Licenced,  
Ro. L'Estrange. August 9 1679   

THE APOLOGY: OR, THE GENUINE Memoires OF Madam Maria Manchini, Constabless of Colonna, eldest Sister to the Duchess of Mazarin.  
Written in Spanish by her own Hand, and afterwards made into English by a Person of Quality.  
LONDON, Printed for J. Magnes and R. Bentley, in Russel-street, near the Piazza, in Covent-Garden. 1679.   

A Catalogue of some BOOKS Pinted for J. Magnes and R. Bently.  

Quarto  
BUrnt Child dreads the Fire: or, An Examination of the Merits of the Papists relating to England, mostly from their own Pens; in justification of the late Act of Parliament for preventing Dangers that may happen by Popish Recusants: And further showing, That whatsoever their Merit have been, none ought not be gratified in Religion, by Toleration therefore, unless we intent to enslave ourselves and our Posterity.  
Romish Doctrines not from the beginning: or, A Reply to what S. C. or Serenus Cressy, hath objected against Dr. Pierce's Sermon, in vindication of our Church against the Novelties of Rome. By Dr. Whitby.  
Falshood unmasked: or, An Answer to Truth unvailed.  
An earnest Request to Mr, I Standish.   

Plays in Quarto.  
Tartuff: or, The French Puritan. A Comedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants. Written in French by the famed Wit of France Monsieur Moliner, made English by Mr. M. Medburn.   

Plays written by Madam Behne.  
The Forced Marriage: or, the Jealous Bridegroom. A Comedy, acted at the Duke's Theatre.  
Abdelazzar: or, The Moor's Revenge. A Tragedy, acted at the Duke's Theatre.  
The Town-Fop: or, Sir Timothy Tawdry. A Comedy, acted at the Duke's Theatre.   

Plays written by Mr, James Howard.  
All mistaken: or, The Mad Couple. A Comedy, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants.  
The English Monsieur. A Comedy acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants.   

Plays written by Mr. Crown.  
Andromiacheh, a Tragedy.  
Calisto: or, The chaste Nymph. A Mausque, acted at Court, by the Lady Mary, the Lady Anne, and many other Persons of the greatest Quality in England.  
The Country-Wit. A Comedy, acted at the Duke's Theatre.  
The Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus Vespasian, in two Parts, acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants. Price 2 s.   

Plays written by Mr. Lee.  
The Tragedy of Nero. Acted at the Theatre Royal, by their Majesty's Servants.  
Sophonisba: or Hannibal overthrown. A Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal; by their Majesty's Servants.  
The Court of Augustus Caesar, or Gloriana. A Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal.  
The Rival Queens: or, The Death of Alexander the Great. A Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal.  
Mithridates' King of Pontus: a Tragedy.   

Books in Octavo.  
A Discourse of the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, wherein that Charge is justified, and the pretended Refutation of Dr. Stilling fleet's Discourse is fully answered. By Dr. Whitby.  
The natural History of the Passions-By the Lord Clarendon. Price 2. s.  
Mauger's Letters, French and English, on all Subjects, Moral, Divine, Amorous. Price 2 s. 6 d.  
Covent-Garden Drollery: or, A Collection of choice Songs, Poems, Prologues, and Epilogues: Never printed before.  
The Memoires of Madam Maria Manchini Constabless of Colonna, eldest Sister to the Duchess of Mazarin.   

Books in Duodecimo  
Zelinda: A Romance, Translated from the famed Mounsieur Scudery. By T. D. Price 12 d.  
The Happy Slave. A pleasant Novel. in 3 Parts. Written in French by the famed Wit of France Monsieur Bromond; and rendered into English by a Person of Quality. Price 1 s. 6 d.    

COLONNA's Apology: OR, The Genuine Memoires OF Madam Maria Manchini.  
THE Actions of Persons of Quality, as they are more exposed than any other to public view, are also more subject to censure and obloquy; especially in France, where Libels set forth of mere malice against the reputation of our Sex, are entertained with undeserved applause, and looked upon as pieces of Court-Gallantry and Wit. I very well knew Writings of that kind, spare not the most sacred Persons, yet, I confess, I thought myself privileged from their Lash by the favour of the Age, and constant Regularity of my Life, till I was undeceived by News sent me from France of a History of my Life published there in Print, of which I was supposed the Author: You may believe me (upon receiving this News and the Circumstances that attended it,) not a little curious of seeing the Book; but when I had read it, the indignation I was in at the intelligence sent me, was quickly changed into that slight and contempt the Author deserved: I need not inform those who are acquainted with me, there is not in this pretended History any one incident but what is fictitious, and as contrary to my Humour, as to Truth; there needs but a slight knowledge of my Inclinations and Conduct to persuade the Reader 'tis a pure Invention of the Author of it; and that if it contain any adventure of my life, he hath disguised and made it quite another thing, by the Circumstances he hath added to it: I pass by the baseness of the Style, than which nothing more ordinary and mean; and (to say all in a Word) nothing more like the Genius of the Author: But because those who know me not, may give credit to what he hath endeavoured to make them believe: I thought myself concerned to vindicate my reputation from the injury offered it, by giving you a true and faithful Relation made by myself of all that happened to me from a Child, to which the pressing Instances of several Persons interressed in my concerns, have further obliged me.  
I was born at Rome, and descend of a Family of Illustrious Nobility, and no less considerable for Merit; which needed not the Glories of Cardinal Mazarin my Uncle, to make it appear with Splendour in the Chief City of the World. When I came to seven Years of Age, my Mother not finding in me the Beauty she observed in my Sister Hortensia, (now Duchess of Mazarin) disposed me to go into a Covent of the Order of St. Benedict, called Campo Martio, with design to make me a Nun; and fancying that an Aunt of mine in the same Covent, who had the tuition of me, would be very instrumental for the purpose.  
After two Years spent there, my Mother, though she had not equal tenderness for me, as for my Sister Hortensia, yet pitying the ill health I had there, and attributing it to my being so straight cooped up, and to the Air of the Place, which was very ill, she took me home.  
About two Years after my leaving the Covent, my Uncle, arrived almost at the height of his Fortune, was willing to improve his happiness by communicating it. He writ to my Mother and my Aunt Martinozzi to come into France, and bring with them each her eldest Daughter. The order being so strict, seemed to exclude my Sister as a Cadette; but being my Mother's Favourite, her Beauty gained her in my Mother's Affection a right of Seniority: However, I was made acquainted with my Uncle's Orders, and my Mother would doubtless have been very glad to have found me unwilling to obey them. I am sufficiently assured of it by her having put it to my choice to go into France, or stay at Rome with my Aunt to be made a Nun; and her ask me very seriously if I had not made a Vow to that purpose: I very well remember the Answer I made her, was, There were Covents every where, and that if ever I chanced to be so piously disposed, I could be a Nun at Paris, as well as at Rome; and that I was not yet of a competent Age for making a choice of that consequence.  
My Mother undeceived by this Answer, resolved to take me along; and to ease herself of the trouble she was in for the preference my Uncle's orders gave me above my Sister, she took us both with her.  
We embarked in a Galley of Genes, sent us by that Republic, whom my Uncle had particularly obliged. I shall not take upon me the description of that floating Mansion, that I may not lose time in setting forth the Richness and Magnificence of its Tackle and Furniture, it shall suffice to acquaint you that during our Voyage, the Pomp we were treated in was no less than Majestic, and that the Tables of Kings are not served with more Splendour, or greater Magnificence than ours was four times a-day.  
We landed at Marseilles, where my Aunt (more scrupulous than the Custom of the place required) made a long time some difficulty to receive the Civilities of the Town, as not able to persuade herself to comply with some formalities that attend them: But at last with much pain she mastered the difficulty, though not without giving just cause of complaint for opposing things so long authorised by Custom.  
From Marseilles we passed to Aix, where we were lodged in the House of the Governor of Provence, being the Duke of Mercoeur, who of all the Nobility of France had made the first Alliance with the Cardinal, by marrying Victoria Manchini my eldest Sister, having gone as far as Cologne, to desire her in Marriage, when his Eminence was forced to quit the Court.  
Two Months after our coming to Aix, my Sister arrived there to keep us company. And for six Months more that we tarried there, all her care was to divert and treat us, at the charge of the Duke her Husband, who regal'dus every Day with extraordinary Magnificence.  
These eight Months expired, our Uncle thought us by that time pretty well fitted for appearing at Paris, and sent us order to come to the Court there, whither my Sister Victoria who was big with her first Child would bear us company, notwithstanding the great severity of the Winter; the danger she exposed herself to, and the desire we had to give the Duke her Husband satisfaction, made us wish she would have been persuaded to forbear giving us this proof of her kindness, but the tenderness she had for us, overruled all our Reasons, and prevailed more than any consideration of danger or inconvenience she might fall into: Those that know her will easily believe this, and confess that Heaven never united a more Noble Soul, with a handsomer Body, nor so much Virtue with so much Beauty.  
After a Months happy Journey we arrived at Paris, where my Uncle saw us in private, and received us with such particular expressions of kindness, that wanting Words to describe them to the Life, I shall satisfy myself by giving you an Idea of them, in telling you, it was an Interview like that of Joseph and his Brethren, which was attended with all possible evidences of a tender Affection. And though my Sister Hortensia had no order to come, as was hinted before, her Beauty excused my Mother's bringing her along, and the Cardinal was extremely pleased at the sight of her.  
Being pretty well recovered of our Journey, we went to kiss their Majesty's Hands, who received us with particular demonstrations of kindness suitable to their Royal Grandeur: But this happiness was very short lived, being soon interrupted by a sudden and sad change, of which I am going to give you account.  
I was not fully recovered of the fatigue of our Journey, the liveliness of my humour disordered by so much agitation, and my ill observation of diet (eating indifferently what was bad, as well as what was good for me,) made me look so pitifully, that my Uncle resolved to put me into a Covent, to try, as he said, if that would recover me. Besides, he looked upon me as too young and raw, and so great a stranger to the Language of the Country, that he thought me not fit, as yet, to be introduced into so glorious a Court; my Sister in all appearance should by reason of the like inconveniences have run the like fortune; but she was so young, or rather so beautiful, that she was dispensed with: Thus was I put into the Covent of the Visitation in the Fauxbourgs, St. Jaques, where my Sister came two Months after to bear me company, by order from his Eminence, who at length thought her too young to continue at Court, where her Beauty had introduced her, and great pleasure was taken in seeing her, insomuch that Mounsieur, though very young, could not live without her. But that which principally moved his Eminence to take this Resolution, was an humorous obstinacy he observed in my Sister, which was thought to proceed partly from the liberty they gave her in the Palace; by this means we were both in a Covent under the direction of Madam La Mere de Mignon, Sister to the Prince Precedent of Paris. She took care of our Education, and taught us French, and all other things necessary for Maids of our age and quality, and acquitted herself of her Charge with great pains and industry: when we had been in that Covent a year and a half, my Uncle sent to us Madam de Venele, Maid of honour to my Sister the Duchess of Mercoeur, with order to bring me to Fere a Town in Picardy, where the Court then was.  
Before this progress, his Eminence desirous of an alliance with the Marshal Milleray had proposed a Marriage between his Son the Great Master and me, thinking it but just to dispose first of me who was the elder: But the conduct of Love and of Reason are so very different, his Eminence found he had to small purpose designed me for the Great Master, who had already made Choice of another object, and wholly devoted himself to my Sister Hortensia, from the first moment he saw her, with such particular Circumstances, that he said aloud, he could rather spend his life in a Covent then marry any other.  
I came to Fere wholly ignorant of the Design of marrying me, but when I arrived there, I had some confused knowledge of it by flying Reports, which in few days vanished with the Treaty then on foot, the Grand Master having by his answer declared the constancy of his affection for my Sister: I continued at Court, where by the help of that Light I had attained by age, and care of my Instructors, I discovered some Charms till then wholly unknown to me, although I had not the full liberty of taking the pleasures of the place: My Mother seeing me lively and brisk, had not the same kindness for me she had for my Sisters; but kept me Locked up as long as she could, and watched me so narrowly that I stirred not abroad but in Company, and was frequently left at home all alone. This was no small mortification to me, and appeared far the greater, when compared with the indulgence used to my Sisters, and the liberty given Olympia, (now Countess of Soissons) and Hortensia who came two Months after out of the Covent: I Confess I was vexed at the heart to see them allowed to spend their time at Court, when I was mewed up alone in a Camber, and deprived of the pleasures they enjoyed. I could not forbear making my Complaint to my Mother for her using me so, and told her sharply, that if my Sister Hortensia deserved by her beauty the Chief place in her affection, however she could not but know I was her Elder: my Mother at this was touched to the quick, and told my Uncle there was no living with me, and that it were better make me a Nun than venture me into the World, where she clearly foresaw I should be very miserable, having neither ingenuity, nor respect for those I was obliged most to esteem.  
The Remonstrances my Uncle made me, after these Complaints, were so harsh and cutting, they would have made impression on any other but me, who minded them so little, that though I remembered very well what he said, I never laid it to heart.  
The Great melancholy my Mother soon after fell into, was a certain presage and forerunner of her Death; she became of so strange an humour, 'twas impossible to endure it: And I whom she loved lest was to bear the torment of all her ill conditions, my Sister Olympia having a distinct Apartment to herself, and Hortensia was at the Duchess of Mercoeur's, where her Governess Madam de Venele brought her up, with extraordinary tenderness and care. The life I led was very sad, and my troubles unparallelled. And to mend the matter, my Apartment was the worst of all, and no company but an old Chambermaid called Rose, who waited on us when Children. And to complete my misery, I saw myself on the point of returning into the Covent.  
This was my condition when my Mother fell sick. And though at first her sickness did not appear dangerous, His Majesty honoured her every Evening with his presence, and observing I had some wit and briskness, he said to me one thing or other every day by the by, which helped me a little to bear with comfort the affliction I was in by my Mother's ill humours: but this was no small addition to my Mother's disease, who could not endure I should enter her Chamber when company was there.  
My Mother at length grew better, but afterwards relapsed and died. The Hemettick Wine (which is used as a remedy in Cases of extremity) was given her in her sickness, and quickly brought her to her Grave.  
Education is the greatest present Parents can bestow on their Children after their being: But 'tis very necessary it should be attended with Gentleness, too much Severity being often a means to root out Natural Affection; so inconsistent are Love and Fear: I speak it by Experience, the fear my Mother had kept me in, having made such impression in me, that Two Years after her death, I still dreamt she was alive, and when broad awake, I often fancied I saw her, to my very great trouble.  
Soon after Madam de Mercoeur died suddenly in Childbed, to our general affliction; who could not but lament the loss of a Beauty so rare, and so extraordinary Virtue.  
My Mother being dead, Madam de Venele was made my Governess, with the like power and charge over my Sisters Hortensia and Mariana, who was lately come to us with our Brother Alphonso, who died very young and very unfortunately, having been wounded in the Head as he was at play with his Scholars of the College of Clermont, where he boarded.  
The death of my Mother having made me a little more mistress of myself, and my Sister Olympia being married, I enjoyed the Privileges of an elder Sister, and was in a fair way to lead a Life full of Tranquillity and Pleasure. The condition I found myself in, convinced me that the health of the Body depends almost altogether on the satisfaction of the Mind. And in the condition I was then in, I might have said without Vanity, that Fortune had been no less favourable to me in the Gifts and Endowments of mind, she conferred on me, than in outward advantages, and that the Sovereign Faculty of my Soul had a strong influence over my carriage, and formed my deportment.  
In the mean time my manner of living with the King and his Brother, was so familiar and pleasing, that I had liberty to speak what I thought, and the good fortune to find what I spoke very well taken. At my return with the Court from Fountainbleau, I was assured I was not hated by the King, who though very young, had penetration enough to understand that Eloquence which, without speaking a Syllable, persuades more than all the fine words in the World. And the particular inclination I had for the King, (whose merit and Quality I easily discovered, greater than any Mans in his Kingdom) had perhaps rendered me more skilful in this than in any thing else. I thought the Testimony of my Eyes not sufficient to convince me of so important a truth, till confirmed by the extraordinary respects and devoires paid me by the Courtiers, who as so many spies of the Actions of their King, had clearly discovered his Majesty's Love for me.  
In the midst of this my ravishing prosperity, a small storm arose, but was quickly over. It was reported the King would marry the Princess Margaret of Savoy Daughter of Madam Royal, and afterwards Duchess of Parma, a Lady of extraordinary merit: This occasioned the Court to go to Lions: I leave it to those who have Wit and Affection to judge, how capable a Proposal of this kind is, to trouble and afflict a person in love, and what a torment it is to fear the loss of what we have an extreme passion for, especially a passion grounded on extraordinary merit, and occasioned by so exalted an Object, when reason doth countenance and authorise our affection, and not only inclines, but commands us to love. But this storm was too violent to last, and the marriage was as suddenly broke off as proposed. I was obliged for this to Don Antonio Pimental, who luckily arriving with Proposals of Peace between Spain and France (whereof he had a Project) their Highnesses presently returned for Savoy, and I recovered my former Tranquillity, and found that the pain I had newly endured, being short, and followed by the happiness I regained, had improved my taste of the pleasures I enjoyed, and heightened their sweetness, and made those sensible expressions of Love the King honoured me with, more charming than ever: Nor was it a small addition to my happiness that the Queen Mother gave me constant evidences of a particular esteem for me, and that my Uncle was much kinder than before.  
