THE Crafty Lady: OR THE Rival of Himself.  
A Gallant Intrigue.  
Translated out of French into English by F. C. Ph. Gent.  
Entered according to Order.  
LONDON, Printed for Edward Advise, next door but one to Popes-Head Ally, over against the Royal-Exchange, in Cornhill, 1683.   

TO ALL FAIR, WITTY, BUT UNPROVIDED LADIES.  
Ladies,  
I Would believe to have discharged but one part of my Duty, if, after I have showed the love I bear You, and how highly I concern myself for your interest by furnishing You in my Translation of the Crafty-Lady, with the means of revenging against Fortune, who so unjustly and blindly refused you her Favours; I did not endeavour also to show the great respect and veneration I have for Ye, by dedicating it to You, as a sacrifice due to your excellent and almost Divine Parts. Give leave, then, fair Ladies, to Berenice to carry throughout the English World, under the protection of your illustrious Name, those happy Trophies, she got, by her Wit and Beauty, over that unjust and capricious Goddess. Give her leave to go and undeceive men of that extravagant and altogether unreasonable fancy, that parts both of wit and body are of little significancy and value without riches. Indeed, before Gold and Silver came out of the entrails of the Earth, Or, to say better, of Hell, real▪ and true merit did make the worth of all Persons▪ Strength, Courage and Virtue were possessed alone of the right of commending and preferring men to high Places, to Honours and Dignities. And as for Women, that finest part of the World, their Beauty, Breeding and Wit were an honourable portion to them, and opened them the gate into the Temple of Fortune. But since these Tyrants have corrupted good Manners, overthrown natural Order, and blinded humane Reason with their false splendour, we have seen, with amazement, Vice, Deformity, and Dulness, which are the most heinous Sins of Nature, advanced, courted, preferred; and Virtue, Wit and Beauty, which are the most glorious and rich sparks of divine fire, despised, abandoned, and left in the dregs of the people, as precious stones in the dirt. Berenice, whom I propose you (witty Ladies) as an excellent pattern and an infallible Guide, found out a rare way to set herself up above those unjust prejudices of humane folly, against divine and natural right: I hope you will follow her steps, and thus if, at the same time that she pleaseth you, she may instruct you, and will serve your turn, I will account myself advantageously rewarded for the time I have spent in dressing her up after the English Fashion; and I shall Glory to have thereby deserved to bear the Honourable Quality, Ladies, of your  
Most humble, obedient and devoted Servant, Fr. Cl. Ph.   

THE Crafty Lady: OR THE Rival of Himself.  
THE Renowned City of Maestricht did but begin to enjoy the happiness of a peace, wherewith Heaven ●ad blessed at last, and rewarded ●s heroical achievements, when a ●ew Enemy, no less turbulent and troublesome than the former, be●●n to engage the bravest Officers of its Garrison into a pain●● and restless exercise. Love mo●● haughty, more proud and insolent than ambition itself, came in the attended with his ordinary retin● of Tricks, Subtleties and Intrigue● he planted his Colours within 〈◊〉 compass of those famous Walls, a● for the better securing of his Co●●quest, seized on a great number generous hearts, which he handled in such a manner, as 〈◊〉 thought the fittest for the mo●● splendid show of his strength, a● supreme power. That Tyrant ●●deed, doth not set up his Empi●●● with so much noise, as Bellona a● Mars do; but he is no less dange●●ous and formidable for that, sin●● through jealousy, disdains, hatred and dissimulation, he moves thousand Wheels, he manages thousand Springs, from when come out Sorrow, Anger, despa●● and sometimes death itself. 〈◊〉 ●ovel shall highly witness it, as ●eing the famous Stage, wherein 〈◊〉 less than a whole regiment will ●●ay their own parts, and serve for sport to that cruel and capricious sovereign.  
A Cavalier whom Fortune and ●●avour had lifted up to the place 〈◊〉 a Colonel of Horse, dying, left behind him Berenice his only Daughter, a young, brisk, handsome and ●●itty Maid, but provided with 〈◊〉 other portion, but a noble ●●ood, and high Spirit, and a great ●●●pe of an alliance answerable to 〈◊〉 nobility of her birth. In the 〈◊〉 time of her mourning, when 〈◊〉 fair complexion was like a Sun ●●●ining through a Cloud, many a ●entleman crowded by her, to wipe 〈◊〉 her tears. The late Colonel, for 〈◊〉 weighty reasons, had been ●●reamly unkind to so tender a ●●uty, strictly and absolutely forbidding her to receive visits, or countenance any way the vows 〈◊〉 any Gallant, keeping her in complete slavery within the Wa●● of a House, or rather of a Clo●ster: so that she no sooner saw he● self set at liberty, by the death 〈◊〉 so cruel a Father, but she begu● to mend what was amiss, and 〈◊〉 open the doors, not only of 〈◊〉 House, but also of her wit to 〈◊〉 honest companies, making in th● most refined conversations, an 〈◊〉 vantagious and surprising use 〈◊〉 all Romances and other galla●● Books, she had read over and ov●● during the time of her long ca●●tivity. The end she aimed at, 〈◊〉 to triumph over all those of 〈◊〉 Sex in the Country, by the politeness and neatness of her wi●● to ensnare the heart of some one 〈◊〉 the most eminent Gentlemen ●mongst her Gallants, and so, 〈◊〉 be obliged for her Fortune to no b●●dy but herself. Now the ch●●● ●ean she made use of for that, was to feign an extreme sorrow, ●nd affect in her carriage such a languor, as might easily convince ●●ny body, she was uncomfortable 〈◊〉 the loss of her Father. She did with so much grace and eloquence justify the reasonableness of her despair, and the quickness of her repartees did so much amaze the ●ost witty and understanding of her Courtiers, that they, before their ●●ming into the circle, did curiously ●●epare themselves, and desired 〈◊〉 most learned and refined of ●●eir Friends to help them in the conviction of so enlightened and dextrous a Wit.  
Gallantry being nourished and maintained into Maestricht only by ●e well-bred Officers of the Garrison, Berenice was courted by none 〈◊〉 military men; amongst which 〈◊〉 certain Major, a witty man indeed, but vain and proud, was the first who earnestly and seriously wooed her. As that Gentle man had an high apprehension 〈◊〉 his own merit, so his self-lo●● made him easily believe he wa● amiable, and that amongst a● hundred other Gallants, he would keep an honourable distance, an● get at last the better of them. O● the other side, the young Lady who had hitherto received no ope● declaration of love; showed h●●●self sensible of these approaches although neither the Major's fortune, nor his wit, good grace● gallantry, or splendid maintenance could prevail upon her heart so far, 〈◊〉 to engage it in his favour. Nay, ●●meer Captain of the same Regiment who had not to the eyes of th● world so many excellent parts 〈◊〉 our Major, had yet to those of B●renice, that precious, that charmi●● but nameless, I know not wha● which maketh the strongest engagements, through whose effica●ous influence, he dropped secret●● into the depth of her Soul, and ●ade himself the only and absolute ●uler of her tenderest inclinations. ●he bore, indeed, to that Cavalier 〈◊〉 true, sincere and passionate love; ●ut ambition being no less the ty-nant of her heart, than Cupidon, 〈◊〉 could not, without blushing, ●ast in her mind the management 〈◊〉 an alliance, which she conceived 〈◊〉 be far under the degree and con●ition of her birth. The misfortune was, that the Cavalier having 〈◊〉 very modest opinion of himself, ●nd suspecting nothing of his be●●ng so passionately loved, did rather act the comforter with her, than ●he lover, being careless enough about those external ornaments which make commonly so great an impression on the tender Sex; his ●hew and carriage were very mean, ●is retinue but little, and he put himself to no charges, because being born of one of the most illustrious Families of his Country, he was sparing his Estate, to carry it higher withal in a better preferment he aspired to. On the contrary, the Major, whom some extraordinary parts had made confident, joined to the comeliness o● the body the lustre of great and sumptuous expenses; he was rich handsome, and settled in a good employ; he had consequently all tha● may engage a heart, and according to the ordinary course of the world, was the most worthy o● the sacrifice of Berenice's liberty. But all these advantageous conditions proved to be of no significancy to her, she felt no spark of true love for him, and she loved out o● a natural propensity her dear Captain, who in her judgement wanted nothing but an higher degree t● to be the worthy object of her vows.  
Thus whilst Love was getting ground more and more in the heart of Berenice for her truly beloved Lysandre, (such is the name of that fortunate Gentleman) our Major was very earnest with her about getting a favourable declaration, growing every day more forward to tell his mind, and fancying, that loves passion increased as much in that insensible heart, as in his own; Nay, he came to such a degree of familiarity, that he foolishly acquainted her with some secret intrigues which some other kind Ladies had trusted to his supposed fidelity and discretion; so that, through so simple and giddy a carriage, he discovered to that refined Maid, the weakness of his Soul, making her conceive great hopes of considerable things, she could get by him, and in effect, it proved not a mistake, since through the indiscretion of that silly conceited wooer, she surprised and fixed to her side the fickleness of fortune; all succeeded according to her desires, and she got benefits far beyond her own expectation. One day, after he had spent a whole afternoon in a private and pleasant conversation with her, he took opportunity of the merry humour she was in, to throw again at her feet both his heart and liberty, being in hope of a favourable answer: but the crafty Lady not willing, either to put him in a despair, or to engage herself further than was agreeable to her designs, keeping still in a merry tune; one will think on it, saith she with a jeering manner, the enjoyment of a heart, that may love sincerely when it hath no more choice, is worth enough some troubles. Such a cold answer was able to satisfy our Gallant of the little tendency of his Mistress towards him (for how true and faithful may be ●hat love which is not natural and true) but the great opinion he had of himself did blind him so much that he was by no means discountenanced. Nay, he made his court with more exactness than ever, growing more troublesome and impatient than formerly: In fine, he desired her to take a final and substantial resolution upon the matter. She who had little or nothing of the ordinary frailty of her Sex, seeing there was no way to avoid answering to so formal application, reparteed wittily, she was extremely sensible of his love, ●ut that how great soever her reciprocal passion for him might be, yet her being Daughter of a famous Colonel, which quality was almost her only inheritance did forbid her to follow her own inclination, and yield to a Gentleman inferior to the degree of her late father: that the place of Lieutenant Colonel being void, he could easily attain to it, and then she would stick no longer to reward and second his Vows.  
This declaration cast into a strange perplexity of mind our Major, who had several times made his utmost interest, but always in vain, to get that preferment. He wanted no access to his Colonel, who was a man near fourscore years of age, but who being grown gray-haired in the exercise of War, and having got through a long experience, a deep discernment and a solid apprehension of true courage, prudent conduct, and other warlike parts, did not judge his favourite to be able enough to discharge worthily a place of so important a trust. Nevertheless, he set a good face on a bad matter, and replied cheerfully, That he was not very far off from that eminent degree, there being but one step more to be made to it: but if so be her fire were equal to his flame, she should not stop their common happiness on so small an account, and for want of an external quality, which could neither increase nor diminish his real and material merit. Berenice at that onset, stood firm upon a noble pride, she obstinately bend herself to persuade him, she loved the Major, and would marry the Lieutenant Colonel; which having repeated several times, what reasons soever he could allege to move her, he perceived clearly, that the taking in of such a Fortress was not a matter of one day, nor so easy a work as he thought; but being gone so far, his love and courage did not permit him to make retreat: he reneweth the assault with more vigour and fresh arguments, sighs, crieth, entreats, but is always served with the same answer, so that giving himself wholly to sorrow, his hope was very near to yield to despair, when the clearsighted love of Berenice wisely advised her how to keep the fool in awe and further her own interest, by the most exquisite and ingenious trick, that was ever heard of in the whole Kingdom of Cupidon.  
She on a sudden fell out of countenance, modesty shut up for a while her mouth, she offered to speak some words, presently a secret bashfulness forbade her speaking; holding down her eyes, she seemed to be willing to speak and be silent at once: but all this was a mere fiction, that the curious Major would offer a kind and honest violence to her hypocritical repugnancy, and force her in a manner to open her most secret sentiments, Madam, saith he, I see you extremely thoughtful, I conceive your tongue is not loyal to your heart, no doubt, he permits her to declare some things that she conceals, and which I ought to be acquainted with; but if you will right me, I hope of your justice you will deem me no less discreet than passionate a Lover: stick not to unfold me your heart, and vex yourself no more by keeping a secret that perhaps cannot be long a mystery to me. Do you love another? let me know that happy mortal, let me know that fortunate Rival. The vehement passion that made me your slave, will give place to my respect, and although love doth not at all agree with a concurrent, yet I engage my faith, that I will approve of your choice, even with the loss of my own life, if my Rival proves not altogether unworthy of you. Pardon, amable Berenice, pardon, I cannot forbear to entreat you against yourself, and crave of you the opening of a thing, whose declaration, perhaps, may cast to your virtue a blush, why do you conceal me so long your heart, to me I say, who trust you mine own with so much forwardness and candour? have I a rival? let me know him, and it is enough. Must I have a rival? saith he again, softly pushing the knee of Berenice. That fair seeing her coxcomb just come to the point where she expected him, answered with a deep sigh, Yes Sir, you have a Rival, but a Rival that can do you no harm; and who may but little prejudice the possession you are aspiring to. The Major withstood this storm with an apparent equality of mind, but some brisk motions of impatience were a going to break out, and betray his superficial and affected virtue, whe●● Berenice suddenly rose up to mee● a great Lady, that came to pay he● a ceremonious visit. Our Mayor retired after the usual civilities and as one may easily imagine, wa● not very quiet by night, being overbusy about the meaning of that Aenigme, that he had a Rival, but a Rival who could do him no harm, and but little prejudice the enjoyment of his happiness.  
