ZELINDA: An Excellent New ROMANCE. Translated from the French of Monsieur De Scudery. By T. D. Gent.  Nos haec novimus esse nihil. 
LONDON, Printed by T. R. and N. T. for James Magnes and Richard Bentley, in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden near the Piazza's, Anno Dom. 1676.   

THE PREFACE.  
THe World is grown as unconscionable to Us men of Wit, and Parts, as greedy Housewives to poor Costermongers; though they have never so much Trash for a little Money, they must have a Cast into the Bargain; a Prologue, or a Preface: and they expect Wit in them too, though there is none any where else. This extortion was a while gratified, but the Nine Sisters are so beggared with the Maintenance of their Multiplicity of Gallants, that the insatiable Critic must take downright Railing, for Wit: And I should but imitate my betters, if I raked in the honoured ashes, and recited the little failings of my ingenious Predecessors, those renowned and never to be forgotten Authors of Amadis de Gaul, the Knight of the Oracle, Bevis of Southampton, and Unfortunate Jack.— Or I might with others tax the impudence of my Contemporary Scribblers, for pretending so audaciously to Wit and Poetry, when none has more confidence or less merit than myself.— No! I am for Peace and Policy; Controversies and Disputes among Divines, make Tub-Preachers and Atheists;— Inquiries, Answers, Replies and Rejoinders between Doctor. N. and Doctor. S. concerning each others Practice, exposed the failings of both to Vulgar contempt, and raised the repute of Quacks and hedge Doctor: while Wil Pen and the Anabaptist were hurling Fire & Brimstone at one another in Aldersgate-Street, Muckleton damned them both over a Pot of Ale. I say, let the green Faggot-sticks of Poetry cling together in the band of Amity, and inspite of the fierce Critics puffing, they may Hiss, Pipe on, and be Courted, while he blows his Nails: But when the intestine fire of Envy dissolves the Union, by giving light and pleasure to others, they consume themselves. I think this is a good simile now.— Let us conceal each others Faults, and be great; and let not him that is found out, and justly condemned, discover all the rest to save himself, like a faint-hearted Padder.—— Why should the Tailor call the Miller a Thief.—  
Booksellers too are grown such Saucy Masterly Companions, they do even what they please; my friend Mr. Bentley calls this Piece an excellent Romance; there I confess his Justice, and Ingenuity. But then he styles it a Translation, when (as Sancho Panca said in another Case) 'tis no more so then the Mother that bore me.— Ingrateful to envy his friend's Fame! Though Sir Martin fetch his Plot from Prester John and the Stingies, Warner will manage all.— But I write not for Glory, nor Self-Interest, nor to gratify Kindness, nor Revenge; Now the impertinent Critical Reader will be ready to ask, for what then? For that and all other questions to my prejudice, I will borrow Mr. Bays answer, and say, Because— I glad Sir, I will not tell you.— I desire to please but one person in the World, and (as one Dedicates his Labours and Heroes to Calista, another to Urania, etc.) at the feet of her my adored Celia, I lay all my Giants and Monsters: to any other Censurer I say,  
Non vides id Manticae quod in tergo est.  
But to her I Bow, her favour I Implore; and to her Sentence I submit, as becomes her,  
Admirer and humble Servant, T. D.   

Errata.  
PAge 2. l. 15. for unwritting r. uniting. p. 6. l. 21. for for, r. from. p. 7. l. last, for or, r. of▪ p. 16. l. 14. for I injured, r. I believe. p. 26. l. 15. for required, r. injured. p. 34. l. 8. for not unreasonable, r. unreasonable. p. 39 l. 15. for with, r▪ which. p. 44. l. 16. leave out this. p. 47. l. 20▪ for see, r. she. p. 49. l. 12. for resolved, r. reserved▪   

ZELINDA; A ROMANCE.  
IN the time when Spain was divided, not only amongst several Kings, but divers Nations; the Goths, the Moors, and the Spaniards, having each of them a Share: Arragon was ruled by one, who in the midst of those Wars that troubled his Neighbours, had just abilities enough to keep his own Subjects in Peace; and was Famous only for being the Father of him, who is the Subject of this History. His Wife after having brought him one Son, died: At the same time the Duchess of Barcelona, a Young and Beautiful Princess, had newly lost her Husband, though he was already old. His Council thought it very necessary▪ he should have more Heirs than one, for his own as well as his people's Security; and therefore in behalf of all his Subjects, desired him to choose a Wife to his liking, either in his own, or his Neighbour's Dominions. The Beauty of this Duchess was well known further than Arragon; and besides that in Policy, the occasion was not to be let slip of unwriting to his Kingdom so considerable a Town as Barcelona; the Kings own inclination made him conceive that Policy the better. Though Rosalava had great Beauty, she had yet more Wit than Beauty, so that being already absolute; nothing less than a Crown could have tempted her to think of a second Marriage; but having an only Daughter as well as he an only Son; She thought this Ma●ch would not make herself only Queen of Arragon, but her Daughter too, and that she could not be blamed, if being in the midst of ambitious Neighbours, she secured herself by a way so advantageous and Honourable. She easily then consented, instead of Duchess of Barcelona, to be called the Queen of Arragon; where she was received with the usual joy and Magnificence upon such occasions: Being Young, Agreeable and Discreet, She soon governed her Husband, and consequently the Kingdom. Now no business of Importance was done without her Consent, whose Satisfaction was the King's only care; but this great authority she made use of most, in that design of Marrying her Daughter to the Prince, which she was much more desirous of, since she knew what kind of one he was like to be. Alcidalis was born so propitiously, and with so many natural advantages; That being a King's Son, was the least considerable: He had a Beauty which won the Hearts of all that saw him, a Wit in his very Childhood not to be equalled, and a greatness of Mind that made every body respect and fear him: The first years of Alexander were not more Miraculous than his; and there was not a day in which he did not say, or do something to the astonishment of all about him. Those that pretended to skill in Phisognomy, by looking on his Face, foretold glorious and incredible actions; and they that took surer measures by those he had done already, foresaw the Crown of Arragon would prove too little for such a head: The Queen observed his Perfections better than any body, and therefore grew extremely Fond of him, and impatient to bring about her Daughter's happiness; which she thought consisted less in being Queen of Arragon, than Wife to Alcidalis. But how slightly soever we speak of Fortune, we must allow hers to be the only Wisdom, and consequently count our own but folly▪ Her designs are laid so far off, and carried on by ways so impossible to be perceived, that they never fail to succeed in spite of all our endeavours to the contrary; and she allows us sometimes to throw in her way our vain oppositions only to have the pleasure of making then so: Thus far she dallied with Rosalva but ●e●o●ving to be at length too har● for he●▪ brings from another Country ● young Child, who though both a stranger and an Orphan) was to ruin all the designs of this powerful and politic Queen. The Prince of Tenara of a family in Calabria, so Illustrious, as formerly to have given Kings to Naples and Sicily, had so considerable an Estate newly fallen to him in Arragon, that he resolved to take himself Possession of a Right which was a little disputed▪ and loving his Wife extremely, who was as fond of an only Daughter they had about six years old, they could not think of parting; and therefore transported their whole Family to Arragon, where they were received by the King and Queen with all the civility and kindness due to Strangers of so great Merit and Quality. But soon after the Prince of Tenara grew sick of a disease that in a few days ended him, and left his afflicted wife in so despairing a condition, as made her not only willing, but likely to follow him. She received from the Queen's kindness, (who began to love her,) all the comfort and assistance which either her afflictions, or affairs were capable of: The Queen had always liked her, but since this misfortune, Pity increasing her affection, she loved her tenderly. Fate seldom ravishing our joys from us, till we have set upon them the highest value, or rather we never prise them enough, till the danger of their being lost makes us do it too much: She lodged her in her own Palace, and took such care to be perpetually, with her that she seemed to miss a part of herself when they were asunder. However, all this indulgence of the Queens, (enough to have cured her of any other Disease) only allayed this, by making her bear it with less despair and impatience: And yet nevertheless, her Husband's death, with the sad circumstances of time and place, was so great a blow, and made so deep an impression, that all the Queen's care and kindness was unable to preserve her from a dangerous Sickness; which proceeded for want of Sleep and Nourishment. The Queen's trouble was proportionable, who besides her Grief for the loss of such a friend, was not a little concerned to see two such fatal accidents happen in her Dominions, to a Family newly come to dwell there. Physicians were conjured to use their utmost endeavours; but although they did so, her Disease was too strong for their strongest Remedies; and therefore her own Judgement as well as theirs, giving the fatal warning, she resolved to quit the World with as much tranquillity, as that dear pledge she left in it would allow her, which sure could not be great, when she reflected upon the age and place she left her in; An Infant in a stranger's Country: While Camilla's thoughts were thus sadly employed, the Queen once ask her how she▪ did? She gently looked up upon her, and taking her by the hand, kissed it several times before she was able to speak a word; but at last told her she was very sensible of the obligations she had to so indulgent a Queen that since she enquired of her health so kindly, she would presume to tell her, that though she knew death so near, it was not her greatest apprehension, and that her Daughters helpless condition was the reason why she could not but leave the World uncomfortably; and therefore begged leave to manage to the best her few remaining hours, by easing herself of a heavy burden, and pouring out or her own breast into the Queens her dearest and most tender thoughts: She told her she should thank Heaven for giving her leave so soon to follow the Prince her Husband, if she were only sure the present she now made her would be acceptable; a present of all she held dear and precious in the World: Then having dried her eyes of tears which those last words had drawn from her, she went on to assure her that amongst all her miseries, she could scarce think Fortune her enemy, that had brought her to the honour of such a Friendship, by a journey which she should think prosperous, were it not for her Lord's death, though it proved her own too, since her kindness, was a Jewel she could not pay too dear for, and the only thing in the World she valued: But was more comforted with the hopes of her Daughters succeeding her in that, then in all the Fortunes she left her; and therefore conjured her to look upon her always as the dying present of one she esteemed, and not disdain to prove a Mother to the Daughter of a friend, whom she should think in that better provided for, then in the two Principalities she was Heir to. And then her death would not be unwelcome, since not unhappy; for Zelinda, who by this change would have the advantage, of being Bred by a Queen every way so extraordinary: Having said this, she took from under her Pillow a little Box of Jewels, which for her Daughter's sake she had always taken care of, and accordingly now put into the Queen's hands. Camilla's afflicted condition, and the manner she expressed it in, were both so moving, that the Queen had not been able to refuse her request, though sure of its fatal consequence. She threw her Arms about her, and assured her she received her present with joy, and upon condition she should never revoke it, which she hoped her recovery would give her leisure, though not unkindness to do: That from that moment she reckoned herself to have two Daughters, between whom she should no more distinguish than Twins, of which she did not despair to have her a Witness: This cured Camilla's mind, though not her body, and made her life easier, though not longer; for two days after she left the World with that Cheerfulness which the Queen's promises gave her; and the Queen capable of no comfort but the hopes of performing them. Thus we see Zelinda in less than three Months become a perfect Orphan, by burying both her Parents in their Graves, whose Inheritance they came to enjoy; We see her but six years old, in a strange Country, a thousand Miles from her own; and what is yet worse in the absolute power of one who was in time to prove her greatest enemy, and the cause of all her Miseries. But none are so safe as those in the hands of Fortune, who never fails such as rely upon her either by choice or necessity: She took into her charge this distressed Orphan, and so ordered this disastrous beginning, as to make it a means of setting her in the Throne of two mighty Kingdoms. Zelinda was the most perfect creature Heaven ever made; her Person was as miraculous as her life, and this Story, though very natural in every other part, is incredible where it speaks of her. Since the Sun went round the World he never saw so exact a Beauty, and in this Beautiful body, there was a Wit above the imagination of ours, and such a one as no other body but hers had been worthy of: In the age when others scarce spoke Words, she spoke Sense, and such as might have become any mouth. At her Birth all the Stars were agreed to contribute their best influences; And she appeared so Divine a thing, as one could not but imagine her fallen from Heaven by a Miracle: She was so naturally inclined to Good, that doing it, in her was scarce a Virtue; and it was not in her power, at least not without great self-denial, to avoid the practice of all things commendable; If we could look into the minds of the most extraordinary, we should not find them so faultless as their lives; and though their virtue at last gets the better, 'tis a victory like those in Civil Wars by which they must needs suffer, since their Resolutions are no more their own, than the inclinations that opposed them. But in this perfect Creature, Virtue reigned by Birth, and not by Conquest; and therefore she could never fail of doing well, while she did what she liked best: Besides these perfections which are to be described, those Names, Charms, and Secret graces, which make us love so often we know not why, Zelinda possessed in such abundance; that she was the general inclination of every man and woman. All her motions were so agreeable, that no others Beauty was half so Charming, and in her gentle Voice there was something like Enchantment. Perhaps this is not all that might be, but 'tis certain, all she deserved cannot be expressed, and it will be easily much imagined that where there was so much, there must be a great deal more. And since, Madam, by this Description she appears so very like you, I had as good confess ingenuously, that in the story there were so many remarkable things of her, that though I minded it extremely, I could never have drawn so good a Picture if you had not sat before me. These were the Arms with which Zelinda was to be victorious, and there needed no other, since they were enough to Conquer▪ Alcidalis, who would easily conquer the rest: She was received into Court with so general a joy, that it seemed an Omen of her future Greatness there, of which she then took possession. The Queen who thought herself uncapable of any comfort since her Mother's death, found the contrary whenever she was with her, and the King's affections scarce knew a difference between her and his only Son.  
