THE Player's Tragedy.  
OR, Fatal Love, A NEW NOVEL.  
LONDON: Printed, and Sold by Randal tailor, near Stationer's Hall. 1693.   

The Epistle Dedicatory, to James Wilson Esq;  
honoured Sir,  
THE presumption of Dedicating this Novel to you, may perhaps be thought the effect of the Assurance of an Author, having not the Happiness to be known to you, yet is that Guilt( if any) abundantly itis own justification; since Public Merit, as well, as Public Infamy, is free to the consideration of all men; and when you had once given so many proofs of your Virtues, and Generous Inclinations, you gave every Man a right to Praise, and Admire them. If I have anticipated the Duty of your Friends, 'tis their fault alone, in letting a Stranger pay the first Public acknowledgements, due from all Lovers of Excellence.  
The World, indeed, will judge what a Stranger says, to be more sincere, since that must be the result of Public famed, whose good word is never purchased but by Public Deserts, whereas a Friend may be suspected of Bribery, and of sacrificing to Gratitude, not Truth. I must confess the Altar I offer my Vows at, deserves a Nobler Victim, but I was too jealous of the Honour of being the first that cast an offering of the Muses at your Feet, to delay it till time had furnished me with one more worthy your acceptance; and the Gods themselves, had not always their Temples smoking with the August Sacrifices of Bulls with their gilded Horns, but often received the humble Oblation of a poor grain of Corn. As Tibullus pleads with his Patron Messala.  
— Alcides Deus ascensurus olym pum,  
Laeta Molorchaeis posuit vestigia tectis;  
Parvaque coelestes pacavit mica, nec illis  
Semper in aurato Taurus cadit Hostia cornu.  
If the heavenly Powers would have accepted no Sacrifice without the aweful Pomp of Temples, and Heccatombs of slaughtered Animals, they must have been for ever without any, for the first Offerings made to 'em, were simplo and plain, till time and repetition improved them to Solemnity: Thus, Sir, tho' I put this small Trifle under your Patronage; 'tis not without a design hereafter of endeavouring at something of a greater Excellence, if you permit but this to divert your more leisure and unbended hours; and then I may give the World a juster Character of You, than I can pretend to do here, where I shall say no more, than what's already known to the conversible part of the Town. But famed, and common Conversation, are too envious, or too regardless observers of Excellence, to be just and particular in their account, passing no farther than a superficial view of what's most visible and obvious.  
Yet, Sir, the Unanimous Voice of all that know you, allow you the most considerable advantages of Fortune and Nature, Riches and Beauties of Body and Mind. And the Beauties of the Body must be confessed the Favours of indulgent Nature, since they are not universal, and have such extraordinary Prerogatives annexed to 'em: For they irresistibly subdue the Coy Hearts of the Fair Sex; the Noblest Pleasure of the Sons of Adam, and so esteemed by heaven that bestowed it; and what's more, ravish even the affections of Men, drawing them to partiality even in things otherwise indifferent. So great a Power has an Object grateful to the Eye, on the judgement of those, who have no after Pleasure in expectation to bribe ' em. This is witnessed by the Divine Maro.  
Tutatur favour Euryalum, Lachrymaeque decore,  
Gratior & pulchro veniens in corpore virtus.  
'Tis evident, Sir, I speak not here of those Female Charms, to which all the World allow the Title of Beauty, but that Masculine Proportion in all the Parts and Features of the Body, that's eminent in your Person.  
Tho' I have confined myself to Generals, yet those have given me a Theme of Contemplation, Charming as the Enthusiastick Raptures of the biggotted Devotes, when Exalted Fancy raises them above the World, for certainly nothing but the highest influence of a Present Deity could make any Man embrace Virtue in this Age, where all the Noble Attributes, that dignified Hero's of Old, and made Men pass for Gods, are now a most ridiculous jest. To Act Justly, and Generously is esteemed no better, than egregiously to play the Fool, and ev'ry coxcomb that has not even Wit enough to be a Rascal, shall shelter himself for his awkerd attempts at villainy, under that of my Lord Rochester, viz. That to act Justly in the World, is to play fair with known Cheats.  
In such an Age as this, where ev'ry one is satisfied to swim down the stream of the general Follies and Vices, to stem the impetuous Current, and be singular in Honour and Generosity, shows you, Sir, to be a bold Man, and gives a Poet hope that you will not be ashamed to espouse the Cause of the deserted Muses, when all pretences to Wit, and Poetry are scandalous, and below the Thoughts of a Gentleman, tho' without the Poets Quill the greatest Actions die: This maecenas, Messala, Corvinus, Gallus( both Poet and Patron) and others of the Romans were satisfied in, which made them cherish the Muses, as the surest and most powerful Friends.  
All the Honours maecenas, and Pollio gained in Rome, would not have been sufficient to have rescued their Memory from the Oblivion Thousands of their Contemporaries are lost in, their Patronage of Virgil, Horace, &c. had not conferred Honours on them of a more lasting date  
All the Noble Edifices of Augustus Caesar are perished, yet the Monuments raised by Immortal Virgil and Horace, are fresh and gay, and fated to convey that Emperor's Glory to latest Posterity. The Poets rewarding the Generosity of their Patrons, with that famed their Power could never obtain. The Gifts of Kings are limited to life, but those of Poets reach Eternity. This truth inspired one as dull as myself with this Noble thought.  
When Nature does design some mighty thing,  
She makes a Poet, or at least a King.  
The most Ingenuous of the Roman Nobility, gave all encouragement to the M●ses. But these were but some Gr●a● Men of the Empire, and nothing to the Government. But Wit was never taken care of by public Authority so much, as by the Grecians of Athens, where a Poem well writ gained the Government of a Province, a● the Antigone of Sophocles did the Prefecture of Samos. Wit, and Poetry, was there made a National Concern, and in reward of it, the Glory of that Commonw●alth has out lived its Being many Hundreds of Years already, and is like to be of equal Date with the World.  
'Tis Enc●uragement indeed, that draws the Muses to the Poets help, for they fly the Poor and Necessitous, hating a Careful and an Anxious Mind, witness Ovid, whose Misfortunes eclipsed the Glory of his writing, which made him say, in his De Tristibus, 
Carmina proveniunt animo diducta fereno, And  
Nec venit ad duros Musa vocata Getas.   
They seem to have a tincture of that Sex▪ they are represented of, and are such Mercenary followers of Ease and Pleasure, that they can't be won but by the highest force to the Embraces of the unfortunate. To this we owe the mighty Products of Antiquity, The Works of Sophocles, Euripides, Virgil, Horace, and the rest of the sacred choir of Poets; and the reason of our falling short of their Excellence, is, because we have no Encouragement: For marshal was much in the right on't, when he said, Sint Maecenates non deerunt Flacce Marones.  
But I speak not all this to pled for all the ignorant, and vain Poetasters of the Times, who, by success with the ill Palates of incompetent Judges, challenge the Name of Poets, I am so far from pleading for this Race, that I think they find too much encouragement already, and with Horace I agree, that they merit not so much as the Name of a Poet.  
Descriptas servare vices operumque colores,  
Cur ego si nequeo ignoroque Poeta salutor.  
But Sir, I hope you'll pardon this Digression occasioned by the Consideration of the Vices of the Age, and the opposition of your Virtues to 'em, which made me hope that you would arise the Muses Friend, amid this great and general neglect of them; not that I dare presume to put in for any share in Parnassus, at least by this performance, so irregular, and incorrect; Tho' the Subject will be some excuse, that obliging not to so severe, and Regular a Dress, as a more solid matter would require; Love, and the softer dalliances with the Fair, are pleased with a more loose, and negligent Garb; in which, if it contribute at all to your Diversion, it will be the height of my Ambition, and Design, who am Sir,  
Your Humble Servant.   

THE INTRODUCTION.  
PLAYERS, however contemptible they may seem to some of our Modern Virtuoso's, were in greater esteem among the Romans of Old; Roscius was an intimate Friend and Acquaintance of Crassus the Orator, and Aesopus so great with Cicero, that in his Letter to Marius, he calls him my Aesopus. The Roman Emperours too sometimes valued themselves on their Excellence in the Histrionical Art, and to give them the Title of the best Actors, was more acceptable, than of the Greatest conquerors. And indeed, the Title may fit the N●blest Hero, since all Mankind are Actors in the Stage of Life, as Petronius assures us.  
But if Custom has now rendered the F●miliarity and Conversation of Players more scandalous to the precise in the decorums of Quality, and virtue, than of Old; yet Love, that mighty Leveller, has kept up their esteem among the Amorous of both Sexes; the Ladies, and the Cavaliers, since the Glorious restoration of the Theatre, meeting with more agreeable Objects on the Stage, than in the Boxes, or the Pit, the Parks, or the Drawing-Room.  
I hope therefore, that I shall gratify the Young and the Gay of both Sexes, in Presenting them with this following Narrative; at least I'm confident they can't think the Subject unworthy their perusal, since they think themselves the most happy in the affections of Nymphs and Hero's of the Theatre, the two Chief of which compose our present Entertainment.  
Being thus fortified in my Undertaking, by the Authority of the Roman orators, and Emperours, and the practise of the Beaux Esprits of our Age, I shall now proceeed to my Relation, only premising, that I must beg the Crical Reader's Pardon, if I run not to the Head and Original of the Heroine of my History, since I have two Reasons that deter me from it: First, the uncertainty I should be involved in, which might make me derogate from them I ought to magnify. Next, because I propose only one Great Action as my aim; to which, all I have to say is conducive. 'Tis the Fatal End of their Amours, not their Lives, that I here pretend to attempt in this Novel, having furnished myself with the best Information I could get, to render it perfect, and satisfactory.   

THE Players Tragedy. OR, Fatal Love,  
BRacilla the Young, and the Charming, that had grown up on the Stage, amid the perpetual Addresses of her Admirers, and yet seemed insensible of all the Efforts of Love, as if Heaven had given her Charms to inflame the Heart, without any Compassion to Redress those Miseries her Eyes daily caused to all that beholded her, is believed at last, to have found all her could indifference melt at the secret and well-mannag'd Advances of Monfredo's Love.  
How happy she made him in private I shall not dare to Divine; yet the public Favours she bestowed, discovered she could ill conceal the Passsion she had entertained for him, in whom a Wife had so Powerful a Claim. Nor could he better dissemble his affection on all occasions, espousing her Interest and Affairs with a Zeal and Concern beyond the Engagements of a bare and unbias'd Friendship; which neither had, nor hoped a more near and close Obligation.  
If Bracilla was deaf before to all those who were dying at her feet for Love, she now grew even rude, and uncivil, especially in Monfredo's presence, in which there seemed to be an awe upon her Actions, for fear of provoking the jealousy or neglect of a Lover she valued. Whether this were the true Cause of this or no, I'll not pretend to determine; but this I'm sure was esteemed so, not only by those whom their Love of her had made na●row Observers of her Actions, but also by others, to whom both her and her Actions were as indifferent as their mutual indiscretion would permit.  
This discovery of the happy Rival, that made all her other Adorers sigh in vain, created Monfredo a great many Enemies, and those of the most dangerous kind, Despairing and Neglected Lovers, who could not but be provoked to see him bear off that prise from them, for which, as a married Man, he seemed so very ill qualified.  
I must confess how much Marriage may unqualifie a Man to the Pretensions to the Ladies I know not, but for all things else there never was a Man better made for success with them; for he was handsome, could Sing, Dance, and Play on the music, had a Manly presence, and yet a soft Effeminacy in his face, that could not but render him agreeable to the wanton dalliances of the Fair. The Play-House had furnished him with a smattering in Poetry, and a qualification much more taking with his Female, as well as Male Acquaintance; a forward and bold Assurance, both in Love, and Conversation; he knew his whole stock of Wit, and valued it to the height, and always set it off to its greatest advantage. He had the Reputation of Writing three or four Plays, and therefore 'tis no wonder he carried Bracilla from all the Poets, and her other Admirers, since he pleaded in a double capacity, as Player, and Poet too. So that it was no easy matter for any one to gain the Fort he had won, and garrisoned so well; and the Poets, whose Love and Perseverance are as volatile as their Wits, soon gave over the Siege; but the Unfortunate Montano was too far engaged to have it in his power to retreat, tho' he saw with how unequal a force he contended, yet Love fixed him before her, and he hoped all the Batteries he had raised of Sighs and Vows, and a constant attack of daily attendance, and officiousness, would at last win the most impregnable Fortress.  
Montano indeed had the advantage of Merit, but that is never regarded by Womankind; was a Gentleman, young, and gay, and who offered her a Heart entire, and never acquainted with any Love but hers; whilst Monfredo, had been lavish of his stock of Love for several years, had died at the feet of not a few, and given away himself, by all the Oaths and Vows of perpetual Adoration of a protesting Lover, to more than her. Montano had not yet seen Nineteen, and was now perishing in the bloom of his Youth for her, whereas Monfred● had passed above Thirty Years, and by the several changes of his Affections, had discovered, that his Heart would never break for Love; yet Montano sighed in vain, with all his Youth and Passion, whilst Monfredo was happy with less desert.  