Some extraordinary occasions hindered him the next morning from waiting upon his Mistress at her Toilett, as he was used to do, and he could not see her but about night, altho' his curiosity made him dispatch his businesses with all speed imaginable.  
In the mean time, Berenice who had spent great part of the night in reading a new Romance, being willing to repair that loss by sleeping some hours by day, kept her Bed all the morning, having first bidden her waiting Woman to acquaint her with the names of all those that should present themselves at the door, before their admittance. Her Gallants in ordinary failed not to wait according to custom, they were civilly dismissed with an honest, Madam is a little indisposed. Lysandre the dearly beloved Captain, and sure, the least troublesome of all, comes about ten a Clock; notice of his coming is given to Berenice, by whose order he is admitted to the Bed side itself his duty was to furnish a compliment, which he did in proper, but ordinary expressions; yet they were as many charms to the enchanted Lady (so true it is that a beloved one pleaseth any way) some tender thanks paid his civility, and then not a word, because the Captain, being more serious than gallant, was afraid, too much speech would perhaps increase Berenice's distemper, when she at last broke off this dull silence with a sigh, that caused Lysandre to ask her whether she felt any new pain: whereupon she begun to speak, and with a soft and languishing voice. Sir, saith she, why did not Heaven enrich you with benefits of Fortune answerable to your merit? or else, why did not he make me less proud and ambitious? alas! I would not sigh now, and my cure should be as quick as certain: I love you, dear Captain, added she, shedding abundance of tears; if it be a weakness to own it, the present posture of my affairs excuseth me, and being bereft of the protection of my House as I am, both prudence and necessity stands to justify the choice I make of a man, that will serve me for a Father, as well as for a Husband: Yes, I say again, I love you as much for your modesty, as I hate for their sickleness an hundred others, who dare court me upon the mere account of Fortune: but if that blind Goddess hath so liberally and with so little discernment favoured with her gifts those unworthy fellows; she will perhaps, sometime do right to Virtue▪ do not despair. She blushed after so free a declaration, and sunk briskly into the Bed, the more to persuade Lysandre, that she was in earnest; she held her peace then, giving place to the answer of her favourite, who expressed himself after this manner: Could I be satisfied, Madam, that your discourse is not a pretty trick put upon me for a trial or a sport, I would go out of a respectful indifference and borrow the most efficacious and exquisite words of eloquence, to mark you the greatness of my joy and gratitude: but the certain knowledge I have of all those excellent parts, wherewith you are endowed, even to admiration; as well as my consciousness, that in this so numerous Garrison, there is no Cavalier but surpasseth me in merit and value, makes me be silent, not refusing to give matter to your divertisement, if so be, it could contribute something to the recovering of a health so dear and so precious to all the World. Lysandre who had always looked upon her as a proud and ambitious Maid, being eye-witness of that indifference, wherewith she had received the vows of the most eminent Officers in the Town, did not flatter himself to such a point, as to fancy, that before eyes so piercing, and so much capable to try qualifications and endowments, he had merit enough to deserve so obliging a preference. Therefore he pursued as in a jeering manner: Madam, had I temerity and blindness enough to ground myself upon your charming Speech, I could presently lay open to you all that is able to engage a heart, that seems already moved; as proud as a Gascon or a Scotchman, but indeed more true than any of them, I would entertain you with the greatness and splendour of my Family, I would ●ire your patience with the History of my Ancestors achievements, both in War and Peace; I would swear by all the powers of Heaven and Hell, that my noble blood is at least three hundred years old. You could have in a minute the particulars of all the notable passages of my own life, wherein you would confess that I never failed to fortune, but she failed me, and turned against me; you should learn in how many famous Sieges I have got glory, and reaped Laurels. I would come to that height of impudence as to offend your modesty by discovering you my wounds: Nay 〈◊〉 perhaps in a pedantic humour, I could reckon you, amongst other improvements and fruits of my wit, that 〈◊〉 possess five tongues, of which Latin and Greek are those I speak best; but all this show being made by an obscure man, that shines so little, and make now so small a figure in the World would prove altogether insignificant and fitter to make me ridiculous tha● commendable to you. I know— he was yet speaking, when Berenice being able no longer to forbear laughing, took opportunity of his merriment to interrupt him, how! Sir, cried she, you can speak Latin, and dare complain against Fortune; I have always been told, that Latinism is an infallible spring of goods to them that attain to it; could not you drop handsomely into a College, and get a fellowship? He fell himself a laughing heartily. Yes indeed, continued she, a Cap on your Head, and a Rod in your Hand would fit you marvellously well, you, I say, whom nature hath enriched with a severe countenance, so much gravity and seriousness. He thought himself engaged ●o nourish the sport, and back the ●est: so alleging the reasons that might take him from so glorious a design, he said, He was endowed with so tender and mild a nature, ●hat he could never use the necessary rigour in a Schoolmasters place; that he was too much afraid to see himself forced to get tears out of tender and innocent eyes. Now if I assure you, said she, that there is no man in the world, who causeth such abundance of tears to be shed, as you, what will you think, Sir, of that tenderness and mildness of nature you so confidently boast of? If you could prove it, reparteed Lysandre, I would take up arms against my humour, put it to a strict trial, condemn it as an inconstant, and force it by all means to recover its former sensibility. Well, saith she, arm then against it, go on straight way and fight it, let your attendance be more assiduous, that I may judge of your amendment, be you from henceforth more neat and curious in apparel, and be persuaded that one loves you; this very night take so close measures that you may immediately succeed to a troublesome fellow that leaves me very late, and prepare seriously to open me the true sentiments of your heart about that which my sincerity hath opened to you. He rose, upon that, with his mind ●o prepossessed and flattered with 〈◊〉 sweet Idea, that he forgot to ●ake his congee, not daring perhaps ●and the brightness of so charming ●aids eyes which looked him out to ●he very chamber door.  
Our Cavalier seeing himself so avoidable engaged to make a formal and positive declaration to a ●erson whose designs were altogether unknown to him, was mighty uneasy, his trouble not permitting him to go home straightway, lest he should meet there with a company ●hat might interrupt his thoughts, ●e ran to the Rampart which he walked twice round about with such 〈◊〉 wandering of mind, that his very ●riends mistake him. An Officer, who was upon duty at Boldukes ●ate, stopped him on a sudden, and questioned him about the matter tha● could make him so dull and melancholic, but not being able to ge● a word out of his mouth, he said jestingly, Upon my word, Friend's you are catched, some fair eye smo●● you, be ye aware of being listed among● those perplexed Lovers that go every day and talk flourished nonsense to fa●● Berenice: Faith, they say, she looks o● you with a very kind eye, and that you perceived it a great while ago, but what what one may think on it? should there be any cooling in her flame, 〈◊〉 did any humour of hers cast you into the ugly temper? At so troublesome an● unlucky questions Lysandre reparted nothing else, but that a sad accident concerning private affairs had be befallen him, which he was trouble● for, and called mere trifles all th● he said about the design of his 〈◊〉 to the Colonel's daughter; the● friendly touching the Officers ha●● he went on in his way renewing his interrupted meditation. But whiles he is walking at a good rate, and gets out of our sight, let us come back into Berenice's chamber, and hear how eloquently the Major exaggerates his passion.  
This pretended favourite gave attendance upon her about night. He met there a full and noble company, which purposely he tired with a world of discourses that smelled nothing at all of a civil and compleasant Gentleman: he affected to stay the last, and after the Company was out, made a motion concerning that scurvy matter, that laid so heavy upon his heart, that he had a Rival, but was so unfortunate as to not know, who. Berenice who was out of measures with him, because he himself did very freely deal with her, told him as before; He had, indeed, a Rival, but such a one, as should by no means hurt him, and that it would be always in his power to get, not only the possession he so passionately aimed at, but also a great fortune withal. Our Major not being able to stay any longer, entreated her, one knee upon the ground, to pull off the vail of so important a Mystery. She getting him up again with a kind manner led him along with her to the bottom of an Alcove, whose obscurity might do extremely well for the shadowing of that privacy, wherewith she had a mind to entertain a while the poor cozened Gallant. This extraordinary carriage put him in a great hope o● some private favour, though the foo● was never so far off in all his life. He sits down by her, the closest he could, being unwilling to lose a word of the precious speech of his Mistress, who in the mean time affected to speak low, that he might conceive how repugnantly she explained herself upon the matter▪ Heaven! what is not a witty and amorous woman capable to do 〈◊〉 She told him, She knows away how to get themselves both happy for ever, but that modesty, which is the natural portion of her Sex, would forbid her to tell it, yet she could not be silent without missing a fair opportunity to serve him, and without betraying her own self-interest. This feigned perplexity which the Major believed real and true, inflamed him more and more, and fed his curiosity with a new store of impatience, he prays, entreats, urges, instanceth, and swears so many oaths, he would be secret in case the intrigue that was to be trust'd him, should come to miscarry, that she thought no more seasonable to dissemble; fearing besides, that any longer delay might perhaps quite break her measures, and bring the whole contrivance to nothing. Sir, saith she; I must confess it, I am too free, but no matter; they must try fortune; that pretend to her favours. I trust you such a secret, as shall discredit me for ever, if you prove not a religious keeper of your Oath. Since heaven, who, no doubt, appointed us one for th' other, got me acquainted with you, I felt my heart so lively smitten that from the insensiblity he had hitherto been in to love, he grew tender on a sudden: that extraordinary tenderness is much increased and strengthened through our mutual Society, and is come now to such a degree, as not to permit me to look upon any other object in the world but ye. You are enriched with all those parts that may inchant a heart and disarm the most severe Ladies; So 'tis a piece of justice to me to submit to that Union which heaven prescribed. But as on one side I would be extremely sorry, that afterwards you might have the least cause to reproach me the meanness of my fortune; and as on the other I do ardently desire to see you set up in a place in a manner answerable to your worth, here is that which I contrive both for the getting of the one, and the avoiding of the other: You must, dear Major, play for a while the Rival of yourself, by using in my behalf all the influence you may have upon your Colonel's inclinations, to get me shortly married with him. You know well enough how old he is, you presume of his strength, and may easily conceive, he won't go far off. In the mean time I'll bend all the powers of my wit, to rule the old man; so the Colonels-lieutnancy that is now vacant, attends you surely, as well, as all the others benefits wherewith he will gratify both my youth and my birth. 'Tis true, indeed, sweet-Lady, interrupted here the Major, that the Colonel is old, that I have a great power upon him; but who shall warrant me, that his caresses, his night's efforts, pardon the freedom of this word, will bring him to the grave? Nay, your company may revive him. It is rare to see people of ●usty and strong complexion outlive an age. This possibility being granted, what will become of our projects? what will become of your flourishing youth? what our mutual flames will end to? and who shall warrant it, that I may live among so many Causes of mortal sorrows, wherein I shall see myself overwhelmed? I would willingly undertake to serve you in this occasion, but, indeed, the Colonel-lieutenancy, whose hope ought to flatter me, hath no charms enough to make me look with a cold indifference on the loss of Berenice. Yet, my dear, reparteed she briskly, you must resolve to do me that important service, which I will not fail to acknowledge and return in due time. It is better for ye to enjoy in hope by obliging me, than to run the hazard of an eternal privation, by refusing to second me in an affair wherein our common interest is the only end, I aim at. Do not balance all your objections, how reasonable and strong soever they may appear to your eyes, will be weak and groundless to mine. Pray, forbear to trouble me with reasons that I cannot hear without indignation, seal up to me your love and zeal with the sacrifice of your own sentiments, and be sure, you shall not oblige an ungrateful woman. This bit seemed to the Major to be of a very hard digestion; yet he must either swallow it, or fall down from the favour of one, which he would not have disobliged for all the world. What? mumbled he low, but loud enough to be taken up by Berenice, To act the Rival of myself, was this ever heard of? Or, was ever any man brought to so cruel a destiny? Then, lifting up his voice, he spoke after this manner. Being, dear Lady, you are so firmly wedded to your opinion, and will not in the least remit of the necessity you set me in, to become in a manner my own hangman by playing myself Rival, I do the more willingly yield to that fatal law of death, you impose upon me, because, in effect after I have lost you; I can't but languish and pine away, being delivered up to troubles and despairs far more cruel than the very death itself. Yes, you shall be obeyed, unmerciful Lady, I will blind myself to serve you, and use my utmost power to secure and hasten that high match your Ambition aimeth to. But as you have required my Oath, so I hope you can't but give me yours. To which the crafty Lady having reparteed, she would; he made her swear, she would be as good as her word, assoon as Heaven, who seemed to have ordained them one for the other, should open the way to their happy marriage. Berenice did not account her conscience to be thereby very much concerned. Love, who is none of the most pious Gods, is neither none of the most faithful, and it seems, Antiquity did, to no other purpose, set a band on his eyes, but to allow him a full liberty to mistake. Our Major promised, he should the very next morning go and try the Colonels dying inclinations, that if in the old man could but a little spark be found, he would kindle it into a fire, and fail not, over all, to speak of Berenice according to that high opinion, he had conceived of her parts, and give her an exact account of his conduct; then he kissed her hand, which privacy she did willingly allow him to refresh his heart, and sweeten his sorrow.  
