LOVE VICTORIOUS OVERDO FORTUNE.  
FORTUNE is a Goddess so Capricious, that Love with all his charms, could never yet gain her entirely to his party, or ●nder constantly favourable Her, ●●t takes pleasure only in change. Inconstancy is so much her Character, that if to day she seconds tho●● favours, wherewith that God gratific his Devotees, to morrow she will ca●● them into a thousand Misfortune and often makes no difficulty, 〈◊〉 destroy those by a mischance, who●● she hath preserved in a thousand da●gers. The following Novel w●● let you see the whole truth 〈◊〉 this, and I flatter myself, that y●● will receive no small satisfaction when, having deplored the fate 〈◊〉 two Lovers, you shall have an opportunity to rejoice at their prosperity, and to share the happy success of their loves.  
Oronces was a Gentleman, of o● of the best Families in France, a●● of a Province, that acknowledge his Father for its Governor: 〈◊〉 was endowed with all qualiti●● that render Nobility recommen●ble, and it had been hard to dr●● a true resemblance of beauty without having recourse to his fa●●e had more Courage, Wit, and a ●etter Mien, than any in his County, and love could not make a fairer Conquest, then to be assured of the Heart of this Adonis.  
He was but sixteen years old, when he received the first touches, ●nd when his Soul first resented ●he tender Motions, and sweet sal●es of that Passion, in its beginning; ●nd since it was Impossible for him ●ong to resist Charms, so powerful, ●s those were, which attracted him, ●e gave himself up to them without ●esistance, and became desperately amorous of a young Beauty, of the ●me age, who was a most accomplished creature.  
Eugenia, so was the Young Lady ●amed, was obliged to Nature, for ●ll advantages desirable by her Sex, ●nd indebted to Fortune, who to ●obility of Blood, had joined a ●ast Estate.  
Love, fearing, that the long Courtship, which Oronces was to make, to convince Eugenia of his Flames might give him some distaste, and make him quit his Party; with the same hand, and with the same arrow, that he struck his heart, h● wounded the Fair ones; and rendered them so Amorous one of th● other, that the very Moment o● their first Interview, was that o● their Engagement.  
It was at a Ball, wherein these two Lovers met, that they were mutually smitten by looks, and that one half hours Conversation made them sensible of inclination to love each other Eternally.  
Oronces, who had a most agreeabl● Voice, was desired by the Company to Sing, but he handsomely excuse● himself, because he knew one Present, who was more capable of satisfying it, than he. Eugenia, 〈◊〉 whom it was he spoke, after som● small resistance, ravished all thei● Hearts with her Music; her Lover followed her, and sung with 〈◊〉 much Grace, that he equally char●ed all those, that composed the Assembly: It was hard to judge where to bestow the Prize: Ma●y were for the Spark, and thought ●hat the sweetness of his Voice, even excelled the Fair ones; but Our Lover, to benefit himself of ●he opportunity, loudly gave her his applause; and so obliged the rest to confess, that she had the advantage over him.  
The divertisement being over, Oronces desired of his Mistress, that she would permit him the Honour, of waiting upon her home: This he did, with a design of declaring himself more openly, than he could hitherto have done, and of drawing from that Fair one, some words, that might prove advantageous to him. Ah Madam, said he, unto her, as they went, how ashamed am I of my Age, since, I am as yet, methinks, too young to be believed in Love: Nevertheless, continued he, I am, and that with the mos● fair and amiable Person, that Heaven even created. Alas, if you hav● the curiosity of knowing, who sh● is, I will immediately tell you. Is i● some Beauty unknown to me 〈◊〉 Said Eugenia. Ah, Madam, replied our young Cavalier, you know he● well, and you alone have the absolute power of making her favourable to me. But I dare not discover her. Very well, said she smilingly, inform me within three days, who she is, or you shall not be assured of my service with her.  
This Order, so gallantly given, caused no little joy in our Lover; he parted from his Mistress, after having shown her a thousand Civilities, and having conjured her, to mind the Promise, which she made him, of doing good Offices, in order to procure for him, her favour, who created all his Passion.  
Love causes more disorder in hearts, newly wounded, then in those, ●ho for some time have experienced his smart. Oronces, and Euge●ia did nothing else, but think of ●●ch oth●●, and he cursed his bashfulness, which had hindered him ●rom speaking to her, whom he ●oved, after a manner, that might discover, what he truly self for her. The term of three days appeared ●o him an Age, and what embarrassed him yet more, was how to acquit himself of his promise, without displeasing the Fair one, and to do things with that air, as should not be disagreeable unto her. In fine, the Excess of his passion transported him above all those measures, which ordinary Prudence would have dictated unto; he believed that he could not speak too plainly to one, in whom, he had observed some dispositions to receive his Love, and that the fire of Youth would be an excuse for his rashness. Therefore he writ unto her the following Letter, and sent it by one of his servants.  
I Must confess, Madam, that my wi● is very shallow, and capable 〈◊〉 little: It is said, that there is nothing sweeter, easier, or more agreeable the●● to declare one's Love: But for m● part, I have not found any thing tha● causeth more pain, trouble, and confusion. Three days are past, since th● Order, which I received, of telling you her name, whom I adore, make● me sweat Blood and Water, and give● me a thousand inquietudes, I do not even yet know, how to acquit my se●● of it. Ah 〈◊〉, how vexatious is i● to be without Experience: But 〈◊〉 will tell you, that she is the mos● charming that can be seen, that sh● hath all qualities necessary to render her most accomplished. In sine, that she resembles you so much, that without being deceived, I could take you for her. This is enough, assist the Letter, and divine the rest. I am ready t● expound it in case of necessity.  
Oronces.  
Eugenia was full of Impatience, to ●ee after what manner, her lover would declare himself, when she ●eceived that Billet; and as in ●ove, the most negligent Style is always the most persuasive; so she could not take ill that way of writing, but she was overjoyed, that that she had an occasion of answering him upon that Subject, and of letting him know, that if he loved her, she had no Indifference for him. But alas, this was to prescribe to themselves bounds too close; an Interview transported them much farther, and three hours of entertainment put them in such disorder, that they no longer kept any measures in their declarations, but discovered to one another, what they really resented in their hearts. As soon as Oronces was arrived, he, with a Gallant air, told Eugenia, alas Madam, I am come to know, whether I have sufficiently performed my Commission, and whether my expressions be not so obscure, as to need an interpretation? You have done well, answered the Lady, in coming to explain yourself a little more clearly, for in truth I knew not, whom you meant, nor has your Letter made me any wiser, than I was before. Oh Heaven! Replied Oronces, how full of dissimulation are you, and what pleasure do you take, to see a Young Lover before you, whom bashfulness restrains from telling you, how much he loves you? At these words he cast his Eyes to the ground, and then lift them up to Eugenia, with an air, that might let her understand, what he felt in his Soul. She appeared a little amazed, and in a serious Tone said to him, that she was much obliged to him, but that she plainly saw, that he intended to divert himself with her, and that she had reason to take, what he had said, rather for a Compliment, then for a convincing Truth; as to the rest, that ●●e went a little too fast. Ah Ma●am, continued he, great Passions ●ever go slowly; they immediately produce great Effects; and you ●ught not to be surprised, that even ●n the first minute, in which I saw ●ou, I became so Amorous of you, ●●at it is now to no purpose to endeavour to dissemble it, my Eyes ●nd all my Actions would discover, ●hat my Heart would fain conceal; ●nd this dumb Language would ●●ew it, as much as if I declared it ●ut aloud. You must then (persu●d he, with a sigh, see the bottom ●f my heart, and I must tell you, ●hat there is not any thing in you, which charms me not; that I have ●o other Ambition, then That of envying you, and that your Will a●one shall hereafter Govern all my action's.  
Eugenia, during this discourse, affected a great deal of Modesty, and ●eemed much astonished. As her soul was agitated by the most violent passion, that a fair object could inspire, so her answer made appea● the confusion of her Spirit, and le● Oronces know, that her heart wa● no less wounded, than his. Then he used all the Arts, which a passionate young Spark is capable of, to assure his Conquest, and to benefi● himself of the disorder, which he had caused in his Mistress' soul, he expressed his regards with so much languishing, he pressed his sighs to so much purpose, that he reduced that innocent thing, to be no longer able to defend herself from a thousand Complaisances, which inflamed them yet more, and obliged these two hearts, who never had loved any thing before, to confess to one another, that they were taken.  
Ah Oronces, said Eugenia, after having received a kiss from her Lover; do you believe, that we can be so happy as to love successfully? The fear that I am in, that it cannot be, makes me already represent to myself a thousand Obstacles, which may oppose our Love, and fancy a number of Mischances, which ill Fortune may expose us to.  
We must not be so fearful, replied our Cavalier, we have cause rather to hope, than fear; for I dare tell you, that I am resolved, to to neglect all Considerations whatever, but those of pleasing you; and there is no difficulty, which I will not overcome, to attain and preserve a Good, that I prefer before all the Treasures in the World. These words were followed by a thousand kisses, and other favours, which altho' they were not incompatible with virtue, yet were rather stolen, then freely granted. One embrace followed the other so closely, that it seemed as if they designed to render them Eternal, and as if, finding nothing else grateful to their Hearts, they intended to live only upon tenderness, sighs, and affections.  
In Effect, this life was very pleasant, its being was only in the most tender Amity, that ever had united two hearts, and its nourishment was seasoned with the most innocent delights, that could charm an excellent Soul.  
Our Lovers past some time, by favour of their great Youth, in this amiable tranquillity, for as much as that their Parents did believe, that an age, more advanced, would make them change their Sentiments; but they were deceived in that; for time, far from diminishing that Love, which they had entertained in their tender years, made it the stronger for their weakness, and rendered it incapable of receiving any alteration by inconstancy.  
Our Lovers, to make good use of this interval of Liberty, neglected nothing that could contribute to their Common satisfaction; ●heir visits were no longer formal; ●●r they hardly ever quitted each ●ther; and they passed whole days in ●alking of the Excess of their passion; ●ut in terms so tender, with re●ards so languishing, and sighs so amorous, that their behaviour had ●een enough to raise Love, even ●n the most unsensible Heart.  
There appeared fire, as well as ●anguishments, in these amorous Entertainments; they resented nothing but tenderness, and transports, and their Caresses were like those of innocent Doves, who never are tired with their Courtship, and always find new Charms in the tender Object of their Pleasures.  
