take the Candle from him at the Chamber Door, and suffer him to go no further; tho' the Old Gentleman could not imagine, what Affairs he could have alone every Night in that Chamber, he had a curiosity to see, and one unlucky Night, putting off his shoes he came to the Door of the Chamber which was open, he entered softly, and saw the Candle set in the Chimney, and his Son at a great open Bay Window; he stopped a while to wait when he would turn, but finding him immovable, he advanced something further, and at last heard the soft Dialogue of Love, between him and Atlante, whom he knew to be she, by his often calling her by her Name in their discourse, he heard enough to confirm him how Matters went, and unseen as he came, he returned, full of indignation and thought how to prevent so great an Evil, as this Passion of his Son might produce, at first he thought to round him severely in the Ear about it, and upbraid him for doing the only thing he had thought fit to forbid him, but then he thought that would but terrify him for a while, and he would return again, where he had so great an inclination if he were near her; he therefore resolves to send him to Paris, that by absence he might forget this young Beauty, that had charmed his Youth: therefore without letting Rinaldo know the reason, and without taking notice that he knew any thing of his Amour; he came to him one day, and told him all the Masters he had for the improving him in Noble Sciences were very dull, or very remiss, and that he resolved he should go for a Year or two, to the Academy at Paris; to this the Son made a thousand Evasions, but the Father was positive, and not to be persuaded by all his reasons, and finding he should absolutely displease him, if he refused to go, and not daring to tell him the dear cause of his desire to remain at Orleans, he therefore with a breaking heart consents, to go; nay resolves it, though it should be his death; but alas! he considers that this parting, will not only prove the greatest Torment upon Earth to him, but that Atlante will share in his misfortune, also; this thought gives him a double Torment, and yet finds no way to evade it.  
The Night that finisnt this fatal day, he goes again to his wont Station, the Window; where he had not fight very long, but he saw Atlante enter the Balcony, he was not able a great while to speak to her, or to utter one word, the Night was light enough to see him at the wont place, and she admires at his silence, and demands the reason in such obliging Terms, as adds to his grief; and he with a deep sigh replied, urge me not my fair Atlante to speak, least by obeying you, I give you more cause of grief, than my silence is capable of doing, and then sighing again, he held his peace and gave her leave to ask the cause of these last words, but when he made no reply, but by sighing, she imagined it much worse than indeed it was, and with a trembling and fainting voice she cried; Oh! Rinaldo, give me leave to Divine that cruel news, you are so unwilling to tell me; 'tis so, added she, you are destined to some more Fortunate Maid than Atlante, at this Tears stopped her Speech, and she could utter no more, no my dearest charmer, replied Rinaldo, (Elavating his voice) if that were all, you should see with what fortitude I would die, rather than obey any such commands; I am vowed yours to the last moment of my Life, and will be yours in spite of all the opposition in the World, that cruelty I could evade, but cannot this that threatens me; Ah! cried Atlante, let Fate do her worst, so she till continue Rinaldo mine, and keep that Faith he has sworn to me entire; what can she do besides that, can afflict me? she can separate me, cried he, for some time from Atlante, Oh! replied she, all misfortunes fall so below that, which I first imagined, that methinks, I do not resent this, as I should otherwise have done; but I know when I have a little more considered it, I shall even die with the grief of it, absence being so great an Enemy to Love, and makes us soon forget the Object beloved, this though I never Experienced, I have heard and fear it may be my fate, he then convinced her fear with a thousand new vows, and a thousand imprecations of constancy; she than asked him, if their Loves were discovered, that he was with such half to departed, he told her nothing of that was the cause, and he could almost with it were discovered since he could resolutely then refuse to go, but it was only to cultivate his Mind, more effectually than he could do here, it was the care of his Father to accomplish him the more, and therefore he could not contradict it, but, said he, I am not sent where Seas shall part us, nor vast distances of Earth, but to Paris, from whence he might come in two days to see her again, and that he would expect from that Balcony, that had given him so many happy moments, many more, when he should come to see her, he besought her to send him away, with all the satisfaction she could, which she could not otherwise do, than by giving him new assurances, that she would never give away that right he had in her, to any other Lover, she vows this with innumerable Tears; and is almost angry with him for questioning her Faith; he tells her than he has but one Night more to stay, and his grief will be unspeakable, if he should not be able to take a better leave of her than at a Window, and that if she would give him leave, he would by a Rope or two, tied together, so as it may serve for steps, ascend her Balcony; he not having time to provide a Ladder of Ropes: she tells him, she has so great a confidence in his virtue and Love, that she will refuse him nothing, though it will be a very bold venture for a Maid, to trust herself with a passionate young Man, in silence of Night; and though she did not exert a vow from him to secure her, she expected he would have a care of her Honour, he swore to her, his Love was too Religious for so base an attempt, there needed not many vows to confirm her Faith, and it was agreed on between 'em, that he should come the next Night into her Chamber.  