With indignation our young soldier( for Montano was a Captain in the Gensdarm's of the household) saw himself out-rival'd by a Player, and would often have attacked him as a soldier ought, had not his Honour curbed his Passion, by remembering him 'twas below him to use him so much like a Gentleman. This made him for a great while forbear all other Resentment, than the justest and highest contempt of him, still pursuing the flying Bracilla with all the assiduity and fire of Love. Each day he came to her to seek a cure for those Wounds she had made in his tender bosom, and each day he enlarged 'em, by beholding the relentless cause of all his sufferings; which were now arrived to that height, that he was neither able to bear 'em, nor yet knew how to remove them.  
This made him seek out a Noble Youth( the Count de la Lune) joined to him by the strictest bonds of an Honourable Friendship, to lay open his wounded bosom to him, and the successless attempts of his Passion, and to advice with him how to procure some speedy Remedy for so desperate a Distemper; having found him in the Pit, Bracilla not Acting that Night, they retired to a Tavern adjoining to the Theatre, where they unexpectedly met with an intimate Friend of both, and one that had been an old experienced soldier in the Wars of Love, and who had drawn an abundance of just observations on the Nature of the Fickle Sex, by which he might be serviceable to his younger Friends, that had yet their Youth in store, to fling away in the Amorous Chase. The Count, and Montano, were both glad to see him at that juncture, when his Advice would be so serviceable to our Lover. They being therefore retired into the most private Room in the Tavern, they had scarce Drunk a Glass about, before Gerardo( for that was the Name of him just mentioned) observed the melancholy sighs of Montano, and asked whether he were not in Love? That indeed is his unhappy circumstance( replied the Count) and that with a very coy and unkind Nymph, that's deaf to all his Prayers, and, tho of the Play-House, will not be won by Money, nor Youth. That's a Miracle indeed( return'd Gerardo) but pray, who is this invincible Amazon, that will not yield to my Friend Montano? Bracilla( replied the Count) who in my opinion hath hath nothing taking but her Youth, and affencted Coyness. That Coyness( said Gerardo) I can tell you the cause of, which though it be not due to her virtue, is at least to her Constancy in Love, Monfredo having taken Possession of her heart, if report and my own observations fail me not. Prithee, thou art such a living Libel( replied the Count) that like medley in Sir Forpling Flutter, no Woman thou knowest, escapes thee, of how great quality soever, much less an Actress, whose Reputation, as well as Person is exposed for the Pleasure, and Diversion of the Audience.  
'Tis too true( intertrupted Montano) I have long since found the cause of all my unhappiness in that successful Rival Monfredo. She has indeed( pursued the Count) been more severe to you of late than formerly, for I remember at first she heard your Address with more pleasure, than pain. True( answered Montano) I well remember the happy time, the joy of which is not yet effaced with all her after Cruelty.  
But thou art ignorant ( continued he) Gerardo of the progress of my Love, I'll therefore repeat it from the beginning, with all its most meterial circumstances, that you may the better advice me. Do so( replied Gerardo) poor Lover, and I'll give thee the best Advice that I 'm able, and I warrant I either cure, or satisfy thy Passion, if I have any skill in the mathematics. But pray proceed.  
I had often seen her Act( said Montano) without much regard to her Beauty, or Person, more than I had to the rest of those that Acted in Petticoats, a general desire, that began to grow up with my Age, for all the young and pretty of the Sex, till about a year ago. When being entered in Wine, my Lord the Count here, and I went behind the Scenes. Bracilla happened to Act that Night, the Wife of an Unhappy Favourite, and looked so Charming in the Expression, of all the Innocence and Passion, her part required, that whilst she well represented Love without any, she fired my Heart with a real, and not yet extinguished flamme.  
My Lord had much ado to get me away with him when the Play was done, and Bracilla withdrawn. I swore I was desperately in Love, and my Lord, swore he would drown the foolish Passion in the liquour that begot it; he was as good as his word, for the Charms of his Conversation, and humour, and the brisk chasing the Glasses about, made me before Morning, forget not only Bracilla, but all things else; till Sleep restored me next day, both my memory and pain.  
could I have refrained seeing her, I might perhaps have forgot her, but that was already out of my power, I was unsatisfied till Play-time, for I had sent my Man to see what Play was Acted that day, and found she had a part in it, and such a part as completed my ruin, for she Acted in Man's clothes, a fond pretty innocent Lover.  
Being behind the Scenes, the first opportunity I had— Madam ( said I) you act the Lover to a Miracle, and it became you so wonderfully, that I vow 'tis a thousand pities but you should be one in reality. I 'm not at all obliged to you, Sir, ( replied she) for your wish, in such an inconstant interested Age as this is, since it must only contribute to my certain ruin. Why, Madam, ( said I) did you never Love? What makes you ask that familiar question ( return'd she something angry, and leaving me, pursued) whether I have or no, I shall never Love you I'm sure. The Heavens forbid ( replied I, and followed her) But pardon me, Madam, I designed not to affront you by that demand, because I thought it impossible so much of it should appear in your bare personating a Lover, with an absolute insensibility within, and that you should be so every way completed for Love, and yet be without that Blessing of human Life. Sir, ( said she) if you think this Discourse pleases me, I shall leave you, to convince you that it does not. Not so, I beseech you, Madam, ( answered I) rather than lose the Happiness of your Conversation, I'll kerb my forward Heart, that is unwilling to let me talk of any thing but its wounds. Alas! poor Gentleman ( replies she, and smiled) then you are in Love it seems, and out of pure spite to those that are not so, you endeavour to spread the infection you have caught, or like some troublesone People at a Feast, will needs thrust the Dish you esteem upon every one, never considerring that another may hate it. Nay, you Lovers, are still as impertinent, as they, for neither of you will take any denial, which methinks is something troublesone, as well as uncivil. But pray, Sir, ( pursued she, without giving me any time to answer) what Fair Lady has undone you? None of us I dare swear, for then you would not lose your time with me, which you might employ to bend her stubborn Heart. But perhaps, you are a happy Lover, and so can borrow some time from your Mistress, to make Proselytes. If so, ( concluded she) 'tis pity you should fling it away, and a thousand fine sayings to boot on me, since I vow, Sir, I'm as deaf to that, as the People to Virtue in distress.  
She stayed not to hear me, but ran to t'other side of the Stage, and before I could overtake her, was entered. I was extremely pleased with her Discourse, and was impatient till the end of the Act, that I might attack her once more, if it were only to have the satisfaction of talking to her.  
But, Madam, ( said I) but are you indeed so very irreconcilable an Enemy to Love? Why, Sir, ( replied she) should you doubt it? Do you expect to find that on the Stage? We represent too many of its follies to be guilty of them ourselves. You should go to some Country Village, where perhaps you may find some believing Romantick Virgin, that may gratify your Curiosity, but you are much mistaken if you think it the growth of the Theatre— Gad the Girl spoken a profound Truth( interrupted Gerardo) in that, for the Devil a bit of Love did I ever know there out of their parts, unless when Money made 'em Act that in their own Persons, which they did for the same represent in anothers. But pray proceed—  
Ah, Madam,( said I, continued Montano) banish not the Thoughts of Love from any place where you abide, for there must still be Lovers. Besides, 'tis ingrateful to the little God to slight him, who was the cause of your Being. For my part ( contina'd I) I shall cherish it, since myself, and all the rest of Mankind, as well as you, owe our Life and Being to it. I shall never grant that, ( return'd she) unless you can prove, that every Man and Wife Love one another. Doubtless, Madam, ( answered I) the most disagreeing Couple have their intervals of Dearness. Dearness, ( said she) Madness you mean— but for Heaven's sake, Sir, no more of this Discourse, since 'tis very much my aversion. Ah, Madam, ( replied I) what can be more proper to talk of to the most Charming of her Sex, than of Love. Love ( answered she) ought not to be mentioned in sober Company, the very symptoms of it confess the Fool, and Mad-man, a thousand antic postures, extravagant sayings, and wishes, as well as preposterous ways, to gain what it pretends to; therefore no more of Love, as you value your Reputation. How, can you, Madam, ( said I) of all Women condemn that, which at the very same minute you promote in all that see you; a Pretty Lady condemning Love, is like an Usurer railing at Extortion. In short, Madam, you must be less Fair, or not banish Love from the severe and wise, for as long as you have those killing Eyes, those charming Lips, that graceful Person, all that you can say, will be no better defence, against the Darts they cast, than an Harangue against War, would keep a soldier alive, that was wounded to the Heart.  
But it would be endless to repeat all our several Discourses, tho' the repetition of them is some satisfaction to me, since now she'l not so much as give me the liberty, nor opportunity of saying a word to her.  
The Play being done, and Bracilla gone, and I more desperately in Love than before I talked with her, I retired home to my Lodging, full of M●lancholy, and longing Desire. A thousand Tortures perplexed my Mind, and Love, tho' so lately born, was grown up already, to the height of impatience: To ease my mind a little, I set myself to writing, and made these Verses on my departure from Bracilla.  

The Departure.  
SO go sad Exiles from their Native home,  
So went soft Ovid from his much loved Rome;  
So our First Parents went, by heaven hard doom  
From Paradise! Many a Sigh, and longing look  
They sent, and many a mournful Farewell took!  
But they, in vain procrastinate their woe,  
Since Heaven Ordains it, they alas must go.  
So I— But Gods! with a severer Fate!  
Where where were my Crimes to pull down this hard state?  
What Treasons had I done?— What villainy?  
Into what princes Secrets did I pry?  
What want of Love in disobedience shown?  
Or what forbidden Apple aimed at? None.  
Love, only Love, was all my mighty fault,  
Yet the same doom is my unequal Lot?  
could want of Love their happiness destroy?  
And can't my boundless Store prolong my fleeting Joy?  
No, for among the blessed Reserves above,  
Are kept th' uninterrupted Scenes of Love.  
Short are the Moments of our Bliss below;  
But long the wretched Intervals of Woe.  
Whilst with her I full draughts of Pleasure took,  
For all that time was one continued look  
I gazed upon her Charming Beauties so,  
That fixed like Marble, there I seemed to grow;  
till a fresh Change was by the Charmer done,  
Her Words conveying Life, to what her Eyes made ston.   
But this small Out-let to my Passion gave it but little ease, a thousand distracting Thoughts turned my Mind to ●'ry side, not permitting it to fix on any thing, yet all tended to the Contrivance of the satisfaction of my too impatient desires.  
B●●cilla, with all her numberless Charms, was still before my Eyes, but after I had thought, and thought a thousand times how to obtain that minute her Embrace, but to no purpose; I went to Bed, resolving to think on her no more, that I might find some rest and ease in sleep, and shut my Eyes, yet she was still before 'em: I tost, and tumbled from side to side, to seek out ease and sleep, but they had quiter forsook me. Then I g●t up; unable to lye any longer, and walked about my Room, where sh● walked with me, with all her hidden Charms laid open to me by the Night. Now lies Bracilla thought I in Bed, perhaps asleep, divested of all her waking Frowns, an easy Prey, were I but in the Room to seize it; I'll away, and Scale her Windows, and surprise her, but then fear may frustrate all my hoped for joy, and leave her dead within my longing Arms; or I may be taken in the wild attempt, and punished for a robber, before I've got my Booty— I then took a Book to red, to try if that would divert my Pain, but all the Letters made nothing but her Name, or Charms.  
Thus I wore out most part of the Night, till quiter spent with the continual Conflicts of my passion, I once more laid me down to sleep, and by day break I fell into a slumber, and waked not till Twelve a Clock; then I got up, and taking my Pen, Ink, and Paper, I began to writ a Letter to her in this manner.  
Madam,  
WILL you still be deaf to all my my Sighs? And give me no kind hope of once having a more favourable return? How can you forbid me to Love you, since Love is the Tribute and revenue of Beauty, and he that views one so Charming and Beautiful as you, without Love, is guilty of the Crying Sin of defrauding you of that share of your revenue. I thank my Stars, Madam, I have not that weighty Crime lies on my Conscience, since I paid your Beauty my whole stock of Love, as soon as my Eyes beholded it. Tell me not that I should have loved you silently, without informing you of my Passion, for how then would you have known that I paid that Tribute to your Beauty which I owed it: Besides, 'tis prudence to take a Receipt, when we pay a Debt. I by confessing my Passion for you, acquit myself of that Love was due to you: But mistake me not, Madam, for this Acquittance is no longer in force, than I continue to adore you; for when I cease to Admire, and dote on the Charms of Bracilla, I then immediately am as far indebted to your Beauty as ever, defrauding it of that Tribute which I should always be paying, and you always receiving. This Acquittance therefore, Madam, is only to justify myself, that I have, and do still, and always shall love you.  
Montano.  
I sent this away immediately to her Lodging by my Man, who not being known to the People of the House, they received it, and carried it up to her; and my Man thinking he had done his business, came away without any Answer, which made me sand this following Letter again by him, to her.  