The good Intelligence, which had always accompanied the agreeable moments of those lovely young ones, was disturbed to the quick by extraordinary Prohibitions, which they on either side received, to see one another any more. Oronces his Parents, perceiving that his assiduities to Eugenia, might draw after them such Consequences, as would oblige him to consent to his marrying a Person, very rich indeed but whose Nobility was much inferior to his, pushed on with Ambition desired to break the Course of these Amours, and, in order to it, at the same time, resolved to send him out of the Province. On the other side, Eugenia's Mother, being informed of what had passed, and having learned from her Daughter's confession, that without raillery she loved the Governor 's Son, and was also beloved by him, she reprehended her very severely, for having so long suffered his visits; and told her, that she had higher designs, than to engage her to a younger Brother, who never should have any other Estate, but what Fortune, or the chance of War, could procure him; that she ought to consider; that she was the only Child in the Family, and ●hat she esteemed her Nobility as good as Oronces his Fathers, w●●● was only considerable for Government.  
One must have loved, equally with our Lovers, to conceive their Affliction; Oronces abandoned himself entirely to Sorrow; Murmurs and complaints came only from him, and he even called his Father inhuman, and assured him, that he took away his life, if he did not moderate those rigorous Orders, which he had given him.  
Eugenia, for her part, was inconsolable, and being of a softer Sex past whole Nights in weeping, and breathing forth sighs, able to soften Rocks, and change the Sentiments of any, transported with Motions more reasonable, than those of Interest.  
There wanted little of our Cavaliers disobeying his Father's commands, but having reflected on his severe humour, that never commanded the same thing twice, h● with impatience expected the following Sunday, which only could give him an opportunity of seeing her at Church, whom he cherished more than his own Eyes.  
Although this was not directly against the Orders, which had been given him, yet it was not perfectly to obey them: And any other▪ less passionate, would have fear 〈◊〉 a Father, who with difficulty admitted of Excuses; but his Spirit being quite filled with Love, there was no place left for Reflections of that nature, and he would have esteemed himself over Scrupulous, had he demurred upon such thoughts.  
In the Morning he was happy enough, to find, as he proposed, Eugenia at Church, busy at her devotions; he placed himself near her, and after a few words, he gave her a Letter sealed, and told her, that it would instruct her farther: He ●as even rash enough to make use ●f that place, to authorise his passion, and made no difficulty to conform by Oath, and before the Altars, ●is perseverance in his Love to ●er. He also received all Protestations of an Amity, answerable to ●is, and after a thousand amorous Glances, which they gave one ano●hor, they parted the most conten●ed in the World.  
Our Cavaliers Father, who knew ●y experience, what Love is, and ●ow hard it is, to destroy the first sentiments, which that passion engraves in a heart, resolved to send his Son to the War, to the end that the employment of Arms, which requires a young man's whole application, might give him no leisure to think of other things.  
To dispose him to receive these News, as he would have him, he amplified its advantages, he represented to him, that, Nobility, without that experience, was base, and without Virtue, and nothing bein● more charming than Glory, tho●● exercises were not to be neglecte● wherein it was to be found i● all its Splendour, and by which 〈◊〉 might be easily acquired.  
Oronces understood well enough his Father's design: He had courage, but he did not believe, tha● Honour could give him pleasure● as solid as those were, which Lov● had made him taste: Therefore h● did his utmost endeavour, to turn● aside that blow, which he looked upon as the most Fatal, that he could ever receive. But alas it was to n● purpose, he must resolve to part, and he received, as a favour, permission to bid his Mistress adieu, whom apparently he was to quit for ever.  
Eugenia's Parents, who never had any design to give their Daughter to Oronces were overjoyed to hear, that he was sent away to the War, to the end that he might be otherwise employed, then in making ●ove: But the News created in Eugenia an inconceivable Melancholy. The reading of the Letter, which ●e had put into her hand, afflicted ●er yet more, and but for the strength of Youth, she had without doubt fallen sick with sorrow conceived at her Lover's departure.  
During these restless Moment's, she was advertised, that Oronces was come to take his leave of Her, and as he had received permission from His, so her Parents likewise made no difficulty of granting, for her consolation, this last interview.  
It would be difficult to describe here with what Mien, our new Warrior was received by his Dear Eugenia. Looks, Sighs, and Tears had as great a share in their entertainment, as Words, and the sweet overture of Hearts, made in that moment, gave them a sense of pleasures, not to be expressed.  
Ah my Dear Oronces, said ou● poor afflicted Lady, how happy should we be, if we were not opposed in our innocent Divertisements? But alas we must part and it may be never to see each other more. Ah, what will that absence make me suffer? What pains do I foresee, I must endure? And what do I apprehend for your Person? Fear not, my Dearest, replied Oronces, I am too much concerned to preserve myself, not to do it. And the thought only that I cannot destroy myself, without losing you at the same time, will restrain me in my most furious transports. As for the rest, either of us are to our Comfort so much Masters of our own wills, that in spite of all the World, we can love on, and, by our Constancy, weary out those, who would prevent the success of our Designs. As for me, continued he, in kissing her, I dare swear, that I will love ●ou Eternally, that there is nothing, ●hat I will not surmount, to bring ●bout our pretensions, and that my fidelity shall be proof against the toughest and most pressing attaques.  
These words were followed by a ●housand Protestations; on Eugenia's part, her Eyes and Sighs confirmed ●ll that was said: she was besides ●er self, and thought of no other ●hing, than the object of her Love, which she saw before her; She sunk amorously between his arms, and conjured him with languishing regards, to pity her weakness, and pardon the excess of her Passion, which transported her after that manner.  
While our Lovers resented these pleasant Motions, and employed these ●ast Minutes, in tenderly expressing ●ure Evidences of their Love, one advertised our Cavalier, that his people, were a horseback, and that his Equipage expected him at the Gate.  
Ah now, he cried out, it is, that we must part. He was not able to speak one word more; but tenderly embracing his Dear Eugenia, he mingled his tears with hers, and made appear, that his Love was very violent, since it made him guilty of so great a Weakness.  
This departure put the Lady in the greatest perplexity in the World, she told her parents, that they would be the cause of her death; that she could not live without him, whom they tore from her; and that one day, they would repent being averse to an alliance, which could not be otherwise than advantageous, if they thoroughly considered it, that for the future they should have little satisfaction from her person, and excepting the respect due to them, from which she could not rationally dispense with herself, she would have bu● little complaisance, to answer thei● wishes and desires.  
All these complaints were received as they ought to be; that is ●o say, there was more regard had to Eugenia's weakness, than to terms, which she made use of in her ex●ressions: Her Parents did believe, ●hat something was to be allowed ●o her resentment, and that absence's would make her lose the Idea of ●im, that caused all this disorder. They put every thing in practice to ●raw her out of the Melancholy, ●he was in; they made her take all ●anner of divertisements, and by ●ew acquaintances, with whom they would engage her, they unprofitably endeavoured to restore her to ●er former Humour.  
They then perceived, that all ●hings were to be referred to time, ●nd that a Passion, so violent, could ●ot be cooled by Ordinary means. ●n Effect, she by little and little ●eemed to have lost the Memory ●f her Lover; she talked not of ●im, so frequently as before, and in ●●e, it was believed, that she had recovered her former liberty. But the●● appearances were deceitful, an● though she thought fit to compo●● her outward behaviour after tha● manner, yet her heart was still ●qually wounded, and was not sensible to any Love, contrary to th● faith, which she had sworn to h● Dear Oronces.  
There is usually no better remedy for Love, than Love it sel● Therefore Eugenia's Mother, name Laurentia, proposed to her the d●signe, which she had, of makin● by her means, an alliance with t●● Family of Dorimont, who was a handsome and well behaved Gentleman and whose Nobility was supports by a considerable Fortune, whi●● rendered him one of the Princi●●● men in the Province. Therefore she was not to be surprised, t●● she had, in prospect of her advantage been crossed in her first inclination which could not be reasonable; si● they proceeded from a blind Pass● without reason.  
Although those Propositions infinitely displeased Eugenia, and that she had no design to obey them, yet, she did not let that appear presently; but contented herself with answering, that she no longer had any sensibility for Love, and that she did believe, no Lover could sigh for her with success; however to satisfy Her, she would receive his Visits, whom she spoke of, and if she foresaw, she could live happily with him, she would not oppose his good fortune.  
Though that answer was sufficient to let them know, what the Fair one's Sentiments were: Yet they persuaded themselves, that so witty a Lover, as Dorimont, could manage her spirit, and by his Diligence and Assiduities, blot out the first impressions, which love had engraved in her heart. But alas, how difficult is it to deface strokes, so deeply cut, and extinguish fires, ●hat draw their nourishment from ●ur Inclination? This new Cavalier had much merit; but he succeeded another, which had yet more.  
He then began to show his love for her, by all the complaisances imaginable; he desired nothing, but what pleased her, and did nothing but what he believed agreeable to her Humour. She on the contrary answered all this, with civilities which denoted only her indifference and were enough to let this poo● Lover understand, that he laboure● in vain, and that all his presents his Promenades, and this Regale would be more successful, bestowe● on some other Mistress. He sighe● but his sighs touched not Her, h● languishing seemed to Her, affected and all his Gallantries loathsomer and improper; in a word, even t●● best thing, he did, offended Her, a●● she wished for nothing more, th●● to be freed from these Visits, whi●● were already become insupporta●● torments to her.  
This unhappy Lover made Courting in vain. He could obtain no love, and his perseverance was followed only by a stubbornness, which he found invincible in Eugenia, never to love any thing, but her Dear Oronces.  
When he knew perfectly, that there was nothing to be done, and that the Fair one could never be reduced to favour him, he thought of a retreat, and acquainted Eugenia's Parents, with the little success of his enterprise, and his design of leaving her.  
Then it was that the Combat grew rough, and that Laurentia, to little purpose making use of a Mother's Authority, would force her Daughter, to do that, through Obedience, which she would not do by Inclination; and knowing, that she had a great aversion for a Cloister, she threatened to shut her up in one, if she persisted in her stubbornness. But all these frights were unuseful, and Eugenia protested, that though she had a great Antipathy for a Monastic life, yet she would embrace it, rather than do any thing contrary to the Faith given her Lover, that all these false Alarms should work no effect upon her, and that the only way to retain her in the world, was not to perplex her in an Honourable Love, which might prove Glorious to her Family: That in all other things, she would have for her Mother all the respect possible; but in an affair, that concerned the Liberty of her Person, she desired, that she might not be made unhappy, by any evil engagement.  