This conversation having endured above three hours at candlelight, one may conceive how great was the impatience of Lysandre who had waited so long. 'Tis true, he could be in some manner comforted by the pastime he had to hear all through a door lying behind the Tapestry, and going in a chamber next the Alcove, wherein they had betaken themselves; however, certain it is, what he heard, surprised him strangely, and perplexed him as much as that, Berenice told him the morning he came resolved to answer ambiguously about the declaration he was engaged to by her, but the last things he heard through the door did so much confound him, that his consternation was visible at the very first moment he opened his mouth to speak. Nevertheless, through the stream of an indifferent conversation, he took by degrees his Spirits again, and thought fit to dissemble that he knew any thing of the Secret discourse in the Alcove. Now, because Berenice's speech concerning her love for him did as much smell, in his judgement, of a Sport, as of a truth, he took as a pastime to answer gallantly gallant propositions: which he did after this manner. Could I fear, Madam, you would dislike my freedom, I should never get loose so far out of the bonds of respect and duty, as to publish, I love you; but being, that both the strength and evenness of your wit are known to me, and that I have received of you an express command to speak without disguise, I will not balance to tell ye again, I love you; if it be without hope, God knows: but this I may say, my self-love doth not blind me so much as to fill my heart with hope. There would be a great folly to speak more and spend time upon ridiculous and chimerical pretensions. What? what d'ye call chimerical pretensions, replied Berenice? Am not I worth enough your wooing? Or is my quality so low under yours, that I must banish all hopes out of my heart? No, dear Lady, answered Lysandre, I do not mean it so. It is I whose hope should be vain and groundless. It is I who might deserve to be turned into ridicule, if I had the temerity to aspire to such a noble alliance. This humble apprehension ye have of yourself, added she, is a strong argument of your merit. It makes me conceive, that I can't but be very happy under the Government of a man that maketh so great an account of me, but pray is there nothing else but modesty that moveth you to speak so? Or is it not, you love so much your liberty, that you would not exchange it to that of a maid? By no means, pursued he; liberty, indeed, is a precious Jewel, but it will be always both pleasant and glorious to Lysandre, to make a sacrifice of it to a Lady infinitely handsome and reasonable: this last part is rarer than the former, and I may say, without flattery, that amongst all those of your Sex, I am acquainted with, I know none but you, that possesseth eminently these two excellent and almost divine qualities. You are extremely obliging, said she, if I trust a man's word, there will be none in the Town, but me that deserves the sacrifice of your heart. So it is, reparteed Lysandre, there is none but you, that may rob me of it, and there is none also but you, to whom I durst venture to proffer it. Would ye engage it heartily, dear Lysandre? Yes divine Creature, if I could believe you would accept of it. But, Lysandre, if you chance to trust it to a capricious one, you'll have time enough to repent your choice. If you be that capricious one, I am ready to adore your caprices. Well, Lysandre, saith Berenice, since I see you so firmly resolved to love me, what humour soever I may have, I resolve to love ye for ever as ye are; and, plainly to satisfy your judgement that I am in earnest, I must needs open you the merry trick I am now about, by turning a man, who presumes I love him, into the very Rival of his ownself, and engaging him to serve both you and me against his own will and interest. Upon that she acquainted him at large with the love of the Major, the means she was using to rid herself of the coxcomb, and under what colours, pretensions and hopes she had persuaded him to get her in the Colonel's affection. You, and I, dear Lysandre, saith she, which both nature and birth have destined to an higher and better figure than that we are now in, cannot more dextrously and wisely set up our fortune, than by keeping and nourishing secretly for a while our mutual flames, until you be further advanced in the world; and I better provided of goods; I look upon my match with the Colonel as a business almost over, I shall then so cunningly handle the good old man's brain, that his Lieutenancy now vacant can't miss to fall upon ye. A man of so many scores of age, whom warlike labours have undermined, shall not live long. The vain hope of an heir will move him to gratify me with his estate. He is extremely at ease; so we shall through this superficial Union, get what to live happily, pleasantly and splendidly with all. The Major hath much credit upon the Decrepit's mind, as he flatters himself with the hope of enjoying me, so he is disposed to neglect nothing that may carry on the business, he shall to morrow night give me an account of the effect of his first essays, which ye will be presently acquainted with. Now, dear Lysandre, after such an intimate confidence, could ye keep any longer within your heart any mistrust injurious to my sincerity, and doubt still that I love you? Confess it 〈◊〉 should not ye be the most unjust of men, if hereafter you were not as open to me as I am ingenuous to you; what do ye answer, dear Captain? are ye sensible of so tender a declaration? Is there any thing in my project, you may be offended at? This happy and beloved lover took up here the speech, and softly shaking his head, spoke so: ay! dear Lady, I could find any faults in your projects! Nay, if I did not approve of them as just and reasonable, I would deem myself to be the most unjust and unreasonable man in the world. All that ye have contrived pleaseth me, and there is nothing in my power, but I would engage heartily, to bring to an happy success a purpose that can't be but extremely agreeable and advantageous to me. But, being, your ingenuity awakes mine, I must needs swear you, charming Goddess, that since the first moment I saw you, I lost my freedom, that my heart yielded to the baits of your incomparable beauty, and that the coldness you have remarked 〈◊〉 carriage, came not out of indifference, but, indeed, out of a deep sense and respectful apprehension of that heap of the most excellent parts wherewith Heaven hath been pleased to adorn you. It goeth with a strong passion of love, as with an extraordinary sorrow. An ancient says wisely that little pains speak, but great sorrows are dumb. My love kept his peace in your presence, because being exceeding vehement, he might never have been able to express himself in that measure and after that manner, he was resented with; and if now he breaks out 'tis not so much to publish his excess, as to spend himself through a thousand thanks for the choice ye made of a man so little qualified. You did just now, obliging Divinity, work a miracle; you gave again the use of his tongue to a man who had lost it, but in that I may say, you did me justice, since you gave me again what your divine perfections had long before taken away from me. Berenice was very quietly hearing Lysandre, and taking a great pleasure in his flourish, he nevertheless should have been glad to be interrupted, but getting no answer he rose up as fearing lest his longer stay should be troublesome to her, and took his leave after he had entreated her never to belly herself, and to go on steadfastly in the carrying on and managing of their plot. Whereupon Berenice having assured him of an eternal and unshaken constancy, he retired very well satisfied of his destiny.  
All this while our presumptuous Major grown up with the new quality of his self-rival stands in a secret and intimate conference with the Colonel, there unfolding and setting all the sails of his eloquence to move him, and cunningly handling the most pathetical reasons to kindle again his almost dead fires, and get him up in love, he represents unto him that, to pass away his time in so sad and fretful solitariness, is rather to languish than to live; that all the world admires why, having so great an estate, he looks not for the last and sweetest comforts of this life in the society of some amable person; that what service soever he may receive of a considerable number of attendants, yet such a service, being interest'd, ought not to be compared with the tender cares he might expect from a wife that would serve him out of inclination; that the example of David is a precedent for him, and seoures his reputation against biting tongues, in case he will join with some young woman; and in fine, that none but indiscreet and foolish folks should be thereby scandalised, and laugh sillily at his revived flames. Love, who seeks for nothing so forwardly as for the perpetuating of himself and the improving of his Empire, takes part with the Major, drops in the old man's heart, and causeth him to answer with a smile: That he was apt enough to follow his counsel, if he could meet with an object worthy ones while, that long ago he had a great propensity that way, if his continual diseases had permitted him to take a turn in Holland or Flanders; because to his apprehension, Maestrich was so little furnished with exquisite beauties, that he knew there not one which might awake his passion: That, indeed, the several Nations, especially the English and French, had brought up some Gallantry in the town, that there could be found some well bred and witty creatures, but they were, for the most part, withered and liable to suspicion. Ah, Sir, resumes the Major, must it be, that some braces of foolish and giddy Women set shame on the forehead of a great many innocent? I confess, There is scarce in all Europe a town that affords so little store of Beauties as Meastrich, but yet it is not so absolutely unprovided with, but there may be some one that will contend with the very English and Dutch Beauties themselves. They are then Closet-pieces, pursued the old fellow; They dare not appear in public, for fear of becoming too common; they are afraid of the Sun-burning; or it may be, they scruple to shame the rest of those of their Sex. Prithee Major give me an instance, show me some fair of that Character; thou hast described I know, there is no place so close, no house or family so severe, but thou may'st get in a free access by thy fair humour and ingageing manners. There, no doubt, thou saw'st some extraordinary merit; Oblige me so much, as to tell me what thou didst discover there, that may deserve the engagement of a noble Soul. No need, Sir, replied the Major, to go so far, will ye know a maid that deserveth your love? Cast but your eyes upon Mistress, Berenice, that worthy heiress of the great Virtues of your late friend the Colonel. This young Maid is eminently endowed with the most excellent graces of Body and Soul, she is the wonder of her age, her Virtue, which stands any trial, gets her respect from the most licentious, and no man in the world can boast of the least favour of hers. That Maid, reparteed the Colonel, hath, indeed, all the parts, you said I knew her, when very young, and am better satisfied than any other of her excellent and curious breeding. But I can hardly believe show would sacrifice so flourishing a youth to so many loathsome infirmities of a man of my age, and prefer those small advantages, she may expect by her alliance with an old and almost overused Soldier, before all the pleasures that attend her by marrying some lusty and brisk young Gentleman. Could I hope, dear, Major, that charming Maid would give ear to any terms, through your mediation, I would be ready to do any thing in her behalf, and to acknowledge the good office, I should have received of you in that occasion. But how to blot out of her mind the sweet Ideas of so many complete young Cavaliers who court her assiduously, and how to trace in, in their room the image of an old man no less troublesome than unable to breed Love? Sir, Sir, replied the Major, I pass my word confidently, that Mistress Berenice is none of those fickle and volatile Maids, which a suit of cloth well set, a coloured Ribbon, a mingled Plumet, or a flourish, gently uttered out, may entice, she hath a refined taste, and I am enough acquainted with her, to assure you, she will wisely prefer the solid benefits of your alliance before the false brightness of all those Adonis, by whom she is every day besieged. Give me but your word, that you love her, and let me alone for the rest. I swear it Sir, said the Old man, but, to come about my design, what am I able to do? my Gout gives me no truce, I cannot pay her a visit. So I am out of all means to assure her of my love. No matter, answered the Major, I will govern her mind so dextrously, that she shall wait upon you to the very corner of your chimney; or else, if you think it more convenient to invite her yourself, write but a letter capable to make some impression, and next it will be my ●art and business to help it with the most favourable commentary, I can. Forget not to feign, you thought upon her a great while ago, and that you have things of moment to acquaint her withal. The old man likes the proposal, calls for pen and ink, and draws down himself the following lines.  
Madam,  
HAd my feet been as free as my hands, I had not failed to go and mingle my tears with those, you have shed upon the death of your late Father my intimate and unparallelled Friend; but although I should have been able to mistrust your resignation to the orders of Heaven, and believ● you do need some comfort in so grea● a loss, yet I never had been capable to go and proffer it to you, being limited as I am by my infirmities within the compass of a chamber. I entreat you to make violence to your modesty by liking that I send you my Coach; 〈◊〉 have had formerly with the late Colonel your Father many intimate bon● of friendship, you shall not be sorry 〈◊〉 know them. Master Major will 〈◊〉 you the rest, and how much I am your servant.  
The Major charged with this Letter went out presently to Berenice's lodgings; he had no sooner paid her the usual duties, but, lifting up his voice as in a transport of joy, he told her: Dear Lady, you have carried it, you have got all, and it will be long of none but you, that you do not enjoy▪ read this note, it confirms what I say. Berenice showed a great deal of gratitude to the Major and said, that by obliging her, he had served himself, and with sparkling eyes, witnesses of her joy, she kissed and read the Letter over and over▪ She thought not fit to answer the note by another; had not her own interest moved her to wait upon the Colonel, the deference and respect due to a man of that quality, and who had been so great a friend with her own Father, could not but persuade her to pay him that civility; Therefore she desired the Major to acquaint his Colonel from her with an entire submission to his commands, and that, at his best opportunity she would accept of his Coach. Our self-Rival who, by a secret and almost prophetical motion, did as much fear the happy success of this affair, as its miscarriage, stood a while in suspense before he answered, looking earnestly upon the crafty Lady's eyes, which she set down by modesty; and then he told her: Perhaps, Madam, I act in this play a strange person, God forbid, it should prove at last against myself: whereupon Berenice replied with a counterfeit anger: Pray, Sir ●rid yourself of a thought so prejudici●● to your peace, and so injurous to 〈◊〉 faith, lose no time, put an end 〈◊〉 your enterprise, and trust me for your happiness.  
