THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
In Three Parts.  
LONDON, Printed for H. Rhodes next door to the Bear Tavern near Bride Lane in Fleetstreet. 1682.   

TO THE Right Honourable THE COUNTESS OF CONWAY.  
Madam,  
IT is now become so general a Custom to Devote things of this nature to some eminent Patronage, that such as appear in the World without a considerable Protector, seem like men abandoned by their good Genius, run a kind of Gauntlet, and lie exposed to the lashes of every Satirical Wit. Thus, Madam, having found so much Innocence and Beauty in this Story, as made me think it Merited a better Destiny; I have presumed to make an Offering of it to your Ladyship, in hopes that the entertainment it may afford, will both atone for the confidence of this Address, and engage your Ladyship to allow it your Favour and Countenance. I was easily made sensible, that it could be no where so sure, as in such a Sanctuary, since so many Illustrious, even Divine Qualities conspire to the Composing your Ladyship's Character, that it would be a kind of Profanation to attach it, when owned by a Person of your Fame and Merit. For it is not only, Madam, all the advantages of Wit and Beauty, of Alliance and Extraction, that have procured you that Universal admiration in the World; your Ladyship is as much renowned for the Qualities of your Mind, as you are for those of Body and Fortune, insomuch that all the Incense the Age can afford is not sufficient to Celebrate so much Merit and Virtue, nor am I able to express the respect and Devotion with which I am,  
Madam, Your Ladyship's most Humble and most Obedient Servant F. S.   

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
PART I.  
SIcily enjoyed great Satisfaction in the Reign of Menfroy; that Prince having all the Qualities which obtain the Admiration of the People. He had rendered himself formidable both in Spain and Italy, and tho' he had no other Enemies than those his Valour had occasioned, he had already given several Battles; and it is certain, that he conquered as often as he fought. Queen Cassandra, his Wife, Daughter of Roger King of Naples, was likewise an accomplished Princess, having all the Virtues that can be wished for in a Great Queen; and the King, who loved her with an extraordinary Affection, would have had nothing more to desire, if Heaven had not deprived him of several Princes whom the Queen had brought into the World. This misfortune of their Family, made a great part of their Lives very afflicting, Daughters not being capable of Succeeding in the Crown, that Kingdom must inevitably have fallen into the hands of Berranger, King of Majorca, Minorca, and Terra Nova, his Cousin-German, and greatest Enemy. These two Kings being extraordinarily animated against one another, would never have suspended the Effects of their Hatred, if Prince Ordogne, Count of Barcelonna, and their Allies, had not made them agree to a Truce, which they represented to be necessary for the Repose of their People. The King of Sicily, notwithstanding the Advantages he had over Berranger, was prevailed with to consent to this Proposition; for indeed, continual Victory does almost as much weary the Conqueror as the Vanquished; and the King of Majorca being brought into Despair, through the ill Success of his Arms, accepted though with Repugnance, all the Conditions that the King of Sicily imposed upon him, hoping, that by the Length of the Truce, he might the better put himself in a Posture of resisting the Forces of Menfroy, who had almost exhausted all those of his Kingdom. Those kind of Treaties that are made out of Necessity do not put an end to Quarrels, they only help to foment them, and the Moment of seeing them revived, is impatiently expected. Such were the Sentiments of Berranger, and which he endeavoured to inspire, as much as possible, in young Amaldee his Son, and the young Camilla, as soon as they came out of their Nurses Arms. The King of Sicily being returned to Messina, the place of his usual Residence, found the Queen his Wife ready to lie in. This Princess, who through the loss of her Children, was become insensible of any Joy, received the King with all the Tenderness she was capable of, but with a Languishing and Dejectedness that cannot be conceived. The King made it his Business to divert her Grief, putting her in hopes that Heaven would be more favourable to them, and that it would perhaps conserve the Child with which she went; but, if by Misfortune she was delivered of a Girl, he was resolved to conceal her Sex, and to bring her up as a Prince Majeur, a Name consecrated in Sicily, as the Prince of Wales in England, for to exclude Berranger from hopes of succeeding in his Crown. The Queen did willingly agree to this Design; and some days after, she was brought to Bed of a Princess, who was called Frederick, a Name famous in Sicily. The Nurse, Governess, and the Lord High Admiral, were the only Persons who had the Secret of this important Mystery. The Queen died some time after, whose Loss, occasioned a public Affliction, the King being infinitely grieved, and received no Consolation, but what the sight of Frederick afforded him; of whom, he took a most particular Care. And indeed, never was Prince better bred than this; his Natural Endowments being polished by a good Education, quickly rendered him the most accomplished of all those of his Age. He was a Prodigy of Beauty; but his Wit surpassed the Charms of his Person, whereof, he gave early and considerable Instances.  
The young Prince of Naples, called Leon, who was brought up with Frederick, walking one day with him, and seeing a Number of fair Ladies, attended by a Throng of Courtiers, they continued their Walk, with great Indifference as to those who followed them; which Prince Leon taking notice of, You must confess, said he to Frederick, that we are no great Gallants, since we are so solitary in the Presences of so many Beauties. You are in the right, replied Frederick; we might at least agreeably employ our Eyes, though our Hearts are not yet in a State of being sensisible; but it is perhaps, the little Peril we should thereby run, that makes us so negligent of pursuing it. The Truth is, dear Cousin, said Leon to him, with an Ingenuity altogether charming, I am very far from running any such Danger; and hitherto, I find in myself so little Disposition to Love, that it would require a great deal of time to prepare me for the least Sense of it. There needs no more, replied Frederick gallantly, than two Eyes, and perhaps not so many Years, to make you change your Style. But you, said the Prince of Naples once again, Do not you find something surprising in what they tell us of Love, whom they describe to us as an Infant, and however, would persuade us, that he is a dreadful Enemy? I know not what to think of it, said Frederick to him, but perhaps we shall find him more formidable when we are less childish. It was thus that those two lovely Princes entertained themselves at the Age of twelve Years. In the mean while, Endeavours were used to inspire Frederick with as much Indifference as was necessary for the Personage he was to represent; and more particularly, they insinuated into him, that to reign peaceably upon his Throne, it was requisite he should reign over his own Heart. The King his Father had taken Care to instruct him betimes with the Reasons of his Disguise; and had made him promise, that during his Life, and that of Berranger, he would never discover what he was, for the depriving his Enemy of the Hopes of succeeding him in Sicily. Frederick embraced these Sentiments, and knew no other Passion than that of reigning. At length, having attained to the Age of seventeen Years, he was instructed in all the Exercises that are in use with Men; wherein, he so excelled, that he seemed the most accomplished Prince of his Time. His Stature, though tall for a Woman, was middle seized for a Man, but so full of Sweetness, that it was impossible to forbear being charmed with it. His Eyes were black, sparkling, and sweet, mingled with a Flame, and an engaging Languishing: in short, all his Person was composed after such a manner, as was capable of inspiring the most insensible with Affection. Having attained to that Season wherein Love commits so many Disorders, he began to observe himself more strictly, well knowing, that if that Passion was so much to be avoided by all People, it was much more so for him, who would be obliged to keep very perplexing Measures with those should have rendered him sensible. He saw daily a number of handsome Princes, and having examined himself, he did not yet find any Motions, which he could be any ways apprehensive of. Besides, he imagined that his Disguise sheltering him from the Gallantries of Lovers, would likewise secure him against the Attempts of Love: but therein he was mistaken in his Accounts. He quickly perceived by the Conquests that his good Mien had made, that a Passion may be produced without the help of another. Several Beauties sighed for him in secret, and some, openly enough to make themselves understood; insomuch, that the Crowd of his Mistresses importuning him, he imagined, that his best Course would be to dissemble an Intrigue, by which means, he would deprive them of their Hopes, and by Consequence, divert the Designs they might have upon his Heart. Besides, being persuaded that Gallantry is very becoming a young Prince, he was willing to affect a Passion, whose Appearances could be no ways troublesome.  
Yolanda, the Lord High Admiral's Daughter, seemed the most proper for his Design, she was aimable enough to imagine herself beloved, upon the least Declaration, and young enough not to distinguish a real from a feigned Passion. Nor was he deceived in all these Conjectures. Yolandeck loved him in good Earnest, and all those who might have been capable of pursuing any Designs against the Liberty of this Prince, and who had made too much hast to present him with their Hearts disengaged themselves as soon as they perceived that he paid his Vows to this Lady. Only Amedea, the Lord Admiral's second Wife, whom her Husband had never acquainted with the Cheat that was put upon all the Earth, was deceived therein as well as others; and likewise, observed more Charms in the Person of Frederick, since her Daughter-in-Law had seemed to her to have a Kindness for him. She saw him every day; and finding his way of loving very delicate, she endeavours to divert Vows that were only imaginary. She was beautiful, and had not yet attained to thirty Years, which is not an Age to discard Lovers: And tho' her haughty and imperious Carriage would have discouraged all those whom her Beauty had made her Conquests; she imagined, that by abating something in Favour of the Prince, she would make him the more value what she did only for his sake; wherefore, her Eyes spoke, but spoke to no purpose. When Love does not make itself known to a Heart, it is Death to the Language of the Eyes: there wanted a Clearer Explication with Frederick, who was free from any amorous Impression. But, the Admiral's Lady was not of a Humour, to proceed so far; and her Passion being constrained to contain itself within the too narrow Bounds, which her Haughtiness prescribed, it manifested itself by cold and despising Looks, which she had the Confidence to treat that Prince with, when he came to pay her Visits out of Devoir, that he might see, at the same time, her Daughter-in-law, whom she had ever in her Eye, since the Discovery she had made of her Amour with Frederick.  
In the mean while, the passionate Yolanda was forbidden to look upon the Prince of Sicily as a Lover: But, she chose rather to deprive herself of so dear a Sight, han to consider as an other man, the Person whom her Heart had found so excelling; and went to a House her Father had, some Leagues from Messina, where sheltering herself from the Persecution of her Mother-in-Law, she imagined, that by a little Absence, she should the more inflame the Passion of her Lover.  
In the mean time, the Prince of Sicily seeing how easy it was for him to engage Hearts, he now grew willing to spare them out of Pity. He had no other Intrigue during the time of Yolanda's absence, having too little Acquaintance with Love to amuse himself any longer with such kind of Follies. Hunting was his greatest Divertisement, wherein, Prince Leon was his constant Companion. As they were one day returning from running a Stag, they saw a Vessel strangely battered by the Winds and Waves, which having forced it several times against the Rocks, notwithstanding the skill of the Pilots, it was going infallibly to suffer Shipwreck; whereupon, they sent their Servant, who with Boats took up some Persons from the Wracks of this unfortunate Ship; and Frederick▪ having informed himself concerning them, with an unusual Curiosity, he was told, that they were apparently Persons of Quality, which their Air did sufficiently bespeak them. Frederick, by I know not what Instinct, being moved and concerned at their Misfortune, beseeched the King his Father to send for them to Court. Immediately, they were provided with all things necessary; for all they had been able to do, was only to save their Lives, and their Baggage was lost with the rest of their Train. Leon came to the Palace a little before they arrived there, and having found out Frederick, they were discoursing of the Pleasure they had had in Hunting, when they saw two persons come in equally well made, who drew their Eyes, and those of all the Court, being a man of a very high Appearance, accompanied with a very beautiful Lady, who, notwithstanding the Sadness and Grief that their Shipwreck had caused in them, failed not to give Birth to far greater Dangers than that they had newly escaped. Leon was dazzled, and struck with the Beauty of so charming a Person; and looking upon Frederick, he observed in his Eyes the same Trouble with which he was agitated; he imagined to have found at the same time, a Mistress and a Rival; insomuch that Jealousy and Love did together make their entrance into his Heart. We may say, that the Princess of Sicily found at the same moment, what rendered her both tender and uneasy, she saw a man so well made, that he might in some manner justify the surprise of her Senses; He had the Noblest and finest shape that ever was, and above all, he had a Majestic Air, which the Princess entertained a design of vanquishing; but coming to cast her Eyes upon the Fair One who accompanied him, she could not forbear letting loose a Sigh. It was the first she had started, that was shared between Spite and Love. This Lady had almost all the Features of him we have spoken of, but her white Hair, and her languishing Countenance, did hinder at first the Company's taking notice of the Resemblance that was between them. How did that passionate Air, inspired in all probability by him who began to please the Princess of Sicily, appear to her an ill Omen, and how restless began she to be from that time! On the other side, the Princess of Majorca, for it was she and her Brother, who had newly escaped drowning, was sensible at the sight of Frederick, of a certain tender motion which she could not defend herself from. In short, those three Hearts which were taken in that same moment, seldom met in the sequel. Menfroy received them with all imaginable Civility. But they did not think convenient to make themselves known, before they were well acquainted with the Humours of those Persons who treated them so obligingly; they contented themselves with giving to understand, that they were of considerable Extraction, but that they were constrained by considerable Reasons to conceal still, for some time, their Names and their Fortune. They imagined, that they two only of all the Company being saved, they could not easily be discovered, and that their Ship having been sunk, the Sicilians had not had the leisure to take notice of the Colours. They found it no hard task to gain Credit in all they said of their Extraction, their Carriage and their Air did sufficiently show it: People only suspected there might be some Gallantry between Persons whose Union was only occasioned by their Birth. But it is time to give an account how they were conducted into the Territories of Sicily.  
Prince Ardalin Count of Barcelona, being passionately in love with the Daughter of Berranger, whom he had seen at Majorca, where he had resided some time. He procured her consent to become his Wife: the Princess Camilla having a great Esteem for him, and being engaged in no Passion, received his Vows with great Civility; which Ardalin's Passion made him take for something more delicate. Being at length obliged to return to Barcelona, he made her promise to be mindful of the Sentiments he had for her; and in a short time after, his Ambassador demanded her in Marriage of the King her Father, who finding the Match advantageous, did willingly give his consent. The Ceremonies that are usual being performed, they embarked, and Prince Amaldee being desirous to conduct his Sister into Ardalin's Dominions, embarked in the same Vessel that was newly cast away upon the Coast of Sicily. Ardalin was expecting with great Impatience, so dearly beloved a Bride, while that the Caprice of Fortune and of Love possessed her elsewhere. Camilla was at first sight charmed with the Beauty and good Mien of Frederick, and thought it would be Injustice to refuse him, what she called Esteem. The Hatred of their Family, which she had from her Birth, aught to hinder her from entertaining any thing too interessing; for which Reason, she abandoned herself to Motions, which she imagined were in no wise to be feared: and besides, being defended by her natural Coldness, which had hindered her from making any other Returns to Ardalin's Passion, than what mere Good Will afforded; she could not be persuaded that it would make any greater Progress: but, Time made her know, that the Esteem she had for Frederick, was too particular for to be only mere Esteem; and comparing the Sentiments she had for him, whom she durst not so much as wish for her Lover, with those she had for the Prince who was to be her Husband, she found therein so great a Difference, that it amazed her. How! said she, shall the unfortunate Camilla leave her Heart in Messina, while that she goes languishing and desolate to spend her Days at Barcelonna; that must not be. Let us endeavour at least, to defer so fatal a Marriage; let us implore the Friendship of a Brother, without discovering to him, however, what ought to be concealed from us ourselves. Whereupon, she arose to go to his Apartment, when Prince Leon came into here's, with Design to prepossess her in his Favour, by preventing his pretended Rival in his Declaration, whom he fancied to have ever eluded, by besieging her continually. He found her so thoughtful and so dejected, that he had not the Power to speak to her; and these two unhappy Lovers, remained in a Silence, that would have melted with Pity all those who should have observed them; yet whereof they themselves did hardly take notice.  
Prince Amaldee diverted them from it by his Arrival. He came to confer with his Sister about ●●e means of facilitating their Departure: Leon being hindered by his Presence, from pursuing his Design, deferred the Declaration thereof, expecting a more favourable Juncture.  
But the Princess of Sicily being alarmed and confused, to find I know not what new Motions in her Heart, which she could in no wise approve of, did all that was possible, to render them secret. That young Princess being accustomed to feign what she had not yet been sensible of, found it difficult to conceal this real Affection. All the Court did quickly observe this Change of her Humour, which was imputed, with great Probability, to Yolanda's Absence; who, upon the Rumour of so tender an Effect, was willing to put an end to their mutual languishing, by restoring to him her Sight, and enjoying his: the Course she was, however, to steer was pretty nice in the Conjuncture of things. The Admiral's Lady, whom Frederick's Sadness did put very much out of Humour, was more to be feared than ever; but a Mistress does little value the Displeasure of a Mother in Law. Besides, a Friend she had at Court, who had given her Notice of the Condition the Prince was reduced to, proposed to her a secret Interview between them, which it was easy for her to procure: whereupon, she returning to Court, did heap up Troubles on the miserable Frederick, who had too many Misfortunes of his own, for to be in a Condition to pity those of others. The Princess of Sicily did easily perceive, that notwithstanding the Complaisance of Amaldee, he had a terrible Aversion for all the Nation, and which this Princess did not fail to apply to herself in particular, through the singular Interest she took therein: though she looked upon Camilla as her Rival, she failed not to pay her Visits very often, that she might see there her Lover, who notwithstauding his Indifference, appeared to her very lovely. She came once thither just as Prince Leon, in Despair of having found Camilla so ill disposed to hear him, was rising for to be gone. Camilla changed colour at the sight of Frederick, who blushed at the sight of Amaldee, and Leon, out-raged to see all this Disorder, resolved to stay there still, that he might observe Motions that put him upon the Rack. Amaldee alone had so satisfied an Air, that the Princess of Sicily thought him the most happy of all men; and after a light Conversation, her Heart full of Sighs, which she found difficult to stifle, and her Eyes moist with Tears, which she could no longer contain, she went away, not being able to support the sad Reflection she made upon Amaldees Happiness. But, the Princess Camilla had other Sentiments of this so precipitated Departure; and, having well observed the Disorder of Frederick in the Presence of her Brother, she imagined, and applauded herself in secret, for being the Cause of it. Amaldee being left alone with his Sister, for Leon went away a Moment after Frederick, proposed to her the continuing of their Voyage, and told her, that they had remained too long in an Enemy's Country, that it was requisite they should be gone with the soon, and that too towards Barcelonna, where Prince Ardalin impatiently expected them. Camilla trembled at this Discourse, and putting all in practice for the deferring still, for some Time, that terrible Departure, she made him consent, though with great Repugnance, to all she had a Mind.  