Laurentia said to her, all that anger could inspire a provoked Mother: She threatened her with the loss of her Favour, and gave her only one whole Week to resolve upon the choice, either of a Cloister, or of Him, whom she had proposed to her for an Husband. That afflicted Mother had no real design of forcing her to quit the World, she was ●ather entirely averse to it; but she ●lattered herself, that the only means to be obeyed, was to act after that manner, and that she would sooner make choice of a Marriage with Dorimont, than of a Voluntary confinement in a place, which she could never approve of.  
While these affairs passed thus, Oronces had an Employment in Flanders, conformable to his Age and Birth, he acquitted himself of it, with the approbation of all those who knew him, and they admired that courage, which he made appear in the most dangerous assaults, and which accomplished the most difficult Enterprises. Whatever diversions these Exercises might give his spirit, yet he could not lose the memory of his Dear Mistress. He thought of her night and day, and the excess of his Passion made him long for a Peace, so that there might be a possibility of his enjoying her, whom he loved, more than his life.  
As soon as the time, given Eugenia to determine her choice, was expired. Laurentia would have he● openly declare, which of the Two proposed to her, was the least disagreeable. She, having had leisure to think thereon, told her Mother that she had not changed her Opinion, that the Affection, which she had for Oronces, was not at all diminished; and, that she might no● fail in the fidelity due to him, she had rather enter into a Cloister, i● it must be absolutely so, than give her Heart to another, in prejudice of her true Lover.  
Laurentia, who was enraged a● these words, told her, that she might then prepare herself, for that she herself would conduct her to the place, where perhaps she should, a● her own expenses, learn, how mischievous are the consequences o● such a Disobedience. Eugenia mad● no other answer, but that she believed, they could not in Conscience engage a Free person, to a Course of life, for which she had a Repugnance; but that she hoped, she might one day take advantage from the Constraint, which she received.  
All this was alleged in vain, she must enter into Religion, and hid from the Eyes of men a Beauty, which seemed not to be created with so much perfection, to be Enclosed. Laurentia and Eugenia dissembled the true cause of this Retreat, and gave out, that it was only for a Trial, whether her Vocation was not there, or if Heaven would call her otherwise.  
All the Religious admired with astonishment so sudden a change, and were yet much more surprised, when they saw that it was real, and that Eugenia did earnestly demand the favour, of being received into the number of Novices, and that they would grant her the habit of the Religion.  
She had not any real design to engage herself; but did this, only to make her Mother believe, that no other return was to be expectted from her, nor any thing else to be hoped for; for, unless she should be replaced in her former liberty, she would perhaps lose it forever, by Professing in that house.  
Her Solicitations were so earnest, and her fervour so surprising, that the Superior invested her in the habit of the Religion, and believed that she could not, without opposing the will of Heaven, refuse it to the extraordinary Zeal of the Demandant. This young Novice made a Friendship with the whole Convent: She was Fair, like an Angel, and her voice, which, as I have already told you, was charming, ravished the hearts of her Companions, when her Office obliged her to sing.  
Laurentia, who knew well enough, what aversion she had for a Monastery, did believe all these outward appearances of Devotion ●ere false, and counterfeit, in which certainly she was not mistaken; ●or Eugenia thought of nothing less, ●hen of engaging herself by any ●ow, but she was persuaded, that what she did, would convince her Mother, that she was not at all disposed to follow her will, and that ●he would sooner make choice of 〈◊〉 Monastic life, then suffer constraint in an affair, which, as she ●udged, aught to be entirely free.  
There was nothing more agreeable, then to consider Eugenia in ●his new habit; her Eyes, half hid under the obscurity of her veil, ●ast Flames, which penetrated the hearts of those, that beheld her. She performed all her Exercises with so much Grace, and with such Ease, that she seemed never to have lived out of a Cloister, and all her behaviour was so winning, that, were the things she said never so indifferent, she gained the Affections of those, that conversed with her.  
In the mean time, her Mother, who saw no change in her Daughter, informed the Superior of all that past, and knowing that the Religious have a wonderful address in the managing our Spirits, she entreated her assistance, to reduce Eugenia to the Obedience, due unto Her; and also, that she would not be ungrateful for her cares therein, especially if they produced some happy success.  
But the Nun was too much interessed, to declare this to her Novice. She therefore concealed from her, all that Laurentia had informed her of, and applied herself only, to incline her to make Profession, when time should come.  
She had already borne the habit of Novice ten Months, when her Lover, who knew nothing of all this, writ to her from Flanders, where having found no particular opportunity to send his Letter, he committed it to the Hazard of the Post, not mentioning any thing in it, which was unknown to her Parents, or that might be prejudicial to Her. It was in these terms.  
MEthinks, my Dear Eugenia, that it is an Age, since I parted from you, nevertheless I fail not to possess you; for Night and Day you are present in my mind. Those, who did believe absence would be a remedy for my Love, are much mistaken; for since I parted from you, I fancy, that I love you as much more, and that my Ardour gathers force from my Exile. I am every day exposed here to a thousand Perils; but that God, that made us love, taketh care of my Person, and preserves it in the midst of dangers. All my Friends here are surprised at my way of living: they call me Solitary, and Hermit, and say, that I do not know what Gallantry means, since that no Mistress could as yet make me put it in practice; but I excuse them, because they know not, that those, who are banished from what they love, take little care to gain Hearts, and that I have need of all mine, to support the assaults of our ill Fortune. Adieu Dear Heart, Comfort yourself, and believe that we shall one day be happy.  
Oronces.  
This Letter was directed upon the cover to a Chambermaid, now gone away, and by that accident fell into Laurentia's hand, who having, out of Curiosity, read it, conceived a thousand Malicious designs of using it for her advantage.  
When she had for some time meditated, wherein it might be useful unto her; the News of the Battle of Seneff, gave her an opportunity, of executing an Artifice, which might in probability have drawn after it an effect, conformable to what she could desire, from her Daughter.  
To bring her enterprise more successfully about, she endeavoured ●o counterfeit the writing of the surprised Billet, and, in few days, became so skilful in that deceit, that the one could hardly be discerned from the other.  
To the end, that nothing might be wanting to her Stratagem, she caused a Seal to be cut, like Oronces', and counterfeited the following Letter, to be sent to our fair Recluse.  
I Can no more, my dear Eugenia, I am wounded even to death in the Battle of Seneff. The Surgeon, who hath care of me, is Ordered by me, to write unto you more at large. Adieu, my heart fails me: I can say no more, unless it be, that I should have died contented, if it had been in her service, whom I will love even to the last Minute. Have compassion upon the unfortunate  
Oronces. Adieu.  
This was accompanied by a supposed Letter from a Chirurgeon, which was filled with all the Circumstances of the Fight, and the nature of his wounds; it showed, how he had expired three Hours, after he had writ the Billet, and how he had received Commission to send it to Her, to whom it was directed.  
Laurentia doubted not, but that this Artifice would succeed to her advantage, and that her Daughter, seeing herself disengaged by her Lover's death, from all Protestations made to him, would make no difficulty of accepting, whom she desired and giving her heart to second Affections; but alas, that poor Mother had the displeasure of seeing all her Projects without success, and this innocent deceit had no other consequence, than her loss by the very means, that were intended for her preservation.  
The time of Eugenia's Profession approached, when she received the Letter and Billet spoken of. She had no sooner read them, but she fell into a Swoon, and made those, who were present, take notice, that she had not entirely quit all worldly Inclinations, by entering into a Cloister. She was so readily relieved, that she soon came to herself again, but it was only to abandon herself to tears and sadness, and to deplore his death, who was still alive.  
In this deplorable Estate, she raised the compassion of all her Companions, they heard, with a great deal of feeling, all the complaints, that proceeded from the heart, but they were not able to comfort her in that extreme sorrow. This News made such a disorder in her mind, that she remained for some time as it were senseless, and then it was, that she resolved not to part from the place, where she was, but to bid Adieu to the World, since it had now nothing in it, that she ought to Love; and to carry all her life, under the habit of a Cloister, the Mourning, which she owed her Lover's Memory.  
The Superior of the Monastery made use of that vexatious minute, to speak to her Novice of her Vows. She told her with a mild and engaging Air, that she shared very much in her Affliction, and that she did not blame the Tears, given to the remembrance of an Honourable amity, which she had had for the Person whom she lamented; but that she ought, after having considered that accident with the Eyes of the Body, regard it also with the Eyes of the Spirit, and think, that it was only a blow from God, who intended, by that means to withdraw her from the World, and make her one of his  Espouses.  
Our Eugenia, having already taken that resolution in herself, answered the Venerable Dame, that she had no other thoughts, that she ●ished with all her heart, that the ●●me were already expired; and ●hat she could do nothing with grea●er joy, then augment the number ●f so holy a Company. Moreover, ●he desired her, not to acquaint her Parents, with the weakness, which ●ad appeared in her, and altogether, ●o conceal from them the Excess of her grief, because than they could have no pretence to oppose her good fortune; but would be obliged to give their consent to her engagement, which otherwise they would have right to deny, if they might have place to believe, that ●t was more through a Humane, than Supernatural motive.  
In the mean time, Laurentia, being impatient to know the success of her Stratagem, went to the Superior to be informed of it, and to bring Eugenia back along with her, not thinking to find any more resistance; but all that she learned from her, was, that her daughter had been received by the whol● Convent, that she had had all thei● Voices, and that she seriously prepared herself by a holy Retreat, t● make her Vows. the week following Moreover, that she had, with admiration, seen the indifferency, which appeared at her reading the News which, according to the world, should most sensibly have touched her that she was a Girl of Prayer and of great Virtue, and that he● Spirit had no other Conductor, than God.  
This discourse surprised the poo● Mother the more, in that she expected nothing less from a Person whom she had made a Confident of her Designs; and whom, she did believe, she had engaged to her side. She expressed her astonishment, and declared to her, that she would be Mistress of her own Daughter, that she should not make any Profession without her consent, and that she would disinherit her, ●f she would any way oppose her will.  
The Superior made answer, that she had seen in Eugenia so great a disposition to the life, she would embrace, that she thought it impossible to dissuade her from it, without opposing the Ordinance of Heaven; that she had no other Prospect, and that Human Interest had the least share in it. This said, she took leave of Laurentia, and called her Daughter to her, whom she left alone in her Company.  
