ADVERTISEMENT.  
THe Memoires of Monsieur Deageant: Containing the most secret Transactions and Affairs of France, from the Death of Henry iv till the beginning of the Ministry of the Cardinal de Richelieu. To which is added, a Particular Relation of the Archbishop of Embrun's Voyage into England, and of his Negociation for the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion here; together with the Duke of Buckingham's Letters to the said Archbishop about the Progress of that Affair: Which happened the last Years of King James I. his Reign. Faithfully Translated out of the French Original. Printed for Richard Baldwin in the Old-Baily. 1690.   

THE Cabinet Opened, OR THE Secret History OF THE AMOURS OF Madam de Maintenon, With the French KING.  
Translated from the French Copy.  
London, Printed for Richard Baldwin, in the Old-Baily, 1690.   

THE Author's Preface TO THE READER.  
LOve and Fortune produce effects so fantastic and surprising, that a man that accustoms himself to make reflections on all Occurrences, cannot consider 'em without astonishment. One sees not only the vilest and most abject creatures raised by this means to the highest elevation of Glory and Grandeur; but one also sees the most agreeable and haughty of all the Sex, thrown down from their greatness, by the Caprices of these brutal passions, and the Chimerique effects of the imagination, to which stupid men offer incense as to a Deity. Nature never wrought half the diversities in her productions, as Love and Fortune have done in their Vassals and Adorers. Madam de Maintenon, the person whom we shall choose to be our Heroine, does abundantly confirm the truth of these evident assertions; one that the following relation may make to be reputed for a happy person, if you place the happiness of this World in prosperity, in which 'tis confessed she abounds.  
As for the rest, I am to advertise the Reader, that altho' several persons, having wrote upon the like subjects, have delivered nothing but pure Romance, nevertheless what I have Wrote is an unquestionable truth; for the better part of the Memoires, from whence this Little History is drawn, came out of the Cabinet of Madam de Maintenon, and were partly written with her own Hand. These we recovered of a certain Gentlewoman, who lived a considerable time with her, and who had not served her this trick, but only to avoid a greater mischief which was designed her, and she avoided by her flight. Therefore, what we received of her, we are now going to expose to the public; and this it is, which has given occasion to the Title of this Book. I hope the World will receive some satisfaction by it, since I have given myself the trouble to put together these Memoires, and digest 'em into a method. If you meet with any thing that is ridiculous, you are only to accuse the Original, and not the Copy.  
Farewell.   