In the mean while, he resolved to dispatch, privately, some one to the King his Father, for to give him notice of all that had happened since their Departure; and going out something dissatisfied with his Sister's Change of Humour, he went to walk alone in the Palace Gardens.  
Immediately, he heard some confused Voices; and approaching something nearer, he distinguished that of Frederick, and that of Leon, who were parleying something sharply. I congratulate, said the Prince of Naples, your having made a Conquest, without being at the Trouble of the least Advance; your Vows are received before they are declared; and there is no pretending to any other than the Quality of an unfortunate Lover, if a Man had a mind to engage in Sicily. Frederick had too many Affairs in his Mind to think of undeceiving him; insomuch, that he replied with some Sharpness, As you did not consult me about the Choice of your Engagement, I do not think myself obliged to give you an Account of the Progress I shall make in mine; but believe me, let us continue Friends, a strange Lady should not disunite us; you ought not to understand me all together, but you shall know the rest, when it is fitting for me to tell it you. Then he quitted him for to go into a gloomy. Alley, where, letting a Loose to his Melancholy Humour, he remained in a certain Situation, wherein, the Soul, as it were, being preyed upon by its Lanquour, is rendered almost insensible, wherein we fly, if I may so say, from ourselves, to give ourselves up to the beloved Object, the Crowd of Thoughts, hindering us from being able to distinguish any one, and by having too much to resolve on, we resolve on nothing.  
In the mean while, the Prince of Majorca imagining that the two Princes▪ were his Sister's Lovers, he went to inform her of it, without thinking, that such Advertisements do ever further an amorous Passion instead of preventing it. Sister, said he, gallantly to her, You ought to be upon your Guard, the Princes of Sicily, and of Naples, have felt the Power of your Eyes; if I am not deceived, their Amour will put you to some Trouble. Brother, said Camilla to him, with a little Blush, if my Eyes could revenge us of all the Desolation that the Sicilians have committed in our Territories, why are not you willing I should employ them against the Prince of Sicily? Ah! Sister, said Amaldee to her, How zealous are you to take up a Quarrel, whose Vengeance ought not to be your Province▪ and in all Probability, How weakly would you defend your Heart against an Enemy, whom your Eyes are willing to attach? I confess, replied the Princess, hurried away by her Passion, Frederick appears lovely to me, and if he was sensible— Ah! it is too much interrupted, Amaldee, let us get out of the Hands and Dominions of a Prince, whose Merit is fatal to the Liberty of a Princess, who is to command elsewhere. It is no longer time to think of that, said she to him, all in Tears, I am no longer Mistress of my Heart, and all the Favour I demand of you, is, to prevent my becoming Princess of Barcelonna. Ah! Sister, said he to her, your Reason is asleep, when you ought to think of defending▪ yourself; it is yet time enough, the first Motions are easiest to vanquish, Absence may secure your Resistance, content yourself with the Delight of seeing the Power of your Charms, and do not employ them against yourself. This was the Counsel of a Prince, whose Experience was but small in Love. For, we cannot stop there, we are willing to enjoy the Fruit of a Conquest, and to what Purpose is being beloved, if we have not a Design to love? Camilla was well acquainted with these Maxims, she was not ignorant of her Tenderness, and only aimed at being beloved, that she might not love in vain. How tender and moving an Idea did she represent to herself of the Sweets of a reciprocal Love! and notwithstanding the little Repose that these agreeable Thoughts afforded her, how beautiful did she appear the next Day to the amorous Leon! This Prince not knowing what to comprehend of Frederick's Discourse, came to inform himself of his Mistress, and to repair the Occasion he had failed of the Day before. Camilla had too tender Thoughts to keep up that haughty Air, which makes the boldest Lover tremble: there appeared so much Sweetness in her fair Eyes, that the Prince imagined that it was a fit Occasion to declare himself: he wavered more than once to speak through the inseparable Respect of a great passion; and through the Address of Camilla, who knowing his Thoughts, diverted the Conversation of them with all the Liberty of a contented Mind. She proposed to him to go a walking, which he durst not refuse; and Prince Amaldee, at his Sister's Desire, kept them Company. They came to a place where was an admirable Echo, and Amaldee prevailed with his Sister, to sing a Tune she had made some time before; whereto, the Words were as follow.  
Unmoved, I saw a thousand Charms each Day:  
But when a Heart like some young tender Deer,  
Careless and wanton, here and there does play,  
That it's in Danger, one has Cause to fear.  
So soon as Love its Innocence perceives,  
He straight employs all his enticing Art;  
Each Instant him some new Advantage leaves,  
And at the last, it gives him all the Heart.  
When she had done singing, she heard another Person likewise exercising his Voice, which was Frederick, who was entertaining his Melancholy; and without having heard Camilla, was singing these words at some distance.  
When that a Heart under fierce Flames does faint,  
T'affect being gay and brisk, and most at ease,  
Is a severe, a hard, a sad Constraint;  
But when with strict est Bonds, Love does it seize,  
It's Tyranny is likewise to restrain▪  
By soft Complaints to ease its cruel Pain.  
Camilla imagined, that she had so great a Share in what he sung, as obliged her to make an Answer; so that very seasonably remembering some Verses that Prince Ardalin had formerly learned her, and which suiting admirably well with the Subject, she sung them as they were couched, in these Terms.  
Though that a Heart is seen all on a Fire,  
And that it's secret Martyrdom is sure,  
There still remains to perfect the Desire,  
The sweet Delight, it to be begged to Cure;  
Which, when deferred, who can, alas, endure!  
Amaldee did but too well know the Vivacity of this so just Application which his Sister made, in Answer to Frederick's Verses; and Prince Leon imagined, that she had made them at that very Instant; Frederick alone, understood nothing of this Mystery; he was so possessed with his Pensiveness, that nothing but the Cause was capable of diverting it. They approached him by little and little, and the Prince of Majorca having some Indulgence for his Sister, whom he saw was forced to love by her Star, was willing to render her an Office that he would have done himself, if he had known what had passed in the Heart of Frederick; insomuch, that he dexterously drew aside Leon, though with terrible Violences.  
Camilla had immediately an agreeable Transport to find herself alone with the Prince of Sicily; but he made but ill Returns, and she maintained much better the Character of a Mistress, than he of a Gallant. His Eyes followed Amaldee, and pursued him by languishing Looks, which endeavoured to draw the Prince of Majorca to him▪ Leon was ever casting his Eyes towards Camilla, who took little Notice of his amorous Actions: neither knew she what to think of Frederick's Procedure, and was upon the Point of preventing what he ought to have said to her, and encourage by her Kindness, that Lover whom she could only accuse of too much Circumspection. Her Haughtiness, whereof Women have little when they are in Love, would not have been sufficient to have made her keep Measures; she would have spoken, if Prince Leon had not had too much Tenderness for to suffer hers to take its Course. Being become knowing in a short Time, he was easily inclined to think that Love had a great share in their mute Conversation; and believing that he had but too long permitted his Rival to enjoy what he imagined to merit, as much as he, his Return was something precipitated. This Incivility did not at all amaze Amaldee, but Camilla did sufficiently let him know her Displeasure, to hinder him another Time from such Importunate Interruptions, if Lovers can be ever more circumspect.  
Though Frederick was overjoyed at his being so happily freed from so perplexed an Encounter, yet he fell immediately into an other of no less Intricacy. Yolanda, as we have already said, being concealed in Messina, gave him notice that same Evening of her Arrival, conjuring him to meet her in an Arbour, which her Friend had judged proper for the Assignation. Frederick was obliged to go thither, and knowing the Afflictions of an ill-rewarded Affection, he was not willing to be the Occasion of suffering them. Well, Prince, said Yolanda to him, at his coming, are not you full of Acknowledgement for the Sentiments I have ever entertained of you, and of the Troubles your Absence has given me. Frederick by deceiving her agreeably, being willing to give a Loose to his own Passion, made Answer, Yes, my dear Yolanda, I have been tormented since your Absence, by all the Cruelties of Love; and I never knew what Grief was, till after I had been deprived of the Delight of seeing you. He was going to continue, when he heard at a little distance the most lamentable shriek that can be. Camilla, whom her ill Destiny had conducted just to the Place of the Rendezvouz, which was not far from her Apartment, had heard the Princess' Voice, and discovered a Rival, at a time when she was so tenderly possessed with the sole Idea of Frederick, she was not able to support this Reverse, and fell into a swoon just at the place from whence the Voice came: Frederick ran thither, and Yolanda withdrew, not being in a condition to give help to others, that might have hazarded her own Reputation, she only gave notice to her Friend of what had passed, who came thither in all haste, though however too late. Berranger's Daughter had received, without knowing it, that assistance from the most cruel of her Persecutors; he took Water from a Fountain that was hard by, and having sprinkled some of it upon her Face, he made her easily come to herself. Perhaps that the Delight which her heart, though in despair, felt at the approaches of the Person who had rendered her sensible, did contribute very much towards the making her recover the Use of her Senses; she opened her Eyes, and seeing herself in the hands of a Person who caused all her trouble, Vexation seized her soul, and following her first motion, she withdrew something rudely, and got to her Apartment, without turning towards him, who had newly rendered her that good Office, Where Love is outraged, it often takes every thing for Affronts. In short, the Princess, of Sicily being left alone, with her Mind full of its own Disquiets, she made but a Moment's reflection upon all these capricious Incidents, which she also did with relation, that to her the like might happen, What a Night did Camilla pass! all the torments of Jealousy presented themselves to her Imagination; and though her Choler had no Object to fix itself upon, she entertained a thousand Designs, against whomsoever it was that usurped from her that Heart which she had thought herself in possession of; then repenting on a sudden, she felt all those touching Motions that a generous and an afflicted Soul can be sensible of, How? said she, is my Affection less violent for being concealed? and ought it to be ill rewarded for being produced something later than that, which my Ungrateful is so fond of? Mad that I am, added she, Shall I disturb the Peace of two Lovers, whom Heaven had united before I dreamed of being engaged? No, let us leave them to enjoy all those Delights which I had vainly figured to myself, and let us not one moment divert them through the compassion of Miseries that I have drawn upon myself by having been too credulous. All these doleful thoughts kept her company as long as the Night continued; Day appeared before that her Mind could find a moment of Repose. Amaldee came, as he often did, to see her in her Chamber, and he having been the innocent cause of her Tears, at the sight of him she could not forbear redoubling them. Ah! why have you seduced me by the deceiving Appearance of being beloved by the Prince of Sicily? Why, by making me apprehensive of his Tenderness, should you render it so dangerous to me? Ah! continued she, seeing he made no Answer, Why did you not keep that Silence that would have spared me so many Tears? Why did you pronounce that fatal Word by its enchanting Sweetness?— Heaven is my Witness, interrupted Amaldee, that my Intention was to hinder you from loving by— Alas! interrupted Camilla, hastily, was that the way to hinder me from loving, by telling me that I was beloved? Why did you not rather tell me, as was true, that he languishes for another? It would have made me sigh; but I should at least have avoided the mortal Troubles that devour me. She thereupon related to him all that she had heard, exagerating the thing as much as her Passion could inspire her, and endeavouring to exhale her Grief in Reproaches, she was not able to make an End. When Persons are something recovered from their first Transports, they aim at being Eloquent, that they may at least make others share with them in their Misfortunes. But Amaldee, judging that she wanted Repose, left it her in some kind, by leaving her Chamber, for she remained as motion-less after his departure, and found herself in that condition wherein we have already represented the Princess of Sicily, who by lying under the heaviest Oppressions, enjoyed some kind of Tranquillity, and some time after she fell very dangerously ill.  
In the mean while, Prince Ardalin having got some intelligence of his Bride's being cast away upon the Coast of Sicily, he came thither incognito to inform himself of the truth. The Shipwreck of his Mistress had so dejected and penetrated him with so lively a grief, that he was not to be known. The first Object that offered itself to his Eyes was Amaldee, who was thinking of the means to free his Sister out of the Abyss of Despair wherein he saw her plunged. The Prince of Majorca was at first surprised to see Ardalin in the Territories of Sicily, and was hardly able to recover from it, by reason of the change that Affliction had wrought in his Countenance, insomuch that he only answered with a sigh, when Ardalin made enquiry after Camilla. This sigh cost the Prince of Barcelonna many more. He no longer doubted, but that his Princess had been swallowed up by the Waves, and being pierced to the quick by so fatal a Thought; Speak, said he, Prince, speak, and no longer conceal from me a loss which I ought not to survive. Amaldee knowing that an Infidelity is the most afflicting thing that can be told a Lover, was in no haste to undeceive him; but being at length pressed to make Answer, she lives, said he to him, but ask me nothing more concerning her, and would to Heaven you may never be informed of the rest. These Words, though the latter part of them were capable of giving terrible Suspicions, failed not to calm the Soul of Ardalin; and not penetrating the Motive of that Sadness, he suspended his own, upon learning that he should again see Camilla; and being recovered from the Fright he had been in for her Life, all the rest seemed sweet and easy. Amaldee acquainted him in few Words, with all that had happened to them, except what he ought never to have known. He gave him notice not to discover them, and as for himself, having but a small Train, he would hardly be known for the Prince of Barcelonna. They came at length, to the Palace where the whole Discourse was of Camilla's Sickness: That Princess, after having been brought out of a Lethargy, had made such powerful Efforts to cure her Heart, that her Body had fallen under the weight of them. She was taken with so violent a Fever, that from the Beginning, they were apprehensive of the Issue: However, Ardalin went with Amaldee to Camilla's Apartment. How great was the Astonishment of the Princess, at that unexpected Sight! The Remorse of having neglected a Husband who left all to come and seek her, the Shame of having betrayed him for a Person, who triumphed, perhaps, in her Sufferings, and may be boasted of them to her Rival, put her into a strange Confusion. As Amaldee would have prepared her for Ardalin's Arrival, whom she had but too well known, she interrupted him; and addressing her Speech to the Count of Barcelonna, From whence come you, Prince, said she to him, and what makes you take such Care of a Wretch, whom Heaven has but too much abandoned? Ah! Madam, said that Prince to her, it is too just to let so extraordinary a Person languish any longer, you may hope all manner of Happiness from its Justice, and thereupon, Leon entered the Room, who came to inform himself of the Princess' Health: his Presence, which at other times she thought a Trouble, was pleasing in this Occasion, since it interrupted a Conversation that made her very uneasy. She gave her Brother to understand by a Sign, that she should take it for a Favour to be left alone; which Prince Leon comprehending, he went first away, without making any other Reflection than what his Mistress' Sickness infused, which possessed all his Thoughts. Amaldee dragged likewise away the Prince of Barcelonna, who without knowing all his Misfortunes, had however enough to put an end to his Days. Leon was no less to be pitied than Ardalin; Camilla, during the time her Fever lasted, could hardly suffer that he should come to inform himself of the Condition she was in, that she might not be obliged to receive any Visits, nor to see him whom she had but too much seen for her Repose; insomuch, that Frederick's Absence being as dangerous a Misfortune as all those she already lay under, it brought her almost to the last Gasp. The Princess of Sicily was likewise languishing, by Reason of Amaldees Affliction, in whom she could not suffer that Sadness for any other than herself. In short, there was nothing but Lamentation in Sicily; and one would have said, that Love revenged himself on the Princess' Disguise: But Camilla was yet much more to be pitied, the frequent fainting Fits that her too much oppressed Heart did bring her in, made her imagine, that she should quickly find a favourable Death.  
One day, after coming out of a cold Sweat, which she believed the Forerunner of her End, she sent for her Brother, and her Husband, and having made them sit on her Bedside, Prince, said she, looking upon Ardalin, it is no longer time to disguise any thing, I will spare you the Regret that you would have for the Loss of me, by defacing myself out of your Memory, too happy! if the Confession of my Weaknesses do not render it odious to you. I am no longer that severe Camilla who made a Scruple of proceeding farther than Esteem for a Prince, who was to have been her Husband. I have felt the most lively Sentiments of Love, if I may so say, for an other than yourself, but Care has been taken to revenge you on my Ingratitude, by having my Affection despised. Farewell, said she to him, forget me if you can, and pardon me my Errors. I pardon you them, Divine Princess, said Ardalin, I know the Fatality of the Inclination, which forces us to love, but I cannot pardon myself for not having known how to gain your Affection; my Heart is without doubt, irritated, to find that you refuse it that Tenderness which you are capable of; but it is against myself, and I alone ought to expiate the Crime of not having been able to please you. At this sad Thought he fainted away, and lost with all his Senses, that of the Infidelity of his Mistress; but they brought him to himself by the help of Remedies, which made him enjoy still, for some Moment's, all the Malignity of his Fate, The Alarms he had had for Camilla's Life, whom he had believed to have been swallowed up by the Waves, and the Certainty of her Change, penetrated him with so lively a Grief, that it is no Wonder, if he fell under the weight of it in that so fatal Moment, and the Violence of the Motions of his Soul was so great, that the Wound he had received did re-open in that Instant: he did not perceive that his Spirits dissipated; and indeed, he was wounded in a more sensible part. Ah! Princess, said he to her, I am sensible, that your Indifference does abridge a Life that I had devoted to you, and which has not been so happy as to please you: I die; and may it please the Cruelty of Love to content itself with my Life, and not extend its Vengeance upon the Days of so beautiful a Princess. It is sufficient, that I sacrifice mine to it, which was wholly yours; but let at least, my last Sigh draw some from you, at least, let them be out of Pity, and do not refuse them to a Lover who ready to expire, out of Tenderness, demands of you nothing else: after he had spoken these Words, a mortal Languishing surprised him; his Eyes fixed upon Camilla, showed still, by their dying Looks, all the Fervency imaginable, and caused a Torrent of Tears to gush out from those of that desolate Princess. Amaldee▪ endeavoured to succour Ardalin, and to recall his Spirits which had entirely abandoned him. The Rumour of all that passed was quickly spread about; one of the Princess' Maids could not forbear blaming Frederick openly; and he himself came thither as well as others, and mixing his particular Misfortunes with those of the public, he was willing to try, if he could at the same Time change the Face of things. Camilla seeing the Author of so many Miseries, was not able to support the Sight of him, and turned herself on the other side. Frederick observing that Action, came and cast himself at her Feet, and following his natural Propensity, made her remark so much Passion in his Eyes, that Camilla, notwithstanding her Dejection, did quickly perceive it. What would you have, Prince, said she to him with a low Voice? Ah! Madam, how late is it to declare myself, said the tender Frederick to her; I love, but alas! I could never have resolved to have let you know it till this Extremity. Ah! Prince, said she to him, do not constrain yourself; the too certain Knowledge I have of the Sentiments you have for an other, has brought me into this Condition; but I lose it with my Life. Ah! Madam, cried Frederick, I attest Heaven, that I have no Sentiments prejudicial to what I owe you, and you will one day see that I am only unhappy. These Words, which so easily insinuated themselves into her Soul, made her sigh; and thinking of what she owed the Prince of Barcelonna, withdraw, said she to him, with some Difficulty, withdraw, and leave me to die less criminal, if I cannot die altogether innocent.  