Madam,  
THE Sottish Ignorance of my Man, makes me so uneasy, by his coming away without knowing how you received my Letter, has made me trouble you with this, for I'm impatient till I know how you'll dispose of the most unfortunate of Men. If you prove too severe, and unkind. Ah! Madam, think not that Severity and Coyness will deliver you from my addresses; assure yourself, Madam, you must be won, value not therefore so much your indifference, since I have Constancy enough to vanquish ten times greater( if possible) indifference than yours. I shall never think my time either ill spent, or tedious, that I spend in the pursuit of so Charming a Lady as you. Will you make me sigh whole years for you? I can't spend my time more agreeably, than pressing my Love, and my sufferings to Bracilla, except in your Arms. Will you afford me no favour? I'll hang on your Cruelty, till you are forced to give me some relief. Will you oppose my happiness by Rivals? By the assiduty of my adulteress I'll make them all forsake you, and despair of ever attaining the mer●ts of my constant Services. In short, Madam, take what side you will, I'll weary out your indifference, and time after time pursue you so close with continual adulteress, Constant Faith, and daily Tenderness, and Respects, that you shall have no way to turn yourself from my Endeavours; so that at last you shall be obliged to Love me again for your own ease, your resistance being quiter wearied: So that, Madam, you had better at first begin, and Love on the square, and have not all those fruitless Sighs, and Languishing Hours I must spend in breaking your Cruelty to answer for, since you must at last Love me, and by consequence, repent your severity to  
Montano.  
My Man soon after brought me this Answer, which, tho' not so kind as I desired, yet better satisfied me than none, since I had then some hope she would not always be so could in them.  
Sir,  
THis is the first, and the last Letter you are like to have from me, and this only to keep you from troubling me with any more of yours, which shall never be more received. And I'm confident this can be no great trouble to you, since you have so good an assurance to comfort you, that you shall once be happy, in some other Woman than you I promise, but never in  
Bracilla.  
I took these for words of course, and what Women will say at the beginning of an Intrigue, forswear what they design to do. But to oblige her to receive my next Letter, I would not sand it by my Man, but by the Post, and disguised my hand as much as possible, nor did I Subscribe my Name at the bottom, that she might red it over, at least, if she return'd no Answer: And this way I was resolved to ply her, in absence with Letters, and not to miss the Play-House ev'ry Night when she Acted, or was there, to press my business by word of Mouth too. Nor could I at any time find any very great aversion in her to Discourse with me, till about a week after this last Letter, when she began to avoid me, and to be very uncivil to me, especially if Monfredo were present, or in the House; this made me writ this Letter to her.  
Madam,  
SInce I have been your declared Admirer, I have indeed made a wondrous progress in your Affections. You'll now be no more alone with me, even behind the Scenes; you'll permit me no more to touch that Admirable Person, nor to speak one word of such indifferent matters to you. I have, you see, Madam, made a prodigious advancement in my Amour; when you retrench even those small permissionary Favours, you let me enjoy before I deserved them. This remarkable ill Treatment I receive from you, gives me at least this satisfaction; that the Nicer and Shyer you are of my Company, and the more public severity you use toward me, the more you will proclaim my Love for you to the World. It will be believed there has passed more than ordinary, seeing that you use me so scurvily: Nay, it will be thought that you would not be so unreasonably severe, if you had not a Love for me. But, Madam, for your own sake, you should not thus publish our secret Commerce, and you ought to allow me some Favours, to preserve your Reputation. But should I be more furnished with discretion than you? Is this a manner you may say, for a Lover to sue to his mistress in? You are free, Madam, to admire the vast difference betwixt mine, and the common vulgar maxims. Others, perhaps, that have little regard to the Honour of the Fair ones they worship, would for these Reasons desire a continuance of these Rigours; but I, Madam, that love your Reputation, as well as Person, desire you for your own sake, to use me with more kindness, since I am no Lover of those public Trophies of a Mistresses Favour, which are not gained without the expense of her Honour; to be thought therefore, Madam, to Love me less, you must use me with less severity, at least in the Eyes of the World.  
Montano.  
I sent this, and several other Letters, but to no purpose, no Answer could I hear of all my Discourses, or Letters to her. I pursued her day after day, and night after night, but all to no purpose; I gained no ground; but she grew ev'ry day more pettish, and rude in my Company, if I forced her a little to hear me. I omitted nothing to oblige her; for understanding 'twas her Birth-day, I invited some of her Friends, and her too, tho' she would not come, to a Collation, for the solemn Celebration of it; and in the Night, since she refused to Feast her pretty Mouth at my expense, I resolved she should her Ears; and therefore had the Serenade I'd prepared, Sung under her Lodging, which was this of my own making; for Love had Converted me from a soldier, to a Poet, as a more agreeable livery to the slavery I was in to Bracilla's Eyes.  

The Serenade.  

I.  
DID you my Fair BRACILLA Live,  
Where Frozen Nature never inspires  
Soft Love, or thaws to warm desires;  
Yet sure you must some PITY give  
To one condemned to so severe a Fate,  
To bear the rigour of the Night, and what's far more your HATE.   

II.  
Bright Lovely Charmer lay aside  
This Useless, this Ingrateful Pride;  
That all MY Happiness destroys,  
And Robs THEE of Ten Thousand Joys.  
Let Ancient Tales of One Coy Matron Boast;  
Thy Charms were not bestowed, to be for fancied Trifles lost.   

III.  
To make the Sighing Lover blessed,  
Thee Nature in these Glories dressed;  
A SIGHT of thee gives mighty Joys,  
Far greater still thy melting VOICE;  
To KISS thee must our Grosser Make refine;  
But Oh! t' ENJOY thee! Oh! 't must make us grow DIVINE.    
All was in vain, nor could I possibly Divine the Cause of it, till some of the Actors whispered about some suspicions of Monfredo's greatness with her, and his immeasurable Zeal for her Interest, to ev●n injustice to others of the House; he would not willingly let any one remain in the House, that gav● any cause to suspect that she would come into Competition with Bracilla in Excellence of Acting, and as one of the Players informed me, on this account, under pretence of easing the House of unnecessary Charge, prevailed with the Masters, to dismiss Rogera, who was a very promising Actress, tho' he was obliged to thanked her afterwards, to make way for the Sister of a Boy that waited much on Bracilla, and supplied the Place of a Lackey.  
Having had these Informations, I began to look on Monfredo with a jealous Eye, and observed his Actions very narrowly; and found often an intimacy discover itself betwixt 'em, in spite of all their cunning dissimulation. I confess, I often thought of ridding myself of so successful a Rival, who I imagined had by far less Merit, and Justice on his side, than I had; but I thought 'twould be a blemish to my Honour to fight a Fellow of his Station, that had no other pretence to a Gentleman, but his Sword, which he permissively, with a great many others wore, without any Right to it.  
But I was resolved to be as far convinced of the Intrigue as I possibly could and therfore several times had 'em dogged home: Monfredo, his Wife and Bracilla, at whose Lodgings they partend, but some little time after she went abroad again, and b●ing followed to a House a pretty way from her home, Monfredo was observed to come thither abou● a quarter of an hour afterward. This I could not be satisfied of, till I had myself beholded it more, than once, which made me once more sand a Letter to her to this effect.  
That though she used me with all that coy Severity, yet I was pleased to find her heart not wholly insensible of Love, and that though I was rejected with all that Scorn, yet Monfredo, could have a more gentle Aspect when he conversed with her; that tho, I was not permitted to speak to her in public, he could be allowed a private Conversation of some Hours, some Nights.  
This Letter had no other effect on her, but to make her if possible the more enraged at me than before. But I thought it was because I had not discovered that I knew of the very Place of their rendezvous. I therefore sent her another by a Woman, and Wrote it in a false hand, to inform her of the very House, and hours I had discovered them to be together in. This made her say, the next Night at the Play, when I again pressed my Passion to her, she wondered I could have the face to pretend Love to her, when I presumed at the same time to raise Scandals on her, and that she should be forced to vindicate her Reputation by Law, if I continued to asperse her in that manner. I made the best Apology I could, without owning my Letter, which I had not subscribed, and wished the World had but as much reason to talk of her, and me, as it had of Monfredo, and her; that then I should be abundantly happier. But that there would be no cause to apprehended the same consequence from her private Favours to me, since neither Marriage, nor his Passion would afford so many occasions of those Discoveries which Monfredo's Circumstances every day produced.  
All I could say signified just nothing, tho' she left me with more Civility than formerly, and I past a better Night with my Friends, and in Bed, than many a one before.  
But as my desire and passion every day increased, so did the difficulties of gratifying them multiply, which made me unable to support it with that Moderation I ought, so that words often past betwixt Monfredo, and myself; but in such places, that the certainty of our being partend, prevailed with me not to attempt to punish his insolence, that my Revenge, when I gave way to it, should not be baffled by the interposition of others.  
My Grief, and Love still increasing, I Consulted my dear Lord the Count here, who was always ready to assist me, like a Friend in all things, and with him made many attempts of satisfying my earnest longing, but still without success. In this Condition and State my Love continues till this day, till meeting to night with my Lord, we came hither, over a Glass to contrive some means of Happiness. And good Fortune brought you hither at the Critical juncture, whose Experience can better furnish us, than our younger heads are capable of finding out.  
First,( replied Gerardo) ' Gad I 'm extremely sorry that in your first Amour you should not only meet with so many Obstacles, but should take such ill Methods in the Prosecution of it; for the Conduct of your Passion shows that you took wrong measures all along.  
'Tis you therefore, ( said the Count) that must put him in the right path, from which his unexperienced Youth has made him deviate.  
That shall be my task, my Lord,( replied Gerardo) tho' 'tis now a more desperate case, than if right measures had been taken at first. Alas,( interrupted Montano) I hope what's past, has not rendered the Disease incurable?  
No, no,( replied Gerardo) have a little Courage, the Fair as well as Towns are won, by assurance and constancy. I would therefore desire both you and my Lord, to lay aside all this great trouble that possesses you.  
As for me,( said the Count) the only care and trouble that affects me in this Affair, is the grief of my Friend, who was continually possessed with all the Ravings of a Man, that wholly gave up himself to Love. He's deaf to all that I can urge, and Reason; brings him no relief. Ah, my Lord,( replied Montano) he that pretends to be a Lover, and at the same time to be governed by Reason, is but a Hypocrite.  
Why is Love then( said the Count) so irreconcilable an Enemy to Reason, that it can never cohabit with it? Oh! without doubt( replied Gerardo) they are at mortal odds, for Reason in all things prefers a medium as the surest basis of all Certainty and Good, but a mean in Love is as odious as in Poetry. Right,( assumed Montano, for 'tis but indifference disguised in another word, and what is so contradictory in Nature, as an unconcerned and indifferent Lover? True,( pursued Gerrardo) for indifference banishes Desire, and he that's once free from Desire, is no longer in the number of the Loving; for Love, is nothing but an unsatisfied desired Union, and becoming, as much as Nature will allow, one with the Object we admire. I find,( replied Montano with some satisfaction) that you Gerardo have known what Love is, since you give so very good an account of its Nature, for tho' we cannot all be like Salmacs transformed, or as I may better say; swallowed up into the very same Being with our Mistress, yet certainly no Lover, if he loved as I do, but would desire a perpetual Union, and never be partend from, but eternally be cleaving to the fair one he adores.—  
But if you once grant( interrupted the Count) that Love is so very great a Foe to Reason, you must give one leave to infer, that the first can't be admitted without the abdication of the latter, and if so,( abstracting from the case of my Friend) all the pity he deserves, that gives himself up to that Passion, is a Slabb'ring-Bib, or Bedlam, since he must be either a Fool, or a Madman, or a perfect Brute, Reason being the only distinction betwixt Man and Beast; for I can't think, either the substance and form of human Kind, essentially different from that of Brutes. My Lord,( said Gerardo) you speak as if Love were a voluntary Passion, which we might either admit, or avoid as we please, and if so, certainly what you observed would hold good, but it being wholly involuntary, and a Power that we can't resist, I presume the unhappy Patient, merits as much pity, as those, whom Fortune or Distempers renders miserable. Be that as 'twill( answered the Count) if indifference be a fault in Love, I'm sure all beyond moderation is distraction, and which, I thank my Stars, I never yet was subject to. Your Lordship,( replied Gerardo) is too wise for your Age, for whatever the fancied Happiness of extravagant Love may be to such Lovers, I'm persuaded the moderate Lover meets with as much in reality upon trial. And for my part, I can say this for myself, ( continued he) that my Passion never rose above an Amouret in my Life.  
I have often been sensible of Love, enough to make me desire to possess, and to follow the Chase, with just so much ardour, and Industry, as would not discompose my ease and content; but as for Solliloquies, Nocturnal Ravings, and daily sighs, in the absence of my Mistress, I was utterly a stranger to 'em; when I thought of my Mistress out of her presence, the Pleasure of the last visit, the coming Joys of the next. If she was across, I adjourned my Address till she was in a better humour, diverting myself with my Friend▪ and a Bottle, or something else, till I met with the lucky opportunity. But if Passion did ever make me sigh out of her hearing, I soon stifled the eruption with this Maxim, that no Woman, could always resist, but like the most impregnable Forts, must be won by Storm, Starving, or Capitulation. This made me always easy to myself, and my acquaintance.  
I never discovered the impertinencies of a Lover, unless by chance I fell into the Company of some familiar Friend of hers, who might more efficaciously than the Wind, waft all my sighs to her fair bosom. Then indeed I'd admit no other Discourse, but of her Perfections, and the destroying extravagance of my Passion. Then I shook hands a while with Mirth and good humour, and gave a free passage to sighs, and all the open marks of languishment and Love; pathetically complaining of her Cruelty, and my misfortune, in having the truest and most violent of Passions slighted, or at least not regarded, with that tender pity it deserved.  