THE SECRET AMOURS OF Madam de Maintenon, With the French KING.  
AMongst all those Effects that Love has produced, one sees nothing that surprises him more, than when it joins the Sceptre to the Crook, and by its influences makes those Conditions of Life that stand at the greatest distance from one another, so united and reconciled, that the two Parties forget not only what they have been, but also what they own to themselves: Several Examples have acquainted us with the truth of this Assertion, but we have not any Instance that has demonstrated it with that clearness, or is more universally known in our Age, than This which we are going to relate.  
Madam de Maintenon owes her Nativity to America: Her Father who had been formerly one of those righteous Persons, that we use to transport for their Civil Behaviour, after he had made Satisfaction for the Slavery, to which he was Condemned, took a little piece of Ground, and planted it with Tobacco. With the Revenue of this small Territory, he made an hard shift to keep Body and Soul together; when Providence, to let him see, that he had fallen into a Terrestrial Paradise, furnished him with a comfortable Importance, and suffered a certain Vessel that was plentifully laden with all sorts of Females, to arrive at the Island de la Martinique. These virtuous Ladies considering the Corruption of the Age, and the Fruitfulness of the new World, after having sacrificed their Bodies for some time to the Goddess of Pleasure, and performed all Acts of Charity to those who begged it at their hands, departed from their respective Habitations in Low-Poictou, and out of a Spirit of Submission, to which they were obliged by the Orders of Justice, surrendered themselves at Rochel. Here the report of their Actions gathered a vast Company of People together, who ran from all parts to behold them with Admiration. The respect they met with, was so extremely great, that the Magistrates of the place, not thinking any ordinary House worthy to entertain Persons of their high Character, lodged them in the most Magnificent Building of the whole City, as well in regard of its Height, as of its Situation, and Structure. Their Quarters were assigned them in the Tower de la Lantern, where they passed some time without any manner of Diversion for want of Needles. After a short stay, like true multiplying Daughters of Eve, they embarked for America, where they arrived, as we told you before: Presently after their Landing, they were joined to the Tune of for better for worse, according to the laudable Custom of the Country, which, as we are credibly informed, was taking one another's Words without any tedious Preface or Ceremony; and amongst the rest, Madam de Maintenon's Father and Mother were coupled together, and so by this means our Illustrious Heroine came to be begotten. All those Persons who have been at America, are able to inform you, that whether it happens through the peculiar Nature of the Climate, or the Temperature of the Country, their Children don't stay so long a time before they are able to help themselves, as here in Europe; and Experience has made it evident, that their Infants do commonly make a shift to walk, when they are but one year Old, which would pass for an extraordinary Miracle, with us on this side the Globe. To reassume our Discourse, our little Heroine was employed at the Age of Three years, to look after some Turkeys belonging to the Illustrious Madam de ... her Godmother, who out of a Principle of Charity took her from her Pious Parents, and kept her with her at her own Mansion. In this honourable important Occupation, she passed Three years more, after which time was expired, her  Godmother, having some occasions to make a Voyage into Europe, carried the pretty Damosel along with her, with a design to cultivate and refine her Person as she advanced in Age.  
Their Voyage, as it happened, was somewhat of the longest, which they, poor Souls, never expected, by reason of the ill Wether with which they were frequently distressed. Nevertheless they arrived happily at Rochel, where after they had refreshed themselves for some time, they took their way towards Low-Poictou, and there they tarried a considerable space, without any reverse of Fortune. The first Calamity which befell our Heroine was the unexpected Death of her Godmother. At that time, she was about Fifteen years Old; the decease of her careful Fellow-Traveller touched her very sensibly; and, without question, she wished herself an hundred times in America again. We may imagine, that in this Melancholy Condition, she had remained without any Comfort; if a Brawny Rustic of the Village where she sojourned, had not prevailed upon her by Virtue of his Compliments to believe, that whatsoever Loss she had sustained by the Translation of her Godmother, might be fully made up in him. This amorous Villager had Riches enough for a Man of his Quality, he had one Leg shorter than the other, and an Eye less than other Men, but to make him amends, Nature provided him with a tolerable good Addition upon his Back, for he always carried a Mountain about him. After all, I say, one could not find in all the Village, a Man that could surpass him; he had likewise a little share of Understanding, which was but very necessary, considering the business he went through, and yet a Man may say without flattery to his Person, that it was not much for his advantage. A long time before the Death of our Heroin's Godmother, he had a certain inclination towards her, that cannot be well expressed; for he perceived in himself a small Je ne scay quoy, a beginning of a Passion, which he durst not discover. Without doubt, the Veneration he bore to Madam de ... the Godmother of our Madam de Maintenon, hindered him from making a Formal Declaration of his affection; but as soon as she was dead, he searched all the means in the World to accost her, he never sung at high Mass when he was there, nor in any famous Assembly of the Village, when he made his appearance amongst them; If he went to any Fair of note, he laid out his Money very profusely, on Ribbons of all Sorts and Colours, to present them to his fair Mistress, hoping by that Liberality to insinuate himself into her good Graces. But all this while he made but small insensible advances in his Affair by his dumb Language, and we may honestly conclude, that all these Assiduities had been to no purpose, if he had not found occasion to accost her one day with his Rural Rhetoric, as she was drawing water out of a Well. Will you let me help you, says he, Alas, replies the Damosel, You'll mightily oblige me; so he put himself in a Posture to execute the Business, and through an excess of Civility, carried her Buckets for her even to her Cottage, where being arrived, and finding himself alone with her, Is it not true, says he, That you suffer a great deal of Sorrow-for the loss of your Godmother; She was a very good Woman, and had a mighty Concern for you, and if she had lived any time longer, had not failed to give you some little Fortune, that might have made you an agreeable Match for some honest Labourer in the Village: But, cries he, pursuing his Discourse, although She has left you nothing at all, yet I have Love enough for you, to give you a Moiety of what I possess, if you'll be pleased to be my Wife; you shall always continue to command me upon all occasions, and nothing shall be wanting for you. Do but allow me, answers she, a small time to consider of this matter, and I'll return you my Answer to morrow behind our Cottage. Our amorous Aesop was exceeding satisfied with this Answer, and after having entertained her a while with his Gallantry upon this Subject, retired and withdrew, impatiently expecting the following day, to know her final Resolution, so he failed not to appear upon the place, at the hour of Assignation. When he saw her a pretty way off, Alas! says he, and will you be my Wife then? I don't know, says she, I find not any great reluctancy in myself, to enter into those Ecclesiastical Indentures with you, but to confess the Truth, I have no very great Affection for your person at present, however, I am in good hopes that a little time will bring all these Matters about. Ah! My dear Guiellemette, says he, how passionately do I love you, I'll make you such Presents, and give you such undeniable Testimonies of the Sincerity of my heart, that you shall be in a manner forced to have a Love for me.  
In effect, he went to none of the Neighbouring Markets, but he courteously brought her either a Cake-offering, or Buns, or Needles, or Pins, or Penny-knives, and a great quantity of other things of that Nature. She that saw with what Zeal and Affection he bestirred himself in her Service, began at last to have some kindness for him. She considered, she was without Father, and Mother, Relations, or Friends, to support her, destitute of all manner of Conveniencies, and as it were a Stranger in the Country: On the other hand, she saw a strong, lusty, two-handed Labourer, that courted and adored her. These prudent reflections had almost prevailed with her to make this ill Choice, but it may be alleged for her excuse, that it had not been the first Marriage by ten thousand, that necessity has occasioned; for when one suffers himself to tumble down a Precipice, 'tis twenty to one, unless the Devil's in him, but that he'll lay hold of the next thing he meets to save his Bacon. Therefore she testified a vast deal of kindness, and more indeed than was usual, for her trusty Swain, and there's no question to be made, but the Marriage had succeeded, if a certain Lady that lived in a Neighbouring Castle, had not taken Compassion of her Youth, and the Embarras, she had unavoidably thrown herself into, by matching with this Villager: and having observed in our Heroine, a Spirit and Wit that was capable of attaining to any thing, she took her home along with her, where she lived at first under the Character of a Servant, and afterwards under That of a Chambermaid. There she forgot her poor Rustic to all Intents and Purposes, and began to show by little and little the greatness of her Soul, á la mode de la Noblesse. Her disconsolate Lover was in Despair for loss of her; he was almost come up to the Castle to see her, but he wisely bethought himself, that he could not make his approaches any further, if he designed to carry back with him a bundle of Faggots, which he had got upon his Shoulders. This threw him into one of the severest Fits of Melancholy in the World, nevertheless to relieve him in this Affliction, he had hopes some time or other to speak with her, and knowing that she would be obliged shortly to pay her Devotions all alone at the Parish Church, he was resolved to renew his correspondence with her there. In order to put this intrigue into execution, he came thither very early in the morning, being afraid, as you may imagine of coming too late, and when she was just entered the Church he advanced towards her, that he might have the opportunity to converse with her; but she that found her heart raised above the ordinary pitch, by the fine  she wore, a vanity with which she had never been acquainted before, scornfully rejected him, and would not hear him speak one syllable.  
He had like to have lost, for good and all, the respect that was due to so sacred a place, and was upon the point of reproaching her, for her base ingratitude; but his Reason proving too powerful for his Passion, he waited patiently till the Service was over; and then, as he followed her, he pursued her all along with the bitterest reproaches imaginable, he refreshed her memory a thousand times over, even with the least inconsiderable trifle he had given her; not forgetting the expenses he had been at, upon her score, at the Farthing-Custard-House, and the never to be forgotten present of a Needle-Case. Sometimes he swore at her like any Dragon, at other times he made his supplications to her in the most submissive manner, humbly desiring her Ladyship not to forget the ardent Love he had for her. In fine, he put himself into an hundred several postures, but all this signified nothing; for all the while she marched on carelessly, without regarding his complaints, or showing the least concern for him. This severe usage made so deep an impression upon the afflicted Labourer, that the very same day he fell into a violent Favour, which in a short time carried him out of the World. She could not forbear the having un peu de chagrin, a little interval of sorrow, upon so doleful an occasion, and the Lord knows it was but very little, for two hours put it out of her head, and made her forget the memory of him for ever. She continued a good time in this middle station of Life, and without doing her any affront, we may safely conclude, she had passed her whole Life in this humble Figure, if the Marquis de Cheureuse had not found some charms in her. The first time he saw her was in this Lady's family, and having informed himself of her extraction, he employed all his thoughts to make a conquest of her. To bring this about, he attacked her with all the ways and arguments, that he believed would be most agreeable to his design, and could soon help to vanquish her, but to no purpose: She lived with a reserved Virtuous Person that had an Eye continually over her; and besides, had sufficiently instructed her in the principles of Honour, if she would be content to practise 'em. Monsieur de Cheureuse who had seen the Court, and consequently knew that some feeble denials at first were things of course, was not overmuch mortified or astonished at her refusal; he daily continued in his pursuit, and did not at all despair to accomplish his ends, and carry off the Game. One day when her Lady was wholly taken up in receiving a Visit, and she herself, contrary to her usual custom, was alone in her Chamber, he accosted her with great civilities. Ah! Dear Madam, says he to her, and have you then sworn to be always cruel to me, and will you not reciprocally correspond with the most violent and faithful passion in the World? I love you, Madam, and I have acquainted you with my flame several limbs, and my Eyes have declared it to you, every moment when I had the happiness of seeing you; yet you, cruel fair one, will not suffer it to meet with the least encouragement, but seem fully resolved to make me endure a thousand Martyrdoms, by the contempt with which you entertain my love, and the indifference with which you receive my protestations. Monsieur, answers she, very coldly to him, I have neither any rigour or softness in me, in regard to yourself; I know my own inclinations pretty well, and it suffices me to have a respect for you, which is due to persons of your Rank and Quality, without troubling myself with any other matters. Having ended her discourse, she went hastily out of her Chamber, and disposed of herself amongst her companions, the poor Marquis not being able to oblige her to tarry one moment longer with him, for all his importunity and solicitation. Nevertheless he did not suffer any favourable occasion to pass by, without discoursing to her about his love, and he imagined, that he observed some prosperous advance in his affairs; when he was obliged to go and take possession of an Estate a great way off, which a certain pious Aunt of his had left him at her decease. Being just about to departed out of this Province, he desired to take his leave of her, but he was not able to find her alone, because she was always busied before her Lady, who found herself somewhat indisposed. Therefore he resolved to write to her, which he immediately did, as soon as he arrived to the place, where he was obliged to be; and that his Mistress might receive it with security, he dispatched one of his Servants to visit, as from him, the Lady with whom she lived; with order likewise to slip the Letter into her hands when he saw an opportunity, which he accordingly did. When she had received it, she could not tell, whether it was best to deliver it to her Mistress, or read it by herself. Her mind continued some time in this suspense, at last her curiosity prevailed, so she opened it, and read as follows.  
Madam,  
AFter having oftentimes assured you in conversation, that I love you more than myself, I take the liberty to write to you; that I may give you fuller evidences of my sincerity, and at the same time to make this protestation before you, that notwithstanding all your indifference, I shall ever persevere to adore you. I am sensibly afflicted that I had not the honour to take my leave of you before my departure; I have sought every occasion with the utmost diligence, but you, my cruel fair one, think, that I am not sufficiently punished for my transgressions either by your rigour, or my owndespair. You have hitherto industriously avoided my company, because you very well foresaw that one moment of your charming conversation would sweeten and lenify all that chagrin which your absence had created. Let me persuade you, Madam, to quit all those cruelties that are so disagreeable and contrary to the fairest Sex, consider the violence of my passion, and by an act of generosity, which is so peculiar to your nature, return one heart for another. Mine is altogether yours, it will suffer no other image to be impressed upon it, but that of your charming person, nor will it be ever separated from you. Give me therefore some small room in yours; 'tis the only thing in the World which I beg of you, and for the attaining of it, I would willingly abandon my fortune, and my dignity. Let me then conjure you, Madam, to comply with my passion, and make yourself absolute Mistress, not only of my Heart, but also of every thing that I possess. The Bearer hereof will bring me your answer; I beseech you, that you'll no more deny me this favour, than any thing else that I have requested of you; without which you'll reduce to the extremity of despair the person, that preserves his life upon no other score than to love, nor his Fortunes, than to serve you.  
De Cheureuse.  
She continued for some space altogether astonished at reading this Letter, and could not tell whether she had best return any answer or no; at last she resolved with herself not to write to him, and to avoid-meeting with the Messenger she passed the time amongst her Female companions till he was gone. After this, she took a walk all alone by herself to a pretty Grove of Trees that was joining to the House; where she had not been long, but she was possessed with an itching desire to review the Letter; she endeavoured with some little violence to herself to master this inclination, but the curiosity, which is so natural to her Sex, at last carried it. Immediately she imagined, that it would prove a very agreeable diversion, and that an hundred Letters of that nature could not fail to get the ascendent over her heart. Having therefore pleased herself with the perusal of it, she began to discover some graces in the Style, which attracted her Eyes as it were by force. In fine, she read it again with abundance of 〈…〉, and after she had mad● 〈◊〉 few reflections, found it 〈◊〉 ●●●ertaining. How! (says she,) a Marquit fallen in love with me, and not only so, but passionately in love, that offers me his Heart, and his fortunes, and shall I refuse him? No, I begin to see my fault, I will love him, he'll make me a great Lady, and instead of being a Servant to others, as I am at present, I shall then have others to wait upon me; I shall by this means raise and advance the obscurity of my Birth. But then, says she, reprehending herself, You know who you are, and if he love thee, 'tis only to ravish from thee the dearest thing thou hast ●n the World. When that is gone, ●e'l regard thee no more; then ●hou'lt be abandoned, and without support: No, love him not, but reserve thy reputation and honour.  
Thus divided between two different passions, she let her Letter drop without perceiving it. ●he pursued her walk and medi●●tions, when an old venerable servant-maid of the house, with ●hom she was intimately acquainted, came thither: She walked so softly, that Guillemette was not ware of her till she came up to the place, and had taken up the Letter, which she did very carefully, not at all questioning, but that it contained some important piece of secrecy. She accosted her then, and endeavoured to drive her out of her pensiveness. I have never found you, says she to her, in such a sullen reserved humour before, it must certainly be some extraordinary matter that has occasioned it; Come, don't conceal any of your affairs from me, and if I am able to bring you any consolation, you may rest satisfied, that I shall leave nothing unattempted. She spoke abundance of such things to her, without being able to extort any positive answer; but seeing that, she did not any more importune her upon this occasion, not at all questioning but she should discover something or other in the Letter. In short, they were no sooner arrived to their respective apartments, but the old Woman shutting the door upon herself, began to read it; and there was fully satisfied with the true reason of the change which she observed in Guillemette. She was extremely concerned to know, what advances the Marquis had made in her affections, and what effect this Letter had produced. She judged very well, that Guillemette would not make her any discoveries of this Secret, so she resolved to attend, and wait till the return of the Marquis, hoping to get an account of the whole intrigue out of him; and as she knew by experience, that lovers are generally free and liberal, so she promised herself no inconsiderable advantage, if she could but be serviceable to him in this Amorous commerce.  
All this while, the pensive Guillemette had her mind seized with a thousand several thoughts, and agitations: She had a desire once more to read the Letter that gave her all these inquietudes, and for that purpose, she searched her Pockets. Nothing certainly is able to describe her astonishment and confusion, when she could not find it there: She immediately ran to the place where she read it the Second time, but did not meet with it; then she did not at all question but that she was entirely ruined in the good opinion of her Lady; a thousand mortifying reflections disturbed her Soul, and she found a visible alteration in herself within a few days. Her Mistress that loved her very well, desired to be made acquainted with the reason; but she pretended an ordinary indisposition of body, and confessed not one Syllable of the true occasion. There was no body in the whole Family that knew the cause, but only our old Agnes, who, being willing to apply a remedy to this malady, came immediately to her Chamber, and thus began. Ah, my dear Guillemette, lays she to her, you would not tell me t'other day in the Grove, what it was that possessed you with this melancholy, and I believe I had never known the reason, if my good Stars had not thrown me upon your Letter, which has discovered the whole business. 'Tis nothing but the loss of That, continues she, which has caused all your pain; but it has been lodged in very good hands, behold here I return it you, no body has read it but myself. I have always had a kindness for you, and shall ever preserve it; but then to correspond with my friendship, you must make me your confident, and for the future conceal none of your Intrigues from me. Guillemette took the Letter with a great deal of joy, which did not a little contribute towards her recovery, since her indisposition chief proceeded from an apprehension she had, that her Lady had read the Letter. In fine, she gave Agnes abundance of thanks, and reposed an entire confidence in her Fidelity. The Old Woman contradicted her in nothing, on the contrary she agreed with her exactly in all her Sentiments, in order to make some advantages hereafter by this compliance, which was the only thing that she proposed to herself by it.  
In the mean time, the Marquis de Cheureuse was in despair, for having received no answer to his better, he resolved to write to her the Second time, and if that failed to crown his expectation, to make no more efforts of that nature, but go himself in Person, and endeavour a conquest: Therefore he took Pen in Hand, and Composed a Sonnet, which he closed up in the following Billet.  
'TIs I find decreed, Madam, and you have resolved my death; If that is your design, you'll have your satisfaction upon me in a few days, for since I have been absent from you, I have not been able to procure one moments release from my torments. However, if you'll be pleased to alleviate my pains with one Word from your adorable hand, I shall have the consolation to be remembered by you. Do it then, I beseech you, and if you disdain to answer my prose, at least, answer the Verses, which are sent you by the most Passionate and sincere of Lovers,  
De Cheureuse.  