In the mean while, Ardalin being come again to himself, and taking a new Vigour from the Sight of the Prince of Sicily, whom he then knew for his Rival, he used all his Efforts to speak, but not being able to do so, he melted the Hearts of all those who saw him. His Gasping re-doubling, the Company perceived that he was ready to breathe his last; and having made them comprehend by most moving Demonstrations imaginable, that he had a Desire to approach the Princess, they brought him to her Bedside: whereupon, his Forces returned to him when he was upon the Point of losing them for ever; and looking upon Frederick and Camilla, live, said he to them, happy Lovers, so beautiful a Princess could only be born for so accomplished a Prince. I am not at all ashamed to yield to a Rival, who excels me by so many Advantages, and whom I can only surpass by my Tenderness. At these Words, having fixed his Mouth upon Camilla's Hands, he seemed inseparable from that afflicted Person, and his Soul being detained by that Pleasure, had all the Difficulty imaginable to fly away. Thus Love terminated the Days of a Prince, who by the Greatness of his Passion ought to have been reserved for a better Destiny: So sad a Spectacle put all the Assistants into a Consternation, and their gloomy Silence was only interrupted by the lamentable Cries of Camilla; they caused his Corpse to be removed, who occasioned all this Sadness: he seemed still animated by his Love and his greedy Looks, which appeared not altogether extinguished, seemed as if they could never be satiated with seeing what he had so much loved.  
During all this Confusion, they had forgot to dissemble; Ardalin's Attendants Train discovered him by their Regrets for the Prince of Barcelonna; and Amaldee and Camilla were likewise known to be the Children of King Berranger, though they did not expect to be discovered. They could not have chosen a more favourable Moment; for, People's Minds were altogether disposed to Pity, there was no Room for Hatred: and the King continued to them the same Kindness he had already afforded them, as he only considered them by themselves; he did not change the Sentiments he had of them, though they had changed their Names as to him. But, the Princess of Sicily was overjoyed to hear that Amaldee and Camilla were only Brother and Sister, and filling her Soul with the soft Motions which succeeded in the place of the cruel Suspicions that had agitated her, her Tenderness was thereby considerably augmented. If she found in him the Son of Menfroy's Enemy, a Prince for whom she was forced to that so singular Disguise, in short, one who ought never to wear the Crown of Sicily, she found in Recompense, a Prince full of Charms, a Prince who might be engaged in her Favour; she no longer found a Rival; and that Obstacle being removed, did sufficiently make amends for all that might be contrary to her: Thus being in Repose, as to her Lover, she was no longer disquieted about obtaining him for her Husband. Ardalin's Body was sent back to Barcelonna, with all the Magnificence that became him and Menfroy: And a Poet made his Epitaph; which is as follows.  
Within this Tomb Fidelity is laid,  
With the kind Lover who Nature's Debt hath paid;  
Henceforth, like him few Lovers will be seen,  
And, in my mind, Heaven has too cruel been,  
Who died for Love, deserved here to have stayed.  
Nothing could recover Camilla; and though Remedies had removed her Fever, yet her Affliction was as bad as all Diseases. Leon having been Witness of all that had passed between Camilla and Frederick, all the assurances he received from this Prince were not capable of satisfying him. He could in no wise comprehend the important Mystery he was to expect the issue of. Besides, this Princess was in love with another, which was sufficient to deprive him of all Repose. Amaldee, whose Heart was free from any Impression, was continually repassing in his memory the Events that had newly happened. All his mind was full of the shade of Ardalin, and all his Actions showed him very Melancholy. As he often did walk all alone, the Princess of Sicily did the same through another motive, insomuch that they often met, but never joined company; the Princess' Passion rendering her fearful, made her avoid the Person whom her Heart sought with too much eagerness, and he either took no notice of it, or was not very earnest to ask her the reason. However, one day, as Frederick was passing by him, and pretending not to see him; Lovers are very savage, said Amaldee to him laughing, and I think myself very happy in having my heart of a more obdurate temper than yours; after what I know of Love, I would not for any thing make the Experience of it, but will neglect, as much as possible, those Beauties who excite so entire an application; and since we ought to sacrifice all our thoughts to what we love, I am resolved never to love any thing. The Princess, who was strangely afflicted with this Discourse, made him however an answer with something a scornful tone; Well, keep to that indifference you find so very charming. She had not the power to say any thing more, but went away very much displeased. And Amaldee seeing Frederick depart after that manner, was something dissatisfied; and, not believing he had offended him, he made Reflection upon all his reserved and unhandsome Procedure, and found in his way of living with him, something very particular, which he could only take for the Effect of some natural Antipathy. He admired how a Person could love the Sister, whose Brother he so much hated, but resolved, however, to serve him both in his Hatred and his Amour. He wrote to the King his Father, and endeavouring to melt him by the good Offices that had been done them, he proposed to him a Match between Camilla and Frederick, saying, that it seemed as if Heaven had already assembled their Hearts for the uniting their Families for ever, and adding, that Menfroy would not oppose it; that the Kindness he had for his Son, would make him pass over all manner of Interests; that this King was of a generous Nature; and that provided he would make the least Advance towards an Accommodation, a Peace would quickly be concluded. This Letter had not all the Success it ought to have had, as will be made appear in the Sequel.  
In the mean time, Amaldee not being capable of hating Frederick, avoided him however, for fear his Presence should prove troublesome. Some Days after the Conversation that had separated them, they met in such another Conjuncture; it was nice, Amaldee stepped back, and Frederick sighed to see that Amaldee retired first; a Sigh is not to be interpreted, I hate you; however, that Sigh made the Prince of Majorca think so: But, Frederick in his Turn, could not comprehend the Cause why he should so shun his Company; thus they were both deceived by very contrary Reasons. If Amaldees Indifference made him take for Hatred what was nothing less, the Tenderness of the Princess of Sicily, who easily believed what she apprehended, made her likewise take for Contempt, what was very far from it; for, though she did not appear under the Figure of a Lover, that did not hinder her from being so; and if Neglect ought not to have directly offended her Passion, yet she failed not to be wounded by the Effects, which the Intention did not sufficiently justify with her. Alas! said that Princess, Why does he not find himself forced to love me, though his Reason does oppose it? I find, I love him without the Consent of mine; but he is far from being under such Circumstances; Why has not he more penetrating Eyes, and why cannot he distinguish the Heart of a Mistress under the Figure of a Lover? The languishing of my Eyes, aught, methinks, to have unravelled to him this Mystery, but his were not willing to see it, or if they did, they have despised the Discovery. The Figure of Frederick, is it so contemptible, that it has not yet been capable of making a Friend of Amaldee, since the Princess of Sicily dares not make him her Lover? And not daring to entertain any hopes for herself, must she needs be reduced to wish some Respects for Frederick, whom Amaldee takes so much care to avoid. As Love is addicted to making Verses, and that Poetry entertains and charms our Amorous Thoughts, she fell to making an Elegy, which occasioned many other Disorders. The Princess of Majorca began to leave her Chamber, and Frederick, who through the Conformity of their Destiny, and the resemblance she had with Amaldee, afforded her a great deal of Complaisance, accompanied her the first day she went abroad, after a very melting Conversation. Camilla, seeing this Prince carry himself with so much kindness, began to forget the loss of Ardalin, insomuch that having thought some moments, she asked him for his Table-book, wherein she wrote these following Verses, she had newly made.  
In vain one lately dead my Heart did claim,  
And yet another with Love it now has filled,  
But when with him for whom our Breast does flame,  
We strait forget whom Cruelty has killed.  
This was something to insult the Memory of Ardalin, but the least reasonable Sentiments are the most meritorious in Love; Frederick answered them at that instant by the four following, whose Equivocation failed not to be interpreted by Camilla according as he designed.  
You sigh, alas! but raging is my smart,  
My Soul being charmed, has more of me required,  
You have the Features of what wounds my Heart,  
But what is that to One, like me, inspired?  
The Princess smiled at this answer, and seemed very well satisfied, but Frederick taking out his Table-book, drew out with it, and let fall a Paper, which was presently taken up by the curious Camilla, without Frederick's knowledge: She stayed still some moments with him, which seemed but too long to her impatience; insomuch that having taken a handsome pretext to leave him, she went to her Chamber to read the Paper she had taken up. You may judge of her Thoughts at the perusal of this Elegy.  

AN ELEGY.  
HOW! treacherous Heart, art thou to Love inclined?  
I feel, alas! I know not what that's kind.  
Thou, who in secret didst all Love despise,  
And for Tranquillity▪ thyself didst prise;  
Thou now dost stoop, who haughty used to be,  
And yield'st to pains, none e'er inspired like thee.  
Th' Attack that's made on thee by thousand Charms,  
Inflames thy Coldness, and thy Strength disarms.  
In my Indifference Designs I formed,  
Of braving Love, though with all's Force he stormed;  
Myself did flatter from common Weakness free,  
This Heart well aided mine would ever be:  
Or if a lovely Object seized my Soul,  
My Senses absence would surprise control.  
All charming Sports I thought I would avoid,  
Or if I loved, 't should be as if I toyed:  
My Honour thus I'd raise to th' highest degree,  
Myself I'd punish for sensibility,  
Such were the Projects of my Soul when free.  
All these I quitted, though they did abound,  
When Love his moment, 's cruel moment found.  
Can we what charms Us fly? a hope most vain,  
Can we that Object fly, the Heart does chain?  
And all our Senses jointly with us betrayed,  
Are they not charmed, and in a Transport laid?  
My haughtiness refuse thy useless aid,  
But done't with Weakness my poor Soul upbraid.  
Tyrannic Reason do not come and tear  
A Heart, that Scorns have almost made despair:  
And which, subdued to Laws of hard Constraint,  
Shuts Eyes to Tears, and Mouth to all Complaint.  
Why didst thou stray in my most pressing need?  
Why for one moment didst suspend thy heed?  
Love did that fatal instant take thy place,  
Expect not e'er thy rigour can him chase:  
In vain its Calm and Peace thou wouldst restore,  
Since thou once left it, thou canst return no more.  
Begun, begun, thy Reign does here expire,  
I hear no Counsels, but what Love inspire.  
The Charms of my new Fancy I pursue,  
heavens! that in loving, I'm beloved were true!  
I must, alas! my Martyrdom declare,  
To love I fear not, but to tell't I fear.  
I sigh and tremble, when I should it impart,  
My Tongue is fearful, but not at all my Heart.  
Love, make me bold, thou, who hast made me kind,  
And to dear A.— for me declare my Mind,  
Whose Heart, though now exempt from Pain and Care,  
In learning mine may likewise have its share.   
Spite seized her Soul at the reading of this; and looking upon Frederick, who was just come in to entertain her with a thousand kind things, as the most treacherous of all men; her Jealousy produced, in that Instant, a quite contrary Effect from what the former had done; it restored her all her Spirits through the Ardour of Revenge. However, she was in a very great Perplexity, the Idea of a Beauty, who had deprived her of Frederick's Heart, did put her to a terrible Torture; and thinking to hate Frederick, she did not perceive that she hated all the Ladies of the Court, for fear of not hating her, who put her to that Torment. There was not one that did not give her a secret Pain; she desired and feared at the same time to find what she sought; and showing the Elegy to all the Ladies, confess, said she to them, after a rallying manner, confess that you are very happy in having inspired such delicate Sentiments in so sincere a Prince as Frederick: Then thinking to read in their Eyes what they had in their Souls, she examined them with the most uneasy Attention in the World. Several read the Elegy, without finding themselves concerned therein; they had all been so ready to receive Frederick's Flames, that not one of them could make the Application to herself of the Complaints it contained. Camilla began to breath again, and recovered by Degrees from the Apprehensions she had had. When the Lord High Admiral's Wife, taking the Elegy with some Disdain, began first to smile, than a Blush, which came into her Face, giving Camilla to understand, that she ought to fix her Jealousy upon her; Madam, said she to her, your disgusting Haughtiness for any other Lover, gives you a Prince wearied with Sighs; but have a Care, if I am not deceived, your Ladyship will not long maintain that Character; for, I have observed in your first Motions, something so far from Cruelty, that if the Sequel be answerable to this Beginning, I am very much afraid, that that Severity, which you have had during Frederick's Indifference, will end with it: However, follow my Counsel, continue your Severity, if you are desirous that a Passion should last which it has produced. You are in the right, said the Admiral's Lady to her, rising to be gone: The Princess was stung to the Quick, both at the Answer, and her uncivil Departure. They all retired thereupon, every one reasoning after their own manner, upon the capricious Choice of Frederick. Yolanda was quickly informed hereof, by the means of her Friend; and, by the order she had to return to Court, her Mother-in-Law having made Reflection upon the Elegy, found that it admirably well suited with her Circumstances. The little Regard she had had for a Prince her Lover, could only pass with her for Contempts; so much Management on his part, could only be for a Woman, who had too much out-raged him to love her without Shame; and what confirmed this, was the Name of Amaldee, which the Princess durst not write at length; which being very like her own, (she being called Amedee) did fully confirm her in that Opinion. Any other than one concerned, would never have unravelled that trembling and ambiguous Character; but, what does not Love do when it goes about it? Insomuch, that being assured of that Heart which Yolanda had vainly imagined that she possessed, she was very willing to have her for a Witness of her Happiness. The Vexation of a Rival is a great Satisfaction to a Lover, who triumphs, with great Delight, over one she had had any Apprehensions of. What a Disappointment to Yolanda, to return to Court for the Infidelity of a Prince, when her too great Facility had driven her from thence; but she must obey, which she the more willingly did, that she might clear a Suspicion that could hardly enter into her Mind. She thought her Mother-in-Law very unfit to usurp a Heart which Camilla had not been able to make a Conquest of; for, her Friend had heard one say, that Frederick had assured, that Camilla was not the Person whom he most passionately loved; but, that there was another, for whom he should sigh as long as he lived. Yolanda had some Reason to believe the Constancy of the Prince herein, being deceived by the Relation that these Words had, with the good Opinion she had of herself touching Frederick. In short, being returned to her Mother-in-Law, she found her disarmed of that severe and savage Air, which Women quickly lay aside, when they have a Lover who pleases them; she took upon her the Air gallant, and reproaching herself in secret, with having lost by her little Understanding in Love, those Moment's which she might have spent with great Delight, had she known Frederick's Inclination; she had a Mind to recall them, and was contriving how to embolden him whom she had rendered fearful by her too great Severity, and thought good to open the way herself to his Pursuit. Knowing that he often walked all alone, she designed to meet him in his Passage, which she accordingly performed, the same Day. Frederick had stolen from the Crowd, and leaning upon one of his Hands, let some Tears trickle down his Cheeks, which the amorous Sicilian thought worthy of her Pity; she approached him softly, and told him, blushing, alas! Prince, is there no way to put an end to Sufferings▪ which afflict all the Court; Joy dares no longer appear there, since you have banished it from yourself: All our Ladies are penetrated with the Languishing which oppresses their Prince. That Languishing, answered he something indifferently, ought not in any wise to concern all the Ladies you reproach me with, since the only Person whom it ought to move with Pity,— Proceed Prince, said she to him, seeing that he stopped there; I very well understand, that some too severe fair one does make you, fearful of ill Success▪ in a Passion that must needs, however, be successful; But, Why do not you speak? There is not a Beauty how haughty soever she may be, but would willingly share with you in all the Sentiments you entertain of her. But, Frederick made her no Reply, and after having returned several Times to the Charge, seeing she made no Progress, and Frederick irritating her by his too great Reservedness, she quitted him with some kind of Displeasure.  
The End of the First Part.   

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
PART II.  
LONDON, Printed for Hen. Rhodes, next door to the Bear Tavern in Fleetstreet, near Fleet-Bridge, 1682.   

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
PART II.  
IN the mean time, the Truce was upon the point of being at an end, Berranger had taken▪ very ill the Propositions of Amaldee, and the Commendations he had given of Menfroy, he commanded him to return home with all speed, to show if the Prince of Majorca ought to speak like the Son of the King of Sicily. This Prince, well foreseeing after what manner he should be treated by his Father, would not however be disobedient, and beseeched Menfroy to give him the liberty to leave his Dominions, which was granted him, with the same facility that he was suffered to come into them. They embraced very affectionately, being charmed with one another's Virtue▪ From thence Amaldee went to Frederick's Apartment, being to take his leave of him; though he had sent to inquire, if his Visit would not prove importunate, and that he was prepared to receive it, yet he was however disordered at his arrival. Be pleased to give me leave, said Amaldee to him, to render you Thanks for all Your Civilities, which I have very well distinguished, notwithstanding what a Sentiment of Hatred may inspire you with against a Prince, whom his misfortune has borne your Enemy. At these words the Princess was extremely troubled; she would have stifled some sighs, but that she found impossible, and her Confusion was thereby so much the more augmented. Amaldee not knowing what to think of this, asked her the cause of her Disorder; this put her quite out of Countenance, and though the Habit▪ she wore did secure her from the suspicions that might have been had of the truth, it was sufficient to be culpable in herself, to believe she appeared so to others. For though she had some thoughts of unbosoming herself, that Design did not continue long, and her Severity did hinder her from putting it in execution. Leave me, Prince, said she sadly to him, and, if possible, give no credit to what you see. This was certainly a great Mystery to him, and he went and related to his Sister all that had passed between them. She thought she comprehended it better than he did, and imagined that it might be the Remorse of having betrayed the Sister, whose Brother treated him with that Civility, and that a return without doubt would follow it. This was sufficient to overturn all that had been projected against him, and thereupon she wrote him a Letter, that might do more than re-assure him. The Princess of Sicily received it, after having undergone terrible Conflicts, having accused herself of weakness in not having known how to undeceive the Prince of the aversion she was in no wise capable to entertain of him, for this was what she most apprehended he would believe. It is impossible for a Person in Love to leave the Party beloved in a Belief of being hated. She had judged very well after her first Motion, that he would know nothing more; and resolved, at all Adventures, to remove the Impression of what might prepossess him against her, and be injurious to what he might perhaps one day know of the Course of her Inclinations. Remaining fixed in this Design, she enjoyed some Repose, and read the Letter that was brought her from Camilla, which was conceived in these Terms.  