But then all this was not lost, but to some purpose, for tho' my Mistress heard not this her self, yet it was sure to reach her at the second rebound with advantage. For I commonly in this case, made choice of a Woman, who I was sensible could not contain a Secret, either from her it concerned or all the World. And this better proclaimed my Affection, and gave more satisfaction to the Lady I loved, than a meager face, eternal ill humour, and frantic ejaculation, either alone or in all Companies.  
Thou were't a Lover for my money( said the Count) and didst know how to extract Pleasure out of all circumstances, which is the best sort of chemistry. And I wish my poor Amorous Friend here, could follow this Example; but he does not only vex and torment himself to no end or purpose, but by banishing Reason, as an Enemy to his Love, depriving me of all remedies of his Distemper, in either extinguishing, or satisfying his Passion.  
So much the unhappier I( replied Montano) who am deprived of all means of obtaining Bracilla, tho her Embraces alone can cure my tortured Soul.  
You blindly keep yourself in an Error( said Gerardo) by persuading yourself, that there is no way of obtaining her, because by taking the wrong, you have hitherto been unsuccessful. Follow but my instructions, and if thou dost not gain her without the expense of another sigh, then I'll quit all my pretences to intrigue, and subscribe myself a most egregious Blockhead.  
Gad, and if thy Counsel( said the Count) be successful( for that's the Test of all Excellence you know in our Age) thou shalt be received as Grand Master of the new Order of Knights of Intrigue. I 'm sure I shall value him( pursued Montano very seriously, and sighed) as my deliverer as long as I live; and I'm Impatient to hear him; therefore pray proceed.  
First then( said Gerardo) you have all along taken a wrong method, by imagining an Actress moved by those generous Principles that Women of Education and Honour do. Sighs, Long-Suffering, and true Faith may win the best Quality, but move only the laughter of the other, and gratify her Pride. And Bracilla, from a Child has been trained up in the Play-House, and Interest was instilled with all the little Arts of Design into her before she could take any more generous Sentiments. In short, 'tis Money that must buy your satisfaction, if it center in a Player. But you must not mistake me, there is an art even in giving, you make not a bare bargain with her as with one of the Retainers of Mother Creswell's; there is more decorum to be used in the affair, and almost as much caution as in corrupting a Minister of State of a Foreign Prince.  
You must know therefore, that there are a sort of very convenient Ladies, some of the more plain dealing call Bawds, but Men that have occasion for 'em; Friend, Mother, or any other civil name. These, as well as Poets, are free of the House, and give daily attendance in the Pit for the good of their Clients, both of the Company, and their straggling dependants. You must therefore apply yourself to Coromella, or Britanella: The first indeed is now too well known and antiquitated, and not therefore so efficacious with those that pass for the Virtuous part of the Theatre or Town. But yet by a Circumbendibus, as Father Dominic says, she may do your business. Of her you'll soon learn the price you must pay for your pleasure, with the Fee that belongs to her self in the affair, your best way is to make it no purchase no pay.  
All the Preliminaries being adjusted with her, you need trouble yourself no farther, but eat, and drink, and sleep well, to fortify you self for a vigorous Enjoyment, for all the rest she'll take care of; be you but punctual in your Payment, and you may have the Chastest, not of the Theatre only, but of the Town too at your desire: If the Devil and Woman can do't, and when such a force join to corrupt what by Nature tends to evil, I think we may without rashness conclude a certainty of our Possession.  
But if she should( interrupted the Count) set so damnable a price on her self that my Friend can't reach it? Never fear that,( replied Gerardo) for the love of Money so possesses them, that some of 'em have taken the very Buckles out of their Gallants shoes, and Garters rather than not get something; nay, I have been  told by some that knew that one of them had a consid●rable quantity of Silver and Gold Buckles by her, all earned by the soft Embraces she bestowed, especially in these circumstances, where a Bawd is interested, the price will be the more reasonable. But if you were to court her by Money, without this provident proxy, the several kinds of Presents you must make would be too excessive, but like other Traders, they afford their Commodities at under rates to one another that each may get by them.  
For my part( said the Count) I highly approve of your Counsel, and think you have prescribed the surest and most easy way of Happiness to my Friend, and I wish he were in an humour of putting it strait into execution. Nay, if he be so Wedded( replied Gerardo) to the Virtue of his Mistress, and his own Torments, that he'll not take wholesome advice, I've done with him, and give him o'er for lost; for believe me, a modest and humble Passion will succeed with no Woman, much less with an Actress, that by her Profession denies all notions of bashfulness. Women in general, and those in particular, stoop only to the forward and the bold, or else to all Charming, Witty, Eloquent Gold.  
Alas!( said Montano) I'd give all I 'm worth to poss●ss Bracilla, especially by her own consent, but I fancy you are mistaken in her, she's exempt from that Mercenary Devil's Jurisdiction that guide the rest of the Females of the Stage. As much as she is exempt( replied the Count) from Love and Intrigue, since you see, tho' she be so deaf to you, she can caress the worn-out carcase of Monfredo, in the worst capacity. Nay, my dear Lord,( answered Montano) mistake not, I am very willing to try all means to satisfy my eager longing, and 'twas only my fear suggested what I said, having hitherto been so unfortunate in my Addresses to her. But let us put this Advice in Exetion as soon as possible.  
'Tis now( said Gerardo) I believe, about the end of the fifth Act of the Play, and if you design any thing to night with Coromella, you must get in before the Play be done. I'll sand my Man in( replied the Count) to fetch her hither to us. No, no, you are out, my Lord,( said Gerardo) for she's a Bawd of better Quality, than to be at the beck of a Footman. Therefore if you have no mind to remove, I'll go to her myself, and convey her to you immediately before the hurry.  
The Count and Montano thanked him for his offer, and accepted of it, and whilst he was gone, took care to bespeak an Excellent Supper to entertain Coromella that Evening, as an earnest of her futuue expectations. They had no sooner given Orders for this, but Gerardo brought in the Bawd set off to the greatest advantage the Gravity of her Profession would admit; who, after the Salutes of the Company, Seated her self, and pledged them a Glass or two of Sack; for that was her liquour, especially in a Morning, when she used to drink a new Egg in each Glass, but now understanding there was a good Supper coming, she would not spoil her Stomach.  
There was little said to the purpose till after Supper was over, and the Waiters withdrawn. Railleries and general Reflections on all the absent they knew of both Sexes passed away the time. But now being alone, and their Gl●sses moving gently round, Gerardo beg●n to open the case, and inform her of the Occasion that Company had then to be obliged to her, telling her of the desperate condition young Montano was in for Bracilla.  
Alas! poor Gentleman ( said she) is this young Cupid that dotes on our coy Psyhe? I am the unhappy Wretch( replied Montano) that dies for the Possession of Bracilla; which I have in vain pursued this Twelve-Month, and must despair of, unless you can give me any hope. Hope!( assumed Gerardo) hope is almost as great a crime in those that confided in the exquisite Coromella, as despair; for it lessons her reputation: You may be sure, infallibly certain of success, if she say the word.  
Then on her saying that word( replied Montano) depends all my happiness. But there is some other preliminaries( interrupted the Count) to be adjusted before she passes her Parole in this case. My Lord has reason( pursued Gerardo) for any Labourer is worthy his hire. I think her so worthy of hers( replied Montano) that she shall be her own Carver. Well, Sir,( said Coromella) as our Profession is more natural than that of a Lawyer, so are we more generous; for till I have made you happy, I'll have no Fee, and then— And then( interrupted Montano) thou shalt command my all— Then, Sir, you shall be your own Carver( pursued Coromella) for 'tis a thousand pities that such a pretty young Gentleman as you should languish in vain, for whom a hundred Virgins die; some, to my knowledge, would purchase your Embraces, at as high a rate, as you would those of the ill-natured Bracilla. As ill-natured as she is( assumed the Count) I hope you can new mould her, and make her face so used to frowns put on a more acceptable form, and bless my Amorous Friend with the daux yeux, and wanton smiles. Never doubt me, my Lord,( replied Coromella) no Man can upbraid me with promising more, than I performed, and if your Friend will be directed by my advice, he shall not be two nights without her in his Arms, and then let him do with her what he thinks fit.  
All this while the Glass went briskly round, and the Bawd liking her Company, and being pretty well entred, began to be a little free in her expressions, and therefore went on in this manner.  
If the World ( continued she) had not a wrong notion of things, we should yet be in more request, than we are; and you young Sparks who build your Success on the merits of your Youth and Parts, would be our Customers, as well as the Graver sort. We should be as much sought after by the lewdest and most open Debochee, as by the secret and private Sinner. But the World moves in all things by false Principles, especially in Amour, I mean the less considering part of it. For some will not be at the expense of a Bawd they cry, tho' they throw away in Presents to the Nymph, and her Chamber-Maid three times the value, and to less purpose, and sometimes to none at all. I'll maintain it I'll get five of the finest, chastest, and most Religious Ladies in Town for the expense of a Beau's Gaining the good Graces of an Attorney's Daughter, who is above half debauched to his hands by her Birth and Education. I tell you the World is grown so foolish, that it prevents the very design of Amour and Intrigue, making a toil and fatigue of that which ought only to be pleasure. They shall sit up whole Nights to Serenade their Mistresses, pursue her from one place to another, be forced to venture their very lives in the very act of Delight, in the Closet perhaps with the Wife when the Husband's a Bed in the Room, or in his Bed when he's coming up Stairs, so the Lover must jump out of Window, break his Neck or Limbs, Reputation, or all; and only because he will have his own way, and neglects to have recourse to us, who would make him happy with less expense, less trouble, and less hazard. But let these Sparks even take it for their pains, if they come out of their Mistresses Beds Capons, tho' they went in Cocks of the Game, or pay a swinging Fine, to satisfy the Ravenous Cuckolds, to redeem their carcases.  
Prithee, thou plead'st for thy Interest( interrupted Gerardo) for Men love that Pleasure which they purchase hardly, as Women and Fops value things for being far fetched and dear bought.  
Those are wretched Mortals indeed( replied Coromella) that, like old lechers, place their delights in stripes; a Man of Sense and Vigour needs none of these provocations, and falls too whenever the Victuals are set before him, tho' he was not at the pains of earning them. Gads my life ( continued she) you'd extend the Curse of Mankind farther than 'twas intended, by making him earn his Pleasure, as well as Food, by the sweat of his Brow.  
Prithee Gerardo( said the Count) interrupt not the Lady, methinks her discourse is extremely pleasant and reasonable. Pray, Madam, proceed, for I assure you, you have almost made me a Convert to the Method you propose. But what certainty of Success has a man, if he put his Cause into your hands?  
That is according to the Merits of the Client( replied she) that is his Purse or Generosity; for, Sir, we have no Causes in Forma Pauperis, and he that has Money, and will yet starve a good Cause, deserves to lose it.  
Spoken like an Oracle, by Heaven( said the Count, and smiled) but supposing nothing wanting of the Client's side, what assurance has he of Success? Infallible experience( replied Coromella) for I defy the World to say that the endeavours of a Mistress in her Profession ever failed. I 'm sure I may, without a lye, boast, that from the Girl of seven to the Matron of Seventy, I have never been foiled to this day, which is at least the thirtieth Year of my Profession.  
Girls of seven( interrupted the Count) why sure you deal not in such unripe commodities? Ah! my Lord, you lie under a very great mistake ( replied she) for here as well as in the Indies, we have some of our Sex ripe before that age, at least in mind, if not in body. I have known some have Children before they reached the teens, and not one in a thousand keeps her Maidenhead to a dozen Years of age, if handsome. Why I myself, my Lord, can't remember that ever I was a Maid, for from an Infant I dally'd with my equals, and so proceeded till I came to be Mans meat, else I could never have arrived to all the Perfections in the Noble Mystery I profess.  
'Tis indeed a Mystery,( said Montano) I should be glad to hear a farther account of it, since I must owe my happiness to't, if you, Madam, think fit to give us that satisfaction.  
I think I may be free here ( replied she) Mr. Gerardo knows enough of it already, not to be scandalized, and tell tales out of School; and for you two, one of you have an immediate, and the other, in good time, may have a dependence on me; to gratify you therefore, and to divert you from your amorous Anxiety, I'll tell you some part of our Art.  
You must therefore, Gentlemen, know ( continued she) that as every Soldier won't make a Hero, so every Woman can't make a Bawd, I mean a Bawd of Quality, for I'll not descend to your poor Relations of prostituted Whores, in Allies and by Streets, for she must be a Woman of Parts, one that has not only made true observations in the Natures of Men and Women, so as to tell immediately their several Inclinations, but also can reduce them all to practise, can have her baits all adapted to the temper of those they are to engage; they must know perfectly the where, the when, and the how, and be brisk in following each close, one false step spoils the whole affair. They must be thoroughly acquainted with the Vices the Woman they are to gain is infected with, for all have some Predominate one, or other, to which she Sacrifices her Virtues. Whether she be Proud, Covetous, Wanton, Revengeful, Jealous, &c. And this being known, 'tis easy to manage that 'vice to our end, by making all our baits flatter it, and bring it to a perfect Mastery of all her faculties.  