SONNET To my Adorable Guillemette.  

I.  
FAir Goddess, whose victorious Charms  
Have made a Conquest o'er my heart,  
When will you fill my long-expecting arms,  
And bid my cruel fears departed.   

II.  
Since envious fate your absence has procured,  
No peaceful rest has crowned the Night.  
The day has seen no kind delight,  
Ten thousand Martyrdoms I have endured.   

III.  
Come, make a Victim of your pride,  
Gave my despair, and ease my pain,  
〈◊〉 unbecoming Cruelty aside,  
And to mild pity sacrifice disdain.   

iv  
Or of my fate you have decread,  
And poor unhappy. I must bleed,  
In a pathetic tone pronounce my death.  
And I with freedom will resign my breath.    
This he sent by another Valet, hoping that he'd acquit himself better in his commission than the last, who in a few days arrived at the Castle; and after he had visited the Lady in his Master's name, as he was ordered, be waited for an opportunity to find Guillemette alone. At last, ●e had the good fortune to meet with her in the Parterres, and having saluted her with the appearance of a most profound respect; he told her, that he had orders to deliver a Packet into her own hands, and attend her answer. She knew the Livery full well, so it cost her a moment or two's consideration to conclude whether she should receive the Letter or no. But the Bearer was so very adroit in his persuasions, and acquitted himself so handsomely, that he obliged her to receive it. However all the answer he was able to get out of her, was only this, that he was not to expect any; he was weary of making a long stay, since it was not likely to turn to account, therefore he withdrew, and went back to his Master; who was no sooner informed of the success of his Second Letter, but he sent orders with all the haste imaginable to dispatch his Affairs, and prepared to be going very early next Morning, as indeed he did, and soon arrived at the Lady's house.  
Immediately he waited upon her, to pay his Devoirs, but stayed not any long time in the Room, out of an impatience he had to talk with his dearly beloved Guillemette, who took as much Feigns to avoid him, as he did to find her out. She came off well enough for that time, for she took care to be constantly in her Lady's Company. The Marquis began to despair of the Success of his undertaking, nevertheless to conceal his impatience as much, as was possible for him, he visited all the Lady's Maids, amongst the rest as he was passing by the Chamber of the reverend Old Agnes, he made her some Compliments, and as they had known one another for a long time, she de●●●ed him to come in, and having made him to sit, thus began her Discourse, I know, Sir, some Melancholy Consideration or other, has of late oppressed your Spirits; I don't see you in that pleasant Merry Humour, you were always accustomed to carry about you; on the contrary you do nothing in the World but think, and sigh, and cast your eyes everlastingly upon the Ground. For Heaven's sake, whence proceeds this sudden Alteration? Come, Sir, deal fairly, and lay aside your Disguise, Guillemette has occasioned all this Chagrin, don't conceal any thing from me, and be persuaded, that I have Compassion enough for your Condition, and Friendship enough for you, to undertake anything in the World that may prove Serviceable to your Designs, only tell me what Progress you have made in her Affections, and how your circumstances stand. Since I must acquaint you with everything, my dear Agnes, answers he, You are to know, that hitherto she has scorned and disdained me, and shuns my Company with as much concern, as if I carried the Pestilence about me. Endeavour to set me right in her good Opinion, and besides a suitable recompense which I shall give thee hereafter, behold here are ten Lew is d'ors, which I desire thee to accept. She made some Ceremony at first of taking the damned Yellow pieces, but in fine she suffered him to overcome her Modesty, and promised to manage herself upon this occasion, that he should have no Reason to discommend her Conduct.  
Guillemette in the mean time, who knew nothing of this Conspiracy against her, had no sooner read the Letter, but out she goes to find her virtuous Confident Agnes, according to her Promise, which, as you were informed before, obliged her to conceal nothing from the venerable Old Gentlewoman; she found her as she came from conducting the Marquis to his Lodgings, and immediately shown her the Letter, and demanded her Opinion of it. Upon my word, dear Child of mine, replied the charitable Matron, I could almost find in my heart to quarrel with my Stars, and so forth, for not being young, and in a condition to oblige. A Lover so sincere as yours is, should never be able to disengage himself from my Chains, and heaven knows, how advantageously I'd manage so favourable an opportunity. I give thee, my dear, the same Advice which I would follow myself, were I in thy Circumstances, make your Profit of this Affair, and done't neglect it, 'twill turn to a fine Account, I warrant you. Not to over whelm you with an hundred and fifty Proverbes, strike the Iron, I say, while it is hot; for that Person, that has had the Grace to take the first occasion by the Forelock, will be able to command the other fortunate Moment's, as they happen. In a word, she alleged so many convincing Reasons for what she said, and so well employed her little Talon of Rhetoric, that Guillemette promised her for the time to come to comply with the Marquess' Inclinations. Our Old Matron was never better pleased in all her Life than now, she immediately sentthe Marquis word in how hopeful a way things were like to go with him, which he was no sooner informed of; but he prepared himself to give a Visit to the Lady. After that piece of Formality was over, he walked out to breathe a little fresh Air in the Garden, where it was his Fortune to meet with the Good-natured Agnes, who gave him an ample Account of what had passed, and told him withal, that he might, if he pleased, see his Mistress Guillemette, because she was at that very time all alone in her Chamber. He ran thither with all the haste imaginable, and found her very busy about her Linen. At last, Madam, says he, I may count myself the happiest Man in the Universe, since I have one favourable moment to acquaint you with the true Sentiments of my Heart; they are pure, and sincere. Madam, I love you, I adore you, comply with my Passion. How! continued he, will you then return me no Answer, will you reduce me to the extremity of Despair? To all this she made no Answer but by her sighs, which gave the Marquis to understand, that the Pains of the venerable Agnes were not bestowed in vain, but had operated wonderfully. Nevertheless he could not content himself with this dumb Language, but conjured her by all manner of Reasons to quit this Silence, he beseeched her to make some Eclaircissement of her Love, and in fine prevailed so far, that he drew this Confession from her Mouth, that she had no Aversion to him. He would needs be assured of the Truth of it by a Kiss, but she was not willing to grant him such a Favour so soon; in refusing him, she did not however take away all hopes from him to obtain it for the time to come, but he that was the most passionate Lover breathing, seeing he could not have so small a refreshment to his Flame, began to faint away, and had unquestionably done so, if he had not sustained himself by an Elbow-Chair that stood near him. As soon as he was recovered out of the Fit, looking upon her with languishing Eyes, he thus Addressed himself to her in the following Sonnet.  

SONNET.  

I.  
WEll now, imperious Fair, I find,  
You have your Lover's Death designed:  
Since you that could have eased my wretched state,  
Have added to my Cares, and urged my coming fate.   

II.  
Go, take a Kiss, Love whispers in my Ear,  
But Love, alas! gives place to Fear;  
Awful respect disarms my hands.  
And to my growing Passion gives Commands.   

III.  
Ah! must your wounded Lover die,  
And see his Balm, and see his cure so nigh.  
Or shall he boldly seize a Kiss,  
A prelude to a greater Bliss.   

