man courting a woman, surrounded by three cherubs 
Burnford sc.    

THE PASTIME ROYAL; OR, THE GALLANTRIES OF THE FRENCH COURT.  
In Two Parts.  
By a Person of Quality  
LONDON, Printed by J Harefinch for Henry Rodes, next door to the Bear Tavern, near Bride-lane, in Fleetstreet, 1682.   

THE PASTIME ROYAL, OR THE AMOURS OF THE duchess of Fontagne.  
PART I.  
THO' there is Glory to be acquired in a Military Employment, it must be confessed, that the Perils are very great, and that it is pardonable in a Hero to seek his Repose in Pleasures, after having exposed his Life in Dangers. Let us not then be surprised to see an Alexander make the same Sacrifice to Mars and to Love; and let us not blame a Hercules for that sharing himself equally between those two Divinities, He has found no sweeter Diversion from his Labours, than in the Arms of the fair Sex. If that amorous Passion has been the Character of those demigods, it ought to be of those whom Nature has formed according to their Model; and, as there are none who represent to us a more perfect Copy of them then the French Monarch, we ought not to wonder to see him have their propensity and inclinations.  
Before I speak of the Person who is at present his Delight, it is fit I should tell how the Place She possesses became vacant, and by what Accident the Royal sceptre has changed hands. You must know then that Madam de Montespan being one of the most beautiful and wittiest Women of the Sex, it is no wonder that she for so long a time was His Majestie's only Mistris; and indeed, we may say that she was more indebted to her Wit than her Beauty for that high degree of Preferment she arrived at; for her Humour is such as is requisite in a Court, she knows how to feign and dissemble, and the great Correspondences she has ever kept, and which she still at present entertains with the greatest Wits of other Kingdoms, are so evident proofs thereof, that they are not to be contradicted.  
It was by the means of this marvelous Genius that she became the King's Mistris, and that she has so well known how to manage His Passion, that she enjoyed and kept him to her self, and gave the exclusive to the Lady who had his first Inclinations; insomuch that she no sooner saw her self arrived at that high degree of Honour, than that she made use of all manner of Artifices to maintain her self therein; put in practise all her stratagems and Charms, and without doubt, she would have maintained her point, if that Discord, which almost concerns itself in all things, had not troubled, by an Adventure I will tell you, so perfect a correspondence.  
Tho' Madam de Montispan did make it her study during her good Fortune, to procure all those to be her Friends, who were in a capacity of doing her hurt, yet some words which ●he did not bear with as she might have done, raised her ve●y considerable Enemies, and those too of the highest Quality: She know very well the ●ll consequence of some slanderous words which she had in●ormed the King of, by way of demanding Justice; she was unwilling to have been so sensibly concerned, but all too late, the mischief was not to be remedied, by reason the Punishment followed so closely the pretended Crime, that it was impossible for her to moderate the Business. As the greatest mischief her Enemies could do her was to set her at odds with the King, they did all that was possible to persuade him that there was an extreme difference between the excessive Love he had for that Creature, and the small returns she made appear upon all occasions. This was a very nice point to meddle with, but the Persons who managed it had not only the King's Ear, but went likewise so cunningly to work, that their Design could not be discovered, nor their Cunning any way suspected: And that they might the better bring their enterprise to pass, they represented to the King the little deference that Madam de Montespan had had in such and such Occasions, and seemed to make their report with so much unconcern, that the King being of quick apprehension, could hardly stem the To rent of Passion that endeavoured to hurry him away.  
Yet all these words having made but a slight Impression upon his Mind, it was thought necessary for the convincing him, to show him something real, that might undeceive him of the Esteem he had conceived for Madam de Montespan. The Treachery of a Woman furnished them with the means; this Maid being of their Cabal, put into their hands a Letter of Madam de Montespan's, but as they could not have made use of it according to their Minds, if they had left it in its purity, they falsified it, and had such good success in their ill Design, that the addition of some few words, caused an equivocation very disadvantageous for her, who had never had any such thoughts. The Letter was given the King, as a thing found by chance; He red it, and could not perceive the difference of the hand, so well was it counterfeited; the true meaning of the Equivocation came immediately into his mind, and the amazement it put him in, did not permit him to delay any longer the informing himself thereof. Wherefore he went immediately to Madam de Montespan's Apartment, and found her in her Closet, reading a New Romance. Ah! How Madam! said he to her, with something a scornful Air, Do you still spend your time in such Trifles? It is true, replied she, that in the bottom there is nothing solid in them; and I confess that they are only the Dreams and Visions of others, which give us joy or cause sadness; however, I am still so weak as to let myself be seduced by them, and I was not able to see the infidelity of a mistress he speaks of, without bewailing the Misfortune of her Lover. I am amazed, said the King, you should be so concerned at so common a thing, seeing there is nothing more frequent than the ●nconstancy of your Sex. He continued the Discourse upon this Subject, and urged it so far, that Madam de Monstespan not knowing whither it tended,  told him; Alas, Sire! 'tis not for a Person of your circumstances to have any such fear, tho' you had even to do with the most inconstant of our Sex, and those men whose particular Merit is as illustrious as yours, are above all Suspicions. Hitherto, replied the King, I had flattered myself with being so, but we often deceive ourselves, and such as judge only by appearances, are very subject to be mistaken. These kind of Expressions which the King made use of, put Madam de Monstespan into an unspeakable perplexity, she was only culpable in the stratagems of her Enemies, and not being able to reproach her self with any thing in particular, she only answered these words by testimonies of an extraordinary Affection; She put in practise all that the most passionate Love could inspire her with, and the Tears which attended all her Transports, moved the Heart of that irritated Lover. The King is as sensible and good natured as is possible for a man to be, to the grief of what he loves, wherefore he could not resolve to make that inquiry that he desired, what he saw persuaded him of the contrary, and he contented himself with slipping the Letter into Madam de Monstespan's pocket, and then withdrew.  
The King was hardly gone away, when that Madam de Monstespan drawing out her Handkerchief to wipe off the Tears that Love had made her  shed, saw the fatal Letter fall at her feet, that was the cause of her trouble, unknown to her. She took it up, opened it, red it, and immediately perceived therein the Artifice of her Enemies. As it was of the utmost importance for her to rid the King with the soonest of his first Impressions, she went immediately to him, let him know the addition of some words, and made him confess, that this was what had given occasion to his former Discourse. He comforted her, and promised her he would take no notice of all the Reports that might be made him hereafter, and that they should never destroy, by ridiculous and illgrounded fears, the Affection he had vowed to her, and that as to this she might entirely rely upon his word. Ah, Sire! said she to him weeping, if your Majesty suffers backbiting to come so near the Throne, it is to be feared, that it will not spare in the sequel your Person, though Sacred, and that it will violate what is most holy. Live you in repose, said the King, I will remedy that. Great pains were taken to discover the Author of the Tragedy; the Letter was put into the King's hands by a Person that was not at all to be suspected, and who indeed was not guilty. The Sentiments were entirely divided; some attributed this contrivance to Valiere, ●aying, that in the midst of the Cloister she was amorously incli●ed, and that as she ever had a passionate love for the King, jea●ousie might have suggested her with that Design. Others more ●dvised, cast all the Intrigue upon one of the Queens Ladies, who, being her Majesties Confident, had thought without doubt to have rendered her a good Service, in procuring, by that Artifice, the removal of her Rival. Be it as it will, the King judged better thereof than all the others, saying that Lazrun had a hand in that Affair, not that he thought that was really the Party, that being morally impossible, seeing he was then a Prisoner, but he intimated thereby, that the Persons who have always interested themselves for him, had contrived this Plot. Every Body did not comprehend the Consequence of these words, but those that knew that the Count's Disgrace proceeded only from speaking ill of Madam de Monstespan, understood it immediately.  
It seemed that after the Protestations which followed the Reconciliation of our Lovers, never any change could be expected; but the sequel has let us know, that there is nothing certain in this World, and that at Court the highest Places are ever most slippery. Indifference has insensibly succeeded to Love, and that Passion which was so great in the King in regard of Madam de Monstespan, became languishing by degrees, and at length expired. We may say, that never any mistress knew so well how to revive a dying Love as she did, she attended it to its Tomb, and, it may be said, that it was in her Arms that it gave the last gasp. As soon as she perceived that she was to quit her Post, she meditated her retreat, but a glorious Retreat, and such an one as may be imagined of so sage and prudent a Person as she was. Those who only judge of things by themselves, without making a just Application, thought at first that she would go augment the number of the Nuns of Font-Evrault, it seemed as if the frequent Journeys she had taken thither, had been only to choose her Place; But they were mistaken, and the Design she had was much more conformable to Reason and common sense. She no sooner saw the Game at an end, and the Stakes lost, than that she withdrew, but after such a manner, as that she lost nothing but what she could not keep; far from removing from Court, after the Example of the mistress who had preceded her, she remained there, saw all Companies, and has still a share in all the Intrigues of the Cabinet. All the Sages have found this farewell much more prudent than that of Valiere, and have reason to believe, that as this Maid was passionately in Love with the King, the Retreat she made was rather an effect of Despair, than any real motion of Devotion. Be it as it will, her Conduct was something precipitated, and perhaps, that without the Pride that is taken in sticking close to what we have undertaken, she would have corrected the fault she committed, at the time that she confirmed it by her Engagement.  
Thus is the King without a Mistress; that is to say, in a state of widowhood, which suits but ill with his humour; but, do not expect he will remain so long, since that a Man of his make, tho he had neither sceptre nor Crown, would not fail of making great Conquests. Love would have thought it a Crime, to have left such an Hero in Idleness, whose least Actions are illustrious, quickly pointed him to her whom he designed him: It was Mademoiselle de Fontange, a Maid as young, beautiful, and lovely, as was possible to be, and all whose Manners are so engaging, that let her speak with never so much Indifference, she seems to demand all a mans heart. The first News she learnt of the beginning of her good Fortune, was brought her by Madam D. C. M. who is a Lady of an excellent Wit, and knows how honourable it is to be useful in the Amours of our Sovereign. The suspicion she had of the King's Affections, was founded upon that in a circled of Persons of the highest Rank, where she made Figure. He inquired, with an extraordinary Curiosity, of the particular Merits of Mademoiselle de Fontange. He took an extreme delight in hearing her well spoken of; and the heart, which brings, sometimes, the most hidden Sentiments to the Lips, caused a word to slip from him, which made known to the Understanding, the Inclination he had for that young Lady. Certainly, said the King, so beautiful and witty a person, is worthy of a considerable Heart; and I am not at all surprised, that she has so many Adorers. Ah! Sir, replied Madam D. L. M. she has a defect, she is haughty and cruel in the highest degree; we may say, that all the Lovers have lost their time with her, and that it was more their Passion than her Cares, that engaged them to her Person. It is the duty, said the King, of so perfect a Maid as you describe her to be, to despise all common addresses. The Conversation ended, and the King retired, with a design of seeing and speaking, as soon as possible, to her who began to possess his Inclinations.  
Never did News cause so many Transports of Joy, as that, which acquainted Mademoiselle de Fontange, with the Sentiments the King had for her person. She remained almost a quarter of an hour without being able to give any Answer to Madam C. D. M. who brought her word thereof; insomuch, that this Lady being surprised at her Silence, and taking it for a mark of Indifference or Insensibility,  told her, Ah! How Mademoiselle, the King in Love with you, and you not sensible? Ah! replied Mademoiselle de Fontange, giving a Sigh from the bottom of her heart, I am, and more than you can imagine. And indeed, the Sequel did sufficiently make known the Truth hereof; for, the excess of her Joy being extraordinary, she fell into a Swoon, wherein, losing the use of Speech, she only answered by languishing Looks and Sighs, which the most tender Love drew from her Heart. as soon as she was recovered from that Trance, she informed her self more particularly of what the King had said. Madam L. M. acquainted her with the least Circumstances, and  told her what course she was to take, to manage that beginning of good Fortune. Know, continued she, that all depends on the first Paces you make, and that they only can assure you of an advantageous Success: Experience has given me some little knowledge in these kind of Affairs, wherefore, if you'l follow my Advice, when you're with the King, you should use all your Arts before you engage, accompany all your words with a wise and modest Air, that has nothing of the liberty of Coquettes; a little Haughtiness mingled with Sweetness, if you manage it right, cannot but produce a good Effect. For, you must know that there are those, who, yielding too easily, have lost their Fortune. Mademoiselle du Sudre, pursued she, may serve you for an Example; Her Happiness was so short, that One day begun it, and the following ended it; Her something too hasty Complaisance spoyled all, and to be too quickly happy, she became unhappy in a moment. It is however very difficult, said Mademoiselle de Fontagne, to have a fervent Love and not tell it, when the Object we cherish does earnestly require it of Us, and I have ever heard, that the King, in point of Love, is an Enemy of delays, that he is extremely impatient, and that if from the first Overture He makes they let him not know the Affection they have for him, he grows weary, is disquieted, and pays his Vows elsewhere, and how wretched are those Women who expose themselves to this Misfortune by their Conduct. You are in the right, replied M. D. L. M. and to secure the Success of an Affair, you must always avoid the two Extremities; there is a certain medium in all things, from which we cannot vary, without taking a wrong bias; that is my Sentiment, and the Example I have proposed to you ought to serve you for a Rule.  