Alcidalis and Zelinda, were of that Age in which Painters represent Cupid's, and had all the agreeable Beauties, the greatest Masters in that Art could give them; Their Charms were so equally taking, though extremely different, and their very childhood was so extraordinary, that none saw them without concluding them Born for one another, and each had been an unparallelled wonder of the World, if it had not seen them together. Indeed though they had the hearts of all that saw them, they could never have been loved equally to their Merit by any but themselves; no Souls but their own being capable of a Passion great enough to deserve theirs. Accordingly the God of love, intending to make his power remarkable by showing it in persons so extraordinary, settled it in their hearts so very early, that they felt it long before they knew it, and were not suffered to pass in quiet that first part of life, which Nature seems to allow undisturbed by Passions: Thus the first sight of Zelinda wrought the same effect upon Alcidalis which it was wont to do upon others, and he made some impression upon the heart of Zelinda, which she had never felt before. The Queen in pursuance of her great design, had bred up this Prince with all the artifice imaginable, that might incline him to love her Daughter. His first prattling was taken advantage of, that he might be used to call her his Mistress: he was daily brought to see her, and those about him still took all occasions to commend before him either her Face or Fashion. But his inclinations were not the same with the Queens, he that had Softness and Complaisance for all the World, seemed to want it only for her Daughter, and was no where so constrained as in her company: Whether his high Spirit disdained to be thus given away without his own consent, or that his Stars, which brought him into the World, for Zelinda gave him a natural aversion to whosoever would usurp that place they had designed her. But from the first moment she came to Court, and was by the Queen made her Daughter's Companion, his mind appeared immediately changed, he was perpetually in the Duchess' apartment, and no where so well pleased as there. Love to introduce himself easily into our souls, at first comes always accompanied with Delight and Beauty; and makes no show of violence or Cruelty, till he knows himself Master of the place, and too strongly fixed to fear being dispossessed. At first these young lovers felt his power in nothing, but an extreme pleasure in seeing one another, and then such a sweetness mixed with joy, spread itself about their Countenance, that it was very visible their love made them appear more lovely. Zelinda had still then been like others of her age, but now began to be more lively; and Alcidalis when he saw her, was so gay and agreeable, that it looked as if he had reserved for her company some particular Grace, and the best of his humour. In that innocent age they enjoyed a pleasant tranquillity of mind for some Months, in which they were much happier, then in many more that followed.  
But their passions increased daily with their understandings, and Love became so powerful, that he quickly made himself be both felt and understood; Alcidalis now grew more thoughtful than ordinary, and when Zelinda was absent, with an unusual sadness paid dear for the pleasure of having seen her, there was no sport for him in any diversions, but those he took with her, for seeing her was his only pleasure; or if any thing else was not indifferent to him, it was talking himself, and hearing others talk of her. That heart which even from his Childhood was set upon conquering the World, now hath no hopes nor thoughts but of gaining Zelinda; or if sometimes those of his former ambition return, it is but with design of rendering himself more worthy of her, by laying at her feet as many Crowns as she deserved. When ever she quitted the room, he was as if fallen from Heaven, and next to her company he loved none best. When alone (which for her sake he was often) he was perpetually reflecting upon all her words and actions; and having considered them the several ways, they were capable of being turned, drew from them accordingly either hopes or fears; then remembering his own expressions of kindness, was never satisfied with himself; sometimes he thought he was too timorous, sometimes too bold, and remained always at last as much displeased with himself, as pleased with her: He begun by degrees to give over all those recreations he was wont to be fond of, Hunting, which he loved best, became a dull thing to him when she was not there, and if he still minded his Exercises, it was but to appear more agreeable to her: In a word, he considered Zelinda as if there had been no Body in the World besides.  
Love on the other side had got into the heart of Zelinda, but had not made so great a progress; whether it were that fearing her high spirit, he durst not make himself known to her at first, or that she being the younger by two years, was less sensible of that passion: Yet she was not altogether unconcerned, for when ever she saw the young Prince, she had more care of her beauty and dress than ordinary; she loved the Countess the less, because she was designed for him, and every little respect that out of decency he paid her, took somewhat from the satisfaction of the fair Zelinda. Yet as she had a Soul, generous, resolute, and infinitely sensible, and by consequence capable of none but passions of the same nature, the merit of Alcidalis form in it an affection as fair and perfect as itself.  
Love between Persons of so eminent quality (like fire upon a Beacon) is so impossible to be concealed, that it is seen a great way off. The affections of Alcidalis and Zelinda was soon observed by all the World, and a great many perceived they were in Love one with another, before they discovered it themselves. In the beginning when Childishness made their actions less observable, though they saw one another with great joy, no body thought there was any other Love between them, then that of the innocent diversions they took together. But as by degrees Zelinda grew more serious, and Alcidalis began to show himself master of a judgement fit to govern his Father's Kingdom, and a courage capable of conquering any other. There was scarce any body in the whole Court, but judged their Souls to be united by so strong a passion, that it would be almost an equal difficulty to part'em from their bodies, or from each other. The Queen who was politic beyond her Sex, and designed nothing so much as marrying her Daughter to Alcidalis, was the earlyest jealous of Zelinda's beauty, and consequently the first that took notice of this amour; But having a great confidence in her Interest, and more in herself, she thought they at last would be the only Sufferers, and feared no stubborn resistance from minds so tender.  
In the mean time the beauty of Zelinda increased daily; and though it dawned but a while ago, now shone with such light and lustre, that she seemed to proclaim open War against the Queen, and all her designs. On the other side the young Prince sensible of his birth and parts, began to be weary of living under the slavery of a Governor, and the conduct of a Woman. That heart great and Royal by Nature, when filled with Love, disdained any other Empire but Zelinda's; He began to carry his inclinations for her a little more openly, and favoured none but such as she recommended: He run at the Ring only in her colours, all his mottoes spoke of her, and he was so proud of her Chains, that he hated all the World should not see them; There were none who in their hearts did not favour their affection. The Queen soon began to fear she had dallied too long with a flame so fatal to all her purposes, & which now required her utmost care and endeavours to extinguish it: Yet she resolved to try violent remedies at last; and strove by all fair means to win upon the disposition of Alcidales, which she perceived to grow less tractable to her every day than other: She used all the Arts she could to Eclipse the beauties of Zelinda, and to advance those of her own Daughter, whom she daily instructed, both what to say and do, never suffering her to appear but with pomp and lustre But Zelinda trusting still to Nature, whom she had been so much obliged to already, neglected by herself, was more admired by others, and without any Pearl but those of her teeth, or any Rubies but those of her lips, and such other Jewels as a waiting Woman Muse, dresses a Poetical Mistress in, out-shone the other, though adorned with all the glories of the East; so much the wealth that Heaven bestows, Eclipses whatever the Earth can lend her Favourites.  
The Queen seeing the danger of their continuing any longer in the same place, and despairing of all other ways to interrupt their increasing affection, resolves to try if absence (though it be the greatest torment of a settled) might not prove the cure of a growing inclination: And to that purpose, under pretence of some indisposition, desires leave of the King her Husband to pass two or three Months in Catalonia, and having gained his consent, she commanded all things to be in readiness for her journey, and said, she would have none attend her but the Ladies. This news extremely surprised our Lovers, who had never felt the sting, and been only acquainted with the sweets of Love, and except some few apprehensions for the future; which makes but slight impressions in minds so young, and full of confidence, their joy had been without trouble, and their inclination without the least check. Alcidalis was most concerned, or at least could worst dissemble; there was nothing he would not have attempted to divert this journey, & a thousand extravigances passed through his imagination about it, but seeing the time drawn on, and the Queen's resolution invincible, he resolved, at least not to let Zelinda part without a full and open declaration of his passion for her, which till then, (though all his actions continually proclaimed to her) his words had never presumed to offer the least hint of: Whether it were that he wanted confisidence, or thought it needless to declare a passion that none could ever hide. The last night being come, he went on the Queen's side; where, after some time, he found an opportunity of entertaining Zelinda alone, it was the first minute that ever Alcidales knew what fear was. He attempted once or twice to discover his passion; but having not resolution enough to go on, was fain to turn his discourse to something else, and though at other times he was the gayest Man in the World, near Zelinda he was then the most perplexed. But at last his heart beating, and his colour perpetually changing, he with a confused and trembling voice, said: I do not doubt Ze-Linda; But that you know I love you but; how well, after I have said all I can, must still be left to your imagination: I tell you this, that if you find me killed by your absence, you may know the nature of your loss▪ though your Journey be composed but of a few days to the rest of the World; they will to me seem many Years, and may perhaps outlast me. If you consider me and yourself, you will find the one too Charming to give a moderate affection, and the other incapable of a weak impression: From the first moment I saw you, my passion was at the same height, that time, or favours ever advanced any other to: And since every Look, every Word, every Motion of yours has added somewhat to it; whilst I was a Child, I could not express it to you; and since I never durst; and now I tremble only in saying, I adore you; and if I read not suddenly, something favourable in your eyes for me, I shall soon want the power to let you know the greater part of that I have to say. At those words, she who had till then kept her eyes upon the ground, looked gently up at him; Alcidalis seemed to have received a new life, and thus continued. Though inclination be but a blind guide; I must needs confess myself infinitely fortunate, in that which led me to adore the incomparable Zelinda; in whom I hourly discover such eminent perfections, as may change even an Aversion to its contrary: Judge then what a passion I must have conceived for her, since it was so advantageously born, and has been so continually improved: I confess freely, Humility is a virtue that you alone have made me acquainted with, I ever thought the whole world too narrow for me; but now I think myself, and that world infinitely below you; I know the last thing that you consider in me, is my Quality; If I possess any thing worthy of you, 'tis my heart, which I offer to you; and which I can say with confidence, to be Great and Generous enough to merit a place in yours. I would not praise it thus, were it any longer my own: But now I think advantageously of it, as I must ever do of all things that belong to you. It never had but two designs, whereof the first, and that which entertained its Childhood, was the Conquest of the World: But since it has been more aspiring, and more reasonable, it has desired Zelinda. Here he stopped, and waited for her answer, who in the condition she was in, had much a do to get out these few words. Sir, I am so astonished at a diseourse of this nature from you; and to find the eyes of the whole Court upon us, that I desire you will give till my return to make you an answer: Which I beg of you to believe, I wish may he very sudden: Every body observed somewhat extraordinary between them, but the Queen especially, whom their Conversation made very uneasy; she rose from her place, and Smiling upon Alcidalis▪ said, Sir you entertain Zelinda so seriously and with so much concern in your face, that I doubt you have had some little quarrel; if it be so, make me Judge, and i'll see her do you reason before she goes. Alcidalis having overcome the first difficulty of declaring his Passion to Zelinda, was impatient of being interrupted, so that without almost looking toward the Queen; he answered her carelessly▪ Madam ay injured Zelinda so just, that i● she had required me, I would yet desire no Judge but herself, and what quarrel soever we have, I shall still have a worse to them that go about to part us. This sharp reply was observed by all the Court; but the Queen who was concerned at it▪ seemed lea●● to mind it, and changed the Discouse. The next morning Zelinda was hurried away before Alcidalis could spea● to her, and left him in the first great affliction he ever knew; it was all as great to her, and more insupportable, in that she was forced to disguise her sense of it, and cover also with a cheerful Face a discontented Mind, hiding her misfortune in public with as many Smiles, as she lamented it in private with Tears.  
Of all the troubles that love brings with it, absence is one of the most sensible, there are some violent; some sharper pains, as that of jealousy, but none so hard to bear; and that so oppresses all sort of vigour.  