iv  
No, He'll a thousand Deaths endure,  
And all reverses of his fate attend,  
 He'll by Sacrilege attempt his cure,  
And his dear Guillemette offend.    
This Agitation, and respectful Behaviour of the Marquis failed not to make a large breach in the heart of the poor Guillemette, yet she had the care enough to conceal it from her Conqueror, and after all his reiterated importunities made no other Declaration of her Affections, than what she had done before; Namely, that he was not displeasing or disagreeable to her.  
Our Marquis immediately gave the discreet Agnes, a full Account of the issue of his Negotiation, and visited Guillemette with the greatest Assiduity as was possible, he prevailed so far upon her at last, that she confessed she loved him; he was not satisfied with this Confession, but conjured her by all the tenderest things in the World, to answer his Love. Agnes on the other hand persuaded her not to show herself too Complaisant on the sudden to the Marquis, but to have a regard to the making of her Fortune: In a word, they were so well pleased one with the other that she promised him a rendevouz the next Night at her Chamber, where they might discourse of these Affairs, with greater Liberty and Freedom. But their cruel Destinies so ordered the Matter, that a certain Lady of Quality in the Neighbourhood, having lost two of her Maids by an unlucky Distemper, and being informed, that in the House where Guillemette lived, they had more than they had occasion for, she dispatched a Messenger to her Lady, to entreat her, that she would be pleased to send her one or two. This Lady, who had some Suspicion of the Intrigue that was a driving on betwixt the Marquis and Guillemette, was extremely glad, that she had an opportunity to break off the Correspondence; and so much the more was she satisfied, because she knew the Marquis durst not appear there, by reason of an inveterate hatred between him and that Family. Therefore she ordered our unfortunate Lover, and another of her Maids to prepare themselves to departed the next Morning, and commanded Guillemette to come that Night, and lie in her Chamber, because she had some important Advice to give her for the future management of her Life. Never did any mortal blow occasion, a greater Astonishment; these words struck her like a Thunderbolt, or like Medusa's head, for she imagined herself to be changed into stone. Her Lady, perceiving the disorder she was in, was very inquisitive to know the Reason, but she, who had a very good faculty that way, found it it no difficult matter to invent a shame Excuse; the present Conjuncture afforded her a plausible Pretence, and to give the better Colour to her Hypocrisy, she shed a few Tears, and thus began her Discourse. Without question, Madam, you are sufficiently acquainted with the cause of my Grief, but since you are pleased to learn it from my own Mouth; I dare not assume the Confidence to contradict you. I believe, Madam, it will not appear strange in the least to you, that after having received such abundance of Favours and Kindnesses from your liberal hands, I find a sensible regret to part with you, especially having determined to pass the remaining part of my Life in your Service, and by my diligence to make you some tolerable amends for all your Bounty. This only Sorrow, to see myself so miserably disappointed in my Expectations, bas sofar possessed me, that I can think of nothing else; and altho' your Injunctions have ever passed with me for so many Laws, yet I shall obey this particular Command, with the greatest reluctance in the World; if my Prayers and Supplications could prevail with you to revoke this cruel Order. I have parted with you for your own good, replies her Lady very bluntly, but it will not continue always; as I find you behave yourself, so I shall Act accordingly; go in the mean time, and prepare to obey me.  
She departed, and run immediately to inform Agnes of this fatal Command, and enjoined her to tell the Marquis, she would ever preserve the same Affection and Tenderness for him; only she desired him to attempt nothing upon the Road, for that, says she, will raise a great Clamour and Noise, and discover the whole Affair, which I would have kept as secret, as is possible. Agnes was mightily concerned at this Contre-coup, this mortifying disappointment, for she grounded no small Expectations upon the Sacrificing of this Virginity. Nevertheless she promised to perform whatever she had requested of her, and presently posted away to acquaint the Marquis with the News, who by this time had tasted a thousand Fantastic Pleasures in his Imagination: He fell into the greatest Consternation in the World, but had no other Remedy to apply to his Sores, except Patience; and endeavoured to comfort himself, as well as he could. As the Night approached, he judged it not à Propos to departed, but stay till next Morning, that he might give no Umbrage or Suspicion in the Case, and also, that he might find some opportunity or other, to speak with his Mistress before his Departure.  
Guillemette having put all her things in her Trunk, received Orders to appear forthwith at her Lady's Chamber. This virtuous Person, who had passed above Threescore years in the World; had gathered a great deal of Experience, and considering that a good Tree is easily spoiled, if it is not cultivated when 'tis young, was desirous to furnish her with some useful Solid Instructions, before she went away, and to that end she thus began the Discourse.  Since it has pleased Heaven to take away my dear Husband and Children from me, I have been effectually dead to all these impertinent gilded Vanities; of Life, and only paid my regard to those Duties, that cannot but render those Persons eternally happy that follow them. Now because you are going to be separated from me for at me, I have some Reason to be fearful of your Conduct, when I consider what Age you are of. One runs a great deal of Hazard and Danger at your years, but withal one acquires a vast Reputation and Glory in surmounting them: Therefore I think it not amiss, to give you part of that Experience which I have, and to lend you some Instructions for your future Deportment: And I am able to assure you, that you cannot prove otherwise than Happy, if you'll permit yourself to be influenced and directed by them. 
In the first Place be devout without Affectation, and have a Care you don't fall into Hypocrisy, for by that one does immediately Affront and Assault the Divinity.  
2. Don't set your Heart upon the Pleasures of the Flesh, for he that prefers the Pleasures of the Body, before the Health of his Soul is Guilty of the same sottish Stupidity, with him that let's his Friend drown, and runs to secure his .  
3. Don't propose to yourself any great Pleasure in worldly Vanity, rather abhor it, and let your Garb be Modest and Civil; ever while you live take more care to adorn your Soul than your Body, without doing which you offer incense to an Idol, and abandon the Deity.  
4. Don't begin any thing, without having considered seriously of it before, and let your judgement be mature and well fixed: for he that undertakes any business of moment, without this necessary provision, ought not to be surprised, if it never succeeds.  
5. Never attempt any thing which is above your strength, for all efforts of this nature use to produce effects that are infinitely below the expectation one conceived of 'em.  
6. Don't look with Envy at the good of your Neighbour, for by that means you render yourself unworthy to possess your own.  
7. Carefully avoid that which they call Love here in the World. Above all, never give any attention to the discourses of Flatterers. This sort of People deify you in their warm harangues, tho' at the same time they endeavour to make you the most miserable of all Creatures. Therefore in imitation of the Adder, shut your Ears to the Cllarms of these Enchanters, and be strongly persuaded, that there is nothing so prejudicial to your reputation, as the vanity of hearing yourself flattered. Of all the passions, that are capable of misleading, and corrupting the judgement, Love is the strongest and most imperceptible: for he kindles his Fire only with a design to make us blind and giddy; to make you entertain a horror of him, he's Painted blind, not only to represent his effrontery and immodesty, but also to teach us, that commonly he reduces those Persons to Nakedness and Poverty, that follow him.  
8. If you submit your judgement to your pleasures, you'll burn yourself at last with the Torch, that was given you to light and conduct you.  
9 Avoid Gaming as much as is possible, for he that loves play to excess, takes a great deal of pains to die poor.  
10. Consider one moment at least, of what you are going to speak, and take two more to think of what you are going to promise; fearing lest you may come to feel a great deal of sorrow, for that which you promised with precipitation.  
11. Obey with all alacrity and reverence, the person whom you Serve, and employ your utmost endeavours to set yourself in her good opinion. Never stay for a Command to do that, which you see is necessary to be done, and consider that the principal cause of the liberality of Masters towards their Servants, proceeds from their having acquitted themselves well in their respective duties; for to apply an old but a Proverb upon this occasion. A good Valet makes a good Master.  
12. Be content with your own condition, for he that is not content with an honest condition, gives himself the trouble oftentimes to render that less, which he endeavoured to increase.  
13. Don't be urgent or pressing to know the Secrets of another; be likewise very reserved, in communicating your own. You are no longer Mistress of 'em when you have parted with 'em to a Confident, and your own example will justify the infidelity which one ought to observe in communicating his Secrets to another.  
14. Once more, renounce and defy all cajolers and flatterers, both the one and t'other design by the sound of their empty discourses, to the Money out of your Pocket, and to ravish you of your Honour. In fine, the infection of the Plague is not half so contagious and fatal for the body, as the Poison of Vicious Profligate company; and they that make use of Elaborate harangues for no other purpose than to inveigle us into a criminal rencoutre with 'em, employ a perfumed Poniard to pierce us in the heart.  
Behold Guillemette, this is it which I had to say to you, and which I always desire you to retain in your Memory, and fearing lest you might forget it one time or other, I have succinctly digested it into particulars, and committed it to Writing. Be sure you keep it carefully, and read it often.  
Guillemette made very solemn promises to observe all this, and then they composed themselves to rest till the Morning. The Lady never pared with her out of her company, till she saw her in the Coach, so that our Lovers could not take their farewell of each other, but only in general terms. Our Marquis having tarried some short time after her, took his leave, and retired to one of his houses, situated about two League's distance from the new Habitation of his Mistress, who along with her Companion was very kindly received at her first arrival. But the entertainment that followed did not answer accordingly, for she lived with a Lady whom we shall call Olimpia, a haughty, imperious, ill-natured Woman; that treated all her Servants after a rude barbarous manner, notwithstanding they used the greatest diligence imaginable in the discharge of their duties. This kind of usage seemed extreme, lie unpalatable to the poor Guillemette; she was just parted from a person that had always regarded her as her own Child, whereas she saw herself now in a condition very little different from that of a Slave, which infinitely disgusted her, and served to establish the Marquis more than ever in her good inclinations. He was now just upon the point of despair, never a day passed over his head, but he road that way on Horseback; yet was never so fortunate as to see her. At last he bethought himself of a Stratagem, which accomplished his designs. By the virtue of Almighty Money, he gained over to his party a certain Peasant of the Village, that used to furnish that Castle with Fish, and made him promise to deliver a Letter into the hands of his beloved Guillemette; To prevent all mistakes, he acquainted him with her Shape and Features, so the other promised to perform his part, which he effectually did, for he gave her the Letter. She was somewhat discomposed at the manner of receiving it, till the fellow cured her of her fears and apprehensions, by assuring her that he was altogether at the Marquises devotion. She promised to send an answer by him the day following, so the Peasant made what haste he could to bring this news to the Marquis, who had all this while impatiently attended his return. In the mean time, Guillemette opened the Letter, and read as followeth.  
Madam,  
I Am persuaded, that if I did not live entirely for you, I had not been able by this time so much as to lift up my Eyes to see you without dying. If I could have had the honour to take my leave of you, and know your sentiments, I had received sufficient consolation. Do me then the favour that I may enjoy one minute's conversation with you, in some place or other: Alas! who could have believed that we should be so cruelly separated, when we were just upon the point of meeting? However it does not signify much, and I have that favourable opinion of your Charity, that it will repair the loss we have mutually sustained. Adieu, my Dear, let me know how matters go with you. You may confide entirely in the bearer, for he's trusty and faithful.  
She took no long time in considering of an answer. The Letter found her when she was in a suffering condition, and desirous to be set at Liberty, so she writ the following answer, and dropped it slily into the Peasant's Pocket.  
Sir,  
ALtho' I have not seen you since my departure from ... yet I have not suffered that passion to be extinguished, which you have kindled in my Heart. For a proof of this let me find you to morrow about four a clock disguised in a Female Habit, on the side of the Wood that joins the High Way; there I shall have the Honour to see you.  
Never was the Marquis in such a transport of joy, as when he received this Letter, he kissed it Twenty times over, and made all the haste imaginable, to get his Love Equipage in readiness. He found her waiting for him on the spot, at the hour of Assignation, where he spoke a thousand tender passionate things to her. She that was now made free and sociable by the Marquises good management, complained of the haughty carriage of Olympia, and of the unworthy usage wherewith she treated her. He offered her his assistance immediately to deliver her from this Tyranny; but she would not at first consent to such a motion; desiring nothing else, as she assured him, but only to relate to her former Mistress. But her lover managed his cause so effectually, by representing to her, that if she followed those measures, she would always continue in the same condition; whereas with him she should be absolute Mistress of his fortunes, that she consented to resign herself into his hands the Sunday following. He returned her his thanks with all the Eloquence he was Master of, he Embraced her, he Kissed her most ardently; all this while she showed nothing of her primitive rigour; so that we may conclude, without breach of Charity, that if they had been in a more convenient place, she had scarce carried that troublesome luggage, called a Maidenhead, home with her. However, let that pass, he kissed her Eyes, her Mouth, her Neck, her Bosom, and where he pleased. This complaisant entertainment of his Mistress, threw him into such an ecstasy, that he was not able to utter one Syllable, till she thus awaked him. I fancy, says she, that I behold you in the very same condition, as you were in the other day, when you were transported with a sudden Spirit of Poetry, because I would not consent to relieve you with a Kiss. If that chagrin, that sullen fit of melancholy, which at that time possessed you, was able to inspire your Maze with so much vigour; I am of opinion, that the joy which you testify upon this occasion, aught to produce as lively effects. You are much in the right on't, replies he, and after he had a little considered upon the point, he repeated the following verses, as he walked by her side.  

An Ode upon a KISS.  

I.  
NAy, now Ambitious thoughts farewell,  
I pity Kings in all their state,  
While thus in Sylvia's arms I dwell,  
And mighty love does on my triumphs wait.   

II.  
Thus let me languishing expire,  
Encircled in her Snowy Arms,  
Till she revives me by her Charms,  
And pours into my breast a new and nobler fire.   

III.  
Thus let me Kiss my Soul away,  
And revel in substantial bliss;  
Thus let me spend the fleeting day,  
And crown each beauteous moment with a Kiss.   

iv  
Adonis ne'er was half so blest,  
Was ne'er so fortunate as I:  
Thou Loves bright Goddess him carest,  
And in her Arms hugged the delicious Boy.   

V  
Nor Jove himself such transports knew,  
When Danae the amorous God did hold:  
Tho' he, the pleasure to pursue,  
Mortgaged his poor Almighty-ship to Gold.   

VI  
Ten thousand loves in pompous state  
On those two Rosy Lips. reside:  
While busy I with erger pride  
Sip all the sweets of love, and bless my happy fate.   

VII.  
Now on her glowing breast I range,  
Now kiss her Cheeks, and now her Eyes.  
The pleasure's heightened by the change,  
And fills my Senfes with immortal joys.   

VIII.  
But Ah! my beauteous Nymph, beware,  
Ho● you increase my store:  
For else your pampered Slave may dare,  
Drunk as he is with joy, to sue for something more.   