In the mean time, the King was not idle, his Thoughts were only on his fair One, the desire of enjoying her very suddenly made him seek with extraordinary care for an occasion to speak to her. He was two dayes without being able to find it favourable enough to say to her any thing in particular; He almost daily saw her, sometimes at the Queens, and sometimes at Madam's, and the more he saw her, the more he was in love; He thought those two dayes lasted an Age, and the Impatience he was in made him consult the Duke de S. Aignan about the means of entertaining the Person alone, for whom he had conceived so much Affection. The Duke was overjoyed that the King made him his Confident in his new Inclinations, as he had done in his former; He goes, seeks, and makes such Enquiry, that he learns that Mademoiselle de Fontange was to be the next day at the Thuilleries with Madam D. L. M. He acquainted the King therewith, who went thither, and found the Occasion as favourable as he could desire. He had a long Conference with that fair One, wherein her Looks spake more than her Words, because, that according to the Counsel that had been given her, she accompanied all her Discourses with so much Modesty, that the King could not forbear reproaching her with her Insensibility: Her only Defence from this Reproach was, the Esteem she had for His Majesty. Ah! Heavens, replied the King, Esteem is a thing which does not satisfy me when it comes all alone, it is the Heart I aim at▪ and as long as you shall refuse me your Affection, I shall think myself unhappy. Ah! how, pursued he, are you displeased at my telling you, that your Merit forces me to live only for your sake, and, if you think fit, you may find in loving me, all the Sweets that can be hoped for from the most sincere Correspondence? Ah, Sire! said Mademoiselle de Fontange, not being able to lose the remembrance of what you are, and of what I am, give me leave to tell you, that there is little probability that your Majesty speaks seriously. What must I do then, replied the King, to justify to you the sincerity of my Intentions? Is it that these words are not expressive enough, I love you? Ah! they are but too expressive, said our fair one, giving a great Sigh, they are but too sufficient to make a Heart suffer that is sensible to love. She said this with so perplexed an Air, that this Trouble quiter charmed the King, and we may say, that her Bashfulness was at that time wonderfully advantageous to her, by reason that her blushing giving a new Vivacity to her Complexion, she appeared in the King's eyes to be the most beautiful and lovely Person he had ever seen. They partend, and the King  told her at his taking leave, I perceive, Mademoiselle, that your Modesty has hindered your Love from saying all it thought; I desire it may express itself with more liberty upon Paper, and I expect a Letter from you. At his going from the Thuilleries, Mr. de Louvois coming to his Majesty, to communicate to him some Affairs, the King  told him, in speaking of Mademoiselle de Fontange, that he had never seen a more haughty Maid, and whose Virtue was more difficult to be shaken. Mr. de Louvois knowing whom the King meant, said to him, Ah! How Sire! Is there a Woman that can resist your Majesty? Yes, without doubt, replied he, but I am also in hopes, that when Love has once made himself Master of that Heart that has so long opposed him, and not being sure to return when he had a mind, he will not easily abandon the place.  
In the mean while, Mademoiselle de Fontagne gave a faithful Account of what passed, to Madam D. L. M. It is at present, said she to her, that you must pursue your point; you are in danger of losing all by a delay, and it is time to glow-worm yourself, wherefore writ to the King such a Letter as Love shall inspire you with; which she did immediately, and conceived it in these terms.  
SIRE,  
NOtwithstanding the small proportion there is between such a Prince as you, and a Maid like me, ought to oblige me to take your Majesties Discourse rather for a Gallantry than a sincere Declaration, yet, if it is true, that real Lovers know by seeing one another what passes most secret in their Hearts; it would be in vain for me to conceal from you any longer my Sentiments. Yes, Sire, I confess, that the merit alone of your Person had already disposed of my Heart, before that your Majesty declared to me his Inclinations; Pardon me if I have striven against this Passion ever since it begun to bud, it was not out of any repugnance I had to cherish what appears to me so lovely, but rather out of the fear I had that my Eyes or my Action would, unknown to my Heart, acquaint you with the Effect your Charms have had upon it. Judge, Sire, of the Disposition I am in, by so ingenious a Confession of my weakness.  
I shall not tell you who it was that carried this Letter, Be it as it will, the King received it, and it is difficult to find terms to express his Joy; He repeated several times these last words, Judge of the disposition of my Heart, by so ingenious a confession of my weakness. In a word, he is charmed, and would willingly have an opportunity of laying himself at his Mistresses feet, to thank her, as became him, for the tender marks of her Love. The King was in these transports of Joy when the Duke de S. Aignan came in; any other Person would have been troublesone at that moment: the King was very glad to see him; his whole Discourse to him was, only of the engaging Qualities of Mademoiselle de Fontange; the Duke, who knows how to make his Court better than any man whatsoever, assured the King that he could not place his Affections better; that nothing could be more just than the choice he had made, and that in all his Court there was not a Woman of a more evident merit. The King was overjoyed to see that his Choice was thus approved of, he enlarged in Commendation of his Mistress: No, said he to the Duke, never was there a finer shape, the lovelyest Eyes that ever were seen; her Mouth is small, and of a vermilion Colour; but what charms me most, is a certain, sweet, and modest Air, that has nothing savage, nor too free. The Duke did not fail to amplify still upon all that the King had said; and he carried his Complaisance so far, that it would have been difficult to have added any thing to so complete a Picture. Wherefore, no mystery was made of the Kings Passion: There was only Mademoiselle de Fontange, who desired that His Majesty would keep it as secret as might be; but this was a demand to no purpose: And in a particular Conversation he had with her the day after that he received the Letter, he removed all her Fears, and made her resolve to depart on the Morrow with him, for Versailles. Never did he appear better satisfied, than when he had procured his Goddesses Consent for her departure. It was in this amorous Meeting that our Lovers interchanged Vows of an eternal. Affection; and Mademoiselle de Fontange's Entertainment was so sweet and charming to the King, that as long as it lasted, he was wholly taken up with renewing to that lovely Person, all the Protestations of the most passionate Love. They partend; and that fair one bidding a tender adieu with her Eyes to her Lover, left him the most amorous of all men.  
Before the King's Departure for Versailles, he sent Mademoiselle de Fontange, a Habit of immense Riches, and the Lustre of the Garniture that attended it, could not be sufficiently admired. She received it, and departed presently after, with his Majesty, who gave all the usual Divertisements to the Ladies of the Court; yet reserving one in particular, for his lovely Mistress. It was on a Thursday, in the Afternoon, that that place of Importance, after having been viewed, was attacked in the forms; the Trench was opened, the Out-works taken in and at length, after much sweeting, Fatigues, and Blood-shed, the King entred therein victorious. We may say, that never did Gonquest put him to so much trouble; for my part, though I believe him very valiant, this does not at all surprise me, because, if it is permitted us to judge of the nature of a Place by the Out-works, the entrance therein must needs be very difficult. Be it as it will, that day was spent to the satisfaction of our two Lovers; there were a great many Tears  shed on one side, and never did a dying Virginity give sweeter Sighs. This Feast was followed for a Week together, with all manner of plays and Divertisements; Dancing was not forgotten, and Mademoiselle de Fontange did wonders therein, and distinguished her self from all the rest; the Duke of S. Aignan being at the King's Levy on the morrow after the Nuptials; As soon as the King perceived him, he smiled, and causing him to come to him, he acquainted him with the Success of his Amours. He  told him, that he had never been more in love, and  told him, that, according to the appearances, he should never change his Inclinations. The Duke followed the King to his new Mistresses Apartment; they found her considering attentively the Tapistries with which her Room was hanged, and which represented his Majesties Victories. The King himself explained to her several Circumstances; and seeing that she took delight therein, he bid the Duke make an extempore Copy of Verses upon that Subject. The Duke of S. Aignan shewed his ingenuity, and was admired for the Vivacity of his Wit, for, in a moment he wrote the following Verses in his Table-Book.  

The Hero's Hero is mentioned in this Story,  
But how, I see not here his last Victory?  
Of all the Feats of that brave conqueror,  
In taking Towns, or bringing Hearts to's lure,  
The greatest, finest, hardest, and most nice,  
Was Coelia's Heart, that is above all price:  
Her Heart he won, that has a thousand times  
braved Love, his Charms, his Laws, and all his Crimes.   
The King being impatient to see what the Duke had written, took his Table-book from him, before he had quiter finished: He red the Verses, and found them very witty; he shewed them to his Mistris, who found them very ingenious, and very gallant: the Duke  told him the thing was imperfect, but the King made answer, that even in its imperfection he found it very agreeable. After this compliment, the Duke withdrew, and left the King with Mademoiselle de Fontange. He spent with her almost all that day, he did not eat in public, and he found more Charms in that Solitude, than he could have met with in the Grandeur of his Court. To tell you in what he employed all this time, would be to penetrate a little too far; however, we have reason to believe that Love was often taken in hand, and made the main Subject of their Conversation, by reason that the next day being designed for hunting, our Fair One was something wearied and fatigued, and desired the King to dispense her from attending him in so painful an Exercise. The King not being able to abandon her, choose rather to defer that Divertisement, than to give it to the other Ladies, and she not share therein. Whereupon that Recreation was put off for three dayes longer, and that interval of time was spent in plays, Balls, and Feasts, wherein the King's Address and Magnificence was abundantly manifested.  
That day being come she had a rest on of a considerable Value, and upon her head she had the finest plume of Feathers that could be found; it seemed so good an Air she had in that dress, that she could not have put on one that could have been more to her advantage. The fear her Lover was in that some Accident might happen in that Course to this new Huntress, obliged him to stay always by her side; and, after having given her the pleasure of causing the Stag they hunted to pass several times by her side, he strayed with her into the most gloomy and thickest place of the Wood for to give her some refreshment. As it is well known that there are certain Moments wherein Solitude has more Charms than all the Pomps of the Court, the Company left the King and his Mistris to enjoy peaceably the Repose they sought for in a Retreat; and they were much in the right, when they believed that he would prefer that Diversion before the Glory that he might have acquired in hunting. Be it as it will, the Sequel has made appear, that our Lovers did not thus retire to have a Third, Mademoiselle de Fontange having since that day been very much incommoded with qualms, and Pains in her Head, which, being the real symptoms of Breeding, we may believe, without Divination, that the Course was vigorous, and that those Moments of Retreat were not all idly spent. Thus were the Hero's begotten in former times; the Gods found no place more proper for the exercise of their Amours, than the Groves; and we have reason to believe that the Fruit which will arise from this Pastime, will not be the more savage for having had its beginning in the Woods.  
The day after, this party of Divertisement was not equally happy for all the Court, since the King and his Mistris spent it in sadness; that Beauty being sensible of the fatigues of hunting, or, if you will, of the Moments of Retreat, was afflicted with great qualms, and a violent headache; and though her Lover knew that these Indispositions would be of no continuance, yet he seemed as much concerned as if they had been dangerous; He was always with her, and continued to play the Gallant, but the most passionate Gallant in the World; He runs, goes, returns, and seems to die of an ill that seems to touch him only in what he loves: His Mistriss's Sadness made him extremely dejected, but what almost forced Tears from his Eyes, was, that when Mademoiselle de Fontagne was in the height of her pain, she fixing her Eyes upon him, said to him, after a tender and languishing manner, Ah! my dear Prince: Must Pains follow so closely the purest Pleasures? Ah! It is no matter, pursued she, I cherish the Cause of them, and shall love him eternally. At these words the King embraced her; She was upon her Bed, and grasping her the most amorously imaginable, he vowed that he would never have any other Mistris than her, and that in his Life he had never conceived so much love for a Person as he was sensible of for her.  
In the Afternoon our indisposed Lady was something better; she received several Visits; and never was the rest of a day so well employed as that was: the Discourse was generally of News of Gallantry, and of the freshest pieces of Wit; and as every one striven to contribute most to the divertisement of the fair One, M. D. A. who had been a hunting, drew a written Paper out of her Pocket, and red it quickly over, so as that none of the Company could penetrate into the sense of it. It was a Riddle, which she said was fallen by chance into her hands, that she was ignorant of its meaning, but that she did believe that it could not but be noble and lofty, seeing the King was mentioned therein; it was conceived in these terms;  

I am sometimes open, and sometimes I'm shut,  
According as our King does play at put,  
Pains I endure, joys I improve, and give,  
I'm loved by all, or almost all that live;  
When ought does e're my Brother heat and rouse,  
Without respect, he does my Corail touse;  
Pierces my bosom, until him I've drowned,  
And quench those Flames with which he me does wound.  
I am small of Body, but Life I do give,  
The more I am covered, the more Wet I receive,  
I have a tongue in my mouth, and yet cannot speak,  
My Name is too privy for to be known,  
A shade does hinder me from being shown;  
To discover this Secret, alas! you're too weak.   
Before that the Riddle passed from hand to hand, the King would needs red it; and tho▪ he has an infinite deal of Wit, yet he was not at that time quick enough to discover the meaning: His Mistress was more ingenious, and immediately understood the meaning of the person who had composed it; but far from declaring it, she said, to disgust others from a more exact scrutiny, that it did not deserve any farther Explication. This setting one of the Company a thinking, who, reading it over once more, understood the Mystery of it. She had, at that time, more Wit than judgement, for she could not forbear saying aloud, that they ought not to be surprised, if the true sense of the Enigma was so difficult to find out, since the King only had the true Key of it. This word did not produce that Effect which the Lady who had imprudently started it was in hopes of. The King, and all those who composed the circled, easily guessed the Business; Enquiry was made of M. D. A. from whom she had had those Verses; all possible perquisitions were made to find out the Author of them▪ But M. D. A. being innocent of the Stratagem, did easily excuse her self, and said, that she had found it upon her Table at her rising, without knowing from whom nor how it came there. This did not satisfy the King, who would not suffer they should railly what he loved. The Company took leave of Mademoiselle de Fontange, that they might laugh at their ease, and divert themselves with the Riddle, whose pleasantry had so lively shocked that fair One. Some of Madam de Montespan's Friends were suspected of having a hand in this Business, but she justified them all to the King, and made appear, that Hazard often concerns itself in several things which seemed to be executed with Design.  
But let us return to Mademoiselle de Fontange, whom we left with the King, extremely vexed that she had served for a Divertisement to the Company. She declared, that this Adventure did the more nettle her, for that it attacked her where she was most sensible: the King testified no less displeasure at it, but it was only because it troubled his Mistris; for, as for him, we may say, that he is above all those kind of trifles. He both comforted and promised her to make so exact a search, as that he would discover he or she who had the impudence to divert themselves at her cost. This something appeased her, and after some Reflections, she desired him to leave all in silence, without thinking of it any farther. She did prudently, for it was the onely course to stifle the Raillery, and hinder the World from talking. Wherefore our Lovers applied themselves only to pass their time pleasantly, in giving one another all the most tender testimonies of their Love: We may say, that the King has never sh●wn more than he has done to Mademoiselle de Fontange, it is impossible he should be more fervent, and the returns that fair One makes him of her Affection, cannot be more passionate: which she made particularly appear, when that, being at Paris, she received news from S. Germain, that the King, who often makes Hunting one of his Recreations, and who shows himself very vigorous therein, had run great danger in the pursuit of a Wild Boar, that his Horse had been wounded by that Beast, and that without the particular force and address of his Majesty, he would hardly have escaped the peril: this News was communicated to her by a Gentleman of the Princess of Epinoy, who was present at that time. Mademoiselle de Fontange was almost as much concerned, as if the Mischief had effectively happened, she fell into the greatest sadness imaginable, and sent that same day this Letter to the King.  
I Cannot( my dear Prince) express to you the Agony I am in. Can I learn from all parts the little care you take of your Preservation, without trembling? In the name of God, be more sparing of a Life that is more dear to me than my own, if you intend to find me alive at your return: Eh how! Is not your Courage sufficiently known, as well as your Address, that you must needs expose your Life thus to new Dangers? Can you find any Diversion from the Fatigues of War, in so painful and so perilous an Exercise? Ah! I tremble for fear: Pardon, my dear Prince, these reproaches, to the fervency of my Passion, and return if you love, and have a mind to disperse the Fears of her who cherishes you so tenderly.  