Then the Method of Address is admirable, some Women I can go to myself( no matter whether I ever see them before, or no) and as I find them stand affencted, can apply my discourse; grow intimate with her, and bring her to the opportunity, and then what Woman resists? If the fair one be a Tradesman's Wife or Daughter, 'tis an easy matter, the buying a few trifles gives me admittance; if a Lawyer's, a petty Cause, some shame svit to ask advice about, and one Fee does it; but then I take the time when the Husband's from home, and to get to the speech of the Lady, if she of her own accord emit me not in, I pretend some Female indisposition, and desire to speak with her on that account.  
In short, there is no Woman whose Husband has any concerns in the World, but those concerns shall afford me, or my Agents, an access. But if she be poor, there needs little Apology, the Yellow Boys shall make her rather court me.  
Agents( interrupted the Count) why have you your dependents and Spies, and under Officers? Yes, my Lord, ( replied she) and that in all Dresses and Degrees, at least, such as can form themselves to any. If the Lady be hard of access, then we dispatch such as are never denied admittance, some with Curiosities and baubles to sell, or Indian Ware, and be sure the most taking we only carry Patterns of, and profess we never show any more out of our Houses: The Lady's smitten with the thing, and the Husband's never at peace till she be permitted to go to the Indian House, there the Gallant is in readiness, perhaps by chance, buying something or other, falls into discourse with her, and so by such opportunities, and Letters passing with this convenience betwixt 'em, matters are at last brought to a happy conclusion, and the Fopling Rover is blessed with the Embraces of his Lady, tho' never so Rigid and Virtuous; for this way where we are employed, the secrecy of the business preserves Reputation, which exalts the pleasure.  
But in these Visits to the Wives( said the Count) don't the Husbands sometimes find you out? Once or twiçe, indeed ( replied she) in my life, I inconsiderately went to speak to the Wife of a Gentleman that had known the Town very well, and my Person, and Name; sending which up, instead of the Lady, the Husband came, and used me indeed, most unmercifully, but I was revenged on him; for I got her at last by other means, and I was more cautious for the future.  
The Savoy for that( interrupted Gerardo) there I'm sure you were foiled. Good reason why ( replied she) the Spark lived not long enough to experience my Revenge, I had certainly else paid him in the same kind I did the other.  
But I'll tell you one of the most difficult Tasks I ever met with, the Narrative being pleasant, and then Gentlemen I'll take my leave of you, and go about the Affair of the Young Lover here. But Sir, you must be sure to have the Lady's price ready, what ever you do with me. Let me but know both, and I'll not fail you( replied Montano:) Alas, mine won't exceed Five or Ten Guineas, nor hers, I believe Fifty or a Hundred at most: Reasonable enough in Conscience( said the Count): but prithee to the account of the Intrigue.  
Right, my Lord( replied she) and by it you'll find I am a Mistress in my profession, and one you may entirely confided on, if your Lordship should ever have any occasion of me.  
A few Miles from this City, up the River, there lived a Lady, extremely Charming in her Person, and mien, she was neither too tall nor too short, an exact shape; Light brown Hair, Black sparkling Eyes, a Lip read and full, on which there hung a pretty dewy moisture, as upon Flowers before the Sun has drawn it up: her Arms neatly turned, her Fingers taper, and of a good length; in short, she was perfect in all her Limbs, she was married to a Justice of Peace, a young Man, and every way qualified for the Peaceable Bench, his Wit, his Person of a middle size, not ugly, but very jealous, which made him keep a very strict Guard on his Wife, who he supposed had not only charms that might inflame all that saw her with the Heavenly fire of Love, but also an easy Will to let no Man sigh in vain for her; this Suspicion was grounded on the very means by which he had obtained her; which, in short, was thus.  
Her Father dying, left her Fortune( which was Considerable) in her own power; and she unwilling to live under the awe of any Relation, took a Lodging in this City, with only one Maid, who was a good Sociable Girl, of an extreme pleasant Humour, and loved a Cup of the Creature above any Mortal Delight; this she by her Cunning insinuations brought her young Mistress to, so that in a little time she would never go to Bed sober, or at least very seldom, though she drank with none but the Maid, whose Head was too strong for her.  
The young Clelia, for that Name I'll give her, was not long without Adorers, having so much Beauty, and what's more, so much Fortune, to invite 'em; among the rest, her now Husband came, and tho' the worst received, was the most diligent and obsequious in his Address, nor would give over for any repulse she gave him, but finding her so averse to him, his thoughts were wholly employed how to make her less Cruel to him, and nothing seemed more promising, than to gain the good will of the Maid, who he found had no small influence over her. He found she was a true Chambermaid, and would sell her Mistress to any one for Money, which this Gentleman was liberal enough of to her, but much more of his Promises upon success; which, tho' she endeavoured with all the Zeal Interest could inspire, proved to no purpose; but being unwilling to lose the advantage she hoped from this Spark, she  told him one day, that if he would follow her Advice, she would deliver her into his possession; and after that he would have no cause to fear but the event would fully answer his desire, if it were not his own fault.  
This put new life into our Lover, that had an equal passion for both Clelia's Person, and Fortune, and made him repeat his Promises to her of an ample Reward, for so grateful a Service. Upon this, she informed him that ev'ry night Clelia used to drink so freely with her, that she most commonly knew not how she got to Bed the next Morning: That 'twould be an easy matter for him to possess her without any resistance, being admitted at that time; and that if any Consequence came of this unusual Intrigue, of Clelia's being with Child, that then he need not fear but that she would, for the security of her own Reputation, be less averse to Marriage, and receive him with more favour; that to take off all other Pretenders should be her task, so that he should assure himself of attaining the extent of his desires.  
He was extremely pleased with the Project, and satisfied himself, that if at last he failed of gaining her Portion, by making her his Wife, yet he should at least be happy in the possession of so Charming a Person, and that in so strange and uncommon a manner. Well, the night comes, the Maid plies Clelia harder with Glasses than ever, not without mixing Friends to Venus in the liquour, which was still advanced by the Discourse that was on purpose brought in by the Maid to stir up warm desires, when the Wine had already heated her blood; and all this had so good an effect, that when now she was going to Bed, she discoursed how welcome any Man would be to her, if he had the happiness to attack her in that Condition, whilst the softer thoughts, and Ideas of Pleasure dissolved her Mind, and the effects of the Wine had enervated her Body, so that she could make little resistance.  
As soon as she was a Bed, the fumes of the Wine prevailed, and ushered in sleep, and then was the Spark admitted by the Maid, who soon undressed him, and jumped into the Bed, and with the same motion took possession of the resistless Nymph. In the midst of possession she seemed to be pleased, and, tho' in her sleep, met him with equal fire, he repeated as often as possibly he could this stolen delight, in hopes to effect what he now the more longed for, enjoyment having increased his flamme, having found such wondrous Raptures where he only acted the Lover on a mere Passive Lady.  
This he repeated several Nights, and in the Day time kept away, as if he had given over his svit. Clelia finds in a few Months strange alterations in her, and cannot divine the Cause, consults the Doctors, who informs her she was with Child, she denied she ever knew Man, but yet on serious reflection remembered how often she had been entertained after hard drinking, with the most Ravishing and Transporting Dreams of Love, she in short, began to suspect some foul Play from her Maid, and therefore the next Night pretended to be overtaken in Drink much more than she really was, and being in Bed, her Lover was admitted, and she being really fallen asleep before he came, he got not only into Bed, but into the ecstasies of a happy Lover, before she waked, the pleasure was too great for her to resist the coming Joy, but she clasped him( not knowing who he was) in her Arms, return'd his Embraces with an unusual Fire; but he not yet suspecting any such matter that she was awake, gave her a hundred kisses as he lay by her, and with all the panting sighs of a yet longing Lover, wantoned with her Bosom, run his wandering Hand all over her, at last he being ready again to repeat the fluttering Transports, she pretends to wake in the first attempt, and pushing him gently from her, asked him, as if her Maid, what she meant by that posture she found her in, and moving her hand about the Bed, pretended a great amazement at the discovery she made that it was a Man that had her at that disadvantage, and jumping from him, sent out a Shriek that startled the Maid in her Bed, but she thought the Spark more a Man than not to stop her Mistress's mouth from making any farther disturbance; for following her close, he with words and force brought her to a more pleasing Consideration of the affair, assuring of Marriage as soon as they rose, if she would but accept of it, and in the midst of these entreaties, pleased her so well, that tho' Clelia was enraged at her Maid's Treachery, in betraying her to the Arms of a Man that had been much her aversion, yet she could not resist the vigour of his On-sets, but with her consent to mary him, gave him a taste of those Joys he had before experienced but by halves. Often that Night they repeated their Embraces, and Clelia lost all her indignation in the Arms of her Ravished Lover.  
Hoffman( for so I must call him here) gaining his Clelia in this manner, and being now sure of both her Person, and Fortune by Matrimony, grew very jealous of her, she still as often as she could, gratifying her desire of Drinking to excess, and was always then extremely amorous. He began to think that he might be made a cuckolded by the same means he had made himself a Husband, and therefore dispatched the Instrument of his Incest with less Generosity than he had promised her, which made her ever after his Enemy, and on her going away ask Clelia a thousand Pardons for betraying her to one she found now would make so ill a use of the happiness of possessing one of the greatest Beauties in the Nation, by rendering her life so unhappy as she feared his jealousy would hers.  
Her Tears and Protestations of Repentance reconciled her to Clelia, and they partend very good Friends, both Meditating how they should be revenged of Hoffman's Ungenerous dealing, who watched her Actions, and Eyes, so that the least look she cast towards any Man increased his jealousy, and made him redouble the strictness of the guard he set over her, till at last he confined her like a Prisoner within the Walls of their own Garden, or his own Company abroad, to visit a Relation, and that of her own Sex. Yet in this Confinement he was always very fond of her himself, and used no other injury to her, but the depriving of her of that Liberty so Naturally desired by all, especially by us Women.  
The only Place she was admitted to the View of Mankind was in Church, and there each Sunday she made a Thousand Slaves; but, alas, they must be all unhappy, for this Dragon of a Husband keeps this Golden Treasure too well, to let any of them gain the least relief.  
Among the rest, my Lord, the Count of— taking the benefit of the Country Air one Summer, in that Place, saw her at Church, was extremely in Love with her, and by his eyes  told her what hers had done▪ Nor did she endeavour to conceal the confession of hers, that, if in her Power, he should not always sigh in vain. They had the satisfaction every Sunday, of reading the Mutual Pangs of Love in each others Eyes, but could not by all his Industry, and her Contrivance, effect any means of arriving at so much as the happiness of an Interview; so well had Hoffman placed such about her, that always countermined all her designs; and being Old and Envious, would not be brought to assist her Pleasures, since they were Incapable of such themselves.  
The Count being Passionately in Love, and finding all his attempts of satisfying his Passion in vain, had at last recourse to me, and by his Gnerosity, and the desperateness of his Condition, prevailed with me to leave the City, and try what I could do to make him happy. I found it a difficult task I must confess, but yet at last effected it, in this manner.  
I soon learned that Hoffman had been bread to the Law, but though by his native want of Abilities, he made but little progress in that Study, yet the Love of Money made him endeavour at practise in that Place, and in some measure he Succeeded among the more Ignorant of the Country.  
On this Knowledge I built the after happiness of my two Languishing Lovers, I first brought myself intimately acquainted with the Parsons Wife who had free admission at Hoffman's House, as being both Old and Morose, and a professed hater of the Vices of this Age, and an extoller of the Platonic way of Love. I Humoured the Ecclesiastical Lady so well, tha● I was her Intimate and bosom Friend, and complaining of a Wrong that I had done me, assuring her I would do myself Right by Law, if I could meet with a Lawyer I could have any Confidence in; she wished me to Esquire Hoffman, their Worthy Parishioner, and a Man of Fidelity and Estate, and was also a Right Worshipful Justice of the Peace of that County. This was what I expected, and therefore she had me to his House, to inform him of my Case; but it happened that he was not at Home, and that I might not lose my Labour, she introduced me as a Visitant to the Lovely Clelia, who, in her domestic Undress, in which we surprizd her, looked indeed so Charming, that I wished myself a Man for her sake. The poor Soul seemed extremely melancholy, and Sighed abundantly all the while I, stayed, but going away, as the Parsons Wife went first, I as if I were Comforting her, Shook her by the Hand, and Clapped into it a Letter from the Count, and so departed, understanding that her Husband could not come home that Tide.  
I marked the Blushes of Joy and surprise that covered all her amiable Face, and gave the longing Count a Relation of all that I had done, and promised to make him happy in a very little while, in spite of all the Eyes and Guards of jealousy. He was something Pleased, at least, that he had by Letter imparted his Passion to her, and hoped that by the same means he might receive an answer from her; which, if as kind as her Eyes had often made him hope; he persuaded himself, that, by my assistance, his happiness could not be far off.  