IX.  
For say fond Lovers, what you will,  
To deify a Kiss:  
'Tis but a pledge or prologue still,  
An earnest to secure the great succeeding blis●.    
After he had thus concluded, he let a sigh drop from him, and said, Well, Madam, what think you of this Poetical transport now, have you enough of it? Yes indeed, says she, and I here protest to you, that I like these Verses extremely well. If it were possible for me to have a greater esteem for you than I have already, it would be, because you have so extraordinary a Genius at Poetry: Nothing could contribute to advance you higher in my good opinion than that. To confess the truth, I have a mighty passion and respect for Poets, and all persons of understanding, as I conceive, aught to preserve the same veneration for them. I am ravished with joy, Madam, says the Marquis, that I am Master of any good Qualities, that are capable of giving you a diversion: I assure you, My dearest, that I shall take care to cultivate this poor ●alent of mine, since I find you have a kindness for it, and that nothing of Gallantry shall pass between us, which I shall not endeavour to give you an account of ●n Verse. Upon my word, answers she, you will infinitely oblige me by so doing. After they had said abundance of amorous ●hings one to another, and had reasoned sufficiently upon this Subject, they parted with a promise not to fail meeting at the ●our of Assignation. Immediately when she was returned back to her Chamber, she began to make some reflections upon this affair; and ●s she was accidentally looking for some thing or other in her Trunk, she chanced at the same ●ime to lay her hands on the instructions, that were formerly given her by the old Lady. She read 'em over not without some uneasiness, and qualms of conscience, because she saw her actions so apparently blamed in 'em: But to what purpose? She had had already given her promise, and the intrigue was too far advanced to think of making a retreat. But on the other side, the Instructions carried reason and weight in 'em, she was going to embark herself in an affair, which perhaps might cost her a great deal of repentance, when it would be too late, and what should a poor perplexed Damosel do in such an intricate, mortifying case? She found out, at last, the true expedient, which was to sacrifice these troublesome instructions to the flames, that she might have nothing about her to refresh her Memory, or reproach her proceed. So now, Gentle Reader, you may imagine the pious Gullemette committing the helpless criminal Papers to the Fire, and aftewards very devoutly taking her repose. The fatal Sunday now approached; therefore she made all the haste she could to pack up the best of her moveables in a little bundle, and at the time appointed she took 'em under her Arm, and marched out of the Castle, without being perceived by any body. Within two hundred paces of the place, she found her trusty Lover, who attended her coming in a Coach and Six Horses; they took her up, and made such speed that in less than two hours, they arrived at his House; He had prepared a magnificent Apartment for her reception; In fine, he passed away the Night with her, and ravished that flower from her, which the men search after with so much curiosity, and the Women ought so industriously to preserve and guard. In the mean time, they miss her at the Castle, and believed she was returned back again to her old Quarters. They presently dispatched a Messenger thither to inquire after her, but she was not to be found; the old Lady was exceedingly afflicted at the news, and as for her part Olympia left nothing unattempted to discover whether she was Assassinated or no. All this while, they could not imagine what was become of her, and we have reason to suppose, that it had been a long time before they had received any intelligence, where she resided, if one of the old Lady's Servants, that was sent to the Marquis upon an Errand, had not by mere accident spied her looking out of 〈◊〉 Window. He did not seem to discover any manner of astonishment at the sight, but she no sooner perceived him, but she immediately retired to the other end ●f her Chamber; as soon as he ●ame home, he declared the whole matter to the good Lady, who ●●om the beginning testified a ●reat deal of sorrow upon this occasion, but now comforted her ●elf to hear that Guillemette was ●live. Nevertheless, she banished ●●e poor Marquis for ever from ●er House, and would not per●it him to see her any more. For ●ll that, he did not in the least for●ear to pass his time as agreeably 〈◊〉 he could with his beloved Mi●●ress; and because he remembered ●●mself, that she loved Poetry, he ●iled not to divert her even that ●ay, as often as their gallantry furnished him with an occasion.  
She found all his compositions very agreeable and natural, and took a great deal of pleasure in reading 'em over. She paid the Marquis for his Poetry in the same Coin, as she paid him in for all the other civilities she received at his hands. Thus according to appearances, they passed their time contentedly enough, their mutual affection continued very warm and violent for a considerable space, and all the while this happy couple never troubled their heads with any other matters. The Marquis made a journey to the Court, after which he returned home, fuller of Love and Vigour than before; much about this time the Judge of one of the principal Villages belonging to the Marquis, became a Widower, and he immediately thought of supplying that place for him, with his Guillemette; he was a very honest plain man, very rich, and very young; but the difficulty was to know whether the Judge would sit down contented with another man's leave, and submit the long Robe to the lubricity and levity of a Woman. However, he was in good hopes to gain him, so for this purpose he communicated the design to Guillemette, and represented to her, that it would prove a very advantageous match, that it would repair her honour, and not in the least destroy or interrupt their correspondence. For in fine, my dearest, says he to her, 'tis only for thy Interest that I attempt this affair; and done't believe that I have a mind to abandon thee. No, I'll sooner abandon my whole Estate, and I should be happy enough in the sole possession o● thee, to make the greatest Monarches envy my condition, tho● I was divested of all my other fortunes. 'Tis therefore for thy good only that I undertake this enterprise, and that we may continue our intrigues with the greater privacy and security. If you are of opinion that it will be for your advantage, we'll jointly employ our efforts to wheedle him into the oval of Matrimony. She was convinced with the force of his arguments, and returned him abundance of thanks for all his care, and civilities; promising to make use of all her Charms to draw this Pigeon to her Pigeon-house, but they were well matched, he was the Devil of a Rat, and she was the Devil of a Cat.  
The Marquis frequently invited the Judge to dine with him, he frequently complained before him of the loss of his Lady, he often regaled him at his Table; and gave him all the marks of friendship imaginable, and all this while the poor Judge knew not one Syllable of the true occasion. Guillemette also frequently entertained him in particular, when the Marquis was called away by other company. Never did Vestal Virgin show more Prudence and Piety than she made appear in all her conversation and behaviour; they that were not acquainted with her Character, would have infallibly taken her for a Second Lucretia. In the mean time, the Marquis sounded by little and little the Judge's Sentiments, about a Second Marriage, he discoursed en passant of this affair daily to him; but to all this he returned no clear positive answers, but talked all the while ambiguously. But one day, our Marquis was resolved to sound his inclinations for good and all; to this end, after dinner was over, he took him out to walk with him in one of the Parters of his Garden, and thus opened himself: You know, Sir, the estimation I have always made of your Person, I have distinguished you from all the Justiciaries of my Precincts, to place you in these circumstances; the more I find I have for you a certain honest, wellmeaning, complaisant tenderness, that obliges me to have a great respect and concern for your welfare. This is the reason why I passionately desire to see you advantageously placed in a Second Marriage, and upon this score I have a great desire to marry you from my own hands. The Judge thanked him very submissively for all the favours he had received of him; and particularly for the honour he did him daily at his House. But, Sir, says he, you have talked to me concerning a certain thing, of which I have not entertained the least thoughts since the death of my Wife; I don't question but that coming from your hands, she must be a person that has abundance of merit, and honour: but may a man be so happy as to know who this Lady is? 'Tis that young Gentlewoman, replies the Marquis, that you have so often seen at my house; she was given me for the Governant of my Family, and I must freely own to you, that I have a great esteem for her virtues. She's a person of Wit and good understanding; and besides her other qualifications, she'll have four thousand Livres by way of Portion, which I intent to bestow upon her; besides, the first vacant place that falls in the Court of Judicature, at Poitiers, which I offer you to accept of, as you find convenient.  
The Judge was not at all ignorant of the train that was laid for him; and as soon as he heard the name of Guillemette mentioned, he smelled the design, and immediately form a resolution in himself not to comply with his Patron's inclinations. But as it was his interest to manage Monsieur le Marquis as dexterously as he could, he was not willing on the sudden to give him a total refusal, not at all questioning, but that the other, who carefully observed all his actions, would conclude from his rejecting the offer, that he had some intelligence of their designs upon him. Therefore he took the middle way; and after he had complemented the Marquis upon the score of all his favours and civilities, he humbly represented to him, that an affair of that importance, as Marriage, aught to be nicely considered, before one throws himself into it; that within five days at farthest he should receive his answer in writing, where he would take the liberty to express his Sentiments sincerely, in case he should not be able to accept the party. The Marquis pressed him to explain himself more clearly upon this point, but without any effect; He only reiterated his former promise, so that the Marquis was obliged to content himself with it, and went immediately to carry the 〈…〉 Guillemette, who no sooner 〈◊〉 it, but she presaged ill success to herself in the matter. Nevertheless they expected the answer, and accordingly it came to their hands at the prefixed time, they had the curiosity to know what Mysteries the Paper contained within; so they broke it open, and read as follows.  
Sir,  
AFter having made abandance of reflections upon the inconventences and misfortunes, that Marriage generally carries along with it, I have taken up a resolution not to venture myself the second time on that outrageous Sea, but to pass the remainder of my Life in security in the Harbour. The most convincing arguments that served to determine my opinion in this case, were sent me in a Letter by a Poet, a Friend of mine: I have transcribed a copy of 'em for you, that you may see the advice which he gives me, and with what an invincible aversion be declaims against Matrimony. In the mean time, I shall never cease to make you all the acknowledgements in the World for your infinite favours, and I am hearty displeased with myself, that I cannot force my inclination so far, as to offer my Vows to that charming person you designed for me. You may reasonably believe, that Providence never designed me for so great a blessing, however I shall always reserve that honour of Writing myself,  
Your, etc.  