She was no sooner gone, but Alcidalis shut himself up in his Chamber, threw himself upon the Bed; wherewith a storm of Sighs, and a Sea of Tears, he grieved for her, rather as dead then Absent; not considering that love takes ever back with Interest the joys be lends, and lets few of his Debtors rest so long as he had done him: Having continued seven or eight days without seeing any but the King, and him as seldom as his duty would permit, he resolved to follow Zelinda, and rather Perish in an attempt towards happiness, then tamely expect a certain death from her absence's▪ After Hebrius one of the most famous Rivers of Spain, has passed along the Walls of Saragosa (as if there were nothing else worthy of him in Arragon) he takes the way of Catalonia, where receiving in his passage many rivulets, to make his entry more stately into the Sea; he comes at last within half a League of Tortosa: The Country he waters is very Fruitful, and full of Trees, which is the more agreeable, in that the rest consists of dry naked Places, and Mountains scorched up by the heat of the Sun, fifteen Leagues from his Mouth. He passes through a Valley two Leagues long, and proportionably broad on both sides, encompassed with Mountains: Those of Catalonia keeps it from the North-Winds, so that it is always Green, and the Inhabitants never feel that Winter, which they see continually upon the neighbouring Hills: 'Twas in this Paradise that Zelinda past her Purgatory; and where the Palace of the Queen stood; She alone was sad where all nature appeared to smile; and lost hourly ●hat lustre, which every thing there abouts seemed to have borrowed of her; The absence of Alcidalis troubled her continually, and her Melancholy was not confined to the present, but had likewise some presages of the ills to come, she saw her Fortune, and herself, and Alcidalis more dear then both, in the power of the Queen; She considered, that though the courage of the Prince was great, and his love greater, his Authority was yet but weak. That he would never be suffered to despise the Country of Barcelonia, which fortune offered him so opportunely with the Queen's Daughter: To Marry an Orphan, and a Stranger, who had no Fortune, no Support, but afar off, that he alone would not be able to resist the commands of the King, the good of the Kingdom, and the designs of the Queen, who governed both, that whilst they were Children, though all favoured their affection, yet none approved their Marriage: That many looked upon her already as an enemy of the State, and the Torch that was sooner or later to set the whole Kingdom on a Flame: These, and such thoughts continually tormented her, and the further she looked into the future, the more terrible her prospect grew. One day above the rest, as she was walking with the Queen in an extreme thick Wood, she slipped from the company, attended only with one Maid, 'twas no small ease to her to have the liberty of venting her Grief; which at other times she almost doubled by dissembling, and reflecting on various Accidents of her life, what she had already suffered, and what she was hourly threatened with: Her Melancholy possessed her so entirely, that without thinking of the way she found herself by the Banks of Hebroes: The Charms of so delightful a place, the sweetness of the Air, and the pleasure she took in being alone, invited her to continue her walk; but fearing the Queen might wonder at her absence, she stopped when the noise of a Horn, which seemed not to be far off, made her turn her head towards a Neighbouring Mountain, where she saw as she thought, two men closed, and falling together from a Rock; but upon a second view, she found it was a Bear and a man; when immediately on the place from whence the other fell, she saw a young man very well Horsed, leap down after them, the strength of the Horse, the address of the Horseman, or the Fortune of both, was such, that they took no hurt; he immediately kills the Bear at one stroke, with his Javelin, and saves his friend. This generous Action so surprised Zelinda, that she was almost angry that any but Alcidalis had done it: But he that was on Horseback came towards her, and past the River in a place where it was Fordable. She began to think it was Alcidalis, but not being perfectly assured; she asked her Woman if she knew that Gentleman; who answered: Madam, a far off we might have known him by his Action; but now we may see it is the Prince. As he came nearer, astonishment, fear, and joy, all at once, so seized Zelinda, that she could not readily find words to receive him with, The Prince who had a longer time to prepare himself, though not without some disorder, said; Madam, you are not to wonder at any confidence, from a man that is already guilty of that, of having declared he loves you; your last words gave me an impatiency, that turned every hour of your absence into an Age, and I had been unworthy of your return or answer, had I been able longer to expect either: What I said then, was but what I must always think, and if it were ever Criminal, am come to tell you, I am still Impenitent. Sir said she, if you will give me the leisure to make you the answer I promised you, when I left Saragosa: Then (finding herself Blush, and that he perceived it) she went on thus: This Colour that rises in my Face, proceeds rather from that I am going to say somewhat I never did before, then from a thought that I do therein any thing against my honour, I know not whether it be always a shame for a Maid to own she loves, but if ever it were excusable, sure it is in me. I will not say that my Stars, or your eminent Qualities forced me to it; those are pretences that any one may use; I will only urge such as are more peculiar to my case. I loved you Alcidalis before I knew it was a fault, and conceived an affection for you before I was capable, of those Laws that forhid it to our Sex. None can blame me for giving entrance to a Passion, which I seemed rather to have found there, then received into my heart, and which has been so long here; that I can no more remember its Birth more than my own. The first inclination I ever had, was for you, and self love so early, and so natural in all the world, came to me later, than my friendship for Alcidalis: My Reason (which appeared not in a great while after) found it so well settled that it almost looked like rebellion to attempt any thing against it; besides it seemed so innocent, and so just, that she rather endeavoured to strengthen, then oppose it, I say all this to excuse it both to you and myself, and to make you know that the soul the freest from weakness, and most reasonable in the World, might have been surprised, as mine was: If you are pleased that I love you, thank not me, but Heaven that would have it so. If you are at all obliged to me, it is only for owning of it to you: Thus, though I had not the power of extinguishing my affection, I had certainly that of concealing it, I could have dissembled it all my life time, or as most of our Sex do, have shown it you by little, and little; after having made you long desire it; were it not unreasonable or unworthy either of you or me: It would never he time to discover it; but one the contrary, if it be only such as Zelinda ought to have for Alcidalis. Why should I not from this Minute, give him the joy of knowing, and being assured of it. I tell you then I love you Alcidalis. and though I say it with Blushes, I do it without shame, I accept that heart which you gave me; which I esteem a Treasure far beyond the Crown you promised with it, I am pleased, to find all the qualities of your mind truly Royal; but I could wish your Birth were less so; for I fear Fortune to take that Crown away, which is the thing I least esteem in you, will rob me one day of all the rest. I see from this hour all the Misfortunes that threaten me, I know your love will cause the hatred of the Queen, but she that hath to her own the heart of Alcidalis can fear nothing: I will resist all with a resolution that shall amaze you; and since Heaven decreed I should have affection, I will accompany it with such a Virtuous Constancy, that what is ordinarily reproached in my Sex, shall be in me esteemed, and wondered at. Alcidalis from the very first Minute she began, had still harkened to her as one whose fate depended on her Discourse, finding it much more to his advantage than he durst have hoped, was so far from being able to express his joy, that he even wanted words for an acknowledgement: But after a while coming to himself, & finding her that followed out of sight, he put one knee on the ground; but as he began to speak, the Queen appeared near; the thickness of the bushes having hid her approach, so that he arose again as soon as possible. Zelinda was extremely troubled to be so unluckily surprised: And said, Sir, you will I fear have cause to repent this unnecessary humility. Madam, said he, I do already, but 'tis only that 'twas no earlier addressed: Whilst they were talking the Queen advanced, and Alcidalis coming up to her, she received him with a Countenance so gay, and full of satisfaction, that Zelinda herself could do no more. After the first Compliments were over, the Prince having told her how the Chase bringing him within seven or eight Leagues, he thought himself obliged to kiss her hands; the Queen seemed to thank Fortune, for having conducted him so near her. But Sir, said she, I believe you are already paid for all the trouble you have given yourself, for it's to be imagined the favour that Zelinda granted you just now, was not inconsiderable: Since you thanked her upon your Knees for it, as we saw; truly it made me not know you at first, and I thought it had been some of your Servants, but I am very glad it was none but yourself who received that satisfaction: Pray let us know what it was, that we may partake in your Good-Fortune, and thank her with you. Zelinda did not grow red upon this, because she had continued so, since her discourse with Alcidalis, and fearing what the Queen said, might surprise him; women's Wits being ever readiest on such occasions; she answered and said. Madam, I was ask Alcidalis some News of Saracosa, he (who without doubt, was thinking of his Hunting) did not answer me, I then reproacing him with his heedlesseness and Silence, he kneeled to me of a sudden, and thought by other excess of Civility to repair the neglect he had showed in not replying sooner to what I said. 'Twas very civil in him, said the Queen, and because you believe the Prince is thinking of his Hunting still, you have taken care to answer for him. Zelinda seeing the Queen press her so hard quitted the Discourse. But Alcidalis perceiving the pain she was in, came to her assistance as she had done before to his, and began a relation of some little indisposition, the King had suffered in her absence, so that the Discourse was quite changed. The good humour Zelinda had put him into, made him entertain the Queen with infinite compliance, and address himself more then formerly to her Daughter. But our young Lovers were not cunning enough to deceive her; she perceived the alteration and concluded the gaiety of Alcidalis, and the respect he treated her Daughter with, to be but effects of some obliging assurance he had obtained from Zelinda, and from that moment took the resolution of parting them. The Prince went the next day to Saragusa, whether the Queen was forced to return eight days after, this absence was much more supportable to him then the other, for he had in it the comfort of knowing he was beloved by the person in the World he most esteemed, they passed some Months so well, and with such Tranquillity, that Alcidalis could almost have forgot there was a happiness beyond it.  
But there is a fatal point which nothing can ever pass, and fortune is sometimes as weary of the joys of Lovers, as of the weight of Empires, the highest happiness has this fault that it's then nearest its end. This was sure the only cause of all the misfortunes that persecuted so innocent an affection: The assurance that Alcidalis had of Zelindas' kindness, made him live with more discretion, & more fear of displeasing the Queen, than ever he waited on her Daughter oftener, & conversed less with Zelinda, she who from her Childhood had been ever serious, began to be more and more so▪ to see and speak to the Prince with great Caution and respect, and do all things that might make their affections less suspected; but this discretion, as it did ever between Lovers, come too late, the Queen who could not be deceived, with much care, secrecy and diligence, gave order for the executing a design which she had in hand, as those which are in a place with their enemies▪ secretly undermine, for the most part fear least of all the ruin they must sink into, and live in security whilst men dig Graves under their feet; so our Lovers not imagining what was contriving against them, enjoyed a perfect Tranquillity, and if they apprehended any mischief from the Queen, they neither apprehended it so great, so sudden, nor in that dreadful manner it was to befall them. Four Months after the Queen came back from Catalonia, she took an occasion to in the beginning of the Spring to return, giving no notice of any such intention, till the day before. Alcidalis and Zelinda were so surprised, that they had scarce leisure to take leave one of the other, as the Prince was expressing to her, the Grief he left her with. Sir, said she, Remember you promised me, never to complain or fear the combination of the whole World against you, whilst I was for you: Minds assured one of another, like Martyrs in the midst of all their Sufferings, have still their thoughts fixed together with joy, on their reward to come, we shall meet again, and even in absence, our Memories shall make our past Satisfactions ever present to us, and our imagination shall entertain us with those to come: At that word she took a Ring from her fair hand; and bade him keep it with her heart. Alcidalis received it with all the joy his own was capable of, and was almost in love with the sad occasion▪ that drew so obliging a Discourse from her; then taking another of the same inestimable value, since it came from him, he gave it her with the same words, at which they parted with as much Grief as ever they had met with Joy: Tears stole down both their Faces, which both strove to hid from each other, as ashamed of such a vulgar mark of Sorrow in so Transcendent a concern. The Queen went away next Morning, and staying but one day at her own house, she pretended to have received some News from Barcelona, which obliged her to go thither, leaving her Daughter with a great part of her Train: She took only Zelinda with her, who imagined there was somewhat extraordinary in it; but was not able to comprehend the reason; so that knowing not what to fear, she feared every thing: The Queen spent the remainder of that day in seeing the Town, and the magnificent reception that was made for her; the next morning she was told that a Vessel bearing her own Name, which she had built not long ago, was newly come into the Port, there was then an hundred Vessels in the Port of Barcelona, which so soon as the Queen appeared, saluted her with all the Guns, so that for a while there was nothing to be seen but Fire and Smoak, the Ships being hid with a Cloud of their own making, they soon made themselves heard in a sound of Trumpets and Howboys: The Music and all the Naval Pomp, together with the sight of that Element, which at first seizes the Eyes and Minds of all the World with Admiration, could not in the least divert Zelinda; her, heart presaged those ills at hand, she had so long foreseen. The Queen put herself into a Boat, to go and see this Vessel, and took Zelinda with her and some few Servants; She found in the Vessel, the Captain and his Wife, with whom she shut herself up a while, which extremely increased the jealousies of Zelinda, she looked toward Spain with Tears in her Eyes, and began to despair of seeing it again: An hour after, the Captain and his Wife came out of the Cabin, and told Zelinda, the Queen expected her there, her Blood strait Froze in her Veins, and she grew so Pale, that she seemed rather her own Ghost then herself; the Queen shutting the door upon her, thus began. Though it be a long time Zelinda since we lost both; you the best Mother in the world, and I the best Friend; Neither the affection that I had for her, nor the last words she recommended you to my care, with shall ever be forgotten: And had these former considerations been wanting, your Beauty, your Wit, and Discretion, would have since obliged me to it. Having Bread you up so long, and having found all these Qualities that gained her my affection, shineing in you with more Luster: I were unreasonable had I not the same Friendship for you, that I professed to her. Then say I have done more for you then ever she asked of me, she only desired me to love you as her Daughter, and I have loved you like my own; my Daughter lost the Title of an only Child from the day your Mother died. Since when I have considered you both as equally my own, and consequently none of your actions or concerns have been indifferent to me, so that you may imagine it is impossible but I must have taken notice of that passion which your Beauty (though without leave) has raised in the heart of Alcidalis: I have been no less than yourself in pain for the injury it might do you. You know how little assurance there is in the the words of men of his age and condition; both which gave him a licence to deceive and falsify his Promises: Be your own Judge, whether his affection can ever be any advantage to you, you see how many reasons oppose it, and should it ever come into his power and yours, you are too just, too grateful, to take him from the Daughter of one you are so much obliged to. I know your Virtue Zelinda, but as great as it is you cannot hinder the Prince from seeing you, nor the World from Talking of it; your Virtue may avoid the ill, but cannot escape the noise; I know the prejudice such reports are to those of your Sex, and particularly the discontent they give those of your Scrupulous Virtue: I thought it then my duty to lead you out of this difficulty, and that it was now high time to fulfil the Promise I made your Mother. The Prince of Tarentum is Wise, Virtuous, and valiant, one of the most considerable Princes in Italy; He has by his Letters and Ambassadors, made addresses to me, that he might have you in Marriage; I would never acquaint you with particulars till all was settled▪ and the business ripe for Execution. I hear he expects suddenly to lay at your Feet his Person, and Dominions; the Captain of this Vessel left him fifteen days ago, and obliged himself in as many more to bring you to him, according to my Orders, Diligence and Secrecy for some reasons which I cannot yet let you know, are very important to this Affair, therefore you must go away immediately, and without any Train. I doubt not but this your good nature finds some trouble in this sudden parting, but though the Sea separate us for a while, nothing shall divide our affections; and I hope one day to see you with a Luster and Magnificence, which shall recompense the private condition you leave us in▪ and sure you ought to be glad, you are returning into a Country where you shall find your Fortune, your Friends, and the place of your Birth. But although it were not your inclination, it is enough that I will have it so: Besides the power of a Queen; I claim also the interest of a Mother in you: Consent then willingly to a thing (which beside that it is a thing very just) is also no less necessary; in following readily what I counsel you, and perhaps command you, you will show that Modesty that you owe to yourself, and a respect no less due to me: At these words she embraced her; pretending she would not take a formal leave of her, lest it should too much soften both their hearts, she left the Cabin.  