It is easy to perceive, that Study has less share in this Letter than the Heart. We discover at first that it is that which speaks, and it would be difficult to make it speak more tenderly. It was red by the King, with such transports of Joy as are difficult to be expressed; He kissed it a thousand times, and sent immediately an Express to his Mistress with this Answer.  
NO, my dear child, be not afraid, the danger is over, and I will only preserve myself for thy sake. I confess, I am not excusable, for having sought for pleasure in Exercises wherein you had no share, but pardon those moments which I have given to the desire of glory, and I am coming to spend whole dayes in telling you that I love you. Ah! how sweet are only the thoughts of it, when we love so charming a Child, and that We are certain of being beloved.  
The King quickly followed this Letter, and departed from Versailles the day after it was sent, for to go comfort his Miststris. Ah! how happy am I, my dear Prince, said she to him, accosting him with an engaging Air, to see thee thus returned? Ah! how difficult a thing it is to support the absence of what we love. I have found that to be true, my dear child, said the King, embracing her, and it is only the extreme love I have for you that has recalled me so soon, and that would not permit me to live a moment without you. This Interview was accompanied with as many testimonies of Joy, as if it had been the first. Our Lovers thought they could never see one another sufficiently, and the Pleasures which followed these Transports, were enjoyed by them both in all their extent. Yes, we may say, that it was in all their Extent, since, the Night after the King's arrival from Verfailles, was too short for Mars and for Venus, the day following shared part of their Raptures, and the disgust which so closely follow the purest Contentments, durst not trouble the sweet Pastime of that Monarch.  
It was in those sweet moments, that Mademoiselle de Fontange obtained M. de— pardon of the King, tho' it had been to no purpose, desired of him by several Princes; He granted her a considerable Pension, in favour of a young Lady, a Friend of hers, and the Abbey of Chelles, which was bestowed upon her Sister, was likewise an effect of his Liberality: So true is it, that we have no longer any thing dear to us, after we have once given our heart. This new Abbess was consecrated with an extraordinaay Pomp and Magnificence; it was sufficient that she was the King's Mistress's Sister. That nothing might be wanting to the Ceremony, she was likewise honoured by a great number of Bishops; almost all the Court assisted thereat, and Mademoiselle de Fontange appeared there in such great Splendour, that she drew more Eyes upon her, than there was upon the Person who acted the principal part at that time.  
If all those Graces and Favours we have now mentioned, had been granted to Persons that had been only recommendable by their particular Merit, they might have been subject to changes; but all the Requests of Mademoiselle de Fontange are made with so much ehoice and discretion, that there is nothing to be feared on that side. If la V. L. R. had used as much Circumspection in all she has exacted from the King, her Uncle would not have become a Miller of a Bishop; the Proverb is something common, but suits well enough with the Subject, and, it is said, that upon his pure and simplo dismission, that Mr. de B. V. V. so worthily fills his place. We may piously believe it, without taking from one Virtue what belongs to another, and give to the Humility of L. B. L. B. what was a mere effect of his Obedience, may be, if he had had as much Happiness as Zeal to appease some light troubles of his Diocese, he would not have tumbled so suddenly from his Grandeur; but the little Success that followed his Endeavours, did not only occasion his Disgrace, but likewise contributed to that of Mr. de Molue. The King let him know his Resentment by a Letter, which he was so silly as to show, wherein, amongst other terms, there was, I understand you make your Breviary your main Business. So true it is, that the Court judges only of the nature of an enterprise by the good or ill Success; and that good Intentions do not always produce good Effects.  
As the country Air does often give a relish to Pleasures, which we should find flat and insipid in the greatest Cities; the King stayed not long at Paris, without meditating his return to Versailles; the truth is, that it is a place filled with Enchantments, since care has been taken to adorn and embellish it. Whereupon all the Court departed for that place of Pleasure; the King renewed there all the Feasts and Divertisements that had been in some manner interrupted by his so precipitated departure: Hunting matches were appointed; the Ladies who usually accompany his Majesty in that Exercise, seemed indefatigable, and shewed therein a great deal of Vigour. Mademoiselle de Fontang's Health was too dear to the King, to permit her to engage, as several other Ladies did in the chase; she had the pleasure thereof without putting her self in danger, and saw from her Coach all that might satisfy her Curiosity. The chase being at an end, the King got from his Horse, went and sate by her in her Coach, and conducted her to her Apartment. She was at that time in the gayest humour imaginable, and said a thousand pleasant things to her Lover, upon the Divertisement one of the Company had given in falling from her Horse. The King laughed hearty, particularly when she said, before several Persons, that the fair Huntress ought to be the more concerned at her Fall, for that the Ladies had not provided themselves with Drawers, as was customary. This gave occasion to Mademoiselle de B. Madam's Maid of Honour, to say, that she should die, if such an Accident had happened to her: I reserve myself, continued she, for more tranquil Divertisements, and I cannot sufficiently admire at those who cannot enjoy Pleasures without running a risk of their Lives; She let slip this word, without taking notice that Madam, who was there present, is one of the most passionate Lovers of that Exercise; and indeed she was much displeased at what had been said. I perceive, said she, addressing her self to her, who would willingly have drawn back her word; that the Pleasures of the Alcove are more acceptable to you than those that require Agitation, lazy and sedentary Divertisements are requisite for those whose weakness does not permit them to take others. The Dauphiness caused the Discourse to change, by talking of a Ball that his Majesty was to give the next day. It was one of the sinest that had been seen; all therein was pompous and magnisicent; the King danced with his usual Address, but what was most surprising, was, that he took out a young Lady twice, and whispered to her some very obliging gallantries. He was the next day at his Mistresses levy, but found her extremely sad and dejected. He declared how much grieved he was to see her in that Condition, and asked her very affectionately, What was the occasion of it. Ah! Sir, said she to him, viewing him with a very languishing Air, If your Person was less lovely, I should be less sad! He perceived that it was jealousy that caused this Disorder, which he was not sorry for; for, when he loves, he is willing to be beloved, and there is nothing which engages him more than those kind of Fears, when they are rightly nicked. He learned from his fair one, that what had passed at the Ball, had somewhat alavmed her, and that it was the only Cause of her being out of humour. He let her see the little Reason she had to be afflicted, assuring her, that he would never love any but her, and that the suspicion she had, was altogether without ground. Eh how! continued he, is it possible that you are so ill acquainted with the Sentiments of my Heart? Should I abandon what I have most dear in the World? Ah! It wrongs my Passion, to have any such Thought; and you cannot think so, without condemning my judgement in the Choice I have made of your Person. No, I tell it you once more, you must not judge of the Love I have for you, by that I have shown others heretofore; you would know the difference, if you were acquainted with your own merits: And be assured, that finding in you alone all that is lovely in all others, I shall never do any thing against my own Interest, my Word, and Inclination. Ah Sir! What pleasure do I not take in your Discourse? And how sweet it is to understand from the Mouth of so lovely a Prince, such tender and obliging words? But likewise, it is difficult to love such a Prince as you, without Fear and Disquiet. No, I cannot possess such a Heart as yours, without apprehending the loss of it: wherefore, excuse my late Sadness, and take advantage of the Joy you have rendered me, by confirming me in the Possession of your Heart. She said these last words in casting her self about the Kings Neck, who could no longer resist her Caresses. He kissed her, embraced her, and after all this toying, they did something that is not fit to be  told.  
Tho' those things that are attended with so violent a Fervency, do not seem that they can be of any long Continuance, we have, however, reason to believe, that as it is the Beauty, Wit, and Merit, of a person altogether charming, that have occasioned this great Intrigue, that it will subsist as long as she shall conserve the same Advantages.  
If we make a just parallel of our Heroine, with the Qualities of those who have precided her in her Employ, we shall find, that without the help of her Beauty, she surpasses them all. Those Courtiers who pretend to be most knowing in the point of Wits, say, that hers cannot be more accomplished, that it has both the Gayness and Lustre of that of Valiere, and the staidness and Solidity of that of Madam de Montespan. If they be not mistaken in the judgement they make, it is credible, that collecting thus in her self, all the Perfections that can render the King amorous, she will ever be beloved, and that as long as she shall know how to manage her Fortune, he will seek out for no other amusement. Mademoiselle de Fontange is good natured, very witty, and as sensible as can be, to two very different Passions, Love and Hatred; insomuch that if she loves with fervency, what her Heart finds agreeable, she hates with no less Excess those she thinks she is despised by. She loves Honour and Glory, and the Title of Mistress does not displease her; She has a great Air of Youth, which renders her altogether lovely; she talks agreeably; but to draw her Picture, in two words, it is sufficient to say, That she is the delight of the nicest of all men, in point of Love; and that she has found the way to engage the greatest and haughtiest of all Hearts.  
The End of the First Part.   

THE PASTIME ROYAL; OR, THE GALLANTRIES OF THE FRENCH COURT.  
The Second Part.  
By a Person of Quality.  
LONDN, Printed by J. H. for Hen. Rodes, next door to the Bear Tavern, near Bride-lane, in Fleetstreet, 1682.   

THE PASTIME ROYAL, OR THE AMOURS OF MADEMOISELLE.  
PART II.  
WIthout doubt, Dear ●●ader, you have heard how that some Years ago, there was great talk of a Match between the Count de Saint Paul, and her Royal Highness Mademoiselle, which gave occasion to several Persons to buzz Reports abroad, as you know is done on such like Occasions, principally by Courtiers, who, as more knowing in such kind of things, speak thereof more boldly and pertinently.  
There was at that same time a very illustrious Company in a certain part of Paris, or elsewhere, I know not certainly the place, but I know very well that the Persons who composed it were intimate Friends of the Count of Lauzun, as you will judge by their Discourses; who, after having long conversed tog●●●er, fell at length upon the Marriage of Mademoiselle; and, after each had spoken his sense thereof, and how little her Royal Highness cared for it, one of the Company addressed himself to the Count of Lauzun, and  told him; And you, Mr. de Lauzun, How comes it that so witty a Man as you forgets himself, in so fair and so noble an Occasion? How, do you believe that this Business does not deserve your Thoughts? You may employ your time much worse. This so unexpected Harangue, did so extremely surprise the Count of Lauzun, that a less Wit than his, would have found it something difficult to have made a Reply. And indeed, after having retreated two or three Steps, How, My Lord, answered he the person who had spoken to him, I? Do you say I have any Thoughts of Mademoiselle? Ha, My Lord, I know that Princess, and I know myself too well, to conceive a Design, the rumour whereof does terrify me, and the Thought of which alone, would render me criminal: I am far from daring only to form such a Design. Why not, replied his Friend? You know that we often lose for want of seeking. What hurt would there be in trying your Fortune? That Princess is not inaccessible, and to you especially; for, we know how much you are in her Favour, and that she even loves your Company, and listens to you more willingly than any other. Thus, what Hurt would there be in feeling her Pulse? Ha! answered the Count of Lauzun, I should not dare to have so much as any such Thoughts; the Answer that I am obliged to make to your obliging Discourses, puts me upon the wrack, so great an Impossibility do I see in what you say. Be pleased however, to think of it, cried then all the Company: We are all your Friends, and we counsel you so to do, by reason, that having so much Wit and Conduct as you have, and enjoying the Kings Ear and Favour as you do, nothing is impossible to you; think of it, if you will follow our Advice, it is for your own good, and we shall be all of us infinitely overjoyed, if you be successful; and we are of Opinion, that this will be your wisest Course. The Count of Lauzun having answered them all as he had done the first, and having excused himself by the strongest and most apparent reasons, that illustrious Company separated. Now, as we naturally love what flatters us, tho' Discretion does not permit us to show it; we often seem to have an Aversion for a thing, and absolutely refuse when we most desire it; and the more a mans Wit is capable of knowing the value and merit of a thing that is proposed to him for his Advancement, the more he finds himself inflamed with a desire of Possession.  
The Count of Lauzun retiring to his House, after having partend from his Friends, where he was no sooner arrived, than that all that Dialogue that had passed about Mademoiselle, returned into his Mind, and what he had rejected as ill through the little Probability he found therein, seemed then to him something less harsh and more easy. And as he has an infinite deal of Wit above what's common, he began not to be altogether in despair; the Truth is, that he saw therein a great deal of Difficulty, but the more difficult the thing appeared, the more it invited his Courage, well knowing, that the greatest Glory does principally attend the greatest Obstacles. On one side he saw one of the greatest Princesses of the Universe, who had despised a great Number of Kings and Sovereigns, as if Nature had not wherewith to offer her a Heart worthy of her. He found in that Princess the haughtiest Humors and the greatest and most elevated Courage that can be imagined; However, he passed over all these Considerations; after having duly weighed them for a Month together, and after having very often lost his Repose, for to apply himself entirely to the great Project he had already made. He acted as those famous Gourages of Antiquity did, who never undertook any thing, but what seemed almost impossible, or at least, very difficult. In short, after having repassed a thousand times an Insinity of Thoughts, which came crowding into his Mind; and having made reflection upon the inestimable value of what his Labours already offered him, if he was so happy as to succeed therein; His great Heart made a powerful Effort, and took, from that moment a strong Resolution to put in Execution what he had projected, well seeing, that if he lost that occasion, he should never recover it as long as he lived; and that he should never find such glorious means of raising and establishing his Fortune. Thus then he renews and redoubles his Cares, in paying Devoirs to Mademoiselle. He was not put to much pains, to find Access to that Princess, his dextrous Wit had procured him that long before. He saw her daily, and never partend from her, but as late as was possible; yet he never entertained her but with Respects, Devoirs, News, and a thousand other Contrivances of Wit, capable of winning the hearts of all People. And, as a great Wit relishes sine things much better than one of an ordinary stamp, that can hardly distinguish them, relishes those that are common; Mademoiselle took great delight to listen to the Count of Lauzun with a marvelous application: insomuch that our Count, who played his Game underhand, and unknown to all the World, was never wanting new Matters and new Entertainments, and his piercing Wit made him discover after what an obliging manner he was hearkned to by his Princess, still furnishing him wherewith to satisfy the pleasure she seemed to take therein. In the mean time, the Count of Lauzun began to conceive some rays of hopes, though, in truth, they were very faint. It is true that he was kindly received, but he was so before; if the Princess shewed him any favour, it was and could only be an effect of her Generosity; thus he had no ground in his hopes: Besides, the great disproportion he saw between that Princess and himself▪ put him into despair, and that indeed was his greatest obstacle. He pursued however his Design. Some time being spent in this manner, it came at length into his thoughts, that it was fit he should begin to play his Game more boldly: You are going to see a handsome Lesson for those men who would win their Mistreesses heart; which, that they may do, they must above all make it their study to comply with her Humour, which is the only and true way by which we may safely insinuate ourselves.  