Thus the unfortunate Major thought best to venture all, to win all, he goeth straightway to the Colonel, acquaints him with the success of his negotiation, and he had no sooner turned his back, but Lysandre took his place, and in a familiar discourse with his Mistress knew all the transactions between her and the old Man. They were in the heat of so delightful a conference, when the Major arrived in the Colonel's Coach and knocked at the door, she had no more time than needed, to get behind the hangings her dear Lysandre, who not being able to forbear coughing, gave birth to the suspicions and jealousy of the Major; yet he was pleased for that time to dissemble and give the lie to his ears; he took his pretended Mistress by the hand, led her to the Coach, and from her house to the Colonels. Bashfulness which is so natural to the fair Sex▪ painted upon Berenice cheeks at the moment of her introduction into the Chamber, that precious vermilion, which contributes so much to the embellishment of beauty: the old man made all imaginable efforts to stand up right and go to meet her; after sitting down at fire, it was first handsomely complemented on both sides; the discourse fell next upon the late Colonel's death, whereupon Berenice paid an abundant duty of tears and sighs. The Major fearing it would be a hard matter to pass from an extreme sadness to that mirth, which ought to prepare them to the opening and receiving joyful propositions, broke seasonably their discourse by rising up with precipitation, and feigning to have now an appointment at the Governors' Palace. It was of his prudence to set so the old man in measures and give him opportunity to speak alone; he took then his leave for an hour or two, which he spent in the next gallery amongst the most extravagant fancies that jealousy can afford in such circumstances: after his being retired, our old man drew with much ado his elbow-chair near that of Berenice, changed his Screen to hers and spoke after this manner: Madam, the Language of a man of my age is a great deal different from that of a person which but begins to live: A young Wooer that would make you his declaration of love, should use chosen terms, and should not venture to entertain you with the discourse of his passion, before having, through a long acquaintance, got some favourable prejudice for his design; but a man who contends with death, aught to speak more freely, because he speaks with more sincerity. My life hath had, as well as that of others, its ages and its language; It is come now to that point, wherein a man may speak with security. My lord your Father was the best of my Friends, and to my judgement I can't bear any better witness to that eternal friendship, we swore one another, than by making you heiress of the remembrance, wherewith I do honour his memory. All that I possess in this world is altogether insignificant to revive his ashes, but, sweet Lady, if you would accept of my alliance, than I might boast of having tried all possible ways to revive him. This open declaration perhaps surpriseth you, but I may circumstance it with so many advantageous conditions, that, far from giving you any just offence, it is most capable to convince a Maid, as witty and judicious as ye are. You know well enough, Dear Child, that you can but hardly, by the inconsiderable estate my Lord left ye, get a fortune that may answer your birth and the greatness of your heart. Men now adays do little value birth and wit without riches, and we should call back again the time of our old Romances Hero's, to ground upon beauty alone. Heaven that heaped in your person both the graces of the body, the parts of the wit, and the glory of a noble extraction, refused you the benefits of fortune, whose privation, although indeed they are by themselves contemptible and despicable, is nevertheless accounted, in this blind and unjust age, the greatest of all imperfections. The respect I bear to the memory of our illustrious Dead, and the tenderness, I have conceived for your amable Person in particular, caused me a hundred times to reflect upon your fate with tears in my eyes. I have lifted up myself above my age; forgot its coldness, and thought having no heirs and being so near my grave, I could seal up and consummate all your excellent parts by adding to them the last prerogative, you want for. If you yield to my desires, all that I possess is yours; ye see, I am old, sickly, subject to such infirmities, as would never permit me to live long. Now, Dear Mistress, if your heart pleads for my happiness, pray make haste to declare it, as many minutes you delay to give you to me will be as many halfs of an happy life, you rob me of. I confess, a conjugal union with some young Gentleman of your age should be long weighed in the scale of wisdom, and would require a great many reflections before coming to a final agreement; but that which I proffer you, being but for a while, requires not so much consideration. Well, Madam, urged now the old man, how d'ye like my motion? What d'ye think on it, sweet Lady? That it is both honourable and advantageous to me, said Berenice with a modest smile: without so much ado, Sir, I give my consent, I owe too much to your bounty, to refuse you any thing, but do me the favour to believe, I act in this affair less by interest than gratitude. Yes, Sir, I right both you and me, when I sacrifice my liberty and my cares to a person I am so far engaged to, through so many and so ancient obligations, you shall be obeyed as soon as you please; a note from your hand will call me at any time to my duty; but I would be glad, our business should make no noise abroad, and that I were sooner honoured with the quality of your wife, than the Town, or your very servants might know it. This sweet consent being so delivered up, the old man put forth his hand, took that of Berenice; and then they swore one another an inviolable and everlasting fidelity; whereupon the Major coming into the Chamber, ended their charming conversation. The Colonel bids him to sit down, fends the footman back, and addressing to the Major, tells him merrily: Could ye believe it, Sir, that a man as heavy as I am, might run so far in so little while? Could ye be persuaded, I have stormed in an hour the finest and strongest place in this country, and that this amable Child, pointing to Berenice, is now mine? Yes, why not, replied the Major, a man that grew old in the wars as ye did, doth not he know all engines, tricks and stratagems whereby places are taken in? and as for that you call Madam Berenice yours, could there be found in all the world a person that deserves better your adoption? Say rather, myself, resumed the Colonel, since I gave myself wholly to her, and am no more mine. How Sir, pursued the Major! is it possible? What betrothed so soon, that is to go very fast indeed, that is to dispatch matters pretty well. Two Souls born one for the other, interrupted pleasantly Berenice, knit together at the first approach, and their union is so natural, nay so necessary, that it must be made in spite of all contrary efforts, and it passeth by all sorts of considerations soever. I bless God, Madam, said the Major, that he hath been pleased to give his hand to the execution of a match, which he had decreed from all eternity, and I will prove none of the less zealous to honour with feasts and pieces of Gallantry your illustrious Alliance. The Colonel thanked his Major for his kindness and civility, trusted into his hand the handsome Bride, to carry her back; fearing, if he should keep her the whole day according to the motion of his heart, some body might have occasion to suspect something through so long an absence. The company rose up: Madam Berenice proffered a kiss to her old sensible, who stayed half a quarter of an hour glued upon her cheeks, even to the very shedding of tears out of joy. I leave you to think whether our unfortunate Self-Rival bore this action very patiently in his heart; he, I say, who reckoned all the kisses, the old man did give to Berenice, and looked upon them, as, as many thefts of his own goods; but being of his moderation and policy to dissemble, he played fairly the part of a Paranymph, stopping up the sentiments of a desperate lover, he led my Lady to the Coach, and attended her to her lodging, where he had not time to enjoy the pleasure of a long conversation, because the Colonel, either already grown jealous, or impatient to get all things in order against the next day, had desired him to return as soon as he could; taking his leave of the Lady, he offered to kiss her hand as he was used to do, but she refused him that favour with a gentle pride; whereupon he could not forbear to tell her: What? Madam, I did presume, my services ought to make me bolder, and you more private; but it proves now quite contrary, you refuse that to day by contempt, which you granted me yesterday by inclination; have you a mind to justify the sentence that saith, humours change manners: or am I guilty of any fault that may deserve the privation of your esteem? By no means, Sir, answered Berenice, if I deny you to day, what I granted yesterday, 'tis out of justice, not of any resentment. I could not, without crime (since ingratitude is one) forget the great benefits I received of your zeal, but could I neither, without injustice, dispose of a good that is no more mine; you know to whom I belong; When heaven hath put anend to the work; whose happy consummation I am so greedy of, than I will prove as much faithful to you, as I am now to him, which the same heaven hath set over me for some while. So judicious and reasonable an answer ought to satisfy and calm again the most peevish of men; yet the Major could not like it, because he had foolishly fancied, this alliance should serve but as a shadow to his pleasures, he made to himself a great violence to stop his humour, and coldly took his leave of Berenice; but as soon as he had stepped into the Coach, he gave himself over as a prey to the most terrible trouble of mind that can be imagined, he bids the Coachman to drive twice round about the town. The coach was very well stuffed with cotton, nevertheless he finds himself uneasy within. One while he leans on his elbow at the right, another, at the left hand; puts now his hat on his knee, then on his his head; looks earnestly on the boot, yet, being there saluted by many, he saluted none again. 'Tis impossible to tell how several and extravagant postures he puts himself upon, till at last he arrives at his Rival's house, where he calls back all that he can of his former tranquillity, but, alas, in vain: as far as the old man could see him, he cried out merrily, Well, Sir, what is my pretty Lady now a doing? What business was she about, when you left her? He heard not a word of that; being come nearer, the Colonel reiterates the same question, which he heareth with the same attention. So strange a wandering of thoughts surprised the old man, who for the third time, went on in his former motion; but at that, our Lover quite out of countenance answered, Yes, Sir, yes; which as you may judge, was a very extravagant repartee: at first the Colonel was apt to believe his Major had been engaged in some excessive drinking, but reflecting upon the little while, there was since he had left him, and seeing besides, he looked not at all as a fuddled man, he conceived so ill an opinion of this minister of his love, that he could never since find in his heart to look upon him with a good eye; he played nevertheless fair to him, invited him to supper, and through the several discourses, they had together, he perceived clearly, he was not at all satisfied of Berenice.  
Lysandre who was always busy about some cloth, which he did never buy, in a Draper's shop next to his dear Lady's lodging, observed from thence all the Major's steps, and what time he was either going in or coming out of the house, he spied that day above three hours, and after he had at last seen him step in to the Coach, he immediately flew to Berenice, which allowed him to savour an hundred kisses upon her sweet lips with as much privacy, as with pride she refused to the Major a simple kiss of her hand. She summed up to him all that came to pass in the interview with the old man; next they both renewed their mutual protestations of an eternal love, and then the wise Lady for some just reasons dismissed him with an unvaluable kiss, strictly forbidding, him to wait any more upon her in that house, lest his visits might perhaps prejudice his fortune; and advising him further to court more assiduously the Colonel, about whom she would not fail to serve him to her utmost power. S●arce was he out of his Mistress' presence, but there came in the Colonel's Chamber-Gentleman, who had order to look what persons should be with Berenice, and to desire her from his Master, to get herself ready against the next morning by nine a clock for an extraordinary breakfast.  
In effect about that time, after the Major's arrival into the Colonel's house, the Horses were put into the Coach, and he received command to fetch in forthwith Mistress Berenice. She waited for him impatiently, being risen up betimes that day, and having used all her skill to get herself extraordinary handsome, and yet keep still the modesty of her mourning apparel▪ which design succeeded her so well, and so happily joined Art with Nature to set off her Beauty, that as soon as the Major cast his Eyes upon her, trouble and confusion laid hold on his distressed Soul Alas! said he, is this the divine treasure I am a going to sacrifice to the passion of a Rival? If Heaven ought to refuse it to my vows, should he use my own hand to deliver it up into another's? O unfortunate Major! O too happy Colonel! Why doth not fortune regard rather strength and merit, than greatness and riches? O Heaven, what strange inequality of ages! But 'tis to inveigh, to no purpose; 'tis to spend idly ones while, pursued he; 'tis to provoke you, Madam, to declaim any longer against the malice of fate: This unjust Divinity hath condemned me to play the ridiculous Rival of myself; you have subscribed my sentence, and now you force me to put it into execution. Your transports, interrupted Berenice, being interpreted by me, are not absolutely to be deemed unreasonable, but they are neither to be altogether allowed. I confess, 'tis a hard case for a man that loves sincerity to see another preferred before himself; but when such a preference, which in these present circumstances we must call a preference for a while, is to be turn to our own advantage for ever, than it ought to temper our impatience, and calm all our troubles; or else we are rather our own foes than the right lovers of our good: 'Tis true indeed you act now in a manner the Rival of yourself, but certain it is, you do it for your own sake, and upon account of great hopes. Forbear then, dear Sir, to curse a destiny that doth you more service than wrong; the time to come will make good what I say. But Sir, added she, is it not to try a little too long the patience of the company that waits for us? Will ye be pleased to comply with their desires? I will, Madam, reparteed the Major: If I have detained you so long, 'tis, Madam, because your presence blots out of men's memory all the rest of the World. Let us go then, dear and precious Victim, let us go, I will be the witness and Priest of your Sacrifice. God grant, in a short time you may be the Divinity to whom in my turn, I may devote the Sacrifice of myself. Come, Madam, let us go when you please; remember but my fidelity, and what steps I have made for you. After these last words, he took Berenice's hand, and she shaked him by his own, as a token that his vows would be fulfilled in due time.  
The Colonel, to whom Joy lent a new store of strength, met his Bride at the stairs, from whence he led her gallantly into the room, wherein a Notary and the Parson of the Parish Church waited for them. There was but little talking; the contract was plain, containing a general, free and exceptionless donation, after death, of all the said Lord Colonels goods, both movable and unmovable, effects, properties or appendants whatsoever, to his future Wife. Which being done and signed, they engaged reciprocally their Faith before the company, which subscribed as Witnesses to the action.  
No Wedding was ever made with so little noise as this; only the Major dined, and spent the remnant of the day with the Colonel and his new Lady; and the very servants of the house were not a little amazed, when at night offering to undress their Lord, there came a Gentlewoman, who paid the same duty to a Lady which got first into the Bed. They believed all, it was a dream; but the next morning the tidings of this alliance became public in Town, and Lysandre, whom Berenice had given notice unto, came in, and before all the family wished to the Colonel much Joy, and an heir both of his Virtues and his illustrious Blood. After this publication, there was nothing but Feasts, Tourning, Races, splendid Entertainments, Balls, Plays, and other pieces of Gallantry, wherein the Officers of the Regiment, and amongst them the Major and Captain Lysandre were the most forward and considerable Hector's. As any thing seems to be lawful in such great solemnities, so in this the most grave and most severe Gentlemen would appear very merry and free, except only our Major, who, contrary to his temper, showed all along a very sad and scurvy carriage; he conceived the preference was due to him by all means, yet he was one of those whom my Lady seemed the least concerned at; ●ay, she could not so severely master her natural tendency to Lysandre, but it broke out something by the Treason of her Eyes, and ●he freedom of her mouth, which being perceived by the clearsighted jealousy of the Major, was indeed 〈◊〉 deadly stroke to his Heart. The Feast lasted five●days, which while ●he variety of sports did not permit ●o our new Spouses to have any other discourses but concerning mat●ers of Gallantry; but when the house was set again in its former tranquillity, and my Lord had laid upon my Lady the old management of his household, he fell nex● to acquaint her with the knowledge of his private affairs.  