To the Prince of Sicily.  
IT is very difficult for People to keep up their Resentments, when they have once lost their Hearts; and since you have made a Conquest of mine, can it have any Motions to your Disadvantage? I am however very much ashamed that I have not been able to resist either your feigned Passion, or your real Neglect. I ought, at least, to have given them the same Destiny; But, alas! it lay not in my Power. I should find it much more easy, to be insensible to your Ingratitude than to all that speaks in your Favour, notwithstanding I have found such ill Returns. Love me, or love me not; you may do either, without making me change my Sentiments: But, will you misuse this Power? And will you leave a Princess to love alone, when you would find it very delightful to love reciprocally? But, I must explain myself further with you; to which Purpose, I desire you would meet me in the great Alley that leads to the Oval.  
Camilla did not expect that her Letter should have proved so kind, but when a Woman is writing to her Lover, it is Love that conducts the Pen; and she cannot oppose the rapidity with which it paints what the Heart inspires and dictates. Frederick was making some Reflections upon this Letter, when another was brought him, and the Person who delivered it vanished at the same instant, without expecting any Answer; but it came from the Admiral's Lady, and he found therein these words.  
To the Prince of Sicily.  
WHY do you continue obstinate, to conceal what other Lovers are earnest to make known? What do you pretend to do, either love me not, or tell me that you do. A Passion is ever languishing, as long as it is restrained by a faint and gloomy fear, which you perhaps take for Respect. But you are therein deceived, Respect is less savage, He speaks, and then he is reserved, but still he has spoken: he begins what finishes of itself, and how great a pleasure is it for him that loves, to have it thought so! and for her who is beloved to think it likewise, and to divine the rest of what has been told her by halfs! If You love only me, You will easily believe that it is only I who write to You. However, for the greater surety, meet me in the great Alley that leads to the Oval, where You may explain, and I hear what You have to say.  
This Letter, though he knew not the hand, would have diverted Frederick at another time, if the Tenderness which possessed him had not given him Motions very opposite to Joy. He was admiring the Capriciousness of Love in these two Letters, when a third was brought him, which he read with some Precipitation and found therein.  
To the Prince of Sicily.  
IT is in vain that Endeavours are used to alarm me about your Constancy; my Heart tells me that you are faithful, which is sufficient to persuade me you are so; I judge of yours by my own: Our Hearts were engaged in one Moment, and ought never to be disengaged, but at the same time. Mine is faithful to You, Prince, and cannot be any other persons than yours, which is enough to make me▪ warrant, that yours is wholly mine: neither is it to clear any Suspicion, that I desire you to meet me in the great Alley near the Oval, it is only to assure you, that you have never yet given me any Jealousy. All that I hereby aim, is only that we may mingle our Sighs. Alas! we have sighed so long a part, that it is fit we should sigh for one Moment together.  
Frederick did very much suspect, that this Letter came from Yolanda; he imagined that Destiny conducted him to the unravelling of so many Adventures; he fancied that these three Mistresses meeting at the same Randezvouz, would free him by an Appearance of Treachery, from all the real Importunities they had plied him with: Insomuch, that descending into the Alley, he had hardly the Leisure to walk there a Moment, before he saw them all three a coming. He thought it strange to see them together: but the thing happened in this manner; Yolanda having placed herself at a Window which looked out upon the way that was to be taken to go to the Alley, waited therefore Frederick's Arrival; and having seen him pass, and immediately after him, a Woman, who walking with trembling Steps, took the same way; she resolved to prevent her enjoying a Conversation with Frederick, which she had been too long contriving it to leave it to others: she run thither with such an earnestness, that it was taken notice of by her Mother-in-Law, who had too great an Interest in her Conduct not to follow her. Where are you going, said she to her? I see a certain Emotion in your Countenance, that would make me suspect that some amorous Intrigue had brought you hither, if I knew not that after the Princes so fresh Infidelity, you could not be capable of a new Engagement. And I, Madam, answered she, with a malicious Smile, I should believe that you suspected me through some interessed Motion, if I saw not the Princess, whom you have more Reason to fear than me. At that Word, all Reply ceased, and they walked insensibly after Camilla, whom they overtook before she had entered the Alley; insomuch that being all three animated with the same Spirit of Jealousy, they returned into an other, and never parted till they had seen the Prince, who, weary with waiting for them, was gone, after he had seen them take another way, and thought his Intrigues at an end, without himself being any ways concerned. He fancied, that their haughty Humours had hindered them from giving either's Rival the least Occasion of suspecting their Design or that the Severity of Amedee whose Passion he had not yet taken notice of, had restrained them; in short, not knowing to whom he was indebted for his good Luck, he resolved to take Advantage of it, and never to be with them alone, but even to avoid the Companies of all Women, that he might not be troubled with any more of their amorous Importunities: however, he was mistaken in his Conjectures, as those three Mistresses had been in thinking to deceive each other. As each of them had pretended not to have seen the Prince, they all imagined in particular, that the Randezvouz had been only for them; and all of them applauding Frederick's Fidelity, and their Address in concealing what they thought thereof, so that there passed a very gallant Conversation between them, and they parted with great Civilities. Camilla was the most pensive, as indeed she had the most Reason to be so; and that Occasion being lost, was hardly to be recovered. Her Brother was to depart the next day, she must either go with him, or expose herself to her Father's Rage, or to the Slights of her Lover, which was less easy for her to support. But, Love still wrought in her Favour; for, the Princess of Sicily, as we have said, who was willing to repair all the Incivilities she had done to him whom she so tenderly loved, went to take her Leave of him; but she easily perceived, by the Trouble she was in at her first coming into his Presence, that it would be difficult for her to execute the Designs she had laid in his Absence. The first Civilities being over, which she acquitted herself of, with Gallantry enough, she was to proceed to something of more Concern, which perhaps she would have but very ill performed: she already trembled, the Fear of saying too much or too little detained her for some time in Silence, which was only ended by the coming in of Camilla, which both rejoiced and displeased her, seeing that deferred, which she would willingly have said, and which she so much apprehended to say. Camilla had the same Sentiments, and perhaps they would not have spoken, if Amaldee had not opened the Conversation. Prince, said he to Frederick, You see a Princess alarmed at the Usage she shall receive from an irritated Father. Ah! said Camilla interrupting him, I have but too well merited his Displeasure not to undergo the Effects of it with Resignation. The King is very unhappy, said Frederick to her, to see himself refused, even in the Azyls that he is desirous to afford you▪ I know how much I am indebted to the King, said she to him; but, the Prince of Sicily would do too great a penance, should he see incessantly the Object of his Hatred. Ah, Madam! interrupted Frederick, What a Monster would the Prince of Sicily be! Ah! said Camilla, interrupting him again, it was no small Effect of Hatred, that of pretending to love me▪ for the depriving me of a Happiness, whose least Idea was sufficient to surprise me: See, said she to him, showing him the Elegy, What a Delicacy for a Prince, whose Flames are kindled by Severities, and how does Love over-turn the Order of all our Inclinations! It is this same Prince▪ who is to this point so tender and submissive! In what Confusion was Frederick! His Passion was so naturally painted in those Verses, the Character of them was so tender, that Amaldee was very much moved; he was some time without having the Power to justify himself of a thing too true, but at length made use of the Ambiguity for his Plea in that Occasion. Madam, said he, addressing himself to Camilla, I vow to you, once again, that all that I love is here. Say no more, interrupted Camilla, not doubting but that it was of her, he spoke, How sweet do I find these Obscurities! After having imagined to have had so clear a Prospect of my Misfortune, leave me in my Error, if you cannot draw me out of it, but at the Expense of that Affection which I so passionately pursue. After which▪ she quickly agreed to stay in Sicily, fearing, with just Reason, the Displeasure of Berranger, who had learned, with Indignation, the Kindness she had for the Prince of Sicily; but, this was not enough, Frederick had yet said nothing in his own Behalf, so that saluting Amaldee, he looked upon him very tenderly, And you, Prince, said he to him, Will you still believe that I hate you? I know not, said Amaldee to him likewise very tenderly, All that I can say is that my Regret is extreme to leave you in a time you are willing I should believe you do not. They were not able to say any thing more, their Tears trickled down reciprocally; and without doubt, the Prince of Majorca▪ felt that, I know not what, which Frederick found strange he had not yet been sensible of. The Day after, he was to take his public Leave of the King, all the Court was assembled, and Menfroy did show the great Esteem he had for the Prince of Majorca, by all the Caresses he made him, and embraced him once again; after which, Amaldee made up to embrace Frederick, who retired some Paces; but the King taking notice of that Action, made him a Sign not to discover himself, but to embrace the Prince: whereupon, a great Blush mounted into his Face, and the Prince, when a respectuous Sentiment did already restrain, did advance without trembling; and if notice had been taken of that disorder, it would have been without doubt surprising. After this, Amaldee returned immediately unto the King his Father's Dominions, with all the Violence of a Man, who finds himself drawn elsewhere without knowing what it was that did so. He saw the King, who according to his Expectations, received him like a disobedient Son, and who fell into a strange Passion against Camilla, accusing her of Treason, and vowing that he would go and drag her from the Arms of the triumphing Frederick. Alas! How little did he merit that Title, and under what Affliction did he lie, through the Absence of Amaldee. This last Misfortune seemed to him insupportable; he fell sick of a lingering Fever, which sheltered him from the Pursuits of Yolanda and the Admiral's Lady, who could not agreed together: These two Rivals being almost always in Company, envied one another's Joy and Affliction. In short, being always at Enmity, they parted, and Yolanda went for her 〈◊〉 and that of her Mother-in-law to remain at a Relations House▪ from whence she sent daily to inquire after the Health of the Prince, whom Camilla alone had the Privilege of visiting. She came to see him with the King, who knowing that her Affection would sooner or later degenerate into Friendship, and endeavoured already to give Occasion for the contracting it between them. The Princess his Daughter contributed thereto on her part, and being desirous to expel Love from her own Heart, she no longer used any Terms that are proper to it; and said nothing that might give Occasion to any such Motions. The words of Friendship were the only ones in their Mouths; and Camilla not caring, though Love appeared to her under a borrowed Name, provided it was still the same in the Soul of Frederick, did suffer it with great Satisfaction. The Princess of Sicily was at length cured of her Fever, but she was still in a languishing Condition; she had observed so melting a Sadness in Amaldees Countenance at their parting, that it re-doubled her own. But though that tender Trouble had afforded her some Joy, yet it lasted not long, and that Instant of Happiness went away so fast, that it only helped to render that Princess more unhappy.  
In the mean while, the Truce being at an end, and Berranger having a long time been preparing a considerable Fleet, (his Son was hardly returned) when for to punish him for the Obstacles he had raised in his Designs, he ordered him to take the Command and Conduct of it. This was a cruel Circumstance, for him to bear Arms against a King, whose Favours had filled him with Admiration, and against a Prince, who had insensibly disarmed him of▪ a certain natural Haughtiness, which was his only Defect. His budding Passion, which he did not call by that Name, did extremely weaken in him that which his Father would have inspired him with for that War. Moreover, he found it so unjust, that he proceeded to a hundred Extremities, before he could be brought to it: however, he at Length yielded, it being to no purpose for him to oppose the designs of his Father, who for his Obstinacy inflicted the Punishment on him, of going to lay waste a Country he had so much kindness for, which indeed he looked upon as so severe, that he could as willingly have been dragged to his Grave. He could not forbear telling the King, who recommended to him the doing his Duty, If I do it, you have Reason to fear the Success of your Enterprise. These Words making the King apprehend that he might favour the Interests of Menfroy, he gave a secret Charge to one of the Officers, to have an Eye upon his Conduct, and to give him an Account of all his Actions, and told him, that his Fortune should answer for the Disobedience of his Son. Hereupon, Amaldee embarked for to return to Sicily. He wished that a happy Shipwreck would dispense him from a Voyage so fatal to his Repose and his Glory. He had only the Name of Commander in Chief, and it was that Name that made him appear culpable in the Eyes of the Sicilians. Menfroy did very much suspect the Violence that was done him, but Frederick was more difficult to be persuaded in that Case; he thought it something so severe, to see him in Arms to attach him, and which he would have done, though it had been only in his own Defence against him, that he could not find any Reason for his Justification. Besides, the Vexation he had to see that apparently he had never had him in his Memory, while that he afforded him all his Thoughts, did very much contribute to the making him entertain Reasons of Complaint in all he could have done. Thus that Prince did not appear, though he was effectually innocent: No Body had heard from him since his Departure from Sicily, by the Care that Berranger had taken to prevent it. This very much surprised Camilla, who knew not what to think of it. Frederick had often let her know, how much he was dissatisfied with this Procedure; but in such passionate Terms, that she frequently reproached him with having more Kindness for her Brother than for her. Since we are retrenched to the Names of Friendship, said she to him one day, give me that which you have for Amaldee, Why should you make so disadvantageous a Difference for me? How satisfied should I be, if I could draw upon myself a little of that Displeasure, which methinks is so obliging: Do not You make Trial of that, said he to her, something fainting. Alas! answered she with an extreme Sadness, It is more for my Interest than for Yours, which I ought not to neglect, You love me so little, though I love You, that should my Affection in the least grow faint, Yours would vanish in an instant. But, I must confess, that it would be in vain for me to endeavour to lessen it; and I am sensible, that it would be as impossible for me to merit your Displeasure, as you to grant me it. Ah! Frederick, either You do no longer, or You never did love me, my Passion is ever augmenting and yours decreasing. And indeed, it is a great Diminishing in Love, not to increase. Besides, the Princess of Majorca, in the beginning of her Tenderness, had so often wavered between the fear of having a Rival, and the hopes of having none, that those tumultuous. Sentiments did blind her as to those of Frederick, and hindered her, in some manner, from perceiving their Faintness. But, when she had her mind free from any Jealousy, she began to observe them with more Exactness; and finding them so little conformable to her own, she fell into a Melancholy more cruel than all the violent Griefs she had lain under. How! said she, I lose Frederick, and no body deprives me of him, I lose him by himself, and it is he who refuses to love me, though he is not in love with any other Women! How happy was I, when I had no reasons of Complaint but against my Rivals, I might accuse my Star of Misfortunes, I might accuse their Charms of forcing him to love, but nothing engages him; he prefers his indifference before all the softness I might inspire him with; he slights me, and I can only blame him for all the hard usage. I receive from him. But the disease was without remedy, and insupportable, they all began to shame one another in Sicily, and Amaldees absence caused a Consternation in the mind of Frederick, which was shared by all those who had any concern for him. He was so out of humour, that no Body durst speak to him: If he went out of his Apartment, it was to hide himself in some lonely place where he was inaccessible. His Mistresses would several times have followed him to his Retreats, but were still hindered by one another; they mutually incommoded themselves, and through the conformity of their Sentiments, they almost ever jumped in the same Designs: Thus was he freed by all together, from each of them in particular, and he found himself less importuned by the Multitude, than if he had had but one. However, though they all pursued him with an equal Passion, the Admiral's Lady was the most happy to find him alone; He shunned her the least, because he did not know that she was his unknown Votary, whom he wished might be so to him for ever; though he had seen her often with Camilla and Yolanda, in places where they came upon his account, he had not taken notice of it; he had ever looked upon her to be too averse to Gallantry, for to entertain any such suspicion, and imagined, when he perceived a return of kindness in her for him, after all the incivilities he had committed, that her Husband had made her a Confident of what he was. This thought seemed to him so probable, that he resolved to make her his Confident. It was requisite he should have one: When we are happy, we contain all our joy within us, and can be without imparting it to any Body; but when we are afflicted, we must necessarily discharge one part of our grief by confiding it in a Friend. He looked upon the Admiral's Lady as a very good Woman, imagined that she would willingly embrace all his Sentiments; and as they had reciprocally the design of meeting, it was not long before they did so. One day Frederick went into an Alley, where he found the Admiral's Lady, they walked together for a while, and after the first Civilities, which lasted but too long in both their opinions, Frederick began first a particular Conversation. Madam, said he to her, I have extremely sought an occasion to find you alone, and you have not seemed to shun it; I give you a thousand thanks for all your favours. I have of late perceived a change in your Carriage, which makes me believe that you know something of my Secret. The Admiral's Lady was very much surprised at the change of his respectful behaviour, and did not take it well that she was reproached with having so much kindness, which she had never dreamt she was liable to. Her face showed her to be extremely troubled, and she told him with some kind of Anger, Methinks that you ought not to abuse what pity has obliged me to do: And the disorder she was in hindering her from continuing, Frederick not comprehending her displeasure, told her, Madam, I did not think that a Confession, which shows the esteem I have for you, could have given you any offence; but since it displeases you, I shall say nothing more. The Admiral's Lady being mortally afraid he should hold his peace, told him languishing; Speak, Prince, I will lay aside something of my severity, since indeed I know but already too much not to hear the rest favourably. The Princess was more and more perplexed, and could not comprehend the meaning of that severity and that favour which were valued at that rate, and thinking that she herself was obliging in that she had chosen her to the prejudice of any other, to honour her with her Confidence, she thought her very fantastical. However the occasion she had for One whom she might open her heart to, made her pass over all, and she was going to tell her a thing which would have produced terrible Consequences in that Conjuncture. The Admiral's Lady would have proclaimed a Mystery which must have filled her with spite, and all the measures that the King had taken should have been broken, if his good fortune had not made him send one of his Attendants to seek out Frederick, to give him notice that Berranger's Fleet was coming with full Sails under Amaldees conduct. The person who was charged with this Commission, performed it something rudely. What a surprise was this to the poor Princess! What conflicts did she not undergo! The slaughter and horror which she represented to herself, might well have daunted a young person; but nothing terrified her so much as the danger whereto Amaldee was going to be exposed: She was no longer mindful of his slights, her greatest misfortune was to lose him by his death; and all Sentiments being confounded in that, I must be gone, said she sadly, turning towards the Admiral's Lady, though I have not yet, Madam, unbosomed to You my thoughts. I know enough, Prince, said she to him, shedding some tears which Frederick found very obliging, and for which he thanked her by a sign of his Head, which she found more obliging than all he could have said. Whereupon he went away to the King, who expected him in his Cabinet. He had a mind to be alone with his Daughter, whom he saw very much alarmed, which did not at all surprise him, and interpreting her timidity like a good Father, he was long in suspense if he should suffer her to be exposed to the dangers of a Sea-fight. It was however requisite to continue a Fiction that passed for a Truth, and was so important to the repose of his People; Thus he found no reason that could dispense his Daughter from passing for his Son in the War, since she had ever appeared under that name at Court: Wherefore he desired her with tears in his eyes to preserve herself, and to be more mindful of what she was, than of what she ought to appear. Why do not You encourage me better, said she to him, being charmed with the kindness he showed her, it will be but too easy for me to appear what I am, and I ought at least to seem Frederick in so great an Occasion, though I belie that name in my own Soul. Ah! my dear Daughter, be careful only of the Princess of Sicily; Frederick will ever be well enough preserved. They parted, being both full of all the Events which they foresaw. But Camilla having had notice of all that passed, was extremely concerned. Her Brother and her Lover were going to engage, and she saw afflictions falling upon her, what side soever Fortune should favour. She went to Menfroy, and asked him pardon for the Ingratitude of her Brother: That good King was altogether disposed to excuse him; they easily believed, knowing him as they did, that he must be under a great Constraint, and rather pitied than blamed him. All things were made ready, and Menfroy's Fleet being equal, or indeed rather stronger than that of Amaldee, he resolved to go out and prevent his Enemies Attack: Besides confiding in the justice of his Arms, and in the good luck which had never abandoned him, he sent a Herald to the Prince of Majorca, for the choosing a day fitting to decide their quarrel. Menfroy chose rather to hazard an Engagement by Sea, than to fatigue his People by a long War, which would have interrupted their Commerce, insomuch that the day was appointed for the Battle. Camilla had not of a long time seen Frederick in particular; there had passed some kind of Coldness between them, which easily happens when Affections are not reciprocal. As all their Discourse was now come to be of indifferent things, she took an occasion to ask him what he thought of her Brother, and if his procedure did not inspire him with a great aversion for all their Family; for she durst no longer tell him, that she apprehended it as to her own particular: Madam, said he to her with a very tender Air, You would easily know my thoughts, if you knew me a little better: This was sufficient to engage her to an Explication, which she had so much desired. It is easy to judge that they then were reconciled; Quarrels seldom last long when there is a disposition on both sides to put an end to them, and when we once come to clear Suspicions, we often end by Justifications. Thus Frederick, before he departed made his Peace with all his Mistresses. Yolanda alone had not an opportunity of speaking with him; but she thought of him the more, and fancied that he thought no less of her; and indeed, never did Mistress so much rely upon the Faith of her Inclination. It gave her so great a tranquillity as to Frederick, that an Infidelity on his part would never have seemed probable to her. Hereupon he went on Board his Ship, being very uncertain what he was to do; and Menfroy having embraced him with a tenderness that seemed a foreknowledge of some Misfortune, they separated, the King leaving him the Command of one of the Squadrons of his Fleet under the Conduct of the Admiral, and he himself Commanding in Chief over the whole, boar up in all diligence against Amaldee: When this Prince, who was expecting him in good order, had perceived him, he sent at the same instant one of his most considerable Officers in a Pinnace, for to testify to him the great regret he had to appear in that Equipage, and to show so much ingratitude in appearance, though he was only unhappy in effect. Menfroy sent him a generous Answer, That he was not at all surprised that he obeyed the Orders of his Father, and that the Actions could not be Criminal when the Intention is Innocent. Thereupon he sent him back; and those two Princes thought of nothing but of doing their duty. The Engagement was very bloody on both sides; the principal Squadron of the Sicilian Fleet put a great part of that of Amaldees into disorder, who coming to rally and second them with the Squadron which he commanded in Person; He found Menfroy in the Head of them, and was willing to shun him; and the King of Sicily being unwilling to attack him out of the same motive, turned his Fury upon the rest of the Enemy's Fleet, the greatest part whereof he took and sunk; and after five or six hours' Engagement, he gained at longth a great Victory, being the same Fate that had always attended him; but it cost him very dear, since that Frederick and the Admiral were not to be found amongst the Conquerors, insomuch that it was very much doubted, whether Berranger or Menfroy had received the greatest loss. The thing happened in this manner.  
