THE VICEROY OF Catalonia, OR, The Double CUCKOLD.  
Made English by James Morgan, Gent.  Fronti nulla Fides— Juven. 
LONDON, Printed by J. B. for James Magnes and Richard Bentley, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, near the Piazzas, 1678.   

Licenced,  
Muy 9 1678. Rog. L'Estrange.   

TO All Secure In their own Thoughts AND Undiscovered CUCKOLDS.  
Gentlemen,  
AS I doubt not, on one side, but this Title comprehends, in reality, a most numerous and powerful Party, and am proud and full of confidence having put myself under your Protection,— Cornuasumo; so on the other side I lose much of my assurance, when I consider that it is to destroy the very being of your happy condition, to imagine that any of you will think yourselves concerned in this Dedication, since that very thought would make you really cease to be so, and rank you in another herd amongst the Jealous and suspicious, to whom I do not apply myself. It is to you (gentlemans.) I speak, who are sure you are not spoken to; It is to you only our resolute Don Gabriel submits himself, though at the same time like a blunt Soldier▪ as he is, he tells you, that even to you he yields in nothing but his fortune, which it seems, was as obstinately bend to force upon him the knowledge of that fatal secret, as he was to avoid it; and though he confesses he was guilty of much weakness in permitting himself to be carried away by the importunity of Don Fernand, even so far as to watch the actions of his Wife (a horrid sin in itself) yet he desires you to believe that even in that action he never consented to any thought that suggested to him the least doubt of her Virtue, but armed his soul with a strong contempt of Don Fernands' Jealous humour; In fine, he had still been as happy as any of you, had not his unkind destiny peevishly forced upon him that secret which your kinder fates so carefully keep from you, doubly kind indeed, since they both take from you the knowledge of a reality which would destroy your happiness, and with the Idea of an imaginary thing (your Wife's virtue) no where existent but in your own brains, make you really happy: Here he submits and acknowledges the advantages your favourable stars have given you over him; he adores that heaven of happiness from which he is fallen, and instead of giving thanks to his officious friend Don Fernand, or others, who had contributed to awake him out of his golden dream of security, he cries out with the Grecian in Horace,  
— pol me occidistis amici Non servastis—  
Don Fernand on the other side, though he stands in need of friends, deserves no favour from you: A Jealous mad man; he swears you are all Cuckolds, but believe him not; believe him, said I? you know he lies: Poor envious Cuckold, he would disturb the quiet security of your thoughts, and use you as he has done Don Gabriel; but harken not to him, and if ever you fall into Don Gabriel's misfortune of knowing what you would not know, let it never be justly objected to you that you did in the least contribute to your own unhappiness; but confirm your hearts in your just contempt of those miserable wretches, of whom it is so fitly said, that I need not name my Author,  

Rather than not be knowing, they will know,  
What being known creates their certain wo.   
This is the advice of the brave Soldier Don Gabriel, who has been tried in both fortunes; And this is highly recommended to you by him, who as much as any one, desires the continuance of your happy ignorance.  
James Morgan.   

The Double Cuckold.  
IN the Reign of Philip the Second, a Gentleman named Don Fernand governed in Catalonia in quality of Viceroy, a man (to give him his true Character) of a most agreeable humour, and endued with extraordinary quality; but much addicted to pleasures, and above all, to those of Love, which he pursued even with the hazard of his reputation.  
He married one of the greatest beauties of Spain, a virtuous young Lady, and of so pleasant a wit and humour, that any other but he would have found reason to have been highly satisfied in her; but there are some husbands who think no women so bad as their own, of which Number Don Fernand was. The quiet possession palled him, and being disgusted with the continual serving up of the same diet, he was resolved to divert himself with change when he could, at the Expense of others.  
He had for these some months used to hunt upon the grounds belonging to the Grand Master of the Artillery; whose wife, though not altogether so absolute a beauty as his own, yet shone with so many charms, as that few of her sex could stand in competition with her; and withal, was extremely pleasant and divertive in her humour, and of the most pleasant and gallant wit in the world.— In a word, a Woman exactly framed to his own mould, and temper.  
The Grand Master was a man perfectly cut out for War, and so consequently, you may guests, very unfit for the Court. He bent all his mind to the duty of his charge, and left the Affairs of his house to the manage of his Wife, of whom he had a good opinion, being of a temper, contrary to the Genius of those of his Country, not at all inclined to the yellows.  
Some relation between him and the Vice Roy; together with the friendship that was contracted between the two Ladies who had been long acquainted, served for an inducement to bring the Grand Master to Court, where Don Fernand would needs honour him with a particular apartment.  
Hitherto all went well; neither did any one perceive the Viceroy's design upon Donna Angelica (so was the Grand-Masters Lady called:) he spoke not to her but with his eyes, and by his handkerchief, which in that Country, serves for a Love-Interpreter as well as the eyes; But now since of an outward he had made a domesticque Amour, the convenience of daily seeing and entertaining the object of his Ardent affections, increased his passion to such a height, that it could be no longer kept a reserve from the quick sight of so penetrating a Lady as his was.  
A little Jealousy is sufficient to disunite two women; A bare suspicion will dissolve the strongest tye of friendship that can be between them. The Vice Roy's Lady began to look very indifferently upon Donna Angelica without assigning to her any reason for it: For most commonly one Woman does not love to betray the jealousy she possibly may have of another; that seems to her to be such a point of honour, as she will never, but in the last extremity, and when she is no longer capable of concealing it, discover the reproachful signs of this weak passion in her.  
Donna Angelica soon perceived the change, and as soon guest the occasion of it; yet she behaved herself in her usual manner towards the Vice-Roys Lady. A Woman takes an extreme pleasure to see herself beloved, especially by a person of quality and deserving merit as Don Fernand was; But Donna Angelica showed so much discretion in her conversation with him, that his Lady had nothing to ground a quarrel on. But that discretion was wanting in him, whose passion was raised to such a height, that it was not in his power to restrain it.  
The Viceroy's Lady, who would no longer serve them towards the convenience of their interviews, seeing that Donna Angelica abated nothing of her free and indifferent carriage, he refused her the ordinary civility of entering into her Chamber, where she used frequently to wait on her; and which had served the Viceroy as a pretence in his Visits to her. Donna Angelica could not dissemble this affront, the injustice of it being too great considering the freedom of her conversation wherewith she had hitherto treated Don Fernand; and she was now resolved to be revenged, and spare nothing whereby she could be able to make her jealous in good earnest.  
It is something dangerous to provoke an Enemy, when it lies in his power to do us more mischief than yet he has done: Donna Angelica had no sooner seen the Viceroy, but assuming to herself a more serious countenance then ordinary; Sir (says she) I know not what pleasure you can take in making dissension betwixt your Lady and me. ay, Madam? answered Don Fernand, absolutely astonished at the Reproach she made him: yes, you, yourself, replies she: you make her by some of your actions imagine that you love me, and she by hers would confirm me in my belief of the same. I did not think, answered the Viceroy, smiling, that I could ever have been so much obliged to my Wives ill humour, as that she should make a declaration of love for me; but since it is so, Madam, I wish she may always continue it, for I swear to you, nothing is so true as what she would persuade you to; And Madam, I love you to such a degree as no man yet ever loved before me. I perceive (replies she) that she is already extremely jealous, but she shall be sufficiently punished for it. Yes, Madam, replied the Viceroy, if you would but love me a little; Not so, replied she, although indeed any other would do it perhaps through revenge, if not through inclination; but, added she, laughing, I desire not to push on my revenge so far.  
This Discourse was interrupted by some Ladies who came to visit Donna Angelica, and the Viceroy being obliged for that time to retire, writ a Letter to the Lady the same day to this purpose.  
Revenge yourself, Madam, revenge yourself of the Vice-Queen, who has had the Curiosity to pry into the secrets of my heart; she is persuaded that none can have so tender and ardent a passion as that I bear you; that I think of none but you, that I seek nothing but you, and that I have no pleasure but when I see you, and am so happy as to be in your company. It seems she has penetrated into the most secret folding of my soul, and you ought to be angry with her in earnest; for since this offends you, and it is to your resentment I must owe your kindness, I would wish to see you so incensed against her as may make me truly happy; at least you cannot choose a fitter revenge; all the mischief will fall upon her, and we alone shall enjoy the pleasure. Once more, Madam, let me beg of you to take your revenge; for though there were no subject for it, you will however but do an act of justice, in bestowing a little love upon a man, who is not altogether unwortby of some place in your heart, being  
Don Fernand.  
This Letter was delivered to Donna Angelica, which she read not without a smile, but returned him no answer; nevertheless the Viceroy from this time, saw that his affairs were not attended with any extraordinary ill Circumstances.  
The Vice-Queen perceived she had committed an error, and that by refusing Donna Angelica the privilege of her Chamber, she had given her treacherous husband a fair occasion to see her in private. Her Jealousy daily increased, she imagined a thousand times more than was indeed, and she suffered more trouble in one poor moment, by what she saw not, than she had in many days by what she had seen: she was forced to change her conduct, and to feign a desire of renewing her friendship with a Woman whom she hated more than Death. To how sad a point is a poor Lady reduced, when she is so innocent as to trouble herself about the little follies of her husband, and dares not render him quid pro quo! She would fain have had this satisfaction (though a very affictive one) of seeing what passed betwixt these two perfidious creatures, and putting a check to their pleasure by her presence, for she was from morning till night either with the one or the other.  
The Viceroy was extremely weary of her everlasting company, He could have wished with all his heart, that she had continued her ill humour and quarrel to Donna Angelica. Whatever he did, she would make one: if he walked out, she did so too; if he went to pay a visit to Donna Angelica, she followed him, and would be the last there; I leave it for your married, young, Brisk Gallants to judge, whether this was not damnable troublesome: He knew not what to do▪ Donna Angelica, who loved him not to the expense of her Reputation, would contribute nothing, on her part to make him more happy, for fear of giving the Vice-Queen an advantage over her, who possibly waited but for an opportunity to ruin her. So that being in despair with anger and vexation, after having sought a thousand ways to rid himself of this trouble, without meeting success in any, he at last be thought himself of an expedient quaint enough, and such as few Spaniards would have thought on. But the Ascendant of Love often carries them above that of their Nation. He believed that Women were not jealous of their Husbands, but for want of something else to amuse them, and that, as one passion drives away another, he should quickly put an end to the Vice-Queens jealousy, if he could find her out a man capable of making a tender impression of Love upon her. He studied a good while whom he should make choice of, to do him so important a service, without prejudice to his honour: the affair was pretty nice and delicate; but when a man loves to that degree that he loved, and is fired with the thoughts of enjoying those pleasures he was in search of, he must pass by a great many such scrupulosities.  
In fine, having run over in his mind all the Gallants of his Court, that were capable of inspiring Love into the breast of a young Lady, he cast his eyes at last upon a young Neapolitan Lord, something allied to him, and for whom he had procured a Regiment of foot; and who was newly arrived at Barcelona: he was young, full of sprightly air, for whom the Vice-Queen had already a particular esteem, and he could not elect a Gentleman more fit for his design.  
He found him one evening walking alone in the Park, and having taken him with him, he fell into the discourse of the Ladies of Barcelona, and, smiling, asked him how he found himself, whether he had hitherto preserved his liberty, and if he were not engaged in some Amour. My liberty is entire, answered the young Neapolitan. How? replies the Viceroy, among so many fair Ladies in this City, has no beauty had the power yet to reach your heart? either you have a very Obdurate one, pursues he, or I must believe you have left a Mistress in Naples to whom you will not be unfaithful. Neither the one nor the other, Sir replies the Colonel; I was never amorous, not that I am insensible of the passion, but the business and art of War pleases me better than that of Love. You are young, says the Viceroy, smiling, And you ought not to have such Ideas, for the one does not hinder the other, you may make Love and yet very well discharge the duty of a Soldier. Nay, I will tell you more than that, continueth he; there was never any great and perfect Warrior but who was made so by Love; and so engaging him further in that discourse he began to Number up I know not how many Great Captains, who owed the most glorious Actions they ever performed, to the inspirations of Love; and he concluded at last that he must imitate their Example if he would not pass for a Barbarian.  