One day they were a talking together in the morning at Bed, he asked her, whether upon the eve o●their Wedding she could not remember to have given to the Major any cause of displeasure? Adding, that after he had brought her home, being returned back, he was all at a loss, and almost ou● of his wit; to which the Crafty Lady answered, it was so indeed 〈◊〉 and now she begun to discover to him how the Major was that very time so bold as to require of he● the favour of kissing her hand, and how severely she rebuked his boldness: then making use of the opportunity, she made him so hideous a picture of the man, that the Colonel grew suddenly hot; and as the last age, because of his weakness▪ is apt to be jealous, he blamed with sharp terms the Major's liberty which he took as an insign affront put upon himself, and swore he would never make the least interest to get him into the place of Lieutenant Colonel; but rather promote to it the last Captain of the Regiment. Upon that Oath, Berenice (she will, if you please, go still by that name) added, that indeed he would have reason to do so, and that if the people talked of the good grace, expenses and swaggering of the Major, all the Garrison did commend nothing so much as the prudence, wisdom and moderation of a certain Captain, which she believed was named Lysandre. That Lysandre, you speak of, reparteed the old man, is an Officer of an extraordinary worth, and they say of him that he is the only Captain, who had no deserters in his Company during two years, which is not a weak argument of his prudent conduct: I would have already made something for him, had not I feared to offend the Major, and turn into a dangerous enemy, a man that had always a great part in my confidence. The wise Berenice insisted no further, lest she might appear to be partisan of Lysandre. She thought the work was begun well enough, and, no doubt, it would succeed to the best advantage of her lover; so she cunningly diverted the discourse to some other matter concerning the Oeconomy of the House.  
Things standing upon these terms, came on a weighty business that was to be treated with his highness the Prince of Orange concerning the Regiment. There was a great honour to be got in so important a trust; therefore Berenice was not idle. She concerned herself too much in the glory of her dear Lysandre, to not procure him a fair opportunity to get himself known to the Prince. She suspected, the Major would privately sue for the commission; and, indeed, the old man designed already to send him thither, but she broke dextrously their measures, by persuading the Major to not accept a commission that would absent him from her for a long while, swearing that, being bereft of his sweet conversation, she could not enjoy one happy day in the company of so old and exceeding troublesome a husband. This entreaty was like a law to the Major, whom such a tender testimony of love cured almost perfectly of all those strong suspicions, he had conceived of a secret intrigue between Berenice and Lysandre; so at the first motion the Colonel made him for his journey at Court, he excused himself on pretence of a Sciatica, being thereby altogether unable to go either on horseback, or in a Coach. Berenice was present when his excuses were allowed, and after they had long debated, what Officer the management of the negotiation should be trusted unto, Berenice took up the Speech, and said to her husband, that two or three days ago he spoke to her of a certain Captain named Lysandre, as a Gentleman of some extraordinary merit, and told her, amongst several other Virtues, that. Officer was endowed with, he was highly satisfied of his prudence and moderation; that this Character was fit for the business in hand, and so he would do very well to pitch upon none other but him. The Major who was looking for an opportunity to oblige Berenice, and besides was very much content to remove Lysandre from her, fell into the snare, and, for from Crossing her nomination, he approved much of it, commending and setting off both the capacity and zeal of the chosen Captain; insomuch that the Commission was given to Lysandre with order to depart forthwith.  
He was no sooner set out for his Journey, but a certain fellow that my Lady had turned away for a roguery, in hope of some recompense from the Major, came and told him, that Captain Lysandre, before taking leave of the Colonel, had been in a close and intimate conference with my Lady, and that he had heard all their discourses. Our curious Major promised him a great reward, if he would tell exactly and orderly all that he heard. Well, Sir, she began after this manner, pursued the rogue: Dear Lysandre, O how much engaged thou art to fortune; all things do concur to favour thy destiny. Now, my dear, now is the time to work. Now 'tis your business to act vigorously in the commission, be sure, my dear, your hope to the Colonel-lieutenancy, won't be set upon a solid foundation, before you get in his highness esteem; take heed then to show your ability and zeal to that Prince, who knows as well as any other in Europe how to distinguish merit, and reward virtue. The Major, at first, had prevailed so far upon my husband, that he was resolved to trust him with this honourable negotiation, whose happy success had, no doubt, advanced him to the place, which I hope you'll obtain through my unwearied interest: but I found out, how to take advantage of his weakness. I feigned, I could not want so long the comfort of his visits (poor silly fool, he seeth not, I deal so, to disable him for ever to make me any.) Go then, sweet Soul, go on; remember, this is the first step thou makest into the temple of fortune: remember, Lysandre and Berenice's happiness lieth in thy hands. Adieu, my dear, fail not to have me acquainted with the place of thy abode, direct thy letters to my waiting women, she is faithful and wise. This is all that I could hear, said the perfidious footman; Enough in conscience for the Major's peace, and indeed, there was no need, this indiscreet wretch would add, that Lysandre answered shortly: How many thousand ways am I your slave, incomparable Lady, fear not, fear not, where Berenice commands, Lysandre is able to perform all things; and then they embraced one another the most closely they could, nay to such a transport of delight, as to lift themselves up twice by turn out of the ground.  
The Major showed not himself sensible of this narrative before the fellow, he gave him money, and kept him in his house some while to that purpose, we shall speak of. If love is sometimes suspicious without ground, that of the Major grew so with reason. Revolving within himself, from whence could proceed a reciprocal inclination whose greatness appeared in so dangerous a commerce, he was confounded through the variety of his thoughts, but after a long vexation of mind he resolved to intercept Lysandre's letters to Berenice, his anger did not in the least break out the four or five days, during which no tidings could come from Lysandre; for, on one side he would put off the opening of his indignation to her until he might be altogether convinced of a perfidy that could scarce find any belief within his Soul, what strong prejudices soever the footman had given him; and on the other he found always Berenice so even in her discourses and carriage towards him, that he had rather to belly his impressions for a while, than accuse her of infidelity upon a suspicion which he would have cleared in a short time: he sends then the footman to the factor of the Post-office, who knowing him well, and supposing he was still a servant to the Colonel, did not scruple to give him a letter which Captain Lysandre wrote to his sweet Lady. The Major was just coming out of the Colonel's lodging, where he had received a great deal of new protestations of an everlasting fidelity from Berenice, when the footman met him and delivered him the fatal letter. The direction to the waiting-woman, being agreeable to the testimony of the Rogue, cast him in a dreadful perplexity, he scrupled whether he ought, either to burn the letter for his quiets sake, carry it sealed up to Berenice, or open it; at last after having spent the whole night in a great anxiety, he took the party to read it. It was of this purport.  
Madam.  
ALL things do flatter them which you please to protect, when I remember, you interest yourself in my favour, I take upon me an air so easy and proud, that my Friends seeing me this morning coming out of the Palace, took me to be something more than I am. If it is a good omen, God grant the success may answer it, and that I may shortly find myself in a condition to go and witness you my respect and gratitude with a million of thanks. I lodge at the Royal Princess upon the plain.  
The reading of this Letter increased the trouble of the Major, it seemed to him enigmatical and the sense obscure, therefore he resolved to have it directed to the Colonel's Centinel, who gave it to a servant, from whose hands it came into those of the waiting-maid, and next into my Lady's. Berenice read it with abundance of joy. It was short indeed, but the most compendious Love-Letters speak always enough. She answered it, but that answer escaped the curiosity of the Major, who would have willingly given an hundred Pistols for't. In the mean time Berenice perceived clearly, her Letter had been unsealed, and the indirect way it came by, confirmed her opinion. Now that it was intercepted by any trick of the Major, she could not imagine it; So she kept still with him the same countenance, until some ambiguous words reflecting upon the matter having slipped out of his mouth through indiscretion, she doubted no more but he had surprised her favourites Letter; but it being convenient to dissemble, she feigned to not understand the discourse where he betrayed and contradicted himself so imprudently; nevertheless she conceived within her heart new seeds of hatred for him; Nay she cooled on a sudden in that very conversation, and appeared so dull and so wandering in her thoughts, that the Major at so subit an alteration took Omen from thence, there was some thing a contriving against him, he rose up and left coldly Berenice, who paid his coldness with her silence.  
A bash of that nature offered to a Lady as sensible and refined as Berenice, by a man who seemed to be in the wrong, appeared in her Judgement unpardonable; but, pray, what had he to lose, that had nothing to hope? The Major on his side accounted himself highly injured by Berenice, and thought it was no more season to dissemble with her, he waits upon her in the usual manner, asketh how stands the business committed to Lysandre, and when he must be preferred to the Vacant Lieutenancy. Berenice being scandalised at so rude a question, made answer, that she meddled not but with her household, being conscious enough, all other matters were above the capacity of her wit: that my Lord could better satisfy him about his motion. The Major's impudence did certainly deserve the severity of this repartee; however he was extremely amazed, and thought himself so much wronged by it, that he forgot himself to such a degree of indiscretion, as to say that a Footman who had newly left the livery came of his own accord and discovered to him so strange things, that one could scarce give any credit to them; and, although he suspended his judgement, yet he could not but be thereby in a great trouble; that if she doubts of the truth of his words, he takes upon himself, to cause the same Footman to tell again, in her presence, all that he had reported to him concerning her love with Lysandre. You have lost all your credit, and that part you have got in my esteem, said sharply Berenice, lifting up her voice, If you do not immediately produce before me that man, and if he maintaineth not his report to my face, win him at any rate, and bring him hither presently; go on, Sir I stay for you. The Major went home, called for the Footman and told him that in respect of his service, he had spoken a good word in his behalf to my Lady, and set him again into favour; that he must come along to get both his pardon and his Livery in his presence. This bait dazzleth the wretch, who seeth not how near he stands to the cudgel, which indeed he had over deserved; he follows his gentle mediator to the Colonel's house: my Lady hath notice of their coming, she bids all the servants to retire, and gets into the stable together with the Major and the honourable Rascal, shutting up the door for better security. Now the Major addressing to the Rogue saith to him; Friend, my Lady is more merciful than thou art guilty, she forgives thee all thy faults on condition that thou shalt confess to have reported to me what passed between her and Captain Lysandre, before his departure for the Hague: First, didst not thou come to me of thy own accord, before I had ever spoken to thee, that I know of? Secondly, didst not thou— he was ready to go on, when the Boy who was not so dull as not to foresee the danger he was in, if he would not speak in favour of my Lady, answered him briskly: hark ye Master Major, there is no first nor second with me. First I came not to you, you met me. Secondly, I told you nothing else but what the money, you gave me, made me tell ye; there is all, urge me no more; for, by God, I will declare how you employed me to surprise the Letter, but I say no more; are ye content, Master Major? Master Major was quite out of countenance and ready to thunder against this wicked impostor; but my Lady, whose interest was to stifle the noise, told him, Master Major: we have got matters clear enough, send back this miserable, he forgot your instructions; another time he will better play his part. At these sharp biting words the Major took pet and came to that excess of passion as to forget a little the respect due to the house he was in; he spoke so loud two or three times, that all the family gathered together at the stable door to know what was the matter, and some of them, to help against the Footman, who in their apprehension was brought thither to none other purpose, but for his being sound ●●udgelled. Their talking about that spent some while; my Lord being surprised to see no attendants about him, calls again and again, he cryeth, no body cometh; at last he crawleth a long as well as he could to a window that looked into the yard, from whence he saw all his servants in alarm, he inquireth about the subject of their meeting, the servants withdraw, and just now both my Lady, the Major and the Footman come out of the stable. The old man who knew not what to think of this uproar, troubleth himself, and will know what passeth, one tells him that my Lady had been willing to have the Footman examined about some new roguery he had committed; but this answer did not satisfy him, and he complained that many things were concealed from him, for which, said he, that Rascal, deserved, may be, the halter. Amongst other servants there was on● who had served him above twelve years, whom he trusted more than the others; he commands him to follow his Comrade, and pump ou● of him the secret of this business; some glasses of Wine untied the tongue of the fellow and he revealed the whole mystery to his friend who immediately acquainted his Master with it. The old man was vexed at the tidings, and fell into so great suspicions that at table he could not forbear to say in presence of my Lady and others, that the last age was a very troublesome thing, and that amongst other imperfections it had this, to serve as a sport to young folks, but, for his part, he was more clearsighted than one could imagine. The pain he took in unfolding this so embroiled mixture of interest between the Major, Lysandre and his wife, brought him into a deep melancholy, which, indeed, hastened his death, he afterwards watched more carefully over the conduct of his young Spouse, he looked upon the Major with an ill eye, and prepared nothing more favourable to Lysandre. The Major absented himself for some days, he was sore vexed for the Footman's perfidy, jealous and incensed against Lysandre, impatient for his Colonel's coldness; but, over all, he was almost mad to see himself going for a cheat in his Mistress' heart. Nevertheless, matters concerning the regiment, engaged him some weeks after to go and confer with the Colonel, but he found always Berenice near his elbow-chair, in so much that he could by no means justify himself to her; in the mean while Lysandre arriveth, the happy success of his negotiation sets him up again in the Colonel's esteem, who seemed to have appointed him in his favour the same rank that the Major had before.  