Amaldee, as we have said, being desirous to spare Menfroy, knew not that in falling upon another Squadron of the Sicilian Fleet, he attacked Frederick. The Admiral did his duty with great vigour; but as they were bearing up so near one another, as to discern Objects, Frederick perceived the Prince of Majorca, whose sadness seemed to atone for all the Affliction he had given him; that sight put him into such a trouble, that he no longer knew what he did: He was so little able to defend himself against him, that he no longer thought of defending himself against others: And Amaldee fell likewise into so great a disorder that he seemed to Communicate it to the rest of his Fleet. But to what an Extremity were they not both reduced, when that the sicilians being animated by the death of the Admiral, who had been newly killed with an Arrow, they grappled Amaldees Ship, before that those two Princes had deliberated what they were to do, their Soldiers attacked one another with a Fury that did sufficiently repair the weakness of their Princes; and Frederick seeing himself Master of his own Conduct by the Death of the Admiral, after having been in suspense some Moment's about the Resolution he was to take, on a sudden repenting his Effeminacy, or rather not knowing how to come to any determination, he followed I know not what rage, which forced him to enter with his Sword drawn into Amaldees Ship: He remained in that Confusion, that Amaldee had time to recollect himself from his first Emotion, and presenting him with his Sword, Generous Prince, said he to him, Stab this perfidious heart, that has not dared to follow it's own Motions, and which could not hinder me from doing an Action unworthy of the esteem I have for you. Frederick was so transported with what he had done, and with what he had seen the Prince of Majorca do, that giving back he made a false step, and had like to have fallen into the Sea, but Amaldee saved him, and neglecting all other Cares, his whole Thoughts were then full of a Person who interessed him under a borrowed Name. He had taken him by the hand, and they remained some Moment's in that Posture, enjoying a certain Delight, notwithstanding all their Agitations, which hindered them from thinking even of the Condition they were in. Then Frederick disingaging himself from his Hands, told him faintly, Do not suspend the Effects of my Duty, suffer me at least to go to the Defence of my Men. Alas! replied Amaldee to him, with an inconceivable Grief, seeing that he was going away, What Course must I take to do my Devoir, and why do we so obstinately pursue War, when our Hearts are in Peace? Frederick was something vexed that he had given Occasion to the speaking these last Words; and for which, some of Amaldees Soldiers suffered, that the Prince of Sicily might at least revenge himself on them, for the Passion their Prince had inspired him with; insomuch, that he fell upon them with an extraordinary Fury, and making his way through a thousand Swords, the Prince of Majorca was in terrible Alarms for his Life. He endeavoured to put an end to the Fight; his Party had the Advantage in that place, where the better part of his Forces was got together. The small Forces that followed Frederick, were over-pow'red by Numbers; the rest perished, and were sunk with Frederick's Ships, who was left alone, and abandoned in that Extremity. He looked tenderly upon Amaldee, and without deciding what he demanded of him, he inspired him at that Instant with a desire of making him his Prisoner, and with a design of setting him at Liberty. At first, they were not able to speak a Word to one another; but at length, Amaldee broke Silence, either as he was the boldest, or that his Thoughts were at more Liberty: It is certain, that when that Love does not appear under its proper Figure, he does not commit such great Disorders, he is hardly any otherwise formidable than through the Fear we have of him; and though he was in the Heart of Amaldee as well as in that of Frederick, yet he made a much less Bustle in the one than in the other; Amaldee had received him without knowing who he was, and he only gave him some small Disquiets, which he is not able to dispense any Body from; but Frederick, who endeavoured to oppose his Progresses, was tormented both with the Shame of having given him Entrance, and the Design of banishing him from his Heart. The Disease is never so extreme as when we go about to be cured; and it is in those Conflicts that we are to be pitied. Ah! Prince, cried Amaldee, Why must I needs lose you by setting you free; for, if the Friendship I have for you makes me desirous to detain you, the Acknowledgement that I owe the King of Sicily and yourself, demands of me your Liberty: Render it me then all entire, said Frederick to him, being hurried away by his Passion. You consent then to our Separation, said Amaldee to him; and do you willingly, replied Frederick? In short, continued he, You will suffer me to go. Amaldee was so charmed with receiving so many Testimonies of Friendship, and Frederick so confused with having given him them, that they once more were surprised with Silence; but then at length, Frederick's Timidity made him break it in his Turn, and the fear of being exposed to the receiving a thousand Marks of Esteem from the Prince, which though pleasing, were so dangerous to him, that they made him resolve to desire the Prince to let him go. I perceive than you hate me still, said Amaldee to him, but he made him no Answer; and fearing that he had but too well persuaded him of the contrary, he went in great Haste into the Ship that was destined to carry him home. Amaldee commanded with great Grief, that he should be conducted to Messina, but he was but very ill obeyed; the Person whom Berranger had commissioned to have an Eye over his Sons Conduct, gave order secretly, for the carrying Frederick to Majorca, after having feigned, for the contenting the Prince, that he had appointed them to steer to Sicily; it was easy to put this Order in Execution; Night coming on, did both facilitate this Deceit, and the Retreat of the Prince of Majorca, who did but too soon perceive the Defeat of his Fleet, he reassembled the Remains as well as was possible for him, and escaped happily from the Pursuit of Menfroy, whom Night did deprive both of Frederick and the rest of the Victory. After that Amaldee thought himself out of his Reach, being troubled with so many Events, he shut himself up in his Cabin, while that his Fleet made away with full Sails from Sicily, whither his Heart tended however. His Return was yet more sad than his Voyage had been, and Frederick who was no less agitated than himself, suffered them to carry him whither they had a Mind; but when he perceived the Trick that was put upon him, he gave a doleful Skreek, and likewise fell into a Passion against those who used him so treacherously; but there was no Remedy.  
He perhaps found likewise a kind of Consolation in thinking that he should again see Amaldee, without having contributed thereto; He was very glad that his Enemies had done for him what he never durst have done for himself, and though he seemed to be in a rage, without doubt he lay under no great Violence. They had neither of them the leisure to be weary during their Voyage, their Thoughts took them so up, that they made them imagine it very short. They arrived at the same time at Majorca, and Prince Amaldee not knowing that Frederick was so near him, went to salute the King and Queen, who made him a very unkind Reception, they were very much grieved to see that Destiny continued obstinately bend upon their ruin, they knew nothing of Frederick's being taken, and the astonishment was equal between them and Amaldee, when it was told a moment after, they then were full of Acknowledgement to the Prince, their Son; the Person who had managed the Business, had a great Respect for his Prince, and seeing that he had been constrained to displease him out of obedience to the King, he was willing to repair his Fault, by giving him the honour of all. In private he made him his Excuses for that deceit, and after having told him the Reasons which obliged him to it, he found him disposed to pardon him, thus all the World was satisfied. The King had never been sensible of any Joy equal to that of having the Son of Menfroy in his hands, He desired to see him; and that Prince having paid his Respects to him, with a very good Grace, and having entertained him with a great deal of Wit, he was something secretly vexed, that his Merit was but too answerable to his Reputation; but the Queen had far other Sentiments, she relished a double pleasure in having him for her Prisoner, when she found him so well made, and obtained from the King her Husband, that the City should be all his Confinement, hoping to make him lose the Liberty she gave him, whereof Frederick on the morrow had some suspicions, and in a few days after, she imparted to him her Thoughts. Years had not yet extinguished her Beauty, she was addicted to Gallantry, and imagined that she might well merit Vows, without exacting them, she was forced sometimes however to make Advances; Her Rank hindered her at least from knowing the Lovers whom she caused to languish, and did strangely importune her, upon Frederick's account, who entertained her with a thousand agreeable things, for he had recovered all his Gaiety, and he lived in so perfect an intelligence with Amaldee, that his Felicity hindered him from thinking that under the Name of a Friend, she was a Lover, and that her haughtiness was but ill managed; and indeed, Women never think of that, when they are satisfied with their Lovers, and the design of being severe, does seldom arise during the pleasure of a happy Engagement. His was in a fair way to become so, Amaldee did insensibly show him as much tenderness as if he had known him better; he might believe that it was sympathy which occasioned their Inclination; and as he was entertaining him with a thousand kind things, being prompted thereto by motions which he could not penetrate. Word was brought that the Queen desired to speak with the Prince of Sicily. At first their Conversation was very diverting, the Queen had a great deal of Wit, and Frederick had no less; at length they made Love the Theme of their Discourse. For my part, said Frederick, I believe that the Perfection of Love consists in its continuance, and that We may judge of its force, when it can resist Time; and I, replied the Queen, should believe on the contrary, that Constancy does rather proceed from the weakness of a Lover, than from the power of Love. There are some, said she, who have not the courage to change, who make a Habit of their Passion, which becomes calm and still, does something approach indifference, and has no longer any more than the Name of Love, the Pleasure is greatest in having new Sentiments. This is the reason that most commonly Amorous Engagements are only delightful in the beginnings. You, said she, aught to lay by that so regular Fidelity, your Person is attended with an Air that may pretend to more than one Conquest; it is only for those who have but a small share of what can please, to keep to their first Passion, though they are so happy as to be therein successful, they ought never to hazard themselves in a second: but there are People of so great Merit as to entertain more extended Designs.  
Frederick received very Civilly the application she was pleased to make him of those obliging words, but the Queen's discourse having a particular Aim, whereto he only Answered in general Terms; Could you make use of those Maxims, said she to him looking upon him fixedly, examine yourself and in time you shall know more. Hereupon she withdrew into his Closet, without expecting her answer, perhaps for fear of receiving one, that would not be very conformable to what she too ardently desired not to be under apprehensions, and perhaps likewise to conceal her Blushes; for how much accustomed soever a Woman is to intrigues, she always Blushes at her loving first, be it out of shame or spite. Frederick remained very much surprised, and foreseeing that the Queen's Passion would give him some trouble, he was a while in suspense, if he should give a hint of it to the Prince of Majorca, perhaps by that means they would have come to a more entire explication. The Conjuncture was favourably, but they were destined to other events, and the clearing of this business was deferred by an interressed Person. Frederick was expecting Amaldee who used to Walk with him every Evening, and had hardly made four steps, than that he was overtaken by a young Cavalier, who made himself known to be the Admiral's Widow. His surprise was great, How, Madam, said he to her, my Eyes deceive me without doubt: No, said she to him, Your Eyes do not deceive you, and besides, if your heart did tell you that it was me, you may very well rely on its Testimony: but by what good Fortune, said he to her, do I see you again? Can you doubt of that, said she to him, let it be only in consideration of you, if you could do the same thing for me? Frederick was so amazed, that by having only offered to make her his Confident, it had obliged her come so far; and was no less surprised at the Compliments she made him, joined to that strange disguise, that they were going to fall into a new perplexity, if Amaldie had not diverted them from it. But it is time to make known by what Adventure she came to Majorca; it is certain that when a Woman, who pretrends to more than ordinary Virtue and Severity, does concern herself in Gallantry, she does not do it by halves, but passes from one extremity to another; and when she resolves once to stray out of the course of Wisdom, she seldom contains herself from committing extraordinary follies?  