It happened, that Night, as it often did, that Count Vernole, lay with Monsieur De Pays, which was in a Ground-room just under that of Atlantes; and as soon as she knew all were in Bed, she gave the word to Rinaldo, who was attending with the impatience of a passionate Lover below under the Window, and who no sooner heard the Balcony open, but he ascended with some difficulty, and entered the Chamber, where he found Atlante tremble with joy and fear: he throws himself at her Feet, as unable to speak as she, who nothing but blushed and bend down her Eyes, hardly daring to glance 'em towards the dear Object of her desires, the Lord of all her vows, she was ashamed to see a Man in her Chamber, where yet none had ever been alone, and by Night too; he saw her fear, and felt her trembling, and after a thousand sighs of Love had made way for Speech, he besought her to fear nothing from him, for his Flame was too sacred, and his passion too Holy to offer any thing, but what Honour with Love might afford him; at last he brought her to some courage, and the Roses of her fair Cheeks, assumed their wont Colour, not blushing too Red, nor Languishing too Pale: but when the conversation began between them, it was the softest in the World, they said all, that parting Lovers could say, all that wit and tenderness could express, they exchanged their vows a new, and to confirm his, he tied a Bracelet of Diamonds about her Arm, and she returned him one of her Hair, which he had long begged, and she had on purpose made, which clasped together with Diamonds, this she put about his Arm, and he swore to carry it to his Grave; the Night was very far spent in tender Vows, soft sighs and Tears on both sides, and it was high time to part, but as if death had been to have arrived to 'em in that Minute, they both lingered away the time, like Lovers, who had forgot themselves, and day was near approaching, when he bid farewell, which he repeated very often, for still he was interrupted by some commanding softness from Atlante, and then lost all his Power of going, till she more courageous and careful of his interest, and her own Fame forced him from her, and it was happy she did so, for he was no sooner got over the Balcony, and she had fling him down his Rope, and shut the Door, but Vernole whom Love and Contrivance kept waking, fancied several times he heard a noise in Atlantes Chamber, and whether in passing over the Balcony, Rinaldo made any noise or not? or whether 'twere still his jealous fancy, he came up in his Night Gown, with a Pistol in his hand, Atlante was not so much lost in grief, though she were all in tears, but she heard a Man come up, and imagined it had been her Father, she not knowing of Count Vernoles lying in the House that Night, if she had, she possibly had taken more care to have been silent, but whoever it was, she could not get to Bed soon enough, and therefore turned herself to her dressing Table, where the Candle stood, and where lay a Book open of the story of Ariadne and Thesias, the Count turning the Latch, entered halting into her Chamber, in his Night Gown clapped close about him, which betrayed an ill favoured shape, his Nightcap on, without a Periwig, which discovered all his lean withered Jaws, his Face pale, and his Eyes staring, and making altogether so dreadful a Figure, that Atlante who no more dreamt of him, then of a Devil, had possibly rather have seen the last, she gave a great screek, which frightened Vernole, so both stood for a while staring on each other, till both were recollected, he told her the care of her Honour, had brought him thither, and then rolling his small Eyes round the Chamber, to see if he could discover any Body, he proceeded and cried Madam, if I had no other motive than your being up at this time of Night, or rather of Day, I could easily guests how you have been entertained, what insolence is this, said she, all in a rage, when to cover your boldness, of approaching my Chamber at this hour, you would question how I have been entertained, either explain yourself, or quit my Chamber, for I do not use to see such terrible Objects here; possibly those you do see, said the Count, are indeed more agreeable, but I am afraid have not that regard to your Honour, as I have, and at that word, he stepped to the Balcony, opened it, and look out, but seeing no Body, he shut it too again, this enraged Atlante beyond all patience, and snatching the Pistol out of his hand, she told him, he deserved to have it aimed at his head, for having the impudence to question her Honour, or her conduct, and commanded him to avoid her Chamber as he loved his Life; which she believed he was fonder of than of her Honour, she speaking this in a Tone wholly Transported with rage, and at the same time holding the Pistol towards him, made him tremble with fear, and he now found whether she were guilty or not, it was his turn to beg Pardon; for you must know however it came to pass, that his Jealousy made him come up in that fierce Posture, at other times Vernole was the most tame and passive Man in the World, and one who was afraid of his own shadow in the Night, he had a natural aversion for danger, and thought it below a Man of Wit or common Sense, to be guitly of that bruital thing called courage or fight, his Philosophy told him, 'twas safe sleeping in a whole skin, and possibly he apprehended as much danger from this Virago, as ever he did from his own Sex, he therefore fell on his Knees, and besought her to hold her fair hand, and not to suffer that, which was the greatest mark of his respect to be the cause of her hate or indignation, the pitiful Faces he made, and the signs of mortal fear in him, had almost made her Laugh, at least it allayed her anger, and she bid him rise and play the Fool hereafter somewhere else, and not in her presence, yet for once she would deign to give him this satisfaction, that she was got into a Book, which had many moving Stories very well writ, and that she found herself so well entertained, she had forgot how the Night past; he most humbly thanked her for this satisfaction and retired, perhaps not so well satisfied as he pretended.  