Count Henry (for so the young Neapolitan was called) yielded himself to the Viceroy's arguments, but more out of complaisance, then through any inclination, judging very well that it would not become a young Courtier as he was, to dispute against a passion, on which all the World knew the Viceroy was so violently bend: I will court a Mistress then, says he, since you advise me to it. Don Fernand demanded of him, whether he would not be content to receive her from his hands; at which proposition the Count began to laugh, but made no answer. Do you fear then, pursued the Viceroy, that I shall not serve you to your satisfaction; I know how to acquit myself in such an affair, but too well, Signior, says he, and for that very reason it will be dangerous to owe that obligation to you: no, no, you need fear nothing, says Don Fernand, smiling; it is true, I have loved the Lady whom I would willingly bestow on you for a Mistress; but she is at present a trouble to me; and I hate her almost as much as ever I loved her. What a fine present, Sir, says the Count, interrupting him, do you make me then? will not the kindness you have for me, inspire you with something more obliging then to charge me with a Woman you know not what to do with? no Sir, says Don Fernand, and I may tell you withal, the offer I make you deserves not to be refused, and there are few men would have been so generous as I am in it: If you please Sir, (replies the Count) honour some other person with your liberality; for I must return to what I have already told you, that notwithstanding the examples of so many Heroes that have loved, yet War pleases me better. Lord Henry says the Viceroy, the person I speak of is one of the greatest beauties in this Kingdom, and in wit and ingenuity not inferior to any: I believe it, Sir, replies the Count, but she is withal a Woman, peevish, conceited, cross, spiteful, Jealous, imperious, and possibly worse than all this. You do not know, says Don Fernand, smiling, upon him and folding his arms, that it is my Wife you speak of: Yours? answers the Count blushing, and thinking he had misunderstood him: My Vice Queen, replies Don Fernand, whom I intent to bestow on you for a Mistress: consider whether she be so unworthy of you. It is true, Sir, says the Count, blushing more and more, I have made some visits to your Lady the Vice-Queen, but it has been with your permission, and I thought I had not been so unhappy, as to have caused any unjust suspicions in you by my conduct: you mistake me, answers the Viceroy, I tell you, that if you like my Wife, it would please me extremely to see her made sensible of your deserts; and you will oblige me by endeavouring to make her so; do I now speak plain? If this raillery, Signior, answers the Count, is but to make a trial of my respect, I declare unto you, I am so Religious an observer of my duty, that, setting aside the high obligations. I have to you, so great a Sacrilege would never enter into my thoughts. The Viceroy, thereupon walked a while without making any answer, and then turning suddenly towards the Count; all this, says he, would be proper for another in another conjuncture, but since I desire not this respect or duty from you, can you do me any displeasure, think you, by serving me my own way? I tell you again, pursues he, raising his voice a little higher, you will oblige me extremely, if you will make love to my Wife, or at least endeavour to make her sensible of your love. Count Henry more astonished then ever, at the strangeness of the proposition, knew not what to think, nor what answer to make. At which the Viceroy laughing, I see, says he, this discourse surprises you, and you have reason, but I have mine too. I love most passionately, even more than ever, and the greatest obstacle that opposes my love, is my Wife, and what would not a passionate lover do to remove such an obstacle: She is jealous, and troubles me continually with her importunities. What remedy is there for me? I have tried a thousand ways in vain, she hath counter turned all my inventions, I am continually wearied with her endless complaints and reproaches. She follows me where ever I go; and poisons with her presence all the pleasures of my life. I have fancied that something which may amuse her, would do me knight-service, and much relieve me, and that you are a man very proper to inspire love into her soul. You are young, handsome, pleasant in your humour, have abundance of wit, and she has an esteem for you. It is true, she is proud and haughty, but still she is a Woman as others are. For my part, knowing the sex so well, I doubt so little of your success; that I must desire you to keep such moderation in it as I may hope from a relation and friend. You are discreet, and I confide in you, you know well enough how far the service I desire of you ought to extend.  
The Count after some opposition, of accepting such an Employment, either out of complaisance to the Viceroy, or else because the Vice-Queen pleased him, at length suffered himself to be overcome by the Vice-Roys persuasions, which reached so far as to let him understand, that he would not complain, though to the prejudice of his honour, this amusement should happen to be carried on somewhat further than he desired.  
Thus they parted, the Vice Roy highly satisfied that he had engaged the Count, in a service, which another would have feared to have entered into. And the Count, on the other side wondering at the charge of such a Commission as this, which was laid upon him. He had never been very much in love himself, and he could not well conceive, how any one should be so far transported with that passion. The Vice Roy was to entertain the Ladies the next night at a supper, which was to present the New Gallant with an occasion of entertaining his Mistress.  
The Vice-Queen, (as I have already told you) was a very beautiful person, and such a one, as Count Henry might very well make his applications to, without doing himself any considerable violence: Yet nevertheless because it was a thing put upon him so, he found not in him that inclination which no doubt he would have had, had it voluntarily came from his own motion. Though her beauty was excessively charming, yet the too prodigal bounty of such a husband, was a great allay to a young heart, which is sooner engaged by the difficulty than the too great facility of the enterprise.  
He was at this feast, where he appeared something abashed, and his spirit was seized with such a melancholy, which was not usual in him, for he was generally mighty brisk, and a person of one of the best humours in the world. The part he was to play had something embroiled him, and taken off from his accustomed jollity that evening. Not that the declaration of love, which he was to make, seemed so difficult to him: there is less trouble in saying we love when we do not, then when we do; but that love is so ingenious as to furnish a man with a thousand inventions which are impossible to come into the fancies of those that are not possessed with that passion.  
The Vice-Roys Lady appeared that Evening more beautiful than ever; she gave him fair play, because she fell upon him raillingly twice or thrice about his melancholy: But the Count, more frozen and contracted then Ice itself, scarce made a word of answer to all the raillery that the fair Lady was pleased to bestow upon him. The Viceroy looked on him with an eye of pity; And being ashamed of his want of confidence, came up to him, and reproached him with the title of the poorest, and most pitiful Gallant he ever saw in his life, telling him, if there were no better, the Ladies would be very much put to it. Sir, answered the Count, I will be what you will please to ordain me, but I protest I must obey you in it with a world of distraction, for I fear you may lose more by it then you will get. And what does it concern you, briskly answered the Viceroy, what I gain or lose? do but what I desire you and trouble yourself no farther.  
The Count who could no longer excuse himself, advances towards the Vice-Queen, who having also a desire to speak with him, met him almost half way, and told him in whisper, she had something to say to him, and desired him not to go away before she had spoke with him. The Count overjoyed that she had given him so fair an occasion of obeying the Viceroy, deferred his Courtship to that time.  
When it was grown pretty late and most of the company was retired, The Viceroy waited on Donna Angelica to her apartment. Which his Lady had no sooner seen, but she made a sign to the Count to follow her, and she led him into her closet, where having made him sit down by her. My Lord says she, what is the cause why you are so extreme melancholy? may we not ask you, pursued she with a most charming Air, whether it be not the effect of some Inclination? This question, and the freedom she had used towards him all that evening having made him suspect that all this was a trick that the Viceroy and she had before agreed to play him, and that they had a mind to divert themselves at his expense, he was upon the point of spoiling all, but to show he understood raillery; Madam, answered he, smiling, I have not been for a month together in such a Court as this is, where there are so many fair Ladies capable of inspiring the most tender affection, without feeling the Power of Love: You love then, says she, Yes, Madam, I do, replies the Count, since it must be so, how! since it must be so, says the Ladies, are you forced to it against your inclination. No, Madam, replies he, but there are, you know, certain stars that incline our hearts which way they please: saying this, he laughed, and looked on the Vice Queen with such grimarces, and gestures, which extremely puzzled her, to comprehend the meaning of what he said to her, and, to make him explain himself; may we not know, says she, who this beauty is, to whom these amorous Influences have inclined your affections? Madam, answers he, with a good assurance; if you please to take the pains to consult your glass, it will soon show you that beauty. I understand you not, says she, putting on a serious countenance, and I believe being what I am, I do you a favour in not being willing to understand you. If I may pretend to any favour from you, Madam, replies the Count, it is, that you would understand me, and be assured, that you need not go out of this Closet to find the object that has charmed me in this Country. You forget your respect, Sir, says she, and now I see how far, the little too much esteem I had for you, has carried you. But if you return not within the limits of your duty, and forbear hereafter such discourses to me, I shall be angry in earnest. You are young, pursues she, seeing him struck mute, and these are faults which may be excused in such as you, if you have a design to love: added she, learn where to address yourself better, and in a place where something may be hoped. Alas, Madam, replied he, my success is so bad the first time, that I should do well never to love more. No, no, says she, smiling, you must not despair of good success: You will find others more sensible of your love then I am, and if you will let me advise you, I will tell you where you may direct your Languishing Courtship, and I dare engage you will be satisfied with the person I shall choose for you.  
This adventure was pleasant enough: for you see on the one side the Husband, on the other the Wife, endeavoured to bestow a Mistress on him. But he to cross-bite 'em, pretends to act the part of the Scrupulous Lover, and to make a conscience of being constant to his first Affection, and therefore immediately tells her, he cannot promise that his heart will be able so soon to resolve upon a change, that the choice he had already made was so good, that nothing could console him after so bad a success. Nevertheless after a great many motives she laid before him, and even entreaties which she used, he feigned at length to be overcome; and told her, since it was her absolute pleasure, he would endeavour to obey her, though he could not do it without forcing his inclinations; and in conclusion, asked her, who it was she had judged proper for the Empire of his heart? She answered him presently, that it was Donna Angelica, who had spoken to her of him that day in such a manner, as gave her to understand she was not insensible of his merits, and that if the resentments she had of him were not tender and amorous, yet they contained an esteem which amounted to little less.  
The Count would have been overjoyed if what the Vice-Queen had told him had been true; for of all the Court Ladies, he had seen none that pleased him so well as Donna Angelica. The truth was, she had spoken very advantageously of him to the Viceroy's Lady, but it was not without design. The Viceroy, who concealed nothing from her, had acquainted her of the snare he had laid for his wife's heart in the person of Count Henry: so that, Donna Angelica, who no less than he, interessed herself in the success of this plot, was resolved to help on towards the advancing of it, by prepossessing the Lady's heart with the good qualities of this young Gallant.  
The young Neapolitan, ravished with joy, that the Vice-Roys Lady had so happily met his wishes, in the choice of Donna Angelica▪ dissembled, for the time, his satisfaction: He only tells her, that after herself, all other beauties were indifferent to him: That he cared not whom he received, provided it were from her hands; but as for Donna Angelica, he had neither access to her, nor the privilege of going to her apartment. The Vice Queen bids him be at no trouble for that; she would remove all difficulties, and that, if he pleased, he might see her, and speak to her in her chamber, where she came every▪ day.  
It is easy to guests what the design of the Vice-Queen was, in making a love intrigue between Donna Angelica and the Count The employ was something beneath her quality. But where the interest of the heart is concerned, we pass by the nice scruples of honour. She had a mind to give her husband a Rival, and such a One as might be formidable to him, and one whose qualities were too charming, not to be as much beloved as he: For, judging of her constancy by the faith she kept to the Grand Master, she did believe she would not prove more faithful to her Lover, than she had been to her husband. And indeed she judged well. The ties of love are as easily broke as those of Marriage; and where there is a mutual passing of oaths, those of the wife ought to be as binding as those of the Mistress: if the former are violated, the others may very well be so too. A perfidious Mistress and unfaithful wife, are alike.  
The Count knew not that it was to Donna Angelica the Viceroy made his pretensions. This Amour had not as yet made any great noise about the Court▪ the was a great Gallant and whatever he did in this kind passed for a piece of Gallantry which was ordinary to him. He had not as yet acquainted the Count with his love, and the Vice Queen concealed it from him, for fear the knowledge of it might divert him, and make him scrupulous how to be jointly concerned in a Love-Affair with the Viceroy. So that, finding Donna Angelica a Woman exactly to his humour, he resolved by the assistance of so powerful a confident, to attempt so fair an enterprise. The bare Idea of it made him amorous; and he was already impatient to see his charming Mistress. The Vice-Roys Lady told him he need but come the succeeding morning and he might find Donna Angelica with her in her chamber. He retired, full of this hope, but was hardly got from her apartment, when he meets with Don Fernand, who reproached him with his negligence: Why, Sir, says the Count, interrupting him, do you find that I have not performed my duty well? I am but now come from the Vice Queen, I have been two long hours with her in her closet, where I have sighed, talked of Love, and feigned an excess of passion. What would you desire more? I know not what you have done since I saw you, answers the Viceroy, but a while since, you made me conceive so ill an opinion of you, that I began to lay down all hopes of finding any good relief from you. You were sad, dejected, and said not a word, is that the way to insinuate into the hearts of the young Ladies? That melancholy air that I affected, Sir, answered the Count▪ is none of the worst means to take some hearts, at least it was the means that persuaded your Lady the Vice Queen to lead me into her closet to ask me what the matter was. And there, in private, I told her what I had to say, and I hope, added he smiling, you will find your desired repose. I wish I may, answered the Viceroy, not being overfond of entering into the particulars of that Conversation, and, after having encouraged him, to pursue the design, they each went away to their respective Apartments.  