But for the taking a Prospect of things from the time we left them in Sicily; you must know, that after the Fleet was returned Victorious, although in Consternation upon Frederick's being taken, people were divided between Joy and Grief, every one was sensible of their particular losses, and it was enough that they did not afflict themselves with the Prince's imprisonment, since they were assured of his being alive, without that rejoicing at the gaining a Battle, which Sicily paid so dear for; several considerable persons had lost their Lives therein and amongst others, the Lord High Admiral, as we have said was Killed. His Widow, whom he left in right to dispose of herself, resolved to make use of it in favour of her Lover: she had apparently a very sensible Grief for the Death of her Husband; and people were not surprised at the Resolution she had taken to leave the World, but she had not yet renounced its Pleasures, which she still found was not without Charms: she was only obliged to go seek them afar off. The Object of her Delight was now at Majorca, and she resolved to spare no endeavours to find him out. After that the first Ceremonies of Mourning were over, she pretended to retire into a Convent. In the mean while Camilla knowing Frederick to be at Majorca, had a great desire to return thither, and did not think it convenient to stay any longer in the Dominions of an Enemy against the Will of her Parents, she went to the King and told him, that it was not Just, that Berranger's Daughter should be well treated by a Prince, whose Son was in the hands of her Father, who did not restore him that Liberty which he had given Amaldee. I ought not, said she, to share in his ingratitude, by suffering it: I am ohliged to make it my whole endeavour to set the Prince at Liberty, send me back to Majorca, if you can confide in me. Without doubt the King my Father will at length be melted with so much Generosity: But in Case he continues Obdurate, notwithstanding all your Favours, leave me to manage this business with Address, and I promise, you that you shall see him again in a short time, or that I will come and remit myself into your hands. Perhaps she did really mean all that she had spoken: But Memfroy without much considering her intention, told her, Madam, provided that your interests may still be preserved, I shall not be sorry to be obliged to you for the Liberty of my Son. He had already caused an offer to be made Berranger to render her upon very advantageous Conditions, but he would in no wise hearken to it. Nothing was so advantageous to him, as to have the Prince of Sicily in his Dominions; insomuch that Memfroy despairing of seeing him without renewing a War, the success whereof is ever doubtful▪ adventured to send back Camilla, and delivering up voluntarily an Hostage that Chance had given him: He fancied that he should thereby oblige Berranger to restore what Fortune had given him likewise. Insomuch that all things being prepared for Camilla's departure; she was sent back with a Noble Convoy, and the Admiral's Widow taking that opportunity to go to Majorca, did mingle herself in the Crowd of those who accompanied her. She Transvested herself into a Cavalier, and was so well disguised, that she hardly knew herself. Several days passed without any ill success in her Design. Camilla was almost ever shut up in her Cabin with one of her Maids, in whom she most Confided, and without doubt the Admiral's Widow would not have been Discovered, if her Love had not betrayed her. The Character of a Lover is too remarkable not to be distinguished. She bethought herself of making an Acquaintance with the Princess' Confident, hoping to know by that means, in what terms Frederick stood with Camilla, though the Admiral's Widow did believe herself beloved: There needs so little to wound a Passion, that incertainty has ever been the share of those who are in Love. Thus she did all she could to have a clear Information; she thought, that the best course would be for her to win the Heart of that Maid, for the discovering of her Mistress' Secrets; and as nothing renders People so dextrous as Love, she acted the Lover so naturally, that this Confident took delight in believing that she inspired her with some tender motions. The habit of hearing amorous Discourse, had prepared her Heart to entertain those soft and tender Vows; and the sentiments of the Princess, had seemed to her to be so sweet, that she could not forbear following them. The Admiral's Widow made a very pretty Gentleman, and seemed very deserving the Lady's Favours. Thus a great progress was made in the Heart of that Maid, when unluckily she had a desire to speak of her Gallant. It is impossible for People to forbear starting in all their Discourse, something of the Object their Soul is full of, and we sometimes meet with such Persons, who had rather speak ill of their Victories, than be constrained to say nothing at all of them. She was ever hearing Camilla commending hers, and it is no small constraint to be always hearing, when we have so many things to say. She could not forbear breaking so troublesome a silence, which she did so dextrously, that she both found the means to please her Mistress, and satisfy herself at the same time. The Admiral's Widow had often talked to her of Frederick, and the Maid made use of that pretext to speak in Commendation of her Gallant, Madam, said she to her, I know a Sicilian here on Board, who has a most particular Affection for his Prince, and I dare assure you, that he is the most zealous of his Subjects. Camilla was too tender not to be Charmed with the affection that people had for Frederick, we think ourselves indebted to others for the kind sentiments they have for what we love, and she was willing that the pretended Sicilian should know, how kindly she took his good will. Her Confident was upon the wing to call him, but at first he made some resistance, yet being obliged to obey, he disguised his voice so well, that he was not known, till speaking of Frederick, a blush surprised him, and it was easily perceived that he studied what he had to say: his discourse had no relation, the one part with another, his Motions appeared in their Naturals, and his true tone of Voice returned on him. The Admiral's Widow was too sincere upon this Subject, for to be able to conceal any thing from Jealousy. Madam, said she to her, I thought you very busy in Works of Piety, but the Habit of a man which you have put on, does not persuade me that you have had any such Motive. The Admiral's Widow made her a very smart Answer, for there is no keeping of rank amongst Rivals, and the Conformity of Sentiments does in some manner equal persons; their Conversation was very bitter during some time, but at length they were appeased being there was no Remedy, and agreed; hoping to deceive one another, to demand a Confession before their Faces of the Prince of Sicily, and that the Mistress, who was preferred should enjoy that happiness without the others envying it her; Whereupon they concluded together, that the best way would be to surprise him, that he might not have the leisure to Correct his words, but explain himself in good earnest, but they resolved both in particular to prepossess him in their favour. Rivals never keep their Words, and Love removes all manner of Scruples. The Admiral's Widow found him out first as has been already intimated, but she made no advantage of her diligence, for though she was not hindered by Camilla she was so by her Brother who came to tell him some News; The Admiral's Widow withdrew not being willing to be seen in that posture which was so little Conformable to Modesty, otherwise then by him who had occasioned that extravagance, and who ought to be the more obliged to her for that she had surmounted all manner of Considerations for the love of him. But as we have not all these Considerations for others, we are careful to keep up the reputation of all our virtue with them, and willing to have them think us still the same. In short the Prince of Majorca acquainted Frederick with the disgrace of his Sister, who had met with unkind reception from the King, and one much worse from the Queen, Who suspecting the occasion of her return, had forbidden her to stir out of her Apartment. After which he imported to him a piece of News, which put him in despair, without his Comprehending the reason thereof. The King had sent for the Princess of Mantua the Queen's Niece, under Pretext of keeping her Company, but indeed for the concluding a Match between her and Amaldee. This Prince had ever shown a very great aversion for any such engagement, but it was hoped that the Charms of that Princess would by degrees vanquish that indifference, the King gave him notice that very evening of this design, that he might contribute thereto, and told him that he would grant him some time for the producing between them what makes a happy Union: Frederick was no less troubled at this News than Amaldee. They remained both of them mute, and looked upon one another without saying a word, the King and Queen being in the same place with all their Train: the Queen found Frederick in a very great trouble, which she did not doubt, but that Camilla had given occasion to, and that thought putting her into despair, she gave the King to understand that it was requisite he should be upon his Guard, that the Sicilians under the pretext of having brought Camilla, might facilitate to Frederick the means of evading, and Conducting him into his own Territories; These reasons were thought very probable by the King, and diffidence suiting with his natural humour, Frederick was guarded more strictly, which disgrace he supported with considerable patience, and indeed he had other misfortunes which lay much heavier upon him. He perceived that his ill Fortune had only made a truce with him for a moment, to the end, that he might be the more sensible of all the afflictions that its return was preparing for him. The Queen's passion, that of Camilla, and above all that which Amaldee was in a way of being engaged in, made her find a great unhappiness in all the others, it was however a kind of advantage for him, that he had all these misfortunes together, if he had had them separately, they would have been more afflicting, but when the mind has so many views, it fiexs upon none, and it has of its sufferings only a confused Notion which is not so violent, and indeed he was only dejected. But the Queen was more agitated, the thoughts of having caused the least trouble in what she loved, made her incessantly contriving the means of putting him out of pain. She only waited for a favourable occasion to speak thereof to the King, whose humour was difficult to be managed, but she ordered her business so as to find it. She could no longer forbear seeing Frederick, her Jealousy was mollified by time, and she knew no other trouble than absence, which unhappiness she was to endeavour the removing, whereupon she remonstrated to Berranger that it was glorious to leave Frederick upon his word, that he would oblige him, by Treating him honourably to make the like returns, that he ought not to render himself odious to his people, by an action opposite to Royal Virtues, and that in short, the best course would be to engage him to them, and to divert the trouble he lay under in being detained from his Dominions by rendering his abode with them as agreeable as could be. The King did comply with these Instances, having nothing more to fear from the Sicilians when he had sent back with order to tell Menfroy, that if Chance had put Frederick into his hands, as it had done Camilla into his, he would have delivered him after the same manner, but having purchased him with the blood of so great a number of his Subjects, and by the loss of a Battle, it was fitting he should still keep what he had so dearly acquired. The King of Sicily perceived that he must still riscue some more of his men for the recovery of his Son, and prepared anew for War, but Frederick seeing himself freed from that great number of Guards, notwithstanding his dejection, he enquired after Amaldee, he was told that that Prince was gone to meet the Princess of Mantua with a considerable part of the Court. How fatal was this News! He was not able to view his misfortune in that distant Prospect, though it makes it appear less great, he saw it approaching, and was in no less perplexity how, to come off from a Visit that the Queen exacted from him; and yet, however he was obliged to make it, but he went to her with so great a sadness, that the Queen asked him with surprise, from whence that profound Melancholy proceeded, You ought to lay it now aside, said she to him, since your misfortunes are now blown over. Ah! Madam, said he to her, I am no sooner got out of one Labyrinth, than that I fall into another, I am so accustomed to that long train of misfortunes, that I will also accustom myself to bear them with an equal Countenance: I have made a habit of my Troubles, which will cause me at least to receive indifferently all that is still prepared for me: And will you view your good fortune also with that indifference, said she to him. It is beyond all appearance, replied he, that though it should be offered me, I should never believe it real, and should refuse it for that reason. Camilla's Confinement puts you into this ill humour, said the Queen to him, outraged with Spite, but you would do well to disengage yourself a little on that side, from whence you are not to expect any great success; think of it once more, added she ri●●ng. He made her a profound ●ow, and withdrew, seeing Company come in, without making Reflection, upon what his too little obliging Conduct with the Queen might produce.  
The End of the Second Part.   

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
Part III.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year. 1682.   

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.  
PART III.  
FRederick no other Prospect now, than the Marriage of Amaldee; he Walked Pensive all alone, and though impatient of his return, yet it was not long enough deferred in his Opinion. He could not see but too soon the Princess of Mantua, she seemed to him so Beautiful, and Amaldee so Complaisant, though he only did what mere Civility required, that he perceived his grief was capable of increasing. The King received her according to her Quality, and the views he had for her, did merit. Yet the Queen did not see her that day, and gave out that she was Indisposed. But the Princess of Mantua viewed Frederick with great application, and hardly took any notice of all the honours that were done her. She could have wished that he had been the Prince of Majorca, and tho' that Amaldee was admirably well made, she was not destined to have those Sentiments for him, which she began to have for Frederick. They had conceived a great esteem for one another, but nothing more, and never two hearts were at that distance, when they were to have been united. they met, it is true, at the same point in what concerned Frederick, but that was not the way to join them. On the Morrow they were each of them full of such Capricious Sentiments, that it seemed as if Love had changed place for the better exercising his vengeance, but this Princess did still bear the source, and all afflictions were mean in comparison of hers. She had a sensible redoubling of them, through the Jealousy she had of Amaldee, which she had hitherto been unacquainted with; and that so violent passion in all others, was only doleful in her, and by consequence much more oppressing. It is a great case when we can complain of a Person with Justice: And those terrible Motions, which makes us believe that we hate him who loves a Rival, are more supportable than those tender languishing, which only tends to the accusing ourselves of all our Sufferings. Ah! how feeble is that Accusation, and how Afflicting at the same time? Why did I not make myself known, said she, before he made his Addresses to another, it is now too late to show him the Princess of Sicily, after he has seen the Princess of Mantua, and that he has already received the impression of her Charms? Why did I not take the opportunity of gaining his heart, during his happy indifference: I complained of this, alas! but I still deferred the procuring being beloved. I see myself now prevented. Why did he not keep to that indifference which he would not quit for me? I never had any other than the trouble of not being beloved, but that seeing him Love another is a thousand times more Cruel. She was not able to go abroad that day, and pretended a sickness which she had only in her mind. The Queen was very well again, when there was an occasion to visit Frederick, who though he had offended her by his faint Behaviour, she found the means of justifying him. He had some reason on his side; the unjust proceedure of the thing wherein he might think that she had some share, by reason of Camilla, was very capable of putting him out of humour: but though all should have been against him, she found in her heart what spoke in his defence. It is very natural to believe Innocent, what is so much our Interest to have so. In short she disposed herself to make him a Visit, after having received one from the Princess of Mantua, whom she gave to understand, that she was obliged to have great regards for that Foreign Prince; and though she could not approve in herself of all the managements she had for him, she endeavoured to make them be approved of by others. The Princess of Mantua asked her several Questions concerning Frederick, telling her that she had not taken notice of such a Person, and obliged her to carry her with her; though she had no great desire to do so. This young Princess had had a certain disquiet all the Night, which had hindered her from sleeping, and which had put her into a condition of keeping her bed if she had not been to see the Queen: she flattered herself that Frederick's Sickness might be something approaching hers. She fancied that he had viewed her very earnestly, and that he frequently sighed, while he was in her Presence, and the desire of seeing him do so again, filled her Imagination with a Delight, which vanished at her coming into his Chamber: they found him in so lamentable a Condition, his Eyes being all bathed with Tears, which he hardly thought of Wiping away, notwithstanding their Presence. It was easy for them to Judge, that they had neither of them any share in that great grief. The beginnings of a Passion are not so violent, and the Princess of Mantua was with reason apprehensive, that the Person whom she was so desirous to render sensible, was but too much so already. The Queen on her side having no reason to applaud herself for that profound affliction, it made her conceive a furious spite; the Conversation was faint on all sides, and the Visit short. As they were going away, Amaldee came likewise to make Frederick a Visit, who could not forbear giving him an unkind Reception, and though he would not willingly give him any offence, yet he did, for the Princess of Sicily imagined she robbed her of that heart, when they did not give it her, though she had so well merited it. She could not be satisfied with him, who gave it to another. Does the Princess of Mantua send you hither, said Frederick to him, after something a slighting manner: Amaldee without making him any answer upon that, asked him only what he thought of her, and if she was not very beautiful, I did not take so much notice of her, answered he in the same tone. I am much afraid, said Amaldee, now something displeased, that you have seen her but too much for your repose and for mine; and that affectation of not speaking of her, seems to me a fear of augmenting that tenderness by commending a Princess who has inspired me with it. Frederick was so disordered, and in such despair, to see him so inflamed, that he had not the Courage to give him an Answer, and Amaldee was more and more confirmed in the suspicion he had of his being fallen in Love with his Mistress: this troubled him, without knowing the reason of his own Thoughts. He perceived that he should not be much concerned, though she should Love Frederick, but he could not endure that Frederick should love her. I am deceived, said he, and Jealousy disturbs my mind, I ought only to apprehend his Loving her, for fear she should likewise Love him: but continued he a moment after, I am sensible, that I apprehend all on the side of Frederick, even without Relation to the Princess. I am Mad, added he in short, I am in Love, since I am Jealous, and I can only be so of the Princess of Mantua. However, he could not conclude this in good earnest, and he was suspended between his Reason and his Sentiments, which he could not accord, but had very terrible Alarms. Frederick not being able to suffer his Rival to make all the Progress she had a mind to, while he should amuse himself in complaints, he left his Chamber on the morrow, and appeared so sad, but so lovely, that the Princess of Mantua commended him extraordinarily, and gave Presentiments of the Truth to the Queen, whom experience rendered knowing in women's thoughts of Frederick, she found two Rivals, and was not herself Beloved. This was sufficient to prompt her to terrible extremities; she was naturally Imperious: however, as Love works great changes in the minds of those it possesses, the excess of her Passion made her undertake what she would never have done without its aid. Frederick happening to lean upon a Window, where he was profoundly Pensive; she approached him under the pretext of looking into the Gardens; You are unworthy, said she to him, of the kind thoughts some Persons entertain of you: You ought to have perceived that I Love you: you Love Camilla, and I will give her to you: but likewise, let this extraordinary effect engage you to some acknowledgement. She did not wait for his Answer; and a great Blush covering her Face, she went from thence to go find out the King, of whom she demanded Camilla's Pardon, and told him that his Severity ought to be satisfied, and that it was now time to take her again into his Favour. The King could hardly▪ be prevailed with to give his consent: but after a thousand Caresses, for which he had no reason to be much obliged to her, she obtained what she demanded, upon condition however, that his Daughter should not appear in his Presence. From thence she went to Camilla's Apartment, whom she found under so great a sadness, as would have melted with pity, any other than a Rival. The absence of Frederick, whose Company was enjoyed by the Admiral's Widow, and all his other Mistresses, was such an affliction, as she had been ignorant of till that time, and which she had the leisure to feel in all its extent, She received the Queen's Visit with no small astonishment: but her surprise was cruelly augmented, when she entertained her with the following Discourse, Go thank the Prince of Sicily for your Pardon, it is to him that you are indebted for it▪ he sets you free, by playing you an Infidelity with the Princess of Mantua, Camilla was not willing to purchase her Liberty at that rate; and the Queen went away without saying any thing more. As by breeding a quarrel between her and Frederick, she deprived her of the fruit of the service, which she seemingly designed her, she was in hopes that all would turn to her own advantage. Camilla would rather have chosen to have continued in doubt of what passed between Frederick and the Admiral's Widow, than to have the certainty of his being become a Votary to the Princess of Mantua: a new Rival revives all our griefs; they augment every time we fall under them anew, because we add the fresh troubles to those we had already. Penetrated with a thousand different thoughts, she only followed that which spite inspired her with, which was never to speak to Frederick. And indeed she had so much address to avoid the occasions of doing so, that though he should have sought them more than he did, he would never have found an opportunity. Frederick, the Princess of Mantua, and the Queen, did so well justify all that had been said, that there was no place for any doubt. The Princess of Sicily was very glad to deprive the Person of a Heart, who had deprived her of hers, and by that means take revenge for all the torments Amaldee had put her to, which she did with success. As they one day met, said that Prince very dolefully to him, Well, you are in Love with my Mistress, must I yield her to you? Do not yield her to me, said he scornfully, we must dispute for her Heart by Services; and notwithstanding the affection I have for her, must she