After this he appeared more submissive and respectful towards Atlante, and she carried herself more reserved and haughty towards him, which was one reason he would not yet discover his Passion.  
Thus the time ran on at Orleans, while Rinaldo found himself daily Languishing at Paris: he was indeed in the best Academy in the City amongst a number of brave and noble Youths. Where all things that could accomplish them, was to be learned by those that had any Genius: but Rinaldo had other thoughts and other business, his time was wholly passed in the most Solitary parts of the Garden, by the Melancholy Fountains, and in the most Gloomy Shades, where he could with most Liberty breathe out his Passion and his Griefs, he was past the Tuterage of a Boy, and his Masters could not upbraid him, but found he had some secret cause of Grief which made him not mind these Exercises which were the delight of the rest; so that nothing being able to divert his Melancholy, which daily increased upon him, he feared it would bring him into a Fever, if he did not give himself the satisfaction of seeing Atlante, he had no sooner thought of this, but he was impatient to put it into Execution, he resolves to go (having very good Horses) without acquainting any of his Servants with it; he got a very handsome and light Ladder of Ropes made which he carried under his Coat, and away he Rid for Orleans, stayed at a little Village till the darkness of the Night might favour his Design, and then walking about Atlante's Lodgings, till he saw a light in her Chamber, and then making that noise on his Sword as was agreed between them, he was heard by his Adorable Atlante, and suffered to mount her Chamber: where he would stay till almost break of Day and then return to the Village, and take Horse and away for Paris again, this once in a Month was his Exercise without which he could not live, so that his whole Year was passed in Riding between Orleans and Paris, between Excess of Grief, and Excess of Joy by turns.  
'Twas now that Atlante, arrived to her Fifteenth Year, shone out with a lustre of Beauty greater than ever, and in this Year of the absence of Rinaldo, had carried herself with that severity of Life, without the youthful desire of going abroad, or desiring any Diversion, but what she found in her own retired thoughts, that Vernole wholly unable, longer to conceal his Passion, resolved to make a publication of it, first to the Father and then to the lovely Daughter, of whom he had some hope, because she had carried herself very well towards him for this year past, which she would never have done, if she had imagined he would ever have been her Lover, she had seen no signs of any such misfortune towards her in these many Years, he had conversed with her and she had no cause to fear him: when one day her Father taking her into the Garden, told her what Honour and Happiness was in store for her, and that now the Glory of his fallen Family would rise again, since she had a Lover of an Illustrious Blood, allied to Monarches, and one whose Fortune was newly increased to a very considerable degree, answerable to his Birth, she changed Colour at this Discourse, imagining but too well, who this Illustrious Lover was, when De Pays proceeded and told her, indeed his Person was not the most agreeable that ever was seen, but he Married her to Glory and Fortune, not the Man; and a Woman, says he, aught to look no farther.  
She needed not any more to inform her who this intended Husband was, and therefore bursting forth into Tears, she throws herself at his Feet, imploring him not to use the Authority of a Father, to force her to a thing so contrary to her inclinations, assuring him she could not consent to any such thing, and that she would rather die than yield, she urged many Arguments, for this her Disobedience; But none would pass for current with the Old Gentleman, whose Pride had flattered him with hope of so considerable a Son-in-Law, what himself was to Hope, De Pays after some consideration resolved to tell him, she received the offer, very well; but that he must expect a little Maiden Nicety in the case, and accordingly did tell him so, and he was not at all doubtful of his good Fortune.  