The Afflicted Mother was quite transported at the sight of Eugenia, and with tears asked her, if it was true, that she would continue in that Monastery? If she did, that it was the way to kill her with displeasure, and that she ought to consider the great obligation, which she owed her. She used the strongest Arguments, that tenderness could inspire her with, to move the heart of that Rebel (it was so▪ that she called her) but it was without effect and all that she could get from her was, that it was by her Order only, that she entered that place. That she was resolved never to quit it, and that she desired to make her Vows only, that she might not be far from her Vocation. These words so contrary to her Mother's wishes were followed by a thousand Menaces, and made Laurentia understand, that we often hazard the loss of all, when we would gain too much.  
Then she retired very much discontented, and went to take counsel of the Learned, how she might bring about her enterprise. They represented to her, that she had no great cause to be troubled; for the Religious never do any thing for nothing, and that she need only give her Daughter no Portion, infallibly to prevent her Professing.  
This Proceeding was indeed the best, according to the Ordinary Rules; but she good qualities of the Novice, together with a considerable sum of Money, which her kindred, who, by her engagement, would become Heirs to her Estate, underhand gave, did break all these just measures: They prevailed above all other considerations, and Eugenia Professed after the accustomed manner.  
While these things past, Our Cavalier began to be tired with the War: He an hundred times a day called to his mind the amiable qualities of his Mistress: He remembered all the Amorous favours, which he had received, and in that agreeable contemplation, he almost died with a desire, of seeing her again. Whilst he thus sighed, they brought him a Letter which, after reading, almost drove him to despair. One of his Friends acquainted him, that the report of his Death was every where spread abroad, that Eugenia, to avoid constraint from her Relations, who would force her to marry Dorimont, had embraced Religion, and had made her Vows, and that it were proper, he should write himself, to let her understand of his being in health, lest they might prevail by the falseness of the first News, which they had Published of him.  
I leave you to Judge the excess of grief, which touched the heart of our Lover, when he understood, that he had lost his Mistress. He could not imagine, that she ought to fly to that Extremity, for any reason whatsoever. Nevertheless he could not be persuaded, that she wanted fidelity to him. In this perplexity he thought it necessary to have some clearing of the Matter, before he declared her Guilty: Wherefore he writ to her the following Letter which he gave a Gentleman, one o● his Friends, who was to be the Bearer.  
IS it possible, fair Eugenia, that the news which I hear, of your entering a Cloister, and Professing, should be true: I am told, that it was to avoid Dorimont; but then, you should have preserved yourself for Oronces. I cannot dissemble with you, I know not what Opinion, I ought to have of all this, and whether, I should regard you, as a Person insensible, who please yourself at the misfortunes of others, or as a weak inconstant creature, passionated for some trifles of Devotion, who love every thing, that you see, who forget that which is no longer in sight, and give up your Heart, to every one, that demands it. I know very well, that absence is a dangerous thing, but alas! if I were absent, it was for loving you, you know that my passion was Innocent, and Pure, you should not then have rendered it Criminal, by infidelity, while on my side, I render it Illustrious by an inviolable constancy; acquaint me, as soon as possible, if my complaints are unjust, and deliver from his Pain, the unfortunate  
Oronces.  
This Letter, was put into her own hand, by the Gentleman, we mentioned; it produced, in the Soul of our young Professed, very very different Motions, for she was equally touched with Grief, and Joy, and in that moment, perceived the Relics of the Fire, to rekindle in Her, which were almost extinguished.  
If her Joy was great, to understand, that He, whom she loved, was living, she conceived no less displeasure, to see herself tied, and bound, and, according to all appearance, a Captive for the rest of her days; that Reflection caused in her, an extreme Melancholy, and raised troubles in her Spirit, which tormented her to the Quick.  
She endeavoured to get out of that confusion, and to enjoy her former tranquillity, by overcoming her Nature, and mastering her Inclination for her Lover; She believed, that Meditation, and the Devout Contemplation of several Pious Mysteries, and the exercise of a severe Virtue, might take her off from these Sentiments of the World, and Terrestrial thoughts, by approaching Heaven. She therefore made a Trial of this for some days, but it was without any profit. Devotion was to her, an Insipid Dainty, which she could not at all Relish. She in vain forbid Love an entrance into her heart, ●e so constantly crept in, and made 〈◊〉 greater ravage then before. He cau●ed a thousand distractions in her ●ost fervent prayers: He maliciously led her into all Places, where ●er Lover had been. He obliged her ●o stop in the place, where he had ●iven her a thousand Kisses, and ●here she had received a thousand Caresses, and where he had assured ●er of his Constancy. In fine, he o●ercame, and constrained her to yield and still to nourish in her Soul, the same Passion, which had made her sigh so often heretofore.  
Eugenia, then finding herself too weak to resist this little God, that attacked her, abandoned herself entirely to his conduct, and writ to Oronces the most passionate Letter, that her Genius could dictate; she informed him of her Mother's deceit, and conjured him to seek some remedy, for an evil, that in its self seemed irrecoverable, that she was altogether His; and that Love of him only had obliged her to embrace the Condition, wherein she saw herself unhappily engaged.  
I leave you to judge, how this Letter was received by our young Lover; without reflecting upon his Mistress' condition, he was excessive glad to hear, that she had been faithful to him, and that He only wa● beloved; and tho' there was n● cause for it, yet he flattered himself with the hope of some good fortun● whereof the thought only transported him with Pleasure: Nevertheless, this Ecstasy, being ill grounded, continued not long: it gave place to more serious considerations, and was followed by an extraordinary Melancholy, which represented to him, that the loss of Eugenia was without recovery, and that it was impossible to repair it.  
While this inquietude afflicted his mind, he wholly applied himself to find out means of getting Eugenia into his possession; He presently thought of stealing her away, which would have been without doubt easy, since she, without any great difficulty, would have consented to it; but many considerations dissuaded him from it; and made him reject that Expedient, for fear of not being able to make use of it, but with prejudice to his Mistress.  
At length after much consideration, Love inspired him with an Artifice, which at the same time, was the most pleasant, and most rash in the World.  
He understood, that a young Gentleman, one of his intimate Friends, called Camillus, had made a close Familiarity with a young Nun of that Country, who had conceived for him so great an affection, that she would have followed him all the World over: her name was Aurelia.  
Oronces made a confidence to this Cavalier of his ancient Passion for a Mistress, who by a Mother's Stratagem was blindly shut up in a Cloister for the rest of her days; he entreated him to serve him, in that affair, from which he himself could draw nothing, but advantage.  
Then he proposed to him his design, and told him, that to bring it successfully about, he must obtain leave, for sister Aurelia to change her Convent, so that she might go and remain in that, where Eugenia was, and that if this could be done, as it was apparently possible, they Two should be the most happy Lovers, that ever were in the World.  
Camillus became of his Friend's opinion, and told him, that he would speak of it to his Mistress, without whom nothing could be performed. But alas! how weak is a young heart, when it suffers itself to be conducted by Love.  
Aurelia, far from examining, with the Scruple, which she ought, the Proposition made to her, immediately consented unto it, and approved of the project; admiring, that Oronces, in so tender an age, should be capable of imagining so witty a contrivance.  
Then our two Lovers met again, and Camillus gave an account of his visit to our Cavalier. Both obtained from their General upon a decent pretence, leave to withdraw, and they seriously applied themselves to succeed in their design. It being unfit, that they should appear to have any interest in the retreat of Sister Aurelia, they left her to act all alone, and supplied her with the sure means of obtaining her request, seeing underhand the persons, employed to solicit the fair Nun's Petition.  
The Town, wherein she was, had been conquered from the King o● Spain, and thereupon it was, that she grounded her request. She represented with a great deal of Spirit, and Ingenuity, that she had ever born an inclination to the French interest, and more particularly since His Majesty became Master of the Town, wherein the Monastery stood; but that, sarr from gaining the love of her Superiors, by th● Obedience which she paid her Prince she was become the hate of th● whole Convent, that they respected her as a stranger, and that those that Governed, being still Spaniard in their hearts and affections, mad● her suffer a thousand torments, from which she could not be delivered, but by quitting the place, from whence she humbly prayed to retire.  
This pretence, being specious enough, and these reasons having some appearance, she easily obtained her wish, but not without special regard being had, that Eugenia's Convent, to which she was to go, was governed by the same Rule, as That, which she was to quit; and there was no other difference, but that in This, wherein Aurelia was, they wore a little white scarf upon their Habit, which the others observed not. But this distinction, not being essential, they without difficulty, gave her all the necessary Orders for her departure.  
In the mean time, these two Lovers consulted together, of what they had to do Oronces, following the Genius that pushed him on, resolved to take Aurelia's Habit, and to go in that manner, to shut himself up in a Cloister, with his Mistress; and Camillus, making use of the opportunity, and good will of his Mistress, designed to conduct her into a Castle of his own, and to live there, as Lovers, as long as Destiny would be favourable to them.  
This so bold a Metamorphosis was performed, as it had been projected. Aurelis, having departed by the way of the Coach, and knowing the place where the two Cavaliers waited for her, did on the second day pretend to be distempered with that way of travelling, and seemed not able to continue without danger her journey, without some other conveniency. She played her part so well, that nothing was suspected, and the Coach arrived at the place, where Oronces and Camillus had already taken up their Lodging, There our Nun, having agreed for a Litter, did on the morrow dismiss the Coach, after she had satisfied the Coachman.  
It was here, that both parties made a Voluntary change of Habits, Oronces was but eighteen years old, he was fair like Aurelia, and almost of the same Stature, so that there was such a resemblance between them, that the disguise was never known to any, but those who were privy to it, who could not sufficiently admire at their behaviour, which appeared not more unnatural, then if both the one and the other had been born in the Estate, in which they were at that time.  
Oronces, thus travestied into a Nun, and furnished with all the dispatches necessary to his new condition, prepared himself to departed in the Litter, accompanied only by a Girl, whom he took in the Town, to render his conduct irreproachable; he was instructed in every thing, necessary for his knowledge, to appear before the Superior, and having a Voice very sweet, and very pleasant, he persuaded himself, that he could easily live in that House, and perform all the Exercises, conformable to the Habit, which he wore.  
Camillus, for his part, conducted the fair Aurelia into a very pleasant Castle, where he proposed to himself to enjoy with her solid Pleasures; and, wishing to his friend all content, never to be disturbed by any unforeseen misfortunes; they parted, after having exchanged a thousand Marks of Affection, and settling a sure means of holding a correspondence with one another. Our Fair Nun, impatient to see her, whom she loved, so hastened her departure, and continued her journey with so great diligence, that within three days she arrived at the Town, where she was to remain.  