necessarily be yours? The affection which you have for her! answered Amaldee, Ah! this I find insupportable! How, shall I then be betrayed by my best Friend! We must quarrel if you Love the Princess of Mantua. Let us quarrel said the Princess of Sicily, outraged to see motions in him which she did not think herself the cause of, for Love had never produced so many Caprices without making himself known, as he did in the Soul of Amaldee, they spoke no more to one another that day, and the Princess of Sicily spending with her Rivals all the hours she would have spent with her Lover, did recompense herself for what she might lose, because he was also a loser, and she employed her time in putting obstacles to the progresses which his Passion might make, if she could not hinder him from being in love, too happy in having so useful an occupation! This made a diversion to her sentiments, which Idleness would have rendered more fervent. The Princess of Mantua was Charmed to see so happy a sucsess in her design, which at first she did not think capable of being executed; she no longer made reflection upon the difficulty she had foreseen therein, since it was now removed. When we are satisfied with the present, we are not inclinable to take views of unacceptable remembrances, or when we do make some reflections upon them; our passed sufferings do only help to make us find more pleasures by the opposition of the present delightful entertainments. The Queen was in a fury to see that a change had been wrought according to her Maxims, and that it was not so in her favour, she would have found it less cruel to have seen that Frederick had continued to love Camilla, than to see that he began to be in love with the Princess of Mantua, he might well have sighed for her daughter, without giving her offence, he knew not then that she was beautiful, but after having both known her to be so, and had received Testimonies of her Affection, to sacrifice her to another could not be without a horrible Contempt. It is particularly the preference which outrages. Camilla for her part had no other Course to take than that of complaining with her Brother, and he of complaining with his Sister; thus they augmented their griefs by mingling them together. The Admiral's Widow who made a strict inquiry after all that concerned Frederick, was informed to the very least circumstances of her misfortune? she became a friend of the Princess of Majorca, since they had nothing more to fear of one another, and since they equally did dread a Rival. They likewise concerted together the means of doing her an Injury. The Admiral's Widow could not resolve to lose the fruit of her Voyage, she would at least speak with the ungrateful Frederick, but she could not meet with an opportunity; He kept the Princess of Mantua Company the most he could, and was more frequently with the Queen than he was willing to have been, who endeavouring not to make any noise, made use of the same Artifices he had practised in regard of Amaldee, and stole from him moments which he had designed for the Princess of Mantua, thus was he tortured on all sides. By these means the Queen did share in his assiduities, or rather paid them to him, or at least extorted them from him much against his will. His Complaisance for her was only constrained, nothing could move him to have any, but only in consideration of her Rank; Thus his devises having not the same Motive which made him act for the Princess of Mantua, they had a notable difference. Frederick had four Mistresses at the same time, he was the Lover of his Rivals, and the Rival of his Lover; and he particularly maintained those two last Characters to the height. As Amaldee would have seen without trouble, the Passion of his Mistress, if his Friend had not repaid it with reciprocal flames. He neglected very much to complain of her, he frequently entertained her only with indifferent things: but one day observing the uneasiness of Frederick, who was Walking with the Queen, and who endeavoured to approach him, to hear what he said to the Princess of Mantua, he resolved in his turn to put him upon the Rack for some moments, and raising his Voice, Ah! Madam, said he to her, have we nothing that is more delightful to entertain ourselves with, it seems as if we were afraid that Frederick should overhear us: as he did indeed. She made him Answer in a kind of slighting manner, The more indifferent the Conversation is, the more it ought to be agreeable: What a rigour! cried Amaldee, in a trouble that was not feigned, since he judged that her indifference for him, only proceeded from the affection that Frederick had for her. Is it, continued he, by such indifferent things that the Prince of Sicily has found the way to please you, and has he so little accustomed you to amorous Conversations, that you cannot bear with them. Frederick was too knowing in motions, not to observe that those of Amaldee had a very tender Principle, without diving into the cause of that tenderness: since he who felt it could not dive into it himself; this inspired him with all the rage which the Princess of Mantua ought to have conceived, insomuch that the Queen took notice of it, and was no less concerned than he. And those four Lovers, two of whom had only a good Title to that Appellation, shared themselves very injudicially, for want of knowing the truth of their own Sentiments. Frederick who was drawn to Amaldee, did by little and little draw the Queen to him likewise, who attributing this violence to the Princess of Mantua, she was willing to divert him, and turned suddenly into an opposite Alley. The Conversation of the Princess of Majorca, and of the Princess of Mantua, did insensibly come again to be flat and faint, when they were no longer animated by Frederick's presence, she was not very eager to justify herself of Amaldees suspicions, and he fell into a certain Melancholy humour which hindered him from proceeding any further upon that point. On the other side, Frederick and the Queen were in an inconceivable disorder, Frederick was in despair that he was no longer witness of a Conversation which he imagined to have proceeded much further; and the Queen was in despair to see that he was so; But though they hardly interchanged a word, yet it was a good while before they parted. The Queen detained Frederick as long as Civility would permit her, and he at length withdrew, so outraged with what he had heard, that he resolved according to the Custom of those who are in love, to hear henceforward all that he might wish never to know, he never parted from Amaldee, who innocently gave him a thousand occasions of Jealousy, he could not endure that Frederick should speak to the Princess of Mantua, he interrupted the Conversation as soon as he saw them together, the Prince of Sicily did as much on his part, thus they vexed one another by a hundred little tricks, and irritated their reciprocal tenderness by the marks they gave thereof to the Princess of Mantua; their redoubled addresses importuned her, two passions proved troublesome to hers, it was necessary that she should rid herself of the one or other, and without doubt the lot would have fallen upon that of Amaldee, but as it was not she who had given birth to it, her power did not extend so far, and it was in vain that she undertook the curing him of it. As he one day according to his custom had interrupted their conversation, she sell to discourse upon the point of jealous Lovers; for my part, said she, I believe that the assiduities of a Lover of that Character, do as much diminish the esteem that a Mistress has for him, as the devoirs of a more circumspect Lover do augment it, it is a first sight that gives birth to an inclination, when it is happy, those which follow do only serve to confirm what it had already done, but when it produces nothing, all the other only help to irritate our durity, by the obstacles we are willing to raise. It seems as if he would take our heart by main force. It is born free and when it does not give itself, nothing deprives us of it: that is very true replied the Prince of Majorca, when we do not please at first it is in vain that we endeavour to do so afterwards▪ ●●constancy is as displeasing in an unwelcome votary, as it is charming in a Lover who pleases but when we cannot be successful in Love, we are willing to be so at least in jealousy, and it is sufficient if we can but hinder a Rival from taking advantage of our disgrace, and certainly he has a greater share in our assiduities than a mistress to whom we no longer owes them from the time that she permits them in an other.  
Frederick without knowing who found so much sweetness in these words that eyeing Amaldee after a very obliging manner. A dexterous Lover said he to him, ought not to be scandalised at a procedure, which shows the value which is put upon his merit and it is much for him to have procured the esteem of his Rival. The Princess of Mantua looked upon him at that word with astonishment and without comprehending why he took Amaldees part to the prejudice of his own, even in a point apparently so contrary to his interests, we may say that he inspired her with jealousy at that moment, with more justice than she did him and she went displeased away upon some pretext, and seeing Frederick the next day in the Queen's Chamber who was then taken up with some affairs, she endeavoured to approach him and told him I know not I must confess why you have more regards for a friend, who ought no longer to be so, than I have for a Lover, whom I ought to manage by a thousand reasons, what would you have me do, said he to her, he treats me very Civil he has been my Conqueror— Ah said the Princecess interrupting him, do men ever think themselves obliged for any thing to a Rival? you do well deserve that after your examples. I should make him kind returns for the designs he has upon me, however I am willing to give you another, since you want one to show you the devoir of a Lover, treat him as I treat him, this is no great request; But, Madam, replied he to her, should I be ungrateful to that Prince whose sentiments are so generous? But, replied she again, I never saw any like yours, and I believe that you love your Rival better than your Mistress; They could not speak a word more, for the Queen returning with precipitation interrupted them. In the mean while Amaldee and Frederick continued to treat one another with a thousand Civilities, and always in the presence of the Princess of Mantua, they were ever in her Company, it was to no purpose that she forbid Frederick to be so obliging to his Rival, he was Commanded by something more powerful; they fell often out and was as often reconciled, for the opinion that she was only jealous of a Rival, made her Condemn all her motions as ridiculous, but our true Lovers could not be long in good intelligence amongst so many disorders. It came into Amaldees head to proceed to an explication of all these strange inclinations he was sensible of. He Communicated his design to Frederick, and told him that it was requisite that they should put an end to their differences, by examining all their most particular thoughts with the Princess of Mantua, and that he who was found to love her best, should be left to pursue his Amour all alone without any obstacle from the other. Frederick had found the time of their intelligence so sweet and so short, that he was willing to continue it, and endeavoured to oppose Amaldees Curiosity, which gave occasion to new explications between them. Frederick reproached him, that he violently loved the Princess, since that he was so desirous to be sure of her sentiments even to the risk of not being the happy Lover, Amaldee likewise reproached him with injustice in thinking himself beloved, and yet to suffer him to continue his addresses to no purpose. It is too much, said she to him, to tie me likewise to your triumphing Chariot, these terrible words had like to have killed the Princess of Sicily, she had never heard herself talked to with so much haughtiness. Amaldee himself was surprised at what he had said, and though he found nothing in them but what was reasonable; yet as it were against his Will, he was so sorry for what he had said, that he was thinking to have asked him pardon, for not having offered him his Mistress, and that he had treated him like a vulgar Rival: Then Repenting on a sudden without any excuse, he resolved to pursue his first design, and taking Frederick along, who was not capable to resist him, nor speak one word, they entered together into the Princess of Mantua's Apartment, and finding her alone, Madam, said he to her, it is time that I cease being miserable, or that I be so for ever; speak Madam, must I consent to the Union of your hearts, speak Frederick, said she to him, shedding some Tears, do you Love the Princess so much, as not to be able to see without trouble the Marriage we are destined too? At these cruel Words, Frederick was not able to support all his grief, but fainted away; yet People being called into his help, he came to himself at length, but would not speak to the Prince of Majorca. This adventure was known by the Queen, whose Passion did daily augment, and who having in vain essayed to get Frederick wholly to herself, resolved to send him quite away. She thought it would be better to deprive herself of his sight, than to see him the Lover of another. Insomuch that she went to the King; We always deferred, said she to him, the restoring Frederick to Memfroy, through reasons of Policy which we thought good, but seeing at present that his Amours tend to our disadvantage, I think it much better to deliver him into his Father's hands, by reason of so many troubles, that may attend his longer stay here. Berranger made some difficulty to yield to this Proposition, but she knew so well how to represent so lively all the Misfortunes which accompanied them, during all the time they had made War against Menfroy, that he was at length of her Opinion. However, as soon as she found so little obstacle in her Designs, she began to tremble for the Execution; the Idea of Frederick's absence presented itself to her heart with so lively a grief, that she began to Combat her own Reasons, and to find that it was a good Surety of the King of Sicily's Clemency, to have his Son in their Power, being very sensible that she should choose to see him sigh for another, rather than not to see him, and finding that as long as he was in their Dominions, she should have a kind of Right over him; the shadow of the least Power is always accounted something by a Mistress. She gave Berranger to understand that it was in some manner to be Master of Sicily, to have the next Heir thereof in his hands, but as the interest of her Passion was not to be neglected, she thought fit to hinder the continuance of that which he had for the Princess of Mantua, by pressing the King to conclude the Match between her and Amaldee; she had always deferred the speaking thereof, for fear of showing herself too much concerned in the thing. It is very difficult to appear indifferent when we are not so; but that occasion was favourable, she had spoken of sending him back, and she avoided mingling him in that adventure. The King had not been in the least informed of his Passion for the Princess of Mantua, she lived with Amaldee after such a manner as was not capable of giving any suspicion to indifferent People. Thus the King was altogether disposed to hasten things, to which purpose it was convenient to consult both Parties, The Queen took upon her to speak to the Princess, and having sent for her into her Closet, after having made her a hundred Carasses; The Alliance which we are going to make, said she to her, obliges me to Treat you like my Daughter. All is ready for the Marriage, Amaldee is at length recovered from his indifference, and Loves you even to the being jealous of the inconstant Prince of Sicily, who without doubt has pretended some affection for you, for there is not a Beauty who is exempt from his Gallantries. He was in Love with Camilla while she was in Sicily. He would likewise have paid me some of his Amorous Vows, said she laughing, I believe you have shared in his Addresses, and at present I have discovered a new intrigue. That Princess was filled with spite, when she learned that Frederick's heart was not as new as hers, she had been ignorant of all that had passed between Camilla and him, and she was so very nice in things of that nature, that the very Sentiments he had had beforeknowing her, rendered her Jealous; she would willingly have Monopolised all the thoughts which he was capable of, as she was ready to afford him all hers. She found no difference between having the same addresses paid to others, that had been made to her, and between those that had been made to others, before any had been paid to her, since as to her they were equally lost. And what an excess of grief was it to her, to see that they had been shared in the little time she had received them? She asked the Queen trembling, with whom it was that Frederick had a new engagement. You are curious, said the Queen to her with an affected gaiety; It is answered she very sadly, a Curiosity that I should have for any other as well as for Frederick, but I should not be sorry to know his intrigues. The Queen feigning to be of her Opinion, and of not observing her disorder, told her, The truth is, that there is a great deal of Pleasure in discovering what people would fain conceal from us; for my part I interess myself in an affair from the moment that I know it, and it affords me almost as much delight as it does those who have therein the Principal Part. This will be to us a merry entertainment, added she, and I will give you the means of Convicting him of Inconstancy. Thereupon seeing Frederick come into her Chamber, We must call him to us, said she, We shall see what answers he will make to our Attaches. But the Princess was not in a condition to support the sight of him, she went away under the pretext of being newly seized with a pain in the head, and the Queen applouding in herself the success of her Malice, was willing to continue it; and having caused Frederick to sit down, I have at length obtained for you, said she to him, the pleasure of returning into Sicily. That word made him turn pale, and the Queen continuing said, The King has always had the intention of rendering you Master of your Conduct, since he was hurried to some excesses upon Camilla ' s account, but the Marriage of Amaldee has ever possessed him since that time, and hindered him hitherto from speaking to you thereof. As it is at present concluded, and the Ceremonies are to be performed within a few days: you may perhaps have a mind to share in the Divertisements that will be upon that occasion: but if you are not that way inclined, you may depart when you think convenient, if the pleasures that are preparing for that Feast are indifferent to you, and if you do not think us deserving the satisfaction of enjoying your Company for some days longer: But you give me no Answer, continued she, Is not this Match to your mind? Madam, said he to her with great violence, The only thought of parting from you, is so afflicting, that it hindered me from understanding what you said: but when is this Marriage to be Consummated? It would have been already Consummated, had it not been for Amaldees backwardness, said the Queen, thinking to be very Malicious, for the Princess of Mantua does ardently desire it. Frederick recovered some Joy at that Word, and Protested so earnestly to the Queen, that he was not in Love with the Princess of Mantua, and entertained her with so many obliging things, that she remained more satisfied than she promised herself, and Frederick was in hopes of making the Princess consent, that by sacrificing the Queen effectually to her, he might have the Liberty of seeming to have ceased his Addresses. The intelligence, that was between them, might authorise that Thought: But all these Projects were out of Season, thanks to the Queen's Artifice, all his measures were broken by the Jealousy, which she had dextrously insinuated into the Soul of her Rival. This Princess would no longer look upon him, and it was in vain that Frederick's Eyes sought to tell her, how desirous he was of a particular Conversation with her; they could not meet with hers, but having approached her Ear at a time, that no Body took notice of that action, Madam, said he to her, endeavours are used to make me abandon you, but I see a change in your Carriage which if you continue much longer will proceed perhaps to the sacrificing me to the Prince of Majorca. She turned away her head scornfully without making him any answer, and presenting her hand to Amaldee, he was obliged to lead her to her Apartment. But the Prince of Majorca did not take notice after what obliging manner she had given it him, his mind was filled with a thousand vexatious things upon her account. The King having sent to seek him, had commanded him absolutely to Marry her within eight days, which was the longest time that his resistance could obtain. He slighted her very much, and begun from that Evening to treat her as she had done him, thus they all three passed that night very uneasily. The Princess of Mantua had been so surprised at Frederick's perfidity, that she did not think at first of Amaldees being faithful to her, her mind being fixed upon her misfortune, did not afford her any agreeable views; It is very difficult in a moment that a strong passion finds itself betrayed for a Woman to think of giving birth to another, that thought came only into her head when Frederick would have been as intimate with her as before the discovery: she then on a sudden resolved to revenge herself, she fancied that the Prince of Sicily was proud, and that he would be loath to be deprived of his Conquest; When a Woman loses one, the design comes naturally to make another, but it is only to make herself the more valued by her former Lover, that she endeavours to procure a second, who is not much obliged by the paces that are made in his favour, since they all relate to the affection which first of all prevailed. Amaldee as we have already said, did not examine all this, he had so little inclination for the Princess of Mantua; that he took no notice of her Actions, Frederick's being out of humour was capable of making him so, he could not get an opportunity to speak to him since the adventure that had happened at the Princesses, by reason Frederick took great care to shun him, he likewise repented his having pressed a Declaration wherein he took so little interest, and he found himself more troubled at his being fallen out with his Rival, than he was pleased that he stood in good terms with his Mistress, insomuch that his mind being full of Frederick, he wrote to him this Letter.  
Amaldee to Frederick.  
I have a thousand things to tell you Prince, and you take a thousand ways not to hear them, you are as careful to avoid me, as I am to seek you; In short I observe in all your Actions as singular an air of Contempt, as the esteem I have for you is particular, was ever Rival seen to do as you do? When Rivals Converse together, it is still with some bitterness, but however they Converse; but I find your silence more despairing than all you could say to vex me. They have some Animosity in what concerns Concurrence, but they abate in the rest, yet you never abate any thing in yours, nor of that slighting and despiteful Carriage, which I cannot Comprehend. I am obliged to impute this proceedure to that antipathy, which you only stifled for a while, that the revival remembrance thereof might be the more afflicting to me now. Why did you quit it, since you did not lay it aside for ever, and that you do not now abandon it for a moment? Ah! how cruel does your friendship prove to me, since it was not sincere. It is a refinement of hatred which you alone are capable of, however, I have in no wise deserved it, Was ever Rival seen to do as I do, you are beloved, you hate me, my passion only serves to render your Victory more illustrious, I am miserable, endeavours are used to render me happy, and I oppose them for fear of displeasing you, this is a refinement of friendship which in my turn there is only I who am capable of. Alas, since our sentiments are so resembling by their force, why have they such different Motives: Let us lay aside that fatal equality since it produces such contrary effects; diminish something of the durity of your proceedure, and I consent to augment the Civility of mine, or rather let us always meet in the same ardour, and change only design and if possible Conduct.  