The Excess of my prosperity made my satisfaction imperfect; and I could have wished myself some little misfortune that I might the better relish the happiness I enjoyed. It was not long ere I had my desire, and fortune (with a Witness) granted my Request.  
Being returned to Paris, our time was wholly taken up in divertisements, which made this the pleasantest part of my Life. His Majesty to make our delights durable, commanded all those of our Company (being the principal Lords and Ladies of the Court) to treat us by turns, which, though in the Country, was performed with the highest magnificence. Love is the life of such Entertainments, and there was not one of the Lords of the company but had his engagement; the Grand Master spared no cost to regale my Sister Hortensia, the Marquis Richlieu was no less careful to please Mademoiselle de la Motte Augencourt, Maid of Honour to the Queen. The Marquis d'Alvy was in love with Mademoiselle Tovillons, our Confident, who was also Maid of Honour to the Queen, and afterwards married to the Marquis; not to speak of the rest as deeply engaged.  
It would take up a Volume to tell you what happened in those Gallant Treats, and the Divertisments that attended them. I shall content myself with the Relation of a single adventure, to demonstrate the Gallantry of his Majesty, and how well he knew to take his occasion to show it. It was, as I remember, at Bois le Vicont, where, as I was walking very fast under a row of Trees, His Majesty would give me His Hand, and having hit mine a little with the Pommel of His Sword, He presently drew it out of the Scabbard, and threw it away, in a manner no words are capable to express. These Pleasures had lasted a pretty while, and 'twas now time I should taste of ill fortune, who had so long enjoyed good; but my misfortune was greater than I desired, and in a time I lest expected it.  
The Spaniards no less weary of War, than the French, had (as I said before) sent Don Antonio Pimental into France to make an Overture of Peace; and the Treaty of Marriage with the Princess Margaret, when almost concluded, being broken off at his arrival, France cast her Eyes on the Infanta of Spain, whom the World looked upon as the only means to make Peace between the two Crowns, and restore Christendom to general repose.  
It was not likely the King should have Love for a Princess he knew only by Report, but the Picture of that charming Lady being come into France, produced in the Affections of that Monarch the effect a sight of the Original would have wrought, and presently inspired into him an ardent desire to complete the Alliance proposed, which the Charms of the Infanta would have made him embrace, though the Queen Mother's persuasions and the Cardinal's, and even Reasons of State had been wanting to press him to it.  
Before the Court made ready for that famous Expedition which restored Peace to these Puissant Monarchies, His Eminence began his Journey, and would have us with him, to remove me from the King's presence, as fearing my stay at Court might obstruct his designs. This part of my Life offers my Pen a large field to enlarge upon, by discovering the favourable inclination his Majesty had for me, answerable to the general Report that hath passed of it. But my modesty forbids it, and will not allow me to speak of the trouble that Prince was in at my departure; having retired to Chantilly for eight days, whence he incessantly sent Courriers to me, the first whereof was a Musketeer who brought me five Letters from him, all very long. But I cannot pass in silence the grief I had at parting nothing having over gone so near me as this separation: I thought the most exquisite torments, pleasures, if compared with the afflictions of so cruel an absence, that was to put an end to hopes so glorious, and make all my high and tender Ideas vanish into nothing. I wished for Death as the sole Remedy of my Misfortune, and the Condition I was then in, was such as cannot be expressed.  
There are few so unfortunate to have no hope of relief: All the comfort I had, was my hope the Treaty might be dissolved, the Obstacles of Peace appearing so great, and that the ill success of the Treaty might turn to my advantage; but the Ministers of the Crowns surmounted all difficulties, nothing remaining invinsible but my misfortune.  
My Uncle being gone to Bordeaux, to attend the coming of Don Lewis de Haro, chief Minister of Spain, and the Court being shortly after arrived there, he sent us to Rochel, with leave to take our pleasure of walking over all the Country of Aunis: But solitude being more suitable to the sadness of my thoughts; I chose for my residence the Castle of Brovage, a place destitute of divertisement, and where my Sisters and the rest of my Company could not, as at Auris, go every Day to a Play; as if I had fancied all the World obliged to share in my sorrow, and the pleasures of others to be my Crimes.  
All my divertisements in this Fortress, was reading some Letters received by the Post, and the kindness of my Sister Hortensia, who often quitted my Sister Mariana to bear me company: Then it was the Bishop of Trejus arrived there from my Uncle, to propose to me Marriage with the Constable Colonna, who had for that purpose sent to his Eminence at the Conference, the Marquis Angeleli, a Gentleman of Bologna, to make the Proposal to my Uncle; and at the same time engage Don Lewis de Haro, to obtain from his Catholic Majesty the permission (necessary for the Constable, being his Subject) to marry me.  
The Bishop of Trejus failed not to represent it to me as the most advantageous Match in Rome; the Constable being equally illustrious for Nobility and Fortune, and with very great earnestness desiring me in Marriage before any other. Any one but I would have been comforted with a Proposal of such advantage, but the grief I was in had so filled me with disdain, that the pressing Instances of the Bishop did but enrage me, and forced me to answer him, He might have saved himself the trouble of his Journey, if he had nothing else to propose to me but my leaving France; and that my Uncle, before I left Court to go along with him, had given me his word he would never force me to marry against my Inclination.  
The Bishop returned with this Answer to my Uncle, who having a great desire to see my Sisters, was already disposed to send for them, and had done it, but that the fear I was in of being left alone, and the requests of my Governess prevailed to the contrary.  
The Peace being made, and the King's Marriage concluded, his Eminence sent our Governess orders to bring us to Paris; where we arrived some Days before the Court removed from Bordeaux; and Prince Charles of Lorraine, a Person equally Gallant and Handsome, began to make Love to me. His Passion was as pleasing to me as to my Governess, who very well knew the honesty of his designs. But my Sisters were not pleased with his Assiduities, and being often obliged to follow me to the Tuilleryes, they grew weary of those continual walks; and as we seldom pardon the least defect in those we have no inclination for, the amorous Prince fell often under their Censure, insomuch that the Respects he paid me, and the esteem I could not deny his merit, were usally made the subject of their Raillery.  
The Duke of Lorraine, having discovered his Nephew's design, and fearing this Prince, being his lawful Successor, might by the Marriage he intended espouse the Cardinal's Interest, and receive from his Eminence advantages to the prejudice of the Duke, not only forbade him further address to me, but pretended to me himself, but to very small purpose, being too old to supply the place of a young Prince, or rationally expect his waiting on me at the Tuilleryes, should have the success the assiduities of his Nephew might have met with.  
While this new Lover was making his Court to me, the King arrived at Fountainbleau, and the Cardinal sent for us thither from Paris, to kiss the new Queen's Hand: I quickly foresaw how dearly I should buy this new Honour, and must confess I had much ado to persuade myself to receive it; expecting my Wounds (for which absence was the best Remedy) would bleed afresh at sight of the King. I could not imagine the King would have received me with the indifference he did, and I must acknowledge I never took any thing so much to heart, which made me wish every moment I might have leave to return to Paris.  
'Tis an ordinary fault of our Sex, not to endure to hear others commended, though very deserving, if the Praises be given by one we love, to a Person who robs us of his affection. 'Tis the greatest of torments. And the King frequently put me to it. I was to be pitied the more, that I could not complain of him, or disapprove a proceeding my Reason excused. And the orders my Uncle had given me, never to speak on that Subject, left me no colour of blaming him. Yet all these considerations but augmented my grief, and the impatience I had to find an occasion to tell the King my Mind, who received my Complaints so ill, I resolved never more to acquaint him with my troubles.  
But my Disease wanted remedy, and in search of cure, I removed from my sight all Objects capable to foment my Passion, and studied all plausible pretences to stifle it: I earnestly prayed my Sister, (in whom I had great Confidence) to speak all the ill she could invent of the King; which was a hard Task for any, much more for one of her age. I shunned Company, and quitted the Court then at Vincennes, and came thither as seldom as possible. There it was my Uncle fell ill, and finding himself grow worse and worse daily, he resolved to have me married to the Constable, who still desired it with much Constancy and Affection. His Eminence finding me willing, writ to the Marquis Angeleli, then at Bruxelles, who had made the first Overture of this Marriage to my Uncle at the Conference at Bordeaux: The Marquis came into France, and being a person of Gallant and agreeable deportment, he made so good use of it in favour of the Constable, and the Customs of Italy, that I made it my request to the Bishop of Trejus to solicit my Uncle to conclude the Treaty of my Marriage, which his Eminence did some Days before the conclusion of the Treaty of Marriage of my Sister Hortensia with the Duke Mazarin, and soon after finished the course of his Heroic Life in a death equally illustrious. His Majesty having been pleased to honour him with all possible expressions of esteem and affection. Having done right to his memory, the King was so far from lessening the kindness he had for us, it seemed to increase; not a Night passing but he came into our Apartment, attended with the greatest part of the Court, than which none was ever more rich or more splendid, or had greater Affairs in hand.  
Amidst the divertisements of the time, my Heart was full of cares and disquiet, the Articles which the Constable should have sent under his Hand, being not come; 'twas generally believed this delay proceeded from the change of Affairs by the death of my Uncle, and His Majesty was pleased to offer me several Matches among the highest Nobility of his Court. But being as much concerned to keep my word with the Constable, as I was to see my great hopes all vanish, I answered the King, if the Constable had altered his Mind, I would spend the rest of my Days in a Covent.  
A few Days after, the Courier arrived with the Articles expected; in pursuance whereof we began to celebrate the Ceremonies of my Marriage in the King's Chapel, where Mass was said by the Archbishop of Amasia, now Patriarch of Jerusalem, who made me a Present of very great value, on the part of his Nephew the Constable, in whose Name the Marquis Angeleli took me by the Hand: This Ceremony being over, I was treated as a Princess Stranger, and as such I had the privilege of sitting on a Tabourette in the Queen's presence. This was the beginning of this affair, which was to end in my departure; I solicited it with a great deal of earnestness, and could not be at rest till I was on my way; I had taken my Resolution, and thought it requisite to execute it speedily. As I took leave of their Majesties, the King had the goodness to assure me he would always allow me a place in his thoughts, and that he would favour me with his affection where ever I went. With that I went away, accompanied by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Marquis Angeleli, and our Governess, attended with Fifty of the Guards, whom his Eminence had before his death ordered to conduct me safe to Milan, where the Constable was to receive me.  
I pass by the Accidents of our Journey, as not worth relating. The Constable came to meet me, accompanied with the Marquis de los Balbaces his Cousin. This Gentleman making as if he were the Constable (who followed him to observe how I would receive him) advanced to salute me; but appearing very different from the Idea I had of the Constable, I received his Compliment with a little surprise, and very coldly, and turning on the sudden towards my Maid Hortensia, I told her, if that same were the Husband provided me, he might go look out another Wife, for I would never have him. Hortensia having seen the Constable's Picture, knew him, and observing him hide himself behind the Marquis, she, to disabuse me, showed me him, who to clear the mistake and put me out of doubt, advanced presently, and having saluted me, gave me his Hand to lead me to a House of Pleasure he had hard by, within six Leagues of Milan, where he had provided us a magnificent Entertainment. Having eaten, we embarked to go lie at Milan, where we were received in very great State: The Marchioness de los Balbaces took me in her Coach, and the Duke Caltano, than Governor of Milan, being come out of the City to receive us, accompanied the Constable, who would consummate the Marriage that very Night, notwithstanding the scruples of my Governess, who would have had it deferred till after Mass on the morrow.  
I was so tired with my Journey, so displeased to see myself at that distance from my Relations, and above all so troubled that I had left France, and so much the more as I compared the way of living there with that of Italy, (though I was then not advanced beyond Milan to learn the difference) that I was in very ill humour, which was no small affliction to the Constable, who did all he could to divert me, with Balls, and Dance, and running at the Ring, and other Entertainments of that Nature; wherein I may without flattery or partiality affirm, the Constable deserved the applause of all, as having surpassed all others in the dextrous performances of those Exercises.  
The principal Ladies of the Town feasted me sumptuously in their Houses, particularly the Marchioness de la Fuente, who surpassed the rest both in Quality and Magnificence; but I was melancholy, and out of order, being newly recovered of a Fever, and could not relish those Pleasures: At last, after ten Days continuance of these Divertisements, it was resolved, notwithstanding my ill health, we should set out for Rome, where the Constable was very desirous to be before the hot Wether came. The Governess and Guards that accompanied us took their leave, and returned for Paris, and we embarked on a rich and glorious Vessel for Bologna, where the Marquis de Angeleli received us in his House with extraordinary kindness, and regaled us very magnificently; the Ten Days we stayed there were spent in several Divertisements, but I grew worse and worse of my Distemper, and could not find any pleasure in them.  
We continued our Journey by the way of Loretto, to avoid the Ceremonies of Florence, where, of all the Cities of Europe, Ceremonies are most in use. When we arrived at Pesaro I was so ill, that the Constable was obliged to take with him a Physician to take care of my health, and, travelling pretty hard, we came in two days to Loretto, but I was not able to go further. The trouble the Constable was in for my illness was incredible; and the greater, because it hindered his being at the Cavalcade yearly made at Rome on St. Peter's Day, for which he had hastened our Journey, and travelled very hard. But my Malady appearing desperate, and the Symptoms mortal, the Constable sent for all the Eminent Physicians in the Neighbouring Cities, but with very ill success; for of Ten or Twelve that came to me there was not one capable to undertake the Cure; they all agreed it dangerous, but none of them knew what to propose for a Remedy: They had every Day Consultations together, but I received not the least comfort from their Conferences, which ended still without any resolution. This obliged the Constable to dispatch a Courier to Rome for some of the most famous Physicians there, and the same time he gave the Cardinal Manchini, my Uncle, an account of my condition. He came to us almost as soon as the Physicians, and was very much grieved to see me so ill, and took incredible care to comfort me.  
The violence of my distemper, and the disorder it put me in, was so far from permitting me to make the Constable those great demonstrations of kindness were due to him, that I must acknowledge he was not a little tormented with the ill humour I was in, which the Cardinal used his endeavours to put me out of; and had been more successful, had he applied himself also to cure the ill humour of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, whose imprudent ingenuity and indiscreet Zeal persecuted me with that violence, that he never entered my Chamber, but he told me there was no hope of life, that it was high time for me to set my House in order, and not think myself a Woman for this World: And although I was not altogether of his Opinion, yet I made some preparation for death, and gave order for a Priest (who could speak French) to be sent for. They brought me a Jesuit, who was an eminent Man, and helped me three or four times to make my General Confession. The Constable more concerned than I for my Sickness, informed himself every moment, by the Physicians who attended me, if there were hopes of my life; and being answered there was, if I were not worse the third day, he came into my Chamber with a cheerful Countenance, and having told me the good News, prayed me with great tenderness not to trouble myself for the Patriarches impertinent Preachments: The success verified the judgement of the Physicians, I grew visibly better, and was in few days out of danger; soon after I went to give God thanks at the Chapel of Loretto, where I received the Communion; and the Constable, to perform a Vow he had made for my health, sent thither one of the fairest and richest Lamps to be seen there, which he consecrated on that account to our Lady, in whose Treasury it remains.  
The ill Air and heats of Loretto being prejudicial to my recovery, I was carried to Recanati, a place not far distant, where I continued six days, in which time by the care taken of me, and the good Air of the place, I recovered strength enough to pursue my Journey, and satisfy the Constable's desires of taking me to Rome. The Feast of St. Peter being over, there was no entering that City, by reason of the excessive heats, and the manifest hazard of health they run who will venture it. But we, though advised to the contrary, slighted the danger, and, having taken a small preservative against ill Airs, escaped without hurt. The melancholy and weakness I was under after my late sickness, obliged me to keep my Bed for some days, in which time the Cardinal Colonna presented me with some Jewels of very great value, besides a hundred and fifty pieces of Gold worth two thousand Pistols.  
Having in few days recovered my health, (though without any care of my part,) I began to walk abroad for divertisement, and appeared in an Italian Dress for the Novelty. The Constable one day asked me if I would go visit the Nieces of Cardinal Chigi, than Pope, to desire them to bring me to kiss his Holiness Feet; I who was used to see every Day a great Monarch come into my Lodgings, innocently asked the Constable if his Holiness would not first come and visit me. The Constable and those in company answered me, smiling, that the Popes were not used to do any body that Honour.  