The Count of Lauzun would at any rate die, or insinuate himself into Mademoiselle's favour; in order to which, he had need of great help, but had made it a rule to borrow nothing but from himself; what does he? his Genius applies itself to consider attentively that Princess; he applies himself seriously thereto, during some time: and, at length, having observed that this Princess was both a Lover of the Court and the Wits, and that she was naturally curious, as is usual for her Sex, he resolved to take that course, as the most easy to arrive at his end. He was one day at that Princess's Apartment, where, after a thousand fine Discourses, as his Custom was, which served as a Prelude to what he had meditated; he fell marvelously to the purpose upon his Design; and speaking of the most common Affairs of the Court: Well, Mademoiselle, said he to her, will your Royal Highness always be particular, and never have commerce with the Court? Is it possible that the most flourishing Court in the World has nothing that can please you, there are People incessantly seen, who come from the four corners of the Earth to see the Majesty and Magnificence of the Louvre, and to admire therein our Incomparable Monarch, with all his Royal Family, which is, without doubt, the finest and most charming there is in the Universe? Is it possible, once more, Mademoiselle, that all this joined to the Delicacy of the Wits, who are there without number, has not wherewith to invite your Royal Highness? It is true, Mademoiselle, that your R. H. alone has the advantage of being at Court, without going from your Apartment. You may, in depriving the Court of the Louvre of it's finest Ornament, I mean, in depriving it of the Presence of your Royal Person, you alone can compose one entire, at Luxenburgh or elsewhere, where your Royal Highness shall be. You have a mind to divert yourself, Monsieur de Lauzun, answered Mademoiselle, and your Wit ever gallant, is willing at length, I should share in it's Gallantries. Ah! Mademoiselle, replied the Count of Lauzun, God forbid I should ever be wanting in the respect I owe your Royal Highness. I know too well, how to speak to Persons of your Rank, for to fail ever in my Devoir; And what I take the Liberty to say to you, is only a faint Effect of the Zeal I have had all my Life time, and which I find does augment every moment for the Service of your Royal Highness. Yes, Mademoiselle, I have a desire, but a desire I cannot express, to see you Mistress of all the Universe; and if I was so happy as to be able to contribute something thereto, my Life would be the least gift that I would I were able to make for that end; so true is it, Mademoiselle, that I will henceforward apply myself to the Interests of your Royal Highness. Ah! Monsieur de Lauzun, answered Mademoiselle, you are too generous, and you load me with Civilities: I could wish I were in a Condition of showing you my acknowledgement, but as my Sentiments are not what's common, and very rare in the Age we live in, it is requisite to be something more than I am, to be able to aclowledge them worthily, but be mindful, at least, that I shall preserve as long as I live the remembrance of your good and generous wishes. It is not, said Mr. de Lauzun, an interested acknowledgement as to the benefits of Fortune, that makes me speak thus, Mademoiselle, your Royal Person is the only motive; and the Cause seems to me so just and glorious, that I shall always be ready, let what will happen, to keep my word. But, Monsieur de Lauzun, said Mademoiselle, what would you have me to do for you, after so noble and generous a Declaration? how! shall it be said, that a Gentleman, by his high Sentiments, shall have made it impossible for a Princess of my Quality to make returns? Ha! for Heaven's sake, satisfy yourself with what I have said to you, without pressing me any farther; and expect from Time and Fortune something better, and above all, be mindful of your word, and if you do not forget it, I shall remember it. No certainly, Mademoiselle, said the Count of Lauzun, I shall never forget it, and when your Highness shall do me the favour to demand proofs, you will see after what manner I know how to execute what I have once resolved. And for the better making appear to you my sincerity, I will from this time give you the means of trying me. You know, Mademoiselle, that I am so happy as to be much in my King's Favour, and that there passes few things at Court, but what I am one of the first that knows: insomuch, Mademoiselle, that I pretend, if you honour me with your Confidence, to inform you of all Occurrences: I do not speak of Secrets: your Royal Highness never wanted Prudence in the most pressing occasions, thus I have reason to rely therein. In short, Mademoiselle, the King has a Love for you, and which would be augmented, if you shewed any Affection for him, you would be of his Table, and the first in all his Pleasures: the King would be overjoyed to possess you: and, as you are a Princess to be married, undoubtedly his Majesty would not fail of providing for you according to your Rank, if he cannot suitable to your Merit. As for what concerns me, Mademoiselle, your Royal Highness may reckon as of a Person who is wholly devoted to your Service. And I protest to you, Mademoiselle, that I will never let a moment pass wherein your Interest shall be concerned, without doing all that shall be possible for me, whether with the King or elsewhere: and I likewise hope that your Royal Highness will quickly perceive my zeal for your Service.  
This happy Beginning could not but promise the Count of Lauzun a fine and glorious End; He talks to Mademoiselle of knowing Secrets of Confidence, of Pleasures, and at last he touches by the bye the string of Marriage. These things were a sure poison to that Princess; He that said them, added so much Eloquence and agreeableness, that she could not resist so many Enemies that attacked her at a time; insomuch that having listened very attentively to Monsieur de Lauzun, that Princess took such delight therein, that at length she yielded to so sweet a Discourse, and which flattered her so agreeably. The first Testimony that the Count of Lauzun received thereof, was by word of Mouth from her, in this manner: Well, Count of Lauzun, what is then to be done, I am ready to do all you tell me, but tell me how? Mademoiselle, answered he immediately, You must first of all make some One your Confident, in whom you may rely. But where shall I find, replied Mademoiselle, smiling, a Person I may trust in? Ha, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, How happy should I be, if your Royal Highness could think fit to confided in me; Ha, how faithful should I be! Yes, Mademoiselle, if I had that good Fortune, I would rather sacrifice myself, than be wanting in Fidelity. And moreover, after that your Royal Highness shall have began to put Trust in me, she should be sure to know what is done or said even in the King's Closet, whether you were at Court or no. Well, Monsieur de Lauzun, said Mademoiselle, continuing to smile, I am resolved, since you say that it is necessary for the better, and the more secretly carrying on my Interests, to choose me a Confident to whom I will discover thoughts very ingeniously, to oblige him to do the like. But he must likewise expect, that if I come to discover that he deceives me, he shall be punished sooner or later; and, on the contrary, if he acts like a gallant man, he shall be better recompensed, than he dares perhaps pretend to hope for. How, Mademoiselle, replied Monsieur de Lauzun, after the charming word your Royal Highness has newly pronounced, can there be so base a Courage found as to fail in his Devoir? Ha! it cannot be, Mademoiselle, and Heaven is too just to permit so black an Injustice. That if by some unlucky Chance this should happen, the Favour I demand of your Royal Highness, from this time, is, That you would permit me to hope, that I might serve as an Instrument for the punishing so horrible a Crime, or die in so glorious an enterprise. Well, you shall be fully satisfied, Monsieur de Lauzun, said Mademoiselle, if that is capable of satifying you; and you alone shall punish that Criminal, at least, if he becomes so. But likewise, do not pretend to have any reason to revoke your Word; for, it is not to Persons of my Rank, that people ought to promise more than they intend to keep. Yes, Mademoiselle, I will keep my word with you, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, and will keep it as long as I live. But, if in the choice I should make of a Confident, said Mademoiselle, you should find a real Friend, a near Relation, or an Ally; in short, some one whom you loved more than yourself, what would you do in such an Encounter? for it is convenient to explain to you all things, that you may not pretend a surprise. Ha! Mademoiselle, your Royal Highness wrongs my Courage, if it is permitted me thus to speak to you, with all the respect that becomes me, and my Duty is more dear to me than Friends and Relations, even my Life is nothing to me in comparison of my Honour. But, in short, Mademoiselle, continued our incomparable Count, may I not have leave to ask, who is that happy man whom your Royal Highness has taken so much pleasure to animate me against, as if I were to engage a numerous Army? As the Enemy, said Mademoiselle, you are to fight against, if I am betrayed, is powerful and strong indeed, tho' little in appearance; I was very willing to know, if you would not waver in hearing me speak. I waver, Mademoiselle, replied Monsieur de Lauzun; You will ever see me fixed and unshakeable. I am however certain, said Mademoiselle, that his Name alone will make you think of it more than once; and perhaps he will be so formidable, that you will repent all that you have offered upon this point. I repent, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, all the Earth, nor Death itself, is not capable of making me unsay it; and though all the Powers should arm themselves for my ruin, I would expect them with an undaunted Courage, without diminishing any thing of my design. Whereupon, Mademoiselle spoken to him in this manner: Prepare yourself then for two things, the one, either to punish yourself for this so black a Crime that you would punish another for, if you are ever so wretched as to be culpable of it: it is in you alone that I will confided myself; I know no Body more capable, nor that can acquit themselves better: Consult yourself well before you engage, and see if you are disposed to serve me faithfully. Yes, Mademoiselle, said the Count of Lauzun, I am disposed to all that is to be done for your Service. And since that your Royal Highness does me the Honour to prefer me before a thousand others, who merit it much better than I do, I protest to her, I will never fail in my word.  
The Count of Lauzun had no sooner taken leave of Mademoiselle, than that he began to think on the happy Success of his enterprise; In short, he might boast of having had pretty good Success for a mere Tentative: Nor did he fail to perform from point to point what he had promised that Princess; who likewise was very glad that she had made sure of a Person who only could inform her with certain News of all that passed at Court. She saw that this Person was entirely devoted to her, that he took a particular care to inform himself of all the greatest Secrets: In a word, the Joy of this Princess was so great, that she could hardly contain it.  
Some time passed in this manner, and Monsieur de Lauzun, who still pursued his point, and continued always to redouble his cares with her, knew at length that he was so far in her favour, as to have hopes of a farther progress therein, if Fate was ever as favourable to him as it had been, and it was the Success that still animated him.  
Coming one day earlier than was his custom, whether by chance or a premeditated Design, or that he had indeed some Novelty to acquaint Mademoiselle with; He was no sooner got up the Stairs, than that having traversed immediately as far as that Princess's Chamber, he prepared himself to go in there, as was his custom to do, and for that end, having half opened the door, he perceived that Princess before her Looking-glass, having her Neck uncovered, he retired immediately, and shut the Door after him, Respect not permitting him to advance farther. Mademoiselle, perceiving some Body, and hearing the Door shut, called out pretty loud, and asked, with much concern, who it was? and while they were going to see, she asked, Is it not Monsieur de Lauzun? the Person who went to see, made answer that it was. Let him come in, cried that Princess several times. At the same time Monsieur de Lauzun coming in, and having made a profound Reverence, Mademoiselle said to him, Pray you, my Lord, Why did you not come in without making so much Ceremony? How, pursued that Princess, smiling, Is it by flying from Ladies, that you make your Court to them? Mademoiselle, answered he, I have known till this time, what our Duty is to ordinary Ladies, but I never could learn all that I owe to Royal Persons, or if I knew it, I have lately forgotten it. But what do you mean, said Mademoiselle to him? What I mean, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, how would your Royal Highness be willing, that in losing the respect I owe you, I should likewise come and expose myself to a Conflict wherein I see my loss all entire. But again, What is it you mean, said she to him, smiling, I comprehend nothing of your Discourse, explain yourself better, if you would have me to understand you. Ha! Mademoiselle, replied Monsieur de Lauzun, I fear I shall explain myself but too well for my misfortune; however, if your Royal Highness pretends you do not understand me, I shall explain myself more openly, when you give me leave. I should be very glad it might be at this present, replied Mademoiselle, continuing her smiling. Since your Royal Highness does command me, I must obey. At the opening of your Chamber door, began he, I had no sooner taken the first step, than that the first Object that presented itself to my Eyes, was your Royal Person, but in so dazzling a condition, that my Eyes were never so surprised, and that surprise, or the fear of wanting Respect, or losing myself, did make me retire with the utmost Precipitation: I have Eyes and a Heart like another, I love beautiful things as much as any One: Thus, Mademoiselle, at the entrance of your Chamber, I perceived, though at a distance, a Ray of the dazzling Lustre of your Royal Person; I mean, Mademoiselle, your Royal Highness, whose Graces and Beauties together made a composition of all that could flatter the sight; for tho' you are charming; however the whiteness of lilies which you conceal under linen or Silks, that admirable Neck, that delicate Comple●ion of the finest Bosom in the World, nor those Snowy Breasts which you could not deprive me the sight of; all this joined together, with the unparallelled Majesty of your shape, would have produced the same Effects in me, as in the greatest Princes in the World; I should never have been able to have seen so many Wonders together, without considering them attentively. I know that the consideration of beautiful things gives pleasure, that pleasure inflames desire; and, in short, that Desire only tends to Enjoyment. In a word, I should never have been able to have avoided this Charm, which by consequence would have made me unhappy. Alas! I easily perceive at present, that the being a King or a Sovereign, is a fine and advantageous Quality, since they alone may aspire, without being Criminal, to the possession of such Charms. Yes, I maintain, Mademoiselle, that he who can lawfully aspire to those Beauties of your Royal Highness, is, without doubt, the most happy man in the World, and with much more reason, the happiness of the Person who shall enjoy them, will still be much greater. I expected no less from you, Monsieur de Lauzun, said Mademoiselle, and I fancied that the trick you played at my door would at length terminate in the best invented and managed Gallantry imaginable. Ha! Mademoiselle, replied Monsieur de Lauzun, how ill does your Royal Highness judge of me, if you have such a thought, the Respect I ought to have for you, and the Vow I have made of spending my Life in your Service, will never make me disguise my thoughts; and I will proclaim to all the Earth, when need shall be, what I have now declared. You think then, my Lord, answered Mademoiselle, that there are none but Kings and Sovereigns that can lawfully pretend to the possession of fine things? How, Do you not know that it is Merit alone that ought to have that pretention? and that neither Extraction nor Rank itself does augment the value of a Person, if they have not that in store? You know that there are an infinite number, who, without the aid of Birth or of Extract, have rendered themselves worthy of aspiring to all that is greatest, and that by their Merit alone. And I may affirm, without Fiction, that the Count of Lauzun, otherwise Monsieur de Peguillin, is one of the chiefest: and that his Virtue distinguishing him from common men, that same Virtue may, with Justice, raise him to something extraordinary. I will not say more upon this point to you, but I am very certain, that if you knew the Thoughts I have of you, you would not have reason to envy any other rank than your own, if it is true that you make any account of my Esteem. Ha! Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, how much am I obliged to your Royal Highness, and how happy am I in having the Honour of having gratified you: But I am doubly happy in having some share in your Esteem. Yes, Mademoiselle, since your Royal Highness has had the goodness to confer upon me so great a happiness, permit, for Heavens sake, that I suffer myself to be transported with those sweet Raptures that the joy hereof puts me in, and that my Soul may let you know by some Powerful effort the exstacy your last words have put it in. For if it is true, as I ought not to doubt, that your Soul is sincere, have not I reason to esteem myself the most Fortunate of all Men? And what can I do to aclowledge so many Obligations, that I have to your Royal Highness, since that I am so unhappy as to be only able to give Wishes, but fruitless Wishes which can never acquit me of the least of your Favours. I demand nothing of you, said Mademoiselle to him, without it be the continuation of those same Wishes, and the Execution if an occasion is offered. Yes, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, I will Wish, Attempt, and Execute all things for the Service of your Royal Highness, even to the last Gasp.  