The next day the Spiritual Lady and I went again, to speak with the Husband, though my main business was to speak with the Wife. We came before he arrived from the City, and were extremely welcomed by the fair Captive; and I had many an indulgent look cast on me, as if the only help of her Misfortunes. Her Husband at last coming, the Spiritual Lady went to him to give him some account of my business, and her care of serving him, when ever it came in her way, to Insinuate to him, that she likewise hoped, he would also Remember her Husband, in return of the Obligation.  
whilst she and Hoffman were thus engaged, I and Clelia passed our time more agreeably. I presented her another Letter from the Count, and informed her how Passionately he doted on her, and that 'twas pity to make so Young, and so accomplished a Gentleman perish in his Youth, only because he loved her. Alas! return'd Clelia, 'tis not in my power to make him less miserable if I had the Will, nor do I know whether I have that, unless you'll please to give me some account of his Person; for I confess, that I have often seen a Gentleman in the Church, speak a thousand soft and tender things with his Eyes, and have taken some Pleasure in that Discovery, his Person being every way so amiable. He is ( replied I) very young, of a middle stature; wears a dark Wigg; has the Eye of an Eagle; with all the softness of a Cupid in his Face; his Limbs and Body very well shaped: And Madam ( concluded I) a Tongue, that would Charm beyond all things, could you but hear him talk.  
Alas!( replied Clelia, and sighed) but that's Impossible, I'm sure; I'm here kept a close Prisoner by my Husband, and permitted the Company of none but the Ugly, the Old, and the envious of my own Sex; and I wonder at your dexterity of gaining admittance to me, since none but the Parsons Wife has interest enough in him to do it. Well, Madam, ( said I) may I assure the Count( for of that Quality is your Lover) that he may hope you have no aversion for him. You may,( return'd she) but what will that avail him; for had I as ardent a desire to meet him as he pretends to have to meet me; Alas! 'tis impossible; therefore tell the lovely stranger,( for I find by your description of him, 'tis the Gentleman I so oft observed at Church) I wish he could forget me, and that I could not think of him, for both our happiness. I might with some patience have born this unnatural Captivity my Husband has put me into, if I had not seen him. She said no more, but blushing, delivered me an Answer to the Counts first L●tter. I then  told her that it must, by her Conduct and mine, be contrived to gain an interview betwixt them, and that if she followed my advice, it could not fail, since her part was so easy to act in our design; being only obliged to speak very ill of me to her Husband, when he mentioned me after I was gone; and that she should say I was by much worse natured than any he had placed about her, which made her bear them with the more ease. This she promised to perform, and we had scarce done our Discourse, when her Husband and the Parson's Wife entred.  
After the first compliments, Hoffman and she took me aside, and I laid my case down to him, which we had contrived a very puzzling one before, and withal gave him a Guinea Fee before he said one word: The generosity of his client won his Heart, and I was very splendidly entertained, and all the while I railed at the Vices of the Age; the lewdness of some of our Sex; and my detestation of Love, and all Mankind. This increased Hoffman's esteem of me: I praised his abode as the most pleasant I had seen in the Country, and that I had the ill Fortune to be in a very inconvenient Lodging, especially, considering I expected a Niece of mine down in a Tide or two, and had no place to lay her in besides my own Bed, which was inconvenient in the Summer time.  
Hoffman Bit at this Bait, and immediately proffered me lodging in his House, assuring me it should come as cheap as that where I was already. I made some difficulty of it at first, but at last agreed for lodging and diet for my Niece and myself; telling him that I was glad to place my Niece there, since I understood she would be safe from the dangerous Addresses of the Men,( who were continually in pursuit of her for the sake of her Fortune) because he did not give such free admission to them in his House. This pleased him the more, hoping by this means to get into the management of my Nieces Fortune as well as my Law svit: So after he had given me an absurd Answer to my Cause, which I nevertheless extolled, he desired to consider further of it, and to consult some of his Brothers of the Long rob, on a point that seemed too intricate to him. That he would in a day or two go to Town on that account, that my business might not miscarry by his fault. I  told him as soon as my Niece came, I'd convey her immediately to his House, which I looked on as a safety for her Reputation and virtue.  
Having brought things to this condition at our first meeting with Hoffman, I left him full of mountainous Hopes, and return'd to the Amorous Count with so much happy news, beyond even his expectations; and nothing but the Person of Clelia could pleasure him beyond the Letter I brought him from her. He vowed an eternal gratitude to me for my industry to serve him, and red the Letter with all the ecstasy of a Lover.  
'Twas penned indeed extremely fine,( for Clelia had had a generous Education) and with th●t pretty Innocence, discovered the acceptable▪ secret of her Passion for the Count; that it fixed his admiration of her, deeper than all the Beauties he had seen in her Face and mien: A thousand extravagant sayings he uttered, like all young Lovers, and run on till my patience was quiter spent; and I was forced to interrupt him, to tell him he must immediately away to the City, and dispose of his Servants, and dress himself in Womens Apparel, and cause all that growing Down on his Chin to be taken away by the root; that there should be nothing that might make a Tragical end of our so well laid Amour; and that he should make all the speed back that he was able, since his return brought him his happiness, in being admitted into Hoffman's House as my Niece, and a great Fortune; where he should be confined to the Embraces of his Clelia, till filled with Fruition, he should have a double obligation to me, of not only gratifying his desires, but also of curing them by the fullness of Pleasure.  
He embraced me with so much vigour on these words, that I thought he took me for his Clelia, and therefore would make no resistance to what he should offer. But my expectation was not answered in the way that I thought his first ecstasy lead him, he was too full of Clelia to mistake me for her, tho' I was not then so despicable a Creature as to have my favours neglected where I had a mind to bestow ' em.  
The Count immediately took Water, and made a most dextrous dispatch, was with me again in two days, dressed in a very rich Sultano, for that was then the Fashion, and brought with him all things that were required for the getting the greater Credit to our pretence; having all the Female Utensils and private necessaries, and that of such a sort as were answerable to the Fortune we pretended to; and to say truth, My Lord made an extreme pretty Lady, tho' something tall in Petticoats; his Eye that was so full of Majesty▪ gave an extraordinary Beauty to his Face, which was every way well featured, and in that dress confessed nothing of the Man.  
Clelia, in the mean time had acted her part to a Miracle, and so extremely pleaded against my being admitted as a Lodger, that it made Hoffman impatient till we came, and then he met us with all the Ceremonious civility the hopes of so much interest could enspire: He saluted the Count and me with a great deal of Formality, and immediately ordered his Servants to convey our Baggage to our Lodgings, whilst he conducted us to his Wife, who was ignorant that it was the Cou● that was under the shape and name of my Niece.  
But fearing that she should( spite of his disguise) discover him, and so betray her knowledge by Blushes, or he himself by too eager a salute. I diverted Hoffman, by asking him a sudden question about my svit in Law, and he turned at the very instant that the Lovers saluted, to answer me, who had placed myself so, that his back might be towards 'em this juncture.  
Clelia viewed his Eyes with some surprise, and immagin'd she saw something in his Face extremely like the Count, but could not persuade her self 'twas him, he so ' ery way acted the Woman, and as much as possible curbed his eagerness in kissing her. My doubt being soon resolved, I thus spoken to Clelia. Madam( said I) I commend the Care and Tuition of my Niece to you, and hope that you will be company enough for one another, for I intend no Men shall be admitted to her Conversation, since there's danger in them; and it must be happiness enough for her to Converse with so Virtuous and accomplished a Lady as you, all day. Nay, if that will please the young Lady,( said Hoffman) she shall supply my place as often as I am in the City, all Night too, if it were not for fear my Wife would spoil her, and make her think too well of a married Life, and so render her uneasy, till she fling away her pretty self on some undeserving Man or other. Oh! by all means( return'd I) let them lie together as oft as may be, I would have an Intimacy betwixt them, it may the better divert my Niece, Clemene's Thoughts,( for that Name the Count assumed) from the Noise of the World, and make her in love with this delightful Retirement.  
The Count had much ado to forbear smiling, to hear so pleasant a device contrived by the very Husband of her he longed to possess, and therefore to defer his happiness no longer than needs must, the Count was resolved to try what his word might do to obtain it that Night. Therefore, said he, I wish Sir you would spare the Lady this Night, for I am afraid to lie alone the first Night or two in a House I have never lain in before, and my Aunt cannot endure a Bedfellow in the Summer time. O fie, Niece( replied I) you must not desire to rob the Gentleman of the dear Company of his Wife when he's at home, since 'tis pain enough I warrant to miss her so many Nights, as business obliges a separation, and one of the Maids may serve to lie with you. Oh by no m●ans( replied Hoffman) I'll not be so rude to give the Lady so ill a Bed-fellow as any of my Servants, they are all old, and troublesone to such young sweet Creatures as Madam Clemene, therefore my Dear, you shall secure her fears this Night or too, nay, perhaps a Week, for I design to morrow to go to Town, in the pursuit of this Ladies Affairs. Clelia innocently submitted to her Husbands Command, and caressed the Count with a double kindness, since obliged to it by the like●ess he had to the Man she loved, and by her Conjugal Obedience.  
Supper came, and after it, we walked on the Terrass by the Water side, and a Charming and serene Night it was, as ever my Eyes beholded, as if the Heavens smiled on the happy Lovers. The Count till Bed time talked much to Hoffman to give the less cause of suspicion, and all about the pleasantness of his Seat, and the happiness he had to possess it with all the advantages of Marriage.  
Bed time now came on, and Hoffman conducted us to our several Apartments, but before we separated, I advised the Count to discover nothing to Clelia till he was in Bed, with her in his Arms, that he might not give any occasion to her to be obliged to combat her Modesty in going to Bed with a Man, whom she knew to be so, lest being unused to Intrigue, any qualm of Conscience should come and spoil so well laid a Design. I went with the Count to his Chamber, and whilst Clelia was undressing in her own, I put him to Bed by that time she came to us; she soon got into Bed, and there I left them, and locking the Door fast, took the Key with me to my Chamber, that so no body should come to disturb 'em till I pleased, who was resolved to give 'em time enough to spend all their Attillery of Love with which Lovers are so well stocked the first Night, that day comes often too fast for them.  
I had not left them long, but after some little pretty discourses, the Count began to draw a little nearer to her, unable to abstain any longer from so many ecstasies of Joys that lay so near, and so much within his Power.  
He first took her by the hand, softly pressed it, and conveyed it to his Mouth, and on it fixed a thousand Kisses▪ 'Tis in vain, Divin● Creature( said the Count) for me to pretend to delay my haypiness any longer, since the Center of my joy lies so near me. And so clasping her fast in his Arms, almost smothered her with Kisses, till he put her so out of Breath with struggling, that she could not cry out, but faintly asked him( now almost in possession of her Heaven of Bliss) if he were the Count of— but still struggled, so that he was as far from obtaining as at first, Yes, my Charming Clelia( replied the Count) I am the Man you name, that have languished and died for the Embraces of thee, the fairest and most beautiful of thy Sex, so many Weeks in vai●, and am now repulsed, too cruelly repulsed, when by so much Art I have over 〈◇〉 all other Obstacles that hemmed thee round to keep me from my happiness— Ah Sir,( replied Clelia) How can I think you love me, when you would betray me to the Infamy of being a Whore? Oh my charming Love,( returned the Count) why shouldst thee, with the Vulgar give so odious a Name to the justest of Actions, can it be ill to reward the sighs of a dying Lover? On the contrary, it is not unjust not to pitty him that loves you to all the extravagance of raving; and with these words, he got into an entire possession of the struggling Nymph, who with a Heart all panting with excess of Pleasure, now calmly permitted wear the Count would do. The first seemed to him indeed, but a Sacrifice to gratitude, but she met him afterwards with so equal a fire that discovered her Love as boundless as his.  
But yet his Pleasure was imperfect, the dark hide all the satisfaction of the sight; but when the early day began to afford 'em some light, the Amorous Count being pretty well refreshed by sleep, awaked, and softly drew aside the Curtain, and fed his Eyes upon the lovely fair One; her Charming looks enspir'd him, so that he let his Hands begin to wander about her, and that with such an ecstasy, that it waked her; and then he clasped her in his Arms, and once more rifled all her sweets, and fed his Eyes with all the wandring Pleasures he found in hers, till they were both lost in the humid Joy.  
But, Gentlemen, not to keep you too long on this success I gave the sighing Lover; I shall conclude in short, that thus they lived for some time, and there I left 'em, whilst under pretence of business, I return'd to the City; and the Count, and Clelia gathering fresh Love from every Enjoyment, grew impatient of having such an awe upon their Actions, and their delights dashed with the apprehensions of discovery; Love permitting them to lose no opportunity of happiness, so that scarce a place in the House or Garden, but was conscious of their amorous Thefts: They concluded so sand for me to see if I could any way contrive to set 'em free from the Confinement of the Husband, who had so prudently contrived their happy Union. I soon came down to 'em, and upon consideration, found it necessary that they should, with me, leave that place, and fly to the City, where they might enjoy one another with more freedom and Pleasure.  
But I had always a peculiar care of the Amorous Fair one, that she should not be at the Mercy of the Gallants constancy, or the Husbands Revenge; I therefore took care that Clelia should provide for her self, enough to preserve her in all Circumstances from want, and an absolute dependence! for she took with her not only what Plate and money and Jewels she could find in the House,( and from the Garden-Walls put 'em aboard a small Bark I had provided there in the Night) but also all the Writings of Hoffman's Estate, and her own, so that she might oblige him to a good and certain separate Maintenance.  