The Customs of Italy were not at all agreeable to my humour, yet the love I had for the Constable made them tolerable, and I bore with them pretty well. As for the Constable, he forgot not any thing that might give me content, appearing always neat, gallant, and extremely careful of me, with an unexpressible Complaisance: And though he be not naturally very tender and kind, I may truly affirm I was the Person he had most love for, and most constancy: No man ever was more passionately desirous of Children, and I was then in hopes to satisfy his desires; when I told him the News of it, it gave him incredible joy, though it lasted but two Months, at the end of which I miscarried; this accident occasioned by trouble and sickness, was attended with a Fever of forty days, which made them report commonly at Rome, that the Constable had married a Lady that was incurable, who had more need of a Physician than a Husband, and would never have a Child: None more busy than the Patriarch in spreading these Reports, which seemed to be justified by the length of my sickness, having lasted all Winter; but being recovered towards Spring, and having found myself the second time with Child in the Summer, those Reports vanished, and People altered their Opinions. My former miscarriage occasioned the greater care of me now, so that I was not allowed to stir abroad but in a Chair. As I was in my sixth Month, the Duke of Nevers, my Brother, came to Rome to pass the Carnaval there: 'tis not possible to express the joy I had to see him after so long absence, and so unexpectedly: The Constable was no less glad than I at his coming, and making it his business to find out means at once to regale him, and divert me, he asked us if we would go a hunting to Cisterna, a place belonging to the Prince of Caserta then in Exile, but we found there (in his Room) Monsieur de Gactan, who received us with all possible civility, and treated us magnificently: We continued there fifteen days, and spent most of our time in hunting: The Constable, who knew that besides the pleasures and divertisements of that sport, some Glory may be gained in that innocent War, by clearing the Country of the wild Boars that harrass and infest it, desired the assistance of several Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood to help him and his Retinue to destroy those Monsters of the Forests. He had that success in it, that it was said we left not one alive thereabouts; and we carried with us to Rome enough to feast half the Town.  
I was then so big, I durst not venture hunting on Horseback; yet I lost not the pleasure of the Chase, the Huntsmen causing several wild Boars to pass near a close Chariot I rid in, which was so large and substantial, that the strongest Boar could not overturn it; so that I had the pleasure of seeing the sport without apprehension of danger; besides the satisfaction of my Brother's Company; who, naturally averse from pains and fatigues, sat with me in the Chariot.  
At our return to Rome, we found all sports and divertisements prohibited by Pope Alexander; who, to express the small inclination he had for entertainments of pleasure, would not permit a Comedy to be presented: The Constable to supply this defect, resolved to divert us with an Entertainment in Masquerade: The Subject was taken from the Fable of Castor and Pollux, whose persons were represented by the Constable and my Brother, attended with a Train of Gentlemen, and ushered in by a Man in the shape of a Swan; so much to the Life, that had Nature produced Swans of that bigness, the most discerning Eye might have mistaken this Man for a Swan. As they marched along, they threw among the Ladies the following Verses composed by a Person of known Ability.  

Questi d' Amor e fe ' dui vivi Lampi  
Figli d' Aethereo Cigno,  
Van con genio benigno,  
Seminando di gioia i Latii Campi,  
Son la gemina Luce  
Di Castor & Polluce:  
I con accese voglie  
Accorsi in quest spoglie,  
Lascian del Aethra i Laminosi Chiostri  
Sol per Arder, O Belle, agli Occhi vostri.   

These two bright living Lamps of faithful Love,  
Sons of the Celestial Swan,  
Who from the place their course began,  
Fill Italy with Joy still as they move,  
The admirable Twin-Star  
Of Castor and Pollux Are:  
Who from th' Aetherial heights descrying  
Beauties here with those in Heaven vying.  
Quit their Station in the Starry Skies,  
T' appear more bright (fair Ladies) in your Eyes.   
Pleasure and Pain commonly succeed each other, the one usually beginning where the other ends: After the delights of the Carnaval, we had the displeasure of my Brother's departure, but allayed with his promise to come again when I should next lie in. Not long after, I had the News of the death of the Marquis Angeleli; who having resolved, against the advice of all his Friends, to return to Bologna, was murdered by the procurement of Count Bovio; who according to the Custom of the place, took his Revenge upon the Marquis for an Injury done by his Cousin and intimate Friend, who was the principal Object of the Count's wrath; but a Person from whom he had not been able to obtain satisfaction. I was extremely concerned for the misfortune of the Marquis, who, while he lived, made it his business to oblige me, and had occordinly done me many good Offices, being withal a Person of great Merit and excellent Parts. All the time I went with Child, my prayers were it might be a Son; my desires were accomplished the seventh of April, being the Coronation Day of Pope Alexander: The News of my being brought to Bed of a Boy were received with incredible Joy by the Constable, the Patriarch, and all the Family, who as passionately wished it as I: And though the weakness of the Child gave small hopes of long Life, yet the Joy at his Birth was extraordinary, and those who brought the first News of it, were richly presented.  
Cardinal Colonna looking on me as the principal cause of this Joy, came in Person to congratulate me, and presented me with a thousand Pistols, and several Jewels: At forty Days end (having lain in so long) I was to fit myself for receiving the Visits of the sacred College, and of the Princesses and Ladies of the Town; to perform this with the formality requisite, I made use of a Bed prepared for my first lying in, and never since used, being generally admired for its Novelty and Magnificence. It was made in imitation of a Shellfish floating in the midst of a Sea, artificially done, and exactly represented; the waves serving as a bottom to the Bed, the Posts whereof stood on four Sea-Horses, mounted with as many Sirens, so excellently cut, and curiously guilt, all that saw them thought them made of Massy-Gold, ten or twelve little Cupids served for Hooks and Clasps to hang the Curtains on, which were of the richest Cloth of Gold, and hung down loosely to hide from sight whatever might be thought ordinary in this sumptuous Bed, which indeed was more for Ornament than use.  
My young Son being much better, and I so well as to give the Constable hopes of another Successor, his Joy was so great, that he declared he was never better satisfied, never more at ease, and to complete his happiness, he made it his business to give me cause of equal satisfaction. I took my advantage of this favourable disposition, and having a great desire to pass the Carnaval at Venice, I proposed a Journey thither; he promised to go with me, if the Cardinal his Uncle would bear us company. His Eminence at my first motion made some difficulty to consent, but yielded at last, upon my assuring him I was not with Child, the fear of my miscarriage being the Obstacle he objected. We left Rome about the end of April, and had a pleasant Journey, the more to my satisfaction, in that the Constable was not so scrupulously careful of me as formerly, but allowed me to use my Coach, or ride, and sometimes at full speed, as I pleased. Till this occasion, he had always seemed to love me very well; but was now so far from being angry at my excesses, that he bid me one day, not discover my condition to any, lest it might come to the Cardinals Ear. Having escaped very well all my Journey, I miscarried the second time, soon after my arrival at Venice: this deferred for a while the effect of the Constable's Vows: but I lay in of this miscarriage a fortnight only, and was perfectly recovered. While I went with Child, I was always pretty well; and being now the fourth time so, I passed the Carnaval with much pleasure, in seeing Plays, in feasting, danceing and other Entertainments, playing often at Bassette, a Game I was much taken with, wherein I had the Company of the Prince of Brunswick, and the Duke of Mantua, and other Persons of quality, who were come to Venice to enjoy the pleasures of the Season. In the midst of which I was tormented with the fear of leaving a place of so much divertisement, and returning to Rome. Accordingly the Constable told me one day, we must of necessity be gone, and that having gone with Child a pretty while, I was to prevent the like accident as had happened to me at my coming to Venice. I was much troubled at this order, though expected, and to make me comply with it, he was forced to give me his word to come thither the next Carnaval; with that we parted, having taken leave of our Friends, particularly the Prince of Brunswick, who was so pleased with our company, and the Constable's civilities, that he promised to come to Rome on purpose to see us, and would bring with him thither the Princess his Wife.  
I was carried all the way in a Litter, our Journeys were easy, so that it was the beginning of Summer when we got to Rome; where having past the great heats, which were more troublesome for my being so big with Child; I was brought to Bed the beginning of November of a second Son, the night before Cardinal Colonna was to take his Journey for Spain, to bring the Infanta, Margaret of Austria, to the Emperor. His Eminence was extreme glad at the news brought him of a second prop of his Family newly born, and not content to express his Joy in words, he made me several very fair presents, and no less rich than the former, and presently took his leave, in obedience to his Majesty's orders.  
By the Cardinal's absence, the Constable came to have the absolute command and disposal of all his Estate, the management whereof had been left to his Eminence: A few days after we went to Cisterna, where the Prince of Brunswick with his Lady the Princess, came from Rome to see us, and stayed with us three days: The Constable and I expressed ourselves very sensible of so extraordinary an Obligation, and I particularly thanked him for keeping his word so exactly. I will not undertake to speak of the civility and generosity of this Prince, being qualities as well known as his name. As soon as I came to Rome, I went to pay the Princess her visit, and found in her carriage, her humour, her wit, and her dress, an Abridgement of all the charming Perfections and exactest Beauty of France: About that time my Brother being come to Venice, writ to us to come to him, which we could not then do, but respited our Journey till Spring; when we set out for Venice, to be there at the Ascension, to see the solemnity of that Feast, and that famous Fair, which so many curious Persons from all parts of Europe resort to see. The Circumstances of the one and the other, are too long to be inserted here. I was then with Child, but being more careful of myself than formerly, I escaped without any ill accident in my Journey, or at Venice; where having seen all the Solemnities of the Feast of Ascension, we went for Milan, the beginning of Summer, which we spent very pleasantly, till the Constable, finding himself obliged the beginning of September to pass over into Spain, left me in much trouble for his absence, which the Marchioness of Balbaces, the Marquis her Husband, and my Brother (who was pleased to bear us company) endeavoured to sweeten to me, by the great kindness they expressed for me. While I was afflicting myself for the Constable's absence, he was in extreme danger by a terrible storm that overtook him in the Mediterranean, being aboard a Galley of the Squadron of Sicily bound for Spain. But having narrowly escaped it, he went ashore, and (though without equipage) continued his Journey by Land. He took the first Coach he met with, till he might accommodate himself better with necessaries to carry him to Madrid, where he arrived at length, three days after the death of King Philip the Fourth. The death of this Monarch having changed the face of Affairs, caused the Constable to change his design, and made him resolve to return after a fortnight's stay in that Court, where the extraordinary solitude on that sad occasion, and his impatience to see me, would not permit him to stay long; to satisfy this desire, and perform his promise to me of being back by that time that I was to lie in; he came by the way of France, and arrived at Milan about the end of November: His Sister and I went to meet him out of Town, where I was as joyful to see him, as I had been troubled for his absence, and the very night he arrived I brought him a third Son for his welcome-home. But having been in labour of this Child to the apparent danger of my Life, I took a resolution to avoid, for the future, all occasions of exposing myself to the like, by bearing any other. The Constable's consent being necessary to make valid a resolution of this nature, I pressed him for it, and obtained it, having ever since found him, in that particular, a Man of his word. Having made this agreement, all my care was to recover my health to go pass another Carnaval at Venice: As soon as I had gathered strength, we set forwards on our Journey, leaving our third Child to the care of the Marchioness de los Balbaces, the second being at Rome, and the eldest with us. I had spent this Carnaval with a great deal of pleasure, had it not been for my jealousy of the Constable, who went in search of reparation abroad, for the loss incurred at home, by our late agreement. And, I must confess, I was not a little concerned his keeping his word with me should cost me so dear.  
There were at Venice many excellent Operas, particularly that of Titus, which I saw very often, being extremely pleased with the sweetness of the Voices, and excellency of the Actors, especially a Musician of his Highnesses, called Cavagninro, and one of my Maids, who did wonders; not to speak of the Comedy, which was one of the best that ever was acted.  
The Carnaval being over, the Constable went to Rome with my Brother to dispatch some Affairs. At his return (which was within three weeks) I spoke to him of going to Milan, where I desired to be at the Infanta's arrival. I was more troubled to quit Venice at this time, than formerly, as having more acquaintance there, and being of opinion it was the pleasantest City in the World, and of the choicest divertisements: but the more unwilling I appeared to leave it, the more did the Constable hasten our departure, so that we set out in the hottest of Summer. At Milan I did my endeavour to pass my time as pleasantly as possible, to which the Marquis de los Balbaces and his Lady contributed not a little. We spent the day in walking, and sumptuous Collations, and the night in Music, prepared for us at The Place Marine, the pleasantest of that Town. A while after our company was increased by the addition of some persons of quality, which came to us from Venice and Turin, from whence his Royal Highness had sent us one of the principal Lords of his Court, with several Gentlemen his Friends to compliment the Empress, who arrived there about the end of Autumn: I kissed her hand, having waited on her in a Spanish Dress, and in deep mourning for Cardinal Colonna, who died at Final of a Sickness he fell into, attending this Prince. Her Majesty received me with very great kindness, telling me, I appeared, by my Deportment, and the air of my Countenance, to be what my Habit promised. A Compliment whereby she intended to give me the advantage over the Ladies of all other Nations; there being no doubt but she looked upon the fashion herself appeared in, the most excellent, and preferable to all others. She continued her Journey for Vienna, but the Constable was not disposed to wait on her thither, though I very much desired it. He hath a Soul so generous, I should do him wrong, should I impute his not going, to his fear of expense necessary for such a Journey. The truth is, the Love he had had for me, was very much diminished, and too weak to incline him to so much complaisance. I proposed to him then, that we should pass another Carnaval at Venice, which I was assured he would not deny me, though I was sensible his inclinations for the place, prevailed with him more, than my request for going thither. We set forwards on our Journey, and though I found in that City the same divertisements as formerly, they did not please me so well, being now very much altered, and perpetually tormented with my jealousy of the Constable, which the stories I heard of him did but too clearly justify. I was so grieved that others took advantage of my politic Barrenness, that I found myself already in a very sorrowful condition. And as if I had not had reason enough to torment myself with jealousies abroad, Fortune provided me a new occasion at home, by a Marchioness who lodged with us. Her Youth, and her Beauty, drew the Eyes of all towards her, and amongst the rest, the Constable was of her admirers. Had I not made that conjecture by his looks, his sighs and assiduities had been sufficient to convince me; I had too much reason to make that Interpretation; my resentment, though concealed, was great, but that of the Precedent Donaville, whom my Brother had taken with him to Rome, was greater, who looked upon the Constable's addresses as no small Obstacle to the happy success of his passion, rivalled also by Quaranta Lupuli, a Man of excellent parts, natural and acquired, and a most affectionate Lover, powerful advantages for obtaining of Love. The Winter, as well as the Carnaval, being over, we went for Rome, by the way of Bologna, where the Cardinal Legat gave us, in his Palace, a splendid Entertainment. The Marchioness travelling with us, found the number of her Lovers increase by the way; but the most passionate, and he who evidenced his fidelity, by a Sacrifice very unusual in our days, was Quaranta, who extremely concerned to see his Love slighted, and fancying others more successful, abandoned himself so to jealousy and grief, that within a days Journey of Bologna (in his way to Rome, whither he intended to bear us company) he fell into a violent Fever, which quickly ended his days.  
We continued our Journey, and at our arrival at Rome, had the news of his death. The Marchioness wept, but many tears were not to be expected from a person surrounded with the flames of so many Lovers. After the death of this Lover succeeded the absence of her Husband, whom she enjoyed a very short time, a military employment they had bestowed on him at Amona, having called him away thither to live in a House of his own, after seven or eight months' time spent in ours; the Pastimes and Feasts we had constantly at home, appeared to me too dull for the Carnaval, and desiring to spend it with more pleasure, and prevent censure of the liberty I enjoyed, I resolved to have a Masquerade, wherein I presented Clorinda, and being attended with thirty or forty Gentlemen in Soldier's habit; I threw about, as the custom was, some Verses, which my Brother and a Gentleman his Friend, called Marescotti, made for the occasion.  