Sorrow, Rage, and Indignation, so overwhelmed the mind of Zelinda, that for a while she was neither able to speak nor move, so that she remained in the condition the Queen left here in▪ Which yet was the happiest she found herself in for many Months, since the greatness and suddainness of her misfortune, took from her all sense of it for the time. All our faculties are so limited, that they are only capable of moderate Objects▪ too much light blinds us, a great noise makes us deaf▪ great Joys oppress our Senses. After having been without any sign of life for half an hour, her Spirits began to return, and with them her Fear, her Love, and all the passions of a troubled Mind; Her life came back to her in such a company that she hated it; her first thought was that of throwing herself at the Queen's Feet, in hope to change her Cruel purpose; but she was gone, and the Ship so far advanced, that one could hardly see the tops of Houses of Barcelona, she turned her eyes that way, and reflecting on what she left, and what she was going to: And having seriously weighed them a while, she turned herself towards those that accompanied her with a Countenance more cheerful and Serene then ordinary: and seeming to have received some satisfaction from the consolation they gave her: See went to Bed, and entreated them to leave her to her Rest: Fear and hopes are the two contrary winds of Souls, which never cease, and there is no tempest, whereof one or other of them is not the Cause: The present is but a point, and would be inconsiderable to us, if one or other of these passions did not give us some feeling of the future: Zelinda thought that Fortune had placed her below her own power of helping, or harming farther: And so was in that fatal Tranquillity wherein men neither fear nor hope, but expect the end of their Misfortune, with that of their lives, In all these Miseries, she had not that of trying several remedies, which is commonly the greatest pain of the unfortunate. Having well considered what she would do, and knowing it could not be long ere she should be freed from her afflictions, she passed the night in thinking how Alcidalis would receive the News of her loss: And though she was infinitely grieved to part with him, she had some satisfaction when she thought of the eminent proof it, would give him of her love, and resolution. The Captain of the Vessel (besides that she was then their charge) had a particular esteem of Zelinda▪ having known her at Court; as soon as they thought she was awake they went into her Chamber, and asked her what she would eat, she answered that not only she would not eat then, but that she would never eat more; this reply amazed them extremely; but they concluded she was relapsed into her former Melancholy, and a little Time, a properer Remedy, than any discourse. Three or four hours after, finding that she called no body, they returned, and employed all Prayers, and persuasions to make her receive a little Nourishment; to which she answered only with a Sullen silence, and a Beheaviour so cold, and so resolved, that she scarce seemed to have heard them: They left her this second time, but began to apprehend some Tragical event of this strange resolution. The next night they came again with a Niece of theirs, who was of the same age with Zelinda, and kneeling to her, begged her to have a care of her life, with as many Tears, and as much earnestness, as if they had asked their own of her, but all in vain; so that they retired, and left her to herself. Three days passed thus whilst neither Prayers, Tears, or Persuasions, could prevail with Zelinda to speak one word; but the fourth day these good people with their Niece, came to make their last attempt: And desired her not to be her own Murderer, and commit a Cruelty upon a Person so excellent, as even the rudest Barbarians would both spare and Worship: Zelinda having harkened a while to their Discourse, fetched a deep Sigh, and rising from her Seat, showed herself plain to them▪ which made them the better perceive the extremity she was in; in the Beautifullest Face in the World, they beheld a frightful Image of despair and approaching Death, and somewhat that gave at once horror and pity; having looked round upon them all, she thus broke the Silence, she so long had kept.  My Friends, you ask of me a thing, that only you can give me, you would have me live, and I would willingly obey; but have resolved never to come alive upon the Shore of Italy, and here I swear it once more, to the Gods above, by Fire, and Light, and to those below by the Ghosts of my Ancestors: My life is then no longer in my power, it now depends on your carrying, or not carrying me to Italy; be not then my Murderers, you to whose care I was committed. The Duke of Tarentum expects me, he has never seen me, you have here your Niece of my Age and Stature, and not unlike me in the Face; you may put her in my place, and so at once advance her Quality and Fortune in the World, and save me from the greatest Misfortune I know how to fear; 'tis true you will deceive the Duke in giving him another than was promised him, but could you bring me to him in the condition, and weakness I am now, she whom I would persuade you to give him, would much better resemble that Zelinda he has heard of. The Duke will sure be happier in a Wife that will receive, if not meet his love, then in the forced Possession of another, who upon serious consideration has preferred her Grave to his Bed. But 'tis not me he aims at, since he never saw me, it is the Duchy of Otrante that he desires, and I give it this minute to your Niece, with the Quality and Name of Zelinda, and call to Witness the same Gods I have so lately Sworn by, that none shall ever know the contrary from me, and that I never will repent of it. The Queen I know commanded you to carry me where he expects me, but you will do her better service in obeying her Will, than her Words; an● can you think if she were here now and saw the condition I am now in and knew the resolution I have no● taken: That she had not rather s●● me safe in any part of the World then to seed me dead into Italy; d●● she command you to put me alive ●● dead into the hands of the Prince ●● Tarentum; do not you believe she designed my Happiness and Advancement in this Marriage, and that she w●● had so great a care of my Fortu●● would have a much greater care ●● my Life: When I am dead and ●● the World shall reproach the Que●● with this inhuman Cruelty, ●● not she say she was most Innocent in that she did not know my Mi●● my Aversion to the Match, and last of all my Desperate Resolution: May she not justly lay the whole fault on you, but what need you give her any Account at all; This Vessel is your own where ever Wind or Waves have passage you may go. 
Then taking out a little Box the Queen had left her, where all the Jewels of her Mother were, she continued.  These Jewels are of infinite Value, the Queen cannot make you a greater Present; except she gives you Barcelona. Take them, and give me nothing in return, but my Life and Liberty; and since Liberty itself, is more than all the Riches of the World, I shall acknowledge myself still your Debtor; too many would kill the Innocent Zelinda, for half the Wealth I offer you to save her: I buy a good Virtuous Action of you, at a Price able to engage many men in the the most Barbarous: If you make a scruple of disobeying the Queen, you ought to have an horror for the death of an Innocent; will you rather choose to destroy one of her Friends, then to break one of her commands; If you are afraid of her displeasure or wrong, you should consider, that shortly Alcidalis will be greater in Arragon then she, who will seek you all over the World, and bring you to a severe account for my Life, and Person: But if all these reasons should not prevail, I conjure you by the Friendship you have professed to me, by the compassion you showed but now, by these Tears, and all that is dear to you, to deliver me from this Distraction I am in, your sudden resolution will double the Obligation, and incline me to believe, that you were disposed to it more through your generous Pity of my afflicted innocence, than any other consideration: But if neither my Prayers, nor Tears, nor Offers, can prevail with you: This Tongue that has pleaded my Cause so unsuccessfully, shall never speak again, and death in a short time will give me that Liberty which you refuse. 
Then she showed them all her Jewels, which Charmed their Eyes, as much as her Discourses had done their Ears, so that they were no longer able to resist that double violence: The Captain was a Soldierly man, and very Brave, who had run through divers Fortunes without ever making his own: He thought now was the time or never, so that strait computing how many Vessels he might set out with a good part of that Wealth he saw; immediately all Zelinda had said to him appeared unanswerable, he thought himself obliged in Honour to relieve so Lovely and Injured a Princess: Besides, that he might one day restore her to Alcidalis, and receive from him as great a recompense, as he had done for her. He was a great while without speaking, so that Zelinda fearing his Silence, proceeded from his irresolution, doubled her entreaties, till at last he yielded, and vowed to obey what ever she commanded: She engaged to go into a Monastery, and never to leave it without his consent: Zelinda was so overjoyed at this deliverance from the Prince of Tarentum that she a while forgot she was also separated from Alcidalis; this satisfaction soon restored her to Health and Beauty; but they let her appear as little as possible; and their Niece Crimina was every day instructed to Personate Zelinda; when she had her Lesson perfect, they Landed her in Italy; though Zelinda saw all things go very well, and that the Captain and his Wife were very zealous to have this design succeed; yet her heart began to beat when she saw Land, and was extreme impatient, till Crimina was settled with the Duke, that she might be gone: Not to expose the false Zelinda at first, to the eyes of too many People, under the pretence of some small Indisposition, they made her to be carried in a Chair, into the very Palace, and under the same pretence avoided seeing much Company, till she had confirmed herself in the Mien and Person of a Princes; so that she let none see her when she could well avoid it but the Duke; who though he did not find in her that Prodigious Beauty that had made so much noise, was very well Satisfied with her, and attributed her Alteration partly to her Indisposition, partly to her Voyage, and allowed somewhat for the Extravagance of Report, which is ever in Extremes. The Captain and his Wife having received very considerable Presents, took their leave of the Duke, and put to Sea, pretending an Impatience they had to give the Queen an account of their happy Voyage. Zelinda stayed all this while in the Vessel, and when she saw the Captain and his Wife Aboard, pressed them to Hoyst Saile, and shed as many Tears of Joy at her leaving Italy, as she had of Sorrow at her quitting Spain: But what avails it, the unhappy to escape one Misfortune; or what Sanctuary is there for these whom Fortune is resolved to Persecute; all the earth is subject to her Empire, but the Sea seems to be particularly under her Dominion, it is there she exercises her Power most Tyrannically; and most Treacherously, enriching her Favourites with the Spoils of the Industrious: Yet as if there were nothing more to be feared, Zelinda thanked Heaven, and being on an Element the most deceitful of the four, among people she could expect nothing farther from, having nothing more to bribe them with. She imagined herself as secure as if she had been in a Palace, and in the midst of her Friends: They made towards Sardignia, where the Captain designed to leave Zelinda; with a Sister of his, till he could find an opportunity to restore her to Alcidalis; they had Sailed three days with a Fair Wind, when two hours before the Sun set, he upon the Watch, from the top of the Mast, cried he saw three Sails making towards them; Men live no where with so little security, as upon that Element, The Water, Earth, Air, and Fire, are all Enemies of those that are at Sea; but Men most of all, and there is nothing that one Vessel apprehends so much, as the Meeting of another; not long after they looked again, and they saw the Tops of three Sails, which seemed not to be above three Leagues off; an hour after they came more in View, so that they knew them to be Pirates. Our Captain commanded his men to Hoist all their Sails and run for't: The next Morning as soon as it was broad day, they perceived the Pirates were aside of them, and within six Miles, so that if they gained upon them in the Morning proportionably to what they had done in the Night before, they judged that by Noon they would be within Canonshot; those that were in the Vessel were a little apprehensive, the fearful took themselves to Crying and Howling, the most resolved, to their Arms: And the most reasonable, concluded, that neither the one nor other were to any great purpose; Though the Captain had experience enough to know that he could not Defend himself long, yet he chose rather to die like a man of Honour, then to yield and lose that Wealth he was so lately and so luckily possessed of. In this Alarm and general confusion, Zelinda alone was not astonished, and whilst others feared for their Goods, and their Liberties, she to whom all these things were indifferent, thought only for preserving her Honour: After having throughly considered the danger she was in, and the remedies it was capable of; She shut herself into her Chamber with the Captain's Wife, where the first thing she did, was to throw all her Ornaments into the Sea, lest they should discover her, then cutting off the Finest Hair in the World, she Wept a while in the consideration of what Fortune had reduced her to; but at last she called for a Suit of the Clothes of the Captains, and Disguised herself and Sex. In the mean time the three Vessels which they knew belonged to the Coast of Africa, came within Canonshot of them, and Discharged a Gun, to see if they would Strike Sail, but finding they did not, but pretended to defend themselves, when they came within convenient distance they gave them a Broadside: those of the Vessel did the same, but with a very different success▪ for doing no harm at all to the Enemies, they had their Mast and two of their Sails Shot in pieces, their Vessel extremely Shattered, and many of the Soldiers killed; at this noise Zelinda came out of her Chamber, and put herself among the foremost, hoping that she should by that means either be killed the sooner, or disguise herself the better, the Combat was so unequal that it was impossible it should last long, and all the resistance they were able to make, could not hinder the Pirates from Boarding the Vessel; where after they had killed ten or twelve of the most Resolute, and amongst the rest the Captain, the Seamen threw down their Arms, and yielded to Mercy The Captain of these Vessels was of the Kingdom of Barca, the people of it are very Barbarous, they drive no Trade at all, what we call Robbing, they call Gaining from the Enemy, and whatever they purchase with their Blood, they count still the bravelier, and most Honestly gotten; and would be ashamed of any other Title to it. This man being the most powerful in his Country, valiant and Skilful in Sea Affairs, was a long time the Terror of all the Coasts of Greece and Italy, he had Mercy, and Generosity more than his Country, or indeed his Profession allowed of, naturally and without knowing they were Virtues: As there are in the North, some Veins of Gold as perfect as those in the Indies, though not in so great quantity. So nature in all Climates does produce now and than an extraordinary Genius, which she instructs and cultivates herself, and endues with all imaginable perfection without help of Art. As Orcantes (for so this Pirate was called) was looking over his Captives and the Prize he had gotten. The Majesty and Beauty that shined in Zelindas' Face, compelled him to ask her who she was, she answered she was a Spaniard, and her name was Zelidan, Nephew to the Captain of that Vessel, he had taken, that she wished herself with him, and esteemed him happy to have preserved his Liberty with the loss of his Life: She said this with a mien worthy of a better Fortune, and with an assurance more usual in the Conquerors than the vanquished, her Constancy, her Courage, prevailed more on the Generous Disposition of the