I had an entire Command of the House in Hoffman's Absence, so much did his desire of gain bewitch him, and therefore when he was in Town for near a Week, I pretended an order from him to bring his Wife up to Town, without any of her Attendance, but one, to save Charges, and at the same time pretending I sho●'d make a longer stay than ordinary before my return; I said I must take both mine, and my Nieces things with me,  
All things succeeded as we desired, no body scrupled my Authority, especially since one of Clelias Servants was to go with us; we took the Evening tide, so that it should be near twelve a Clock at Night before we came to Town, where as soon as we arrived, we dispatched Clelias Servant, to Hoffman, to let him know that we were arrived, and that his Wife was gone to my Lodging, which I  told the Servant was in such a place.  
Being thus rid of our only Obstacle, those I had ordered to be ready at the Stairs to meet us, soon conveyed all our things to a place of security, whether the Count and Clelia and myself followed: The Count and Clelia went to Bed together with no small Joy, and celebrated the remaining part of the Night with as great a Solemnity as the first they met, esteeming it the first of their happy liberty; and they both owned the next Morning their Joys, which they thought before beyond bounds, were really then increased.  
The Count sent for his Man to bring him his own clothes, leaving all his rich Female habits to the disposal of Clelia, who valued them extremely for their being the fortunate Instruments of their happiness.  
To detain you no longer( concluded Coromella) a Letter was dispatched to Hoffman with the conditions of the redemption of his Writings, viz. a settlement on Clelia, and ●an entire release of his pretensions to her; he at last complied, but still pursued her with fresh Courtship to return to him, when ever he could find her Lodgings out, which she changed pretty often to shun his hated visits; for not only the Tyranny he used over her when his Wife, but his base treacherous getting of her, had given her a perfect aversion to him. But the Count and she continued the Amour, till he in his Youth being unfortunately killed, left her more disconsolate than if she had been a widow, for so she looked upon her self to be, and dressed accordingly.  
But as 'tis in vain to grieve for what can't be recalled, so time and my persuasions cured Clelias melancholy; and as Heaven had formed her for Pleasure and the satisfaction of Mankind, so she concluded to lose no delight she could obtain, without detrement to her Person, Fortune, and Reputation, and in these Circumstances, I have often been supposable to her; nor is she yet past thirty, nor without all the taking Graces she had when I first knew her, having had but very few Children, for so many Nights, Weeks, and Years of Pleasure,  
I am wonderfully taken( said the Count to Coromella) with your Clelia, and you must make me haypy in a sight of her. When I have served your Friend( replied she) I shall be much at your Lordships service, on that, or any other account. Sr. I hope Montano, will not now despair of success with Bracilla, when I undertake it, who have performed such wonders for the Count and Clelia. Nay,( interrupted Gerardo) dear Coromella, he were a Pagan indeed, that had not an implicit Faith in thee, without the Confirmation thou hast given us, since the famed of thy Art is not so obscure as to stand in need of Examples to confirm it; let the Quacks in thy Mystery, like those in physic, set out Bills and Attestations of the success of their skill, but thou, like established College Physicians, wilt always gain practise by thy settled famed and Reputation.  
I think indeed ( said Montano) my Case is not so desperate as that of the Count of— since Bracilla is not hemmed in with so many difficulties as Clelia was, and so far from being averse to the Embraces of a Lover, that she at this time wantons in those of a Player. Nay, and what's more ( pursued Gerardo) she has from an Infant, almost had the Virtuous Education of the Stage, which could not but inspire her with the severest and most Stoical Principles of Chastity, and against Pleasure. No, no ( said Coromella) the Virtue as well as Pleasure of an Actress is her interest, and till you gratify that, you must expect no more from her than from a perfect Lucretia.  
But it grows late ( said Coromella) and I must leave you, for I'll immediately set my engines to work for this sighing Lover; and promise him they shall bring her into his Arms to morrow Night at farthest, and so I take my leave of you, Gentlemen, expecting to find Montano to morrow in the pit, where I'll give him an account of the matter, and where, when, and how he shall prepare himself for the Amorous Rendezvous.  
Here Coromella left them, and they soon after broken up, and Montano retired to his Lodging with more satisfaction than he had for many a Night before. His sleep was not interrupted, and assurance of coming Joy furnished his Dreams with nothing but pleasant Images of the Bliss he hoped to taste the next Night in the Arms of Bracilla. And indeed the Joys of the next Night, were almost as immaginary as that; at least imagination was fain to supply him with Bracilla, whilst he revell'd in the Arms of another: For Coromella being a perfect Bawd, had another prospect in the Adventure, than Montano or his Friends suspected.  
She had  told 'em in her Conversation with them, that there was another Lady desperately in love with Montano, which was Clelia, of whom she gave the foregoing Relation; who had sighed for him some three or four days, having discovered him from the side Box, making his Address to Bracilla within the Scenes, for as we have said, Montano was young and handsome.  
To ●lelia therefore Coromella went from them, and  told her that the next Night, if he thought fit Montano should come to her Arms with all the force and vigour of a desperate Lover. Clelia was extremely pleased with her proposition, but desired to be satisfied how that could be, since he neither knew her, and was so desperately engaged with the new Charms of Bracilla: That Bracilla( return'd Ceromella) you must personate, if you design to be happy, and you must in your Embraces as much as may be, act the Maid, your Stature and hers agree, and your Face is only different from hers, being infinitely more Charming and Beautiful. You must be cautious of speaking aloud, unless you can imitate her Voice, and never permit him to stay till Day, or let him see you by Candle light; make him undress himself in your Anti-chamber, and come to you in the Dark. And be very coy till he presents you with the price of his happiness in a Purse of Gold. Never ( return'd Clelia) will I be mercenary to the Man I love especially. Then never must you be happy in him ( replied Coromella) For that is the condition on which we have agreed, but you shall not need to be mercenary, let me have the Money for my care to serve you both, he will have no cause to complain, since I do him no wrong, but put a change upon him much to his advantage if he saw you, and you will meet with the Man you Love, and that full of desire of a starved affection.  
Clelia at last agrees to Coromella's Proposal, and Sets all things in order for the Nights Adventure; she Baths and perfumes her self, and Chamber, to gratify as many Senses as she could for her young amorous Lover.  
In the mean time Coromella finds Montano in the Pit, and tells him, if he will, he may be happy that Night, but that he must submit to the conditions of the bashful Lady that was to make him happy. Any thing( replied Montano) any Conditions the divine Bracila shall impose that are consistant with enjoying her. This he spoken a little too loud, for which she checked him, but he desired her to excuse the sudden transport of his Joy, and desired her to Name her Conditions. No,( said she) not in this place, but retire to the Tavern where we were last Night, and there we'll discourse further on the point. He obeied, and parting from her, passed from one place to another, and at the end of the Act stolen out, and about the middle of the last Act Coromella followed him, and found him with a great deal of Impatience expecting her at the Tavern, where he had provided a Collation, and brought the Guineas with him, to carry to the desired Bracilla, resolving to spend the Night there till the happy Mistress came.  
Coromella being come to him, he presses her to let him know the Conditions of happiness. Sr.( said she) you must not yet think to gratify all your Senses, but must be satisfied, that no part of your feeling shall be denied its Pleasure, for Bracilla is not only a Modest Actress, but stands much on her Reputation, and will not give any young Man as you are a right of keeping her in awe, by being able to tell the World, or her to her face, that you have lain with her, after all her resistance; but that you may know, 'tis her You lie with to Night, buy a pair of Fine Gloves, and present her with 'em, and she'll wear 'em to morrow in the Play when she Acts very well dressed. But you must leave her in two or three hours time, because she must be at home again at her Lodging in some order; and if you think fit to accept these offers and all things else, be in readiness; you may an hour after Play-time go to her, and revel in her Arms till past Twelve; this first time she'll so far indulge you, and in that time my young Lover will not be much grieved to retire to your own Lodging.  
Any Conditions I tell you( replied Montano) of my happiness I ll accept of, and such a Testimony as wearing my Gloves on the Stage will be a sufficient proof that I am not deceived by you, here therefore, go and Buy a pair that may fit and please her. This opportunity pleased Coromella, since she had purchased a pair of the very same make and likeness as Bracila had done for that days Acting, so that she brought them to Montano, and betwixt nine and ten, took Coach for Clelias Lodgings who was in her Night Gown ready for the Bed; when they came, with no fewer wishes, and warm desires than Montano, he having undressed himself and put on a Night Gown, prepared there for him, and paid the Ban'd her Fee, with his Gloves, and Purse of Guinea's, entered the Lists of Love, and soft longing Clelias Chamber. Through the Sashes that partend the two Rooms, there came a gloomy Light, by which he could discover her sitting in a Chair near the Bed side, full of sighs and trembling.  
Montano ran to her with all the eager Raptures of a transported Lover, but she received him not with an equal ardour, only passively suffered his kisses, and at last pushed him from her, and softly ( said to him) Pray, Sir, yet forbear to ruin me, and make not use of my easiness farther than an harmless Visit. He imagined this repulse caused by his not giving her the Purse of Gold, coming therefore to her again, he with his hand, clapped the Purse in her Lap, and found that she had nothing on but her Night-Gown, and that open too before, so that nothing but her shift which was very thin, and fine,( interposed betwixt the most delicious soft flesh in the World and his hand; he soon let fall the Purse, which she immediately conveyed away with one of her hands, whilst he kept his where he had placed the Purse, prest it still closer to his Heaven of Bliss, and at the same time, pressed her pretty Mouth with a thousand Glowing Kisses, which she now received with some more freedom, the better to Act the mercenary part of such a one as she was to represent; with that flung off his Gown, and claps her into his Arms, and removed her from her Chair to the adjacent Bed, and with her tumbled on it: She made some struggling, and with that Art behaved her self so, that his first Enjoyment proved abortive; he accused her of too much Coyness, and then had some time to disrobe her of her Gown which had bead prejudicial to him in his last attempt, and throwing the Bed open, grasped her again with all the Arms of Love, and run over her soft delicious Body with his ravished Heart, from which he had rent all Covering, and discovered a thousand unseen Beauties by that gloomy Light, the Curtains shading nothing but her Face. You may imagine twas not long before he gathered new strength, that again he might die. Tho' twas not without some difficulty he obtained the through possession of the second Bliss; but after that she met him with an equal Fire, and raised his pleasure to that degree, that she was wholly unwilling to part when the hour came, and Coromella summoned him away.  
A Thousand Kisses he gave her at parting, and desired her to wear these Gloves he had laid on her Table for his sake to morrow at the Play, and to permit him sometimes these favours for which he sighed more for after possession, than before. She  told him that if he could untell his Blessing, and not contradict her methods, perhaps he should be happy oftener than he expected; but that if he ever mentioned a word of what had passed betwixt 'em in public, or to her in private in the day time, she must for ever banish him from all hopes of future Pleasure; that she should be obliged to be no civiler to him in public than before, least the World, and Monfredo, especially should take notice of the change, he having always a very regard to her Words and Actions, nay, Looks. But since there was something due to Love and him, she would wear those Gloves according to his desire. He with a thousand submissions and thanks, as well as sighs and Kisses, left her, being again importuned by Coromella to depart.  
There was a Coach prepared for him, and he immediately driven to his Lodging, and slept most profoundly, and waked the next day by Noon with a great deal of satisfaction: He Eat and Drank with an excellent Appitite that day, and from the Tavern, went to the Chocolate-House, and drank some of that Indian Restorative, after the fatigue of Amours; from thence he went to the Play, and getting behind the Scenes, was extremely transported to see those very Gloves as he imagined on Bracilla's Hands, and a thousand Charms more in her Face then ever he had seen before; heightened by frequent Blushes, which seemed to confess the remains of Pleasure, which they enjoyed the Night before in one anothers Arms. All these things concurring so, he could not forbear as she went by him, to catch hold of her Hand, and kiss it, but she only snatched it from him, and with a Countenance betwixt a smile and a frown at him; all things thus conspired to deceive him, and he no longer doubted but that is was her very self he had received such unutterable joys from; repeating therefore his familiarities, she was very rude to him, which checked him so, that for fear of offending her by the breach of her Conditions, so as to be excluded for ever from the dear Embraces he still languished for, he withdrew, and retired to his Lodging, there running over his fore-past Joys, he set himself to Writing on this Subject.  

THE ENJOYMENT OR, Bracillas Heaven.  
LONG had the cruel Fair Bracilla striven  
Against the fierce Attacks of mighty Love;  
Misled by Honour, and affencted famed,  
She fled from solid Bliss, for a mere empty Name.  
This Fantom was the Cause of all my Pain,  
For this alone, I sighed so long in vain;  
till juster Love pitying my hopeless Grief,  
By Gold, and Night brought me a kind Relief.  
Gold to my Arms, give up the glorious prise,  
Whilst Night veiled all the shunned Confession of her Eyes.  
Oh! What a Night was that, ye Powers Divine?  
When I lay close within her Arms, she clasped in mine.  
o'er Loves unbeaten Wilds, I played and ranged.  
Whilst at our Mouths, our wandring Souls w' exchanged.  