The Carnaval being ended, the Marchioness spoke of returning to Bologna, which the Constable appeared not concerned at; the Correspondence, between them, having for some time passed been less than formerly. A few days after we went for Milan to receive my Sister Mazarin, who we heard was retired from Paris, for some differences between her Husband and her: The tenderness I always had for her, made me undertake this Journey with a great deal of pleasure, and I forgot nothing that might oblige the Constable to come thither also, who did all he could to excuse himself, and divert me, alleging, among other reasons, I was not obliged to go so far: Yet he resolved to go upon the arrival of a Courier, sent by the Marquis de los Balbaces, to inform us my Sister was arrived at Altoff, and to invite us to Milan. The Constable having, with some difficulty, answered he would go, we set forward. The Marchioness and I in a Caleche, in which we went away Post, and the Constable in another, with the Countess d' Estela, whom I formerly mentioned by the name of Hortensia: Our train was reduced to three or four Valetts, whom we thought most necessary for a Journey of haste, with whom we arrived at Milan in six days; where I found myself extremely disordered, not only with the fatigue of the Journey, but the perpetual Jars I had with the Constable, who was never better pleased, then when he saw things fall out ill in this Journey undertaken against his will, in the worst time of the Year. Being arrived, we learned by the Marquis de los Balbaces, that Madam Mazarin was at a Country house, six or seven Leagues from Milan, and set out presently for the place, where we found her a-Bed, which she was obliged to keep for a hurt she had received in her Knees by a fall from a Horse: the hurt was considerable, though she said it was nothing, and bore it so well, she appeared not troubled at all with it: Being newly come from France, she had her fancy full of the fashions of that Country, and the humours of the Nation; which, considering only the outside, takes the measures of esteeming others, merely from the dress they appear in: The Marchioness and I, very defective in that point, found after a very cold reception, our ill equipage had met with the contempt it deserved. This mortification being over, the passage by water being thought more convenient for my Sister, we embarked for Milan, where we arrived that Night, and the Marchioness soon after returned for Bologna.  
Every one was desirous to see Madam Mazarin; the greatest things seldom answer the Ideas we conceive of them beforehand, and generally fall in their value with us, when acquainted with them; but 'twas otherwise with my Sister, who exceeded at sight all that had been imagined of her, and discovered new Graces every day she was seen, which was not so often as was wished, by reason of the great pleasure she took at Milan in being alone, appearing only to her own People, and locking herself up in the Apartment we had provided for her, where she kept her Bed for the most part, that she might be cured the sooner of her hurt; so that if she went sometimes abroad with us (which was not ordinary) yet she went very negligently dressed, though she appeared beautiful as ever; her hurt (which was rare) having added new Graces to her Person, so that in a loose dress, she looked as charming as in the most exact and complete the World could afford. Some weeks after my Brother came to us, and was ravished to see her; but this mighty kindness was quickly broke off on the account of a Gentleman of my Sisters, whom she gave a little too much encouragement, it being usual with those of his Character, to forget themselves and abuse the liberty allowed them; yet I reconciled them, though but for a few days; they falling out again upon a difference of which you shall have an account in its proper place. I was then so weary of so long stay at Milan, that I prayed the Constables leave to go with my Brother and Sister to Venice: The answer he made my humble request was, he could not go so soon, nor would go thither any more, but that I might go without him. I was so shocked at the refusal, and especially the manner of it, when I saw him take pleasure in crossing me, that I had left his House that very moment, had not my resentment yielded and submitted to the arguments of the Marchioness his Sister against it.  
The reason the Constable stayed so long at Milan, was only to attend the coming of the Marquis of Mortara, the new Spanish Governor, but finding his coming deferred longer than expected, he resolved to be gone. My Sister and Brother desired of him that I could not obtain; not able to deny it them, he gave his consent, on condition we should not make any long stay at Venice, knowing it a place I was most pleased with, and pretending the cause of our short stay to be a promise he had made Cardinal Chigi to meet him at a hunting match at Sienna: We quitted Milan with the satisfaction of having reconciled my Bother and Sister the second time; my Brother promised to come to us before we left Sienna. But having heard by the way the Cardinal was not there, we went to Bologna to attend his coming. The Constable here lodged in a House belonging to one of his Gentlemen, to a-avoid the trouble of compliments would have been expected from him, had he lodged in a greater. The short time we stayed there, the Marchioness de los Balbaces was very good company for us: but though we were entertained in the Country with great and sumptuous Collations, I was so troubled to see my Sister so sad, that I took no delight in the Entertainments. At last we went for Sienna, upon the news we had of the Cardinal's arrival there, where I began to recover my good humour, through the pleasant reception given us by his Eminence, who feasted us for fifteen days, wherein the pleasure of hunting contributed not a little to our divertisement, my Sister being much taken with that exercise, and doing often as mortal execution on the Game with her Hands, as with her Eyes on the Gamesters.  
Amidst all this joy, I had the grief to see a new falling out between my Sister and Brother, who came to us according to his promise, and presently after this third broil returned for Venice. My Brother being gone, we went to Marino, an Estate of the Constables, qualified with the Title of a Dukedom, within twelve Leagues of Rome: Having stayed there till Allhallantide, we went to Rome, where my Sister, continuing her way of living at Milan, made our House a very Wilderness, letting us see her very seldom, avoiding our conversation, and not receiving any visit: Her retreat extremely troubled me and my Brother, who in few days came to Rome, where he had new cause of displeasure. Every body looked upon her retirement as an effect of the ill Counsels of a Gentleman of hers, in whom she had great confidence, and I was willing to use all my Endeavours to persuade her to other courses: And moved with a just resentment, to see all my care and pains made the subject of their raillery and laughter, I told that Gentleman (who was called Courberville) what I thought fit on that account, looking on him as the sole cause of this misfortune, it was not in my power to remedy. This Fellow (who was brave enough, but a little too presumptuous) thinking it perhaps, beneath him to excuse himself, answered me with so much incivility, and spoke of my Brother with that insolence, I was forced to bid him get out of my Chamber, and threatening him he should find some below who would teach him the respect he ought to pay Persons of my Brother's quality; he went down in a Huff, and my Sister extremely offended at this business, instantly left my House, and went to my Aunt Martinozzi's, and Courberville to the Cardinal Manchini's, my Uncle; whence in few days he went to Civita Vecchia, where he was taken, and, for his insolence, clapped up in the Castle, but he quickly got out again, by the favour of the Pope's Nephews who procured him his liberty at the request of Madam Mazarin; who, not able to endure the subjection she was in at my Aunt Martinozzi's, resolved to go live with another Aunt we had at Campo Martio, who was very glad to have her there. As for me, who never wanted kindness for my Sister, I visited her often, but being always received very ceremonially, I could not penetrate her intentions, or discover her designs.  
About this time I desired leave of the Constable to go to Naples, which was easily obtained, for two reasons, the one, that the Journey was not very long, the other, that it was a place I did not like so well as Venice. We had for company, the Patriarch, and the Sieurs Marescotti and Acciaioli, the first of Bologna, the other of Sienna, both very good Friends of the Family. We had with us besides them the Constable's Brother, than called the Abbot Colonna, and my Brother: My company was the Countess d' Estella, with one of her Chamber Maids, called Constance, whom my Brother had liked very well: This which was intended a Journey of pleasure, was unhappily disturbed by a quarrel between the Patriarch and the Abbot Colonna, which had like to have proceeded to the utmost extremity: But having reconciled them, and continued a Fortnight at Naples, we returned to Rome, where I found my Sister in a deep Melancholy, for the choice she had made of her place of retirement. No Person is more sensible of the troubles of a Relation than I, who have in my nature a generosity, rare in this Age, which puts me upon attempting the difficultest matters for their ease and relief. This made me consult only my own ardent affection, and pass by the coldness my Sister entertained me with, and propose to her a way how to get out of this Covent, telling her, she might rely on the protection of the Queen of Sweden, and that her Majesty had given me hopes of receiving her into her Palace; she accepted the offer, and I went immediately to take order for putting the design in execution. But when I thought all things in readiness, the very day I had resolved to go take out my Sister, I was told, by some I had employed in the business, that it was not in the Queen's power to meddle in the Affair, (as she made me hope she would) nor to protect my Sister. I was not discouraged by this ill success, but resting assured of favour and protection if I could get out my Sister; I went to the Covent, and took my Children with me, that while my Aunt and the Nuns should be playing with them, I might put my design in execution: After a little discourse with my Aunt, I took my leave of her, and told her at parting, she should not stir a step further for fear the Air might do her harm, being not very well: The same Instant I made signs to my Sister to follow me, which she did on pretence to bring me to the Gate; we went on together, and pretending private discourse, (to give them who followed us occasion of coming after at a distance) we were quickly at the Gate, while my Aunt and the Nuns were busy in caressing my Children; I fell a talking to her who was Porter, and so made way for my Sister to get out, with a Maid of hers called Anne, and without taking leave of any, I presently ran after them. We stepped into the Coach which waited us hard by, and went directly to Cardinal Chigi's, to beg his favour, or at least his advice: But not finding him within, we went to our Brother's house, where we had been all born and bred, but, unluckily, found it all unfurnished, being newly left by an Aunt of ours, who had lodged there: Here we resolved to send to Don Juan Baptista Rospigliosi, the Pope's Nephew, who presently came to us: Having informed him of the Circumstances of what we had done, my Sister and I entreated him to bespeak the Cardinal Nephew and the Pope in her favour, lest Cardinal Manchini, our Uncle, should incline him to some violence against my Sister. Don Juan acquitted himself so obligingly, that we had the success we desired; and Cardinal Manchini found it out of his power, to prevail with his Holiness, to come to any resolution to the prejudice of my Sister. On the contrary, the Pope declared, that Madam Mazarin having fled for refuge into his Estate, it could not be agreeable to Civility or Justice, to give her trouble; so that she stayed at the house I last mentioned, where she was safe, and I visited her every day.  
Not long after, the Constable and I went into the Country for some days, and at our return persuaded my Sister to take a Lodging at our House, but we had in a short time a little quarrel, and she would stay no longer. The beginning of Spring, the Chevalier de Lorraine, (whom the King had banished, as was reported, for ill Language given Monsieur Colbert, about an Abbey he pretended to, but could not obtain) after some stay at Genes, had the curiosity to see Rome, where he arrived accompanied by Count Marsan, his Brother, a Gentleman of excellent parts, and pleasant conversations, with two other Friends, the one named Garcey, the other Moreli; the former discreet, honest, and faithful; the other dextrous, and of a quick and clear apprehension, but a little too subtle: Subtlety, if moderate, is a necessary quality, but a fault if excessive: A Gentleman is to make use of it, not as a Weapon to offend, but as a remedy, cure, or arms of defence, to save himself from harm. The Chevalier de Lorraine was much taken with Rome, but that which did the rather oblige him to spend his two years' exile there, was the concourse of Persons of the highest quality who frequented our House, which seemed to be the Centre of all the divertisments of the Town, where I may say without hyperbole, that Plays, Discourses, Gaming, Music, Treats, Collations, Feasts, and all divertisements imaginable, succeeded one another in such a manner, as instead of cloying our taste of the pleasure of them, heightened it by the variety. The Chevalier in his first visits endeavoured strongly to gain an interest in Madam Mazarins' affections, but not meeting with the success he desired, he had not the patience to wait longer for it, but all on the sudden broke off his amorous Addresses. In a short time after, I designed to entertain the Queen of Sueden at a Consort of Music, and at the same time to take a little recreation, as necessary for myself, whose Element was Action; and my greatest delight to set others at work. My Sister and Brother were pretty good Friends then, and though I knew both cold enough towards me, I was so far from resenting it in the least, that I told them, with all sincerity (my humour being uncapable of dissimulation) I was not troubled at the care they both took to avoid seeing me: The matter rested not there, but my Music applauded by every body else, was so jeered by my Brother, that he told me, the Voices and the Airs were the pityfullest in the World, and the Symphony worse: My Sister, though she said not a word, confirmed by her looks the censure he had passed. This angered me so, that I fell out with them both, being unwilling to be made their sport, and their laughingstock, or to allow my Brother the satisfaction of the pleasure he took in provoking me by his crossness and contradictions. Things being at this pass, they plotted privately to go together into France, and never let me know it till three days before they set out, which they did without bidding me adieu: The greater love we have for any person, the more we resent an injury done by him. I was both surprised and grieved at their absence, and willing to know the cause of it, I received a Letter from each of them, wherein they told me with very good words, that they had great business in France which called them thither, but that my ill humour made them hasten their Journey, yet they would come back again without fail, if I desired to see them, for which Madam Mazarin gave me her word. To satisfy my curiosity I expected their return, without giving myself the displeasure of reading out their kind thoughts of me.  
Soon after my Brother's arrival at Paris, he married a Kinswoman of Madam de Montespagne, called Mademoiselle the Siange; whose beauty, assisted with the King's persuasions, brought him under a Yoke he never expressed any inclination for: Madam Mazarin not thinking herself safe at Nevers where she stayed, and fearing the Duke her Husband might make use of his right, and attempt something against her liberty, she went to the Abby-Royal within ten Leagues of Paris, where she continued till the King sent for her, to know what she desired; having at her arrival answered his Majesty, she desired only a Pension to live handsomely in Italy, she obtained it without difficulty: The Chevalier de Lorraine in her absence accompanied us to some houses of Pleasure of the Constables, where we commonly went a hunting: Having spent some time in those Country sports, we returned to Rome, where the Walks, the Collations and sumptuous Treats given us, sometimes in the Vineyards of the Family of Borghese, sometimes at Montalto, and sometimes in other places, contributed not a little to our pleasure; to continue which we resolved to treat one another by turns every Sunday, Cardinal Chigi, Prince Savelli, the Chevalier de Lorraine, the Duke's Sforza, and Basanello, who was the Constable's Cousin, being of the company, so that we passed the Carnaval with more pleasure than usual, Pippa Acciaioli having obtained leave of the Pope to present an Opera.  
About the end of the Spring, Madam Mazarin performed her promise, and I had the pleasure to see her again after nine months' absence, more beautiful than ever. But this satisfaction had like to have cost me dear, for having taken Physic that day, I got so strange a Colic by going abroad the day I had been purged, that had it lasted a little longer, it had certainly made an end of me. I was so ill the most stony heart would have pitied me, yet the Constable was not in the least moved at it, at least in appearance, having with wonderful tranquillity, and unconcerned repose, heard me groan frightfully a whole Night: My Sister appeared as little concerned as the Constable, while his Brother and all those about me expressed their sorrow for my pain, they only excepted who were my nearest Relations, who never troubled themselves for what should become of me. However the violence of my Disease yielded at last to the strength of the Remedies used, which effectually cured me: Then it was the Chevalier de Lorraine presented me from Monsieur a full hunting Equipage, of the value of a thousand Pistols, garnished with an infinite deal of Ribbons, the finest and richest in Paris, which his Royal Highness had sent him to present me with: Having been pleased to accept of a Present I had made his Highness of Gloves and other Toys not worth the speaking of: The Chevalier procured me this Present, who had not done him any service, nor lent him any thing as was falsely reported, it being certain he never wanted Money, and was extremely displeased with me for going about to borrow some to pay him my loosings at play.  
The following Summer intending to take the pleasure of bathing, my Brother, Madam Mazarin, and I, went to Sebaron, a passage very dangerous, through the rapidity of the stream, where the violence of the Water carried me with such force, I had been certainly drowned, had I not been helped by a Turkish Maidservant, that Monsieur Rospigliosi General of the Pope's Galleys in Candy had bestowed on me. She was more strong than big, and with my Brother's assistance drew me out of the danger I was in. This made us choose a place of more safety in the Tiber, near which we caused a cabin to be made to undress us in, from whence we had a Gallery that reached just to the bathing place, all made up of Canes, Leaves and Boughs, with admirable art. The Autumn we spent in the Country, and the Carnaval in seeing Operas, as we used to do, though not with equal pleasure; the Constable of a long time not having the same complaisance, tenderness, and esteem for me as formerly; he seldom spoke to me, and when he did, it was in such Language, I could have wished rather he had not spoken at all to me. The Count Sermino, his Brother, formerly known by the name of the Abbot Colonna, who had several times composed our differences, and by his prudence hindered them from breaking out, is a witness of my sufferings. Not able to endure any longer such sensible displeasures and injuries, I applied my thoughts to find out a remedy. My Sister and I in the time of our bathe and walks, had contracted a stricter amity than ever. I resolved to take the advantage of the tenderness she had professed for me, and earnestly prayed her not to return into France without taking me with her. She faithfully promised it, having first represented to me the inconveniences she lay under, and I was to expect, if I took the course she had done. Nothing being more true than that, she was so far from inclining me that way, that she did all she could to make me sensible of the ill consequences of an undertaking of that nature, as she hath written in her Memoires.  