Captain, than all the mean Submission of the rest, he was charmed with the Greatness of her Mind, and Beauty of her Person, and desired her to be of good Courage, since she was fallen into the hands of one, who made Slaves of none but such as deserved to be so. That for himself he sought Glory more than Gain upon the Sea, and took more pleasure to give Liberty, then to make Slaves. That he left the rest of the Prize to his Soldiers, and desired only Zelidan for himself, and that the first brave Action they were in, should be his Ransom. And Sir, said he, If the advantages of your Mind, answer those of your Person, I shall soon be more a Captive to your Worth, than you are to my Arms. Zelinda, who expected nothing of this nature from a Barbarian, and a Pirate, was almost as much amazed as he was pleased; and the loss of Liberty, as a Slave to Orantes, was so much more supportable than it would have been to her▪ as Wife to the Prince of Tarentum, that she began to bear it with some sort of satisfaction. She thought there was no misfortune but to be given to another, nor no Happiness but to be Married to Alcidalis: All things else were indifferent to her. And so her great Soul worthy of the Empire of the World, submitted to her present condition with less concern then the meanest Seaman that was taken with her. But Zelidan for so we must hereafter call her, besides that Heaven had given her all Advantageous Qualities, both of Mind and Body, was endued with all those Graces, which almost insensibly create Love & Respect, born to command and not to obey: She soon got the ascendant over her new Master, the Slaves, Soldiers, Seamen, all loved her so well, that she Governed absolutely, in the Vessel where she was Prisoner; seeing the kindness Orantes had for her, she judged that it would turn to Love, if once she were discovered; and then his inclination (which else would be of great advantage to her) would be infallibly her ruin▪ She took all the care imaginable to conceal herself continually exercising her Courage, and all these Qualities that her Sex is least capable of. They passed all that Summer without ever landing, but to take in Freshwater, in which time the new Zelidan signalised himself on all occasions: There was no Vessel taken where he was not the first Aboard▪ so that the Pirate found no difficulty to pay him the full esteem and friendship he had promised: The Winter coming on, and the Sea growing fuller of fears, then hopes even for Pirates themselves, they laid up their Vessel in the first Port of Barca: Orantes gave Zelidan his Liberty with a great many Compliments, and professions of perpetual Friendship: He desired to bring him to Court, saying he would show the King the Richest Prize he ever took upon the Sea. In the mean while Alcidalis who was informed of the Queen's whole proceeding, believed Zelinda in the Arms of the Prince of Tarentum, and thought her capable though not of loving, yet of suffering another, the generous resolution of starving herself to death, which Zelinda was ready to have executed, Alcidalis was not able to imagine: But after he had given some time to a helpless and a most speechless sorrow, he lost all fear, all respect, together with his hope, and had no other though but that of Revenging himself immediately upon the Queen, or of forcing Zelinda from the Arms of the Prince of Tarentum. But at last his Body being unequal to the violent Agitations of his Mind, he fell into a fever, accompanied with such Raving Fits, as all that knew their true cause, had reason to believe he would never outlive them; he was in a short time without any strength, and which was happiest for him without any thought at all: thus Fortune can mock at all our Purposes, and confine him a whole Month to his Chamber; Who threatened strait to search the whole World for Zelinda. A fever, Love, and Jealousy, which are certainly the greatest ills of Mind and Body, raged at once in Alcidalis, every one of them with their most desperate Circumstances: So that each seemed incurable and altogether unsupportable: But at length contrary to all expectation he recovered, but with his Health, his Grief, his Love, and all cares returned; so that without staying till he was perfectly recovered, or making any one acquainted with his design, he stole out of Saragosa, and going a by way to the Kingdom of Valentia, he embarked at the nearest Port, and past over into Italy: Where he hoped to see Zelinda, which expectation was all the Happiness he was capable of in her absence; The false Zelinda had better Fortune than the true one, and her designs better success, she had, as observed, a moderate Beauty, and that kind of understanding that gives us cunning and subtlety for the Affairs of the World, seeing what a dangerous business she had undertaken, she endeavoured all she could to gain the Prince her Husband's Heart, and so fortify herself against all accidents: He was of those years wherein men begin to feel the approaches of Old Age, and to be somewhat less confident of themselves, and where the most reasonable and best deserving cannot hope to be loved by Women, but out of gratitude or duty: So that the Beauty, Conduct, and Kindness, of his Young Wife, gained him entirely: As we are never so fond of Flowers, as in the beginning of the Spring, or towards the end of Autumn; the first for their Novelty, and the others because we think we shall see them no more: So the pleasures of love are at no time so dear to us, as in the buginning of our Youth, and the approaches of our Age: It is so great and unexpected a Happiness for an Old Man to be loved, that there is no folly they are not capable of in that condition, but the knowledge they have of themselves, scarce suffers them ever to be firmly persuaded of it. The Duke was no sooner in love, but he became Jealous; That passion which in other Countries is an accidental effect of love, is there inseparable from it▪ they conclude there cannot be a great desire, without a great fear. Love and Jealousy are Twins with them, and ever born together. Were it then the excess of kindness, the Air of his Country, or his own natural distrust, or that he had heard somewhat concerning Alcidalis, that had caused that effect; his Jealousy arrived to that height, that he never thought her safe but when she was with him, and even then had scarce patience she should be seen by any eyes but his own. She who for another reason cared not to be seen much, easily complied with his Humour, and told him she loved all the effects of his Passion equally, that his very fears were agreeable to her since they were marks of his Love: That her greatest content was to procure his, that in having him, she thought she had all the World, and cared not if she was shut up for ever on these Terms. He receives these offers of hers with great joy, and made use of the Liberty she gave him to take away all hers, so that cutting off daily somewhat of her Attendants, and of a great Palace, which before she had the freedom of, he reduced her to four or five Rooms, and a few necessary Servants, as the Duke gave her many marks of his Jealousy, he also gave her some of his Love. And strove to make her Prison as agreeable to her as possible, there was no part of the World that did not contribute its greatest varieties to her Closets. Art and nature seemed to strive which should most adorn her Retirement. And she saw all things she could wish, but men, and those she saw only out her Windows. The Duke bought the Lustiest and Handsomest Slaves that could be found which (to divert the Melancholy which must needs attend such a solitude) he caused to be taught to Fence, Ride, run at the Ring, and all the exercises of the Nobility, by the best Masters of Italy; these were called the Slaves of the Duchess, thrice a Week they were brought into a Court all strewed with Sand, where they did all their Exercises: The Duke had two designs in this, one of diverting his Duchess, and the other of making her despise all men; by letting her see in Slaves, the same Qualities which are admired in people of the highest Birth, and most advantageous Education. Alcidalis at his coming into Italy, was informed of all this, and judged that no Quality would so soon introduce him, as that of a Slave to the Duchess; he communicated his designs to his Gentleman, who had always attended him; who Disguising himself like a Merchant, went to the Officers that had the Government of the Slaves, and exposed to sale Alcidalis; who having all the Qualities necessary in a very eminent degree; was soon Bought, and so one of the greatest and most accomplished men in the World, became a Slave: A while he was fain to learn of them he might have taught▪ and seeming to learn every day somewhat of his exercises; he in a short time so advanced, that he was admired of all the World; if he were challenged to run, Wrestle, Fence, or Ride, he was so constantly successful, that at last he seemed but to be invited to so many Victories: There was no Prize that any one, or number of his Companions, durst dispute with him: Yet among all the commendations he obtained, he felt a secret shame in himself, that his Victories were gained only over a few Slaves, for he had a heart as Generous as that Prince, who scorned to Run with any but Kings, though he did all things with an incomparable Grace, it was with so much neglect and contempt of what he was about, that it was no hard matter to see his thoughts were somewhere else: When ever he entered the Lists, for the Divertisement of the Duchess, he came the first, and went away the last; In all his exercises he had his Eyes and Heart fixed upon the Window, he thought she stood at. For the Jealous Duke had so contrived it; that she could see without being seen: What Mistakes and Errors are not men capable of, the most Faithful Lover upon earth adores now a Beauty he has never seen, Sighs before her, and gives her at his eyes his heart: And being born a Slave to Zelinda, has blindly sold himself to another: Alcidalis who had been remarkable amongst the most accomplished Princes, was easily so among these Slaves. The first day she saw him, his Beauty, and the Graces that accompanied all his Actions, attracted the eyes of the Duchess; afterward he gained her esteem, and then her admiration; and having considered how throughly she thought she saw in his Mine and Courage, somewhat worthy of a Nobler destiny, and much above his present Fortune: She took notice how fixtly he looked up at her Window, of the Paleness and Sadness of his Face, which all the applauses continually given him were never able to change for a Minute: All this together gave her at first Pity, than Curiosity, and at last Love.  
One Night as this Illustrious Slave went out of the Palace of the Duke, in a dark Passage he felt himself pulled▪ by one, whom by that light he could only perceive to be a Woman; who taking him aside, said, Clariantes, (for that was the name he chose to be called by in this Disguise) If you are as truly Brave as you appear, come to morrow morning at two a Clock to the foot of the Greek-Tower, there you shall be put in a way of being the Happiest man living: She said this in great haste, and left him, without staying for his answer. But this was enough to set his Thoughts a work: Since Fortune began to persecute his love, this seemed to him the first Moment she began to remit of her usual Rigour; he made no question but this Message came from Zelinda, since to make him Happy was in the power of none but her: Yet whether it be that men so extraordinary hold some little intelligence with their destiny, or that the unfortunate entertain hope but Coldly, which has so oft deceived them: he durst not be confident of his good Fortune, but expected the hour she had assigned him, successively agitated by Impatience, Hope, and Fear. The time so much longed for being come, as soon as it was dark he came to the foot of the Tower, which was an old Building which entered some fifty Foot into the Sea; Alcidalis came in a small Fisher Boat, which having fastened to the Wall, he attended the success of his Adventure an hour before any body came to him: His Mind all the while no less tossed between Hope and Fear, than the small Vessel he was in by the Waves of the Sea: Passions which though they are very contrary, are very often together; the Wind was so high, that there was small hope the Rope that held the Boat would endure much longer, so that every Minute he imagined it would break; at last, as he began to despair of his expected Happiness, and entertain the dismalest thoughts the Night, the Sea, and rising Storm could furnish him with; he heard a noise from the top of the Tower, which he answered to, and immediately something fell into his Boat, which he soon perceived to be a Ladder of Rope: Alcidalis then gave himself entirely into the Arms of a deceitful hope, and was confident he should once more behold his unfortunate Zelinda: which made him slight all dangers, and run up the Ladder as fast as he could have done the easiest Stairs in the World; when he was at the top, he found a Window open, and a Woman who gave him her Hand, and without saying any thing, brought him through a great many turnings into a Closet, the Richliest Furnished that ever he had seen, lighted with three Lamps of Gold: He perceived than she was the same Woman had spoke to him before in the dark Passage; then putting all things together, he concluded she came from Zelinda, and had now no fear but that of not staying long enough with her: He had a thousand several and some contrary Passions at once in his Mind, which cannot be represented on Paper, since the Soul of man, and amongst them, only the Lovers, is capable of such confusion: He was for an hour in the stillest Silence imaginable, but at last he heard, as he thought, the tread of a Woman, and the noise of a Key, to which turning his Head about, he saw a Door open, and the same person enter who gave him her hand at the Window; who Smiling upon him, said, Clariantes, I do not doubt but you will pardon me for having made you wait thus long, and confess the Honour you are going to receive, an abundant recompense for all you have suffered. The Prince thanked her; and desired she would inform him a little what this Honour was she meant; She paused a while, and then replied, Were I not by the Greatness of your Mien and Courage, sufficiently assured of that of your Mind, I should not venture to let you know your good Fortune thus at once, lest excess of joy should overpower your Spirits; but it is to be supposed a man of your Merit can never be surprised at his good Fortune, whatever it be; know then, that you are now in Zelinda's Closet, and shall immediately be brought into her Chamber; the Duchess has taken notice of your good Qualities, and finding nothing amiss in you but your Fortune, is resolved to better that herself; and to that end desires your acquaintance: On your part see you make good use of this occasion, and show as much Discretion and Conduct hereafter, as you have hitherto shown Courage and Generosity. Having said this, she led him into the Duchess' Chamber. How strangely are our Minds wrought upon? Alcidalis, whom death itself would not have discomposed, trembles in a place where he knew there were none but Women; that heart which would have encountered a world of Enemies without fear, melts at the imaginary approach of the only person upon earth he loves, and knows himself to be beloved by: The Chamber had just the light that such affairs required, which was not much; the shame and disorder of a Young woman unpractised in the Thefts of Love, made her conceal herself so much, that had Alcidalis been less prepossessed than indeed he was, he could not easily have found his mistake: He immediately fell upon his Knees to her, and after a few words confusedly uttered, and worse followed, he stopped in the middle of his Discourse; Amazement, Joy, and Love seized him so in an instant, that half▪ beside-himself he let fall his head upon the Bed of the young Princess, who lifting it up with her hand, brought him a little to himself; but a consciousness of his disorder kept him still in it, so that he could only say at last,  Zelinda, Heaven has had some pity on the unhappy Alcidalis, and once before I die given me a sight of those perfections I would have died to have seen; my love is still the same, and I am not the less yours for your being another's; the Tyranny of Fate may force our Persons out of our own disposal, but hearts are given by themselves alone, and sure what is unjustly taken, we justly may recover. 