This was a fine advance for our new Lover, and, in my Opinion, he never conducted so doubtful and so bold an enterprise, with so much Success: and indeed this last Conversation was a sweet Bait to him, having found therein all reason to hope. And it was this that emboldened him to push his Fortune on to the end.  
He spent some time in this Condition, still paying his Respects with more Assiduity than usual to Mademoiselle. And if he observed that that Princess took delight in his Company, he likewise failed not to do all that a fine Wit is capable of doing, for to maintain himself in her Favour. And for that end he had always an Opportunity in hand by a hundred fine things that his Genius furnished him with: And in all the Conversations he had with that Princess, he made appear so much respect in all his Actions, that at length all this joined to the Vivacity of his Wit and the Strength of his Arguments; all this, I say, was too powerful for to resist it. And indeed, Mademoiselle, who had a Wit more capable and knew better than any Body to judge of those things, found too many charms therein, not to think him delightful and Entertaining, and by Consequence unable to defend her self against him. She was even overjoyed when she saw him coming to her House, by reason she already looked upon him as a sure Conquest, and would have quitted all things to have had his Conversation, not finding any thing wherein she had so agreeable a Divertisement.  
Thus things stood with them, when that the Count of Lauzun becoming from day to day more Bold and Familiar with Mademoiselle, and by the same Degrees, that he became more in Love, he bethought himself of an Invention to know if his Happiness was true or false; if it was a Shadow or a Substance. And it was something an extraordinary Trick as you will see, but which was marvelously successful to him, since it assured him of his entire Happiness.  
Being one day with that Princess, from whom he was as seldom absent as possible, and if he seemed very desirous to stay with her, Mademoiselle was no less▪ to detain him. He being then one day with her, after a pretty long Discourse, he testified to that Princess that he had something to tell her in particular. Mademoiselle easily perceiving his Mind, took him aside, and having  told him that she was ready to hear him if he had any thing to say to her. The truth is, answered Monsieur de Lauzun to Mademoiselle, that I have a favour to demand of your Royal Highness; but I dare not do it without your Permission. It is long since you have had it all entire, My Lord, said Mademoiselle, you need only speak and ask boldly all that depends on me, and assure yourself at the same time of all. Tho your Royal Highness▪ has so much goodness to grant me my Request, pursued Monsieur de Lauzun, it is not just that I should make an ill use of it, and if any other Motive than that of your Interests set me to work, I should be without doubt less bold and more circumspectly. Whither it be your Interest or mine, said Mademoiselle, all is equal to me, speak only with confidence of obtaining all that you demand. The Count of Lauzun made answer to these so obligihg Discourses, by a profound Reverence, and pursued afterwards in this manner; Some dayes since, Mademoiselle, it came into my Head, that your Royal Highness would be suddenly married; and, this thought has made so strong an Impression in my mind, that I have represented it to myself as a certain Presage; or, to express myself better, as a thing concluded: And the Credit I give thereto, and the Joy that it promises me, have forced me to take the Liberty of making you a most humble Request; that is, Mademoiselle, that as it is a thing infallible, according to all Appearances, since the greatest men have aspired to this high Happiness. Your Renown has proclaimed every where the Power of your Charms; insomuch, that amongst all those who have learned the Wonders of your Life, there are few, or to say better, there are none whose Mind have not been agreeably surprised, and who are become your Votaries. Thus, in that Crowd of Adorers, it must needs, except Heaven would render itself culpable of the greatest Injustice, make some One one day happy; and I know that it will be very suddenly. For, in short, I cannot get this thought out of my mind; and it has so prepossessed my Imagination, that on all moments, and even in the little Repose that I take, I am not exempt from it. It is long since I have thought of any thing else; insomuch, Mademoiselle, that the Favour I demand of your Royal Highness, is, that as you have so often honoured me with your Confidence, it may be permitted me to hope that you will continue to do so. Then Mademoiselle, eyeing him with a sweet and sincere Air, made answer in these words: It is very just, my Lord, that when we have once chosen any one for a Confident in any thing, it would be to belie our Choice, should we not confided in him all things without reserve. For my part, I do not pretend to belie mine, I will make you the onely Depository of my most secret Thoughts, that if by chance I want Prudence in speaking, remember, that in the Quality of a man of Honour as you are, you are obliged by all manner of Reasons to be careful to keep the Secret, and that there is no less knowledge in knowing how to be silent, than there is in speaking well. But, pray you tell me then, what it is that you request of me? I do not speak of your Gallantries, because I know that a gallant Wit, and a Courtier, as you are, cannot be without them. There is not a Gentleman but you that is capable of cajolling with so good a Grace, as to make a simplo thought unshakeable and assured, even when it is but imaginary. But, Mademoiselle, replied Monsieur de Lauzun, for Heaven's sake, what is it you say? Do you believe then that I have not so much as thought of what I have newly said to you? If your Royal Highness could dive to the bottom of my Heart, you would see the truth of the thing; and I am certain you would have no reason to suspect me as you do. And to let your Royal Highness know, that I am persuaded, of what I have now said, you will certainly see the effect thereof very suddenly; and if my Vows are heard, the time will be short. And I demand of your Royal Highness, that as it will be a thing that all the World will know sooner or later, I may be the first that has the honour of learning it. He, pursued Monsieur de Lauzun, for whom, of all your Votaries, your Royal Highness shall have most inclination, of all those at Court, or out of the Kingdom; all the World will know him, and that with the extremest Pleasure. And, as I am infinitely more yours, than the rest of Men, it is for this reason alone that I demand this pference from your Royal Highness, to the end, that your fair Mouth having announced to me him, whom amongst all men you are willing to render most happy, I may be the first; likewise to give you joy, and testify the satisfaction I shall have, when I shall see the moment approach that is to give you the Person you shall have honoured with your Choice, and whom you shall have found worthy of your Affection. He ended these last words with a deep sigh, which Mademoiselle did not suffer to pass without remarking; for she observed him too nearly to lose the least of his Actions. But, Monsieur de Lauzun, said Mademoiselle, from whence comes it that you sigh? You foretell me such fine things, and yet you end them by a great sigh. And where is then that Joy that you promise yourself from thence? Methinks that it is not in sighing that we receive Joy and Pleasure. How would you have me then explain this, pursued that Princess, smiling? Ha! Mademoiselle, answered he, so intelligent a Wit as yours is, will not find it difficult to give a just application to that action, especially when you shall remember, that it is after those things that we ardently desire, that we sigh. That is true, answered Mademoiselle, but likewise you are not ignorant, that Sighs are no less the effects of fear, than of Joy and desire. Thus a Heart which vents Sighs, very much perplexes a Person to know the difference, and their real cause, for all that I have ever heard, have been after the same Fashion and Tone. I perceive, Mademoiselle, said Monsieur de Lauzun, That your Royal Highness is willing to divert yourself; but in short, what Answer do you make to my Demand? You would be very much deceived in your Expectation, if it was a Refusal. But since that I am engaged, I will keep my word with you, I assure you, that I will keep it punctually, and will truly tell you the Person I shall love most of all those whom I shall believe may aspire to me. But when shall this be, Mademoiselle, answered the Count de Lauzun, with an inconceivable Transport and Eagerness? The Princess, who without doubt, divined the Cause of it, though she did not seem to know it openly, and who likewise made appear in her Looks, part of the Joy it occasioned in the Bottom of her Heart,  told him, still smiling, that it should be within three Months. Ha! Mademoiselle, replied her Lover, how long shall I think this time? and how severe a trial will it be to my Patience? But it is no matter, continued he, I must wait, since your Royal Highness will have it so.  
This was the first Progress of this trick he had invented, to know if he had any ground for his hopes; you will see the end by the sequel, and the effect that succeeded it.  
Shortly after, the Journey to Flanders was discoursed of, and the Count of Lauzun, whose whole thoughts were how to please his Mistress, and only applied himself to seek for all opportunities so to do, but all this with Honour, and without losing a moment of what he owed the King his Master; He was almost ever at that Princess's Apartment, or with her when she was at the Louvre: And especially he never failed of News, and  told them with so good a Grace, that tho' he  told them, and accompanied them with serious things, wherein there was required a very great presence of mind, and a most particular Solidity of judgement; however, the easy manner with which he related these News, and a thousand agreeable things, gave them a new Lustre, and made known to that Princess, that he was not altogether unworthy of her Attention. And indeed, we from Mademoiselle; he went immediately, without staying a moment, directly to that Princess's House; who seeing him come into her Chamber, with a gay Countenance, and which shewed a contented mind, said to him: In all likelihood, my Lord, you have received from the King what you demanded of him? It is true, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun, after having made a low Bow, and come up something nearer to her; and I come just from being created a Knight, and perform my promise I made this morning, and my first Order. We shall have it then, said Mademoiselle, laughing, who, without doubt, imagined the truth of the thing. Yes, Mademoiselle, answered he, and I am going to acquaint you with it in few words. Your Royal Highness, continued he, may, if you please, prepare yourself to take Arms, the King having a design to vanquish all the Flemmings, has bethought himself of attacking them with such Arms, as that they may not be able to resist; and it is in order to that, that his Majesty will undertake this Voyage, whereof I had the honour to talk to you this morning. And, as in the last campaign he made into his Enemies country▪ he was only able to extend his Conquests over some Provinces, he has resolved never to quit them, until he has made himself absolute Master thereof: and the Order that I have received from his Majesty is, that he desires you to dispose yourself to accompany him; and expecting his principal Forces from your Royal Highness: He has commanded me to exhort you on his behalf, not to abandon him in so great and in so important a Design. Our amorous Count spoken so agreeably all these things, that there was nothing more charming than to hear him pronounce them; and Mademoiselle taking an unspeakable Pleasure therein, hearkned to him with a marvelous Attention. But being willing to know the end of this Gallantry,( for she foresaw that it was an Invention of the Count of Lauzun) that impatient Princess asked him, What do you mean, My Lord, when you speak to me of War, and that the King should have occasion for me if he had such a design? You would be much fitter to do him Service than I am, since it is your Profession. You are highly necessary, Mademoiselle, answered Monsieur de Lauzun; it is not with Swords and muskets that the King will attack that People, he will make use of more soft, but more dangerous Weapons. It is by the great Lustre and the Majesty of his Court, that the King will dazzle their minds that are naturally curious of extraordinary things. And as your Royal Highness has more Charms than all the rest together, it is from you likewise that he expects the greatest Aid. Yes, Mademoiselle, I can affirm with Justice, that you alone have wherewith to conquer agreeably not only the grossest minds, but all the World together. In short, it is sufficient to say, when the greatest King in the World chooses you to be as the finest and principal Instrument that is to secure to him his Conquests, and facilitate to him the means of making others much greater. And if your Royal Highness might hope for any foreign succours, and from others than yourself, that high Esteem that our glorious and invincible Monarch makes daily appear for your rare Merit, would give you a value above all that we can figure Great and Lovely. That is to say, said Mademoiselle, that Monsieur de Lauzun is always the Man in the World who has the gift of Inventing every moment, the most agreeable Gallantries, and, notwithstanding all my desires to him, to exempt me from them, his fine Wit cannot do itself that Violence. Is it possible that there is but one Lauzun in the World, who is capable of such rare Inventions, and that he alone can boast of telling all that is fine and rare, to form an Entertainment worthy of the greatest Wits of the Age? For my part, I do not comprehend, continued she, from whence you take all that you say. And I cannot forbear being surprised at the Novelty of the things that proceed from you. Ha! How easy it is to speak and say fine things, Mademoiselle, replied the Count of Lauzun, when a Person has the Advantage of seeing them shine in your Royal Highness, with the Lustre wherewith they appear there, and how easy and glorious it is to become a Doctor, when we have the honour of conversing with you! Let us be silent in this case, for I know that I shall gain nothing against you, said Mademoiselle, and let us know what the King has said to you. The King desires you, Mademoiselle, continued Monsieur de Lauzun, to dispose yourself to take the Journey wirh the Queen, but he desires you very earnestly. I know, that if there only wanted an Order for that, you would not stay here, pursued he, smiling, and after a gay manner; for I should have thought it very severe, and without doubt it would have been impossible for me to have found Repose, without being always near to you, to pay you my most humble respects. And I shall bless, all my Life time, this first moment, wherein I have been so happy as to contribute something towards your going with the Court. Yes, Mademoiselle, and I have acted herein with heat and eagerness, because that my place and the strict Obligations I have to my King, do oblige me to attend him every where; and your Royal Highness staying here, it would have forced me from myself, if I had gone from where she resides. I ask a thousand Pardons of you, Mademoiselle, if I speak to you so freely, and for having acted herein thus without your Permission; but I thought, that in serving myself I should not disoblige you, and that you would not be sorry to go with a King, who loves you tenderly, and who has made me acquainted with his Affection for you, by the most passionate and sincere Discourses imaginable. No, I am not sorry, replied that fair one; and far from that, I will thank you for it, as a thing that is very pleasing to me. And to speak to you freely, that Indifference which I shewed this morning for that Journey, was partly to see if you are as much concerned for me, as you say you are, and if you could quit me without Trouble; for, I know very well, that having so much Zeal as you have seemed to have this long time, for my Interests, and having so much Wit as you are possessed of, you would not fail to attempt something in order to that; and I promised myself, that you would endeavour it seriously, and that the free Access you have above all others to the King, would make you act with Success: and I even know not, if you had done otherwise, if I should have pardonned you as long as I live. In a word, I thank you, and remember, that I shall never forget this Service: you will see Proofs thereof, perhaps, sooner than you hope for, and, which will sufficiently surprise you, to let you know, that you have not engaged yourself to an ungrateful Person, but to a Person, who perhaps, deserves the Cares you have, and do take for her. Thus you see when we are once favoured by Fortune, all that we do and undertake, succeeds to our advantage.  