Soon after this, the Chevalier de Lorraine was called home from Exile; his Friends were not a little pleased at the surprise he put them to at his arrival at Court, so much sooner than they expected. The mean while as the Constable's freaks and slights increased every day, so did my trouble and vexation: My Brother the better to persuade me to conceal my resentment, told me often, he feared I should not long enjoy my liberty, adding once in Madam Mazarin's presence, that when I least expected it, I should be clapped up in the Palliano, a Castle of the Constables, standing on the Confines of the Estate of the Church and the Kingdom of Naples. These reasons added to my natural averseness against the customs of Italy, where dissimulation and enmity between Families are more in vogue than any where else, hastened my putting in execution the design I had of retiring into France, the place of my Education, the residence of most of my Relations, and the Centre of my Genius, having a particular inclination for their free and gay humour, still affecting novelty, and for the warlike Air and gallant Deportment of the brave Men there; and being quite weary of living at ease in a quiet Country, and under a peaceable Government. We left Rome the twenty ninth of May, with a very slender Equipage, all I had about me being seven hundred Pistols, my Pearls, and some Roses of Diamonds, Madam Mazarin having lost all her baggage by leaving it at Rome, when the Constable went to see a breed of Mares he had at one of his Country Houses, called Trattocchie. As we stepped into the Coach, we told the Coachman aloud, he should drive us to Trascati, which we did to deceive a company of our people who stood at the Gate of the Palace Mazarin. At the first turning, a Valet de Chambre of my Sisters, a Germane born, called Pelletier, bid the Coachman drive straight for Civita Vecchia, where a Feluca of Naples waited our coming. The Coachman was threatened if he did not make haste, and obeyed his orders so well, that by night we got within sight of Civita Vecchia. Pelletier had agreed with the Mariners they should take us aboard five Miles from the Town, lest we should be discovered at the Port: we sent them news of our coming, the rather for that a Lackey we had dispatched before to that purpose, and expected with extreme impatience, was not returned. Notwithstanding our cares and fears of being taken, Madam Mazarin and I ventured into a thick Wood near the Sea, and slept there two hours so quietly and sound, that a Maid of my Sisters, and Morena one of mine, who served for a guard for us, were astonished to see it: When we awaked, we discerned my Sisters Valet de Chambre coming afar of, who told us, he could discover nothing of the Feluca, and that the Lackey took his rest at an Inn, to sweat out the Wine he had drunk, so that we were upon the point of returning to the Coach, and resolving to go forward by some by-way, for fear of being met with on the Road, but the Horses being tired, my Sister said it was better send them back with the Coach to an Inn near Civita Vecchia, and give the Coachman order to say, if any came in search of us, that he had seen us go aboard, which he promised to do for a little Present that was made him. We got the while into the bottom of a Wood near the Highway, having sent Pelletier in search of the Feluca, with order to hire another if he could not discover the first. He promised to do it whatever came of it. The extreme heat of the Sun having scalded my Head five hours together, a forced fast of twenty four hours, and the trouble I was in for having no news of the Feluca, made me absolutely despair, and tell my Sister I would go back again, and that I were as good dye of any other death as of hunger. My Sister, who is the best humoured and patient'dst Lady of the World, qualified me a little with her discourse; adding, that if within half an hour we should not receive some good news, we might go back again. I resolved to wait the time she had set, and within a quarter of an hour, we heard the noise of a Horse galloping towards us, which, with the trouble I was under, and the fear I had we should be presently apprehended by the Horseman, made me absolutely despond. My Sister armed with a pair of Pistols, and resolved to kill the first that came up to her, advancing before us, saw it was our Postilion who had been in search of the Feluca, without acquainting us with his intentions: Thus my fears vanished, and my sadness was turned into joy, upon the Boys telling us our Feluca waited for us within five Miles of the place we were in. Hereupon, having filled our Portmantles, which were neither great nor heavy, we set forward in the heat of the day, through a Plain where we could see nothing but Locusts. Indesatigable Madam Mazarin was got so far before me, that to follow her the better, I was forced to rest me several times; and at length hunger, thirst, weariness, and heat had reduced me to that extremity, I was compelled to pray a Labourer I spied there, to carry me about a hundred Paces towards the Sea, telling him, I had lost my company a hunting, my Sister and I having changed habits in the Coach. The Country Fellow made some difficulty at first, but persuaded at length, by some Pistols I added to my request, he carried me in his Arms to the place where my Sister was: Much about the same time Pelletier arrived, who told us he had hired another Feluca at a thousand Crowns, but that in truth he did not like the Faces of the Master or Mariners, who all looked like Rascals; we answered, that fortune had favoured us with news, by the Postilion, of the first Feluca, and that he was gone to meet her: Pelletier was no less joyful than we at so happy an adventure. At last, partly a foot, and partly in the Labourers Arms, I got to the Seaside, where our Maids arrived presently after us; but no Feluca appeared, and I finding all our hopes frustrated, remained sad and disconsolate. My Sister, though equally concerned, concealed her trouble, that she might not increase mine: In this miserable condition we laid us down on a little Straw we found in a cabin, and sent Pelletier the second time in search of a Bark, the while I prayed the Labourer to go fetch me a little Water: In a quarter of an hour Pelletier returned, who with a sad Countenance and troubled Voice told us, we were undone, and that we were pursued: I was so weary, that the news made no impression upon me, being insensible of what he said; my Sister pressing him to tell truth, and finding by his manner of expressing himself he spoke not in earnest, she angrily bid him tell her seriously how things were; he answered, what he had said was only to frighten us. My Sister chid him, saying, 'twas no time to jest. We went thence to the Bark, and with that which was first hired found the other, where the Master and Seamen would have persuaded us to come aboard. But Pelletier having given me a more favourable account of the former, I stepped in without regarding the other, my Sister and our Maids having done the like. The other Mariners began to threaten us, and hinder our putting out to Sea, so that we were obliged to buy our peace of them, and get out of their danger. I was scarce out at Sea but I felt the effects of it, yet was more sensible of the new proposition our Master made us of more Money for our passage than he had agreed for with our Valet: He grounded his demand on the danger he exposed himself to for serving us. Pelletier (who wanted not Stomach) was enraged to find himself deceived in the good Opinion he had had of our Master, who, contrary to promise, demanded more than was due, and in great wrath would have made him stand to his Bargain. But the Master had the power on his side, and to his Reasons good or bad added threats to throw us overboard, or set us ashore in some desert Island, so that I commanded Pelletier to be quiet, and with one hundred Pistols, addition to the Rate first bargained, silenced the Master, assuring of further recompense at his landing us in France, which he promised to do.  
We had the Wind very favourable for the first six hours, after which we were so becalmed, we made no sail at all. About Evening we discovored a Brigantine, and the Master fearing it might be a Turkish Vessel, we drew near some Rocks on the Coast of Tuscany, where he showed us a place where we might disembark and be in safety, in case he should be forced to fight. Coasting near the Rocks, he at last knew the Vessel, and having asked whence she came, and finding her a Genoese, we continued our Voyage to Monace: where the Calm being on the sudden turned into a Storm, my Sister grew very Sea-sick, the Tempest being so great that we were in great danger of Shipwreck.  
The Plague was in the Neighbourhood of Civita Vecchia, where we took Shipping; and having not had the opportunity or liberty to disembark for want of a Certificate (that we came from a place uninfected) till we got to Monaco, we obtained a false one there, with the help of some Pistols given for that purpose. Our Master unwilling to land us at Marseilles, by reason of some difference he said he had with some of the Town, it proved lucky for us by preventing our falling in among the Felucas and Galleys the Constable had sent in pursuit of us, which could not have missed of us, had not our Master steered his course to avoid Marseilles. After nine days sailing, we arrived safe at Ciutat, where having rested four hours, we mounted Horses we had hired for our Journey; and travelling all night, arrived betimes at Marseilles. I enquired there for Monsieur Arnou, Master of the Galleys, hoping he had a Pass for me, having desired it of his Majesty before we left Rome; being told he was very sick, I thought myself obliged to give him a visit; and having told him who I was, and that I was sorry to find him in the condition he was in, I asked him if he had not something from the King to give me. He could scarce answer me, for an Apoplex he was fallen into, but gave me a Packet sealed, wherein was a Pass, with a Letter from his Majesty, and another from Monsieur de Pompone, for Monsieur Grignan the King's Lieutenant in Provence, who had a particular charge to receive me at Aix, and assist me with his Authority, and any thing else in his Power. At our return from Monsieur Arnous's, we went to Bed, but had scarce rested an hour, but they awaked me, to let me know Captain Manchini desired to speak with me from the Constable. All my People trembled at the news; and to prevent further inconvenience, I gave Monsieur Arnous intelligence of it. He presently sent me a Guard, and prayed me very earnestly to take a Lodging in his House, where I might be safer than in any other place. I did so, having first given Manchini audience, who had no proposal to make me, but to return to the Constable, or stay there at least till he could send me a Train more suitable to my Quality, and such things as were necessary for my continuing my Journey with more decency and splendour. He forgot not to mind me of my Children, judging the tenderness I had for them, might perhaps prevail with me to take the resolution he endeavoured to persuade me to: But though I loved my Children infinitely, I feared more my own danger, and making no doubt but all his good words were only a Cloak for some ill design, I told him I was resolved not to return: With that I stepped into the Coach Monsieur Arnous had sent me, with a Gentleman in it, and went to his House, where we were so well received, entertained, and lodged, that in a short time we were quite recovered of our Voyage. The day after, news was brought me from Monsieur Grignan, (to whom I had sent Monsieur de Pompones Letter) that he had sent a Gentleman with six of his Guards to attend me, with order to furnish me with whatever I wanted: I accepted the Gentleman's offer, and having eat something, Madam Mazarin and I went with him into the Coach, and arrived in the Evening at Aix, in company with Monsieur Grignon, who came to meet us a League out of Town with his Coach, where he desired us to step in, telling us he was much troubled he could not lodge us in the Governor's Palace, who then was the Duke de Vendosm my Nephew, the Son of the Duke Mercoeur, and my elder Sister Victoria de Manchini. Having thanked him for his care of us, we prayed him not to give himself further trouble for our Lodging, having given our words to a Gentleman of my Brothers, called Mories, that we would lodge in his House, or at Monsieur Casteletts the Precedent, his elder Brother; as we did, and were treated there magnificently fifteen days.  
My Sister could not go to Paris, by reason of an Arrest of Parliament obtained against her by her Husband, which made me dispatch Pellitier with a Lettter to the King, wherein I prayed him to let me know what House he pleased I should live in at Paris; and that my Sister might be permitted to come to Court, without fearing the pursuit of her Husband; I proposed the Palace Mazarin, where my Sister desired to lodge with me: Pelletiers return was delayed by an ill accident he met with by the way, having been robbed, and in danger of his Life, to my very great trouble. This ill accident was attended with a piece of bad news, which gave me new displeasure, in the assurance I had, that Monsieur St. Simon, who had been at Aix, and made me the same Proposals as Manchini had done, was at Paris; where he solicited for the Constable, and being a Creature of Cardinal Altieri's the Pope's Nephew, he did all he could against me, and, the better to serve his turn, made use of the Pope's Authority. To prevent the Storm that threatened me, I would have been gone without staying for Pelletiers return, or regarding my Sister's objections, with whom I went to Mirabeau, where the Gentleman, who was Lord of the place, accompanied us with six of the Guards of my Nephew the Duke of Vandosme, of whose Company this Gentleman was Captain, and treated us very handsomely. In this Village Madam Mazarin, seeing me resolved to go forward, prayed me to stay a while for Pelletiers coming, which, for fear of putting her out of humour, I consented to. But having stayed six days to no purpose, I told her I would be gone without farther delay, and get near Paris, where I understood they endeavoured to hinder my entrance. The Chevalier de Mirabeau seeing me resolved to go, accompanied us with the Guards as far as Pont St. Esprit, where we heard that Polastron, Captain of Duke Mazarins' Guards, was passed by Aix in search of us. This news obliged us to quit the Road, and retire into a Countryhouse. My Sister the same night pursued her Journey by the way of Savoy, accompanied with the Chevalier d' Anne and one half of the Guards, the other half remaining with me. I continued much afflicted at the separation from my Sister, and upon her word she would stay at Chambreri (whither she was then bound for) till the King would permit her to live in France, I promised her not to go beyond Grenoble, that I might be near her, and hear how she did. I came to that City, and having continued three days in an Inn on the other side the Water, not one knowing who I was, a Gentleman arrived, sent by the Queen, to whom his Majesty had left the Government of the Kingdom, while he went in Person to command his Army against the Hollanders: The Gentleman brought me a Letter from her Majesty, wherein she commanded me in very obliging Terms, not to come beyond the place where this Letter should find me; adding, she doubted not but it was the King's Intention it should be so. I answered, mine was so too, and to obey her orders with absolute submission. The Duke d'Esdignieres, Governor of that Province, had received like orders, and gave me a Visit, and invited me to take a Lodging at his House, or at the Arsenal. Being loath to give him trouble, I accepted of a Lodging at the Arsenal, where Polastron (whom I believed come in pursuit of my Sister) came to see me, and, to the Compliments he made me on the the behalf of the Duke his Master, added the offer of his Palace, and all that depended on him; protesting he had order to make the like offer to the Duchess his Mistress. Upon this assurance, and the word of the Governor, I gave my Sister notice by an Express, desiring her to come to me: But having gone a great way about by Turin and the Mountains towards Chamberri, it was a Month ere she got thither; so that my Courier was there before her. As soon as she received the Letter, she made ready for her Journey, and I to receive her: At our Interview she gave me an account of the fatigues of her Journey, but thought them well endured to obtain the Honour done her by his Royal Highness of Savoy. Polastron spoke with her, but his Proposals proving ineffectual, he returned for Paris, and we for Grenoble, where we were till the beginning of August, when the King returned from the Campagne, and Pelletier came to us (having miraculously escaped the danger I spoke of) with a Letter from his Majesty, wherein he advised me to retire into a Covent, to stop the mouths of those who made ill construction of my quitting Rome; to which he added as to Madam Mazarin, that the Conditions of separation from her Husband were well known to her, and the same as formerly.  
I was so far from being satisfied with this Letter, that I resolved to go directly to Paris, and throw myself at his Majesty's Feet. I acquainted my Sister with my design; she with extraordinary Complaisance answered, I was to consider only my own interest in the case, without regarding her concern in it, being very willing to return to Chamberri. We went from Grenoble in a Litter without saying any thing of our intended Journey, for fear of being stayed by the Governor; We went together as far as Lions, and there parted, my Sister for Chamberri, and I for Paris, with a Courier belonging to the King's Cabinet, called Marguein, whom I had known at Rome, a Man honest, faithful and witty. I engaged him to come with me, and entrusted him with the management and care of all the expenses of my Journey, wherein he so well acquitted himself, that he advanced what Money was necessary: I went post in a Caleche, Morena and he following me on Horseback. A Days Journey beyond Lions I embarked, in hopes to pass by Water with more decency and ease; but the Water was so low, and the passage so disagreed with the impatience I was under of getting quickly to Paris, that I went ashore the first Town we came to. But not finding there any Post-horses, I was forced to make use of such as we could borrow in the Neighbourhood of the Carriers; but not one of them would draw in a Caleche without leading, which troubled me extremely, considering the fate that attended me, who could not rid way by Post or by Water, some Obstacle happening always in the way to stop the designed swiftness of my course. At last we came to Nevers, where I learned, undiscovered, my Brother and his Wife were at St. Elay, three Leagues from thence, getting Post thither; I met with another trouble I had not foreseen, but very luckily escaped. When I asked for Post-Horses, they denied me any, telling me they durst not without first giving notice to a Gentleman, who had forbidden them hiring out any Post-horses without order from him, I was afraid he had given the like order in all the Post-Towns on my Road, and having heard at Lions the King had dispatched a Gentleman from Court, I presently apprehended it might be to meet me, or rather to stay my coming to Paris. To defeat all their preventions, I told Marguein he must by any means get me some Post-horses; he did it so dextrously, that they furnished us with as many as we needed for our Journey; while Monsieur de la Gibertrere (the Gentleman I mentioned) watched my coming on a Bridge, where he thought I must pass, having heard I had taken Water at Roan, and never dreaming my impatience had made me disembark to travel by Land.  