The morrow following, this new lover, who used always to go extreme rich in clothes, took a particular care to please his Mistress, in his habit. He found her, as he had been told, with the Vice Roys Lady, and as soon as they saw him come into the chamber, they both fell a laughing at the different thoughts they had of this visit each looking upon the other as the pretended Mistress of this Gallant: It was pleasant to observe the care they both took to render themselves pleasing to him. Do you not see, Madam, says Donna Angelica softly, how delicately he is shaped, what a sweet air he has, how particularly graceful his person is. I observe it all, says the Viceroy's Lady, being overjoyed to hear her speak in this manner, and I confess, if I were one of those Women that would entertain a Gallant, I would make choice of Count Henry; for Donna Angelica did judge by the gentile behaviour of the Count, and the disposition of the Lady, that if no Amour was yet a foot between them, it would soon be begun: And the Vice-Queen was persuaded, that Donna Angelica, being persuaded, as she was, of the merits of the Count, either did already, or would quickly be brought to love him. The Count acquitted himself as to his part well enough for a young Scholar. He sighed sometimes to one, sometimes to the other, to the satisfaction of both. When the Viceroy's Lady made him a sign, he went to Donna Angelica, and then returned to her upon the silent commands of Donna Angelica. Never was man better diverted, all was well received from him, he had the privilege to do what he pleased, and they permitted him, each for the others sake, all the little liberty that he had a mind to take with them.  
Some days passed in this manner, during which time the Viceroy's Lady and Donna Angelica, gave themselves this diversion, and where the Viceroy himself had no mind to be seen for fear of spoiling their mirth. The happy Count enjoyed, alone, these fair Lady's company, and grew every day more familiar with them: he was very handsome as to his figure, and of so free and airy a humour, that it sparkled through all his actions, and his company was very pleasant and delightful to them. But Don Fernand, who besides the little advantage he had hitherto got by it, began to fear, that mischief might happen to his Mistress, which he intended only for his Wife, grew weary of their divertisements, and gave Donna Angelica notice, that she would do him an extreme kindness to forbear being seen there any more, since she was unable further to contribute to that design. But she, who by no means would permit the Viceroy to concern himself about the measures of her conduct, and knowing from what motive his advice proceeded, did but laugh at him, and went immediately from dinner to the Vice-Queen's chamber, where she was sure the Count would not fail to be: What is it to me; says she, what the Viceroy desires, I will not deny myself the satisfaction of seeing the Count I never passed my time more pleasantly then since I was acquainted with him. The Vice-Queen was of the same opinion: they sought not so much now to please one another, because possibly they both loved him, and it may be already repented they had been so liberal, and not endeavoured to retain him each for herself. But, as both of them had a good opinion of their own power to charm him, they flattered themselves with a conceit that they could retrieve him at their pleasure.  
The Count being with the Viceroy's Lady, and the time of going to take the air drawing on, they proposed to walk in the Garden, when there came in some Ladies, to wait upon the Vice-Queen, and their visit growing somewhat tedious, Donna Angelica whispers the Viceroy's Lady that she would stay for her in the Garden, with the Count, in the Arbour, near the Labyrinth, and so they took their leave of her, and went both together.  
This Lady did most extremely long to know which of them had the greatest Empire o'er the Count's affections, though she did not much doubt but it was herself, his eyes, and all his ways of expressions, as well as his mouth, had sufficiently confirmed her in this belief, but to avoid the ordinary mistake of women, who are willing to flatter themselves in this particular, she was resolved to have from him a clear declaration of the truth; and they were no sooner in the Arbour, but, beginning to laugh after a very charming manner; for a Young Lover, says she, Count Henry, you have made a great progress in a little time: You are but newly arrived in this Court, and you have got already such an esteem among all the Ladies, that I should not very much flatter you, in saying it is arrived even to the point of Love. You are obliging, Madam, answered the Count, but I should be too happy, were the progress I have made, capable of reaching your heart. My heart, says she, with a kind of secret joy that appeared in her eyes, you have no thoughts of it, you questionless take me for the Vice-Queen. No, Madam, replies the Count; I know to whom I speak, and if either of us mistake, it is you, if you imagine my wishes and sighs are addressed to the Vice-Queen: it is you, Madam, that are their fair object, and they only aspire at your heart. And, seeing she answered nothing, (for possibly she was then at a stand what to say to him,) he made use of her obliging silence, and having put one knee to the ground; Madam, says he, most passionately taking one of her fair hands, and giving it a thousand kisses, I have a long while waited for an opportunity to swear to you by all that is most powerful, and tender in Love, that not only I never had any other design then to love you, but also that I never will Love any besides yourself so long as I live. As he was speaking in this manner, the Viceroy who was by Accident then walking in an Alley that led to this Arbour, saw him in this posture; but at the distance he was from them, he could not well discern whether it were his own Lady, or Donna Angelica, that he saw. His reason would fain persuade him it must be the former, but there were some motions of Jealousy that began to torment him, having made him apprehend it might be the other; he was resolved to be sure, and therefore hastes towards them to know the truth. Donna Angelica was the first that perceived him, who hastily making the Count rise up from the ground; what have you done, Sir, says she, the Viceroy has seen you, and I know not what he will think of it. Madam, answered the Count, I know not whether you may have any cause to fear on his side; but I am in despair for your sake, although not in the least for my own. It is upon your account I speak, replies she, and you know not possibly the interest he will take in it.  
The Viceroy no sooner knew Douna Angelica, but changing colour twice or thrice, according to the different motions wherewith he was agitated, his voice failing, as if he had been stabbed to the heart. Certainly Madam, says, he, the Count has either received, or does demand of you some extraordinary favour, to be in that suppliant posture I saw him in at your feet: One or the other, says she, being nettled at his words, may possibly be true; but you may better be informed of it from him then me, to which purpose I leave ye together. The Viceroy would have stopped her, but she desired him to let her go, with such an air, as Don Fernand durst no longer oppose her in it.  
Never was Lover so dissatisfied as the Viceroy. What he had already seen almost gave him his deaths-wound, and for his comfort afterwards, she fled from his sight. He walked about there without saying a word, his mind being tortured with a thousand thoughts each more distracting then other; and at last making a stop before the young Neapolitan, who was also in as dumb a figure as himself; by what I perceive, says he to him, without looking on him, you are one of those who with great difficulty begin to love, but when once they are set in, none comes amiss to them. A few days since, you knew not what love meant, now one Mistress is too little for you. The Count which though young and unexperienced in these affairs, yet had a piercing wit of his own, readily apprehended, by the trouble he saw in the Vice-Roys countenance, as well as by what he had heard him say to Donna Angelica, that it was she he was so deeply in love withal, and that it was his jealousy only which had made him speak in that manner, so that to repair the ill effect of this last adventure, he told him, that he was utterly ignorant of the ground of this reproach which he made him, and that if he were in love, it was with the Vice-Queen, and that too in pure obedience to him, and that he had not thrown himself at the feet of Donna Angelica, but to render her his acknowledgements for the many good offices she had done him as to his Lady.  
This reason, though plausible enough of itself, did not work a perfect cure upon the mind of the jealous Don Fernand, but however he was somewhat appeased by it. You Italians, says he, as a small matter obliges you, so you carry your acknowledgements to such an excess, that one would imagine you had received very high favours, and that no less than a perfect surrender of all was made to you, when indeed, very little, or nothing is done for you. It was I, continued he, that desired Donna Angelica to serve you in your love to my Wife, and it is to me only you are to owe the Obligation. And to leave you nothing more to guests of this business, but to repose an absolute confidence in you, It is Donna Angelica whom I love, and therefore that you might not be any longer deceived, and that in leaving the Vice-Queen to your dividend, let me desire you that you would forget to cast your eyes on the other, and to avoid even being seen in her company, at least in private. If I were in your place I know which of the two would please me best: and I must confess, there is no woman I could love better than my wife, were she another's; but she is mine, and that title is sufficient to give all husbands a disgust who are of my humour and constitution. Do not think this to be any caprice; most married men are of this temper, and I know also good store of wives endeavour to imitate them, and so to repay them in the same Coyn.  
As he was discoursing after this manner, the Vice-Queen, who as soon as she could, had got rid of her visitants, came hastily, into the Garden with a resolution, caused partly by curiosity, partly by Jealousy, to overhear Donna Angelica's discourse with the Count, and passing through the Labyrinth, that she might not be seen, she came to the place time enough to overhear some part of the moral discourse her honest husband held with the Count; she listened with a great deal of patience, even with that which exceeded other women, and she heard the Count, make her husband this answer. Sir, the Vice Queen is certainly one of the most beautiful persons under heaven, and a man must be then, as you say, her husband, not to love her; but likewise, you ought not to fear, that a man who is not her husband, and to whom you have given the liberty of loving her, should not make his advantage of that blessing, and should ever dream of engaging himself elsewhere: as for my part, I will stand firm, as a Rock to this inclination, as long as you shall think good to permit me.  
This Resolution of the Count's did a little comfort the Vice-Queen, for her husband's contempt, who heartily endeavoured to persuade the young Gallant, that he could not make a better choice than that of his Wife, nor find a more Agreeable husband then himself, provided he came not to one particular point, which he kept for a reserve, leaving him all the rest. They parted thus from the Arbour and being come to the Palace together, the Viceroy took his leave to go to Donna Angelica, with whom he was to make his peace before he went to bed, if he meant to sleep quietly that night.  
As for the Vice Queen, she was walking still in the Garden, making divers reflections upon what she had heard. What a vexation was it for a person of so many kill charms as she abounded with, to think of the rare Dialogue, wherein her husband, with his usual eloquence, had set forth the esteem and love he had for her. Women of what condition or quality soever, can never pardon such kind of slights especially those that are handsome. She called him by the most injurious names she could invent. Is it possible says she, that I can be so little valued, and that a man, for whom I have given myself a thousand torments, and whom I have loved hitherto even to the contempt of a thousand that deserved it better, should himself labour for his own dishonour? Oh Heavens! pursues she, this indifference of his, or rather this insupportable injury he does me, cannot sufficiently be punished. I ought to content a husband that is of this humour: I have yet the same charms and winning looks as I had, wherewith I might allure a thousand lovers to me, without giving him the trouble of seeking them for me; he shall not have cause to complain on that score. I will see how far his patience will extend; and I am a fool myself if I make not Him the greatest of all mankind. Let me begin with this young Neapolitan, I perceive I am not indifferent to him, and since he is a Gallant I receive from my husband's hands, let me entertain him so kindly as that he may have no cause to be dissatisfyed. He will lose more by it then myself.  
With these thoughts she bore herself company to her Chamber, and entertained herself with them the greatest part of the night, during which, she confirmed herself in the resolution she had taken, of seconding her disloyal husband's good intentions.  
When a virtuous woman has taken the pains to convince herself, & is fully persuaded through the motives of Revenge and honour, that the sin is excusable, neither virtue nor honour is of strength sufficient to oppose her.  
The Count was extremely out of humour, that he had met with so unlucky an encounter, with the Viceroy's Mistress. He foresaw the consequences of it, and he was not a little troubled at the Resolution he had taken. To think no longer to love Donna Angelica was nonsense, because already he was so far engaged; and to continue it, was absolutely to ruin himself. What in the world to do he knew not, as the case then stood, if he had been able to believe his interest in this fair one so powerful, as to persuade her to agree with him in deceiving the Viceroy, they might then keep their love secret; but he durst not flatter himself so far as to that point: he had a desire, notwithstanding, to satisfy himself in this particular, if he could find ever an opportunity for it without plunging the Viceroy into new suspicions.  