But Atlante, who resolved to die a thousand Deaths rather than break her solemn Vows to Rinaldo, or to Marry the Count, cast about how she should avoid it, with the least hazard of her Father's Rage, she found Rinaldo the better and more advantageous Match of the two, could they but get his Father's Consent, he was Beautiful and Young, his Title was equal to that of Vernole, when his Father should die, and his Estate exceeded his, yet she dares not make a discovery for fear she should injure her Lover, who at this time, though she knew it not, lay sick of a Fever, while she was wondering that he came not as he used to do: however she resolves to send him a Letter, and acquaint him with the misfortune, which she did in these Terms.  
Atlante to Rinaldo.  
My Father's Authority would force me to violate my sacred Vows to you; and give them to the Count Vernole, whom I mortally hate, yet could wish him the greatest Monarch in the World, that I might shom you I could even then despise him for your sake: my Father is already too much enraged by my denial to hear Reason from me, if I should confess to him, my Vows to you: so that I see nothing but a prospect of Death before me, for assure yourself, my Rinaldo, I will die rather than consent to Marry any other: therefore come my Rinaldo, and come quickly, to see my Funerals, instead of those Nuptials they vainly expect from,  
Your Faithful Atlante.  
This Letter Rinaldo received, and there needed no more to make him fly to Orleans; this raised him soon from his Bed of Sickness, and getting immediately to hers, he arrived at his Father's House, who did not so much admire to see him, because he heard he was sick of a Fever and gave him leave to return it he pleased, he went directly to his Father's House, because he knew somewhat of the business, he was resolved to make his passion known as soon as he had seen Atlante, from whom he was to take all his measures, he therefore failed not, when all were in Bed to rise and go from his Chamber, into the Street; where finding a light in Atlante's Chamber, for she every Night expected him, he made the usual sign, and she went into the Balcony, and he having no conveniency of mounting up into it, they discoursed, and said all they had to say, from thence, she tells him of the Count's passions, of her Father's Resolution and her own, which was rather to die his than live any bodies else, and at last as their last refuge, they resolve to discover the whole Matter, she to her Father, and he to his, to see what Accommodation they could make, if not to die together: They parted at this resolve, for she would not permit him longer to stay in the Street after such a sickness; so he went home to Bed but not to sleep.  
The next day at Dinner Mons signiore Bellyvard believing his Son absolutely cured by absence of his passion, and speaking of all the News of the Town, among the rest, told him he was come in good time to Dance at the Wedding of Count Vernole with Atlante, the Match being agreed on: No Sir, replied Rinaldo, I shall never Dance at the Marriage of Count Vernole with Atlante, and you will see in Monsieur De Pays House a Funeral sooner than a Wedding, and thereupon he told his Father all his passion, for that lovely Maid: and assured him if he would not see him laid in his Grave, he must consent to this Match: Bellyvard rose in a fury, and told him he had rather see him in the Grave then in the Arms of Atlante, not continued he, so much for any dislike I have to the Young Lady, or the smallness of her Fortune, but because I have so long warned you from such a passion, and have with such care endeavoured by your absence to prevent it, he traversed the Room very fast, still protesting against this Alliance, and was deaf to all Rinaldo could say, on the other side, the day being come wherein Atlante was to give her final Answer to her Father, concerning her Marriage with Count Vernole, she assumed all the Courage and Resolution she could to withstand the Storm, that threatened a Denial; and her Father came to her, and demanding her Answer; she told him, she could not be the Wife of Vernole, since she was Wife to Rinaldo, only Son to Bellyvard: if her Father stormed before, he grew like a Man distracted at this Confession, and Vernole hearing them loud, ran to the Chamber to learn the Cause, where just as he entered, he found De Pays Sword drawn and ready to kill his Daughter, who lay all in Tears at his Feet, he withheld his hand, and ask the cause of this Rage, he was told all that Atlante had confessed, which put Vernole quite beside all his Gravity, and made him discover the infirmity of Anger, which he used to say aught to be dissembled by all Wise Men, so that De Pays forgot his own to appease his, but 'twas in vain, for he went out of the House vowing Revenge on Rinaldo, and to that end being not very well assured of his own Courage, as I said before, and being of the Opinion that no Man ought to expose his Life to him, who has injured him; he hired Swis and Spanish Soldiers to attend him in the nature of Footmen, and watched several Nights about Bellyvards Door, and that of De Pays, believing he should sometime or other see him under the Window of Atlante, or perhaps mounting into it, for now he no longer doubted, but this happy Lover was he, whom he fancied he heard go from the Balcony that Night, he came up with his Pistol, and being more a Spaniard than a French Man in his Nature, he resolved to take him any way Ungarded or Unarmed if he came in his way.  