How equal and moderate so ever Lysandre was in his growing fortune, yet the Major did no more look upon him, but with eyes full of indignation, and take his moderate carriage for a Pride, even to reproach him one day, that he bore heels higher than ordinary; and you, lower, reparteed boldly Lysandre: Yes, to make the better a pass, added the other. The Captain who conceived well enough this swaggering manner of challenge, answered stoutly, and I, said he, I have got a pair at home of the same sort, that may do me a good service on a like occasion. I would fain see them, replied the Major; to which Lysandre having answered, he would procure him that sport the very next morning without the gate of Jermany, they engaged and went away.  
All this while things were very peaceable within the Colonel's family. Berenice had made herself so absolute Mistress of her old decrepits mind, that she handled and turned him which way she pleased, but especially since the discovery of the Footman she had so strongly bewitched him by her constant attendance upon him and her flattering manners, that his suspicions were quite blotted out of his weak brain, she gets the Major acquainted with it, her policy persuaded her to manage him, and, indeed she sacrificed to that man, just as the ancients did to plague and to fever, not to get any benefits of them, but lest they should suffer mischief from these hurtful divinities. The presumptuous Major taketh a favourable Omen through this kind advice, and resolveth to come and show her how sensible he is of it, immediately after the duel appointed between him and Lysandre.  
This appointment came to the ears of Berenice the very same day it was made, by an Ensign of the Regiment, she could not sleep all the night long, being in a deadly apprehension; lest the Major who looked stronger and brisker than her dear beloved Captain, should get the better of him; yet her Soul was too noble, to oppose so courageous a resolution. All that she could do in her favourites behalf was to entreat the Ensign not to permit the fight grow too hot, and in his depositions to put the Major in the wrong. This young Cavalier who had no great love for the Major, and gloried to serve a Lady of so great merit, assured her, she would have cause to be content of his carriage, and then took his leave.  
An hour after the opening of the gates our Rivals were followed by the Ensign, we spoke of, and a Lieutenant, both of the same Regiment The field was chosen, the sign given, passes were made and returned again, insomuch that victory balanced and was dubious on both sides by a great while, till at last Lysandre's Sword being unluckily broken, he was no more able to put ●y the blows, and was wounded by ●ne push in two several places, the ●ne in the arm, and the other an ●nch under the nipple of the right ●ap, his Sword broken, and the blood ●e lost in abundance, because the wound was four inches deeep, did ●ot permit him to fight any longer; ●hey went to drink upon that score, ●nd our Major puffed up with Pride ●f his victory returned into Ma●stricht, wherein the wounded Captain also was brought with much ●do in a Horselitter. As soon as he was settled in his Lodging, the Co●●nels Valet de Chambre, whom my ●ady had sent expressly, came to in●uire as from his Lord, what condition the Captain was in, who●● wounds he saw the first apparel se● on. Although he had not lost hi● speech, yet the Surgeon answere● that it could not be judged right o● the malignity of his wound, bu● within a day or two; that however it seemed in his apprehension, ver● dangerous. Some Zealots went presently after the tidings of the Du● came in Town, to the Governor an● complained of the attempt committed in defiance of the most Religion Laws of the Country; they prevail●● so much upon him, that he sent order to the Colonel to use the utmost rigour against the Offenders. So th● Major was sent to the Proust, an● the wounded Lysandre kept Prison's in his own house.  
If the shameful detaining of th● Major was a kind of sport to Berenice the deep wounds of Lysandre whic● caused him to contend a while wi●● death, cost her a great deal of tea●● There was no hour, nor moment, but she sent some body to inquire of him, and see his wounds bound up. Nothing spared for his sake; Essences, Conserves, Liquors, Sweetmeats of all sorts, and all that hath power to revive low spirits were profusely served him; he received a thousand visits. Berenice's waiting-maid repaired exactly every day to his bedside, and comforted him in his pains by the assurance of her Mistresses ●ender and constant affection for him, which was a balsam to the distressed lover. Nay, Berenice herself went thither, when he begun ●o be in a prospect of recovery. The joy, he felt at the sight of so charming and obliging a Lady got such an alteration in his body's humours that he was suddenly taken with a strong fever, so that his life was quite despaired of; which was a cruel matter of sorrow to the innocent author of this sad accident. Some Madrigals were writ upon this adventure, but they have escaped out of my memory.  
In the mean time our Major was allowed to speak to no body in his Prison, there he was the prey of a strange melancholy such as may afford an horrid solitariness; but that he was so much vexed at, was not so much the horror of a dark and narrow apartment, as the sorrow he had to receive no Letters of comfort, nor any tidings of the present condition of his party; but, ove● all, to be altogether ignorant how his Mistress had received the new● of his Combat and Victory, he engaged one day by the brightness of some Pistols, his own Jailor, to carry her a Letter and deliver 〈◊〉 into her own hand: its tenure was thus.  
Madam,  
IF a man is guilty, because generous, Virtue is become a crime. What? is there no praise, no applaud in the world but for cowards? and do I deserve to be persecuted, because I have discharged my duty like a gallant man? Duels are honourable preludes, which prepare men for battles and other occasions where danger seems to be the lesser, because it is common to many. But if these reflections cannot free me from the rigour of the Law, pray, Madam, let both my former services be considered, and such as I am able ●o do, and let me be set out of a captivity, a thousand times, harder than death itself: I would speak more boldly, Madam, if I could know what is ●he present condition of Lysandre, who is the man in the world that deserves most to live, and for whom 〈◊〉 will keep to the last breath the sentiments of a singular esteem, speak but a good word for me, dear Lady; allow but what your heart speaks to you in my behalf, and I am sure of my liberty. 'Tis an illustrious wretch that Entreats you, and the most humble of your servants 〈…〉 the Major.  
Had he been certain, his Letter would fall immediately into Berenice's hands, he had sure added a great many other things, and touched higher matters, but for fear of some miscarriage of the Letter, he wrote no more than was necessary for his turn in the present construction of his affairs.  
Berenice received the Letter, as soon as she had read it, she took pen and ink to write a note, and sent them both to Lysandre, that she might procure him some divertisement at his enemy's cost, and cause him to triumph by love, whom the chance of arms had vanquished. This note was too tender, not to find its place in this History.  
To Captain Lysandre,  
HEaven concerns himself too far in the interest of your glory, to rob the world of your noble person, before your merit hath received its reward, he suffered you to be wounded to none other purpose, but, that you might relish longer the unvaluable pleasure to see how much you are loved. Now 'tis time to come and show your gratitude. The Major shall not languish in the fetters but as long as you'll be pleased to keep him in. Here's the Letter by which he begs the influence of my credit, you may read it, but must return it back into my own hands, for the rest, I am of opinion, you ought to consent to the liberty of a poor wretch who will be confounded enough, when he seeth you preferred before him. Love, Dear Lysandre, and hope, 'tis Berenice that adviseth you so.  
Lysandre being then perfectly recovered, goeth out that very day, and pays his Civilities to the Colonel, in whose presence he gave his assent for the liberty of the Major. The old man's indisposition giving no opportunity of a long discourse with him; he went on to my Lady's Chamber, he found her alone, and was ready to throw himself at her feet, but she prevented him. I am in the utmost confusion, Madam, saith he: and I, interrupted Berenice in the utmost joy, to see you again, and I am confident, yours shall not be less than mine own, when you know out of my mouth that his highness, who was not acquainted with your quarrel, gratifies you with the place of Lieutenant Colonel, and, it may be, you'll receive the commission the next post. In the mean while dissemble your joy, and be not so assiduous in your attendance upon me, until you be entirely possessed of your Office, lest the Major should suspect any thing of my contrivance in the managing of so precious a favour; go yourself and get the Major out of prison; but first beg my Lord's agreement, for the rest, Lysandre, remember, not to forget yourself in your new preferment. ay, Madam, forget myself, replied he; I, who know better than any man in the world, how great is the inconstancy of fortune! Ah! let rather heaven— No no, Madam, be ye not afraid for that. They were apt to go further, if my Lord's Gentleman had not come in, to warn Lysandre, his master would speak with him; he took his leave of my Lady, and got immediately by the bed of the Colonel, who bid him to go in his name and set at liberty the Major with whom he entreated him to be reconciled; he put his superiors order in execution. The Major was set at liberty, and they supped together talking the space of two hours of nothing but indifferent matters, the Major being free came to thank the Colonel and show his gratitude to Berenice.  
It was not true, the Prince had himself made choice of Lysandre to fill the vacancy, but true it was, Berenice had prepared her husband to be favourable to him; her husband I say, to whose prudence and wisdom his highness had trusted the election of a worthy Officer; a mystery, indeed, which was hidden to the Major, who would have taken quite other measures, if he had had the good luck to discover it; he continued to give his frequent attendances upon the Colonel, and did almost never meet there Lysandre: which he took as a good Omen, there being but that only Cavalier that might stand in competition and dispute the Lieutenancy with him. Berenice, to keep her Intrigue more private, did often speak to him of Lysandre as a man who had nothing of that greatness of Soul, of that firmness of courage, which was necessary in a Warrior; to which feigned sentiments the Major added some true ones of his own ground, no less dishonourable than the former; Nay, sometimes in her presence he called him a simple fellow, and told her one day, he was in a merry humour, he had played him a witty turn; this Officer, Madam, saith he, commanded before yesterday the Guard at Wick, he had prepared a splendid entertainment for his friends, and given order, it should be brought up to the Guard; I knew one of my Drummers, was to carry the Pottages and fricasses. I promised him two Pistols, if in the very midst of the great street, he would let fall down his burden by feigning to fall down himself. It was done so, indeed, the Drummers foot slipped, all slipped also out of his hands, and the dishes, through the help of half a dozen of spoons borrowed of the Neighbours, were filled with an hundred nasty things, which were eaten up with the greatest avidity in the world. The trick is noble and witty, said coldly Berenice, but now you put me in mind of him, I believe, 'tis he that is below, let us go down, and laugh at his cost, in my Lord's Chamber: they got in before him, and had already taken seats by the bed, where the gout detained the old man, when Lysandre came in. The Colonel against his custom, pulled off his cap to him, which the Major admired at, but he was far more amazed when he welcomed him, not with one good morrow, master Lysandre, but with one, master Lieutenant Colonel very welcome. This Compliment was like a Thunderbolt that took almost away from the Major the use of his Speech, although he had yet some belief, the Colonel spoke but in jest; he altered presently his mind, for the Colonel bid his Secretary to draw out behind his pillow two Letters one of which he gave to Lysandre, saying, Sir, out of gratitude you are engaged to serve faithfully his Highness, he honours you with the vacancy, and for my part, I ease myself upon you of the care of the regiment; you see in what condition both my age, and infirmities have brought me; I believe I shall not go long. Don't take the pains to go to the Hague. The Prince dispenseth you with that duty, and alloweth presumptively your thanks.  
While Lysandre was busy about thanking the Colonel with the strongest and warmest expressions that just and true gratitude can afford, the Major turning his eyes, full of anger and spite, towards my Lady, saw her fetching a deep sigh, lifting up her shoulders, and casting aside upon Lysandre despising and disdainful looks, he could not imagine her to be concerned in that affair; yet could he not forbear with a low voice to say, Madam, had I more obeyed interest and ambition than love, this bit had not escaped out of my hands: I was in wrong to neglect the Journey to the Hague; this is the second time I act myself rival, God grant I may not play the same a third time by losing you: To which she answered, Sir, it is like Heaven hath ordained you to some higher fortune, dispense me with a further explication; be ye but constant and discreet. In the mean while the old man was falling asleep; so, not to disturb him longer, the company rose up, and my Lady stayed alone near the bed.  
The Major being returned back into his house, made so grave and so earnest reflections upon the mysterious dealing of Berenice, that he plainly convinced himself, she was the only Author of his Rival's advancement; and that, indeed, not without a great design under hand: he concluded further, that all the fair countenance she showed him, was but a counterfeit kindness, and that her heart was driven quite another way: Therefore he resolved after a long meditation, to try this ambiguous Sphynx's fidelity by a Love-letter, which he got written and directed to himself as from another Mistress. He let it fall down in Berenice's Chamber, in such a place where she could not miss to see and take it up; being confident, her Jealousy would infallibly break out, if so be she had a true love for him. In effect Berenice took up the Letter, in which, after his going out, she read these lines.  
If there be in the world a perplexed love, it is mine, dear Major. 'Tis in vain for you to renew every day to me the protestations of that tender and solemn engagement, we swore one another in the beginning of our mutual flames. 'Tis in vain for you to assure me with so much earnestness, that you love me still without any division of your heart. I have followed you, I know the abode of the object of your vows, and that your exact attendance upon your Colonel, is not so much to court an expiring fortune, as to sacrifice your heart to that Goddess, who makes sport of so many Gallants as well as of you. 'Tis true, indeed, she is enriched with all the graces that may enslave noble souls; but she knows it very well, 'tis enough, I say no more. You ought to combine with a person that presumes not so highly of herself, and whose love is grounded upon a true and just apprehension of your merit. If you find me too severe, 'tis perhaps, because you are not cold enough; grow more private, than you shall not meet with a ravenous Mistress: Your love will be the measure of mine; resolve quickly upon this declaration: Dear Major, adieu.  