Whilst he was labouring under this inquietude, he saw him come into his Chamber. The Count altogether surprised at this visit presently judged that some great important business had brought him thither; The Viceroy, observing in his Countenance the trouble that lay upon him, to put him out of his pain after he had familiarly seated himself on the bed side where the Count was laid: you see, says he smiling, what it is to be in love by my being up so early; when you are as fast taken in the Amorous lime-twigs as myself, you will then sleep as little as I do: and passing from this little preamble to the occasion of his visit, he told him, that Donna Angelica was mightily incensed against him, even almost to the last extremity, for what he had said the evening before, in the Garden: You know pursues he, whether I testified any kind of regret or jealousy, when I found you alone with her, though possibly I might have had very good ground for both. But however, she has passed a thousand severe censures upon that action. You must go wait upon her this morning, and, if she puts you upon that Chapter, endeavour what you can to disabuse her; but above all, be sure to take no Notice that I have spoke to you, or that I have in the least made you my confident of my passion for her. If she speaks to you of the Vice Queen, let her understand that all your inclinations are bend that way for her. It is the ordinary frailty of Womankind to flatter themselves that they are extremely admired by the men, and you having seen them both together, she perhaps may think you have made a dividend of your heart betwixt them; but let her understand your inclinations, let her see your heart is incapable of adoring any more than one Divinity; and that, having made choice of the Vice-Queen, you have given up yourself absolutely to be subject to her Empire.  
After these, and a great many other good Remonstrances, the Vice Roy went his way, and the Count, having dressed himself, to the most advantage he could, directed his way to the Palace, and found Donna Angelica bright as the day, setting before her toilet; she blushed when she saw him, possibly at the remembrance of the last words he had spoke to her, and having made him sit down, they both remained silent, perplexed, I am apt to believe with the multitude of their thoughts, rather than want of matter for a discourse. But Donna Angelica, unwilling any longer to insult upon the young Lover's disorder took pity on him thereby to retrieve his courage; I thought, says she, you came here to ask my pardon for the boldness you took yesterday in the Evening, but by what I perceive, you have forgot it already. It is true Madam, answers he sighing, I am criminal enough to beg your pardon, since I have been so unhappy as to displease you, but I must confess to you, though I were to expiate my fault with the laying down of my life at your feet, I know not whether I could ever repent of what I said to you; and if it be a crime to love you, I am in danger of being, all my life, the greatest criminal in the world. You do not fear then, replies she, to offend me. Alas Madam, says he sighing, I dread your least displeasure, but love is a God more to be feared than you. It is high time to explain myself, and I am so wretched as not to please you, let me then at least understand my misfortune. Well Sir, says she, will you be satisfied if I tell you, that such a man as you, never sighed in vain; she could not bring forth these words without blushing, but they so strangely possessed our young lover with a joyous transport, that flinging himself at her knees, he embraced them a thousand times: She made him rise, and told him, smiling, he should have a care the Viceroy did not find him again in that posture, whom he was to look upon as his most dangerous enemy. I know it, Madam, says he, in a tone wherein there was less assurance, and that he is already too well established in your heart, ever for me to hope to displace him: it is not on that point replies she, you ought to fear him, but it is because he will have a watch over your actions, and if we are not wonderfully circumspect, his jealousy will bring a great deal of trouble to us both. Then the Count acquainted her with the visit he had received from him that morning, and the discourse they had held, and that it was by his Order he had made her this visit, and in fine each of them passing from these confidences, they entrusted one another with their deepest reserves. The Count acquainted her with what had passed between him and the Vice-Roys. Lady, and Donna Angelica to requite him, concealed nothing that had passed between the Viceroy and herself: Thus having diverted themselves, they took their measures how to deceive both the Vice Roy and his Lady: After which, having made a very fair progress in so early an Amour, they parted infinitely satisfied with each other.  
The Vice Queen, who used every morning to receive a visit from her dear Gallant, waited for him with more impatience than ever, and began to be quite and clean out with him for tarrying so long from her, as if he could have divined the favourable dispositions of her heart towards him that day, She could stay no longer, but immediately after dinner, she went to visit Donna Angelica, to hear what was become of him: she was told, he had passed part of the morning in her chamber, which news together, with some other melancholy thoughts, put her clearly out of all good humour for the rest of that day.  
The Count came not to her till about the Evening, and found her in her chamber very much indisposed, and full of thoughtfulness. No doubt she was thinking at that time of him. And she received him with such an indifference as gave him plainly to understand, she had a quarrel with him; and he was not long ere he knew what it was; for, after he had used some importunities to beseech her to disclose, she reproached him with a thousand things, many of which he was not guilty of, and which ended all in the visit he had made that day to Donna Angelica, upon which she made a long and smart descant. The Count answered her, that if he should be in love with that Lady, he paid but the duty of an obedience to her in it: You are a Traitor replies she, you have obeyed me without repugnance, and it appears but too plain, that I counselled you nothing, but what was agreeable before to your inclinations, and that in refusing your heart, I only hindered you from becoming perfidious to me. You have yet so much power, Madam, answered the Count, over this heart, that if you please but to recall the gift you have made of it, it will easily return an absolute Captive to you.  
To speak to her in this manner was indeed to deserve the name of a Traitor; but he had reason to apprehend some danger from her, as well as from the Viceroy. He plainly saw, she had engaged him in an amour with Donna Angelica, whom she mortally hated, but with an intention to ruin her. Moreover, as he knew not what was in the breast of this fair one, although he had of late discovered some increase of her inclination towards him, he did not imagine that what she said to her would be of so great a consequence. But the Vice Queen, who really imagined, that the Count's inclination was greater towards her rival, had not any difficulty to be persuaded to what she was willing to believe, and so engaged him to make his most tender addresses to her. The young Count, who after he had so happily passed the morning, was now full of gallantry, added treachery to treachery, and said to her, all he could have said to Donna Angelica, insomuch that the abused Vice Queen, furiously swallowed all his Courtship, and was most passionately charmed with it.  
These sort of treacheries, are much in use as well among men as women; which is the reason that we take a stricter care, and rely no more upon the faith of words then upon that of looks. The heart itself often proves a great Liar; what it longs for one day it has an aversion to the next.  
The young Count was something tainted with the corruption of the age: and the Vice-Queen, though otherwise a very ingenious woman, suffered herself to be deceived, because she extremely wished all things just to the standard of the young Courtier's Rhetoric to her.  
He saw Donna Angelica, but it was privately, and from her, he came full of love to make his court to the Vice Queen; He used the same disguise towards the Vice Roy, whom Donna Angelica treated more favourably, to amuse him, and not to make him suspect that she had any secret intrigue with Count Henry. But it is impossible for a jealous man, and a jealous woman long to be abused, by those whom love takes pleasure sometimes to blind: It it very difficult when we are possessed with a great passion to be always on the defensive part against another passion: and if we are the least forgetful before those who watch us narrowly we are soon caught.  
The Vice-Queen, and Donna Angelica very seldom saw one another; the Jealousy which had already embroiled them on their husband's account, had now also disunited them on the account of a Gallant. As for the Viceroy, he was well satisfied with the proceedings of the Count as to his wife, but not as to his Mistress, and while he was at rest from the importunity of the former, he was much disquieted for the love of the other. The submissive posture, in which he had seen the Neapolitan Count, in the Garden, came continually into his mind, and he had observed so great a change in Donna Angelica's carriage and behaviour since that time, who did sometimes absent herself for half a day together, so that no body knew what was become of her, that it gave him sufficient matter for his thoughts to work on.  
The Vice-Queen was much happier then; for she imagined she had an equal return of Love from the Count, to that she gave him; she saw him every day, and took all the liberty with him, that any woman would take who cares not if all the world knows she entertains a Gallant: She had a right to it not to be questioned, nay further, none could indeed tell how to say any thing against it. Her husband would have it so: he was a Gallant she had received from his own hand, who had trained him up on purpose to make him pleasing to her. It is true he had prescribed him some limits, but however the Vice-Queen was mightily pleased, in that he left her the means of revenging herself on him, and it was in the transgression of those limits, that the pleasure of her revenge consisted.  
When inclination is joined with revenge, we very seldom miss our blow: and Women especially who have always their revenges ready at hand. The Vice-Queen found herself one morning extremely inclined not to pardon her husband: she had had that night a thousand pleasant dreams of the Count, and possibly waited only for his coming, to make those dreams out, my traitor of a husband says she to herself is absent, I am alone, and if the Count should come at this instant, I▪ know not what I should be able to deny him; And I am very sure few women in the world would have had my patience. What? abused on all sides by a man, who instead of adoring me as he should do; does court another before my face, even to the last point of gallantry! nay more, just heavens! he seeks me out a Gallant to comfort me for his disloyalty, or rather to amuse me, he teaches him ways to please me, nay, and complains of him that he does not please me enough. Oh! had the most virtuous woman living such husbands as mine, we should see if their honour were able to hold out against such cruel injuries. From these thoughts she passed to others more agreeable: She represented the Count to her mind in a thousand charming ways; the Ideas whereof filled her with an impatiency of seeing him not to be expressed. But all the desires, and languishing motions of her soul brought him not: Noon day came; and now she prepared herself to make him a thousand reproaches, being no less enraged against him then against the Viceroy, though in a very different manner.  
The unfortunate Count, was at that time embroiled in a very troublesome business, and so could not much think of her: she had sent twenty times to his lodging, and as often to Donna Angelica's, but could hear no tidings of him. What misfortune had happened to him, what was become of him, you shall now hear.  
The jealous Viceroy who had been advertised by the secret spies he kept over Donna Angelica, that the Count visited her almost every night, had often attempted to surprise them together; but whether it was the good address of the Gallant, or whether love was so kind to favour them I can't tell; but so so it was, that they had always the happiness to come off safe: so that being almost in despair, and being infinitely desirous at what price soever, to bring about his design, he had planted one of his spies when it just began to be dusky, behind the tapestry at her Chamber door▪ to see when the Count came in, or she went out to find him.  
It is very well if we are but once happy in such an amour: Too much good fortune oft times makes us negligent; and we find ourselves very near a precipice, when we think ourselves just at the Zany of our happiness: But we ought not to rely too much upon our past good fortune, and in matters of danger, we ought to be as vigilant as our Observers. Heavens defend all lovers from such a jealous Man as this Viceroy of Catalonia, who had abandoned his Wife to another's addresses, that he might have the pleasure to make his applications to a Mistress without being troubled in his business.  
He had intelligence brought him about midnight, that his Rival was come, and had slipped into a closet that was near Donna Angelica's chamber. This news transported him both with joy and anger: He disguises himself in the habit of one of his men, comes immediately to the closet and knocks softly at the door. Count-Henry used every night to come to that happy place, where when the Grand Master was in bed, he passed an hour or two, as affairs would give him leave, in most pleasant conversation with Donna Angelica; And now hearing one knock so gently at the door, he doubted not but that it was his fair Mistress. He opened the door softly, and perceived one with a hat on, who endeavoured to force an entrance; but being young and stronger than the assailant, he pushed him back, and clapped the door so suddenly to, that the Viceroy ran a very great danger of leaving part of his Nose behind him. Just at this time the Grand Master came from the town, and hearing a noise, as he passed towards his Lady's chamber, he asked what it was. The Viceroy had taken care to put out two lights which usually stood there; and hearing the Grand Master's voice, being seized with a sudden fear, (for he would not for the world be seen in that disguise) endeavoured to make his escape, which he did not however acquit himself so well of, but that the Grand Master in the pursuit regaled him with his cane; with which he gave him two or three severe drubs, crying out thiefs, thiefs: but he escaped for all this happily enough, if this may be called a happiness. Donna Angelica heard this alarm in her chamber, but felt it more in her heart. They told her there was a thief that would have broke into her closet, but she doubted it was her Dear Count: so that trembling all over with fear, she came out of her chamber, to see whether he were taken. The Grand Master told her he was not, but that he had so mauled him with his cane, that he did not believe he would come thither any more this good while. This news gave the affrighted Lady some comfort, not but that she was much concerned that her dear Gallant had been so ill treated. But after the danger she thought he had escaped, she thanked her stars that he had come off so cheap. These are the fruits of love, which many young lovers have sometimes gathered before the flowers: she made some complaints within herself, which being passed, she could not but laugh at the reflection she made upon the Adventures of Lovers, and how different their days are, one from the other. She knew not that it was the Viceroy, that had been paid so handsomely for his curiosity, and undergon the punishment due to his extravagantly jealous humour.  