Atlante who heard his threaten, when he went from her in a rage, feared his Cowardice might put him on some base Action, to deprive Rinaldo of his Life, and therefore thought it not safe to suffer him to come to her by Night, as he had before done; but sent him word in a Note that he should forbear her Window, for Vernole had sworn his Death; this Note came unseen by his Father to his Hands; but this could not hinder him from coming to her Window, which he did as soon as it was dark, he came thither, only attended with his Vallet and two Footmen, for now he cared not who knew the Secret; he had no sooner made the sign, but he found himself encompassed with Vernoles Bravoes; and himself standing at a distance, cried out, that is he: with that they all drew on both sides, and Rinaldo received a Wound in his Arm, Atlante heard this, and ran crying out that Rinaldo pressed by numbers would be killed. De Pays who was reading in his Closet, took his Sword, and ran out, and contrary to all expectation, seeing Rinaldo Fight with his back to the Door, pulled him into the House, and fought himself with the Bravoes. Who being very much wounded by Rinaldo, gave ground and sheered off: and De Pays putting up Old Billo into the Scabbard went into his House, where he found Rinaldo almost Fainting with loss of Blood, and Atlante with her Maids binding up his Wound, to whom De Pays said, this Charity Atlante very well becomes you, and is what I can allow you; and I could wish you had no other Motive for this Action: Rinaldo by degrees recovered of his Fainting, and as well as his weakness would permit him, he got up and made a low Reverence to De Pays, telling him, he had now a double Obligation to pay him all the respect in the World, first for his being the Father of Atlante, and secondly, for being the Preserver ofhi Life, two ties that should eternally oblige him to Love and Honour him, as his own Paient; De Pays replied, he had done nothing but what common Humanity compelled him too: but if he would make good that respect he professed towards him, it must be in quitting all hopes of Atlante, whom he had destined to another, or to an eternal enclosure in a Monastery, he had another Daughter, whom if he would think worthy of his regard, he should take his Alliance as a very great Honour, but his Word and Reputation, nay his Vows, were past to give Atlante to Count Vernole; Rinaldo, who before he spoke, took measure from Atlantes Eyes, which told him, her Heart was his; returned this Answer to De Pays: that he was infinitely glad to find by the generosity of his Offer, that he had no Aversion to his being his Son-in-Law, and that next to Atlante, the greatest Happiness he could wish would be, his receiving Charlot from his hands, but that he could not think of quitting Atlante, how necessary soever it would be for her Glory and his— (the further) Repose: De Pays would not let him at this time, argue the Matter farther seeing he was Ill, and had need of looking after, he therefore begged he would for his Health's sake retire to his own House, whither he himself Conducted him; and left him to the care of his Men, who were escaped the Fray; and returned to his own Chamber, he found Atlante retired, and so he went to Bed full of Thoughts, this Night had increased his Esteem for Rinaldo, and lessened it for Count Vernole, but his Word and Honour being past, he could not break it, neither with safety nor honour; for he knew the haughty resenting Nature of the Count, and he feared some danger might arrive to the brave Rinaldo, which troubled him very much, at last he resolved, that neither might take any thing ill at his Hands, to lose Atlante, and send her to the Monastery where her Sister was, and compel her to be a Nun, this he thought would prevent mischiefs on both fides, and accordingly the next day (having in the Morning sent word to the Lady Abbess what he would have done, he carries Atlante under pretence of visiting her Sister, which they often did) to the Monastery, where she was no sooner come, but she was led into the enclosure, her Father he had rather Sacrifice her than she should be the cause of the Murder of two such Noble Men as Vernole and Rinaldo.  