All this alarmed very little our cunning Lady; be it, she took the Letter to be a fruit, either of the Major's brain, or of the passion of some jealous Mistress; she had so little tendency to him, that she was by no means troubled at it. Nevertheless, smelling well enough to what purpose the Letter slipped out of the Major's pocket, she contrived with her dear Lysandre to pay the fool with his own coin: so she wrote the following lines, which she left on her Toilette, where she foresaw, the curious Major would, no doubt, set his hands.  
I beg your pardon, Madam, if I take upon me to say, that a person as witty as you are, ought not to be so much credulous. The Major, who hath always looked upon you as the most complete Lady in this Town, would account his inclinations wronged, if he could set them in another place. I confess, the Letter, you sent me, is able to breed jealousy in a true loving heart: but who can warrant you, that it is not a trick put upon him by some one of those many jealous Cavaliers, who repineth at his fortune? It may be, some of them are plotting against his happiness, and would have him ruined in your heart, which he knows well enough to be a great hater of perfidy. For my part, I can't advise you to condemn upon so flight conjectures, a Lover, who perhaps is guilty upon no other account, but because he is too faithful to you. I know the Major he doth not shift his inclinations as his apparel: but would I were you, I would conceal him nothing at all; I would open freely to him the Mystery of the Letter, and, over all, observe curiously his countenance, his eyes, and the grounds of his justification. This is, in my mind, the way you must follow for your tranquillity. Adieu.  
This Note was folded up and thrown carelessly on Berenice's Toilett. The next morning, no purpose, she laid a-bed very late. The Major attended about half an hour past Ten, and after the usual civilities, went to the Looking-glass to mend his Periwig. The first thing he cast his eyes upon, and that came under his hand, was just the Note, which he softly unfolded, and read from end to end. At first he flattered, himself with the tickling opinion, that credit had been given to his Sham-letter, & that by this stratagem he had given a strange alarm; that Berenice was mightily troubled at, since she begged her friend's comfort and advice; which pleasant error set him in the thought, he was still the beloved one. Now, Berenice being dressed, addressed to him in this manner; I am apt to think, you are constant and faithful to me, but I must needs complain of your not being true and sincere: hazard hath betrayed your dissimulation, and I may bring forth authentical Witnesses of that I say. Pray, Madam, explain yourself, interrupted the Major, who feigned not to apprehend the meaning of her discourse; and yourself, reparteed she, Search your own heart, and examine your conscience. At that word he puts his hand in his pocket, as to seek there for something; and affected to appear a little out of countenance, when Berenice presented him his Letter, saying, Trouble no more yourself, here is that you look for. This Note hath cleared all my doubts. What did ye learn by it, Madam, replied the Major? To right myself, Sir, and confess, I am not the only Goddess, before whom you burn your Incense, that you bring it upon other Altars; and to speak plain, that you court & abuse more than one. Ah, Madam, said the Major, Let not this Note alter in the least, that esteem I have deserved in your mind. 'Tis true, it came from a Lady; but how evident is it, that my love for her is but a pastime; by the War, she declares to my coldness, & through those many motives, she uses to stir up my too great indifferency for her? This reason being likely enough, seemed to Berenice to be of a great weight, and she showed herself much satisfied with it. On the other side, our Major was extremely content with the happy success of his Intrigue, and tickled himself more than ever with the most charming hopes in the World; when on a sudden, fortune, to make sport of him, put him a fresh to a new trial.  
Lysandre had promised to my Lady's Gentlewoman, that, after his being promoted to the Lieutenancy, he would present her with a complete suit of Cloth; he had now performed his word, as to the suit, but being it was not so rich as that proud maid would have it, or that it was not made according to the rules of the new mode, or to her own fancy, however she would not accept of it, and upbraided Lysandre with a thousand reproaches of his covetousness and insipid judgement. It was vain to my Lady to bid her silence, she grew hot more and more, and several times got him quite out of countenance, insomuch that one day my Lady was forced to send her packing into her Chamber. As she was walking down the stairs that led to the Colonel's apartment, she chanced to meet with the Major, who, seeing her so much moved, gets along with her into the room, offers to comfort her, and asketh the cause of her tears. She was in so great a passion that forgetting the unviolableness of the secret, and breaking all the bonds of her duty, towards her Mistress and Lysandre, she declared all to the Major. This unthought opportunity to make her speak, seemed to him so fair and so favourable, that he spared nothing to set her upon an intimate confidence; but, indeed, he know there a great deal more than was expedient for his own tranquillity, and he confessed ingenuously, that he was abused at an high rate, and had till now handsomely acted his Self-Rival.  
Whilst they were in conference, my Lady sent a Footman to see whether the Major was engaged with the Colonel. This fellow being ill affected to the waiting-maid, because she had done him a discourtesy, reported that my Lord was alone, and the Major locked up with her in her Chamber, that through the lock-hole he saw them both sitting very close upon the bed, but they spoke too low, to be heard. The Footman withdrew, and my Lady turning to Lysandre; No doubt, my dear, saith she, we are betrayed. That ill Tongue will have revealed all; but no matter, methinks, we are gone further than half the way to the aim we have proposed to ourselves. If I can discover, that his inconsiderate maid hath declared any secret of mine, I will punish her according to the excess of her Treason, and turn her away immediately. That fear, indeed, was not groundless, for the Major who judged that through the interest of that Gentlewoman, he could destroy all the pretensions of his Rival, made her a thousand advantageous promises to draw her in to be of his side, and amongst other shining proposals gave her the hope of an alliance with his own Nephew who was an Ensign; or else that he would get her a considerable place near a Duchess, with whom, said he, he had an intimate acquaintance. She took at that bait, and not only unfolded him all the particulars of her Mistress' intrigues with Lysandre, but also engaged her faith to do whatever she could for his service.  
After dinner my Lady took her apart, and first prepared her mind by kind words to a downright confession of the truth, assuring her, Lysandre would mend his fault and see her content of his liberality. Then she asked her what was the matter of her conversation with the Major, all the while, they were both locked up together in her Chamber, and whether in her transport she let not slip any thing contrary to her duty, and prejudicial to the interest of Lysandre▪ The treacherous Maid answered cunningly, she was past oversight, that she led him along with her, to stop him from going up and disturbing her conversation with Lysandre, and that, as for the subject of their talking, it had been all along about her mother's death, whose tidings were just now come to her; that the Major had attributed her tears to that cause, and spent all that while in giving her Comfort in the sad condition, she was in. Berenice took that for ready money, kept her and used her still with as much privacy and confidence, as before, concealing from her none of her secret Love-tricks.  
In the mean time the Major pining away with impatience of revenging both his unfaithful Mistress and his troublesome Rival, contrived the blackest Treason that can be imagined, he gets the following Letter written to the Colonel, by an unknown hand, as from a friend of his, who concerns himself for his honour, but concealeth his name for some Weighty Reasons.  
My Lord,  
I Am your Creature, and under that title I owe your Lordship all services, that both duty and gratitude prescribeth to a true Friend and faithful Servant, a fair occasion presents itself to signalise my zeal to you, and I would think myself the most guilty of all ungrateful men, if I could be silent, when the keeping of my peace may in some manner countenance the dishonouring of your Illustrious Name. My Lord, I must needs tell you freely, your weakness is a sport to the Town, and ye are now the laughingstock of the world; Lysandre stirs never from your house, he is always in the arms of my Lady; and that ungrateful man, who oweth you all that he is, forgets himself to that degree, as to pay immortal obligations, with an affront that can be never wipped out. 'Tis out of a deep sense of duty, that I tell your Lordship that which you cannot read without horror. One of your best friends. Adieu.  
This cursed Letter produced all the effect, the malicious Major could expect, and awaked in the old man's Soul those former suspicions which time had almost stifled and extinguished; For, without examining whether the advice was true or false, he gave himself over to the motions which such ugly a picture may breed in a jealous heart. Nevertheless for his own gravity sake he thought fit to show no alteration in his carriage towards Lysandre and his wife, and that it would be sufficient, to appoint her the next Chamber, whither there was no passage but through his own, pretending it would be an extraordinary comfort to him in his infirmities to have her always by himself.  
Berenice who suspected nothing from the Major, sticked not to give that satisfaction to her old bedfellow, and cheerfully changed her apartment. Now the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major come every day exactly in waiting, but the old man seems to have neither eyes nor tongue, for the former; yet because none or little account was made of what he was doing or speaking, Berenice thought Lysandre ought not to be much troubled for't, and told him publicly that, the Major's voice being stronger, it was no wonder if he could be better heard of an old man who had no more his ears of five and twenty. Well, but he had another cause of trouble far more grievous than that.  
Whatever time, hour, or part of the day he might choose to go into the Colonel's lodging, in hope of enjoying some delightful moments with his dear Mistress, he found her always the unseparable, but sorrowful fellow of the old gouty coxcomb, who was over him an exceeding troublesome Argus; he was consumed with an ardent desire to discourse privately with her, but finding no opportunity, he thought Letters would serve his turn against the watchful eyes of the old man, and really wrote her the ensuing one which he impressed with the hot character of his impatient love. But how lamentable was the sort of this unhappy Letter? and what a brook of tears did it draw from the fair eyes of Berenice?  
Madam,  
IF there be nothing in the world that may break the bonds wherewith our hearts are united, must it, there be also nothing but opposeth the union of our persons? The more heaven favoors and countenanceth my Love, the more fate persecuteth it. Life and jealousy playing booty together have resolved to bring me to despair. Is it not enough then to a single man to live fourscore years, and must he reckon as many ages as Mathusael, or those primitive springs of life: But let him overlive an age, I grant it; must jealousy concert with it to make unfortunate, the two most faithful lovers upon earth? When shall I be mine, and when shall you be no more slave? you, I say, who, being possessed of the right of chaining others, ought, methinks, be free yourself; what then? is a sheet of paper able, without burning, to contain fires, by which I am myself devoured? and can it be exact enough, faithfully to reckon you the number of my sighs, and of the tears, I shed? No no, how eloquent soever love may be, he is barren and hath no grace: when he takes pen and ink, to persuade one of his excess, he must explain himself in presence of his object; at least, Madam, mine is of that temper, he may, indeed tell you something of my passion, but he cannot express to you with a pen, what motions I feel when I consider, you give me leave to bear the honourable quality of your most faithful and devoted servant Lysandre.  