Here his Sighs interrupted his Discoutses, and as he would have continued it, they heard a great noise in the Palace, which she that was entrusted came out of Breath to tell them it was the Duke, and that he was already on the Duchess Side: Who, good man, far from thinking what had happened, had designed to spend two or three days in Hunting; but whether it were Love, or Jealousy, or that he thought, that for being less expected he should be the more welcome to the Duchess; he returned the very day, and the first thing he did, came to visit her. I hate him for coming so unseasonably; for I would fain have seen what reply she would have found to a Discourse she so little comprehended, and less expected; and had I made the Story, Alcidalis should have made him— what the Duchess pleased: But as things were, there was no staying any longer, and the Lady that brought him, in all haste conducted him to the same Window he came in it. Seeing and detesting this last Treachery of Fortune, he had more mind to precipitate himself, then to make use of his Ladder of Ropes, and had done it, but for the hope of Climbing up by it another time. The sweetness of that thought persuaded him to live a little longer, but with many rash Vows and deep Imprecations, not to survive such another Jilting trick; and brought him safe, and unobserved to his Lodging; for the Duke's unexpected arrival had raised all from sleep, and put the Court in such Confusion, that they ran against each other as if it had been at blind-mans-Buffe: (a Recreation much used at Courts in that Age, and not yet wholly disesteemed.) To save the trouble of making doleful Speeches▪ and avoid the danger of speaking untruths, or worse than he did, I will not presume to relate exactly how often Alcidalis Sighed, Tumbled, and Rolled in his Bed, sometimes Railing at, and sometimes wheadling Fortune; or whether he tore his lovely Hair, which in a thousand Curls adorned his spreading Shoulders; for he being then under the qualification of a Slave, had no attending Esquire to hear and discover his Soliloquies. But let the ingenious Reader imagine, after a long and passionate Courtship of so Beautiful a Lady as Zelinda, if he was Kneeling by her Bed, (the Altar of Love) pressing her soft Palm, laying his amorous head on her panting Breast, in the height of ecstasy, just at the Minute of fruition, (for doubtless they had been naught together, if the Duke's coming had not prevented them) how it would stir him to be disappointed: And then let him please his fancy with Speeches suitable to his own Humour.— Here some Romantic Zealots may perhaps accuse me of a gross mistake, in supposing a Prince so subllmely Virtuous as Alcidalis is Characterised, could be guilty of the common Failings of meaner persons: But I refer myself to the Impartial Judgement of this ripe-witted Age, whether that Lover is not most perfect, whose Passion has no Limits (maugre the Cruel examples of Amadis de Gaul, that flower of Chivalry, and all the Rabble of obsolete Heroes) but in persuance of its design, which is enjoyment one way or other, whatever is pretended to the contrary; tramples all danger, or reason under Foot; I'll believe it granted, and proceed to my Story.— The same excess of kindness, or Jealousy rather, which hurried the Old Duke from his Country diversions, hastened him to the Chamber of his Trembling Duchess; who received him with most extraordinary marks of unusual Tenderness, the better to palliate her Error; often renewing her strict Embraces, with a melting voice, she said,  My Dearest Lord! The only joy of my Life! Are you well? Are you in my Arms? Oh speak! and confirm me that I am not yet in a Dream— No, Dear Madam! answered the over joyed Duke, it is no Dream; or if it be, it is so ravishing to me, that I could be contented it should never end: But what, my dear Zelinda, has so much discomposed you? Your heart pants and struggles, as if it were weary of its Seat, and sought for shelter in my Breast— Oh Sir, she replied, receive it kindly then! and let it ever dwell there, that it may no more be frighted with your absence. Your coming wakened me from a dreadful Dream; a great Buck, methought, assaulted you in a▪ dark Thicket, and was just ready to gore your Majestic forehead with his Horns; Ha! Horns, cried the Duke, (starting as if his evil Genius had appeared) Heaven avert the Omen! If your presence had not disturbed my busy Fancy, certainly the Dream had gone one, says she, and I had died with apprehension— Be comforted, Madam! says the recollected Duke, Dreams are but faint reflections of those last thoughts, which employed the imagination when sleep surprised the Active Senses; so when the Glorious Sun forsakes our Hemisphere, a Rosy glimmering light still guilds the Clouds. Ah Sir! I will never consent that you shall leave my Arms, cried the passionate Duchess, for if your precious life should be destroyed, how wretched would the unfortunate Zelinda be! 
Repeating her Caresses with such exquisite Artifice, and seeming Fondness, that the Duke, believing himself most egregiously Happy in a Kind and Faithful Spouse, when her heart was all that time inventing new Curses for him, committed all his cares to a sound sleep; which Age, and a little forced exercise to retaliate his Lady's kindness, soon brought upon him.  
The next day was solemnised with more than usual Sports, where Alcidalis, swelled with joyful hopes, performed such extravagant Deeds of Agility and Strength, as I dare not particularise, lest the incredulous Reader should distrust the truth of all the rest. The Duke unable to make good returns of Love two nights together, shut up his Exchequer, and as an uncivil Debtor that cannot Pay, avoids the sight of his obliging Creditor; he stole away as abruptly to his Countryhouse in the Evening, as he had come from thence the Nightbefore; leaving a Letter to inform and comfort the poor Duchess, with plentiful assurances of a speedy return; adding, that he feared to bid her Farewell, lest her Grief should betray him to a weakness misbecoming a Prince. She had observed his close manner of retiring, and gladly gave him opportunity to Cheat himself, while he thought to deceive her: but could not read his Consolatory Epistle, without downright Laughing— Old Age, Flannel, and Brandy, said she, farewell! and immediately calling Florella, (for that was the Lady of her intrigue) sent her to Clariantes; concealing still from her, that it was the Prince Aleidalis, (whose Name and Actions the Court was well acquainted with) and resolving to continue his mistake of her for the true Zelinda; ordered, that when he came, there should be no light at all in her Chamber. Florella found him walking where he had received the former Summons, and failed not to deliver the second Challenge; nor he to repair immediately to the place appointed. Now Fortune seemed to fix her unsteady Wheel; Smooth and Gentle, as a Frozen River, did the Sea appear; and the amicable Moon, an indulgent cherisher of all Exploits of Love and Art, (like a well-wishing Procurer with a dark Lantern) from behind a sable Cloud, displayed just light enough to lead him on, and not betray him. Swift as a sealed Dove, and as blind too with his Passion, he mounted to his Heaven, the Window, and in one moment more prostrated himself at the Shrine, the Bed of his Saint. Like a gay plumed Phoenix, wrapped in perfumes, and languishing in Flames of Love, she lay; yet trembled like a new yeaned Lamb upon a sheet of Snow, with eagerness of fierce desire. After his first assault of Kisses on her melting Hand, his Tongue got liberty to cry, Ye Gods! do I again behold the fair Zelinda? (a very pertinent Question, for it is to be remembered there was no Light) then overcome with ecstasies of joy, his head sunk gently on her downy Breasts, which proudly swollen to welcome so desired a Guest, and meet his burning Kisses; while with her tender Arrms, more White than Alpine Snow, she kindly pressed him closer! Oh my adored Zelinda, (he panting cried) to which she Echoed softly with a Sigh, Oh my much loved Alcidalis! I had been too happy had I been only thine.— Here their Speech was Smothered with reiterated Kisses and Embraces, till urged by opportunity, and stimulated with greatness of delight, with a respective Boldness he continued— Why was the unfortunate Alcidalis permitted to see such dazzling Glories, and hope for such unexpressible bliss, as Gods would quit again their Heaven for,— and not— En— j—! There with a Balmy Kiss, she put a period to his Words; and with a pretty kind of obliging violence, she checked his wand'ring hands, while he pursued his purpose thus— If my adored Princess thinks my Sufferings yet too inconsiderable to merit her esteem, if cuitting the powerful Charms of approaching Sovereignty, and forsaking an indulgent dying Father, to wear the despicable Garb, and do the mean▪ Offices of Common Slavery, deserve no Pity; invent new Chains, Tortures, Deaths, and see how readily I will embrace them for Zelinda's sake— Too much, too much already, replied the cunning yielding Duchess, has my beloved Prince endured— But— But!— But what! cried the impatient Alcidalis— But you are another's, you perhaps would say: Ah Madam! were you not first mine? were you not Basely, Treacherously Ravished from my Arms? And if a Thief has Rob me, shan't I seize my Treasure where I find it?— Concluding with a close embrace,— Go, ye are an unkind naughty man, said she— and I wont love— you indeed— if— you offer— Sighing, and gently striving to defend, what she had rather have died then keep— What, oh powerful opportunity! may not be effected by thy assistance? How sweet a recompense did the mistaken Alcidalis think he had, for all his pains! and what a full revenge on Fortune for her Jilting Tricks, while he lay dying in the Arms of his supposed Deity!— But oh the shortness, and uncertainty of humane felicity! Who would not think the tired Duke now taking large Arrears of sleep, for his last night's Disturbance! Who would believe, he should so soon a second time molest these Lovers! Yet so it was; for in the height of all their Bliss, Florella almost Breathless with her haste, rushed in; casting back such frightful Looks, as if some ghastiy Phantasm had pursued her; and by the Blazing light of a great Wax Taper which she brought, discovered to the surprised Alcidalis, the false Zelinda; and e'er he could discharge his Senses, from the Amazement that object raised, she increased it by crying out, The Duke! The Duke was privately returned, and just entered the Palace: which truth their ears immediately confirmed, by the hasty Footsteps which they heard.— The Duchess, Pale and Trembling, had not power to speak, but with up-lifted Hands and Eyes, seemed to implore the assistance of Alcidalis; while Florella, whose Senses were more at liberty, threw a loose Robe and Head-Tyre of the Duchess' on Alcidalis, hiding his Face as much as the Dress would permit. Scarce was this done, when the Duke entered, clasped him in his Arms, and spoke the kindest things a doting Husband could invent, to oblige the best Wife in the World: To which he dared make no reply; but Florella freed him from that trouble, telling the Duke, a sudden Toothache, got by a cold she took the preceding night, made speaking extremely troublesome; and swollen her Face so, she dared not expose it to the Air, lest it increased her Malady. Alcidalis took the hint, and began to Groan so Lamentably, it put his Grace into such mortal apprehensions of her danger, that it was hard to judge who was in the greatest perplexity, He, the Prince, or the Duchess, who lay quaking under the Bedcloathes, like a Child frighted with the Tale of Raw head and bloody Bones. Death was the least punishment the Lovers could expect, if they were discovered. A hundred times did Alcidalis resolve to force his Passage over the Duke's feeble Body: But the consideration of the Duchess' danger, as a Woman in distress, though her imposture had much incensed him, diverted all those thoughts to a Generous resolution of freeing her, or sharing in her destiny. Thus Affairs stood, when Fortune seemed weary of tormenting them, and gave some prospect of hope, for the Uxorious Duke would himself be the Messenger to call the Physicians; which gave all hopes of setting things right 'ere he returned; but their Joy vanished like a swift reflection of the Sun cast from a moving Lookingglass; for the blind Quean, whose sole delight consists in Tantalising those that trust her, thrust them the next Minuit on the very brink of Ruin. The Duke unable to leave his Dear Zelinda without a Kiss, found a strange unusual Roughness on his Chin, and surprised with a sudden fit of Jealousy, surveying him the same instant from Head to Foot, imagined his dimensions six times as big as his Zelinda's (for Passion blinds the Understanding, as some Diseases cheat the Sight) and rending off the Head-Dress, saw not only a man, but his Slave Clariantes, whose extraordinary valour had made him worthy of his particular knowledge.— Immediately running out, with loud Exclamations of Treason, Treason! the Guard repaired to his aid; when his back was turned, you may think Alcidalis was not idle, but casting off that faetal Robe, with a bravery of Spirit which never forsook him, he prepared, though unarmed, to dispute his Life▪ But ere he went, turning to the Duchess who was almost drowned in Tears, Madam, (says he) if extravagancy of Passion, had not wholly seized my Reason with my Senses, your Deportment, so contrary to her strict and spotless Virtue, had assured me you were not the ncomparable Zelinda; but if you give me not some account of that excellent Princess, by all the Gods I swear! to unveil your imposture, and expose you to the just Cruelty of the deluded Duke, though my death accompany your Infamy.— Ah Sir, (said the deplorable Duchess) can you with such extreme rigour pay my excess of Love? ingrateful man! the too happy Zelinda (since so esteemed by you) lives in the Isle of Sardignia; it was to save her life, I consented to become a Duchess— 'Tis not, Cruel Prince! to the care of my own safety you owe for this discovery, for with yourself, you take from me all desire to live: But to preserve your Life, (notwithstanding all your unkind contempt) ten thousand times dearer to me then my own. I once more tell you, your too happy Zelinda lives yet in Sardignia; in obedience to her own desire, attended thither by my Father. Shortness of time forbids to tell you more: Now leave me to the severity of an incensed Jealous Husband; but when you think of my failing, remember the Cause, and pity me.— Here the noise of the Dukes return stayed her Speech. Alcidalis had died in her defence, so graceful, and so moving was her grief, but hopes of seeing the true Zelinda banished all other sentiments. With Courage, even to rashness, he cast himself amidst the Guard, and got safely off; for their too much haste, (the Mortal enemy of most designs) brought the Guard 〈◊〉 with so little light, that in the Confusion it was not difficult to pass without being discerned. The enraged Duke entering, found his Duchess standing in that very Dress and Posture he left Clariantes, only the Head-Tyre he had disordered, was again put on, and by the advice of Florella (who was old excellent at sudden Shifts) she was so placed. Straight he cries out to his Guard, There! There behold the audacious Traitor! take him, seize him, away with him to Tortures; let him be 100 Years dying. The Guard seeing none but the Duchess, like Statues stood without motion; The Duke stormed, Vowed all were in the Plot, & should die together; but first that Villain Clariantes: Andrunning at the Duchess with his Drawn Sword, had certainly killed her, if Florella's shriek at his first motion, had not made her start aside. Yet she escaped not without a Wound in her Side, which together with her fright, cast her on the Bed in a swoon: and by the falling off of her Head-Tyre, showed the Duke what he had done.