Advice about MARRIAGE.  
THe Husband's the Pilot, the Wife is the Ocean,  
He's always in Danger, she always in Motion.  
And he that in Wedlock twice hazards his Carcase,  
Twice ventures a drowning; and faith that's an hard Case:  
Even at our Weapons the Female defeat us,  
And death, only death can sign our Quietus.  
Not to tell you sad Stories of Liberty lost  
How our Joys are all palled, and our Pleasures all crossed,  
This Pagan Confinement, this damnable Station,  
Suits no Order, nor Age, nor Degree in the Nation.  
The Levite it keeps from Parochial Duty,  
For who can at once mind Religion and Beauty?  
The rich it Alarms with Expenses and trouble,  
And a poor Beast you know, will scarce carry double.  
'twas invented, they say, to keep us from falling,  
Oh the Virtue and Grace of ashril Caterwauling!  
But it pales in your Game. Ay, but how do you know, Sir,  
How often your Neighbour breaks up the Enclosure.  
For this is the principal comfort of Marriage,  
You must eat, tho' a hundred has spit in your Porridge.  
True Woman ne'er minds a Sermon, or Lecture,  
Her Glass is her Guide, and her Ghostly director,  
Then she Primes her gay Looks, with an early Devotion,  
There she Paints, and she Patches, and studies each Motion.  
Not to please the dull sight of her Conjugal satire,  
But charm and confound every gaping Spectator.  
If at Night you're unactive, and fail of performing,  
Enter Thunder, and Lightning, and Bloodshed next Morning.  
Cries the bone of your side, thanks dear Mr. Horner.  
This comes of your sinning with Crape in a Corner.  
Then to make up the breach, all your might you must Rally,  
And Labour, and Sweat like a Slave at the Galley.  
Yet still you must Charge, Oh Blessed Condition!  
Tho you know to your cost, 've no more Ammunition.  
Till at last, my dear mortified Tool of a Man.  
You're not able to make a poor flash in the Pan.  
Fire, Female, and Flood begin with a Letter,  
And the Worlds for them all scarce a Farthing the better.  
The Flood soon is gone, and your Fire you may humble,  
If into the Flames store of water you tumble,  
But the Fire of a Female, on the word of a Friend,  
Is ne'er to be quenched, but burns World without end.  
You may call half the Engines, and pumps in the Nation,  
To extinguish the Flame, and allay Titulation.  
But may Piss out as well the last Conflagration.  
Thus Sir, I have sent you my thoughts of the Matter,  
Judge you as you please, but I scorn to Flatter.   
The Marquis was very sorry, that his Project met with no better Success; in the mean time the two Lovers did what they could, to comfort one another, by a Continuation of their Amours.  
But as resistance feeds the Flame,  
And fans the dying Fire.  
So dull Enjoyments spoils the Game,  
By palling the desire.  
In effect, our Marquis also, like he rest of his Sex, began to forget get his Promises; for he apparently neglected her, and never looked upon her without a certain spice of Melancholy. Nevertheless she was happy enough, in having possessed him for about the space of ten years, after which time was exspired, seeing that he had not that Esteem for her, as he formerly had, but on the contrary neglected her, she resolved with herself to leave him, so she begged leave of him to departed, but he pretended at first, by way of Compliment, an extreme unwillingness to part with her, but at last, he gave her his Consent, and to say the Truth without any great importunity. She had got together, what by her own save, and what by the Presents the Marquis made her, a pretty Sum of Money, with which she took her way towards Paris. When she arrived there, she lived after a high profuse rate, not being able to dis-accustom her to those fine Dainties, she used to eat at the Marquis' Table. But as every thing is dear at Paris, she was obliged to retrench her Expenses, and consider of some Livelihood or other, whereby to support herself. For this purpose she entreated a virtuous Old Matron, who made it her business to promote a civil Correspondence between the two Sexes, and bring good People together, to put her in a way; but this prudent Gentlewoman seeing her young, and beautiful enough, proposed a Match to her, as the most probable, and advantageous Course to make her Fortune. She was not very averse to the Motion, and presently inquired after the Person, and his Vocation; to this she received Answer, that his Name was Monsieur Scaron, and that he was of the honourable Society of Poets. The Name of a Poet ravished her Soul with Joy, she longed to see him immediately, but the Old Woman judging it convenient to prepare before her before hand, for seeing so extraordinary a Figure, and to give her some short Description of his Person, lest she should be affrighted at the sight of him, thus began her Discourse. Like my dear Child with reverence and attention, I am very willing to oblige you with a short Portraiture of this Gentleman before you go to see him. In the first place, he's young, of an ordinary Stature, but very deformed; his Legs, his Head and his Body in the posture as they are Scituate, make the exact Representation of a Z. His Eyes are somewhat of the largest, but sunk into his Head; his Nose is true Roman, his Teeth of the same Colour with Ebory, and very irregularly placed; his Members to outward appearance seem small and slender, I mean his visible Members, for I don't desire to be understood of the rest; however to make amends for this want of Symmetry and Proportion, he has an infinite deal of Wit above the rest of Mankind; to recommend him farther to you, he has something to live upon, he has a Pension from the Court, and is the Son of a Gentleman of the Long robe; at present if you have a mind to see him, we'll go and make him a Visit. She agreed to the proposal, and so they went; Scaron who had some information of their coming, had dressed himself up like a Bartholomew-Baby, and attended them in his Chair; at their entering into the Room. Scaron received them with all the Civility imaginable, and for her part Guillemette endeavoured to answer him in like manner, but not without laughing to see so Comical, and pleasant a Figure. Their Conversation having lasted almost the space of an hour, they took their leaves of him, and the Old Woman engaged herself several times to bring Guillemette along with her again: They made him a Second Visit, when he entertained them with a small regale of a Collation, and and the venerable Matron being gone out to look after something which she had lost, Scaron began to display the Charms of his Wit, and discovered his Passion to the adorable Guillemette. He told her, that he very well conjectured, that a Lady so beautiful and handsome as she, would not willingly Embarras herself with such a demi Monster as he was. But Madam, notwithstanding all this Discouragement, says he, if I durst lay any manner of value upon myself, I would tell you, that this ill  Tabernacle of mine, for all it Promises so little, perhaps lodges a Spirit in it, that deserves a better Case, and that is extremely concerned to find itself in Company with those Persons, who are so advantageously provided with all the Gifts of Nature. As for myself, I can assure you, Madam, that I shall be always obliged to treat you with the profoundest respect, in case I shall have the Happiness to be approved by you: But give me leave to tell you, Madam, that delays are not convenient upon these occasions. As she was going to answer him, one of Scaron's Sisters entered the Room, which made her reserve till another time, what she had to say, so that then she did not explain herself upon this subject, but at the next visit she made him, well had this old Matron acquitted herself of her commission, that she plainly promised him to be his Wife. He was immediately inspired with the greatest joy in the World; and after this happy declaration he never failed to entertain her daily with his Billets doux, which he composed so agreeably, that they served not a little to continue her in the same favourable sentiments.  
But Oh! the Fates, this complaisant humour did not stay with her long, for there happened a small rapture between the Lovers. The Old Matron went into the Country to accommodate a certain affair of mighty consequence to her, but all this while the obdurate Guillemette continued firm in her resolution, and swore she would never see, or think of him any more. When the door Scaron understood this ill news, he endured all those vexations which despair uses to inspire us with, and his grief was yet the more and more violent, when he heard that she rejected all his Letters. He and his trusty confident were just upon the point of accomplishing their designs, and now to be defeated, when they fancied they had surmounted all difficulties, was a mortification not to be expressed: But Scaron, that was master of a great deal of Wit, happily remembered himself, that she loved verses exceedingly, and took an unspeakable pleasure to her him repeat some of his Poetry. Therefore he resolved to attempt her once more that way, and wrote abundance of Billets to her in this fashion. After she had read them over, she decently laid 'em aside, as she had done the rest, but would not condescend to return him any answer. Nevertheless, our indefatigable lover charged her daily with his amorous Epistles; his constancy, his respectful behaviour; to which were added the assiduities of his Confidence, failed not at long run to re-establish him in his Mistresses good graces. But he, that was very well acquainted with the inconstancy of the Age, did not think it á propos to spend much time in this affair; therefore he pressed her with all the arguments he could Summon on this occasion; and, in fine, renewed his importunities with that success, that in a short time the Marriage was consummated between ' 'em. But alas, poor Gentleman! he found himself mightily mistaken in his judgement; and what he imagined would be the consolation of his Life, proved just the contrary. He found a large Breach made ready to his hands, through which the Lord knows how many combatants had mounted to make the Assault. He complained of this same business to her; but she was so far from denying the matter, that she told him in an imperious tone, that it was not for such a feeble, meager, two-legged figure, as he was, to have the entire possession of such a Woman as herself; and that he ought to reckon himself happy enough in all conscience, that she was able to suffer his nauseous embraces. This unwelcome discourse; which he expected no more than a Summons to the next World, reduced him to the extremity of despair; and forasmuch as it lay exceeding heavy upon him, he was willing to discharge in into the hands of one of his Sisters, not at all believing that he could dispose of the Secret to a better Person; or that she would take pains to publish the infamy of her own Family: but he found himself exceedingly mistaken, to imagine, that one of the frailer Sex was capable of concealing so nice and critical a secret; however, at last, he discovered his grievances to her, after he had mightily aggravated the consequence of this affair, and told her how tenderly it concerned his Life and Reputation to have it kept private. She failed not on her side to swear and promise every thing in the World, which he would have her do, out of an itching desire she had to be made acquainted with this important matter. But she no sooner understood what it was, but she found herself possessed with a far greater inclination to disclose it. Thus she continued for some days in this Female irresolution, saying and unsaying the very same thing. One day for instance, she fell into the following transport.  

There's no body knows this secret, but I.  
Which I've hearty sworn to conceal par ma foy:   

And I've promised, without any damned reservation,  
Not to utter one Word to a Soul in the Nation.  
Then must I conceal it? Alas and alack!  
I may promise as well to bear Paul's on my back.  
But then if I tell is, I ruin my Brother.  
Why Isaith I can't help it, as well he as another.  
This telling of Secrets is part of our Charter,  
And for my part, I swear, I'll die no body's martyr.  
Well, let me consider once more of the matter.   