This Letter was slipped in one day; Berenice, by Gallantry let fall her hanckerchief, to give Lysandre the pleasure to take it up. She took it in, and read it as soon as the company went out; one may imagine with what transports of joy, she read a Letter that had nothing base in its stile, and spoke with vehemency of its Author's passion; she read it again a great many times, and then hid it in the pocket of an under-petticoat. The next morning, reflecting no more upon her Letter, she got herself dressed in a slighter apparel, and put not on that petticoat. The waiting maid folding it up, found out the Letter, read it, and presently made the Major acquainted with the good luck. They appointed and met together to consult how to improve so fair opportunity; after some debate on both sides, that foolish creature dazzled with the hope, the Major would set up her fortune, opined the first, that the fatal Letter must fall into the hands of the Colonel that would not fail to deal with Lysandre so severely, that the Major should be revenged at an high rate; but he, being unwilling to appear in the least concerned in that plot, to not incur the just resentment of a woman that never could forgive him such huge and insign a Treason, desired her to find out a way that might secure his reputation in case of any discovery. Well, Sir, saith she, if I am not mistaken, this will serve our turn very well. Some day or other when my Lord is alone, I will come softly near his bed. If he be asleep, I'll let fall this Letter down nigh the bed; presently, I'll get down into the kitchen, from whence I'll send up the little Page, to look about my Lord. That simple boy seeing the Letter upon the flower, will believe that my Lord stirring let it fall from his pillow, under which he is used to keep all Papers that are directed to him; he won't fail to put it again in his hands, and so we may be confident, that the Letter shall infallibly be read of him. Excellent well, excellent well, cried out the Major, the stroke is sure, nothing was ever better concerted; but pray lose no time, make haste, and be certain, I'll, take care of your fortune. It was done, as said. The Letter came into the hands of the old man, who after the reading of it stood a while almost out of his sense, but having recollected his spirits, he saw as clear as the Sun how true was the unknown friends Letter, and resolved to revenge highly the ungrateful Lysandre, but first of all, to not decide so slightly upon so important a matter, he compared the Letter by some others he had received before from Lysandre, and it proved to be evidently of the same hand; he mastered his anger till the afternoon, and then Lysandre, the Major and Berenice sitting by his bed, he broke out after a most surprising manner, his face was on a sudden altered, tears dropped from his eyes, and after he had cast the Company into a strange consternation by a silence of half a quarter of an hour, he addressed to the Major and told him: Dear Major, I am much engaged to you; ye thought to do me a service worthy of your affection, when you moved me to the alliance, I have made; but, pray, did you foresee it should dishonour me for ever. I speak so, not upon suspicions of jealousy, but my friends first, and next my own eyes taught me, that I nourish in this Lady, (pointing to Berenice) the mortal enemy of my quiet and life; and that I have advanced a man, meaning Lysandre, who pays my favours with the most notorious ingratitude that was ever heard of. Do not trust me, Dear Major, here is to prove withal, the reasonableness of my complaints: read aloud this Letter, said he, giving it to him. Since you were the witness of so many benefits I bestowed upon these two ungrateful persons, you must also be the judge of the cause, I have to repent it. The Major could not refuse to take the Letter, but he thought it to be of his policy to beg his being dispensed with the reading of it: But the Colonel insisted upon reading, with so much earnestness, that it was not in his power to avoid obeying any longer. So the Letter was read. A mortal paleness diffused itself all over the face of Lysandre, and Berenice became as red as Scarlet: Confusion and shame stopped up their Speech, and there was none but the Major who durst speak. My Lord, my Lord, saith he, you know it, 'tis not a new thing for good people to be persecuted. The solidest Virtue is that which stands the most cruel assaults; all that your imagination represents unto you is a mere dream. I know too much my Lady, to think her capable of such infidelity, and Master Lieutenant-Colonel will also give me leave to say, not by way of Justification, but to do Justice to his Virtue, that he is the most grateful Gentleman in the World, and by consequence, the most unfit of men to abuse you at such a rate. This Letter was directed to you by some foe of his; and we need no other proof of it but this, that 'tis not his own hand? What d'ye say, replied eagerly the old man, pray be not so complaisant as to maintain things against your Conscience. I am acquainted with his hand, the Character of this Letter is no way different from that of a Letter he wrote me from the Hague. Judge it yourself without any prejudice, said he, showing him the other, take my part, and approve of my resentment, against those that contrive to hasten my death, by overwhelming my Soul with sorrow. The Major, to humour him, compareth the two Letters one to the other, and saith, That indeed they had something like, but the last was counterfeit; as for example, this p, said he, My Lord, hath no resemblance at all with that d, nor this c with that e, no more than an hundred other letters I could examine, if you would leave them to my Judgement. The old man taking up the Speech, added, You are, Sir, a very gracious Judge, and for my quiet sake, I will give the lie to the truth itself, and make blind my own eyes, to have occasion to forgive them both. All this while Berenice had kept her peace, and minded what she could bring forth for her vindication: She spoke at last, and having said, That her innocence might be slandered, but never shaken, she gave liberty to tears, which dropped from her charming eyes with so much profusion, that they excited those of Lysandre, nay of the Major himself. Lysandre next said, he was not capable of the perfidy he was accused of; that Master Major had reason to assure, his hand was maliciously imitated, and that if his assiduous attending upon a person to whom he was obliged for his fortune, did so much incense envy against him, he would forbear coming into his Colonel's house; So that the most urgent businesses could scarce engage him to step in. He had no sooner ended his speech, but the old man who was still in his mind convinced of the fact, desired my Lady to wipe off her tears, and show him through her unwearied cares the falsehood of the imputation that was put upon her. They all rose up upon that, and my Lady was ready to go and give herself over to tears and sighs in her Chamber, when the old man who foresaw it, entreated her not to leave him, and to stay by his bed. That crafty Woman, that was not half so much anguished as she seemed, threw herself into the bosom of the old man whom she embraced so long, and upon which she shed such abundance of tears, that he was moved by, and past in an instant, from a violent passion to a sweet one, whose motions proved no less dangerous to his life; for they caused such a disorder and so great an alteration in the Oeconomy of his bodies humours, that they were all wambled; his gout left him on a sudden, and allowed him the free use of his hands and feet; during three days he was feeling no pain at all, and people crowded into his house to congratulate him for that kind of growing young again. But upon the third day by two a clock in the afternoon, no body but the Major and his Lady being with him, he fell suddenly in a swoon and was taken with a general weakness in all his Members. His Gout seized again on his hands and feet, and ascended to the heart, so that they choked him in a quarter of an hours time: he had his mind very sound to the last breath, and embraced both his wife and the Major, entreated the one to espouse highly the interest of that young distressed Widow; and told the other, that in case she would after his death choose a second husband, she ought to prefer the Wisdom, Affection and Birth of the Major, before any more eminent quality that should not be attended with those three parts: upon that he desired them to embrace one another in his presence, and then shut up his eyes for ever.  
Thus the Colonel having given up the ghost, our Major thought his designs brought about; and after he had uttered out a great deal of Pious and Christian flourish to comfort her soul, he failed not to turn to his advantage the last words of the dead, and to let her remember her engagements: but the cunning Lady, to be rid of him, answered, That she would never give him any just cause of murmur: that now she was not in a condition to decide so weighty a matter, her trouble being so great, that either, Yes, or No, were all one to her; but when time, which cures the greatest sorrows, should have set again her mind in its former tranquillity, than she would not fail to acknowledge the great benefits she had received of him.  
The funeral pomp being ended, and the old Colonel's Idea banished with it, our two Rivals begun a fresh to court the handsome Widow. The Major did never lose the sight of Lysandre; he had no sooner seen him step into Berenice's lodgings, but there he followed him immediately, and was a constant and watchful guard to him when he was alone with her; insomuch, that during two months, Lysandre looked in vain for the opportunity of a private conversation with his Mistress, to give her account of the progress of his love. A certain day was appointed in the usual manner, for the exercise of the Regiment out of the Town. It was the Major's duty to attend there; the Lieutenant Colonel sent him word, that he was a little indisposed, and could not be present at the exercise; but the Major, who was well, exempteth himself too, and goeth to spend the morning with the Widow. Lysandre cometh by nine a Clock, and meets there with the Major, asked him, if the Regiment hath made well the Evolutions; and upon his answer, that he believeth it: Lysandre seeing he had not been there, taxeth him with a small zeal, desireth him to remember from henceforth his duty, or else he would complain to the Prince of his negligence. The Major took very ill this check, and spoke some sharp biting words to the Lieutenant Colonel, who sent him Prisoner to his own house, entreating him for his own profit, not to constrain him to go further. The Laws of Military obedience forbade the Major to reply any more: he retired with shame to his lodging, attended with a deadly sorrow, to leave so near his Mistress the most audacious and formidable of his Rivals. All his friends did interest themselves in his disgrace; and because the Governor was now at Court, they made their application for his liberty to the Commander, who being a good head-piece, would not be Judge of either of the two faults, being unwilling to offend the Lieutenant Colonel; so the Major was by all means exposed to the mercy of his own Rival. To write him a letter, the love of liberty advised him to do so, but his courage described to him that step, as the most base and unworthy of things. To write to my Lady Colonel, he would thereby expose himself to the scoffs of the one and the other; and he would not for all the world, go in her mind for a man of low spirits. To acquaint the Court with the matter, it was to bear witness against his honour, and to depose against himself; so he knew not what to do: when Fate, less cruel, opened him a way to triumph in his turn over his Rival.  
The Lieutenant Colonel was a moderate man, out of whose mouth nothing but rational was used to slip. It fell nevertheless, that being one day a drinking some Bottles of Wine with the chief Officers of the Garrison, a motion was made about the fair Widow; the discourse growing hot upon her concern, it was there spoken of the Major, as the man who carried it over all in her amorous inclinations; that opinion grew so general, that Lysandre, to destroy it, obstinately bend himself to maintain, that he knew a man that was without comparison further in her favour than he. Every one knowing, he meant himself, made sport to take the part of the Major against him, and drove him so far, that he fell a swearing, he was sure of what he said; and that the person he meant, had long ago received authentical tokens and exceptionless testimonies of it. This was reported with a poisoning commentary to Berenice, who was so much displeased at Lysandre's indiscretion, that her love for him cooled to that point, as to forbid him her house for ever.  
The Major heard with a singular pleasure his Rival's disgrace; he presently taketh Pen and Ink, to praise Berenice for the Justice she had done to the most ungrateful man in the World, and entreat her to make her interest to the Governor, who was returned for, his liberty. Berenice, who could not live without being adored, and was earnestly incensed against Lysandre, was ravished with joy to receive tidings from the Major, and conceived for him a tender love: she read his Letter, whose Original is not different from the Copy following.  
Madam,  
HAd my Officer form in his mind a right Idea of true glory, he would have known, 'tis more honourable to vanquish his resentment, than to make it appear. He offended and engaged me to speak him sharp words as a Rival, now he revengeth as a Superior. One must be Lysandre, to do such a base and unworthy action, and to refuse to mend it after it is done. Age, experience, and the science of the World, taught me how to bear equally the strokes of fortune; but I am not Stoic enough, not to be sensible when I hear your honour is wounded. I know all that passed in that company, where your heart was put to a trial. But, Madam, you ought not to expect better things from the person you know. Now, Madam, if the noble Inclination to favour unfortunate men, is still your character, oblige me so much, as to speak to my Lord Governor in my behalf, that it may be said no longer, one keeps me Prisoner, to no other end, but to deprive me of the delightful sight of a Goddess, to whom I vow an eternal sacrifice of my heart.  
The Major.  
This Letter charmed the charming Berenice; she felt herself moved with pity and love for the Major; she went straightway to the Governor, told him, that the Major was kept in arrest upon the slight account of a pique, that she was witness of the quarrel, and admired how the Lieutenant Colonel did so much abuse his authority, as to make it the tool of his passion. This humble Petition presented by such a Lady, got the liberty of the Major, who scarce was got twelve steps from his lodging, when he met with his Jailor. Lysandre, who knew nothing of his being set at liberty by the Governors' command, asked him haughtily, Who made him so bold, as to go out without his leave? To which having been answered by a scoff, the Lieutenant Colonel drew; the Major stood firm; but as the fortune of Arms is uncertain, so, he was almost mortally wounded. The Lieutenant Colonel's action was generally blamed. The Governor was not a little offended at it, and Berenice concerned herself for the Major, who had this unvaluable comfort, that he received from her all the good offices he might expect from his own Mother. But O inconstancy of fortune! this humorous Divinity flattered him a while, but indeed it was only to get by him a richer and fatter Victim to her Caprices. It seemed Berenice had quite forgot Lysandre: Nevertheless, as the piques of lovers turn commonly into a renewing of love; so Berenice was no sooner met and saluted in her Coach by him, but she felt within her heart he was no more guilty, but still worthy of her love. Lysandre, who had observed, through the gentle manner and sweet air wherewith she bowed to him, that she was appeased, got in her favour, and kindled again her flames by this Note.  
Lysandre the most unworthy of Lovers, to the most worthy loving Lady upon Earth.  
IT is less, to justify myself, than to confess my guilt, that I make bold to write to you, incomparable Lady: I have alone more faults than all the world together: but also I have more love, alone, than all men. I suffered you to be the matter of a discourse; 'tis my crime: But I could not abide that another might be preferred before me, because I believe, there is no man under Heaven, whose zeal and love may be put in parallel to mine. Pardon, amiable Berenice, pardon me an oversight, which should be expiated enough: if I had been but one day forbidden to see you, 'tis to languish too long; subscribe either to my death; or to the permission I crave, to go and protest to you, that I will live and die your faithful servant,  
Lysandre.  
Berenice had too great a tendency towards Lysandre, not to accept of his submission. She granted him his pardon; he knew his peace was made, and resorted to her feet with an incredible diligence.  
Upon his coming the fair. Widow disguised herself a little; but the conversation being by degrees grown hot, the eyes having secretly, but eloquently, spoken on both sides; and the fire by which these two hearts were burnt, being kindled again more than ever, it was talked no more but of reunion; next, faith was given and accepted of either party, without the knowledge of any living soul: The Banes were published three Sundays one after another; and there was no Officer of the Garrison that heard of it; because, indeed very few amongst them do exactly go to Church.  
One day, the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major met by chance at Berenice's house; she obliged them to be reconciled, which they did, and both continued to court peaceably their common Mistress: but the Major, who had no suspicion of mischief, acted the Rival of himself for the third and last time, when he was the least thinking on it. A circle of Gentlemen and Ladies met the first of July at the fair Widow's lodging: After some discourses upon mere indifferent matters, my Lady rose up, took the Contract of her Matrimony with Lysandre, out of a Drawer; and rolling it up within her hands, came to the Major, and perplexed his mind with this Proposition; Master Major, said she, you, that are the most complaisant of men, and make to yourself an inviolable Religion, to refuse nothing to Ladies, will you grant me the favour which I have a mind to ask you? Yes with all my heart, replied the Major, with his hand on his breast: What is it Madam? Must I shed my dearest blood for you? I will sacrifice it to the last drop. No Sir, added Berenice, it matters only to sign a Writ: I will with all my heart, though I must sign my own Condemnation: and if both your Piety and Loyalty were not known to me, I would know, whether there be any thing contrary to the Religion or State. No, no, Sir, it witnesseth nothing else but your free and voluntary consent to my everlasting happiness. To your happiness, Madam, interrupted the Major, Ah! blood must be used for that glorious consent. He offered to prick himself with a Pin, but Berenice took him from that new extravagancy, putting a Pen in his hand. So he signed the Paper as it was rolled up; but as soon as he had taken up his fingers from it. Berenice laughing, made him know, he had subscribed the very Contract of Marriage between her and Lysandre. This stroke would, no doubt, have killed him, if he had not thought it to be a pastime. He was invited to make one in the Wedding Feast against the next morning. He came, believing still, as hard as Iron, it was but a mere sport. He lent all his jovial humour to the entertainment and other rejoicings that followed it; he sung a great many Airs upon Lovers unshaken fidelity, he danced with the Company till night: but he began to alter his Tune, when he saw all the Convives contending one with another for the honour of bedding Berenice and Lysandre; yet the strong opinion he had, it was but a play, caused him to do still an hundred pleasant things; he untied the Shoes of Berenice, he helped Lysandre in the pulling off his Coat, and saw them both a minute after with a wonderful amazement within the same Sheets, and under the same Coverlet.  
FINIS.