She went immediately to make a visit to the Bishop of the place, who was the Chief Superior of Eugenia's Monastery; she showed him her Obedience, and her other Patents, wherewith she was furnished; She did him reverence with so much Grace, she spoke to him with so much Modesty, and always entertained him so wittily, that the Prelate was charmed with her, and was overjoyed with himself, that so Fair a Person rendered herself subject to his obedience, and came to place herself under his direction.  
He was too much taken with the fair qualities of our Metamorphosed Cavalier, (whom for the future we shall call Aurelia) to permit her so suddenly to shut up herself in the Cloister, he would for three or four days have her walk in his Coach about the Town, and make her acquainted with other Monasteries, with whom she might, for the future, have some Communication. Aurelia, who had reason to fear every thing in a place, where she was so well known, did for a while refuse those marks of goodness, which she received from her Prelate, telling him, that she desired nothing, but a retreat, and that, being entered into Religion very young, she had no manner of Relish for affairs of the World, whose fashions she was even ignorant of. Therefore she entreated him to excuse her, and to grant her Leave to retire to her Cloister, that she might there be at leisure for exercises, more conformable to her Profession.  
This young Prelate had no regard to the entreaties of our Religious. He did not believe, that her heart had any share, in what she seemed to desire, and he could not persuade himself, that a Lady, so fair, so witty, and whose Eyes were so filled with fire, did despise that which others, with such earnestness, seek after. He therefore showed her all the fine things, and curiosities of the Town. In all her visits she gained a general applause; her behaviour in them appeared so free, and disaffected; her words so noble, and elevated; and her judgement so solid, that she gained the hearts of all the companies, she came into.  
The time of his absence from the Province, having a little changed his Mien, and the disguising of his Sex under a Petticoat and Veil, being not imagined by any, he preserved himself from being known, even by those, who had been his intimate acquaintance, and ended all his visits, without being discovered, or in the least suspected by those, who were his nearest relations.  
This will not seem incredible to those, who shall reflect on the many adventures, happening every day, by which we are so easily surprised; and if, in a Comedy, a Player, whom we have already seen, becomes afterwards unknown, by the change of his Part and Garments, why should it be difficult, to believe the success of a Stratagem, perfectly contrived, and executed with a marvellous audacity?  
The Bishop, having spent three days in walking up and down, as well for his own particular content, as for the satisfaction of Aurelia, he himself conducted her into the Monastery, and did himself the Honour, to represent unto the Convent a person so amiable and accomplished.  
The Abbess, who had heard the News of her departure, and arrival, received her with incredible transports of Joy; and the other Nuns, at the sight of so much Beauty, conceived, for her presented to them, an interior Friendship not to be expressed. She thanked the Prelate, with much respect, for those testimonies of his goodness towards her, and he, for his part, giving her a Pastoral Kiss, and taking her into his protection, recommended her, as his own Daughter, to the Superior, and left her with her Companions.  
It was then, that Embraces were redoubled, and Kisses given without Number; never was Reception accompanied with so many Caresses.  
Aurelia was all on Fire, and the colour, which enlivened her Countenance, added an agreeableness, which rendered her so amiable, as that she ravished their hearts. In the mean time, Eugenia appeared not in the Troop; she was become so solitary and melancholy, after the News, which she had received about Oronces, that she was indifferent for all things, and employed her thoughts only in Vexation and Displeasure, for having unhappily engaged herself by a solemn Profession, and public declaration of her Vows.  
Her Lover was no less unquiet, not to see Her, whom he loved so tenderly. She had no manner of notice of his designs, and therefore, when some of her Companions advertised her of the arrival of Sister Aurelia, she made no other answer, but that she should have time enough to see and salute her, since she was to remain in the House.  
In the mean time, the Superior, according to custom, caused all the Sisters to be called together, to the public reading of Aurelia's Patents, and to receive her, according to Form, into the number of the Religious. Eugenia was then present with the others, and while one of the Ancients read the dispatches, and that the other Formalities were observed, she had her eye continually upon this new Comer, but she little thought, that she beheld her Lover.  
After the Ceremony was over, Oronces received fresh kisses from the Company, but he found none so sweet, as that which his Mistress gave him. He could not refrain from clasping her more amorously, than he did the others, and although he did not design to discover himself so soon to her, he could not forbear a certain whisper, followed by some glances, which penetrated the heart of that lovely Creature.  
The poor Lady, agitated with a thousand thoughts, retired immediately into her Chamber, to meditate of what she had seen, and to reflect upon the resemblance of Aurelia's face to her Dear Oronces. Nevertheless, she durst not be convinced of what, her heart declared to her, and though she had been moved with an infinite tenderness, at the time she was embraced, yet a design, so hardy and surprising, could not enter her thought. In this embarras, and confusion of Spirit, she slumbered, and her mind, being filled only with the resemblance, that was between Aurelia and Oronces, she continually dreamt of that Subject. Let us leave her in this moment of repose and tranquillity, to see what her Lover does.  
Aurelia was all his time entertained by a Nun, who finding in herself a great inclination to love her, resolved with the first to gain her Heart, and Friendship. She was young and fair, and Oronces was not insensible, but, his Affections being already placed, he made no return of real Love or Tenderness, but only of a little outward Complaisance.  
This Nun, who was called Pamphilia, never found in herself so ardent a desire to love one, of her own Sex, as she did in respect of this new Comer; and this Love, appearing to her innocent, and impossible to have in it any thing impure, she pushed it on, as far as she could, and, knowing by experience, that the Night was more proper than the Day for a thousand amorous declarations and an infinity of engaging wantonnesses, she proffered Aurelia to pass it with her, in one of the Common Chambers, because as yet there was no particular one, provided for her.  
All these Caresses, enough to have transported with joy, any other, that had sense, gave Aurelia but a slender satisfaction. She did indeed find herself a little warmed but she needed only think upon Eugenia, to quench immediately those Flames, which begun to blaze. Nevertheless, she could not forbear telling Pamphilia, that her company would be very agreeable unto her, and that she received extraordinary pleasure in her conversation: But that which gave her no small content, was, to hear from this Religious, a recital of every thing that had passed, concerning her Mistress, who being one of Pamphilia's intimate Friends, had made her a Confident of it all, and had prayed her to keep it secret, and impart it to none.  
Oronces, who almost died with a desire of speaking to Eugenia, took thence an occasion of ask Pamphilia, where was her Chamber? and told her, that she would be glad to go along with her, and visit that amiable Nun. Then Pamphilia conducted him thither, and immediately left them together, to the end, that they might be the more easily engaged in a Common amity, wherein she might have a part.  
Our Metamorphosed Cavalier, for all his Mistresses Melancholy, found her fairer, than ever, he had seen her, even in her richest Garments. Her youth inspired him with Joy, her Beauty with new desires, and what she had done for him with admiration. He at first dissembled, who he was, and understood from her, that she was newly risen from sleep, and that she had had a Dream, which, while it continued, gave her a great deal of pleasure, but, after awakening, created nothing in her, but disquiet. He pressed her to declare it, and told her, that he would show the true meaning of it, if it had the least conformity with reason. She immediately gave him a look, and their Eyes meeting together, said in their Language, that Love was very ingenious, and that they could not ●ong be unknown to one another. Nevertheless Eugenia, being the more fearful, did not dare to declare her thought first, and Oronces, who took pleasure in seeing her in that confusion, made no great haste to draw her out of it.  
In fine, Love overcame Affection; Aurelia, or rather our Cavalier, could no longer resist those tender motions, which the presence of his dear Mistress made him resent. He ●ast himself about her neck, and embracing her with transports of extraordinary joy, he cried out, yes, ●tis I, Eugenia; and Love has given me the Habit, which you see. That word, chase all doubt from Eugenia's mind, replenished her with an ●nconceivable satisfaction, and for ●ome moments deprived her of the ●se of her senses, that she might ●he more peaceably enjoy within her ●elf, that excess of pleasure, which ●he felt.  
As soon as they had recovered their surprise, they began again their Caresses; and Oronces, to take Eugenia out of pain, related to her, how every thing past, and that they had no cause to apprehend any thing, as long as his youth would leave his chin unfurnished, and as the sweetness of his voice would continue. She for her part, acquainted him, with the Artifice, which her Mother made use of, to abuse her, and conjured him to behave himself discreetly in regard of the Convent, lest that, by some wrong step, he might spoil an enterprise, that required all the good conduct imaginable, to make it succeed.  
She instructed him moreover i● all the ways of living in a Cloister and she fashioned him so well, tha● he was in a little time, as skilful, 〈◊〉 the ancientest Dame in the house and he performed his Duty so well as shall be seen hereafter, that h● merited to have the direction of th● Novices, when their ordinary Mistress, who was very Aged, could not attend that exercise, by reason of indisposition.  
In the mean time, the promise, which he had made Pamphilia to pass the night with her, troubled him not a little. He told in Eugenia, who could find no surer means to prevent it, then by offering the same thing in the others presence; an opportunity so to do presented itself immediately, for Pamphilia, impatient to see Aurelia again, went and rejoined them in a Friend's Chamber, who told her, as soon as she entered, that she would not quit Aurelia before the morning, and that, being for that day exempted from assisting in the Choir, she would keep her company.  
Pamphilia for her part alleged, that she had made the first proffer; that the Bed, wherein they were to lie, was too little for three, and that she must yield to her, as to one who was her elder. But Eugenia was too much interessed, to let her gain that point, Therefore the conclusion was, that they should accommodate themselves as well as they could, and that both should take care to divert the new Comer.  
In the mean time, nothing was more embarrassed than our Cavalier he was so fearful, of giving his Mistress some apparent cause of Jealousy, that he thought himself obliged to prevent her, and to entreat her, not to make any ill construction of the Amity, which she should outwardly show, in return to th● Caresses of the other Nuns-: tha● he would abstain altogether from so doing, if she absolutely desire● it; but that he believed, that th● best way to conceal their Game was to live outwardly alike with al● the world.  
Eugenia, who had a good wit● and was perfectly convinced of th● great Love, which Oronces had fo● her, told him, that he might a● in all things without Constraint, that, although she loved him much more than he could imagine, yet she did believe, that no jealousy could ever trouble her: That he might really upon these words and hereafter use all the liberty, he would do, were he that in Effect, which he was only in Appearance.  
There is nothing that agrees with Beauty better, or gives it more lustre than joy; Eugenia, being rid of her vexation, and a gay humour succeeding her Melancholy, recovered in a little time, together with a good plight, those charms, which formerly rendered her so lovely, and were now sullied with the trouble and disquiet of mind, to which her retreat had reduced her. She supped with her Lover, and Pamphilia, who was become jealous of the Caresses, that all the young Nuns made to sister Aurelia, flattered herself, with the sensible pleasure of lying, and passing the night with a Person, whom she loved with an Extraordinary tenderness, and affection.  