The Count of Lauzun had the Wind so in the Poop, as we say, that he was not only successful in all things, to a wonder, but likewise, what he did for himself alone, made him merit Sentiments of acknowledgements altogether extraordinary; and you would have said, in hearing Mademoiselle's Discourse, as if it had been for her her self. Thus you see him then as well satisfied as a man can be, who has a great design, and is in a Condition to hope for all manner of Success. He tried all the means that his Genius suggested to him, and he found every thing favourable. In short, he had but one step more to take, and was in too fair a way to make a stop. It seems likewise, that not daring to discover it as he could have wished; that Princess, to partake, as we may say, of the Troubles of that severe Violence that she was obliged to make him suffer; that Princess I say, who saw in his Eyes, and in all his Actions, and who fancied that she discovered and penetrated the favourable Motive that set him to work, put him often in a way to oblige him to speak more boldly. But, as the Count of Lauzun did not yet think himself forward enough for that, he would manage all things, to the end, he might not build, as People often do, upon a moving Sand. He continued however his Cares with more assiduity than ever. And this is pretty rare, that having to do with a Princess of Mademoiselle's Rank, whose haughty Humour was altogether to be feared, he never lost any thing of the free Access he found at first to that Princess; on the contrary, he insinuated himself by little and little, but always from better to better: insomuch that she suffered him, esteemed him, and treated him more obligingly than ever she had done any man, even more than she had the greatest Princes, who had been her Votaries. She does more, for he no sooner prepares to take leave of her, when he is at her Apartment, than that she makes earnest enquiry when she shall see him again. There was no unfitting hour for him, and he had leave to come to her Apartment at all hours, and all moments; and I am likewise of Opinion, that if she had had a desire of forbidding him any thing, it should have been not to have gone from her as seldom as possible.  
It was after this manner, that the Count of Lauzun passed agreeably a thousand sweet Moments every day, in giving and receiving innocent Testimonies of a concealed Love, and which it was not yet time to discover. In the mean time, the Term that Mademoiselle had  told him that she would discover to him sincerely that man she should love most, was very much advanced; and the Count of Lauzun counted the days as so many years. At length, the day being come, wherein the Term was expired, our Count failed not to go to Mademoiselle's house, and his Impatience made him go much earlier than he was used to do, which was what he  told that Princess, after having made his Leg: At length, Mademoiselle, you see that this so much desired day is at length come, wherein I am to receive so much Joy. I do not think Mademoiselle, that your Royal Highness will unsay what you have promised, you did it too solemnly to fail: He pronounced these words with that Agreeableness that was usual in all his Discourses. And Mademoiselle, who was not displeased at the Care he had taken to make her keep her Promise, was very glad to see the Earnestness with which Monsieur de Lauzun did it. And that Princess having asked him, tho' she knew it as well as he, if the three Months were already at an end? Whereunto, our Lover made answer in these words; It is true, Mademoiselle, that I have endeavoured to count truly, but how exact soever I have been, I am sure, that I have deceived myself, and that instead of the three Months that your Royal Highness had taken, I have let three years pass. And if I would reckon acc●rding to the Fervency of my Expectation, I am sure, I should go even to Infinity, without finding the Account. But, said Mademoiselle to him, What will you do with this Secret when I shall have imparted it to you? What I will do with it? replied the Count de Lauzun; I will rejoice: and the Joy I expect it will give, will render me one of the most Contented men in the World; and so much the more, for that I shall be the first, to whom that glorious advantage shall be permitted Well, said Mademoiselle, I will tell it you this Evening. But after what manner? Answered he. I will writ it upon a Pane of Glass in one of my Windows, said the Princess. Upon a Pane of Glass? Mademoiselle, replied our Count, and the first of your Family who shall approach it, will know it even sooner than I; and it is only the honour of the Preferen●● that I have so often demanded of your Royal Highness. How will you then have me tell it you, said Mademoiselle? As your Royal Highness pleases, answered he, provided, I am the first that knows it.  
In short, Mademoiselle was very glad that she could not unsay her self in any manner; and that violence that the Count of Lauzun used to learn the Secret, diminished much of the trouble she had to tell it him: insomuch that what our Lover asked to know, Mademoiselle desired to tell him, tho' she made a show to the contrary; and I find that she had more to overcome than she was willing to have had; and that she could not consider her self such as she was, without consulting what she was going to do. But it is no matter, she has something more powerful than the Blood that makes her act, and she was willing to finish what she had begun. And likewise that Princess took of a sudden her Resolutions, upon the answer she had to make the Count of Lauzun; and seeing that he pressed her but agreeably, and in a profound Respect, to keep her word with him, since the time was expired; Yes, said she, I will keep it; but do not expect that I will tell it you, I will writ it upon Paper, and it you in the Evening, I promise you. He was forced to stay till this moment, notwithstanding his Impatience. At length, the Evening being come, Mademoiselle went to the Louvre: the Count of Lauzun, who had at that time a flay in his Ear, did not fail, as soon as he saw that Princess come, to go to her, and make Supplications immediately for the Lette●● he so impatiently longed for. You see, Mademoiselle, said he to her, the Evening is come at last, Will your Royal Highness still put me off? No, said Mademoiselle, I will put you off no longer: and having at the same time taken out of her Pocket a Letter, made up, and sealed with her own Seal, she gave it to the Count of Lauzun, and  told him, as she gave it him, with terms, and an action altogether moving: See here, My Lord, the Letter wherein is what you so ardently desire; but do not open it till after it has struck twelve, because I have often remarked, that Fridayes, as to day is, are very unlucky to me; thus do not disoblige me so far, and I shall see if you have a consideration for me, by your obliging me in this particular. O Mademoiselle, answered our Count, how long will this time be to me? and how is it possible for a man to have his happiness in his hands, without daring to enjoy it? I shall see thereby, said Mademoiselle, if you are faithful to me; and if you refuse it me, I will lay at your door the Events which shall follow, if they are fatal to me. Yes, Mademoiselle, I will obey you to the very end, answered the Count of Lauzun, and I will never fail to give proofs of my Fidelity, and my Devoir to your Royal Highness. Presently after, it struck Eleven. Our Count, who kept his Watch in his hand, did not fail to show it to Mademoiselle,&, during all that time, never did man show more impatience than the Count of Lauzun did: and all those little Transports that he made this Princess take notice of, for the time she had set him, were as many powerful pricks that pierced her to the bottom of her heart. She was so overjoyed to see him, and it was what did quiter inflame her, and which made all her Affections declare in favour of that happy Votary. In short, he comes again with the Watch in his hand, to tell Mademoiselle that it was past twelve. You see, said he, Mademoiselle, how faithful I am to your Orders, it has struck twelve, yet here is your Letter, with your Seal upon it, all entire, not having meddled with it. But in short, Mademoiselle, continued he, more transported than ever, Is it not yet time that I should rejoice in my happiness? Wait a Quarter of an hour longer, said she, and I will permit you to open it. This Quarter of an hour being passed; Is it now time, said he, that I make use of the privilege that your Royal Highness has given me, since it is almost half an hour past Twelve? Yes, answered Mademoiselle, go and open it, and let me hear from you to morrow; farewell, till then, when we shall see what this so much desired Letter has produced. The Count of Lauzun having taken leave of Mademoiselle, withdrew to his House with an inconceivable promptness: Curiosity is as a thing naturally joined to the mind of Man; This is so true, that there is nothing in the World that Man does not make use of to learn what is once come into his head to know. And this curiosity produces different effects, according to the different subjects which cause it. That of the Count of Lauzun was very laudable and good in its Nature; the means which he might make use of to have the end of it, were very uncertain, and the end very doubtful, and even dangerous. His curiosity was laudable and good, for he was willing to know, if he could procure being beloved by Mademoiselle. The means which he made use of for that end, were honest, even very noble. And tho' that hitherto he had only had great hopes of their good effects, however he had not yet any real certainty. There is only then that Letter which He holds in his hand, that can instruct him with all: and it will be by the End that it will be permitted us as well as him, to judge certainly of all things.  
He was no sooner come to his House, whither He went with all imaginable hast, than that the first thing He did was to open that Letter; but he was not a little surprised to see his own Name written with Mademoiselle's hand. I leave you to judge of his astonishment, and if that sight did not fill him full of thought; for in short, there was therein as much to be feared as to be hoped. It is true, that so far, all things, according to all appearances, had been successful to him. But as the Sex is usually very full of dissimulation, Mademoiselle might have done all this only for her pleasure, and perhaps to laugh at him, and the great disproportion there was between that Princess and the Count of Lauzun, filled him full of terrible fears. His Mind was agitated with a thousand different thoughts all that Night long: sometimes he repassed all in his memory, and found therein a thousand goodnesses, and so favourable and so extraordinary a Treatment for a Person of his Quality, that he figured to himself, that all these things could only proceed from the sincerity of that Princess: and the obliging manner with which she had used him,  told him every moment that there was some secret motive that had urged her to all these things: But that it was easy to see, that she acted seriously therein, and that he might hope for a glorious end after such happy beginnings, and advantageous progresses. There was only then the inequality of conditions that was an obstacle to him, and that made him still doubtful. He was so perplexed upon what he had to do, whether he should let go his hold, or pursue to the end, that He passed, as I have already said, the whole Night in horrible disquiets: and his heart that had combated a long time between hope and despair, was still unresolved what he had to do when day appeared. In short, the one got the mastery of the other: and of all the divers motions, amongst which this poor heart floated, one alone conquered them all, I mean, hope; and indeed it is as the milk and nourishment which makes love subsist.  
The Count of Lauzun, whose Soul was on the wrack, being animated with sweet and agreeable hopes, took a strong resolution to see the end of his enterprise at what rate soever. For that end, after having prepared himself for all manner of events, He will, like an other Caesar, force Destiny; making even appear thereby, as that great Emperour did, that his great heart was no less disposed to resist boldly all the attacks of ill fortune, than to receive agreeably the fruit of a happy success. He is resolved that this heart, that promised itself an Age of delights, if it was victorious, should expect with resolution all the rigours of his misfortune, if he was vanquished; He knows that it is in great Fights, and in the most bold and doubtful enterprizes, that true glory is to be found, and that it is not even necessary to vanquish always for the gaining of the victory: but that it is sufficient to make a glorious and vigorous resistance, and never to suffer that our Enemy should have the least hold upon our Courage, though he has the advantage over our Fate.  
This so much desired Morning being at length come, he went without delay to Mademoiselle's House. That Princess no sooner saw Him in her Chamber with a pale Countenance, and wherein the Image of Death was entirely painted, than that she approached and said to Him: From whence does this so sudden Change proceed? Yesterday you was the gayest and joyfullest Man in the world, and at present you appear altogether sad and melancholy. How! Is this that joy you promised me from that Secret, for which you shewed yourself so earnest to know? You  told me, that you should be the happiest of all Men, if I would discover to you this secret, and yet you seem quiter the contrary since you know it. This is just the course of those who show themselves so zealous. O, Mademoiselle, pursued then our Count, who had hitherto listened very attentively to Mademoiselle: I should never have believed that your Royal Highness would have laughed at me so openly. How, Mademoiselle, for having entirely devoted myself to your Royal Highness, the Fidelity with which I have acted herein, merits, methinks, something less than so clear a Mockery, and which will render me the Sport and Laughing-stock of all the Court; and you still ask me, from whence proceeds the Cause of my Sadness. You stab, if I may dare to say it, the poniard into my Bosom, and you inform▪ yourself of the Cause of my Death. In short, you treat me as the basest of all men. And to render the Affront you do me the more sensible, you will still force me to the cruel Confusion of telling it you myself. Ha! Mademoiselle, how severe is this Usage for a Person who has acted so sincerely with you. All my Actions that respected your Royal Highness, were such as became me. I know you as one of the greatest Princesses of all the Earth; and I know myself for a more younger Brother, that owes you all, by all manner of Reasons. But, tho' a younger Brother, and a more Gentleman, Nature has given me a heart high enough, and well enough placed, not to suffer nor do any unworthy thing. But what do you mean, replied Mademoiselle? It seems, by your Talk, that I have done you some great Injury, in granting you a thing which is of the utmost Importance to me, and whereof I have made a Secret to all the Earth. Hitherto you had appeared to me very gallant, but at this time, I confess to you what you demand preferrably to any other. In the mean time, what would be a subject of Joy to many others, is to you, only an occasion of Complaints. The Truth is, I know not what must be done to give you Satisfaction. For Heavens sake, Mademoiselle, answered the Count of Lauzun, Do not insult any more over a Wretch; your Royal Highness may divert yourself as long as you please with me, I consent to it with all my heart; but, I only demand, that she would have the goodness to revoke a Raillery, that would occasion all the World, as well as you, to ridicule me, and treat me as a Fool. And once again, Mademoiselle, I have not received all those Marks of your Favour, with which your Royal Highness has honoured me, than as Effects of your Generosity and of a particular Goodness, and whereof, I have never merited the least part; and all the good Reception nor the Esteem your Royal Highness has declared you had for me, have never made me forget who you are, nor who I am. If this has made me take too great Liberties, it was without design, and I desire of you, Mademoiselle, to punish me for it, after any other manner, as your Royal Highness shall think fit: I shall undergo your judgement to the banishing myself from your sight for ever; I will even die for to expiate the faults that I may have committed, tho' involuntarily, towards your Royal Person. I only demand of your Royal Highness, the honour of your Remembrance; and that you be persuaded, that you will never find any one more subdued to your Wills, or so inseparable from your Interests, as I am.  