Either burn or disclose it, why troth choose the latter.  
But then if I speak it, forewell reputation,  
And besides I may raise his severe indignation,  
But what Woman alive can conceal fornication?  
Not a female on Earth can Cuckoldom smother,  
Then don't take it ill from your Sister good Brother.  
You know what the Matron said unto her Daughter,  
ne'er long keep a Secret, nor long hold your Water.   
After so many different agitations, sheoesolved at last to put herself out of this torment, and communicate the sacred to a trusty She-friend of hers; this trusty Female handed it to another, and she likewise to her next Neighbour, and so on to the end of the Chapter, till at last, the whole Town was acquainted with the Secret, and the greatest part of the conversation in the city went to this Tune. However as every thing in the World has its time, so some new accident or other, occasioned even this discourse to vanish; but this did not afford the least comfort to the Unfortunate Scaron, but the oft ne'er he reflected on the cruelty of his Stars, and the unhappiness of his condition, he found his Melancholy humour to grow upon him. In fine, he was so sensibly affected with remorse of conscience for what he had done, that it made him pass the remainder of his Life in a sad languishing condition, and at last carried him out of the World. His pious Wife, according to the laudable custom of the World, for some time appeared very desolate and afflicted, as you know good manners and civility obliged her to do. She subsisted for a while upon the small for tune that her Husband had left her, for Poets are seldom guilty of leaving great Sums behind 'em; but being satisfied that her poor stock would not last for ever, she resolved to pursue her first design, and look after a Service. Never was a more favourable opportunity presented to her then now; she had the luck to meet with one of her old companions of Poitou, who was so happy as to be placed in a very advantageous station with Madam de Montespan. This honest acquaintance promised to employ her utmost interest with her Mistress, to get her fixed in some good condition; and at last succeeded in her endeavours, for she procured her a Governants place in the house of a Person of Quality; but this was in Portugal, and thither she was obliged to transport herself, if she complied with the Motion. She agreed to to it with all her heart; and during the time that the Persons with whom she was to live, were making preparations for their Voyage, she went frequently to Madam de Montespan's, to thank her she companion for the kindness she had done her; and likewise to endeavour if it were possible to have audience of this celebrated favourite before she departed. This favour she obtained by the means of her correspondent, and acquitted herself so agreeably in her conversation before the abovementioned Madam the Montespan, that she desired to see her often. Not to be tedious, she pleased her so extremely with the gaiety of her diseourse, that this Lady imagining she might be useful to her upon several occasions, was willing to entertain her in her Service; and having obliged her to break off her designed Voyage to Portugal, kept her in her Family: Where she insinuated herself so dexterously into her good opinion, that in a-short time she became her only Confident. Nothing was now to be done with the King, but by the favour of Montespan, and nothing with her, but through the intercession of Madam Scaron: She managed her good fortune with that address and policy, that she has never since suffered any alteration in it; on the contrary the favour she found with her Mistress, brought her daily a vast quantity of presents, and particularly there happened an opportunity of considerable importance to her, which served as well to make her carry the cause, as to inform the World what interest and power she had in the very beginning of her Elevation, which has increased to her advantage ever since.  
The King's Chief Physician being dead, his Majesty resolved to accept of no body for favour or affection, but to choose one himself; and in order to supply that considerable place, began to cast an Eye upon Monsieur Vallot. We may reasonably enough conclude that he had carried it, if death had not ravished him out of the World. Immediate upon his decease, there appeared a great number of Competitors upon the Stage; who durst never have made any pretensions to the place, if Vallot had been living. Every one employed the intercession and prayers of his Friends to succeed in his design; but all these entreatres were to no purpose; a request of this nature, without a good handsome gift to recommend it, carries but little efficacy along with it. The truth of this assertion was soon understood by those pretenders, who were not over and above furnished in the Pocket; and they saw clearly that it was but time and labour lost to make any further bustle. Monsieur Daquin was the man that found the easiest access, for he thonght it a piece of imprudence to starve a good cause, and only to depend on a few feeble simple Petitions; so he went a surer way to work, and promised Madam Scaron to make her a purse of twenty thousand Crowns, in case she helped him to the place. This was too tempting and advantageous an offer to be refused; therefore she used all the ways she could think of, to bring Montespan to her party; she employed her utmost efforts to accomplish the design, and did not conceal from her, the advantage she was to make, if this affair succeeded. Montespan who loved her exceedingly, was not sorry to find an occasion to gain her such a considerable Sum as this; to this effect, she made use of all her Interest with the King: In short, her Petition met with success, and she obtained this pretty round Sum of Money for our Heroine, who to testify her acknowledgements for so transcendent a favour, redoubled her diligence about her, in such a manner, that it was almost impossible for Montespan to suffer any one else about her. It was she that kept all her Soctets, and into her hands she made no scruple or difficulty to commit those Letters which the King wrote to her; nay sometimes she made use of her assistance to answer 'em. One day she composed so charming, so accurate, and tender a Billet, that the King, who has a delicate apprehension and penetration in these matters, soon perceived that it was infinitely above the Cenius of his Mistress; he presently presently resolved to inform himself from what hand it came, and began at the same time, to entertain somesuspicious thoughts, some little motions of Jealousy, that something had happened which would prove fatal to his Amour. Being come to Madam de Montespan's apartment, he told her, he was desirous to know what persons had dictated that Letter; for as for you yourself, Madam, says he, I have known you long enough to be sufficiently acquainted with your Style, and way of Writing. Therefore tell me without any reserve or disguife, who it is. Since you must needs oblige me to tell you, answers she, I will do it, tho' I am confident you'll find it a difficult matter to believe it. But not to keep your mind any longer in suspense, 'twas Madam Scaron that dictated the Letter, and I transcribed it from hers; and that your Majesty may not in the least doubt of the verity of what I have said, I'll go fetch the Original under her own hand. In short, she brought it, and prosented it to him. The King was very well satisfied with it, and demanded to see Mademoiselle Searon, who at that juncture of time was not to be found: But shortly after, as she happened to be with Madam de Montespan, the King entered the room; she was going to withdraw out of respect to his Majesty, but he would not permit her to quit the place; and gave her a thousand commendations for the happy talon she had in writing of Letters. She answered every thing he said to her with so much flame and Gallantry, that he admired her more and more, and began to distinguish her from his other Domestics. At parting he recommended her to Madam de Montespan's ear, to whom he wrote oftener than his custom usually was, that he might have the pleasure & diversion to see the answers which Scaron dictated: He found 'em all so agreeable and charming, the language so beautiful, the thoughts so natural and tender, that he redoubled his Visits, and never failed when he was there, to enter into some pleasant facetious conversation with her. All this, you may imagine, was not very grateful to her Mistress, who began now to be sensible, that after the example of Madam, she had made a person known to the King, who was in a capacity to supplant her. Scaron, who likewise perceived the alteration which these unexpected favours from his Majesty, had created in Montespan, endeavoured all she could to possesher with far different Sentiments, and attended her with greater diligence every day than other, which in some sort served to cure her disgust.  
The King took such Pleasure in her Conversation, that he seemed to be somewhat in Love. In effect, he perceived himself to be touched with a cortain Passion in her favour: He gave himself not great trouble to resist and combat these growing Inclinations, supposing that they would vanish of themselves as soon as they were born, but herein he was mightily mistaken: For his Affections increased so violently, that he resolved to Discourse her about them the very next opportunity. To be short, one day when Montespan was indisposed with a Fever, and had composed herself to rest, the King entered Scaron's Apartment; as soon as ever he was entered, the rest of the Maids withdrew out of a respect to the King, so that finding himself all alone with her, he thus accostell her. It it some days ago Madam, says he, since I have felt a certain Je ne say quoi for you, which obliges me to regard you with a greater Tenderness, than mere  uses to inspire People with. I have often sought an occasion to make this Declaration to you, and at the same time to request you to bring me some Remedy for my Pain: but having never as yet found so favourable an opportunity as this at present, I conjure you to comply with my Demands, and to recoive the offer I tender you, of being the absolute Mistress of my Heart and Kingdom. Alas! Sir, answered she, how ready is your Majesty to sally your popr undeserving Servants. How! was it enough to divert yourself upon the Score of my Writing, but you must find out at new Subject for your laughter? How ever, I ought to esteem myself sufficiently happy, in that I am able to contribute any thing to the Pleasure of the greatest Monarch in the World, tho' it is all at my own Expened  
No, no, Madam, replies he, somewhat hastily, these are not proper Subjects for Raillery, what I have said to you, is nothing out the truth, I am sincere, believe me upon my word, and comply with my Passion. Is it possible then says she, pursuing her Discourse, that a mighty Prince should cast his Eyes so low? Sir, I am not worthy of such an Honour, and besides, the innumerable Company of Beauties, the most exquisite in the World, of which your Court is so full, are sister by far to engage the Heart of so great a Man. The World would be apt to conclude that your Majesty is blind as to these. Matters, and as for myself, they would give me a Name, which does not at all belong to me. In fine Sir, besides that I am some what advanced in Age, & want Charms enough to pretend to so glorious a Conquest, your Majesty must not be ignorant that I am a Widow, and that you cannot possibly make choice of a Person that lies under so many disadvantages as myself, without making her draw down upon her Head the contempt and indignation of all the beautiful Sex. Ah! Madam, replies the King, 'Tis to no purpose to seek for such little Subterfuges-as these to colour your refusal. Are you resolved to make me languish away a miserable Life? Ought you nor rather to rest satisfied, when Her you see, that altho' I am above the rest of mankind, yet never theless I have a Heart which is susceptable of all the pretty soft engaging things of Love? and such I esteem, that lively penetrating Wit, which one sees in you, that Grandeur of Soul which you make appear in the most inconsiderable Actions; in a word, all your charming Perfections.  
He said no more to her at that time, and at parting made her a profound reverence, and bid her consider of what had passed between them. She had no time to return any Answer, for the King immediate entered Madam de Mantespan's Apartment, where his Chagrin would not suffer him to carry long.  
As soon as he was gone, Mademoisell Scaron revolved all this Conversation in her mind; she represented to herself the Passion which the King expressed for her, and did not at all question but that she was beloved by him. Never thelese, she took up a resolution to dissemble a little upon this Score, to the end that by a pretended resistance she might inflame the King's Desires. This piece of Policy succeeded beyond Expectation, for having suffered two of his Visits, without making any Declaration in favour of him, she threw him into so violent a Passion, that being fully resolved to vanquish her, he wrote the following the Letter.  
The Letter of LOVIS XIV. To Madam Scaron,  
I Am to tell you, Madam, that your resistance has extremely astonished me; Mr, I say, that have been hitherto accustomed to Victory, and was never before refused. I aways believed that being a King, it was sufficient to give any sign of my desire, in order to accomplish it, but I perceive the contrary by your Rigeurs, and therefore to oblige you to soften them, was the occasion of this Letter. Let me conjure you, my dearest, to love me, or at least make as if you loved me. Towards Evening I shall come to see you, and if then I find you no more favourable to me, than at your other Visits, you will reduce, to the extremity of Despair the most passionate of Lovers.  
Lovis.  
She received this Letter with an unspeakable transport of joy, and finally determined to surrender herself, that very same Evening to His Royal Pleasure, for fear she should disgust or exasperate him by a farther Affectation of resistance. Madam de Montespan, who perceived the Intrigue, was extremely afflicted, but being very well read in Court-Policies, she dissembled her Resentment, and shown no appearances of discontent. In the mean time, the King being come to her Chamber, she endeavoured to retain him with her, by her Caresses, but he had another design in his Head; he was desirou to know, what mighty Effects his Letter had produced, so he quitted her in haste, and ran to the Apartment of his new Mistress. As soon as ever she perceived him, she put herself into a posture of weeping. The King was urgent with her, to know the occasion. Alas! Sir, says she, I bewail my weakness, which notwithstanding is powerful enough to triumph over my Duty, and my Honour: For in fine, it is impossible for me to resist you any longer, you are my King, I own every thing to you ... But— No, Madam, replies he to her, I am not willing you should do any thing by Force and Compulsion. I will lay aside the Quality of a Sovereign before you; do you lay aside your Cruelty and Rigour, and with a reciprocal Passion, Love those that love you.  