The noise of Atlantes being enclosed was soon spread all over the busy Town, and Rinaldo was not the last to whom the News arrived, he was for a few days confined to his Chamber, where when alone, he raved like a Man distracted, but his Wounds had so incensed his Father against Atlante, that he swore he would see his Son die of them rather than suffer him to Marry Atlante, and was extremely overjoyed to find she was Condemned for ever to the Monastery, so that the Son thought it the wisest Course, and the most for the advantage of his Love, to say nothing to contradict his Father, but being almost assured Atlante would never consent to be shut up in a Cloister and Abandon him, he flattered himself with hope, that he should steal her from thence, and Mary her in spite of all opposition: this he was impatient to put in Practice he believed, if he were not permitted to see Atlante, he had still a kind Advocate in Charlot, who was now arrived to her thirteenth Year, and infinitely advanced in Wit and Beauty. Rinaldo therefore often goes to the Monastery surrounding it, to see what possibility there was of accomplishing his Design, if he could get her Consent, he finds it not impossible, and goes to visit Charlot, who had command not to see him or speak to him; this was a Cruelty he looked not for, and which gave him an unspeakable trouble, and without her aid it was wholly impossible to give Atlante any account of his Design, in this perplexity he remained many days, in which he Languished almost to Death, he was distracted with thought, and continually hover about the Nunnery- Walls, in hope at sometime or other to see or hear from the lovely Maid, who alone could make his Happiness, in these Traverses he often met Vernole, who had liberty to see her when he pleased, if it happened that they chanced to meet in the day time, though Vernole were attended with an Equipage of Ruffians, and Rinaldo but only with a couple of Footmen, he could perceive Vernole shun him, grow pale and almost tremble with fear sometimes, and get to the other side of the Street, and if he did not, Rinaldo having a mortal hate to him, would often bear up so close to him, that he would jostle him against the Wall, which Vernole would patiently put up and paseon, so that he could never be provoked to fight by day light, how solitary soever the place was where they met, but if they chanced to meet at night they were certain of Skirmish, in which he would have no part himself, so that Rinaldo was often like to be assassinated, but still came off with some slight Wound: this continued so long and made so great a noise in the Town, that the two Old Gentlemen were mightily Alarmed by it, and Count Bellyvard came to De Pays one day to discourse with him of this Affair, and Bellyvard for the preservation of his Son, was almost consenting, since there was no Remedy, that he should Marry Atlante: De Pays confessed the Honour he proffered him, and how troubled he was, that his word was already past to his Friend the Count Vernole, whom he said she should Marry or remain for ever a Nun, but if Rinaldo could displace his Love from Atlante, and place it on Charlot, he should gladly consent to the Match: Bellyvard who would now do any thing for the repose of his Son, though he believed this exchange would not pass, yet resolved to propose it, since by Marrying him, he took him out of the Danger of Vernole's Assassinates, who would never leave him till they had dispatched him, should he marry Atlante.  
While Rinaldo was contriving a thousand ways to come to speak to, or send Billets to, Atlante, none of which would succeed without the Aid of Charlot, his Father came and proposed this Agreement between De Pais and himself, to his Son. At first Rinaldo received it with changed Countenance, and a Breaking Heart; but swiftly turning from Thought to Thought, he conceived this the only way to come at Charlot, and so consequently at Atlante, he therefore after some dissembled regret consents, with a sad put-on-Look: and Charlot has notice given her to see and entertain Rinaldo, as yet they had not told her the Reason, which her Father would tell her, when he came to visit her, he said, Rinaldo overjoyed at this Contrivance, and his own Dissimulation, goes to the Monastery, visits Charlot, where he ought to have said something of the Proposition, but wholly bend on other Thoughts, he solicits her to convey some Letters and Presents to Atlante, which she readily did, to the unspeakable Joy of the Poor Distressed: sometimes he would talk to Charlot of her own Affairs, ask her, if she resolved to become a Nun: to which she would sigh and say, if she must, it would be extremely against her Inclinations; and if it pleased her Father, she had rather begin the World with any Tolerable Match.  