Mademoiselle, who had thither to pretended not to understand what the Count of Lauzun meant, and who had even laughed at him in the beginning, seeing that he spoken seriously; and that considering the manner he had expressed his Grief, it was effectively sincere, and without Fiction; that Princess was so lively moved, and that laughing humour giving place to her Compassion, was changed in a mome●● into a real serious one. And, as what she had done at first was only to try him, and that besides, she desired nothing more, than to make sure of the Heart of the Count of Lauzun; she had no sooner thought her self sure of it, than that Tenderness that she had taken Care to conceal in the bottom of her heart, discovered itself at length in favour of him, And that languishing that Lauzun had in all his Face, having touched her to the Quick, Mademoiselle viewing him with a more favourable Eye than she had yet done, after having kept silence a long time, that Princess said to him; Ha! My Lord, how great an Injury do you do the Sincerity of my Proceedings towards you, and how ill are you acquainted with the Sentiments my heart has conceived for you? If you knew the Injury you do me in using me thus, you would punish yourself for the Affront you do me. How? You turn into raillery the greatest Affection in the World, wherein I have used all the Sincerity that was possible for me? I used Violence upon myself, before I did what I have done for you. But at length, Affection got the Mastery over my Haughtiness; I forgot myself, if I may so say, to give you the strongest Proof of my Affection, that I have ever given any body. I have seen Persons, and you know it, of a Rank, and no way inferior to mine, who have done all they were able to merit my Esteem, and yet they have laboured in vain. And▪ I give you not only that Esteem, but I give you myself. After this, say that I laugh at you, and that I hazard your Reputatation; I much rather hazard myself. However, I pass over all these Considerations that oppose it: And why that? But only to raise you to a Rank, whereto according to all Appearances, you ought not to pretend, tho' you merit more. The Count of Lauzun not daring yet believe what he heard, or at least, making show as if he did not, after having seen that Mademoiselle had done speaking, made answer in these terms; O Mademoiselle! How ingenious are you in tormenting a Wretch? and it must be confessed, that Persons of your Condition have the Advantage, in that they may divert themselves agreeably, but cruelly for those who are the Subjects. Your Royal Highness will render me happy in Idea and in Imagination for a moment, to render me unfortunate in effect all the rest of my days. And, for Heavens sake, once again, Mademoiselle, put me rather to death at one blow, it would be much more sweet to me, than to see myself languish, and be the laughing-stock of all the World. I have ever had the desire of sacrificing myself for your Royal Highness, but since I am thought unworthy of that Honour, at least be pleased to take notice of my good will. I say it again, Mademoiselle, that I have never lost the remembrance of what you are, and of what I am; and thus I have never been so audacious to aspire to that happiness, whereof you take pleasure to flatter me, only to divert yourself. He pronounced these words with an action that shewed effectively, that his Soul was in a great trouble, and that the Grief he suffered was most bitter; and Mademoiselle, who observed him very strictly, easily perceived it, insomuch, that she suffered to see him suffer, which she let him know sufficiently by her words: How, said that Princess, with an action altogether passionate, What must I then do, my Lord, for to persuade you? You take as much care to torment yourself, as I take to procure you Repose. I tell you once again, that I am a sincere Princess, and that what I have  told you is but comformably to my intentions, and I will give such Proofs of it, that you shall have no reason to doubt thereof. Do you think I would have done for you so favourably as I have, if I had not had for you Sentiments of a real tenderness? No, pursued that Princess, shedding some tears that she could not retain, because she saw the Count of Lauzun in the utmost affliction, and still obstinate in his error, that she laughed at him; No, I do not disguise my thought; and since that my words have not been able to persuade you of the real Sentiments of my heart, I must borrow the Succours of my Eyes, and the Tears that you force me to  shed may be Witnesses thereof, against which you can make no Objection. Do you believe me, my Lord, after having given you such strong Proofs of my Love? Will you still doubt of the sincerity of my procedure, after having heard it from my Mouth, and that my Eyes themselves have not spared their Cares and their Power, not to leave you in any doubt? Answer me then, if you please: this so ingenious Declaration, and, methinks, pretty extraordinary, Does it deserve you should add Faith to it? Do I acquit myself well of my Promise? You may remember, without doubt, that when you  told me, that only Kings and Sovereigns could justly pretend to the possession of Great Princesses, I made you answer, that you were mistaken, that they were not the only Persons, and there were others, who, by their own Merit, and without the help of Extraction, might pretend thereto; and that amongst a great number that were found, I saw none that might with more reason than yourself. I spoken to you so for to animate you, and I speak at present for to make you happy, if the possession of a Person of my Circumstances can render you so: I will share the Trouble with you, and labour in concern to that end. Act boldly, and without fear, do all that you can on your side, and assure yourself, on the Faith of a Princess, that I will never neglect any thing on mine; Are you satisfied, my Lord? And after what I have now said, can you still doubt of my Frankness? Ha! Mademoiselle, cried Monsieur de Lauzun, casting himself at her feet, overjoyed at so tender and so obliging a Discourse as Mademoiselle had newly pronounced in favour of him; What can I do to aclowledge the Excess of your Goodness? How, Mademoiselle, shall it be said, that he, of all men, whom your Royal Highness renders most happy, should be the most ungrateful, through the impossibility of not being able to do any thing to show his acknowledgements? the greatest Princess in the World shall raise a Wretch to the highest degree of happiness, and he shall have nothing but Wishes for the acknowledgement of so extraordinary a Benefit? How happy do you make me, Mademoiselle, by the Excess of so unparalleled a Generosity! But how severe will this high point of Glory be to me, as long as I shall not be able to do any thing to aclowledge the Declaration that your Royal Highness has now made in favour of me? It is too much to my Advantage, and I find it too charming, to remain without an Answer; and Gratitude ought to oblige me to say at present, what a profound Respect and Duty itself have made me keep silent so long a time: And since that I can do nothing for your Royal Highness, that can show you my Gratitude, I ought to tell you, at least, and discover to you, the Sentiments of my Heart. The Truth is, Mademoiselle, that since I have had the honour of applying myself to your Royal Highness, I have remarked so many Charms, that what I did formerly out of duty, I have done since, out of a more sweet and more agreeable Motive. Yes, Mademoiselle, pardon if you please my Transports, if I speak to you so freely. I saw you, considered you, and admired you, during a long time, your Royal Highness has too many Charms to forbear doing so: the Beauties of your Mind which are joined to those of your Body, an admirable Composition of all Beauties together. And thus, Mademoiselle, I have had Eyes for to see, Ears for to hear, a Mind for to admire, and a Heart for to love; I have used all my Efforts for to defend myself against this Passion, when it was in the Bud, not out of any manner of Repugnance; for, I know too well, that besides that, you merit the Adorations of all the Earth; I could never be set on Fire, by so worthy and glorious a flamme. I might add hereunto, tho' your Royal Highness may tax me of Presumption, that if Nature has put so much Inequality between your Condition and mine, it has given me a Heart sufficiently noble and elevated to aspire only at great things, and could never yet resolve to address itself to any other than your Royal Highness. Yes, Mademoiselle, I confess it at your Feet, after the sincere declaration you have now made upon the subject of your Inclinations. I should never have dared to have spoken of them, if your Procedure had not given me the licence, tho I should have seen no other remedy to my disease than languishing, during the rest of my days. I loved rather to train out a dying Life in a mortal Silence, than to hazard the displeasing you, and to draw upon myself for one sole Moment, your Displeasure, by the least word that might have acquainted you with my passion. And, as I have hitherto done, I will carefully endeavour to compose my Eyes, and all my Actions, for fear, that unknown to my heart, they do tell you something of the Sense it has of you. For what Appearance, Mademoiselle, That a more younger Brother, whose only Portion is his Sword, should dare to aspire to the Possession of a Princess, who never knew how to look upon crwoned Heads, but with Indifference, and who has refused the greatest Matches in Europe? What Appearance, say I▪ that after the Refusal of so many Sovereigns, amongst whom, there were those, who by the Rank they held, might without doubt, pretend with some Justice to the possession of your Royal Highness: However, all the Earth knows, that you have ever had a Heart firm against all their Pursuits, as if the Earth did not bear a man worthy of you. Thus, Mademoiselle, after so perfect a knowledge of all these things, would not all the World have blamed me, if it had known any thing of the Sentiments of my Soul towards your Royal Highness? And should not I have reason to fear all things from your Resentment, if I had been so rash as to discover it to you? Yes, Mademoiselle, I tell it you again, that with what horrible sequel of Torments soever I foresaw that my cruel Silence would be undoubtably followed, I prepared my Soul to a strong and respectful resistance: It was much more to my Advantage to love you with a concealed Passion, and unknown to you, than to hazard a Declaration capable of displeasing you, and of interdicting myself the entirely free access that I had to your Royal Highness. It is true, Mademoiselle, that in this perplexity I suffered inconceivable pains: and, to speak with an open heart, I ●now not if I could have resisted them long without dying; but the fear of a greater mischief moderated, in some manner, that I lay under. Mademoiselle, who had thitherto listened very attentively, without interrupting him, spoken then in this manner; The Choice I have made is not a Choice made in hast, I have had it long in hand, and have made more reflection on it, than you may at first imagine. First of all, I observed you very strictly, and did not at length declare myself, till after much thought upon what I was going to do. I have not chosen alone; to the end, that you might add the more Credit upon the advice of several, than if it had been mine alone. And those whom I have consulted herein, have entirely confirmed me in my design. It is your Wit, your Actions, your Virtue, it is yourself that I would have to give me Counsel; and I have found you so rational in all things, since I have observed you, that, far from repenting of what I have now said, on the contrary, I fear that I cannot do enough to make you sensibly acquainted with my Afflictions. As to that Inequality of Conditions, which puts you to so much Trouble, do not think of it, I desire you, and be assured, that I will not leave a thing imperfect, that I have endeavoured with so much Pleasure, and which I will endeavour to the end, with Care, and as an Affair whereof I pretend to make that Fortune, and the Subject of my Repose, rely only upon that. What the Lustre of Crowns, which you newly mentioned, was not able to effect upon my mind, your Merits does excellently perform; and my Heart, which, till to day, has preserved itself in it's entire Liberty, maugre all the Addresses of Kings and Sovereigns, has not, however, been able to avoid the becoming the Captive of a more Younger Brother, as you say. If all Younger Brothers resembled you, My Lord, there are few men who would be the eldest. I do not pretend to make your panegyric; but, I am obliged to give you this first of all to Truth. Secondly, to yourself, that you may not be ignorant, that I know you sufficiently to judge of you. Thirdly, to the Choice I have made, to let all the Earth fee, that I did not make it till after a long Examination, and after having found it worthy of me, and to my own Satisfaction. For it is very just, methinks, and I believe you so reasonable, as to permit me the same thing over you, as you have permitted yourself over me. You have said all that your Wit did imagine of me, my pretensions, and quality; and a hundred other, the finest and most obliging things imaginable, without it's lying in my power to hinder you from doing so: wherefore, you must give me leave to make Returns. Ha, said the Count of Lauzun! How ingenious is Your Royal Highness in giving yourself Pleasure, and the Pretext of Returns is agreeably performed. It is true, if I durst say so, that since that you have by an effect of your Goodness, and of an unexampled Generosity, made a Choice so little worthy of you, it seems to be your Interest, to elevate it by excessive Praises, as high as your beautiful Mouth is able; to the end, that the particular Approbation your penetrating Will shall make thereof, may procure that of all the Universe. And since that Your Royal Hand does destiny me to a place, whereof the Thought alone does make me tremble, out of Fear and Respect, it is requisite, that that fair hand which prepares me for so high a Happiness, may not be alone to act in so uncommon an Action; that is to say, Mademoiselle, that being so unhappy as not to merit that Your Royal Highness should so much as think of me, and that notwithstanding all these Reasons, you have had the Goodness to destiny me to the supremest Degree of Happiness, you ought, Mademoiselle, not for the Love of me, but for the Love of yourself, esteem me; for, it is from your Esteem alone, that the Choice you have made of me will receive all it's Value: and it is thereby, that all the Earth will see me with less Pain and Torment mounted in so short a time to so high a point of grandeur. And this so sudden Elevation, and this so high Esteem will make me find a free Access into the minds even of such persons who will be at first surprised thereat. This is the only Course, Mademoiselle, to find wherewith to satisfy you, and to hinder you from having reason to repent.  
If it is only requisite to esteem you, My Lord, not to repent myself, said Mademoiselle, I may boast, I shall never repent; and to tell you all, it is sufficient to love you tenderly, to be as well satisfied with my Choice, as I promise myself And for to oblige you to do the same, I am sure to live the rest of my days, the most happy Princess in the World. Hitherto you have only had words, which have flattered 〈…〉 Effects. 〈…〉 you see the Sincerity of my Heart, after a manner as will take from you all Scruple; and I pretend hereafter, that Effects shall be your only Assurances. Think of it only, if you have a mind to make your Fortune, and do not lose time, if you love me; the King loves you, order your Business so as to have his Consent, and be assured of mine, and I will do therein all that I am able. O Mademoiselle! cried then the Count of Lauzun, casting himself a second time at her Feet; What can I do to aclowledge all the strict Obligations that I have to your Royal Highness, after having received such sensible Proofs thereof: How! The greatest Princess on the Earth, in Quality, Estate, and Merit, shall debase her self to come and seek out a private man, for to honour him with her Favour! Ha, 'tis too much! But, she offers him not only her Favour, her Friendship, but likewise her heart privatively to all others, and her Affections: and for the utmost Testimony of so inestimable a Generosity, this same Princess is willing to give him her Royal hand, and generally all that is in her Power. Ha, Fortune! How prodigious art thou to me at present, and thou 'rt as cruel, since by giving me all thou leavest me, in the Impossibility of testifying my just acknowledgement otherwise than by desires alone! The Present that thou makest me, is of an infinite Value, but it would be more conformable both to my Power and my little Merit, if it was less, by reason that I might conceive some sorts of hopes of acquitting myself. The Truth is, Mademoiselle, that your Royal Highness sets me to day above Happiness itself; but, for Heavens sake, give me leave, Mademoiselle, to complain of the excess of your Goodness, and to tell you, that I should be much more happy, if I was less so, by reason that I should relish my Fortune with all it's Sweetness, if it was ordinary; whereas, I see myself over-whelmed with the weight of that which your Royal Highness offers me, so much is it above me and my hopes. And as I am not able to make any Returns, be pleased to accept the Solemn Vow that I make to your Royal Highness, of all the Moments of my Life. The Gift I make you is small, in Comparison of what I have received; but, it is sincere: And the Exactness with which I shall perform my Promise, shall persuade your Royal Highness, and never leave you the least doubt upon this Subject.  
You see what an admirable Progress the Count of Lauzun had made in Mademoiselle's Mind in so short a time: He had not only reason to hope, but had likewise nothing to fear, since that he had obliged that Princess to declare her self after a manner that much surpassed all his Hopes. Insomuch, that seeing himself entirely assured on that side, and no longer doubting but that he was really beloved by Mademoiselle after the tender and sincere Declaration he had heard from that Princesses own Mouth, his thoughts were only how to procure the King's Consent, without which it was impossible to come to any conclusion. Shortly after, an opportunity was offered, or, to say better, he procured one himself, seeing there was onely that wanting to his entire happiness.  