While my Caleche (which wearied me more than the Post-Horses) ran all on the Nail by the Road, and I endeavoured by travelling all night to repair my loss of time in my Voyage on the River, and thought myself past all danger, my Caleche having twice overturned without hurting me, yet the ill Fate inseparably attending my Pilgrimages, to complete my misfortunes, as I arrived about noon at Montargis, afflicted Morena with a grievous Colic, and more to my vexation than his, filled Margueins head with fancies of strange considerations and cares, he imagined himself obliged to have, of those inconveniences his politics suggested might fall upon him and me, and my Family, upon my arrival at Paris against the King's order: Adding that Morena being sick, and not able to go along with us, he thought it our best course to stay where we were. Tired and sleepy as I was I submitted to his Reasons, which would not have prevailed with me on another occasion. Having yielded as much to the necessity of refreshing myself, as to his persuasions, I agreed, that while he went to Paris to carry a Letter to the King, and another to Monsieur de Louvoy, I would take the way of Fountainbleau, whither I travelled, taking Morena with me in my Caleche: Marguein went his way, having substituted, to supply his Room with us, a Man of his acquaintance, whom he furnished with Money to defray our Charges by the way: This man was very faithful and honest, but withal very troublesome; and not knowing me, judged of me by my Train, and took me to be a person as inconsiderable as my Equipage was poor. At every Stage he quarrelled with the Postilion, who was unwilling to carry any more than one Person in a Caleche for fear of tiring his Horses. After all their brangling and noise we arrived at Fountainbleau about seven in the Evening, that being the only place Monsieur Gibertiere could have expected to overtake me in, having rested myself at Montargis. I have been since told he would have punished the Postmaster for furnishing me with Horses, but at last he pardoned him, partly out of Clemency, as a quality becoming a Gentleman, and partly not to lose time, seeing himself obliged to make haste after me, who made such haste before him. Having left Nevers at Rome, he arrived at Fountainbleau two hours after us, and forbid any there should furnish me with Horses. About nine in the Morning I heard of his arrival, by the news he sent me he had business to speak with me; I sent him word he might come when he pleased. Having delivered me a Letter of Credence from his Majesty, he endeavoured to persuade me to return to the Constable; as the best course I could take: things being not for my advantage in France, where the King was informed I presumed much upon his favour, and pretended to govern him as I pleased. He added, that his Majesty was much troubled he had granted me his protection upon frivolous and Chimerical Pretences of mine, and for Reasons which had no other ground but my humour and caprice. He concluded in case I would return home, I had no more to do but take the way of Grenoble, and go into the Abbey of Montfleuri. He had the Heads of his Embassy written under the Letter, and my answer was, that I had not left my House to return thither so soon, that what I had done was not upon imaginary pretences, but for good and solid reasons, which I neither would, nor could declare to any but the King; that all I desired was to speak with him, in confidence, that having obtained audience of him, I should find him so wise and so just, that he would permit himself to be disabused, and lay aside those ill impressions they laboured so industriously to give him of my conduct. That I was very far from flattering myself with the vanity of the presumptuous power he had mentioned, that I had neither Merit, nor Quality, nor Parts to pretend to a share in the management of his Affairs; that I desired leave to retire to Paris, and limit my ambition to the straitness of a Cloister, where I begged his Majesty's Permission to live among my Relations, as the great Duchess of Tuscany, the Princess de Chalais, and many more Ladies who were Widows, or separated from their Husbands, had been allowed to do. As to my returning to Grenoble, I was too weary to be-begin another Journey; and further, that I waited his Majesty's answer, by which I would govern myself.  
These were my last words to him, which having spoken, I presently fell a playing on my Guittarre. He took his leave of me, and a while after, by a Letter from Marguein, I had news the Duke de Crequi was coming to see me from the King, with orders to answer my Proposals: He arrived, and Marguein also almost together: I prayed the Duke to come in, who seeing me a-Bed in an ordinary Room in an Inn, and considering the poverty of my Condition, compared with the Grandeur and Pomp he had seen me in at Rome, he told me he was no less astonished than sorry to see such a change, supplying with his discourse and commiseration my insensibility of the illness of my Fortune; but finding him enlarge too much on that subject, I prayed him to pass on to what he had to communicate to me of greater importance. He answered very clearly, the King was not willing I should either enter Paris, or speak with him, having given the Nuncio and the Constable his Royal word he would grant me neither, for reasons I could not be ignorant of; that my best course was to return for Grenoble, unless I would rather choose to go home, which would certainly be safest and most honourable for me.  
Moved, more than can be imagined, at a declaration of this nature, I answered, the King might well refuse me the Honour of seeing him, and forbid me entrance into Paris, but it would not appear very handsome to oblige me to return for Grenoble in the condition I was in, no less tired with the heat than with haste of my Journey: That it was a strange piece of severity in a King to deprive me of the Honour of his Royal presence, but since there was such necessity of my obedience, I begged his Majesty to permit me to enter into L'ys' Abbey. Monsieur de Crequi prayed me to write a Billet to the King for that purpose; and having returned to Paris with the Billet, he sent, the day following, a Page who brought me the leave I desired, with order to the Abbess to receive me, and to Monsieur Gibertiere to accompany me thither. Much about the same time arrived a Gentleman from Monsieur Colbert with two Purses of five hundred Pistols a piece, which his Majesty had ordered should be sent me; being the sum it pleased his Royal Grandeur to oblige me with every six Months while I continued under his protection. I went immediately to L'ies, where the Abbess received me with great expressions of Esteem and Affection. Soon after my Sisters came to see me, and brought me many considerable Presents. I cannot express the joy I had to see them, whose Civilities and Caresses to me, for three or four days they were to see me, were no small comfort to me in my afflictions. The Countess of Soisons, of her natural generosity, sent me a very rich Bed with Tapestry and other Furniture of value; and in a word all she thought I stood in need of. The Count of Soisons her Husband who not long after died, by an accident in the Army, not without suspicion of Poison, and the Duke of Bovillon having obtained leave of the King, came to see me, none daring to visit me without permission from his Majesty: I lived very quietly in this Monastery, the kindness of the Nuns being such, I have not words to express the complaisance and tenderness they used me with, by the example of the Abbess. But Fortune, who never permitted me to enjoy long any happy Estate, made use of myself as the surest Instrument to deprive me of this, and to disturb my repose, brought me into great disgrace with the King, by means of a Letter I writ to Monsieur Colbert to complain of the small Courtesy I found at his Majesty's hands; concluding, that since he denied me leave to come to Paris, he would permit me to go where else I pleased. His Majesty was very angry at this Letter, which my Enemies laid hold of to incense him the more against me, acquainting him I was too near Paris, and that I might come thither in a moment. This made him order Monsieur Colbert to tell me from him, I had no more to do, but choose a Covent threescore Leagues distant from Court, and that having written him such a Letter I deserved not his protection. By this answer I saw my fault, and sorry, though too late, for my rashness, I writ to Monsieur Colbert, that in truth I had done ill to write the Letter I had sent him, but that he had not done better in showing it the King. And that since he was in part, though indirectly, the cause of his anger against me, he was obliged to pacify him, in telling him how sorry I was for my folly, and to solicit my pardon: Having done what he could to serve me, he sent me word the day after by Letter, that his Majesty had pardoned me, but persisted in his resolution to send me threescore Leagues from Paris: I answered very submissively, I had not yet been such a wanderer as to be able to make choice of a Covent at that distance, and therefore if there were no possibility of altering his Majesty's mind, I begged he would be pleased to name a Covent, and I would obey without reply, though I could not but be troubled to go out of a Covent where I was well acquainted, and lived with some pleasure: The Answer I received was four or five days after to see Monsieur Gibertiere coming with a Coach, and bringing an order to the Abbess to let me go. I obeyed, and going out with four Maids I then had with me, (the Constable having at my request sent me three who had served me at Rome) we traveled to Avenay, an Abbey three miles from Rheims, where his Majesty commanded I should be, at half the distance first mentioned from Paris. The Abbess received me with all the honour and kindness I could wish: A month after the Archbishop of Reims, Brother to the Marquis de Louvoy, came to see me; he pressed me very much to tell him what reasons I had given the King for my coming from Rome: I desired to be excused: he asked me, somewhat displeased, whether I came with a design to prevail with the King as formerly: I replied, that it was a thing he could grant me the least of any, and I had the least thought of.  
Every day I received proofs of the generosity and goodness of the Abbess and her Nuns, who were all very civil, and strove who should divert me most for the three months I continued in that Covent: At three months' end my Brother obtained leave to bring me to Nevers; the hopes I had one day to have leave to go to Paris made me take the Journey with a great deal of pleasure, but the success was not answerable; for having engaged myself to my Brother upon my word, that if he left Nevers I would go into a Covent, he told me about the week's end he had business called him suddenly to Venice, and that he hoped I would not fail to perform what I had promised him. I was very much afflicted at the news of this unexpected Journey, which dissipated all my hopes of returning to Paris, and obliged me to quit a place where I lived pleasantly enough, and deprived me of the company of the Duchess his Wife, who was one of the most lovely and obliging Ladies in the World, and most did all in her power for my comfort and ease. However resolved (as always) to keep my word, though to my dissatisfaction and displeasure, I visited all the Covents in Nevers to see if there were any could please me: but having been used to great and famous Abbeys, I found not one to my mind there. But my Brother pressing me more and more every day (though more out of policy than for any business he had at Venice) I told him, to satisfy him, that the best expedient was for us to go to Lions where I might have choice of Covents: He liked my resolution, in hopes it would give him an opportunity to take me further, as it did. We went for Lions, whence the Coaches of the Marquis de Villeroy, who commanded there in his Father's absence, came to receive us two or three Leagues from the Town. Having rested a while I went to view the Covents, particularly that of St. Mary of the Visitation, situate on a height which overlooked the City: I had taken up my residence there, had not my ill fate made the Marquis and my Brother dissuade me from it, by aggravating my sufferings, and the flight put upon me in France, to that height, that I took a resolution to go into Italy, without acquainting them what place I would choose for my retirement. The Marquis about that time was called home from Exile; so we parted; he for Paris, we for Italy. I had scarce set foot in that Country but I perceived my Error, and the fault I had commtted in quitting Lions; to retrieve this miscarriage, I designed not to pass beyond Turin, hoping his Royal Highness would afford me his assistance. I discovered the design to none but my Sister, as I passed through Chamberi, where I prayed her to write to his Highness in my favour, to facilitate my putting my design in execution; she did it readily. Having past the Alps, I acquainted my Brother with my resolution: He was extremely astonished at it, but durst not oppose it, knowing the time and place inconvenient. Being with Monsieur Boniel, a learned and honest man I had taken at Gnenoble for my Chaplain, who came to me at Avenay, I dispatched him with a Letter I had written to his Royal Highness, beseeching him to give me leave to retire into some Covent in his Dominions; and assuring him his most Christian Majesty would not dislike of it. The next day he answered me, with much kindness, he would very willingly grant me his protection, if (as I writ) the King would be pleased with it: He sent a Gentleman to compliment me, with a Coach to bring me to Turin. My Brother took leave of me, and went on his Journey, avoiding to pass by Turin that he might not be obliged to see his Highness. This Prince came to receive me a League out of Town, and made me go into his Coach, wherein were some Lords of his Court, and with a great Train of Nobility on Horseback, he accompanied me to the Covent of the Visitation, where he had commanded an Apartment to be furnished for me, and disposed the Abbess to receive me, by the intercession of the Archbishop, who was present at my entrance: The Nuns were kind and obliging as possible during my three months' abode there; about the end of which, being informed Madam Mazarin was suddenly for Paris, partly out of a desire to see her, and partly to endeavour to repair the fault I committed in leaving France, I resolved to go to Chamberi; and desired his Royal Highness not to permit any Courier to pass for two days, for fear of my being pursued. His Highness very obligingly granted my request, yet forgot not to condemn my resolution; and express his displeasure at it. Assured of his word, I set forward with a thousand Pistols the King had returned me of his usual bounty. Morena and my Chaplain were all the company I had: With this small train I arrived at Chamberi more weary than ever: There to my comfort I found myself frustrated of my hopes to see my Sister; who, prevailed upon by interest more than by affection, had hid herself from me, for fear of being concerned in my designs. I slept in the Castle she dwelled in, and ask her People where she was, and when she would be at home, I could not obtain a satisfactory answer: At last not to hazard a certain enjoyment for an expectation, I resolved to return to Turin, under the protection of his Royal Highness, with whom I had all the reason in the World to be satisfied, his care and bounty having been so great while I was at Turin, and particularly at my last address to him, that I could not desire more. I writ him a Letter to pray him send me a Coach to the Foot of the Alps, which he did with his usual exactness: The Marquis Drone and a Gentleman belonging to the Constable, called Don Mourice de Bologna, who was come to me by the Constable's order, came to receive me near Turin. They were no less glad of my return than they had been apprehensive of my executing my former design, which they endeavoured to prevent by sending Courriers into several parts to hinder my passage: The same time the most Christian King, at the Constable's request, sent orders to the Governors of the Frontiers and other Provinces of his Kingdom, not to permit me entrance. When I arrived at Turin, I went to the Prince of Carignan's, where I found the Count de Oreux and the Chevalier de Savoy, his Nephews and mine. And fearing he would not receive me, if I gave him notice of my coming, I took possession (without saying a word to him) of an Apartment where I contied above a Month, till leave was come from Rome for my returning into a Covent, and that I might go abroad once a-week, which Cardinal Porto Carrero procured for me. The mean time I frequented the Court, and went to a House called Lafoy Venery, about which was store of all sorts of Game and Divertisements, so that I never spent my time with more pleasure than there, receiving continually from his Highness Royal, and Madam Royal, all imaginable Expressions of Affection and Honour.  
My happiness was too great to last long; Fortune making it her business to persecute me, suggested to his Royal Highness Reasons of State to make me a Proposal of returning whence I came, and to tell me it were better for me to be at my own House than in a Covent: And that if there were no other Obstacle but the present disunion from the Constable, he would undertake to reconcile us. I was so offended at this and some other things he said to me at La Venery, that, carried away by my choleric humour, I would have gone away that moment in a pet, and returned into the Cloister, and had certainly done it, had not Madam Royal hindered it, by staying me with them eight days more; at the end of which they accompanied me to the Covent: Our difference increased by the way, through the impatience of my humour, and my unwillingness to pardon him any thing, which put us in a greater heat than ever. Letting go my hand, as I entered the Covent, he told me, after long silence, that as humoursome and pettish against him as I was, he would be still ready to serve me: This offer, which should have appeased me, angered me more than ever; so that I told him, haughtily enough, I made just as much account of his protection as I did of his person: This answer madded him, that he went away without saying a word more to me: My Enemies looked on this as a good occasion to work me out of favour with him, and succeeded in it.  
About this time I endeavoured by several Letters to the Ministers of France, to prevail with the King to revoke the Orders he had given to prohibit my coming into his Kingdom, but I could not obtain the favour: The mean time his Highness Royal past all the Summer at La Venery, without as much as sending me one compliment: At his return he came to see me with Madam Royal, to comfort me for the death of Count Soisons; he performed this melancholy Compliment with a great deal of Ceremony, the sadness of his Countenance suiting very well with that of the occasion. Finding myself destitute of hopes from France, and less honoured than formerly by the Sovereign of Savoy, I laid hold on an opportunity offered me by a Voyage of the Marquis de Bourgamanero to Turin, to entreat him to prevail with the Constable, his very good Friend, to give me leave to go into France, being assured the King would not deny me that favour if the Constable desired it. The Marquis returned to Milan to serve me on this occasion, and with full purpose to return to me as soon as he should obtain the permission requisite from the Court of Spain, where he said he must write to obtain it, being not disposed to ask it of the Duke d' Ossuna, than Viceroy of Milan, for fear of being denied by him, who had already, by his fault, lost the Love and Esteem this Gentleman had once had for him. While matters stood thus, the Constable flattered me with hopes the most Christian King would permit me to return into France, assuring me he had entreated his Majesty to do it. 'Twas no hard matter to make me believe a thing I so much desired: I was the more induced to believe this, as knowing it for the Constable's interest I should leave Turin: The Marquis de Borgamanero, the beginning of Autumn, returned with the permission (I mentioned) granted by the Queen Regent of Spain: But finding the Constable writ to me every day he had not received answer from France, and judging he would be better pleased I should retire into Flanders than any other place, I resolved to go thither; intending to set out within eight days, I spoke of it to the Marquis who highly approved it. About this time I received several visits from the Duke of Savoy, but not with the satisfaction I had formerly from them, being grown so weary of the uneavenness of his humour, that though he often prayed me to communicate my resolution he could not prevail: This did so anger him, that Madam Royal took notice of it; and, when I took my leave of her, asked me what I had done to the Duke, that he returned so vexed and out of humour from the Covent: I answered, he must attribute to himself and the inequality of his temper all I had done to him, and that if he had not given me cause to complain of him, I had not given him cause of complaint against me. Yet the Morning before we set out, the Marquess pressing me very much to take my leave of that Prince, I did him that Devoir more out of civility than inclination. The Duke made several Complaints, and told me he was much displeased at the resolution I had taken to be gone, and pressed me very much to let him know whither I went, protesting that wherever I went I should not find a Prince more willing to oblige me. I heard very attentively his complaints and his offers, and as I took my leave of him, I thanked him for the latter, which I could not accept, being resolved to quit his Dominions. He gave me his hand and brought me to the Coach: We went for Rone in the State of Milan, with design to pass thence into Switzerland; but being a days Journey from Turin, the Marquis, and the Abbot Oliva who was come from Rome, to serve as Chaplain (being in truth a learned Man, but far short of the other in Zeal and Fidelity) began to dissuade me from passing through Milan, telling me, they were well assured something would be attempted against my person, and that I was to save myself as long as I could from ambushes laid for me, and that the Duke d' Ossuna would certainly order me to be stayed.  