He said to her upon this occasion, abundance of tender, agreeable things, by the force of which she suffered herself at last to be overcome, and thus the King in that favourable moment accomplished his Design, and after several reiterated Caresses, they took their leaves of one another for a few days. The King gave Orders to have a Magnificent Apartment furnished for her, which he prayed her to accept; and being willing, that she should not appear under a meaner Character than any of his former Mistresses, he looked out a Title for her, and at last conferred upon her, that of the Marchioness de Maintenon. But that Dignity being only Honorary, he purchased the Estate of Marquis de Maintenon for her, who parted with it willingly, and received as well as she a large share of his Majesty's Royal Gratifications; for he had a Frigate in America defrayed at the King's Expense for the space of four or five Years, to make what advantaget he could by her, and withal, a Permission to execute what Acts of Piracy he pleased upon the Spaniards. If he had been Master of any Courage, and had known how to manage his Fortune, when the Fributiers desired him to join with them, he had been without dispute the richest Man that France had in all her Dominions. But he was far from attempting any thing that was Heroic, he had always baseness enough to steal out of the Fleet, when he saw there was any occasion for Fight, but at the time of sharing the spoil, he never failed to pay his Attendance, and by his  would have received the greatest part of the Dividend. This scandalous Conduct sunk him very low in his Reputation, and at present he is so mortally hated by all these People, that a Party of them having taken him Prisoner in the Year 85, when he came from Enrope, to the Isle of St. Martin, designed to put him and his Lady to the Sword, after they had plundered them: Nevertheless, Compassion prevailed upon them at last, so they gave him his Life, and having taken his Ship from him, they left him only a little Shallop to get a shore, of which he was then in sight. But if they ever meet him the Second time, it is likely to be his last; and in all Probability they'll never give him an opportunity of meeting them the Third time. To reassume our Discourse; the King having made this purchase, spared no Charges to make the place agreeable to his Mistress: He laid a prodigious infinite Expense upon it, he brought store of Water thither, though before he could bring his design to Execution, he was forced of necessity to raise Mountains, and Traverse them. To this end he joined Hills together, at the incredible Drudgery of his poor People; for it cost the Lives of above Threescore thousand Souls, and all this, to gratify a brutal insatiable Passion, with which He was ever possessed.  
Madam de Scaron, whom we shall for the future call by the Name of Maintenon, was not wanting to pay the King the Acknowledements for all his Favours. She constantly passed two hours in a day in private with him, he sometimes Communicated to her Affairs of the greatest Importance, and sometimes he also followed her Advice.  
In the mean time, she did not behave herself disrepectfully towards Madam the Montespan, she treated her always with a great deal of Esteem and Moderation, & this prudent Conduct served to preserve a good intelligence between them for a long time.  
The Reverend Fathers the Jesuits, no sooner perceived the Elevation of Maintenon, but they immediately resolved to gain her to their Party; they rendered her all manner of Homage and Submission, of which fulsome Services the Society is liberal enough, when they find their Account in doing it. They ordered the Reverend Father lafoy Chaise and Bourdalou to thank his Majesty, and to insinuate to him, that he could not have made a fit Choice of any Person to entertain his vacant Intervals, than what he had already made; they established her so far in his good Opinion, that she was extremely glad to see them at her House. In fine, to testify the Confidence which she had in that Order, she chose from thence a Spiritual Director of her Conscience; nay, she entered herself into the Third Order of the Society, and would by all means carry the Name of a Daughter of that sanctified Company. However, even this Condescension did not satisfy the Jesuits, but being informed by her Confessor. (For these are a sort of Ecclesiastical Pimps you must understand, that never Scruple to discover any Secret, when it makes for the interest of their Order) that she was exceedingly given to the Pleasures of the Flesh, and that she entertained an amorous Correspondence with one of her Domestics, they unanimously desired him in a full Assembly, which they held in the College de Montaign, that he would contribute as far as in him lay, to let them make an absolute Conquest of her, to the end that they might have her entirely at their Devotion. He promised to use his utmost Efforts for the Advancement of the holy Society, and to give him his due Character, he left nothing unattempted: To bring the business about more dextrously, he took care that his Confessor in ordinary should pretend a certain indisposition for a time, so she was forced to make use of the Jesuit, and for his part he could not have wished for a better opportunity; for by this means he discovered the turn and wind of her Conscience; and was so far from chastizing her for her Sins, that he assured her she was not at all accountable for 'em, but that she was obliged by all the ties of Christianity, to furnish herself with Amorous instructions, in order to render herself Serviceable to the pleasures of the Eldest Son of the Church.  
Sinners usually love to be flattered in their Crimes, and to find out a way to damn themselves with pleasure; and this is the method that the Modern Casuists, the Jesuits prescribe to their Penitents, that make no other use of this Sacred Tribunal, which if rightly managed aught to be an instrument of saving People, but only to chalk out to 'em the most compendious Way to Hell. It is no wonder therefore, that Maintenon abandoned herself to such blessed Counsellors, who had found out so rare an expedient; and she had no sooner tasted the softness and bounties of Father la Chaise in her Confession, but she rejected the rest of the Ecclesiastical herd; in effect, after that time she only made use of him. All this while, he had promised to make a conquest of her person by way of a Love Intrigue; To succeed in this attempt, by the help of a little Spiritual Opium, he lulled asleep the Consciences of all her Domestics, whom he found favourably inclined to the Society, and like a Politic director he employed some of his own creatures in this pious affair; and amongst others, two penitential Sisters of the Society, who had an admirable faculty at wheedling and cajoling, and who had in a short time so strangely established themselves in Maintenon's good opinion, that she reposed an entire confidence in 'em, and by way of requital made use of 'em to serve her in her amorous affairs. By this means Father la Chaise was folly informed of every particular, and knew how to take his measures accordingly. One day, the Domestic, who was so very serviceable to her in her nocturnal diversions, had leave of her to go into the the Country for two days, but whether it was, that he met with any of his acquaintance there, or was willing to recruit himself with fresh vigour against his return; he tarried somewhat longer than he had permission. After he had been absent for the space of six tedious days, Madam de Maintenon, who was never accustomed to so long a fast, wrote a Billet to him, and gave it one of her trusty confidents to see it delivered. The Maid immediately carried it to the Reverend Father le Chaise; they shut themselves up in their Chamber, and having opened it, read as follows.  
UPon my Word, my dear, I must reproach you for the small tenderness you have for me; if you measured your own impatience by that of mine, you had returned the very first day. As for myself I can assure you, that I am infinitely displeased with my easiness in giving you leave to go, and I am yet the more concerned that you come not at all: You must either not love me, or be dead to, make so unpardonable a stay. Return then, my dear, and leave me not to suffer any more from the King's Embraces, whom I don't love the tenth part so well as thee; and if you would not find me sick, or dead, come at the usual hour strait into my Chamber; I shall give orders that my door be left open to let thee in. Adieu my Dear.  
Goodly, Goodly! says the Father, and what think you now? What I, says she? I can't tell, unless it be that you'll give me the Letter to deliver it to him. No, by no means child, says he, but I want your assistance to do me a certain kindness: She made no great difficulty to promise it. 'Tis this, continueth he, I'll go immediately and write a sham-Letter to the Gallant, to spoil his coming and at the blessed hour of Assignation I'll not fail to expect you in the Antichamber, from whence you must lead me to her Bed, the place of Execution. I am much of the same pitch and stature with him, and will throw upon myself all the consequences of this affair.  
The business being thus resolved upon, he made all the haste he could to write the Bantering Letter, and gave it her to see it delivered instead of the other. It was conceived in these terms.  
Sir,  
I Am sensibly afflicted that I must acquaint you with ill News. Your Father is at the point of death, I have confessed him this Morning, and given him the Holy Viaticum. He desired me two or three times to write to you, because he has something of moment to communicate to you before he dies: Fail not therefore to take Horse immediately upon the receipt of this, for as yet he is in his senses; and if you lose no time, according to what we are able to judge by all ontward appearances, you may come soon enough to speak with him.  
Cochonet, Curate de Lasine.  
He had no sooner received this Letter, but he effectually believed, that the Matter was so. He had an extraordinary Tenderness for his Father, and therefore made all the dispatch he could, to see him; but to his great surprise he found him in very good Health, which did not a little rejoice him. They were not able to understand the Mystery of this Letter, but our young Gallant had not the least Jealousy of the real occasion, which made him to continue for some time with his Parents. In the mean time, the Reverend Father lafoy Chaise came exactly at the hour appointed to the Antichamber, when he found the Maid expecting him. He undressed himself, and put on a Nightgown and Cap, which was the Equipage the other Gentleman used in his amorous Expeditions; after this he was introduced to her Bed, where he entered softly, and without any farther Ceremony prepared for the Assault. Although she was fast asleep, she perceived him well enough, notwithstanding the Pretensions of some certain Females who are of another Opinion, and supposing it to be her own Game-Bull in ordinary, she embraced him with such violent and eager Caresses, that the poor Father thought he should expire in this charming Exercise. The Sport was too entertaining to leave any Room for dull insipid Conversation; thus they renewed the Combat several times without uttering one Syllable, and in all Probability they had passed the Night after this manner, if Father la Chaise had not broke the silence by reason of a dam'd unlucky Cold, which set him a Coughing and Wheezing like a decrepit Alderman, that e-every Morning Vomits ropes of Phlegm by wholesale, as jugglers do inkle at a Country Fair. Madam de Maintenon gave a shriek immediately, and would have thrown herself out of Bed; but our Ecclesiastical Stallion held her fast, and all the while made her the most plausible Excuses, that either his Fear or his Love could suggest to him: After he had somewhat appeased the Storm, and calmed her, he represented to her, that the thing was without Remedy; that she ought to consider it was the violence of his Passion, which obliged him to do it, but still he was so prudent, as not to make the least discovery of the true Motive of this Intrigue. How they came to be reconciled, I am not able to say; but in fine, my Memoirs tell me, that reconciled they were, and the business fairly accommodated between them. When the Tempest was happily blown over, they passed the remainder of the Night in these laudable Recreations, and if we may give any Credit to exterior appearances, they have pursued the same Sport ever since; and I have the Charity to believe they'll continue the Game as long as either of them are able. For certain it is; that if She's the King's Mule; She's likewise the Mare of the pious la Chaise, and her Valet's Hackney into the Bargain, who poor Fellow was no sooner returned to his Mistress, but he excused his long absence, upon the Account of the Sham-Letter he had received. But she who was advertised of the whole Affair, by Father la Chaise, was not desirous to search any farther into these Matters, and received him into her Favour; since which time she employs him in her Primitive Drudgery to her vast Satisfaction, if we may take a certain Talkative, busy Gentlewoman's word for it, whom the vulgar People call Fame. All these liberal Contributions by the buy, did not hinder her from receiving the King's ordinary Benevolence, when he was in Health, and in a Capacity of performing; but when his Distemper came upon him, which proceeded from no other cause than his over-exhausting his Royal Loins, Madam de Maintenon was infinitely afflicted, and in public gave all the Demonstrations of Grief imaginable. In fine, the Malady growing daily worse and worse, the Physicians resolved to apply Plasters to the part affected: This holy Daughter of the Society, being very well satisfied in her Conscience, that she was partly the occasion of his Majesty's indisposition, generously offered to lay the first Plaster on this distressed Son of Priapus. She laid it on accordingly, and continued to do it several times, even until the entire recovery of the King: When she saw him restored to his Health, she was willing to divert him, and having nothing at all of that nice delicate Love in her which won't admit of a Competitor, she found out for him one of the most celebrated Beauties in France. 'Twas Madam Fontange, which she presented to him; the King redoubled his Esteem for her, seeing she made as it were a Sacrifice of herself, and likewise cherished Fontange with a very particular Affection; But their Amours having been already written, we think it not worth the while, to make any impertinent Repetitions of them in this place; only this I will add, that the King did not enjoy her long, for she was Poisoned. Madam de Maintenon has entirely possessed the King's inclinations ever since; and whatever Charms he might find to attract him elsewhere; yet they were never so powerful as hers since the Death of Fontange. He likewise received another Present from her hands, and that was la ' Martenon; but she died in Childbed, so that when she came to offer him another Lady for his Royal diversion, he would not accept the Gift, but applied himself altogether to her; who for her part is not overmuch afflicted, altho' the King has not been for a considerable time, capable to oblige any of the fair Sex; but has so much Discretion, as to relieve her Necessities elsewhere, His Majesty's favour is more acceptable and grateful to her then his Love, since she has so many servile Vassals, to gratify her infamous Passions, and above the rest, the Reverend Father lafoy Chaise.  
FINIS.