Things passed thus for some Days, in which our Lovers were happy, and Vernole assured he should have Atlante. But at last De Pais came to visit Charlot, who asked her if she had seen Rinaldo, she answered, she had, and how does he entertain you, replied De Pais? have you received him as a Husband? and has he behaved himself like one? at this a sudden Joy seized the Heart of Charlot, and loath to confess what she had done for him to her Sister; she hung down her Blushing Face to study for an Answer: De Pais continued, and told her the Agreement between Bellyaurd and him, for the saving of Bloodshed: She who blessed the Cause, whatever it was, having always a very great Friendship and Tenderness for Rinaldo, gave her Father a Thousand Thanks, for his Care, and assured him, since she was commanded by him, she would receive him as her Husband: and the next Day when Rinaldo came to visit her, as he used to do, and bringing a Letter with him, wherein he proposed the Sight of Atlante, he found a Coldness in Charlos, as soon as he told her his Design; and desired her to carry the Letter, he asked the Reason of this Change, she tells him, she was informed of the Agreement between their two Fathers, and that she looked upon her self as his Wife, and would act no more as a Confident, that she had ever a Violent Inclination of Friendship for him, which she would soon improve into something more Soft. He could not deny the Agreement nor his Promise, but it was in vain to tell Her, he did it only to get a Correspondence with Atlante; she is Obstinate, and he as pressing with all the Tenderness of Persuasion, he vows he can never be any but Atlantes, and she may see him die, but never break his Vows; she urges her Claim in Vain, so that at last she was overcome, and promised she would carry the Letter, which was to have her make her Escape that Night; he waits at the Grate for her Answer, and Charlot returns with one that pleased him very well, that was, that Night her Sister would make her escape, and that he must stand in such a Place of the Nunery Wall, and she would come out to him: after this she upbraids him with his false promise to her, and of her Goodness to serve him after such a Disappointment. He receives her Reproaches with a thousand Sighs, and bemoans his Misfortune in not being capable of more than Friendship for her, and vows, that next Atlante he Esteems her of all Womankind: She seems to be obliged by this and assured him, she would hasten the Flight of Atlante, and taking leave, he went Home to order a Coach, and some Servants to assist him.  
In the mean time Count Vernole came to visit Atlante, but she resused to be seen by him: and all he could do there that Afternoon was Entertaining Charlot at the Grate, to whom he spoke a great many fine things, both of her improved Beauty and Wit' and how happy Rinaldo, would be in so fair a Bride, she received this with all the Civility that was due to his Quality, and their Discourse being at an end, he took his leave, it being towards the Evening.  
Rinaldo wholly impatient came betimes to the Corner of the Dead Wall, where he was appointed to stand, having ordered his Footmen and Coach to come to him as soon as it was dark, while he was there walking up and down, Vernole came by the End of the Wall to go home, and looking about, he saw at the other end Rinaldo Walking, whose Back was towards him, but he knew him well. And though he feared and dreaded his Business there, he durst not encounter him, they being both attended but by one Footman a Piece. But Vernole's Jealousy and Indignation was so high, that he resolved to fetch his Bravoes to his aid and come and assault him; for he knew he waited there for some Message from Atlante.  
In the mean time it grew dark, and Rinaldo's Coach came with another Footman; which were hardly arrived, when Vernole with his assistance came to the corner of the Wall, and screening themselves a little behind it, near to the place where Rinaldo stood, who waited now close to a little door, out of which the Gardeners used to throw the Weeds and Dirt; Vernole could perceive anon the door to open, and a Woman come out of it, calling Rinaldo by his Name, who stepped up to her, and caught her in his Arms, with signs of infinite Joy; Vernole being now all rage, cried to his Assassinate, fall on and kill the Ravisher, and immediately they all fell on; Rinaldo, who had only his two Footmen on his side, he was forced to let go the Lady, who would have run into the Garden again, but the door fell too and locked; so that while Rinaldo was fight, and beaten back by the Bravoes, one of which he laid dead at his Feet; Vernole came up to the frighted Lady, and taking her by the hand, cried, come my fair Fugitive, you must along with me; she wholly scared out of her Senses, was willing to go any where out of the Terror, she heard so near her, and without reply, gave herself into his hand, who carried her directly to her Father's house, where she was no sooner come, but he told her Father all that had passed, and how she was running away with Rinaldo, but that his good Fortune brought him just in the Lucky Minute, her Father turning to Reproach her found by the Light of a Candle, that this was Charlot and not Atlante; whom Vernole had brought Home, at which Vernole was Extremely astonished. Her Father demanded of her, why she was running away with a Man, who was designed her by consent, yes, said Charlot, you had his Consent Sir, and that of his Father, but I was far from getting it, I found he resolved to die rather than quit Atlante, and promising him my Assistance in his Amour, since he could never be mine, he got me to carry a Letter to Atlante, which was to desire her to fly away with him, instead of carrying her this