It was a pretty while ere I would yield to their Counsels, but submitting at length to their Eloquence and the strength of their Reasons, I took the Road of St. Bernard, accompanied with the Marquis, the Abbot, Morena, and a Valet de Chambre called Martin, having sent away the rest of my people by Rone: I was soon convinced of the truth of what they said, for the Duke d' Ossuna, being informed of my departure from Turin by a Courier Don Maurice had dispatched, and pressed by Letters from the Constable to send me to the Castle of Milan, gave order I should be arrested, believing I would pass by Rone, having sent some of my People that way: My Maid Constance received in the Prison there all Honour imaginable, being taken for me, till Covonago a Knight of Malta sent by the Duke to see me, undeceived them, and at the same time delivered those of my Train out of the pleasantest Prison imaginable, where for eight days they had been splendidly treated, and afterwards enjoyed, as an effect of that Duke's generosity, all sorts of divertisements. We came far short of that pleasure in our Journey over the Mountain St. Bernard, travelling throw Snow, and over horrible precipices: However we arrived safe at Basse, where we had the news of what had happened to my People at Rone, who, a few days after they were at liberty, came to us at Mayence, whence we passed to Francfort, to go thence to Cologne, taking that compass to please the Marquis and the Abbot, who were not wiling to be at the Siege of Bonne, or meet the Spanish or French Troops then on their march: I had the honour to see the Duchess of Lorraine, and to receive of her Highness all the demonstrations of affection I could wish, during our three days stay at Franckfort. Having so long enjoyed the sweet conversation of that Princess, impatient of longer stay, I set forward on my Journey, wherein is impossible to comprehend, much more to express, what I suffered from the suspicious humour, the intolerable phlegm, and continual watching of one of my Fellow Travellers, who still had an Eye upon me, and from the impertinence of the other. This lasted till I came to Cologne, where the former, thinking it neither safe nor civil to continue troubling me, altered his course; being well informed, the Ambassadors of several Crowns had made me offers of their Services, and fearing perhaps the advice I received from some might make me alter my mind; as I had certainly done, if Fortune, obstinately bend to persecute me, had not (by hindering me to give credit to what Monsieur Courtin, and Monsieur Barrellon, foretold me would come to pass, if I went into Flanders) unhappily caused me to slight their advice. But the Marquis and the Abbot, fearing the Discourse and Correspondence I held with these Ambassadors, might not only obstruct, but ruin their designs, made use of all the Credit and Eloquence they had to persuade me for Flanders. The Marquis could not rest till he saw me on my way; letting me know, that Don Manuel de Lyra, the Spanish Envoy, had given him intelligence of a Spanish Regiment, which was on their march to convoy Money to the Army, and to return: He made us believe this the most favourable opportunity we could wish to guard us into the Camp of the Marquis d' Assentar, Camp Master General, afterwards killed in the Battle of Sennef, to whom the Marquis Borgamanero had written, as to his intimate Friend, to receive us, and permit us to follow him till we came to Flanders, with the Regiment, for fear we should meet with some French Troops, who committed great disorders in these Countries.  
Before we arrived into the Camp of the Marquis d' Assentar, Fortune having designed to use Borgamanero as an Instrument to persecute me, found the means to help us out of a scurvy accident befallen us by the breaking of our Coach; which happening to be in a place where we had neither time nor materials to mend it, Horses were offered us. And the way being very dangerous, the Wether cold, and the Night dark, being not far from the Marquis d' Assentars' Camp, I accepted of a very fine Horse offered me by the Marquis of Marber, Camp Master to the Regiment, and a Gentleman of one of the best Families in Flanders. Two of my Maids mounted other Horses provided for them, and the rest of my Train went with good Passports for Holland: Four or Five Days after our arrival in the Camp, we continued our Journey in a Coach of the Marquis d' Assentars'.  
This Horse so good and so sure was, though indirectly, the cause of all my future sufferings, and threw me headlong into misfortunes I had not foreseen. The Marquis de Borgamanero having from that time resolved my ruin, and executed his designs with so much Art, it was not in my power to defeat: During my Journey, the Principal Officers as well Spaniards, as Hollanders and Flemings, expressed for me all the care and complaisance imaginable, endeavouring to divert me sometimes at Play and sometimes by discourse. As I was thus passing my time, with a great deal of Pleasure, I observed the Marquis often out of humour, and in deep meditation: I little dreamt of what he and d' Assentar plotted against me, who could not imagine the ill prepared for me, with the help of the Count de Monterey, than Governor of Flanders, sufficiently possessed with reports to my prejudice. We arrived at Malines, where the Governor told me, the Count had written to him not to let me pass further, till things were in readiness for my being received into a Covent at brussels. 'Tis impossible to express how I was astonished at this admirable Compliment, and unexpcted Reception. The Marquis fearing I might attribute this proceeding to him, made as if he had been extremely surprised, to which he added Oaths and Protestations I thought so sincere, that I instantly prayed him to go presently to brussels, and entreat the Count to give me leave to come into that City, and retire into the Covent of Barlemont, to recover, in some measure, the liberty taken from me by the Governor of Malines; who, under pretence of doing me honour, placed Guards about my House; a civil way to colour my imprisonment, but a double offence to hide an injury under the vail of an obliging action: The Marquis promised to do me all the good offices in his power with the Count, and I expected his performance; hoping that the protestation he made of sincerity, and my confidence in him, notwithstanding the just cause of suspicion I had from the order above mentioned, would have obliged him to lay aside all thoughts of revenge, and serve me faithfully in this affair, or at least to remain neuter, and not do me harm. But the pleasure of Revenge is a weakness incident to Men as well as Women, and more criminal in the former. The Marquis and Abbot did all they could to inspire into the Count a hatred against me, and advised him to clap me up in the Citadel of Antwerp, to prevent my going to France or England: So that when I was fully persuaded th●se two Gentlemen laboured my liberty, and, to banish from my mind all umbrage to the contrary, I looked on the passages at Malines as an illusion of fancy, behold with Bourgamanero a Gentleman from the Count who told me, his Excellency being obliged to march the next day with the Army to meet the French Troops, desired me to stay at Antwerp till his return: The Marquis to confirm the compliment, or (to name it right) the order, told me with a feigned trouble, that there was a necessity of obeying it, but that it should be for few days, and so long only till an answer might be had from the Constable, and leave from the Pope for my entering a Covent: that he was extremely sorry it had not been in his power to obtain leave from the Count for my coming to brussels: that the refusal was to be attributed to the ill informations he had received of me; adding, that time must be allowed to take away the ill impressions they had made, and that he would undertake the doing it. I did not yet mistrust him, not doubting but he proceedded with the generosity he pretended, but told him I was very sensible of his kind offers, and accepted of them. And, seeing there was then no other course to be taken, I went with the Admiral a board a fine Bark he had brought to take me in. The next day we arrived at Antwerp very early; they kept me so long aboard after our arrival, that I began to suspect something in hand against me. Yet after three hours waiting, news being come that the Marquis d' Osseyra, Governor of the place, waited for me in his Coach, I thought all well again, concluding, by all appearances, it was done for my honour. Having landed, I went into the Coach with Borgamanero and the Governor, who carried me straight away to the Citadel, where continuing in my mistake, and thinking myself at liberty, all my care the first day was to recover of my weariness. The second day I prayed the Governor to let me have a Coach to go abroad in: Borgamanero astonished at this, told me with some trouble, that the weather was foul, and that I were better rest myself a little longer: Having thanked him for so obliging a care, I made no further reply: But the next day, Borgamanero being gone to the Count de Monterey at the Army, and the Abbot Oliva to brussels, under pretence of returning that way to Rone, they placed two Guards and an Officer at my door: Then it was I clearly saw my former blindness, and the treachery of my pretended Friends; and that if Borgamanero had kept them from using me thus till after his departure, it was for no other end, but that he might not be thought the Author of my ill usage: But in the Affairs of this World the blow is often felt when the hand that gave it is not seen: This was not all, but, as if I had been an offender against the State, they received and opened all the Letters written by me, or addressed to me; they proceeded yet further, for Borgamanero, not thinking himself sufficiently revenged of my slights and contempts, which proceeded only from the small obligation I had to him, and knowing I had received a Letter from the Constable, and a Brief from the Pope, wherein he permitted the Archbishop to give me my choice what Covent I would go into; he advised the Count Monterey to stay for an answer and an order that was to be sent me from Spain, telling him, he was very well assured whatever he had done to me should be very well approved; not only by the Constable, but by the Queen Regent. By this artifice he broke the neck of the business, when I thought it almost concluded: The informations he had sent against me into Spain and Italy, had the effect he desired. The Queen ordered the Count to make sure of my person, and the Constable commending highly their conduct as to me, sent me a Letter in justification of it: That upon advice had of my intentions to go into France or England, they were obliged to deprive me of liberty to execute the design. 'Twas in vain to stand upon my defence, and endeavour to clear myself of the false accusations. I told the Count, when he came to see me in the Citadel as he returned from the Army, (as I had by Letter acquainted the Constable) that if I had had the design they spoke of, it would have been an easy matter to have put it in execution at Cologne, where the one and the other very well knew I wanted neither Friends nor Favour. This had been reason enough to any other to have laid aside all suspicions of of this nature: But the artifice of the Marquis prevailed over my innocence. The second visit the Count made me, upon my complaint of the continuance of my rigorous usage, and entreating his leave to go to brussels as I was promised, he resolved to satisfy me, and gave Borgamanero charge to provide for my reception there: He hired me an Apartment adjoining close to the English Covent, wherein he set up more Grates than were in the Covent. This famous habitation being fitted for me, he went to Bourgoigne, and notice was given me of the Lodging provided for me: Two of my Maids, whom I had sent to brussels, having reported to me the Circumstances of this honourable Prison, and told me I were better stay where I was; I would not believe them, as not able to imagine, though they had deprived me of liberty to go abroad and walk the Town, they would also deny me entrance into the Covent. All things now ready, and this pleasant habitation in order, the Count sent the Captain of his Guards, with whom I embarked for brussels, where I had a great desire to stay: Having in this short Voyage informed myself better of the particular conveniences of my future habitation, I began in good earnest to be afraid of lying there, and resolved to take Sanctuary in a consecrated place near it; so that a very fine Coach of the Counts being sent for my reception, to carry me to this Lodging, without allowing me the liberty of seeing the Countess or Count at the Palace, I went into the Church, belonging to the Covent, under pretence of saying my Prayers, and the same time declared to the Captain of the Guard, who had accompanied me, that I would not stir out of the Church, but to go into the Monastery, as the Count had promised I should, in the Citadel. The Captain carried the news to his Excellency, who came presently to me, and adding threats to his requests, and all to no purpose; my refusing to quit the Church provoked him so, that he sent to the Nuncio and the Archbishop for leave to take me out by force. After a short conference with them, he came to me the second time, but receiving from me as high and hard words as he gave me, he went his way, leaving several of his Guards to watch me, besides four Sentinels at the Church Door, having before that, in the Queen's name, forbidden the Abbess to receive me into her Covent.  
I was at last resolved to sleep in the Church, when Monsieur Bruneau, a Magistrate of brussels, advised me to come out fairly, assuring me he had good information his Excellency had given the Soldier's order to steal me away as soon as I should be a-sleep. I knew this to be an honest man, and believed him, and according to his advice, I went into my stately Lodging, which I found stronger and better guarded than the Tower of Danae. But notwithstanding all my trouble, which were not small, I was so tired and sleepy, that I never had a better Night's rest: But the Grates, and Guards, and Sentinels put upon me were not enough, for the Count fearing I would one way or other find a passage into the Covent, sent a Spanish Gentleman called the St. Lorenzo to be witness of all my Actions, with order not to permit me to go out of his sight. In this lamentable condition, and having not been able to obtain any thing of the Governor of Flanders with my sighs and my tears, I resolved at last to go to Madrid, and retire into a Covent, not doubting but this would be granted me. The Count approved of the Proposal, and dispatched a Courier to the Constable to inform him of it, and obtain his permission, which I pressed for extremely, out of a desire to see that Court, and in hopes to better my condition.  
While I expected an Answer from the Constable, the Count wanting his Guards, and being obliged to go to Antwerp to dispatch some affairs, pressed me much to return to the Citadel, giving me his word I should be better used, and allowed to go sometimes abroad, accompanied by the Lieutenant of the place. I found an opportunity to get him sign the conditions of this Treaty, at a visit he made me before he went for Antwerp: I had, to my cost, found it necessary to use all the caution, and obtain the best security I could, against my falling under the inconveniences I found there the first time, and the next day set forward for Antwerp, accompanied by Monsieur Bruneau and Don de St. Lorenzo. I had thenceforth more liberty in the Citadel, and every where else, after the arrival of the Abbot Colonna, who was come from the Constable to take care of me, and accompany me in my Voyage. He contributed very much to my better usage, by representing to the Count that I might be guarded with more decency, and my Person sufficiently secured, without using such disobliging and rigorous cautions. My Voyage for Spain being resolved on, I writ a Letter to the Admiral, wherein I prayed him to do me the favour, when I came to Madrid, to receive me into his House; and that he would get me leave, from the Queen, to go into a Covent belonging to the Court. All things being ready for my departure, I went to Ostend, where Don Fernando Vallederes, Governor of the Town, treated me magnificently for eight days I stayed there, waiting a convenient opportunity to embark: At the end of that time I sailed away, in company of an English Vessel, which, with a favourable Wind, arrived in nine days at St. Sebastian: I was scarce landed, but finding no answer from the Admiral, nor consequently from the Queen, I writ him a second Letter to the same effect with the former. And to see if he would answer me, I stayed eight days at St. Sebastian; during which, the Governor Don Baltasar Pantoja used me and my People with all imaginable civility. These eight days being over, and vexed no answer was come, I resolved to pursue my Journey towards Madrid, in hopes to receive answer by the way. Being a days Journey beyond Burges, and seeing no appearance of what I expected, I sent an Express to the Admiral, to to know if I might depend upon the favour I desired of him by my Letters from Antwerp, and from St. Sebastian. Continuing my Journey I arrived at Alcobendas, a Village three Leagues from Madrid, where the Courier brought me Letters; one from the Queen, wherein her Majesty did me all the honours I could wish; the other from the Admiral, who very obligingly granted me the house I desired, adding he would come in person to receive me, and offer it with his own mouth: The Abbot Vigliani, to whom I had dispatched a Gentleman to give notice of my coming, arrived, as I was eating something, with his Coach, and another from the Nuncio, who had sent with it one of his Gentlemen to wait on me: Tired with heat and with travelling, I asked the Abbot Vigliani if it were not possible to get me a little Ice. He was no less astonished at the question, than I was ashamed I had asked him for so ordinary a thing. He presently sent for all sorts of pleasant Liquors for me, who heartily thanked him for so seasonable a Refreshment. At his request I went in his Coach to our Ladies of Belvedere, about two Leagues from Madrid, where I was received by the Duchess d' Albuquerque, and the Admiral's Daughter in Law, Wife to the Marquis d' Alcannizas', the Admiral's second Son, and by the Duke d' Albuquerque (since dead:) They brought me to a House of pleasure of the Admirals, on the East-side of Madrid, very richly furnished, and adorned with the most excellent and rarest Painting in Europe; and, in a word, the finest and most pleasant place of all Spain. I was there about two Months, and then, fearing I might be troublesome to the Admiral, (who treated me splendidly enough) and seeing him naturally careless, so that he did not press the Queen for her permission, for my going into a Covent as she had promised me, I went myself to speak to her Majesty, and entreated her Order to the Nuns of St. Domingo el Real, to receive me into their Covent, or allow me a House they had hard by, between their Covent and that of our Lady de los Angeles, of the Order of St. Francis. The Queen received me with great kindness, and granted my request; and the next day sent order to the Nuns to receive me, or give me the House I mentioned: Their answer was, they would obey the order, but entreated her Majesty, with all due respect, she would be pleased to make an Authentic Declaration under her Royal Signature, that the favour they did me should not be drawn into Example; which her Majesty granted them, for preserving their Privileges, and with Circumstances much to my honour. I entered this Covent the last of August, accompanied by the Nuncio, (now Cardinal Marescotti) the Admiral, and the Marquis d' Alcannizas': That I might neither give, nor receive trouble in my new habitation, they assigned me the half of the next house for my Apartment, where they placed Grates, and left the rest of it for the Abbot Don Fernand de Colonna, and my Family: I was at first at a great loss for want of the Spanish Tongue, and my ignorance of the Customs of the Nation; and had it not been for Donna Victoria Porcia Oresco, Sister to the Marquis Mortara, than Abbess, who could speak Italian pretty well, and is very ingenious, I had had a very ill time on't. Afterwards I made an acquaintance with some of the Nuns, and past my time pleasantly enough among them, till having asked leave to go abroad once a week (as I had been made to believe I should, and was granted me at Turin) I understood it had been denied me at Rome. Soon after this I had news that the Constable, whom I had pressed with much earnestness to send me my second Son, (and in order thereto, that he would take him along with him into Flanders, where the Queen, at my motion, had honoured him with a command of two Troops of Horse) was so far from giving me that satisfaction, that he had written to the Queen and the Admiral, who had desired it of him for me, that he had no mind I should stir out of the Covent, and entreated her Majesty not to permit it; that I was safe, and in good hands at Madrid, and that he was loath to hazard the seeing me at liberty elsewhere. Nothing provokes me more than contradiction; 'tis hard to express how highly I resented this usage, especially considering I was continually watched by a number of persons, who were spies upon my actions, by the appointment of the Abbot Don Fernand, who with a furious rigour executed the Constable's orders: Besides, there were several disaffected persons, who made it their business to set my Husband against me, and do me ill offices, writing to him I had a mind to be gone, and would certainly do it, if not carefully watched. This made me resolve to quit the Covent, and let them see all the pains they took to keep me up close, could keep me there no longer than I pleased. Don Fernand being abroad, and all my Men with him, I commanded my Maids to throw down those strong, thick, and high Walls, the Author of my life says were the only Obstacle could stop me: I gave the Duke d' Ossuna, the Admiral, and the Prince d' Astillano, notice of what I had done, by a Billet written to every of them, entreating their favour on this occasion, since it was not my design (as my Enemies gave out) to fly into France or into England, but to be at liberty in the House I was in, it being not just I should be kept up in a place I had freely and voluntarily entered: The Duke of Ossuna, though an honest and a gallant Gentleman, was willing to see the storm over; and having sent on the morrow to compliment me, respited his visit for some days, convincing me on this occasion he was more a Politician, than gallant or obliging. It was a whole week ere I could see the Prince d' Astillano, who excused himself, saying, the news came to him late. The Nuncio Melini and the Admiral, whom Don Fernand had prayed to come presently, failed not to do it, not to favour my design, but execute their own, which was to oblige me to return into the Cloister. I did all I could to prevent it, and found no small help from the difficulty the Nuns made to receive me: yet wanting protection, and having cause to fear the worst from them who had proved so contrary to my expectations, I followed the advice of returning into the Cloister, the Nuns having submitted upon the Nuncio's threating to excommunicate them, in case of resistance. The Admiral, after so important an expedition, proud to see me cooped up, solicited their Majesties to have me continued in the Cloister, and strictly confined. The Constable was extreme glad at the news of this happy success, and will certainly be still well pleased with this Court, while they continue to vex me, his mind being so much altered, that he finds matter of joy in the oppression of my liberty.  