That unfortunate lover came home very much mortified as may be imagined, cursing after a strange rate the folly of Love, but yet more Donna Angelica; I believe it was a pleasant soliloque he entertained himself all that night, and if he had been with her, he had vented his passion in dreadful reproaches. He would not go to bed before he had writ to her a letter which he charged one of his servants to deliver her the next morning as soon as she was known to be awake; He flourished it over after this manner.  
You are the most ungrateful of all women, and least worthy to be beloved by a man of honour. It is in my power to ruin you; but I have compassion on you. A Lusty young Gallant has the happiness to please you, and in the night time a closet is a very good place, to hide him from your Husband's eyes, and to favour your Love. He's a poor Husband that relies upon the honesty of his virtuous Wife! you may abuse those that will be blind, for my part thanks be to heaven, I have opened my eyes; and shall look upon yours with the same indifference, as I would look upon the ill conduct of a common woman: for you deserve to be no otherwise regarded. Don Fernand tells you so.  
When he had writ this letter, and read it several times over, he went to bed a little comforted, and resolved not so much as ever to think on Donna Angelica more. But alas! how little does a lover know himself, and when we have delivered up our reason into the power of passion, how little reasonable are we! No soul ever felt any torment comparable to that of the Viceroy that night. In the morning, when he began to slumber, for he was not to expect any sound sleep, news was brought him, that the Grand Master was at the door, and desired to speak with him. He knew not what should be the cause of his coming thither so early, unless it were to insult over him for the drubs he had given him with his cane, which he yet felt: he sent him word that he was not very well, but however he might come in if he had any business of moment with him. The Grand Master, who thought it his duty to acquaint him with what had happened in his apartment, the night before, was not willing to defer telling him that thiefs had broken into the Palace; and that he had come home in the critical minute, to hinder them from stealing the pretty curiosities his wife had in her closet. He would have told him what swinging drubbs he had given one of them with his cane; but the Viceroy to whom that relation was uneasy interrupted him, and told him he had heard all that passage, and further that it was thought, these thiefs were some servants that had a private correspondence at his house: that he ought to watch them as well by day as by night, and that if he would give himself the trouble of searching that closet, he might possibly meet with one of them there still. Sir, says the Grand Master, my wife has the key, and there is no way for them to get into it, Except she consents and opens the door. There may be something in that too for aught you know, replies the Viceroy, or they may have false keys, and I tell you, you ought not to be too confident▪ for there are familiar Robbers, who many times seek something that is above your money, or your choicest rarities either: what can they seek above those, says the Grand Master, interrupting him, it must be either my honour, or my Life. As for the former, the virtue of my Wife secures that: and as for the other, I have no ground to fear; for I think there's none can say I am his enemy: However, replies the Viceroy to him, go and search that closet, and if you find any one of the thiefs there, you may judge by his mien of what character the rest are. The Grand Master took his leave without making any answer, and went directly home, Wondering at the reasons which moved the Viceroy to speak such things as he did. He came into his wife's chamber, who was yet a bed, and had but just received and made an end of Don Fernands obliging letter: but it madded her to the soul. He gave her an account of the discourse he had had with the Viceroy, and of his imagination that the thiefs that had been there the last night, were persons more dangerous than they were aware of, and that he thought some or other lay still perdue in the closet. Having both of them laughed at the Viceroy's fancy, he would needs go himself, and visit the closet: But Donna Angelica, who, after the letter she had received from the Viceroy, had reason to apprehend some treachery, endeavoured to divert her husband from that curiosity. Do you not see plainly, says she, that he plays the fool with us. Prithee, how should a thief, pursues she, come into that closet, or, if he had a false key as he speaks of, could not he easily have made his escape before this. 'Tis true, says the Grand Master, but the Viceroy would fain persuade me, that these thiefs have greater designs than we think for, and he hath left me in a kind of dispute whether they aim at my honour, or my life. And how should he know their design, says Donna Angelica, certainly he must have some intelligence with them if it be so. I confess, answers he, I am a little surprised at it, but for his satisfaction, and that he may not say I have slighted his advice, let us go and search the closet. Donna Angelica followed him, and though she thought herself secure as to matter of the Count, yet her heart did strangely beat within her at the apprehension of something, though she knew not what. But in short they did search the closet, though they found no body: The Grand Master was not satisfied with that, but he was resolved to search likewise all the chambers and go the round, that so he might be able to give the better account to the Viceroy, and there was not a corner, wardrobe, no nor even a chest of any considerable bigness but he pried into it. After all this labour to no purpose, he went to give an exact account to Don Fernand, and was very importunate with him to know the reason of those suspicions he had taken up concerning the thiefs; but the good Viceroy had no disposition to extend his resentments so far, and pretend to make a discovery of things which he was not able to go through with so effectually as he could have wished; which caused the Grand Master to think no more of the business; and only to fancy that he might perhaps be subject to visions.  
Donna Angelica, was in no small perplexity: she understood by Don Fernand's letter that he was acquainted with what had past the night before, and that he knew she was wont to entertain the Count in that closet: This did extremely plunge her, and she could not apprehend how the Viceroy should come to the knowledge of all this; for she did not in the least imagine that it was he on whom the unlucky Catastrophe of that scene had fallen. In short she knew not what to believe of it, and she resolved to write to the Count, to see whether he could not any better clear up this mystery to her. She sent a messenger to him, in whom she reposed a great deal of trust, who after having sought him two or three hours in vain, returned to her with the letter, telling her he could neither find him nor hear any news of him. But all this daunted not Donna Angelica, who imagined he might possibly have received some small hurt from her husband which might oblige him to conceal himself, from the sight of his acquaintance, who might have made some conjectures upon it, perhaps to disadvantage; she was nevertheless very much disquieted, and thought it strange, that he should not have the civility, or kindness to write to her after▪ such an adventure, as that, which he could not but imagine would create her a great deal of uneasiness. She stood at the closet window, which looked towards the sea, and reflecting upon all that had happened to her, she sighed and complained of the negligence of her lover; when, casting her eyes by accident on the platform that was under the window, she saw in a little lodge built for a sentinel, a man that made her a sign with his hand, not daring to show himself, for fear of being seen, from some other windows of the Palace which looked that way. She looked earnestly upon him, not knowing at first who it might be; but at length, not without a great surprise, she discovered him to be her dear Count, which gave her no small trouble. There were upon this platform two Culverins; but the place being almost inaccessible; they were little looked after, and that gate which went to them was never opened but when they had an occasion to discharge them: so that there was no danger of his being sought for there; but the main difficulty was how to get him from thence. The window was so high, that she could not imagine how he could get down without hurting himself. But they could do nothing before night came on; that was the only time to remedy all. She writ to him in the mean while several little notes to comfort him, which she threw down together with some sweetmeats, and indeed whilst he was under that severe fatality, without having any thing to eat, I am apt to think he really wanted some such refreshment as that, or else the comfort of her letters was not of itself sufficient to keep up his drooping spirits.  
Night came at last, having been long wished for by both the lovers; and Donna Angelica having thrown him down a strong rope which she had prepared for that purpose, the young Gallant mounted up to the window with an incomparable address, and you may guests that what he had eaten that day had not very much overcharged him. What a joy was it to the fair Angelica to see him in her closet? it was such as could not be moderated but by the fear of some new misfortune which might happen to them.  
The Count acquainted her with all the accidents of the precedent night, and with what had obliged him to leap down upon the platform: she, on her part, told him the consequence of that adventure, what alarms it gave her on his account, and the Grand Master's discourse thereupon with the Viceroy.  
They concluded that it must be some of the Viceroy ' spies, or possibly he himself that had been so shrewdly beaten. Then laughed at the thoughts of it, and they would have carried the discourse out further, but reflecting upon the present Juncture of affairs, they concluded they had raillied at it sufficiently, and it was time the Count should withdraw, not doubting but that they should be now more narrowly watched then ever; so that the pleasure of seeing one another, and of being together, giving way to the danger that threatened them both, they began to study which way the Count might get out of her apartment, and not be discovered. There were in this closet some women's clothes, and the Count being of no extraordinary stature, Donna Angelica even ventured to dress him up in one of those, and found they fitted him extraordinary well: she had no sooner got them on, but the Grand Master knocks at the door; Donna Angelica, though trembling with fear was forced to open it; and her husband seeing the young Lady, asked her whether that were one of the thiefs the Viceroy would have him fear, and so went out again, not staying for an answer, which happened very well to his Lady, for I believe at that time she was in no extraordinary good condition to make him one, sufficient to pass muster.  
After such a deliverance, we cannot think our two lovers would defer any longer taking their leaves of one another: The Count, having saluted his fair Mistress two or three times got out very happily, and came safe home to his lodging. The next morning, he was no sooner out of his bed, but he received this letter from the Vice-Queen.  
For a young lover, Count, your passion is very cold: what! Is thi● the love you have promised me? to let slip a whole day without seeing me: Nay, so much as without sending to inquire after my health! I find Sir I must even teach you your duty: But that is a little too much; however I have compassion on you: You are young, and it seems you know not yet what it is to be deeply in love. But come to me, for I have resolved to make you happier to day than you could reasonably expect. Adieu, I shall expect you at ten of the clock this morning, fail not to come.  
The Count went to see her; and, after some few Love quarrels for his so long absence, for which he excused himself as well as he could, they entered into a more particular conversation, in which the Vice-Queen used all her charms to set him on fire. Count Henry, whose spirit was under no constraint as to this fair one, spoke the most endearing and most gallant things to her in the world, and such as possibly he could not have said had he been extraordinarily in love; for Love, though it suggests some times very good thoughts to us, yet it does not inspire us with the boldness of speaking them. The abused Vice-Queen in the mean time answered his obliging discourses in such a manner as discovered how well she was satisfied; one thing only in this Gallant displeased her; that having so much love for her as he pretended; he had no more confidence, but suffered all his passion to consist only in words.  

Non voglion le donne inviti;  
Violenze desian per iscusare  
Con l'altrui forza i loro appetitu.   
She looked upon the Count with eyes which drew him to her, and as soon as he approached, she pushed him back, now making one complaint, and then another; and in fine, like a woman who sought an occasion to quarrel, and at the same time was desirous to make peace; though I leave it to the Reader to judge what war and what peace it was she desired: she was in an undress capable to inspire any soul with the most passionate tenderness; for, besides that the Spaniards have naturally something in them extremely charming, both art and love had mutually agreed, to make her so, and they had dressed her in such a negligent manner, that was able to poison the most obdurate hearts. I know not what happened between them; and I should be loath to speak it, though I should know; but this I know, that, besides the revenge to which the Vice-Queen was carried out, she was not a woman that would be at all the charge of such a scene to no purpose. A man of honour stands much upon his fidelity to his friend, but no principles of honour could resist such powerful charms. Some days passed in this manner, during which, the Count, who for some reasons of polity did not visit Donna Angelica but made his court to the Vice-Queen to amuse the Viceroy. But women are less discreet in Love then men, especially when they love as this Lady did. Donna Angelica had a dying impatience to see the Count, and was angry at him, that he did not rather expose himself to some danger, then suffer her to languish as she did, and though she had herself forbid him for some time to come to her, yet she would have had him testified to her that his love was more powerful than her prohibition; and that he loved her to such an excess, as made him uncapable of obeying her. Besides these complaints which she thought she had reason to make of him, she had her jealousy also, which not a little tormented her: she understood that he went every day to the Vice-Queen, and though she had advised him to do so, the better to conceal their love, yet she was so vexed at it, that she could not pardon him: insomuch that she writ him this letter upon that subject.  
When you do not see me, the least you can do, is to see no body; but you have need of consolation, and it is in the arms of the Vice-Queen you find it. Ingrateful man! what can you say to this? will you yet say, it is to amuse her? What can you fear from her: You are a traitor, and you endeavour only to deceive all the world; me you shall not, I assure you, Adieu.  