Eugenia, that she might have an opportunity of being sometime alone with Oronces, undertook herself to go, and make the Bed, and put in a readiness the Chamber, wherein he was to remain, until another were provided in the Common Dormitory of the Convent. The disguised Lover followed her, and was sufficiently perplexed, to satisfy all the questions, which were asked him in a quarter of an hours conversation. She immediately asked him, what were his sentiments, when he received so many kisses from the youngest, and fairest in the house. Alas! my dear Eugenia, he answered, I will dissemble nothing from you. 'Tis true, that two or three, who acquitted themselves with a great deal of heat, caused in me some slight emotions; some Sparkles of the Fire, wherewith they seemed to burn, did warm my heart, and touched it with some sense of sweetness, which did a little tickle me.  
How, said she to him, did you not resist that springing Affection, and condemn in yourself a Love, which could not be lawful, since you conceived it to my prejudice? Ah, he replied, you ought to excuse me for several reasons, faults, that we committed in spite of ourselves, should easily be pardoned. Besides I can assure you, that if these Embraces have raised in me any passions, they were but wand'ring ones, which only disturbed the soul, but possessed it not for any long time. My reason is not become irregular upon their account, and the extreme love that I have for you, hath suffered no alteration, for your presence only hath driven out of my mind, all the Ideas, form therein by these strange Beauties. I must believe you, interrupted Eugenia, and I foresee well enough, that I must prepare myself to pardon you many of the like faults, while you remain here; but for the rest, continued she, have a care of favouring the weakness of any in this Convent, or of making yourself known, and no less of requiring from me, what I will never grant, but according to Form. All other favours for your comfort, shall not be denied you, and we will live together, as a Brother would with a Sister, whom he cherishes, and by whom he is equally beloved. Especially, since that we shall be obliged to lie together this night, to avoid the wantonness of Sister Pamphilia, who otherwise will without doubt discover you; behave yourself discreetly, and consider, that your fortune and my Life and Honour, lie upon your following these measures, which I give you. Your Father, who is the Principal obstacle to our liberty, is very old, and the manner, that I entered this House, is known to many, who can upon occasion bear witness of it, and I hope, that by the assistance of some powerful friends, we may at length bring about our first pretensions, and then pass the rest of our days in pleasures, by so much the more pure, as that they will be lawful, and shall never more be disturbed by any Accident, from the long enjoyment of them in perfection.  
They were in this Discourse, when Pamphilia entered, who finding them all on fire, demanded how they had overheated themselves? Eugenia replied, that they were forced to right the Chamber, for it was quite aught of Order. Truly, said Pamphilia, you are not very conscientious, to cause sister Aurelia, to work thus, could you not stay for company, but must tyre a poor girl, just arrived from a long journey, and in saying that, she cast her arms about Oronces his neck, and gave him a kiss. Eugenia, who in spite of all her precautions, did believe, that her Lover rob her of every thing, that he granted another, could not restrain herself, but would be a sharer, so that our new Nun, was the most embarrassed in the world, to satisfy these passionated Creatures.  
But this was but a Prelude, or slight Attack, if compared with what was apparently to follow. As soon as the retreat was rung, and that all the Nuns were retired each one into her Cell, the two Sisters, together with the young Nun, began the evening with a thousand little divertising Sports. Oronces, who had no experience in the greater part of these Cloysterial Games, was almost continually out, and was condemned to an hundred wanton trifles, which would infinitely have pleased him, had he been at liberty.  
These pastimes were followed by a Collation, where Marchpanes, and other delicacies grateful to the taste, appeared with profusion: The most tender Airs, out of Operaes, were also sung, and Sister Aurelia, who had a great deal of skill, performed her part to perfection.  
After having spent much time in these divertisements, they began to talk of going to bed. Eugenia had before hand acquainted her Lover, with all the fooleries he was to endure, if he lay near Pamphilia, besides, that it would be impossible to do so without discovering his Sex. Therefore he was to place himself by his Mistress' side; do not imagine, that this was any pleasure to him, but quite contrary; for she had imposed upon him such rigorous Laws, that he never passed a night with less repose, or more disquiet than that.  
Pamphilia, who was almost ready to lie down, told Eugenia, that although she only had right to lie with Sister Aurelia, having made the first proffer; yet she was willing to admit her to a share in the bed, so Aurelia lay in the middle.  
Though, according to Rules, a Proposition, so reasonable as this, aught to be received without dispute; yet Eugenia would not agree unto it, foreseeing as a thing infallible, the discovery of her Lover, if it should happen so. Pamphilia also for her part, being unwillng to yield, had however Complaisance enough, to offer to decide the Question by some kind of game, which was done, but to the disadvantage of Eugenia, who lost and no longer knew, what Saint to invoke, that she might escape the danger, wherein she was.  
In the mean time, her naked Companion, after kissing Aurelia, went first to bed, and left the two Lovers busy, at Prayers in appearance, but indeed in contriving some Artifice to deliver themselves from the Winner's persuites. At length after having meditated some time, Eugenia resolved to put out the Candle, before she lay down, and to creep readily into the place, appointed for Oronces, and then to suffer him by her side. She advertised him of it, and seeming to search for something with the light, she let it fall designedly, and extinguished the Flame, so as Pamphilia could observe nothing, to make her suspect, that it was done purposely to deceive her.  
Oronces, who was near the Bed, and undressing, was called upon by her, who was impatient of being alone, I will come unto you presently, said he, but I desire you would not trouble my repose, it will be in vain to talk to me; I shall not answer one word, for I am already half asleep.  
He had hardly ended these words, when Eugenia threw herself into Bed, and placed herself in the middle, and Oronces soon after lay down by her.  
Pamphilia no sooner felt Eugenia by her side, but mistaking her for Aurelia, did most straight embrace her, and demanded of her, if she would not be her Friend? Eugenia answered not, but with a kiss, which she could not soon get rid off, and which was followed with all the Caresses, and wantonness, which the poor Recluse are wont to put in practice, to assuage the heat of their fire. 'Tis very true, that Eugenia did expose herself to her Companions fury, only to deliver her Lover from it, and that she rather sought his safety, than any satisfaction, which she took therein.  
While the two Sisters were exercising these wantonnesses, the Poor Oronces suffered more pain, than they could taste pleasure; he was like Tantalus, condemned to die with hunger, in the sight of several dainties, he was Poor in the midst of Wealth, and what seemed sufficient to complete his joys, was now become the cause of his pain and sorrow.  
He could not reflect upon the condition wherein he was, without becoming sensible of a thousand importunate thoughts, which tired his Imagination, and burned him with a Fire, that he was not permitted to quench, even upon the brink of a Fountain. He was so filled with the Idea of his Mistress' attractions, that all his desires were fixed upon that amiable Creature; all his sighs half stifled, were for her; and all the motions of his heart had no other cause than her Charms.  
He perceived sometimes his Reason growing weak, and without Heroical endeavours, he would never have been able to resist such forcible temptations: Alas! what did he not think? What did he not say to himself? what torment said he, is this I feel? and whence proceeds the unquietude and disorder, wherein I am? What? must I be the most unhappy man in the world, for lying by the fairest Creature in it? Can so fine an object, accustomed to inspire me with nothing but joy, put me now to so much pain? Ah! how dangerous a passion is Love, and to what rough Trials does it expose us, before it imparts unto us, even the least of its pleasures.  
While he thus thought, Eugenia, defending herself from her Companions embraces, did without considering it, approach him with a great deal of precipitation, it was then, that he being ignorant, whether Chance or Love threw her so into his Arms, did almost forget all the Laws, prescribed him, and there wanted little of his committing a fact, contrary to his duty. This approach did sensibly augment his Fires, and the Heat, received from it, consumed him even to the very heart, insomuch, that though she was retired, yet the remembrance of that surprise did continually redouble his Affliction; that is, if it were possible to imagine any addition to a Grief, which, from the first moment, that he conceived it, had been extreme and insupportable.  
At length, Pamphilia cloyed with kisses, and wearied with the violence of her exercise, found herself overcome with sleep. She bid her Neighbour Good night, by the name of Aurelia, who also counterfeited sleep, though it was impossible for her to rest one moment. She had much ado to constrain herself, and on what diversions soever she employed her mind, she could never take it of from her Lover, her imagination represented Him so forcibly, that all the various reflections, to which she applied herself, proved too weak to prevail over the violence of her Passion; and loving Oronces no less than she was beloved by him, she was sensible of all the motions, concerns, and transports, which Love made him resent.  
In the mean time, Oronces, seeing these two Companions quiet, believed, that they were really asleep. So that to ease a little of the extreme heat, which consumed him, he laid his hand upon Eugenia's Body, and for some time ran over it with extraordinary transports, which made him forget himself, and gave him a taste of pleasures not to be equalled, to his wonderful Satisfaction: His Mistress' fear of his being discovered by some unhappy word, was the Cause, that at first she durst not say any thing to him, to rebuke him; but at length, he became so importunate, and his toying provoked her in such a manner, that she could no longer endure it, but seizing his hand, she put it off from her, and whispered him, as softly as she could, that he should consider the danger whereto they were exposed; He took that warning, and giving Eugenia a kiss, he let her understand, that he would no more.  
There is nothing more vexatious to Lovers, than to spend the nights after that manner: Eugenia would not have Oronces to lie there, until the appearance of day, but, lest the light should discover him, she made him rise, and dress himself, and gave him the key of a neighbouring Chamber, where he threw himself upon a Bed, to take a little repose. After which, she lay in his place, and left the middle empty, to the end to make her Companion believe, that it was Sister Aurelia who had filled it up.  
In effect, Pamphilia was convinced of it, as soon as she awaked, and Eugenia acquainted her, that she had so tired and overheated that poor Girl, with her embraces, that she was obliged to withdraw into another Chamber, for a little rest, it being impossible for her to sleep with so great heat, and importunity.  
As soon as our two Lovers saw each other, Eugenia smilingly asked Oronces, how he had past the night? Ah! malicious Creature, he replied, have you the heart, so to insult over an unfortunate man? Know, that I never gave you greater proofs of my Love than last night, and without extreme Affection, my Obedience could never have been so perfect. You made me die a thousand times by your continual motions, and I still admire, how I have been able to observe with so great submission, those rigorous Laws, which you had given me.  