I endured some Months, with impatience enough, the violence they used to keep me in the Covent. I had little hopes of redress under the Queen's Government, who answered my petition for liberty, that she would grant it me with all her heart, if the Constable would consent to it. Besides, the Admiral being the main Instrument to execute the resolutions of Don Fernand Valenzuela, was too great a Friend of my Husbands, to admit of any proposal that might give him offence, in crossing the resolutions they had taken against me, what the Constable had given full power to execute.  
In this lamentable case was I, when Heaven, pitying the distressed State of this Monarchy, and concerned for the preservation of it, inspired the Grandees to insinuate to his Majesty, how necessary it was to call home his Highness' Don John of Austria, his Majesty's Brother, to attend his Royal Person, as the sole remedy for those mischiefs that threatened the Government: This let in a Beam of hope, and brought into my remembrance the saying of Father Ventimilla, a person no less illustrious for Virtue than Birth, That I must owe my liberty to that Prince, who at his return, would certainly restore it me. I resolved to make use of so favourable an occasion, not doubting but it would fall out as had been foretold, the particular esteem I always had for the excellent qualities of that Prince, made me passionately desire to see him in full possession of all the honours due to him. My desires were heightened by the advantage I hoped to draw thence to myself, who looked upon my liberty as an infallible consequent of his return. All I could contribute to his Glory and Interest, was my good wishes, and insinuations in his favour; I addressed myself to the Duke of Ossuna my Kinsman, and the person I was most obliged to. As for the Admiral, and some others, they had given over visiting me, lest I should employ them in business inconsistent with the good intelligence they would hold with my Husband. The Duke I found so well disposed to undertake this famous negotiation, that he longed for the happy moment to put it in execution. Matters being in a pretty forwardness, and notice given me by Father Ventimilla that his Highness was parted from Saragosa, I thought it time to put my designs in execution, and allowing no longer time than I thought absolutely necessary for the Prince's Voyage, though performed with all imaginable speed; when, by my computation, I thought his Arrival not far of, I went in open day out of the Covent, not as before, but through the Gate, and the Porters looking on. Having stepped into a Coach, with a Lady my Friend, who came on purpose to receive me, I went directly to the Marchioness Mortara's, who happened to be abroad, but at her return received me with great kindness, though much surprised to see me.  
I had given the persons above mentioned notice of my second (as of my first) coming out of the Covent; and the Marchioness sent word to the Precedent of Castille, I was at her House; Don Fernand having beforehand given order all about for arresting me, that I might be forced to return into the Cloister, though he knew not where I was, but thought I designed to leave the Kingdom. The Admiral, at Don Fernands' instance, and for reasons he knows altogether indisposed to favour me, no sooner known where I was, but he presently fell to consider how to have me clapped up again into a Covent, or some other place of confinement. The short time I was at liberty I received not a visit from any but the Duke d' Ossuna, whom the Marchioness advertised of my being with her; in all the discourse I had with him, there was nothing remarkable but his telling me, it was impossible to make amends for the fault I committed in quitting the Covent, but to retire to a House where I might find the piety and innocence of a Cloister, without the rigours and austerities in practice there. The Prince d' Astillano neither came nor sent me answer, but had the gallantry to send Don Fernand the Billet received from me, and assure him, by Letter, he would do the Constable all the service he could: The Admiral, willing to appear as honest a man as the other, came not to see me, being wholly taken up with business that concerned me; which (if you would know it) was a Council held against me, and he thought fit to defer his visit till the Council were over. I knew nothing the while of what was plotting against me, no person daring to give me information, till Monsieur de Lindenau, extraordinary Ambassador from Denmark, a Man of Honour and Merit, gave me intelligence of all, by a Maid he sent to me. I could not speak with him, and attributing his advice to his Friendship, without taking further care to prevent what might follow, I thought no more of it; though the fears I was continually in, were so many presages to induce me to believe the truth of his advertisements. The Embassadrice of Denmark a Lady of great resolution and wit, and the Duke d' Ossuna had so dissipated my fears, by assuring me positively they were causeless, that I thought myself very safe. However, two days after, the Nuncio, the Admiral, and Don Garcia de Medrano, one of the Council and Chamber of Castille, made me an important visit by the King's order: The business of it was to oblige me to return into the Covent; telling me, that having entered it by his order, I should not have left it without permission from him: The Admiral spoke first, and told me, he was come only to acquaint me with his Majesty's pleasure; to which the Nuncio added, that his business was to facilitate the execution of it, and remove the obstacles might be expected from the Nuns: the third, speaking like a Minister of Justice, told me, with a severe tone, he had order to take me along; and, that in case of resistance, he would not stir from me but watch me very narrowly. Their Remonstrances and Threats would never have prevailed upon me, had not the Marchioness pressed me on the other side, and told me, it would be a very great displeasure to her, to see any violence offered me in her House, in case of my refusal to obey the King's orders; adding, I were better submit, and that when I was in the Covent, I might get out every day with his Majesty's leave: With these weak reasons of hers I was persuaded to return once more into the Covent: She accompanied me thither: The Nuncio, to surprise the Nuns, went before, and having had the Gate opened, ordered it should not be shut, as if some Gentleman of Quality had been to follow him: At my arrival I found the Duke of Arcos, who being on his way to give me a visit at the Marchioness Mortara's, and having heard I was upon my return to the Cloister, went after the Nuncio to wait my coming: As soon as he saw me he gave me his hand, and accompanied me to the Covent, where several of the Nuns having known me (by taking up my Manto) filled the Air with their Cries, saying to the Nuncio, what their resentment to see their Privileges broken suggested unto them; so that he was forced to send his Coach for the Provincial who lived at Our Ladies of Attochia, at the Gate of Madrid: He brought them to reason, and made them obey his Majesty's Order read by the Nuncio, having appeased the noise raised by the different opinions and inclinations of a hundred and thirty persons of which that Monastery consisted: Amidst the confusion I took their part who were most against me, and notwithstanding the despair I was in, to see myself used with such violence, I took no small delight in the bustle and division I had occasioned among them. The better to foment it, I told them it was a strange and unheard-of proceeding of theirs, to have so little care of their privileges which they saw not only broken by their being forced to receive me at first, but violated anew by being obliged to a second admission.  
But this Civil War was quickly at an end, and all Spirits quiet but mine. I was vexed to the heart to think with what violence they endeavoured to keep me confined under conditions more rigorous than was promised: But the ill success of my two first attempts could not discourage me from a third enterprise to recover my liberty which I, looked upon as the greatest pleasure of life; to enjoy which, a noble and generous Soul thinks nothing too much to hazard: I considered seriously what means to obtain it by, and had been in consultation a whole week with my thoughts, when by the favour of providence, that happy day so much longed for by the Subjects of this Monarchy, appeared; The day the famous Duke of Alva desired so passionately, and had so zealously laboured for, when after the banishment of Valenzuela his Highness, with infinite applause, gloriously entered Madrid. The particulars of this Affair, and Circumstances of the Prince's entry, I leave to abler Pens, and shall say only, that though I had the least hand of any in the management of the enterprise, yet no Person was more concerned for the success; And I doubt not but my joy would have been far greater for the restitution of the Prince, and that he would have done me right upon the memorial I presented to the Queen soon after my return into the Covent, (which her Majesty referred to the Precedent of Castille, who would do nothing in it before his Highness' arrival, had not Don Fernand Colonna, to prevent Execution of what the Prince had resolved in my favour, represented to his Highness that the Constable desired nothing more than to see me in a Covent; and that he would take it for a Singular favour to have me continued under Confinement. This Declaration Suspended the resolution of the Prince, who saw himself obliged to refer the mater to the Precedent of Castille, who proceeding as slowly as he had formerly done, I presented a Memorial to his Majesty, and another to his Highness by the Duke de Medina Sidonia: just as the Prince was resolved to grant me all I could expect from his Justice, a Letter was received from the Constable who having heard of my second leaving the Covent, earnestly begged his Majesty to send me into some Castle: his Highness hereupon, to quit himself with his usual prudence of a troublesome Affair, would not come to a resolution, but referred my memorial and the Letter to the Council of State. Having Solicited the Counsellors to favour my Cause, the Dukes of Alva and Ossuna, and the marquis d' Astorgas gave me their words to do me all the service in their power: they performed their promise, and the matter being put to the vote of the Council, I had the Majority of voices, and it was Carried I should have my liberty and a house to live in with decency and honour, suitable to my Quality. When I had notice of this favourable vote of the Council, I writ to Don Geronimo D' Eguia, Secretary Of the Universal dispatch, entreating him not to defer acquainting his Majesty with it, that he might do his pleasure in it: the Secretary gave me not an answer in writing but sent one to tell me very civilly, he would give my business all the dispatch in his power. He was as good as his word, having within two days obtained a Decree which was sent me by Don Bartholomew de Legasa Secretary of State: the tenor of it was, that the King having seen my Memorial and the Constable's Letter, thought fit to Suspend his resolution till his Majesty writ to him; And that in the mean time if I pleased to retire into some place about Madrid, his Majesty gave me leave to do it until a definitive sentence should pass. Don Fernand Colonna having heard how things went, and been Charged by the Constable to use all possible diligence to have me put into a Castle if there were no keeping me in a Cloister, he omitted nothing that might put a stop to my Liberty, insomuch that he presented a Memorial wherein he insisted at large upon the inconveniences that would attend the granting it me; And that it was necessary for the Constable's satisfaction I should be kept in a Cloister or a Castle.  
I apprehended Don Fernand's opposition might turn to my prejudice, and produce an alteration in the resolution had been taken: which was not unlikely, the Remonstrance he had made having already staggered some of the Counsellors of State. I thought it my my duty by getting timely out of the Covent to prevent the mischief that Threatened me: I gave the Nuncio and the Duke D' Ossuna and Dorma Vitoria notice of my design: she did not disapprove it, thinking I had obtained a full and formal Decree: I got up very early for fear a Nun who lay in my apartment should discover my design: I went out by six in the morning, and sent for some Nuns into the Hall to discourse them while my Coach came; the Marchioness of Mort●ca whom I had the day before desired to lend me hers, excused herself as advised by her friends not to meddle further in any business. The Coach I had hired being come, I went with my maids to Attocha, where I found the Father Procurator of the Nuns to say Mass at my request. Four days before I left the Covent I informed Don Bartholomew Legasa of my design to retire to Ballacas, a place belonging to the King within a League of Madrid, that he might give his Majesty notice. I had taken care the Marquis de Camarasa should send me a●nother Coach under pretence of sending two of my maids thither, to fit an Apartment for me in the house of Dona Cecilia de Vera, who had given me the Choice of my Apartment there, except that in the possession of the Prince de Monte Sarctno, who was prisoner there on his Parol. This Coach made no more haste than the other, and I had time in staying for it to hear four masses: Being come at last with a Gentleman in it who had been formerly recommended to me by the Constable, we went together to the house I mentioned, where we found only the Prince's people who gave us their Apartment as the best, and provided for us a sumptuous dinner. About four in the afternoon the Nuncio arrived accompanied by Don Fernando: Having absolved me of the Excommunication I had incurred by coming out of the Covent without leave from him, he gave me so good reasons that Don Fernando could do no less than present that memorial to the Council of State, and excused him so well for the Declarations and Remonstrances he had made against my liberty, that he prevailed with me to pardon him at his request. I lay that night at Ballacas, though without any Sleep having had no rest for a Rheum that troubled me occasioned by the dampness of the Room, and attended with a fever: this induced me to return to Madrid to live in the house of Don Fernando Colonna: In order to it I dispatched a Page to the Duke d' Ossuna, entreating him to send me presently a Coach and six Mules: Don Fernand coming into my chamber I acquainted him with my design, and desired him not to oppose it, which he was so far from doing, that he writ to the Nuntio, and having represented to him the poor Condition he found me in, and that it was better I should be at Madrid to wait (at his house) His Majesty's orders, he entreated him to send me a Coach assoon as possible; I was glad of this, fearing the Duke of Ossuna being a Minister of state would have excused himself from sending any. The Nuncio presently showed Don Bartholomew Legasa the Letter received from Don Fernand, which having been showed to some of the Council, answer was sent me; It was not thought fit my request should be granted: the Nuncio was not discouraged at the answer, but having showed the same Letter to Don Jeronymo d' Egua, he carried it to his Royal Highness, and received order from him to tell the Nuncio he saw no inconvenience in granting what Don Fernando desired. Upon this the Nuncio presently sent me a Coach with some wagons for my family, having in vain expected the Duke of Ossuna's Coach, who sent me word by the Page after eight hours waiting he would come in person to seem. This was in truth a great honour, but it would have been a greater obligation had he sent me a Coach, when I was under that impatience of returning for Madrid, fearing I might be prevented by an order to prohibit my entrance there, especially when I had received a Letter from his Highness wherein she told me I had misinterpreted his Majesty's order, and that before my leaving the Covent several circumstances ought to have been adjudged as well for Choice of the place I should go to, as for my being there in that splendour his Majesty thought decent and fit for my person. But my fear was pretty well over, when I considered this was not an order, but advice and a gentle admonition let me see the error I committed.  
While I continued under these troubles the Nuncio's Coach arrived: I quickly went into it, still fearing an order to stay where I was: We were scarce got half way to Madrid when we met the Dukes of Ossuna, Veraguas Uzedas, with Father Ventimilla coming to see me, followed by four Coaches and a great Train on horseback: I railed the first for his being so punctual; he answered I had no cause to complain of him who instead of sending a Coach was come himself, and for one Coach brought me four, which were all at my Service, if Don Fernand would be my convoy: We travelled together to the gates of Madrid where we parted. I met the Nuncio walking afoot; He came very civilly to my Coach and gave me some advice for my conduct which I observed to very good purpose. This accidental conference being over, I went to the house of Don Fernando Colona, where I am yet, expecting every day how his Majesty will dispose of me, of which I am hitherto altogether ignorant, though I have reason to believe his Majesty's Justice and Clemency, and the great prudence of his Royal Highness will put an end to my Troubles, and permit me to enjoy that repose and tranquillity I have so much need o● and earnestly long for.  
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of some BOOKS Printed for J. Magnes and R. Bentley.  

Folio.  
LOrd Bacon's Natural History, in Ten Centuries: Whereunto is newly added, The History Natural and Experimental of Life and Death, or of the Prolongation of Life.  
The History of Lapland, wherein is showed the Original, Manners, Habits, Marriages, Conjurations of that People.  
Fodinae Regales, or, The History of the Laws and Places of the chief Mines and Mineral Works in England, Wales, and the English Pale in Ireland; as also of the Mint, and Money: With a Clavis, explaining some difficult Words relating to Mines.