Farewell all Mortal Cares, in hast farewell,  
I'm now where boundless Joys, and endless Raptures Dwell.   
CLelia was in the side Box in a Visor, and from thence discovered all that had passed betwixt him and Bracilla, and therefore dispatched a Messenger to him, to let him know that she would speak with him; he was extremely surprised at it and rejoiced, he little expecting so grateful, and sudden a Summons, but with the Messenger took Coach, and arrived at the place where Clelia waited for him undressed, tho not so ready prepared for Love as he found her the Night before, being in a Court with a Maid; and when he came to her, having her Hoods ever her Face, She began to accuse his Indiscretion.  
You are not ( said she softly) a man fit to be trusted with such Favours you aspire to; you cannot better moderate yourself according to those Rules I prescribe. Pardon me, my dear charming Bracilla( replied Montano) and forgive the first transgression I have done, too much transported to see these Gloves, the dear assurance that it was you indeed that gave me all those happy Joys last Night, but for the future, I'll be more cautious, and will not trust myself so far as to venture behind the Scenes, for fear I should commit some other Offence; therefore my Charming dear Bracilla, forgive this one, this little Fault.  
Well, if you'l swear ( raplyed Clelia) that you'l never more come behind the Scenes, nor speak to me in the Day time, I'll admit you to pled for your self, and if I like your Arguments, perhaps may forgive you, at least after I have two or three Nights experienced you fidelity and obedience to my Commands.  
This is no proper place ( said Montano) for me to express my Repentance; Passengers came too often by us, and may o'er hear us, if you will but step with me into the Coach, there may you hear me better. Well ( replied Clelia) on Condition that you'l use no other argument but words, I'll venture myself with you, but I'll sand my Maid home to make my Chamber ready for me to go to Bed, having had so ill rest last Night; having dispatched her Maid, she went with him into the Coach, and when they were in, and the Coach-man asked whether he must drive, he whispered her, and  told her, 'twould be better the Coach should be in motion, and that she should direct it to what place she pleased, she yielded to it, being as willing to have his company as he hers; she therefore ordered it to drive slowly on toward such a place, naming that where her Lodging was, and that not very far from that place,  
In the Coach Montano pleaded so well, that she could not find in her heart to Act a part so disagreeable to her as anger any longer, which made him Embrace and Kiss her a hundred times. Hold ( said she) you are already breaking Articles, and employ more in that behalf than Words, contrary to the Conditions of Agreement. You wrong me, Madam ( replied he) those Conditions were only of force, till I had sufficiently convinced you of my Repentance, which you having allowed all acts now lawful for me. I must confess ( said she) I should have extended my Considerations, but I did not expect you would make so good a defence as to gain your Cause in so short a time; but it being sufficient to have obtained my Pardon this time, methinks you should not presume to ask any new Favours of me till I think fit to bestow ' em. But Montano would not be answered, nor put off to leave her without her permission and leave to follow her up to her Lodging; after she was in, which she at last consulted to, and so lead her to the door, discharged the Coach-man, and retired a little while, till he thought she might have prepared things for their dark and secret Interveiw.  
Knocking at last gently at the Door, she was conducted up to the Anti-Chamber where he had been before, and there found Night-Cap, Gown, and all things in order, and so he disrobed himself, and sa●e a little while there till the Maid came out with the Candle from her Mistress, and passed by and left him under Lock and Key, to inform him he should fear no disturbance from that side. But he was a little disturbed, when trying to open the Sash Doors that went into Clelias Chamber, he could not do it, knocking therefore, the Maid returned with a Light and opened it, and as soon as he was entered fastened it again, and then left the Candle in the Anti-Chamber at a distance from the Sashes.  
When he was entered, he found by the gloomy Light, that Clelia was seated at a Table with her Hood o'er her Face, and on the Table a pretty Collation for two, with Wine and some other liquours.  
Ah! Madam ( said he) what do you prepare such a Feast as this for me, I hope to feed on a more delicious Collation than this, your fair Self I mean; dressed by Love with all the delights of Hearts. Is not once enough ( replied she) to be wicked, but that you must still desire to repeat it? 'Twould be a folly and wickedness too, ( said he) should I fall on these trifles, and neglect so divine a Banquet as Love presents me in thy soft tender Arms; on this, this dear, this melting panting Bosom; with that he pressed her so close to him, that she perceived he was too well stored with Love to be delayed, she therefore, as she did with little struggling, permit her self to be born to the Bed, and patiently received all the kind Transports of so dear a Lover.  
But having baited at Heaven a while, he then began to parley with the Charming Cause of all his Raptures, and after an hour spent in Bed, yield to her commands of rising with her, and refreshing themselves with the Collation she had prepared, which was of such a Composition, that little of that Night was lost in Idle talk, and the day coming on, before they were awake the Maid stolen in, and waked her Mistress, who finding him fast asleep, stepped out of Bed, and got into her Closet, whilst the Maid waked him, and  told him he must make hast away, day being broken, and 'twould be scandalous for a man to be found here when the House was up; That his Mistress was gone home a pretty while since. What without taking leave of me ( said he) without one parting kiss. Well, I'll revenge myself on her lovely lips when next she makes me haypy.  
In this manner they past many Nights with Joy and all the ecstasies of Love, whilst she enjoyed the Man she loved, and he the Woman as he thought he doted on. But at last, being very uneasy to be always thus kept from the sight of her, and obliged to lose half the Pleasure of Enjoyment, he was resolved to stay till Day and not part with her till he had seen her in an ecstasy by Day light. But when he found it was not Bracilla, who had thus entertained him; spite of the Pleasures she had given him, and all her real Charms, he scarce used her civilly, and swore revenge on Coromella for abusing his Love, and cheating him of his Money; unless she out of hand, put him into possession of the true Bracilla, for whom he was now more desirous of than ever, immagining she must needs afford a thousand times more Transporting Pleasures, since imagination alone with Clelia had done such mighty wonders.  
Your fifty Guineas, Sir, ( said Clelia, all in Tears) tho' I had 'em not, yet I'll restore you, for I was never Mercenary, but the Gloves I'll keep for your dear sake, and wish Bracilla loved you more than I. Pardon me, Madam, ( return'd Montano) I desire no such matter, but let her that has got them keep them, provided she make me happy in Bracilla's Arms; and Madam, I hope you'll pardon the rude Words, my disappointed Passion made me speak; and tho' I cannot serve you after this knowledge of my mistake, without an Injury to my Love; I hope you will excuse me if I never see you more.  
With this he left her, and coming to the Play that Night to meet with Coromella, he found her not there, for Clelia had se●●● her, and informed her what had happened, so that in a great rage h● retired to his Lodging, and with a 〈…〉 ●nd Imprecations on the Baw'd 〈…〉 ●ad abused his Confidence in 〈◇〉 He saw Bracilla that Night on the St●ge, more Charming than ever in his Eye, and so raves more than ever for posse●sing her.  
Being come to his Lodging, there met him at the Door, a Messenger with a Letter from Coromella, and his fifty Guineas. In the Letter she excused her self for complying with the Desires of a poor Lady, that was as much Perishing for him as he for Bracilla; and that he could not in justice hope for success with her, if he either persisted to be angry with her, who by his deceit had so well amused him with a fancied, if not a real happiness. That however since the Secret was now discovered, she would still put him into possession of Bracilla's Person; that is, she would convey her where it should be in his power, if he would, to convey her away to such a place, where force and persuasion, and many mixed together, might make him happy; that there was no other way of dealing with her; That therefore he should be at such a place by such a time the next Day, and there he should find Bracilla unattended, and then he might force her into the Coach, and make it drive away whether he pleased.  
This Letter calmed him extremely, and he then began to entertain some hopes, since there was no way of putting a Cheat on him by Day light; he therefore sent a very obliging Answer, and ten Guineas of the Money back to her by the Bearer, but with a very strict Charge not to fail him at her Peril.  
The Lover was at the place with his Coach before the appointed Hour, and soon saw Bracilla coming all alone towards it; as soon as she came near him, he jumped out of the Coach, and caught her in his Arms, and bore her away into the Coach, struggling, and screaming; the Coachman soon fastened up the Door, and began to drive away as if the Devil were in him, but by her Screams which he in vain endeavours to stop with his Kisses; the mob took the Alarm, and soon stopped the Coach, and delivered the distressed dansel from him, and he with some difficulty made his escape from them.  
Enraged at this ill success, he sought out the Count de la Lune, and Gerardo, and informed them of all that had passed both as to his Natural Intrigue with Clelia, and this last Adventure with Bracilla, asked their Advice what was to be done, for he was now become desperate.  
If Bawds begin to fail even with Players ( said Gerardo) I know not what help to give you, unless the Expedient of a certain French Lover may do. What is that ( said Montano) pray let's have it, for perhaps it may furnish us with some expedient or other of Relief. Oh! a certain one ( replied Gerardo, but 'tis like desperate Remedies, 'twill Kill or Cure. Prithee ( said Montano) torture me not with Delays, but begin your Account.  
Why then 'tis thus ( replied Gerardo) A Young Gentleman at Paris was two Years desperately in Love with a Lady of that City; his long sufferings, fidelity, addresses, sighs, complaints, and all the other efforts of Love were all unprofitable: At last being one happy Day all alone with her in her Closet, he declared to her, that since he had found that there was nothing that could touch her hard Heart with any tenderness for him, he w●s now resolved to die; That till this time he had used a Language common to all Lovers, but that now he would speak one peculiar to himself; And that you may, Madam,( said he to her) not lose the full satisfaction of my Death, and have the pleasure of seeing me die by degrees; I will Perish by Famine, tho' in your Closet.  
Speaking these words, he flung himself down on the floor, to begin immediately to die that very moment. The Lady that thought he only did it to mock her, let him alone, not doubting but that he would in a quarter of an Hour get up again. But the Evening came, the Night followed, and he still lay along on the floor of the Closet; then she asked him if he were not a Fool or Mad-man? and whether he intended to pass the Night there? He answered not a word, and so the Lady retired.  
The Night being passed, Early in the Morning the Lady returned again, and desired him to come to his Senses, he only said to her, Madam, I shall have the honour of speaking my last dying words to you. Then casting a languishing look towards her, with a deep sigh, he turned away his Head from her.  
The third day the Lady more embarass'd and troubled than ever, brings him some warm Broth, but 'tis inexpressible with what a disdain he looked upon it, his scorn of all relief, but for her, Love appeared in his Face and Eyes.  
The fourth Day the Lady began to make Reflections with her self of the Scandal that she should incur. A Man dead in my Closet( said she) dead by despair! dead by Famine! Alas! I 'm undone! What a noise will this make in the World? Which will never believe the truth of the matter, but make a thousand Scandalous Jests on the unhappy Accident. She was nearly touched with so considerable an Evidence of so extraordinary a Passion; and I believe that had as great an influence upon her as the fear of the Scandal. After therefore she had again endeavoured by persuasions to get him out of her Closet, to no purpose; ( she said to him) Sir, since all the good reasons I have weighed to you, will not make you comply with me, to hasten and forsake the place; since I find you will rather die here, if you will but retire from hence you shall possess whatever you please.  
The poor dying Lover, turned his Eyes full of languishments towards her, and asks her whether he rightly understood her, or whether it were some light headed fancy, arising from his sickly and dying Condition; but when she confirmed to him what she had said, fresh Life came into him immediately, and strange and wonderful strength and vivacity, that enabled him to p●ss●ss his Wishes before he left the Closet. The Lady had reason to entertain a good Opinion of her Charms, that could thus recall the Dead to Life.  
Now Montano( concluded Gerardo) if you can unde●go this Expedient, you may perh●ps be as successful. No, no, ( said the Count) the Reputation of a Player is not stro g enough to make her yield in the same manner, for she would rather Glory in it than be afraid of the Scandal. You are in an Error, my Lord, ( replied Gerardo) since the fear of being indicted for Murder, would make her supply the defect of the love of her own Reputation. However I would not really advice my Friend to try, but only if he can get such an opportunity of being in a Chamber alone with her, let him employ the persuasive rhetoric of Gold in one hand, and manly Vigour in the other; and I'm persuaded he will not fail. No, no ( said Montano) I know my only Bar to happiness; Monfredo posses her very Soul, and her Interest and Love combining in him; she will not run the risk of offending him, tho' for the saving the Life of the most loving and foolish Doater of Mankind.  
That let methinks ( said Gerardo) should be easily removed, if he be so saucy and insolent as they say he is, and if he will, being the Property of another, interlope in the free Trade, he ought to be punished, or put out of the way a while till you succeed in your Wishes.  
The Company after a little time, broken up, and the Count and Montano were together toward Bracilla's Lodgings, contriving how they should get in to her, and whilst they were walking thereabouts, Monfredo came by, and meeting the Count, a little too familiar, begins to catechize him, and to speak against his Conversation with Montano, who he little thought so near. The Place and Language his Rival used, concurring with the Vehemence of his disappointed Passion, he drew, and in the Encounter ran Monfredo through: He made his Escape, but the Count was taken, and upon a trial for the Fact, is cleared of it by vast odds of his Peers, Monfredo Dying the next Day.  
Montano in a little time got safe out of the Nation, but whether this fatal Love expired with this Tragedy or no, I am to seek.  
FINIS.