He was, as I have said, one day near the King, where, after having said a great many things of Mademoiselle, which gave sufficiently to understand, that there was something more than ordinary between that Princess and him. But the King, who has a judgement, and one of the most penetrating Wits, suspected something; and, as he has always done Monsieur de Lauzun the honour of loving him, his Majesty  told him, laughing, But Lauzun, Me●hinks thou'rt in no i● terms with my Cousin, for by what We hear thee speak of her, thou must necessary have more Access to her than several others. Sir, ●nswered Monsieur de Lauzun, I am so ●appy as not to be out of her Favour; ●nd that Princess does me the honour of Treating me after such a manner, that I believe, if your Majesty is favourable to me, I may pretend to a happiness that has not the like. How, replied the King, continuing to laugh, canst thou aspire to become my Cousin? Ha, Sir, answered the Count of Lauzun, God forbid, that I should have a thought above my condition, and which would render me criminal, should I dare to bring it to light myself, if it was true, that I had conceived it. I know too well my Duty, to to my King and all the Royal Family; and besides this Duty and Respect, I know likewise, that I am but a Beggarly Younger Brother, who has nothing but what he is indebted for to the Liberalities altogether royal of your Majesty; without whom, I know that I should be nothing. I had nothing when I devoted myself to your Service, and at present, I may boast of having something; or, to speak more just, I may ●ffirm, that I am too rich, since I have the honour to be in your Favour. All the Benefits that I receive daily from your Majesty, make me believe, that I have the happiness of having some share in your good Opinion. Thus, Sir, both my Duty and my just acknowledgement, will not suffer me ever to pretend to any thing, without your Majesties Allowance. But, Sir, if it was permitted me to repeat once again, with all the respect that becomes me, if Your Majesty is not contrary to me, I may call myself the most happy of all men. Madam de Montespan being there, and having listened without speaking to all this Dialogue, and who, as well as the King, was ravished with Astonishment, to see after what passionate and submissive manner, the Count of Lauzun had spoken, was sensibly moved, and this made her say to the King; And why, Sir, should you oppose his Fortune? Let him pursue it; there is not a Person who has more Merit than himself: What Hurt does this do you? Well, said the King, Go Lauzun; I assure thee, that instead of being against thee, I will be as favourable as I can. Ha! Sir, answered the Count of Lauzun, Kings and Sovereigns may promise all, without being obliged to perform, except they have a mind, since they are above Laws. Go, Count of Lauzun, said Madam de Montespan, the King gives his Consent, push on your Fortune. But Madam, replied Lauzun, I can do nothing without my Masters Leave. The King seeing this Person full of so laudable and submissive an Ambition, and having ever honoured him with a cordial Kindness, he said to him; Well then Lauzun, push on thy Fortune, I assure thee by my Faith, that I will aid thee all I can, and thou shalt see the Effects.  
In your Opinion, was there ever any Man more happy than our Lauzun? or who had had so lucky a progress in an enterprise where all Appearances were directly contrary? And might not they promise themselves an entire happiness there, where any other would have found his ruin? Hereupon he went to carry her the good News of having got the King's Word. This Princess never testified more Joy than in this occasion. They remained some dayes in this co 〈…〉 on, in giving mutually▪ all the innocent Testimonies of a real Love, managing all things after such a manner, as that they might complete and finish their Designs by a happy Marriage.  
Now, Madam happening to die about that time, the Count of Lauzun went immediately to Mademoiselle, and spoken to her in this manner: I perceive, at length, Mademoiselle, that Destiny being jealous of my happiness, has at present declared itself against me; Madam's Death will entirely render abortive all the glorious Designs that your Royal Highness has conceived for me. The Death of that Princess has left you a place more worthy of you, and more suitable to your Condition, than that you designed yourself. You are willing to have a younger Brother, it is fit you should find a great Prince in this younger Brother: and your expectation cannot be better satisfied, than by the Royal person of Monsieur the Kings only Brother It is with that Great Prince that you▪ may enjoy a real Repose and a solid happiness, and more proportionably to your Quality, if there be none who are so to your merit. My fall is 〈…〉 such the more sensible to me in that I fall from ●he highest degree of Glory whereunto your Royal highness had raised me, into the greatest Confusion, by seeing myself so unfortunately frustrated of the fruits of my hopes: but in this strange Reverse of Fortune I find therein a kind of a Consolation, Mademoiselle, that having received all from your Royal Highness, by the gift you had already made me of your Royal Person, I was infinitely obliged and indebted to you, tho I had long before given myself to you through the inequality of the Present you had made, and of that you had received. But at present I pretend to acquit myself of all towards you, you have shown a unparalleled generosity when you gave yourself to me a younger Brother. This wretched Gentleman having nothing to offer you in requital of your Liberalities, has at length resolved to restore you to yourself, that he might contribute by this generous restitution to the repose of your Royal Highness. I will not give you the trouble of disengaging yourself from your promise, I do believe you to have too fine a so●● to have any such thought, but I will do my duty with disingageing myself. Do not think, Mademoiselle, that I have any other motive than your interest, which makes me act in this manner; I have a tender and sensible heart, more than your Royal Highness can imagine; though that in the loss I am now going to have, I foresee my ruin. Yes, Mademoselle, languishing will succeed all the joys that your Royal Highness had caused by the favours, and this heart animated with such high and glorious hopes, is going to plunge itself, perish, and consume by lingering Torments. Go then, great Princess, there is none that can fill it so worthily as you; it is your due by all manner of Reasons. And after this Loss of Monsieurs, he can only be comforted by the Enjoyment of your Royal Highness. He alone merits your Affections, and you alone are worthy of his. Go, Mademoiselle, once again, live happy the rest of your days. May your Marriage with that Great Prince render you as well satisfied as you deserve, and I wish.  
The Count of Lauzun during all this discourse, made appear so much love, and so real a regret for his loss that he said, and thought without doubt, that he was going to have; that at the same instant Mademoiselle made him answer, O Lauzun! I did not expect such a good morning from you; I thought that my repose was dearer to you then to interrupt it in this manner. Methinks that you only seek to disquiet me more and more by alarms, that tho' they be very groundless incite me to trouble. I neither think nor live but for your sake, and to put you in a condition of envying no Bodies fate. It is neither splendour nor Quality that I seek for, you know that I have often refused them, that I am likely to do so still: Are you satisfied, my Lord? and is this declaration sufficiently ample to remove all your suspicions? I will still do more, which you shall suddenly see. At these words, the Count of Lauzun, casting himself at Mademoiselle's Feet, I ask your pardon, said he to her, for my light Conduct; impute it only, I beseech you, to the excessive Love I have for your Royal Highness, If I loved less, I should be less in fear, and and should live more in Repose and without trouble; but the force of my passion will not permit me in any manner to be witho●●●llarms, till I am arrived to that happy moment, which is to assure me peaceably all the promises of your Royal Highness. I will go endeavour it with fervency, that I may leave you to enjoy peaceably that Repose which I have so often interrupted.  
In some few days after, Mademoiselle, being willing to remove all appearance of fear from Mr. de Lauzun, begged of the King that he would desire Monsieur to desist from his pursuit,& not to think otherwise of her, than as having the honour of being her Relation; which the King did, whereat Monsieur seemed something displeased, without knowing from whence it proceeded; in the mean while, Mademoiselle failed not to tell Monsieur de Lauzun what she had desired of the King, which set him quiter at rest, wherewith she was much pleafed.  
Now being willing at length to put an end to their Desires, they demanded of the King, the Performance of his word. His Majesty, seeing that Mademoiselle desired it ardently, willingly acquiesced; insomuch that there remained nothing but marrying, and the Count of Lauzun had a Dispensation in his pocket from the Arch-bishop; and the ●ing's word. What was assured on his part, was only delayed that the Ceremony might be made with the more Lustre and Pomp, insomuch, that it being publicly known, the Princes and the Princesses of the Blood were so earnest with the King against it, that they made him change his mind; insomuch that His majesty, having one Evening sent for Mademoiselle to the Louvre, He made her his Excuses: The first word that this Princess uttered after having heard this severe Sentence, was; And what will become of Monsieur de Lauzun? I'll take care, replied the King, that he shall have reason to be satisfied. But, Cousin, Will you promis 〈…〉 o nothing without me? I promise nothing, said that afflicted Princess, going out of the King's Chamber in a pet. And as for Mr. de Lauzun, the King  told him, for to comfort him, that he should not think of his Loss, and that he would put him into such a condition that he should envy no Bodie's Fortune.  
Do not you admire this sudden Change of Fortune, which hitherto had smiled upon these Lovers, and suffered shipwreck just as they thought themselves in safety: And by a turn which never had had the like, all the pleasures that these two hearts were just upon enjoying together, were changed into bitterness, that will never end as long as they live. If you have made reflection upon that first word of Mademoiselle, when the King announced to her that fatal Sentence, she asked, what would be the fate of her Lover; and afterwards, what will become of me myself? as if the union of their Bodies together was to make their mutual happiness. This, me thinks, ought to be called sincere and real Love; and there is little met with of this Stamp, principally in that Sex; I could wish they would take this lesson for themselves in imitation of so great a Princess.  
Will not you confess, that all the troubles and cares of Mademoiselle and the Count of Lauzun were but ill recompensed? and that they had nothing to desire but an entire applause of all they had projected? but when they were upon the point of arriving at the Port, they were cast away.  
In a few days after, though that this Match was broken off, the rumour still run amongst the people, that it would still be effected; the truth is, that some spoken of it One way, and others another. The reason they had was, the kindness the King had for the Count of Lauzun▪ and that all these appearances, were only feigned, which they believed the King did to hinder people from talking of the inequality of Mademoiselle with Monsieur Lauzun. But to make appear that the King's proceeding was no fiction, but pure effect, He resolved to give proofs written with his own hand, not only to Persons of the Court, but to the public, by the Letter I here insert; wherein he explains himself very openly.  
The King's Letter.  
AS what has passed within these five or six days, by a Design that my Cousin of Montpensier had formed, of marrying the Count of Lauzun, One of the Captains of my lifeguard, will without doubt make a great noise every where, and being that my Conduct therein may be malignly interpnted, and blamed▪ by those who are not well informed thereof, I have thought myself obliged to inform all my Ministers of it who serve▪ me abroad. It is about ten or twelve days since that my Cousin, not having yet the boldness speak to me her self, of a thing she knew would infinitely surtrize me, wrote me a long Letter for to declare to me the resolution she said she had taken as to that marriage, beseeehing me, by all the reasons she could bethink her self, to give my Consent, conjuring me in the mean time, till that I should be pleased to agree to it, that I would have the goodness not to speak to her of it, when I met with her at the Queens Apartment. My Answer, by a Letter I wrote to her, was, that I desired she would think better of it; and above all to be careful, not to be too rash in an Affair of that nature, which irrecoverably might be followed by long Repentances. I contented myself with saying no more to her, hoping I might do it better by word of Mouth, and with so many considerations that I had to represent to her, reduce her by gentle means to change her Sentiments. She continued however, by new Letters, and all other ways that could come into her mind, to press me extremely to give consent to what she desired, as the onely thing that could, said she, make the Happiness and Repose of her Life, as my Refusal to give it would render her the most unhappy Person upon the Earth. At length, seeing she went too fast, in my mind, in her pursuit, after having found the means of interessing on her side the principal Nobility of my Kingdom; she and the Count of Lauzun detached four Persons from amongst the Prime Nobility, who were the Dukes of Crequi and Montauzier, the Marshal d' Albret, and the marquis de Guitry, Grand Master of my Guard-robe, for to come and represent to me, that, after having consented to the marriage of my Cousin de Guise, not only without making any difficulty, but with pleasure, I resisted this, that her Sister so ardently desired; I should evidently make known to the World that I set a great difference between the younger Brothers of a Sovereign Family, and the Officers of my Crown, which Spain doth not do, on the contrary, preferred Grandees before all Foreign Princes, and that it was impossible but that this distinction must mortify extremely all the Nobility of my Kingdom. They thereupon alleged to me, that they had in their favour several Examples, not onely of Princesses of the Blood Royal, who have done Gentlemen the honour of marrying them, but even of Queen Dowagers of France. For conclusion, the Instances of these four Persons were so pressing in their Reasons, so persuasive upon the principle of not disobliging all the French Nobility, that I yielded at length to give, at least, a Tacit Consent, to this Match, wondering at my Cousin's Passion, and saying onely, that she was at the Age of Forty five years, and might do what she pleased. From that moment the Affair was held for concluded; they begun to make preparations for it; and all the Court were to pay their Respects to my cousin, an● made compliments to the Count of Lauzun. The day following, I was informed, that my cousin had  told several Persons▪ that she had only consented to this Marriage, because it was my Will to have it so I caused her to be called, and not thinking fit to speak to her but in the presenc● of Witnesses, who were the Duke o● Montausier, the Sieurs, le Tellier, Lionne, and Louvois, not having foun● others in the way. She strongly denied having said any such thing, and assured m on the contrary, that she had declared and would always declare to the World that I had done all that was possible to persuade her from that Design, and oblig● her to change her Resolution. But, being yesterday informed from divers parts, tha● several People entertained an Opinion tha● was very injurious to me, that all the resistances I had made in this Affair, were only a Feint and a Comedy, and that in effect I was very glad to procure so great a Fortune to the Count of Lauzun, whom all think I have a great Love and Esteem for, as it is true I have. I resolved immediately, seeing my Honour interested therein, to break off the Match, and to have no more consideration either for the satisfaction of the Princess, or for the satisfaction of the Count, whom I can and will otherwise reward.  
I sent to call my Cousin, I declared to her, that I would not suffer she should pass on to the making this Match; neither would I consent she should ever mary any Prince that is my Subject, but that she might choose in all the qualified Nobility of France, whom she would, except the Count of Lauzun, and that I would led her myself to the Church. It is superfluous to tell you with what Grief she received the thing, how many Tears she  shed, and Sobs she gave, and fell upon her knees, as if I had stabbed her a hundred times with a poniard, she would have moved me, I resisted all; and after she was gone, I caused the Duke of Crequi, the marquis of Guitry, the Duke of Montazier, to come in, the Marshal d' Albret not being to be found, I declared to them my Intention for to tell it to the Count of Lauzun, whom I myself afterwards acquainted with it; and I may say, that he received it with all the Constancy and Submission that I could desire.  
This Letter left no Suspicion in the public, and it was quickly seen that there was nothing more to pretend, and that the Match was quiter broken off.  
FINIS.   

ADVERTISEMENT.  
Whereas some few errors have escaped in the foregoing sheets, the Reader is desired to impute them to the Author's Absence during the Impression.