— He did not (as some would expect) search round the Chamber, and the Palace for Clariantes, but wholly submitted to his Uxorious Love; which like an impetuous Tide, bore down his Anger, Faith, and Reason; seeing his dear Duchess Bleeding, and as he thought breathing out her Soul by his accursed hand, he threw himself at her Feet, beat his Head against the Ground, tore his Hair, and rooted up his Comely Beard (hold! let me not lie neither, perhaps Beards were as much out of Fashion then, as now, and consequently he wore none; I would not have Posterity imposed upon in matters of such weight; truth will go through the World.) But I am sure he called himself a thousand thick sculled Ophes, Jealous Coxcombs, Villains, Murderers, and turning to his Guard, begged them to Dispatch him, for he was a Tyrant, not worthy to live but among Beasts; from entreaties he proceeded to commands, and threats; but seeing them reverse their Faces, and hang their Heads at his strange Proposition. Why, said he, will you be cruel to your Prince? and deny him the only favour he ever begged from you, or that you can grant? I have most inhumanely pierced my own soul, what safety can you hope from me? My heart's blood stains the Floor, and I can gaze upon't without dying; can you expect Justice from such a Monster? Gods! Why do I descend to Petition so poorly, for what is in my power. Oh my Zelinda! the Blossoms that enriched the early Spring, and with their fragrant seent perfumed the gentle Southern Wind, were not so sweet, nor half so Beautiful as thee: 'twould undo the vast Universe to purchase so rich a Jewel as I have rashly thrown away— What ean my hated Carcase, this dull Clod of earth do in the World, when my Sun that gave it warmth, and life, lies here Eclipsed? Fool! Fool! Fool! that I am— Then he cast himself again on her Body, and striving in vain to find some signs of life, cried out, Zelinda! Zelinda! She's gone;— for ever, for ever gone.— if thy injured soul is yet hover in the ambient Air, as sure it is loath to go far from so rich, so beautiful a Cabinet, let it behold the Sacrifice I offer for its Peace.— Starting up, he endeavoured to cast himself on his Sword, but was prevented, & by the Physicians and Chyrurtgeons who were then arrived, the Duchess was recovered from her swoon: and her life assured, if no new accidenr prevented their care.— The Duke begged a thousand pardons for his folly, and stirred not from her Bed till she was Cured;— binding himself with many vows, never to be Jealous again; nor did I ever hear of any farther difference between them; therefore I will leave them, with the same farewell people give their departed Friend, who died with a Lord have mercy upon me in his Mouth, (though he lived impiously) doubtless they are Happy.—  
Oh Woman! Woman! thou dark abyss of Subtlety; 'tis easier to trace a wand'ring Swallow through the pathless Air, then to explicate the crafty wynding of thy Love, or Malice: Thy swift excuses, and evasions, still like the Hydra's Heads increase: As Wizzards, in a moment y'are transformed to various Shapes, and when the injured Friend, or Husband, thinks to crush a Serpent that has poisoned all his Health and Peace, straight in the form of a Dovelike innocence you Baffle and Betray his justest Rage. Angel's would emulate the perfect Glory, and the Blessed estate of man, were he not subject to the subtle Snares of your frail deceiving Sex▪  
The Reader ought to pardon this Satiric excursion to the Author, who has been more Injured by Woman, then ere the Duke or Alcidalis was.— That Prince, it may be concluded, soon found his Gentleman which lay incognito receive his commands; and taking his Jewels, repaired immediately to the Sea side, where a Ship being just ready to leave the Port, (for that must never be wanting to a Hero upon the Ramble) without ask whither she was Bound, they went Aboard, and soon lost sight of that unfortunate Coast. With a prosperous Wind let them proceed, while we return to the distressed real Zelinda, whom we unkindly left in man's Habit, under the name of Zelidan, in a strange place, at Barcha in Africa. By the favourable assistance of that same generous Pirate Orcantes, that gave her liberty, she obtained a Passage for Spain; and without meeting any extraordinary adventure, safely landed at the same Port of Barcelona, from whence she had been forced away by the contriving Jealous Queen.— The sight of that Fatal place, presenting all past Fortune freshly to her Memory, oppressed her Breast with Sighs; which Tempest was allayed by a shower of Crystal drops from her fair Eyes; Ah Alcidalis, said she, if you do still preserve your vowed affection for the faithful Zelinda, what reason will she have to glory in her Sufferings? Here she paused a while, pleasing herself with that delightful thought; but on a sudden breaking silence, she went on;— No! wretched Zelinda, no! never hope such Blessings were ordained for thee; doubtless the Authority of a King, and Father, managed by the insinuating artifice of the Prudent designing Queen, the interest of State, and the Beauties of the too charming Princess, to which add his belief of my being Married to the Prince of Tarentum, have prevailed, and he is now for ever chained to the embrace of that fortunate Princess.— Die! die Zelinda! let not the imperious Queen insult o'er thy Distress. Already was her hand upon her Sword, when Heaven, that never quite forsakes the Virtuous, inspired her with more reasonable thoughts— That death was the extremest refuge of the miserable; and might safely be deferred as a remedy always in her power, since no earthly Tyranny could compel the Wretched to live longer than they pleased, if they had courage enough to die.— She pleased herself with the fancy, that to die in his sight (which she vowed if he were false to her) would extract remorse, and pity from him; so much does Love misguide the Judgement of the most prudent, that even in death they cheat themselves with vain hopes of a future satisfaction they can never be sensible of.— In this humour she posted towards Saracusa, but near the Gates was stopped by a great press of people? some driving Beasts of Carriage, laden with variety of Goods; others carrying on their backs, those whom Infancy or Age rendered uncapable to assist themselves; as if they fled from the fury of some Foreign Invader, or from the mercilcss rage of a devouring flame. Loud Sighs, and doleful Groans, were all the answers she could gain to her enquiry of the cause; long use of Arms, and Virile exercise, had added much to her courage, in which she naturally outstriped her Sex: That (with a determined purpose to behold the reason of this Consternation) carried her through the smoking bloody Streets, which were strewed with dead and mangled Bodies (the sad marks of a Civil War) straight to the Palace, amidst a thousand Swords, and other Instruments of Death.— There she beheld the Gates shut, and the Queen and Princess out of a large Window, with begging Eyes, Hands, and Voices, in vain striving to infuse compassion into the enraged Rabble, who roared incessantly, Give us our King! restore us our Prince! down with the Murderers Zelidan not knowing the occasion of their Mutiny, nor enquiring now, but led by a generous principle of assisting the distressed, made her way through the Crowd, beckoning with her hands (for their noise made all speech useless) for silence, and liberty to pass; having attained to their Front, she faced them; and turning up her Beaver, showed them a Countenance which never failed of gaining a respect from the most Barbarous: The Grandeur of her Mien, and the Majestic sweetness of her Eyes, soon converted their confused Bawling to a silent admiration: which she, whose greatness of Spirit was ever present in the extremest ' danger, straight improved to the advancement of her design, the relief of the besieged Queen and Princess. Bowing her body then, with a charming resistless Grace peculiar only to herself, thus she harangued them.—  Valiant Soldiers! and most worthy Citizens! whose Valour and unquestioned Loyalty have still been the support and glory of your own, as well as the envy of all neighbouring Princes; whose free born hearts with joy submit to all decrees that bear the stamp of unbribed Justice; why are those shining Weapons brandished now against weak Women? against your undoubted lawful Queen? that used to strike a Trembling horror in your boldest Foes?— Are you injured in your Trade? are your due Liberties restrained?— Behold your good; your gracious Queen, ready to offer, nay entreat you to make your own Conditions. Behold Majesty, in the form of an humble suppliant; have you the hearts of men, and look on this without being moved to duty and submission?— Had your Wives and Daughters been ravished, your Estates given for a prey to the Insolent Soldier, had your Friends been lawlessly Imprisoned, nay put to cruel undeserved deaths, (all which the great Gods forbid!) the desolation of your City, and killing of each other would be no recompense: Look round about you, behold your yet burning habitations, see how scattered Limbs and torn Bodies pave your Streets; look how the distracted people fly those Buildings which the fire has spared, as if some deadly Plague possessed them, or the licentious Sword of a Barbarous Foe were at their backs.— Will you convert your stately Rooms to Graves? your City to a Desert? and your sacred Temples to noisome Denns for Woolves? and base Receptacles for Batts and Owls shrieking Harbingers of Death?— Go on! let every neighbour hide his Treacherous Dagger in his Friend's heart▪ consume each other bravely! and leave your Wives and Children a miserable Prey to the next Invader, that will vouchsafe safe to seize and drive them to perpetual Slavery.— I that am a stranger, cannot without Tears of Compassion foresee that desolation which you seek; my heart bleeds, and an universal horror runs through all my Veins;- if you are injured, my life shall be sacrificed to your satisfaction.— 
Methinks I see a noble Indignation in your eyes, and a true remorse in Blushes rise upon your Cheeks; how generous, how becoming does it look! Oh make haste to perfect your Repentance; let not future Chronicles deliver to succeeding Ages, the Saracusans Swords were stained with the Slaughter of Poor, forsaken, helpless Women: But follow me to Safety, Wealth, and Honour: All that love their Liberty, their Countries Peace, and the Honour of the great Gods, follow me!— Then casting herself from her Horse, with her drawn Sword she began to lead them off.— When one, that sought his particular Advantage from the general Ruin; that had fomented the Rebellion, as some set Houses on fire, to Steal with more advantage and safety; cried out, Companions! Friends! and Brother's! whither are you going, like Beasts to the Sacrifice? And what is this bold impertinent Stranger that dares— There Zelidan put a full stop to his Seditious Oration, and his Life together, by a thrust which pierced his heart: An Action which might have branded her with rashness, (so boldly to hazard the Fury of a yet discontented Multitude) but the Success justified its Prudence; (in such extremes no middle paths are safe) for without a murmur all the rest followed her, marching over his body she had killed, to the Marketplace; where with another Speech, she sent them pacified to their several houses;— and by one of the most understanding, was informed, That the long absence and supposed loss of Alcidalis, and the late death of the King, were charged as Crimes upon the Ambitious Queen; and the Commonalty stirred up by some discontented Spirits, had sought revenge by force of Arms: which caused that dreadful noise and destruction which he so happily had stopped. Scarce was this information finished, when a Messenger from the Queen entreated, That by his presence at the Court, he would assure that Life and Honour he had so generously reprieved. The joy Zelidan conceived to find the Prince absent, and as she believed constant to his Vows, (for the nimble faith of Lovers keeps equal pace with their wishes) obtained an easy Pardon for all other injuries, and hastened her to the service of the Queen: whom she found with the Princess her Daughter, and all the Train that distracted time would allow, ready to receive her in the first Court. The troubled thoughts that filled their Breasts at their meeting, darted through their trembling Eyes, and in unsettled colours spread themselves upon their Cheeks; though the causes were different, and a secret to all but themselves. Zelidan (maugre all her goodness) could not see the fatal instrument of her sorrows; without some strange emotion in her heart; nor could the Queen behold Zelidan, (whose believed residence at Tarentum, and her disguise, secured Zelinda from the most prying eyes) notwithstanding her Prudence, and experienced conduct, without displaying to the strict observer, some symptoms of that passion which had newly seized her: For the little audacious God of Love, had hovered still round Zelidan, and while he appeased the mutinous Rabble, began a new and more dangerous insurrection in her Breast; sending from every word and action of this charming Amazon, a Golden Arrow to her heart, which her present Dangers, nor the Grief for her yet scarce breathless Husband, could defend her from. But the constraint she imposed upon herself, in striving to conceal her Passion, exposed it more openly, especially to Zelidan, who marked it with much satisfaction: hoping from thence an opportunity of a full and innocent revenge.— In short, the amorous Queen received him as a Messenger of Happiness from Heaven: What recompense, (said she) Illustrious Stranger! can we offer you, to whose miraculous Relief we owe our Lives, and all we have to give? If the sacred powers could admit a Rival in their worship, our adoration to you were a just debt. Madam, answered the feigned Zelidan (bowing with a profound Reverence) to your own unequalled Virtues you owe your safety, and I the glory of my success; had not my indulgent Stars sent me to your aid, the Gods had by some Miracle preserved in you the brightest Ornament of their Creation. (Many fine things were said on this occasion, for they were both excellent at repartees and rejoinders, but my treacherous memory has lost them: Besides, I believe the repetition would be as tedious to the Reader, as to myself; therefore I'll on to the matter, which was thus.) Zelidan was treated with all the Magnificence and Honour, gratitude and love could invent: and failed not by her discreet conduct, to settle a perfect correspondence again between the Court and City; but her thoughts were still hankering after Alcidalis; purposing after a little rest, and what light she could get by enquiry, to guide her on,— to search the World, till she found him.— The Queen gave every hour new marks of her Passion, and sought occasion of discovering it more plainly to Zelidan; who by all returns his different Quality would petmit, added Fuel to augment the Flame: And by the Sighs and Torments he observed her suffer, (for her great heart was loath to make the first address; and he as positively determined, as he had good reason not to ease her by making the first Courtship) received some compensation for her former injurious treatment. The poor Princess was as unable to defend herself from the assault of this Victorious Amazon, as the Queen, and with deepresentment observed her Mother's Passion. Thus did the feigned Zelidan revenge, what the true Zelinda had endured: Love and Jealousy, was the business of the Court; and the Queen's supposed Marriage with Zelidan, the discourse of the City. For the blind fears, or unreasonable wishes of the inconsiderate Multitude, always anticipate the intentions of their Princes; transforming their very supposed thoughts into Acts, which receive their public censure, or applause, ere they have Being. The Queen observing how carefully Zelidan declined all occasions of being attaqu'd, resolved to push on her destiny, by a naked Declaration of her Love. In pursuance of her intention, having commanded her Attendants to convenient distance, while Zelidan was leading her in a walk of Oessamine, whose interwoven Branches made so thick a Shade, that the Sun in its Meridian strength and lustre could not pierce them; with the gentle press of his hand, reiterated Sighs, and speaking looks, having striven in vain, to prevent the shame of a plainer discovery, at last with broken interrupted Language, thus she spoke;—  