By this, the time was come, wherein they were to attend all the usual exercises of a Monastic life. Oronces was instructed in them by his Mistress, and performed them with so great success, especially those that regarded the business of the Choir, that in some time after, she who had the care of forming the Voices of the Novices, being fallen sick, that charge was given to sister Aurelia, who took pleasure in the Employment, and did execute it to the satisfaction of all those, put under him.  
The truth is, that he so behaved himself, as that under the Countenance of a Venus, he made Virtue itself, and Modesty shine out. He seemed unmoved with any ambition. His Beauty gave him not the least pride or affectation. He was simple or witty according to occasion, and so plain a sincerity appeared in him, that even the most penetrating were deceived.  
Under the Veil of an easy and attracting Devotion, he gained the hearts of all the World; and his Mistress, and himself following the same Rules in their Conduct, and being endowed almost with the same qualities, they were esteemed, as Persons, that one day would fill up the Chief Places of the Convent.  
Eugenia was of a tall and slender stature, her face round, and of a wonderful complexion; her black Eyes were filled with Fire, which she tempered with a great deal of sweetness, and modesty, her teeth were white, even, and well ranked. In fine to give a perfect Idea of Her, it may be said, that her Veil hide more beauty then outwardly appeared, and that it was reserved for him only, who one day was to enjoy her, to admire at its Perfection.  
Oronces had already remained almost a year in the Monastery, and lived there, with the Approbation of the whole Convent, when an unlucky Accident made him a thousand times repent of his rash entering into that place, and of trusting himself so long to the inconstancy of Fortune.  
A Nun of the house, called, Lucia, having been a little too familiar in private with at Director, who would conduct her into Heaven, by ways very different from the Gospel, so resented his devout Instructions, that she could not hid the fruits of it; but appeared big with Child in the sight of all her Companions.  
There is nothing that destroys the esteem, which the world hath conceived for these kind of People, more than the knowledge of their Crimes, and Offences. They therefore kept the business as secret as they could, and the Superior forbade them, under great penalties, to say any thing of that disorder. In the mean time, the poor Lucia was examined, and because, she had read in a Book, containing several Fabulous Stories, that a Vestal had conceived by a Spirit, She thought, that she also might deny her having any communication with a man. In effect, she so stubbornly persisted in the denial, that the Superior, fearing that there might be some Hermaphrodite among her maids, ordered ten of the most Ancient, to search all the Nuns of the Convent without exception, and then to make a true Report to her, of what they had seen.  
I leave you to judge, what extremity, this Order reduced our two Lovers to: Eugenia, who feared all things for Oronces, counselled him to withdraw, and departed that night, through a place in the Garden, where the passage was not difficult. There was so little probability of saving himself otherwise from the danger, whereto he was exposed, that he resolved to follow the Countel of his dear Mistress, whom he bid adieu to in the evening, and took leave of her, without having time to reflect upon the means of recovering her, thus abandoned by his departure.  
He was not yet arrived at the place, by which he was to make his escape, when he met a Nun, whom chance, or the desire of taking a little fresh air had brought thither. She immediately perceived Sister Aurelia, by reason of her Habit, being white mingled with black, which reaches the sight, sooner than any thing else, and joining with her, retained her in spite of all the Artifices, which she used, to get rid of her.  
She entertained her with what had passed in the House; and with what was to be done, on the morrow, according to the command of the Superior. These discourses put Aurelia upon Thornes. Nevertheless it was impossible for her to get from that Impertinent, and to add to his misfortune, she, who had the charge of locking up all the Gates, came to advise them to retire, that the retreat was rung; and that she came to perform her office.  
This unhappy rencontre broke all the Measures of our poor Lover, he was forced to reenter the Cloister, and go to his own bed, thinking continually how to secure himself from the storm and tempest, which threatened him. But alas! that Wit, that suggested to him his former Stratagem, failed him upon this occasion.  
Eugenia, perceiving him in the morning, in the Choir among the rest, was in the greatest amazement in the world. The search was to be made in the Afternoon, and there was no possibility of escaping by day the sight of so many people. She spoke to him, and understood, what had hindered his departure, she thought, she studied, she meditated, but still in vain, and in that disquiet, she remitted her cause to the God of love, whom she conjured, not to abandon them in so dangerous an extremity.  
In the mean while, the time appointed for the execution of the ordonnance being come, all the Nuns had fresh notice, to go and present themselves, one after another, to the old ones deputed to search, and several had already undergone that mortification, when Eugenia came thither, and retired as soon as she could out of the hands of those old Matrons, whose fashions would have made her laugh, had she not had so much cause of affliction.  
Oronces his turn approached, when Eugenia perceiving herself all of a sudden transported, went to find him out and readily changing Habits with him (which differed from the rest) as we have already told you, she bid him not to torment himself; and said, that she hoped, that with this disguise every thing would fall out to their advantage.  
In effect she went again, to present herself, with her Veil dowen before these Venerable Dames, who took her, by the White and Black Habit, which she wore, for sister Aurelia. She being esteemed very virtuous, they believed that it was modesty, obliged her to be so Veiled, and therefore they would not vex her with any demand, but putting their spectacles upon their noses and taking their candles in hand, they visited that fair place with a great deal of diligence, which they could not know again, though they had exactly viewed it just a little before. Being so escaped from the danger, she went immediately to Oronces, and restored to him his Garments, assuring him, that there was nothing more to be feared: then he gave a thousand Kisses to this witty Lover, and at the same time, they both resolved, to go together to Rome, to the end, to annul the vows by which Eugenia was engaged, and to have her remitted in her former liberty.  
The good Matrons made their report to the Superior, and said, that although they had seen great matters, yet that they had perceived nothing capable of giving Sister Lucia the Tympany, that incommoded her; that the mischief must have come from without, and that by using a little cunning to convict her, they might discover, who had been the Author of so great a scandal. This advice was followed with success, for Lucia fell into the snare laid for her, and became obliged to confess her fault without any disguise.  
A little time after his had passed, Oronces' Father's death was published over all the Town, though our Lover saw himself by it, at more liberty than before, yet he resented it very much, and his natural tenderness made him, in secret, shed abundance of tears, to the Memory of him, who had given him life.  
In the interim, his elder brother● hearing that he was no longer in the Army, caused him to be enquired after on all sides, and the report of it being come to the Monastery, where he was, upon the account of his Mistress shut up in it, they thought it time, to contrive their retreat, lest some Misfortune should discover them to those, who made such curious inquiries after their Persons.  
Nothing is more industrious than Love, Eugenia found a way to have two Gentile suits of man's apparel, by the means of a Confident whom she had abroad, telling her, that she had a design to make presents of them to two of her Cousins, who were almost of the same stature, but because she would surprise them with that liberality, she purposed to keep the matter secret. This Friend, not knowing any thing considerable of her Amours, could not imagine the use she would put these Garments to, but did unfeignedly believe what was told her, and within three days she delivered them ready made and finished, into her hands, who had given her Orders about them.  
As soon as these two Lovers had wherewithal to shift their Habits, they thought of nothing more than of their departure. Oronces had brought with him two hundred Pistols, which the war had enriched him with. These he had always preserved for a time of necessity, and it was wisely done, for they were of great use to him in the journey, which he now undertook. After that both had made themselves ready, and taken with them what was necessary, they departed about nine of the clock in the Evening, through that place, already mentioned, in the Garden, and went immediately by favour of the night to put on their new Equipage.  
The fear they were in of being known in the Town, made them walk a quarter of a league a foot, after which they arrived in a Village, where having taken lodging u●der borrowed names, they hired two Horses, to departed on the break of day. Though the young Eugenia was not accustomed to this kind of riding, yet her address was marvellous, and she would have given those, who did not know her, reason to believe, that she had performed all her exercises in the Academy.  
Whilst our two Fugitives made all the hast they could to Marseilles, the whole Monastery, from which they ran away, was in disorder. It seemed that all the Furies were let lose against them, by reason of the continual misfortunes, that assaulted them, and of the irregularity that became so public. In this conjuncture they knew not what to say of the present scandal, nor think what might be the cause of it. They never dreamt of Oronces, and the manner, that he and Eugenia had behaved themselves in the House, added to the surprise of all the Religious.  
Several People were sent after them, but in vain, for besides that they had taken a way quite contrary, to that by which they were pursued; they were already embarked at Marseilles, where they arrived, before their departure, which was for some time concealed, had been published abroad, and before it came to the knowledge of Secular Persons, who caused the pursuit after them. I cannot express, how great was L●●●rentia's sorrow, it was so much the more in that she knew, that she herself had occasioned by her constraint all this irregularity, and had forced her Daughter, to enclose herself in a place, for which she had never had any inclination. Let us leave her to deplore the loss of her dear Eugenia, and follow the way of our Lovers.  
Oronces having been so happy as to find at Marseilles a Vessel ready to sail to Civita Vecchia, he embarked therein, together with his Mistress, and made provision of all necessaries for their voyage. The wind was so favourable, that in two days they arrived at Gen●a, where after taking some refreshment, they departed, that they might not lose the opportunity of the fair weather. But alas! the more they advanced, the nearer they approached their ruin. The weather changed in a moment, and a storm succeeded the fair day they had had, and the violent agitation of the Waves threatened nothing less, than an assured Shipwreck. It was in vain that in this disaster, the Pilots and Mariners endeavoured to recover the Coast, which was too far off. They must yield to the Tempest, and place all their hopes in him, who alone can command that fierce Element, and be obeyed. In the interim, Eugenia, more dead than alive, lay extended between her Loversarms, who, though he himself was no less afflicted, endeavoured to comfort her by all the reasons, which his troubled Spirit could afford him, in this lamentable confusion.  
But the night, which the Pilots dreaded most, proved not so vexatious, as was feared. The wind suddenly abated, and the Sky, disclosing some Stars, gave them a little comfort, promising them according to apparencies, weather proper to pursue their voyage. In effect they weighed anchor in the Dawn, and having fitted the Ship, they sailed away, singing a thousand songs of joy, which made them forget their past dangers.  
But alas! how short was their joy, and what hardship did their ill fortune still provide for them? They scarce began to enjoy that interval of fair Wether, when they saw themselves exposed to a danger, a thousand times more tormenting, than that which they had so luckily escaped. They perceived from far a Corsaire, who, rightly guessing that the Tempest would scatter some Vessels upon their Coasts, lay in wait for them, and already made appear by his motions, that he looked upon this Ship, as an infallible Prey.  