Letter, I told her he was designed for me, and had cancelled all his Vows to her, she swooned at this News, and being recovered a little, I left her in the Hands of the Nuns to persuade her to live: which she resolves not to do without Rinaldo, tho' they pressed me, yet I resolved to pursue my Design, which was to tell Rinaldo, she would obey his kind Summons, he waited for her, but I put myself into his Hands in lieu of Atlante, and had not the Count received me, we had been married by this time, by some false Light that could not have discovered me: But I am satisfied if I had, he would never have lived with me longer than the Cheat had been undiscovered, for I find them both resolved to die rather than change; and for my Part, Sir, I was not so much in Love with Rinaldo, as I was out of Love with a Nunnery; and took any Opportunity to quit a Life Absolutely contrary to my Humours. She spoke this with a Gaiety so brisk, and an Air so agreeable, that Vernole found it touched his Heart; and the rather because he found Atlante would never be his, or if she were, he should be still in Danger from the Resentment of Rinaldo; he therefore bowing to Charlot, and taking her by the Hand cried, Madam; since Fortune has disposed you thus Luckily for me, in my Possession, I humbly implore you would Consent, she should make me entirely Happy, and give me the Price for which I fought, and have conquered by my Sword; my Lord, replied Charlot, with a Modest Air: I am Superstitious enough to believe, that since Fortune, so contrary to all our Designs, has given more into your Hands, that she from the Beginning Destined me to the Honour, which with my Father's Consent; I shall receive as becomes me: De Pais Transported with Joy, to find all things would be so well brought about, it being all one to him whether Charlot or Atlante gave him Count Vernole for his Son-in-Law readily consented, and immediately a Priest was sent for, and they were that Night Married; and it being now not above Seven a Clock, many of their Friends were invited, the Music sent for, and as good a Supper as so short a time, would provide was made ready.  
All this was performed in as short a time, as Rinaldo was fight, and having killed one, and wounded the rest, they all fled before his Conquering Sword, which was never drawn with so good a will; when he came where his Coach stood, just against the Back-Garden Door, he looked for his Mistress, but the Coachman told him, he was no sooner engaged, but a Man came, and with a thousand reproaches on her Levity bore her off: this made our young Lover rave, and he is satisfied she is in the hands of his Rival, and that he had been fight, and Shedding his Blood, only to secure her flight with him; he lost all patience, and 'twas with much ado his Servants persuaded him to return, telling him in their Opinion, she was more likely to get out of the hands of his Rival and come to him, than when she was in the Monastery.  
He suffers himself to go into his Coach, and be carried home, but he was no sooner alighted, but he heard Music, and a noise of Feastivals at De Pays House, he saw Coaches surround his door, and Pages and Footmen with Flamboys: this sight and noise of joy made him ready to sink down at the Door, and sending his Footman to learn the cause of this Triumph, the Pages that waited there, told him that Count Vernole was this Night Married to Monsieur De Pay's Daughter. He needed no more to deprive him of all sense, and stagering against his Coach, he was caught by his Footmen, and carried into his House; and to his Chamber, where they put him to Bed all scnseless as he was, and had much ado to recover him to Life; he asked for his Father with a saint voice, for he desired to see him before he died, it was told him he was gone to Count Vernoles Wedding, where there was a perfect peace agreed on between them, and all animosities laid aside; at this news Rinaldo fainted again, and his Servants called his Father home, and told him in what condition they had brought home their Master, recounting to him all that was passed: he hasted to Rinaldo, whom he found just recovered of his Swoonding, who putting his hand out to his Father, all cold and trembling, cried well Sir, now you are satisfied, since you have seen Atlante Married to Count Vernole, I hope now you will give your unfortunate Son leave to die, as you wished he should rather than give him to the Arms of Atlante: here his Speech failed, and he fell again in a fit of swonding, his Father ready to die with fear of his Son's death, kneeled down by his Bed side, and after having recovered him a little, he said to him, my dear Son, I have indeed been at the Wedding of Count Vernole, but'tis not Atlante to whom he is Married, but Charlot, who was the Person, you were bearing from the Monastery instead of Atlante, who is still reserved for you, and who is dying till she hear you are reserved for her, therefore as you regard her Life, make much of your own, and make yourself fit to receive her, for her Father and I have agreed the Marriage already; and without giving him leave to thank him, he called to one of his Gentlemen, and sent him to the Monastery, with this news to Atlante, Rinaldo bowed himself as low as he could in his Bed, and kissed the hand of his Father with tears of joy, but his weakness continued all next day, and they were fain to bring Atlante to him, to confirm his happiness.  
It must only be guest by Lovers, the perfect joy these two received in the sight of each other, Bellyvard received her as his Daughter, and the next day made her so with very great solemnity, at which were Vernole and Charlot; between Rinaldo and him was concluded a perfect Peace, and all thought themselves happy in this double Union.  
FINIS.