What a cruelty was this to the poor Count, into what a gulf of despair did the perusal of this letter plunge him! He thought to go▪ and wait on her that very moment, either to justify himself, or die at her feet: but lest his rashness might ruin them both, he thought he could not use too much circumspection. At length he bethought himself, that as he had by the disguise of woman's clothes, got undiscovered out of her apartment, so the same disguise might be favourable to him, and get him into it. He was young, handsome, and well shaped, his complexion was such as might become a young Lady: and there was no danger, that the Grand Master with whom he had no acquaintance, and who had seen him but once or twice en passant, should know him. He goes then to a young Lady, one of his intimate friends, and desires her to furnish him with a suit of women's apparel that might fit him. She brought him one, helped him on with it, and it became him so extremely well, that nothing could appear more charming. This done, he takes the same Lady's Coach, and being attended by one of her women, that knew nothing of the Intrigue, came to the Palace. He goes into Donna Angelica's apartment, desires to see her, and is admitted into her chamber, under the name of Donna Brigitta, a Country Lady, who came to wait on her from another Lady of her acquaintance. He was no sooner in the chamber, but to his great confusion he saw the Viceroy there: But by good fortune Donna Angelica who came before him to receive the stranger, hindered the Vice Roy from observing his disorder. The jest was, that she did not know him, and that she would have brought him further into the chamber, but the Count soon put her out of her ignorance, by squezing her hand, and she was so extremely surprised to see him, that she stood a good while in a maze, but at last she recovered herself, and led him into another chamber, and presently returned to Don Fernand. But with what trouble and disquiet I leave to the judgement of any woman, that has loved and found herself in the like circumstances: She had with her the most dangerous of all her enemies, at least, she looked upon him as such; though he had an extraordinary passion for her; And on the other side was the dear object of her desires, whom for some days she had not seen, and for the sight of whom she most passionately languished.  
To complete all in comes the Grand-Master, who finding this Lady alone, and understanding she stayed for his Wife, who was with the Viceroy, being a very civil person, though naturally no great Courtier, he thought himself obliged to keep her company. The Count, as I told you, had a very winning air with him. The Grand-Master easily mistook him for a Country-Lady; for he had not seen any so handsome in Barcelona, and though he was by his rough disposition not much inclined to admire the sex, yet he found this Lady so exceedingly adjusted to his humour, that he even surpassed himself; he passed a thousand compliments on her after this manner: He offered, she telling him that she was but newly come to Town, to show her the Artillery, to lead her to the Arsenal, and to walk with her upon the ramparts, to salute herwith the great guns; and a thousand other things belonging to his trade of War, and which he thought a handsome woman ought to love as well as he: this was the sum of his Courtship and gallantry to her; The Count, who was very complaisant, seriously thanks him, as if those were the greatest obligations he was capable of laying upon him; and being desirous to gain his favour, he looked upon him in so obliging a manner, as was enough to gain the absolute conquest of his heart. And no doubt the Grand-Master would at last have made love, had he known how; but as that was not his trade, he contended himself with making her several other, as he thought, signal offers of his service, either for herself or her friends: And I believe he would have also made her a tender of his purse, had not Donna Angelica come in, to whom, according to the Spanish fashion, he was to yield his place, though it was extremely against the grain with him so to do.  
This amorous Lady had a great deal of trouble, to get rid of the Viceroy, but it was well repar'd by the charming sight of her dear Count; she looked on him with admiration, and blushed, not with anger, for it was not possible for her to conserve any against so dear, and so obliging a Gallant; But rather with love, and jealousy, to see him so handsome and so attractive in that figure. Perfidious man, says she to him, with a charming air, you seek every day new ways to surprise me; but I had sufficiently been revenged on you, had the Viceroy or the Grand-Master discovered you; for they, you know, are two enemies, you ought to fear. No, it is yourself, Madam, replies the Count, whom I fear more than all the enemies in the world besides, therefore let me beg of you to give me some assurance that you are not angry with me, and I shall be contented. And who, says she, sighing, can be long angry with you? The very sight of you pleads your excuse. Go, says she blushing, you know too well the way to get your pardon.  
I shall not go about to acquaint you with the sequel of this discourse; but we may imagine they would have sealed the articles of a firm peace, had not love, which still delighted to be interfering, sent them the Grand-Master, who already being fired with a passion for Donna Brigitta, could tarry no longer without seeing her. He took the pretence of telling them, it was dinner time, and desired his Wife to persuade the young stranger to dine with them. These two young lovers, who had not had time to make the full advantage of their interview, yielded without difficulty to the Grand-Masters request. Only the Count made some scruple for fashion's sake, but it was to be the more earnestly entreated, which the Lady did with so good a grace, that she could not be denied. All dinner time the Grand-Master had his eyes fixed upon the fair Donna Brigitta, he carved for her, and forgot not to drink her health. The Count and Donna Angelica who observed all his earnestness and care, could not forbear laughing at him. The new lover, never had been seen in so good a humour in his life, and he took a great delight to see them meet with so pleasant a diversion. The Count did as much as the decency of the sex he had taken upon him would permit, to make him really amorous, who never till then had been in Love with any thing but his sword. The Count drank the Grand-Masters health, he showed him all the respect imaginable, he took all occasions to oblige him, so that the Grand-Master believed he had already got some place in Donna Brigitta's affection. He spoke very highly of her beauty, and said, he was forced to confess, having made his excuses to his Wife, that he had never seen a more beautiful Creature in his life. Donna Angelica managed this scene extremely well, and played the part of a good natured Wife, telling him, she would serve him as his confident, but gave him warning that he was to expect a Rival. A rival, replies he in a fury, being heated both with love and wine, and who is it that will dispute here with me? the Viceroy, answers she, if he sees her; but that shall not be here, pursued she, for, as a faithful confident, I will keep her entirely for you, the Grand-Master was so well pleased with his wife for this complaisanee, that he could have given her the Empire of the world, if it had been in his power, to express to her the sense he had of such an extraordinary kindness.  
Dinner being ended, he kept his wife and Danna Brigitta company a little time; but having some important business that in dispensably called him away, he was obliged, though with a great deal of regret, to take his leave of them. Whereupon the Count pretended he must be gone too: but the Grand-Master▪ opposed it, and employed, besides his own importunities, those of his wife, to oblige him to tarry till his return, which sheuld be within as short a time as possible, telling them otherwise he would not go, how pressing soever his business was. Donna Angellica frighted with this last menace, as well as with that of the false Brigitta, told him she would take the charge of that affair upon her, and that she would lead the stranger into her closet, from whence she would not suffer her to stir, till he returned. The Grand-Master earnestly entreated his wife to be as good as her word, and having waited on them to the closet, for the better security, as well as to show a piece of Gallantry, he locked them in, & took the key with him.  
The Viceroy, who notwithstanding the just ground he might have to complain of this Ladies imprudent conduct, was now a little reconciled to Donna Angelica, being yet uneasy and disquieted, spent whole days in her Apartment, so that not being satisfied with his morning's visit, which had lasted three or four hours, he came again after dinner. Having met with nobody, and being there well acquainted, he came as far as her chamber, and hearing some laughing in the closet, He put his ear close to the keyhole, and knew it to be the Count's voice, which made him hearken more attentively, for he was unwilling a word of their discourse should escape him. I leave you to judge whether it could be pleasing to him or no. He resolved at first not to interrupt them, but hear them patiently out to the end; but it was hard so long to restrain the impetuous motions of his troubled soul. The more he heard, the more his grief enlarged upon him. But what should he do in this circumstance; he was almost at his wit's end, and knew not what was his best course to take; to knock at the door was a trouble to no purpose; he might very well imagine they would not open it, without making him speak, and much less if he should speak; and what measure soever he should use, it would but the more advise them to manage their precaution. If he had followed the motion of his first thoughts, he had presently endeavoured to break open the door; but besides that the door was strong enough for the efforts he was able to make against it, he had so much reason remaining in him, as to see it did by no means become a person of his character to use that violence in another's apartment; and if he made any noise he apprehended that the worst consequences of it, might light upon himself. He concluded then, it was his best way to wait there without making any bustle, till they came out: or the Grand-Master would come in. For he was resolved this time to undo them, and the occasion was too fair to be slipped. Those in the closet continued still their merriment. But the deep sighs the Viceroy fetched, who (sitting on a chair he had placed near the door, the better to overhear them, bit his nails to the blood) having given them some suspicion of the truth, made them speak lower, and then it was that the Viceroy being upon sentinel, and enraged at the heart, not knowing what their secret way of diversion might be, would fain have found some devise or other to peep in upon them, though he could not well have hoped to see any thing there that might be very pleasing to him.  
The Grand-Master who was under a most Violent impatience to see Donna Brigitta, could no longer defer his return. Those who have never loved, are more violent than others, when they begin to be fired. He left his business half undone, and sighed all the time of his absence from her: he could have wished for a winged chariot, to bring him home so much the sooner: but however, at last he gets thither, and running directly to the closet, he finds, not without great surprise, the Viceroy in a very sad posture, and with a countenance which sufficiently witnesed the confufion that possessed him; at first he made a pleasant judgement of it, and reasoned after this natural manner, what cur of a hound, says he to himself, is this; no sooner have I any game here, but he is presently nosing after it, however he seemed as if he knew nothing, and told him, as he came up to him, that he was amazed to see him there alone, and asked him, if he knew where his Wife was. You may hear news of her, answers the Viceroy, in a tone that sufficiently expressed his astonishment, if you will but open the closet door. The Grand-Master who had the key in his pocket, would seem cunning, and having no desire that the Viceroy should see the fair Brigitta whom he imagined to be the person he sought, knocked at the door, and desired his Wife to open it, telling her the Viceroy was there. She answered that she could not, and desired to be excused. The Grand-Master being glad of this answer, told Don Fernand that he must excuse her this time, that perchance she was doing something she would be loath to have any men witnesses of; I know, replies the Viceroy, that she is doing something belonging to her sex, but it is such as cannot be done without the assistance of a man, and if you will persuade her to open the door, you will see, she could not have chosen one more gallant, or more young. I understand you, Sir, answered the Grand-Master smiling; but as he is, we will let him alone with her; and I hope you will not be more concerned at it then I. No, I assure you, answered the Viceroy; But Don Gabriel, (so the Grand-Master was called,) deceive not yourself, do you know who it is? I know him so well, answered the other, that I myself locked them in together, and that you may not doubt, pursues he with an air full of raillery, see here the key; Don Fernand, strangely surprised to hear him speak in this manner, was some time without giving him any answer; and after having walked two or three turns in the chamber, looking him in the face, as if he would read in his countenance, whether he spoke in good earnest: your temper, says he, for a man of honour as you are, in such a circumstance passes my understanding. What you please, answers Don Gabriel smiling still; but all this shall not oblige me to show you my Wiv's Gallant. I know him well enough replies the Viceroy; since it is so, answered Don Gabriel, let us leave them in quiet together, for it is not the part of a good natured husband to interrupt his wives pleasures, when she is taking them with her Gallant. The Viceroy, being more astonished, knew not what to say. He expected the Grand-Masters fury would have made him sacrifice them both to his resentment, and he was thinking with himself, if he could not divert him from it, at least to endeavour to save his Wife: how contrary was the event to his expectation! he makes a jest of it; he is agreed with them, and has made himself their Gaoler. What can the amazed Don Fernand imagine but that the Grand-Master has lost his wits, or that they have given him a spell? he went his way, for he knew not how to deal with a man of this character, and looking upon him with scorn, he marched out of the chamber: Don Gabriel waited on him; The Viceroy told him he ought to have more care of his reputation; the other laughed at the advice, and answered him only in raillery. In fine the Viceroy left him with the worst opinion one man could frame of another.  
Those that were in the closet had not heard all this dialogue without a great deal of concern; They had both been undone had the Viceroy persuaded Don Gabriel to open the door; and they trembled when he came back to them: The siege being raised, at last, says he to them, this Viceroy would be a terrible man, if he did not find some others as cunning as himself; He told them all the discourse they had had, but with such mimical gestures, as forced them almost to burst with laughing, notwithstanding the little inclination they had to it. This Comedy had lasted much longer had not the Count, observing the trouble Donna Angelica was in, occasioned by the Viceroy, resolved to retire.  
But what gave them most trouble was, that Don Gabriel would by all means wait on them, and there was need of all their Rhetoric and address to divert him from it. The fair Donna Brigitta made use of all the power she had over him; promising him that whensoever she came to Town, she would come and pass some time with them: So that at length he yielded to let her go, and she without any further impediment got to the Lady's lodging, where she changed her clothes and reassumed her former figure.  