Those, who guided the Vessel, where our Lovers were, gave them notice of the misfortune threatening them, and of the slavery, to which they should be reduced, if they fell into the hands of the Corsair, whom they perceived out at Sea. Captivity is an evil a thousand times more insupportable, to a well born Soul, than death itself. Now cries and lamentations only were to be heard, and this news began to put all things in disorder, but this as yet was nothing, in comparison of what past, when they saw that the Barbarian bore up with full sail towards them; and that it was impossible to save themselves. Had Oronces not been there, Eugenia would have fling herself into the Waters; the evident loss of her liberty and honour, made her esteem death much more agreeable, than the rude constraints, and infamous violences, to which, she apprehended, she was going to be subjected.  
Though in this to be pitied condition, her Lover was nearer death than life, yet he comforted her, with giving her hopes, that she might escape undiscovered in the Habit, which she wore, since it was not conformable to her Sex. That it was not without example, that captives have found clemency from those kind of People, and that Love, who had drawn them out of a infinity of troubles, would not now forsake them in a rencontre, where his succour was absolutely necessary.  
In the mean while, the Cor●air came up to them, and obliged them to lower their Sails, and shot of several pieces of Cannon, to fright them, the others, not being in a condition to defend themselves against such powerful Enemies, were constrained to yield to their force, and to receive into their Ship those, who were about to enslave them. As soon as the Barbarian was entered, he was ravished with the beauty of our two young Cavaliers; he enquired of what Nation they were, and whither they designed to go. They answered, that they were two Brothers, born in France, and that they had departed thence to travel into Italy. The African, who understood the Language, was charmed with the engaging and respectful air, wherewith they had answered him; he preferred these fair youths before all the rest of his Prey, and for their sake, all those of their Company were treated with less, in humanity, than is usual in the like accidents. Nevertheless they were forced to put on Irons in order to prevent all designs, that despair might inspire them with, in so vexatious a conjuncture. Oronces and Eugenia, being more favoured by the Barbarian, and having dissembled their affliction, were exempted from the Chains, and took for a good Omen, these first favours, which made them, as it were, still enjoy an entire liberty.  
These poor unfortunate creatures, were brought to Tripoli, and were all exposed to sale, except our two French men, and to change their their Master, as soon as they arrived there. The Corsair, knowing by the Carriage, Manners, and Habits of the two Brothers, that they were not of the common sort, would keep them himself, and always treated them, as Persons of the first Quality, and from whom, he expected a considerable Ransom. So that it might be said, that they were free in their slavery, and that they might relish the same sweets, as they heretofore found in their entertainments, when they were without imprisonment or constraint.  
Nevertheless, all this good usage was capable only of lessening their trouble, but not of freeing them altogether from it. The remembrance of what they were, and their shame and confusion to discover to their Relations what had happened to them, tormented their mind more than I can express. They even resolved not to send them any account, or news of themselves; but chose rather to resign themselves to Fortune, that does often please itself in delivering the miserable out of Dungeons, to raise them up to Thrones, than have recourse to persons, who would not relieve them, until they had passed severe censures upon their conduct.  
In the mean while, the Corsair, who expected suddenly to receive money for their deliverance, began to grow impatient at the delay, and he had already entertained them four Months, without obliging them to any employment, disagreeable unto them. He again demanded, whether there were any thing to be expected from them? Oronces answered him, that they acknowledged him for their Master, that they were at his discretion, and that they did believe, that none were disposed to ransome-them.  
The Barbarian, whom the Hopes of Gain, rather than the Lustre of Beauty had moved to the clemency used towards them, was very much surprised with that answer, and told them coldly, that they might then dispose themselves to change their dwelling, since that, they being unfit for any labour, he would not any longer maintain unprofitable people in his House. In effect he exposed them to sale in the first Markets.  
For you must know, that amongst these Infidels, men are not in a much happier condition, than beasts; and that they are there bought and sold, after the same manner, as Animals void of reason are with us.  
As soon as our Pirate had exposed the two Young French men to public sale, they were encompassed by a number of Persons, who, judging by their mien, that they would be sold at a dear rate, approached them more to admire their Beauty, than to make any proffer. Nevertheless, there were some, who endeavoured to become Masters of them, but the Corsaire, who took them, desiring to be reimbursed of the Expenses which he had been at in their Entertainment, put so high a prize upon them, that they still stuck upon his hands.  
Whilst that the African was in pain, to be with advantage rid of his Captives, he received news of the arrival of a Ship from Alexandria, sent by a Beglerbeg or Governor of the Country, to transport Slaves, that were to be bought at Tripoli, but above all he was overjoyed, when he understood from the Captain, that he had order to search for all the Fair Youths, that he could find, to carry to his Master, who had a design to make a Present of them to the Bassa of Egypt.  
He imparted these news to our two Lovers, telling them that they were very much favoured by Fortune, in that they had fallen into no other hands than his, from whom they had not received any ill entertainment, and that they parted not from him, but to be yet more happy, since they were destined for the pleasures of a Prince, who acknowledged no man above him, but the Grand Signior.  
Eugenia, who understood not the Barbarians meaning, received much joy at these news, but when Oronces, who was a little more knowing, had told her what he conceived, she was not to be comforted, and wished that an excessive Ugliness might succeed her great Beauty, and that by some happy Metamorphosis, the charms of her Youth might be changed into the horrid wrinkles of old Age. Her Lover did not differ from her in his wishes, but these were all in vain. Appear they must before him, who was to buy them, if he approved of them.  
Though they stood in no need of Ornaments, to please those who looked upon them; yet they were clothed in Vests of Silk, branched all over with Gold, and wore upon their heads a Turban after the Ottoman Fashion, and in that dress were brought to the Alexandrian Captain. These Garments, which were very splendid, did not a little set of the Beauty of our two young Captives; and they received from them so great advantage, that the Captain was charmed, and gave the Tripolin his own price for their Persons.  
See here Oronces and Eugenia ready to sail for Egypt, and in all appearance, for ever deprived of the happiness, which they hoped for, in once more seeing their own Country. Yet they durst not discover their Melancholy, for fear of rendering themselves more miserable. They gave the night only to their tears, and some secret Moment's which they as it were stole, to ease their hearts of those Pains and Tortures, which they felt within.  
They being destined for the Bassas pleasure, you may be sure that they were not ill treated by the Captain, who considered them, as men one day likely to become Favourites to his Prince, rather than as unhappy Slaves: he granted them every thing they desired, and forgot nothing that might contribute to their satisfaction. They eat at his Table, which he caused to be served with the most delicious dainties, and meats most proper to preserve them fresh and fair.  
But alas! all these favours did not at all touch the hearts of our Lovers, they stifled a thousand sighs within themselves, when they outwardly appeared any thing joyful; and the reflection, which they made upon their Fate, fretted them with horror, and inspired them with nothing, but sentiments of despair, to which, without particular Grace, they had without doubt abandoned themselves.  
They were fifteen days in the Port of Tripoli, ere the wind stood fair for their departure. This gave them much joy, but it continued not long for on the sixteenth, it changed and became favourable. The Egyptian Captain, who desired nothing more, than to return presently to Alexandria, to make his Merchandise be there admired, caused the Anchors forthwith to be weighed, and with full sails departed, not designing to go far until they had attained the sight of the neighbouring Promontory of the small Isle of Lea.  
The beginning of their voyage, was so prosperous, that on the first night they came within sight of Pontia, which is more than an hundred and fifty miles distant from the place whence they set out. All who were in the Ship, rejoiced at this good speed. Our Lovers alone continued sad, and regarded themselves as poor Victims, who were to be sacrificed to the Brutality of a Prince, if God by some extraordinary effect of his power, did not deliver them from the evident danger that came every moment nearer and nearer to them.  
In fine their Tears and Prayers scended even to Heaven; the Wind changed in an instant, and became so fierce, that the Pilots were obliged to turn their Course back again, and to seek out some harbour, to shelter from the Storm, wherewith they were menaced. But the danger pressed them on all sides, for they could not stay at Pontia, without exposing themselves to Banks of Sands, that encompassed them: They could not also go far from thence, without approaching Malta, which belonged to their most untractable enemies. In this confusion, they judged it more proper to retire from the sands among which it was impossible to avoid Shipwreck, and to advance towards the Isle, where nothing was to be feared, if they could escape unperceived.  
But they had hardly shifted Sails that way, when they were discovered by three Galleys and a man of War, belonging to the Island, which having deceived them with a false Flag, attacked them so unexpectedly that the Egyptian Captain, being unable to defend himself against so great a Force, was obliged to yield up himself, his Slaves, Ship and all.  
Then our Lovers began to breath again when they saw themselves in the hands of Christians, and at the disposal of a Nobility so generous, as are the Knights of Malta. Oronces, who had a Kinsman in that Order, made himself known immediately, and received from the Great Master, and all the French Knights then present, all the Honour and fair entertainment, which his good Fortune had prepared for him. He told them a part of his adventures, and declared the design the had of going to Rome, along with the Gentleman that bore him Company, yet he could not prevent staying some days among those of his own Nation, who had a desire to retain him for a longer time; but the opportunity of departing in a Galley, which had lately transported an Italian Prince, separated them, after returning a thousand thanks to the Great Master, and taking leave of the other Knights, who had so kindly entertained them.  
It was in this Voyage, that Love, victorious over Fortune, happily conducted these two delivered Captives. They passed the straits of Messina, and after having coasted part of Calabria, and past within sight of Naples, they arrived at the Port of Ostia, from whence they went to Rome, with Letters of Recommendation to a Cardinal, who was Brother to the Italian Prince, we mentioned.  
As soon as they were arrived in Town, they earnestly solicited their business, and Eugenia having made a declaration of the manner, that she entered into Religion, and of the surprise, that had caused her to make her Vows, Oronces presented it to the Cardinal, that he was recommended to; he gained his favour, and related to him every thing that he had done, for that Lady, and the hazards which he had run through. The recital of so many misfortunes so moved the heart of this Lord, that he caused all the proceed of her Profession to be made null and void, and replaced her in her former liberty.  
After this they returned into France, where their Marriage was celebrated, with so much the more joy, as that the Elder brother of Oronces, having been killed in a Duel, left him the only heir to all the Estate of his Family, and so obtained Laurentia's consent, (who was overjoyed to see again her dear Eugenia) yet she never would have given it, but that she could no longer refuse it, without opposing her Daughter's advantage. Pomp, sports, and mirth accompanied the Nuptials of our Lovers. The Feast was public and the Pleasures of successful Love was to both of them the more grateful, in that they had struggled with infinite obstacles, which now they had happily overcome.  
FINIS.