Is it possible, that the owner of so many accomplishments as wait on the Illustrious Zelidan, should be insensible of that noble Passion, which is to others the very cause of all hrave Actions, and the great reward at which they aim? has Love, that reigns o'er all the World besides, no power in our Court? or is there no Object worthy of your Sighs? casting her eyes on those of Zelidan, which were fixed on the earth, she paused, and in a restless Agony waited his Answer: which he had just began, when a Gentleman, whose earnest business might well warrant his rude interruption of their Privacy, relieved him, by crying to the Queen, Save yourself, Madam! Save yourself by sudden Flight, the Rebellious Citizens are again in Arms, and Headed by a desperate Stranger, like an impetuous Torrent that has o'reflowed its Banks, are rolling to the Palace, overthrowing all opposition with their resistless Fury. Justice and Liberty is Echoed through the Streets, but Blood & Mischief is their aim. ere his unwelcome Message was finished, the scattered Courtiers came thronging about the Queen, and Zelidan, like frighted Chickens seeking shelter from the ravenous Kite. He straight attended the Queen into the Palace▪ assuring her by the way, That his sw●●● victory or death, should evince the great desire he had to serve her. And staying not for her answer, (which doubtless, would have been, That if he had any respect to her safety, he should preserve it in that of his own; for her fate was so inseparably linked to his, that she could not survive his death; or some such obliging thing) snatched what Arms he soon found, and ran to the Palace Gate, followed by a small, but resolute Company of faithful Servants to the Queen. The Princess, who till then had smothered her Passion for Zelidan in the narrow limits of her Breast, despairing of success against a Rival, which Duty forbade her to oppose; and seeing what she prized dearer than her soul, hasting to apparent death; took a Sword from the nearest Attendant, and followed Zelidan, hoping some Fatal Blow would in his sight end her hopeless Passion, with her life. The brave Stranger (for so his Acts declared him) that led on the Citizens, conquered all opposition; till Zelidans arrival put a cheque to his growing victory. With an undaunted Mien she met him, and by her resolute Action, gave proof of a Courage far above her strength; but the invincible Alcidalis (for he it was) who had before conquered her in her own Province of Love, found but small danger from her Arms. He received her first charge on his Shield, and by several marks taking her for Zelidan the famous Stranger, and as he thought pretender to his Crown; cried out, If thou wilt be a King, go Reign among the shades! and boast thou died'st by the hand of Alcidalis. At the beloved name of Alcidalis, Zelidan endeavoured to retreat, and discover herself; but in vain, for with such fierce Blows he pursued his Speech, that she fell Breathless at his Feet. The unhappy amorous Princess, striving with her feeble Arms to defend the fallen Zelidan, notwithstanding all Alcidalis could do to preserve her, fell a deplorable Sacrifice to the incensed Rabble, and died embracing of Zelidan. The Queen, who from a Window beheld all this Action, at first lamented not the death of her Daughter; but considering her as a Rival, Sacrificed all sentiments of Nature to the satisfaction of her jealousy. But seeing her beloved Zelidan Bleeding on the ground, extremity of Grief made her so insensible of all other considerations, that she was about to precipitate herself from the Window: But hope, which is the last thing that leaves the unfortunate, made her still think it not impossible to recover him. She was running out to that purpose, when Alcidalis, now a complete Victor, was entering the Palace: with all the submission of a Pious Son, he met her; and declared, He would take all for Enemies, that failed to render her the Honour due to the Widow, and Mother of their King. Without staying, or answering him at all; but with an upbraiding look, (where Rage and Compassion strove for Superiority) which seemed to call him a thousand Cruel Murthereres; she abandoned herself wholly to the impulse of her Passion, and casting her body on those of Zelidan and the Princess her Daughter, she divided her Kisses and Lamentations between them: Till excessive sorrow, like a Tyrannical Usurper, seized and oppressed all her Vitals: By its sad weight reducing her to a state as deplorable, and void of life, as theirs whom she grieved for. Never had Love and Grief a greater Sacrifice than here, nor misery more powerful Arguments to gain compassion from the most obdurate hearts: (here is a large Field for the Author to expatiate on the vicissitude of humane things; but the Gentle Reader would think him very inhuman, nay in my Conscience accessary to their Murders, if he suffered three of the most Illustrious Persons in the World, to lie neglected on the ground, and die for want of careful attendance, while he was showing his Common-place Wit; therefore he hastens to their relief, with resolution to save them all if he can:) Alcidalis took the Queen in his Arms, while others performed the same service to the Princess and Zelidan; conveying them to their several apartments; the uncertain Multitude, that some few Minutes before breathed nothing but death and damnation against them; now followed them Howling and Groaning. All the Arts and strength of Physic were diligently applied, which restored some weak symptoms of life in Zelidan; and those were carefully Cherished; but the unfortunate Princess was irrevocably dead. The Queen's Swooning being only the effect of a vehement surprising Passion, death soon was beaten off, and his pale spreading Ensigns ruffled up by her returning Senses: But life came accompanied with all those kill Griefs that waited on its exile, which like the envied Favourites of some weak unhappy Prince (for forrows soon insinuate themselves into the heart's affection) raised new Commotions among the souls discontented faculties, and the oppressed Senses, (those necessary Subjects and support of Life) which were like to prove as fatal as the former; had not the News of Zelidans hopeful Recovery repressed their Violence, by the removal of the cause.— Weak as she was, she caused herself to be removed to his apartment.— But, Gods! what a universal amazement seized the Queen, and all the Attendants, to find their Champion was a Woman? For so her swelling Breasts declared, which by undressing her, the better to apyly their necessary aid, were discovered. Her Senses in a little time▪ were perfectly restored; and 'twas difficult for the most curious observer to determine, whether the Queen or Zelinda (for so we must call her, now she's discovered) was in the greatest confusion; after they had a long time gazed upon each other, the Queen finding in the transformed Zelidan, the well known Beauty and Mien of the persecuted Zelinda; lifting her eyes to Heaven cried out; I yield! just Gods, I yield to my inexorable destiny! Ab Zelinda! thy injuries have been too well revenged.— Having said this, e'er Zelinda could answer, she retired. Love being now wholly exextinct, Nature resumed her power, and carried her to the apartment of the Princess, where with such moving passion she deplored her loss, that the most inssible were forced to sympathise with her. The News of Zelidans Transformation, flew strait through the Palace, and the extraordinariness of the change, raised a▪ Curiosity in Alcidalis to behold her, for he had not heard that it was Zelinda. The Messengrr he sent to obtain that liberty, entered her Chamber, just as one was going from her to entreat the favour which he sought. The Prince full of shame for his Victory over a Woman, hastened to beg her pardon; When he entered, his Attendants respectively withdrew to the furthest part of the Room. Neither the Paleness her loss of Blood had planted on her Cheeks, nor their long separation, could hinder the discovery of the true Zelinda at first sight:— So perfectly had love engraven her Image in his heart. What Pen can describe the Violence of their differnt Passions which then Tyrannised in this Prince's Breast? Shame and grief for wounding her he prized above his Life, and joy that she survived, and was in a place where he was now sole Master▪ and able to give and receive the highest proofs of a mutual, unalterable Love, (like meeting Tides, whose opposed forces change swift running▪ Streams a while into a fixed Calm) reduced him to a state of insensibility:— Without Speech or motion, he beheld her▪ Such ecstasies are the usual effects of sudden Joys or Grief; the heart being surprised, and oppressed with unexpected Events, all the Vital Spirits crowd so fast to its assistance, that they often cause that ruin Nature sends them to prevent. As some, whose Animal Spirits are obstructed, and as it were smothered by the indigested Vapours, which from the Stomach fume into the Brain, and a while deprive them of the benefits of Life, (as interposing Clouds obscure the Sun's lustre) retain their Senses, but want power to employ them; such the present State of Alcidalis was, he knew what he ought to speak, and act, but the greatness of his Love, and violence of his desires, took from him all ability of utterance; till Zelinda, whose condition much resembled his, fearing his silence proceeded from some change in his affection, thus began.—  Is this the kind reception Alcidalis gives the unfortunate Zelinda? do all the dangers I have passed, and all my constant Love, merit this cold return? Great Gods! have you preserved me from so many various Deaths, to perish here? here in the only Haven, where I had deposited my last hopes of assured safety? Oh Alcidalis! let thy Sword give me a speedy and more welcome death then thy disdain!— 
Here casting himself on the Bed, and embracing her, he could get out no more but, Oh my dearest Zelinda! and was relapsing again into his former ecstasy; which overcoming, with much difficulty he proceeded.—  Your safety and your love (my adored Zelinda!) are blessings too great to be received at once, with less concern: Since your loss, in blindness to all other objects of delight, I have wandered o'er the World; pardon me, if I could not meet the first appearance of my Glorious Sun, without amazement. Give me, ye Divine Powers! proportioned strength to bear my Happiness, lest like a starving man, while I too greedily receive it, that hastens my death which only can restore my fainting life.— Then do you yet love me? (cried the overjoyed Princess;) and will the King, keep those vows which Alcidalis made to the then Happy Zelinda?— For ever! for ever! (answered the transported Alcidalis) the enjoyment of my adored Zelinda, is more than ten thousand Empires.— Ah Sir, (said she) but interest of State.— 
State! (cried Alcidalis) my Zelinda is all all to me, I would not thank the Gods for a Crown, but to lay it at her Feet. Then turning to the Attendants which had now filled the Room, (impatience of beholding their long lost Prince, bringing them thither from all parts) raising his voice, he cried out: He is a Traitor, and the Mortal Enemy of Alcidalis, that will not kneel and Petition the excellent Zelinda to be his Queen; whose Beauty and Virtues, merit the Empire of the Universe. The Gods (to whom I pay all reverence) shall never, but by death, Divorce me from thy Arms.— Were I Racked to ten thousand pieces, as every part of a broken Mirror presents an entire face, in every part of Alcidalis, would appear the bright Image of my adored Zelinda.  
Then they renewed their Embraces and mutual Vows; ask and answering twenty several Question● at once. She related all her Adventures from her departure from Barcelona till that instant: which Alcidalis requited with his Story, how he sought her in Italy, (but omitted his intrigue with the Duchess of Tarentum) and at Sardignia, where meeting the News of his Father's death, the preservation of his Crown hastened him to Spain; But with a resolute determination to employ all his new power, in search of Zelinda: How, near Saracusa, by some faithful Nobility to whom he made himself known, and who received him with marks of unexepressible satisfaction, he was informed of the Actions of Zelidan, his interest with the Queen, and his supposed design of Marrying her, and usurping the Crown. This gave Honour a while the pre-eminence of Love, and led him in the Head of those Friends the shortness of the time could get together, to this mistaken Revenge, and real Happiness.—  
The Queen▪ notwithstanding all the submissive importunity of Alcidalis▪ and all the assurances of Power and Honour he could give her, would not be diverted from a resolution she had made, of retiring to a Religious House, there to pass the remainder of her now hated life.  
After the Funeral of the Princess her Daughter was with all Ceremonious, Pomp celebrated she performed her Vow, and was accompanied to the place of her retirememt, with a Magnificence becoming that Solemn occasion.  
To that solemnity immediately succeeded the Coronation, and Marriagof Alcidalis and Zelinda.  
The day with all imaginable Circumstances of an universal joy was finished.  
After which, Gentle Reader! (I may safely call you so now, for I am sure you are tired as well as I) you may suppose the long-wished night are rived, though very lazily in the Opinion of the King and Queen: And you may suppose their impatient Love hastened them to Bed; And what followed, you may suppose too, if you please; for I have more Civility then to speak what I think: but as the most Ingenious Sir John Suckling said.  
What is this, who can tell?  
But I believe it was no more,  
Then thou and I have done before.  
With Bridget and with Nell.  
I have naturally so much kindness for Lovers, that I will without further disturbance leave them to their private Banquet; and if no other Pen raises them, they shall lie there till Dooms, day.  
FINIS.   

Books Printed and Sold by James Magnes, and Richard Bentley, in russel-street, near the Piazza's.  

GOds Revenge against Murder, Fol.  
Bacon's Natural History, Fol.  
Nostra damus Prophecies, Fol.  
House of Mourning, Fol.  
Fodinae Regalis, Fol.  
Dr. Whitby of the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, in Vindication of Dr. Stillingfleet, in 8o.  
Plato's Apology of Socrates and Pheodo, or of the Soul, in 8o.  
Burnt Child dreads the Fire, 4o.  
Natural History of the Passions, in 8o.  
〈◊〉 Garden Drollery, in 8o.  
●●angers Letters, in 8o.  
●ipsious of Constancy, in 8o.  
Dr. Tailor's Psalter, in 12o.  
Bishop Andrews Devotions, in 12o.  
Colets' Devotions, in 12o.  
Thomas a Kempis, in 24o.   

Plays▪  
Tartuffe, or the French Puritan.  
Forced Marriage, or the Jealous Bridegroom.  
All Mistaken, or the Mad Couple:  
English Monsieur.  
Andromicha.  
The Tragedy of Nero.  
Calisto, or the Chaste Nymph, a Masque at Court Acted by Persons of the Highest Quality, frequently.  
The Mistaken Husband.  
Sophonisba, or Hannibal's Overthrow.