After that he had finished this Letter, he read it over twenty times, and did not find that it sufficiently expressed all that he had a mind to say; he fancied that the terms of friendship were improper, and he could not reasonably make use of those which he judged more suitable. He felt great agitations all the night, which seemed to him much longer than usual, and he was very impatient that Frederick should receive his Letter, and then again, he was afraid that Frederick would not receive it, or that it would not sufficiently persuade him. He received it however, and it had all the effect that could be expected. It surprised him agreably, he only saw misfortunes for him on all sides, and a ray of hopes on the side of Amaldee suspended them with delight, and Consulting only his first impulse, he returned him immediately this Answer.  
Frederick to Amaldee.  
I have too much reason to shun you and yet I do not shun you so much as I ought, but if you have distinguished a particular air in my flights, why have you not made a full discovery; and why do you take for contempt, what would resemble it so little, if you would put it to a stricter Test. Since you make so just a difference between my Conduct, and that of an ordinary Rival, if you examined it something farther, you would not prefer the bitterness of Rivals, before the delicacy of a Friend, who can neither say nor do any thing to the disadvantage of the Person, who has merited his esteem; there would be less concurrence between us, if you did not love the Princess of Mantua, and perhaps there would be something more agreeable, if you had been better acquainted with the Prince of Sicily, you would not demand of me to abate for one moment, any thing of what you divide so well of concurrence, perhaps you would wish the continuation of it, with as much ardour, as you now have to complain thereof, you recall that pretended antipathy, which I have but too well undeceived you of, and whereof, however I never repented, until you had had a Mistress. How pleasing aught all my unkindnesses to have been to you, since they were not sincere! but is there any refinements of hatred? Alas! those people hate not much, who refine in so doing; but in short, why do you refine upon hatred, when you have a passion? this cruel share I cannot endure; hate me as a true Rival, if you love me as a true Lover, have no regard for me, which may be so dangerous to me; sigh in repose for the Princess of Mantua, I do not love her, since I must confess it; I will no longer disturb your Amours, and the prospect I have given her of my passion, was only to serve for a Triumph to yours. If your Sentiments were the like as to her, we should continue Friends; it is only that equality which I demand, change the design you have upon her, and I shall change my conduct with you.  
Frederick had less impatience to send his Letter than Amaldee had had. He found that he had said too much, he was a long time in suspense if he should give it, till that a Messenger coming in from the Queen, he gave it, that he might put an end to all the reflections it produced, he Commanded it should be carried to Prince Amaldee, who was not so happy as to receive it, the Person, who was encharged with this Letter, having carried some from Frederick to the Princess of Mantua, and receiving it in haste, he mistook what the Prince said to him, and fancied, that he was to carry it likewise to the Princess of Mantua; she received and read it, with all the fury that so authentic a confirmation of Perfidy could inspire her with: How! cried she, He is not satisfied with betraying me, he would likewise deprive me of the only Lover I have left; Ah! what a rage is his? I should have suffered his indifference, if it had not been voluntary, but I cannot suffer the outrage he puts upon me; I must punish him by what he most apprehends. Women are particularly jealous of their Beauty, and they are often, only willing to have a Lover, for the giving Testimony of it; she went immediately to the Queen, whom Frederick had newly left; the Queen was so satisfied with him, that she could no longer look upon the Princess of Mantua as the Rival; she was still more confirmed of the Sacrifice that Frederick had made her, by the desire the Princess seemed to have, of becoming quickly her Daughter in Law, there was now no more obstacles in it, than what proceeded from Amaldee, who coming in at that moment, did pay all her advances with extraordinary unkindnesses; the slights that are put upon a Beauty, do vex her more, than all those that can be done to the most Amorous of all men; she accused Frederick with Justice of the injury he did her Charms, and for the making him believe at least, that she was not so contemptible, and that she received consolation for the loss of him, she sent him back his Letter, with orders to say, That Prince Amaldee had given it her, and that she made him restitution of it; this is the having so favourable an appearance, when all was contrary to her, went a great way towards the satisfying her vanity. And indeed the Princess of Sicily was pensive all alone, when his Letter was brought her, How! great was her surprise, Ah! cried she, though I do not seem a Lover, must I needs be Treated like the most contemptible Mistress, and must I be Sacrificed to my Rivals. His last stroke completes all the other, I have nothing more to hope, since I am used, as if I were the Princess of Sicily, I must likewise do us she should, and reproach that Person with baseness, whom alas! I cannot accuse of Perfidy, seeing he never loved me: Thereupon she ran to seek out Amaldee, whom she found in the Palace Gardens, and calling him all the names that rage inspires, Art thou satisfied with all these names, said she to him, And art thou not better pleased with them, than with my silence? He was so afflicted, that he was not able to give her one word in answer, and leaning against a Tree, he looked upon her tenderly, and shedding a torrent of Tears, he at length drew the like from the lovely eyes of that irritated Princess, she suffered herself to fall upon a grass-plat, over against him, they made a mute conversation, more melting than all they could have said, but she retired as soon as Amaldee would have spoken, and went into a gloomy Alley, where she met with Camilla, and the Admiral's Widow who were in pursuit of her; who joined together, to ask the; reason of the Treachery that Frederick had done them; they had for a long time tormented themsleves they could no longer forbear venting their fury, and were desirount of having the cruel delight ofs putting him some moments upon the rack, who had made them spend so many hours in torture; they come thither together, for we are only desirous of being private, when we have something that is agreeable to say; Moreover they encouraged mutually one another, and pretended to put him into the greater confusion, by convicting him both together of the Treacherous Tricks, he had served each of them in particular; they made him a Hundred Reproaches, which he could not make any answer to, he knew himself so well by their motions, that he was terrified, that he newly came from doing the same thing, they would never have done talking, they found still something to say, and people are inexhaustible, when they are to give a loose to their Passion, the violence of their passing into their discourses, caused them to make so much noise, as that they were heard by Amaldee, who apprehended, that his dear Frederick was engaged in some peril, being drawn by the sighs he gave, he answered him by others, and run to the place where there passed an adventure almost like to that he had newly been engaged in. He first saw a Cavalier who disappeared, and perceiving his Sister all bathed in tears, Cruel Friend, said he to him, see the sufferings you bring upon us; Cruel Friend, yourself, replied the Princess of Sicily sadly, Why do you Sacrifice me to the Princess of Mantua? I Sacrifice you, said Amaldee to her, I who treat her daily with so much Contempt upon your account? See, said she to him, showing him the Letter, what you gave her, and which she restored to me. Amaldee protesting that he knew not what it was, did very earnestly beg of her to give him that Letter; Frederick could not resist the desire he had of seeing him read it; And Amaldee making a stop at the end, how said he to him, you do not love the Princess more than you do me? How! replied Frederick, and do not you love her, would to Heaven that I were in a Condition to love her, Cried they both at a time. But in good earnest do not you love her, said Frederick to the Prince of Majorca? No, Replied he coldly, and if I was sorry that you loved her, it is apparently, because I do not find her aimable, but if you do not Love her, why are you in fear that I do? you must needs have some concealed interest; I have one without doubt, said Frederick, but still, do not you Love her, repeated he again, let me be sure of your indifference for her before I confess any thing: I answer you I do not, ask her, said the Prince of Majorca. Frederick could no longer hold out against such flattering appearances; and the presence of Camilla could not put a stop to what so favourable a Moment furnished him with, I have been in Love, said he, from the moment that I saw you, and I should still have had all my indifference, if you had never arrived in Sicily. Camilla being charmed with this discourse, did secretly make him reparation for all she had said and thought against him, but Frederick stopping, found himself in a fair way, and blushing at what Love had made him do, he would perhaps, notwithstanding all his reflections, have said something more, if the King had not interrupted him, he was amazed at his taking him aside to discourse him, but the business passed in this manner:  
The Queen whom a too long absence from Frederick rendered uneasy, had sent to seek for him, her imagination being full of him, figured him always with another, it was necessary for her to see him for the calming all her Suspicions, she was told that he was with Amaldee and Camilla, which was sufficient to alarm her. The King being present when this Word was brought, she blushed at the indiscretion of the Person she had employed, which Berranger taking notice of, he looked upon it as a very ill augure. What she added afterwards with some kind of transport, made him the more apprehensive. Camilla, said she to him, renews her Persuits, and it is very convenient to have a Watching Eye over her. Your Virtue is very Austere, Madam, said he to her with some disdain, I perceive that you are not willing to allow your Daughter a Lover: but as for Frederick, I shall take order about him, and he may possibly be on his way to Sicily by to Morrow, for preventing the consequences of an Amour, at which your severity is so much alarmed. Thereupon he went down into the Palace Garden, thinking upon the Discovery he had newly made; he met there with Frederick, and breaking of the conversation that had so much pleased him, he entertained him with one that was very afflicting. Prince, said he to him, you may possibly be surprised, that I have deferred so long the telling you that you are Free: but now hence forward, nothing shall detain you, all things shall be ready for your going on Board, and that to Morrow, if no Body stay you here, I pretend to render Civility for Civility to the King of Sicily by restoring him his Son. And indeed Berranger had found his Glory to revive extremely upon the Queen's being in disorder, and accusing himself of having not too well managed it: He managed at the same time his own repose. He paid great Civilities to Frederick, who only answered him with a profound bow, he had not the power to thank him for a thing which puts him into despair, and for the restoring him to a Liberty, which he found would be insupportable. How sensible was the Princess of Sicily's grief to depart in a time when her Presence might support the Sentiments that Amaldee would infallibly have entertained of her. To depart without making herself known, or to make herself known when she was to depart, were such tumultuous reflections, that some time was requisite for her to come to a determination, the Queen being no less to be pitied than she. The Idea of never seeing what we Love, is the most cruel thing that imagination can represent; it was requisite that she should see him at lest once more. Yet the King besieged continually, and the thing was almost impossible. In this pressing need she was constrained to run some risk. She Confided in the discretion of one of her Maids of Honour, whose Chamber she thought most convenient for the interview, being there was a way to it by a back pair of Stairs. This Woman took care to conduct Frederick thither, who was resolved to employ his Credit with the Queen, being ignorant of the share she had in that adventure. The King having set spies to watch him that Evening; he failed not to have notice given him of the way he had taken. The Queen finding herself indisposed, had placed herself upon a Bed of repose, where all bathed in Tears, she saw Frederick at her knees, being as full of grief as herself, he conjured her tenderly to employ her credit for the deferring a departure, which would be so fatal to him: they were in that posture when they heard the Chamber door thundered open, and saw the King with his Sword in his hand: he made a full pass at Frederick, who happened to be first in his reach: the Queen made her escape by the back pair of Stairs, he ran to pursue her, but not finding her, he met with Amaldee and Camilla, whom we sent to the place where all this disorder passed, finding that his vengeance would be the more complete, if all the World knew it, and that he added to it the trouble of all such Persons as took part in Frederick, the Princess of Mantua was likewise informed of this accident, by the rumours that were spread of through all the Palace. Her tenderness was now revived, and she no longer found him culpable, since he had now expiated his Crime by his Blood that was shed. Insomuch that she ran thither as well as the rest; their shrieks were heard on all sides in that Chamber, and it was a very lamentable spectacle to see Frederick weltering in his own blood. The Princess of Mantua and Camilla embraced one another in shedding a torrent of Tears. These two Rivals were no longer Enemies, and their common misfortune left them no other Sentiments, than for the lamenting what they Loved. It being necessary to undress Frederick, they withdrew, and his wound was searched. But how dangerous a one did Amaldee receive? when he saw an admirable Bosom, tinctured in several parts with blood, yet heightened its natural Whiteness. This cannot be expressed, Love making himself known to him in that cruel Moment, he made him feel it with all its Violence. The Princess of Sicily was Fainted away, she was thought to be dead, she no longer breathed. But Amaldee approaching her, heard her still Sigh; he having caused that heart to move again, which he had so much agitated, she opened feebly her Eyes, and cast a piercing look upon the amorous Amaldee, and immediately shut them again. Ah! Lovely Eyes, cried he, are you closed for ever, He imagined she had given her last Sigh, he did the Actions of a Madman, and being no longer capable of governing himself, he suffered those Persons to conduct him, whom the Queen had sent to give help to Frederick, to the Apartment of those afflicted Beauties, he did not acquaint them with so surprising an adventure, he little thought of comforting them, or of telling them a piece of News which would only have served to the redoubling his own despair, they were all in a gloomy silence, which being caused by a violent grief, did lively express it, there remained in those Princesses a ray of hopes which tormented them more than the entire assurance of their misfortune could have done. We suffer ourselves to be transported with rage, when the mischief is without Remedy, and there is at least but that Motion which hurries the Soul away with that Violence, and which leaves it not the leisure to be sensible of all its torments: but when we are divided between small hopes and a great deal of fear, we feel a thousand Conflicts, which as it were tore us, and cannot be calmed, but by the loss of the one or other. They quickly lost them both, to make way for something that was much more afflicting. Word was brought that Frederick had been discovered to be the Princess of Sicily, than all the motions which they had so improperly entertained, dissipating themselves on a sudden, they fell into a kind of Lithurgy, in comparison of which they found all their Alarms to be soft and pleasing. In the mean while the Princess of Sicily's wound being searched, was found not to be Mortal, which News being carried to the King, he received it as the cure of all his ills. The Queen no longer gave him any embraces, nothing hindered him from joining the Crown of Sicily to his own, and finding his Honour secure, and his ambition satisfied, he learned with great satisfaction, a thing that was necessary both for his own repose, and that of his People. He sought out the Queen to ask her pardon for his rage, and was willing to believe, that it was only to the Princess of Sicily, that the Assignation had been given, since it was but effectually her. The Queen was so confused with so many changes, that she knew not what answer to make, she was in fear that it was a surprise, that the King would put upon her, and could perhaps have wished it. Nothing was so disagreeable to her, as to learn she had no longer a Lover, and what was more that she had not had one. It was in vain that he endeavoured to render her a Witness of that Truth, she excused herself, telling him after a spiteful manner, which her Virtue too well justified, inspired her with, that she was even afraid, that the Princess' Sex would not secure her from his Suspicions, since her prudence had not been able to do so. Neither would the Princess of Mantua nor Camilla, now see under the proper Figure, the Person they had found so pleasing under one that was borrowed. They hated the Princess of Sicily, from the time that she was no longer Frederick, but she did not remain abandoned: the Prince of Majorca gave her all his thoughts which did sufficiently comfort her for those she lost elsewhere. What a delight was it to her to see herself beloved! this was a Novelty, she had never seen a Lover at her feet; it is very pleasing to see one there: but it is the highest Felicity when it is one the Woman Loves. Ah! cried Amaldee, all transported, Why did you wait so long to triumph over a heart that ought to be wholly yours, from the time it was capable of Loving. I have felt, it is true, some tender longings towards you, but I lost the Pleasure by not knowing the motions of my heart, nor the merit of the Object who inspired me with them. A thousand sighs with which he repaired the time he had been without knowing the use of them, and a thousand disquiets he was in for her Life, did make her sufficient satisfaction for those she had thought to no purpose. She had not Courage to make him languish longer without telling him what he had inspired her with. As he was one day Comparing before her the sentiments he had had for Frederick, and those he had for the Princess of Sicily, she was willing likewise to give him a prospect of her own, they took delight in examining all their most secret Motions, and lived already the Most happily in the world, when that the two Kings consented to Consummate their felicity, and to make Peace by uniting their two families, the Princess of Mantua could not oppose it, she had loved Frederick at a time she was to have been Amaldees Wife, which was sufficient to hinder her from being able to reproach him with the preference he made of the Princess of Sicily, besides that Princess had triumphed over her heart under the figure of a Rival, for to see her triumph with another under that of a Mistress; Insomuch that the Princess of Mantua returned two days after the wound was given without giving the Princess of Sicily one visit, she told the King that having a design to quit the world, she thanked him for all the favours he had bestowed upon her, and that she should be full of an eternal acknowledgement, he was very glad to see her take leave of herself, the only obstacle to what he projected, being thereby removed, thus they were all well satisfied at Majorca.  
Camilla recovered her Lover and a Match was Concluded between her and Prince Leon, he had ever Conserved for her a Character of so handsome Passion, that he could not fail of being recompensed at the end, he had voluntarily deprived him sell of the satisfaction of giving her marks of his tenderness which displeases when a Lover is not acceptable, and he gave her a full view of it, when that the Princess of Sicily had sent for him by the permission of Menfroy, to whom Berranger writ all that had passed, demanding of him with great earnestness the honour of his Alliance. Leon brought Menfroy's Consent to Berranger those two things whom no endeavours had been able to reconcile were made friends by the intercession of their Chidreu when Prince Leon saw Camilla at the passion he had ever had received and augmented, he renewed to her his vows which she received with a most sincere affection the Princess of Sicily was Charmed with that reunion, and saying one day to Camilla that Love had made use of her to render her more tractable; that Princess made answer that after having examined herself, she had observed that the respect and addresses of Leon had at first produced in her soul, which it durst not have discovered but under an other Name, this being said in the presence of that Lover, it filled him full of Joy, and Amaldee looking maliciously upon Camilla, called to mind those verses, which his sister had made for Frederick at the time she thought herself sure of his heart.  
Ah! how vast are the delights  
Of two hearts whom love Unites,  
When in each others Breast they see  
Flames that great and equal be,  
Ah! the transports, Ah! the joys,  
The bliss, the sports, and Amorous toys.  
Nought can in short more sweet and happy prove,  
Than hearts who know themselves inspired with Love.  
This put her something to the blush, out of a remain of spite, she made the application thereof to Prince Leon, who cast himself at her feet, by way of thanks, Amaldee was more and more charmed with his lovely Princess, whom he Married shortly after, under the name of Constance, Queen of Sicily, menfroy being dead much about that time; the Four Lovers lived in a perfect Union the rest of their days; Camila contracted a friendship with the new Queen, as soon as Leon had engaged her heart; indifference gives I know not what lukewarmness, for all things which ever ceases when it is gone, and we are capable of all the fine Sentiments, as soon as we begin to entertain such as are Amorous, the Queen being uncapable of doing better, brought her inclinations under the same confinement they had been in before, she saw Frederick, the Admiral's Widow found a Husband at Majorca, and Yolanda, one in Sicily, in short they all recovered their former Tranquillity▪  
THE END.