The next day Donna Angelica, impatient to hear news of the feigned Brigitta sent a note which by misfortune fell into the hands of Don Fernand, by means of one of his spies, which he had placed at Count Henry's door, to observe what passed, to whom the messenger entrusted the note; taking him for one of the Count's servants. The Viceroy was reading it when he saw the Grand-Master coming to speak with him about some important business, and beginning to laugh, he asked him what news of his wives Gallant? they said very pleasant things to each other, both of them believing they had reason to be pleasant on that subject. You are a man of good sense, Signior Don Gabriel, said Don Fernand to him, we are not responsible for the follies our wives commit; and it is a madness to be disquieted at them, or to make our reputation depend on them: how many men are there of your humour, and where are the husbands that are not subject to the like.  
The Grand-Master who saw the Viceroy's raillery went a little to far, I shall come to you, Sir, says he, to comfort me in this case, when I have need of it; for you are prepared, I see, upon this subject: but let me tell you, it is no more true, that there was a Gallant yesterday in the closet with my wife, then that there were theives there the other day. I agree with you in that; answers the Viceroy that the one is as true as the other. But, Sir says Don Gabriel, the closet is not so large; I have eyes, and I think, I know you have eyes, interrupted Don Fernand, but I know too you will not make use of them. I told you it was a domestic thief who sought neither your money, nor your other little Closet-knacks; but it seems you care not; since you are so good as to lock him in yourself with your wife. What! is that the thief, answered the Grand-Master, with a violent laughter, which hindered him to pursue his discourse. I wish, added he a little after, such thiefs would come every day to my house, and I promise you I will give them liberty to steal what they please. But Sir, to leave you no longer in your error, I will tell you, the thief you speak of is one of the handsomest women in the Kingdom. A woman, replies the Viceroy, laughing as well as he, and since when is Count Henry become a woman? Count Henry, says Don Gabriel! I think I have seen him; but he has not such lineaments, (though this were possible) nor such a complexion, nor such a fine neck, nor I know, added he, I am not a man to be so deceived, as to take a man for a woman: yet, says Don Fernand, it was the Count who was yesterday in the closet with Donna Angelica ●nd the thief I mentioned the other day. What, the thief that I cudgeled, replies Don Gabriel, I speak not of the drubbs you gave a man the other night, answers the Viceroy, but what I have told you is very true. Sir, replies Don Gabriel, if my wife had a design of making any gallantry she would not sure elect such a raw young Gallant as he is. The youngest men are not the worst Gallants, replied the Viceroy and youth is seldom displeasing in a way of gallantry, nay, more, I assure you, I know his voice too well to be deceived. We are more easily deceived, replies the Grand-Master by our ears, than our eyes. I see very well: And I too, said Don Fernand, and to convince you fully, read this Note, which one of your wives Pages delivered this morning to a servant of mine, whom he took without doubt for another: Don Gabriel takes it, and finds in it these words.  
Are you not ashamed of your negligence? you should have writ to me two hours since: what say I, two hours? you ought not to have gone to bed without writing to me, but I pardon you for Don gabriel's sake, who loves you already almost as much as I. Love works every day great miracles, but this is so extraordinary, that I believe never any resembled it. At least I can say, that none but Donna Brigitta. has found out the secret of reconciling two such contrary things in the world as is love and jealousy; and make herself be equally loved by the husband and wife. Adieu, if you come not this day at least write to me.  
This Note had no superscription, and Don Gabriel, having read it, asked the Viceroy what he found in it, that reflected upon his honour, and how he knew it was addressed to a Gallant, rather than to a Lady. I think it is enough to clear that doubt, answers Don Fernand, that it was sent to Count Henry; but for your sake, added he, laughing, I will believe if you will have me, that it was to Donna Brigitta, whom the note mentions. Well, replies Don Gabriel, rising to be gone, if I have no other enemies to fear, but the young Neapolitan, I hold myself very secure on that side, as to my Wife.  
The Grand-Master having thus left the Viceroy, came to his wife's apartment, and asked her, whether she had writ any note that morning, she who readily fuspected the Viceroy of some treachery, answered him without any trouble, that she had, and that it was to Donna Brigitta: Don Gabriel who would have sworn for his wife's virtue, believed what she said, showed her the letter the Viceroy had given him, and told her from the beginning to the end all the discourse they had had together. Whereupon the incensed Donna Angelica spoke all that her anger suggested against Don Fernand. She told Don Gabriel that which most troubled her, in the baseness of the Vice-Roys actions, was, that not being contented to use all means to create an ill understanding betwixt them, he had to her greater dishonour, charged her with a man whom all the Court knew to be the Vice-Queens Gallant: And that you may not doubt it, added she, besides the report that runs abroad of it, I will show you a letter which I found the other day by chance, in which you may see what the Lady writes to the Count She went to the closet, and brought one her lover had sacrificed to her, which he had received but two days before from the Vice Queen. The Grand-Master read it with an inexpressable joy, that he had somewhat to insult over the Viceroy withal: He went instantly to find him out, and, accosting him with a smiling countenance, Sir says he, I know not what day this is, but all love messengers are destined to mistakes on it, Count Henry has more than one mistress; a while since one of your men surprised a note which my wife writ to him, and see here another which is fallen into the hands of one of my servants, and which one of the Vice Queen's Pages carried to the same Gallant. Some mistake on both sides; but as you had the goodness to deliver me that of my wives, I thought myself obliged to bring you this from yours. Take it Sir, added he, you know the character, I think it is your Ladies. It is so, answered the Viceroy coldly, and began to read.  
You have scarce left me, my dear Count, but I languish to see you again, and the same pains other lovers suffer for a month's absence, I suffer them all for that of one night, or a day. Cruel are the minutes I pass without seeing you. Return to morrow more amorous than ever, if you will repair these disquiets. The pleasure of being loved by you is so charming to my heart, that I cannot purchase it at too dear a rate. I find glory in it; honour, and revenge, and all that another would lose by it. Adieu for some hours; for I hope as soon as I awake to receive the good morrow from you, from whom alone I expect my happiness. Nor do I desire to have any more of them, if they do not come from you, Adieu.  
The Viceroy having put the note in his pocket; with the same coldness, he had read it, and looking upon Don Gabriel who expected to hear him vent his passion in the most bitter terms imaginable; what would you have, says he, I am one like yourself; like me, Sir, replies the Grand-Master then, methinks my wife's Letter should speak so as that does of the Vice-Queens, but there is a great deal of difference betwixt them. That difference is just nothing, answers Don Fernand, and I tell you, though our wives do not write the same, they use us both in the same manner. Sir, replies the Grand-Master, if you are willing to believe so for your own comfort, I will subscribe to it: but raillery apart, I know what I ought to think, and till you have showed me as convincing proofs as I bring you, you will give me leave, upon the subject of our wives, to put a difference between your fortune, and mine. The Viceroy told him, it would not be difficult to convince him, provided he will believe his eyes; and Don Gabriel having promised he would contribute on his part to the discovery as much as he could, they parted, the Viceroy being resolved not to leave one stone unturned, to be revenged of the incredulity of the husband, and treachery of the wife; The Grand-Master designing to let him use his endeavours, without giving any notice of it to his wife of whose loyalty he thought he had no reason to entertain the least suspicion.  
Count Henry whom Donna Angelica had not failed to acquaint with all that had passed between the Viceroy, and Don Gabriel, went no more to her apartment: but they could not be long without seeing each other. They made several assignations, of which very few succeeded according to their wish, having always found some that followed them, or gave them some interruption. They were observed not only by the Viceroy and the Grand-Master, but by the Vice Queen also; who, some days since, became more jealous of the Count then ever, because she saw him but seldom; and caused him to be dogged from morning to night, and followed him sometimes herself. The Palace-Garden had been more favourable to them then any other place, whether for the convenience Donna Angelica had of going thither without noise, or without being followed; or that it was not mistrusted, being always kept carefully locked. But it is dangerous to go often to one and the same place, and in case of an amour, the surest way is often to change stations.  
This Garden was one of the pleasantest of Catalonia, the chief country of delicate Gardens. There was in the middle of it a kind of an enchanted Palace, made of trees artificially ranged, and composed into Galleries, Halls, Chambers, and Closets, with all their appurtenances, one of the most curious pieces of art in the world. There was but one way into this Palace of trees, which was by a drawbridge, it being surrounded with a deep mote full of water. The thought of passing an hour or two of the night in so pleasant a place, no sooner presented itself to our lovers, but they found means to get false keys to the Garden-door. The Viceroy had at length some notice of it, and advised the Grand-Master, the better to surprise them, to tell his wife, that he was to make a journey into the Country for two or three days. Don Gabriel who could not yet believe what he heard, consented to what he desired of him. The spies were sent into the garden early, who immediately got up into the trees to keep sentinel. It was scarce night when they saw a man, of a very good presence, walk towards the green Palace, and within a little while after a brisk jolly Lady, who took the same way. They stole down from the trees, having no more to do, and having drawn up the bridge according to their orders, they ran presently to the Viceroy to acquaint him that they had taken the Quarry. What a joy was this to Don Fernand: Don Gabriel was neither merry nor sad. He desired to know the truth, and then he knew what resolution to take, if things were so as they reported. Now the truth will appear, says the Viceroy, but I must beg a favour of you, which is, that you will not be transported against your wife, and that you will content yourself with putting the gallant into the hands of justice. I believe answers the Grand-Master that in such affairs we do not take counsel of any persons, but tell me what you would do yourself, should it happen to be your wife. I would shut her up in a convent, replied the Viceroy, or send her back to her friends, and I beg that favour at your hands, for Donna Angelica; For I protest to you, I shall not endure to see a Woman ill-used for a misfortune which she should always have reason to accuse me of; show her me, Sir, says Don Gabriel, and then it will be time enough to interceded for her; but, to tell you the truth, my heart which uses to give me the first alarm, when any ill accident threatens me, does not yet give me the least commotion. Don Fernand begins to laugh, and without any further reply, marches towards the garden, and Don Gabriel followed him, being each of them attended by five or six servants well armed to apprehend the Gallant.  
They entered the Garden: the night was so dark they could hardly see each other; they advanced towards the place, caused the bridge to be gently let down, where having commanded their servants to tarry, that they might make the less noise, and withal not to have them for witnesses of this adventure: Only they two went in, and softly stole towards the green-Palace. But it being of a large extent and having a thousand places wherein to skulk, it was hard in that obscurity to find those they sought. The Viceroy marched before, and he would have been pleased that Don Gabriel should hear part of the discourse between the two lovers, not any longer to doubt of the title with which his wife honoured him. I believe it would have been a pleasant thing to have seen two persons of their character, animated each by different motions, marching on tiptoe in the dark, sometimes listening, and taking even the noise themselves made for the voice of some body; particularly the Viceroy who interessed himself so much in this affair, that the moving of the least leaf gave him an alarm: They held each other by the hand, as the song is; and Don Fernand having the Vanguard, was the first who met with one; but instead of catching, he was caught himself. He had scarce entr'd one of the Rooms, where he had heard some noise, but he was seized by the arm. Most treacherous of all men, says the person that held him, and whom he knew, by her voice, to be his own wife, will you now own your treachery, or will you yet tell me you come hither to seek me? I leave it to the Reader to judge whether the Viee-Roy were not sufficiently astonished, he knew not whether she spoke to him in earnest, or whether she took him for another; But for Don Gabriel 'tis hard to express his joy: Ah wretch! continued she, could you after all my kindness, betray me in this manner? What pleasure could you take in abusing me with a belief that you loved me, was it only to comply with the Viceroy who chose you to be my Gallant? why do you not speak to me? I should have been content to have given you a Mistress as I did, without giving you a heart which you refuse. These words were too clear to leave the astonished Don Fernand in any doubt. He would have retired, full of confusion with what he had heard; not so much upon her account as Don gabriel's who kept close to him behind, and would needs see the end of this scene which could not but be exceeding pleasant; but before we pass any farther, it will not be amiss for the better understanding of this adventure, to tell you, how the Vice-Queen happened to be there that night.  
I have already spoke of her jealousy, which for some days before tormented her, and caused her to observe all the motions of the Count, and sometimes followed him in person. She had notice as well as the Viceroy that he went every night into the Garden, and not doubting but it was to see Donna Angelica there in private; she went thither by night disguised in man's apparel, to the end she might not be known. The Palace of trees, being the fittest place for an interview, she judged they had made choice of it for theirs: so that she went thither to wait for them, and a while after saw Donna Angelica come towards the place; but it being the Count whom she principally sought, she let her pass without interruption. It is true, that in the impetuosity of her first motions when she was near her, she had like to have been transported to some action, more comformable to her jealousy, than her sex.  
The spies, as I have already told you, went immediately to give the Viceroy notice: And the Count being come thither presently after, was much astonished to see the bridge drawn. He imagined there was some mystery in it; He went round the moat to try whether he could hear any noise, which might give him some further knowledge of that accident. He was resolved at least not to go out of the garden till he had found to what end this precaution, of drawing up the bridge, had been used, and he had a thousand different imaginations about it. But he had scarce made his round, when he heard the Viceroy and the Grand-Master coming, and understood part of what they said from behind a hedge, under which he skulked till they were gone past him. He saw them enter into the Green-Palace, and presently draw up the Bridge, which stabbed him to the heart, in that thereby he was deprived of all hope of bringing any succour to Donna Angelica: no torment could be equal to his, who doubted not, but the consequences of this cruel adventure would fall heavy upon his dear Mistress. The truth is, she was for her part strangely perplexed. At first she was much surprised to hear the Vice-Queen speak in a place where she not only thought nobody was, but where she so little expected her. She rose up at the noise the Viceroy and the Grand-Master made, thinking it was the Count, and was going towards them, when on a sudden she heard the voice of her Rival, reproaching her lover: she was seized with fear, and knew not what to undertake in so extraordinary an adventure.  
The Vice-Queen who knew that Donna Angelica was in that place, spoke in this manner to the false Count on purpose, to oblige him to an answer, such as she desired Donna Angelica should hear. Speak, ungrateful man, pursued she, seeing he made no answer; What do you find in Donna Angelica more than in me! Is it that she is false as you are: as for her wit or her beauty, you know us both too well to prefer her to me. Will you tell me, it is to revenge me on the Viceroy; No, it is nothing but the pleasure you take in treachery, that could engage you: for you will not deny but you have loved me with passion, and have told me a thousand times that if I pleased, you would no more see that Lady, and that you had not the least inclination to her; And in the mean time, while I give my heart entirely to you, and you assure me of yours, you cast yourself upon a woman whom you profess not to love.  
In all this there was something pleasing, and something disagreeable to both the husbands. When any thing was said that displeased Don Fernand he made a step back, and the other pushed him forwards; when it was any thing that reflected on Don Gabriel, the Viceroy pulled him back by the cloak. I have not yet done, pursues the Vice-Queen, seeing he still kept silence, you shall not part from me till you have declared which of us two, Donna Angelica or I, reigns Empress in your heart. I know it must be I added she; if you follow the Vice-Roys counsel▪ for you know there is no woman he could love above me, if I were not his own wife already. But follow the dictates of your own heart, and tell me whether you deceive us both, or if I be the only deceived person. You only, Madam, answered the Viceroy, in whom the Spanish phlegm began to take fire; you are doubly deceived, pursues he, both in taking me for the Count, and in persuading yourself that he loves you. You did not, pursued he, think me so near you, when you made me acquainted with your affairs. No certainly, answers she, in a great astonishment, which nevertheless she soon overcame, but I am not angry that you heard what I have said, for you know whether you have not deserved all this, and whether any one has contributed to your dishonour more than yourself. All this replies he, might be better told me if I were alone; but here is the Grand Master with me who possibly will laugh at us. The Grand-Master, replies the Vice-Queen to him, has too great a share in this Evenings adventure to laugh alone; and if he will give himself the trouble of searching all these rooms, he will find a Lady of his acquaintance here who came not hither to meet with him: Donna Angelica who was not far off, heard this discourse, and I leave you to judge what her apprehensions were. The Grand-Master who knew it was his wife the Vice Queen spoke of, did but laugh, not seeing any probability of her being there: and answered her, that he did not conceive the Rendezvous was intended for two Ladies, since there was but one Gallant. It is true; answered the Lady, but the assignation was made for Donna Angelica. Then, Madam, replied Don Gabriel, what brought you hither? the same; answers she, that brought you, though my success has been as bad as yours. But, Madam, says Don Gabriel to her, you see I have no reason to give credit to what you say, since by your own confession, you are jealous of my Wife: nevertheless if you can show her to me here, I shall then believe you. The Vice-Queen having told him, he need but search the place: The Viceroy sent some of his Servants to the Palace for lights, though she endeavourd to oppose it, being unwilling to be seen in the equipage she was in: But notwithstanding, the Order was given, and they straight ran to the Palace, to fetch some flambeaus.  
Don Fernand had no reason to be very well satisfied with the Vice-Queen; though besides his not loving her, he saw, that to give true justice to all persons, the fault lay not wholly at her door; and that it was but just he should suffer for his own folly: yet, notwithstanding all these reasons that made against him, and of which he endeavoured to convince himself, he could not but be exceeding vexed to think Don Gabriel was witness of his shame. It was necessary, to make the scales even, that he should show him Donna Angelica and he died with impatience to have the lights brought: This unfortunate Lady was in the greatest perplexity imaginable; she had hid herself under the bushes, but when she heard them talk of lights, she thought there was no place of security for her; she would have made her escape, but she found the bridge guarded. What course to take she knew not; She walked round the Moat with tears in her eyes, demanding of the night to redouble her darkness, to save her from the unhappiness that threatened her; and she was resolved rather to throw herself into the water she saw before her, then to be exposed to the laughter and scorn of her most cruel enemies: When on a sudden she discovers through that obscurity the end of a plank, which rested on the bank of the Moat where she stood: She was fearful at first, but taking courage by little and little, examined what it was, and could not imagine from whence that succour came: she stuck not to venture herself upon it, and try to pass to the other side; but she was scarce halfway, when she met a man coming towards her upon the same plank: her fear redoubled, and she was just upon the point to return back, had she not been stopped by the voice of that person, who asked, is it you, Madam? Ah my dear Count, answered she, with an incredable joy, how opportunely has heaven sent you, to free me from the greatest misfortunes that could befall me. The Count, (for it was he) gave her his hand, and told her he had been above an hour seeking some means to relieve her, and that by a great goodness of fortune, he had found that plank at the lower end of all the Garden.  
Their discourse was not long, the time would not permit it, the lights the Viceroy had sent for, appeared already in the green Palace. They drew away their plank, and having tumbled it into the Moat, they got by a by-way, presently to the Gate, at which they were used to come in, to think how to manage their affairs, and secure themselves from their jealous observers. As they passed, they could perceive the other three very busy in search of the fair fugitive. There was not a hole or corner in the Palace, which they left unvisited: Not a bush unshaken, and hardly any of the higher grass unsearched; in fine, no place though never so abstruse which was not carefully examined, as well by the Masters, as the spies themselves: who all affirmed they had seen two persons enter the green Palace, and the Vice-Queen more positively than they, added for the further credit of the story that it was Donna Angelica whom she had seen, touched, and followed for some time.  
The Grand-Master, as he had reason, laughed at all this: and even took pleasure in making them run from one side to the other, to no purpose, the Vice-Queen was absolutely in the last despair, and protested she would not quit the Garden till she had found Angelica. You will find, says Don Gabriel, continuing his raillery, that this dangerous Count has carried her away; for you must needs confess with me, that a woman being alone, and without help, cannot otherwise then by enchantment, get out of this place, the bridge being drawn. They had great contests on both sides, which at last ended in the common confusion both of the Viceroy and his Lady, who being weary at length with their unprofitable search, took their way to the Palace. Don Fernand, nevertheless, commanded that the bridge should remain drawn all the night, and that guard should be kept, intending the next morning to renew the search. To what end, says the Grand-Master is all this precaution, but to cherish so many idle imaginations of your own brain: Sometimes a thief is in my Wife's closet, another time a Gallant transformed into the Country-Lady, and now to conclude all these adventures, I am to find my Wife, by night in the Garden with Count Henry, where instead of her I meet with yours, who takes you for that young Gallant. What ought I to infer from all this, added he, but that you were pleased to give me the diversion of a Comedy which we will conclude, if you please, in my Wife's chamber, whom doubtless we shall find asleep, whilst you have given yourself so much trouble in searching for her here. The Viceroy whose head was full of what his spies had told him, and of which he doubted not, since his Wife had confirmed it, took him at his word, and went with him towards his apartment.  
As for the Vice-Queen she had left them in a great dispute which of the two was graced with the Largest Antlers.  
They came into the Palace, and meet in the Guard-room the Major of the place, who waited for the Viceroy to deliver him the keys of the Town-gates, and told him, that Count Henry was just gone forth at one of the gates of the Haven, and had embarked himself with a very handsome Lady whom he led with him. A Lady, replies the Viceroy looking on Don Gabriel to observe his countenace: You will find, says the Grand-Master to him laughing; it is she whom we seek. The Viceroy, without giving any answer to the Grand-Masters raillery, asked the Major of what stature she was, But he could give no exact account, because they walked fast, and gave him but little time to observe them. The Vice-Roys heart notwithstanding, misgave him that it was no other than Donna Angelica: and running to her apartment to know the truth, he found in effect that she was absent, and came presently with the news to her incredulous husband, hoping he would lose no time in pursuit of her. Don Gabriel was for the present a little astonished at it; but like a man of sense, by the Vice-Roys example, he would not afflict himself overmuch, and told him, that since his Wife was not as she ought to be, the Count had done him a favour, ridding him of her: so that the poor Viceroy being afflicted on both sides, and made a cuckold too in the bargain, fell to consider what he should do with his own Wife; but he found his condition common to so many husbands, that comforting himself with others in the like circumstance, he resolved not to part with her, and I think he did well.  

A Cuckold! none more a la mode than he  
The number does increase so much;  
Who names a husband means a property,  
And their Wives use them all as such.   
FINIS.   

THE POSTSCRIPT to the Reader.  
Courteous Reader,  
MY Occasions not permitting me to be present at the Printing of the first four sheets (the greatest part of this Book) I found, when I had time to peruse them, that several alterations had been made in my Copy by another hand, in some of which I found a Dialect to which indeed I was much a stranger, though it seems, it is very familiar to my Corrector; as inclined to the yellows, in the 3. page. line. 6. began to be quite and clean out with him. p. 62. l. 12. 13. knight service. p. 20. l. 12. a piercing wit of his own. p. 47. l. 7. And (which most surprised me) that abominable florid phrase, fast taken in the amorous limetwigs. I meet with some constructions made false in the mending, as that of the 49. p. beginning in the 4th. line, and some others. They could not be corrected because the sheets were finished, so that I am forced to trouble you with this Postscript, requesting that such faults be not imputed to me.  
Farewell.   


Books Printed for J. Magnes, and R. Bentley in Russel-street, in Covent-Garden.  
Plays written by Mr. Lee.  
SOphonisba, Or, Hannibal's Overthrow.  
The Tragedy of Nero.  
Gloriana, Or, the Court of Augustus Caesar.  
The Rival-Qneens, Or, the Death of Alexander the Great.  
Mithridates, King of Pontus.  
Plays written by M. Crown.  
Andromache, a Tragedy.  
Calisto, a Masque.  
The Country-Wit.  
The Destruction of Jerusalem, by Titus Vespasian, In Two Parts.  
The Plain-Dealer, written by M. Wicherly.  
Plays written by M. Durfey.  
Madam Fickle, Or, The Witty False One.  
A Fond Husband.  
Plays written by Madam Behn.  
The Forced Marriage, Or, The Jealous Bridegroom.  
The Town-Fopp, Or, Sir Timothy Tawdry.  
Plays written by M. James Howard.  
All Mistaken, Or, the Mad Couple.  
The English Monsieur.  
Tartuff, Or, The French Puritan, by M. Medburn.  
Generous Enemies, by M. Covey.  
By John Drayden, Esq.  
Notes on the Empress of Morocco.  
The Mistaken Husband, in part by him.   

Novels.  
Zelinda, a Romance.  
Happy Slave, Complete in 3. Parts.  
Count Brion, Or, The Cheating Gallant.  
The Disorders of Love.  
The Triumph of Love.  
Heroine Musqueteer, in 2 parts.  
Almanzor and Almanzaida.  
The Double Cuckold.