THE DISORDERS OF BASSETT, A NOVEL.  
Done out of French.  
LONDON, Printed for John Newton at the Three Pigeons over against the Inner Temple Gate, in Fleetstreet. 1688.   

The Translators PREFACE TO THE READER.  
THE Author of that little French Novel (whereof this is a Translation) in his Preface to the Reader, does assure him, that there is not any one Character in the whole Piece, which was drawn by the Life; and that he designed it not otherwise then as a general Representation of those many and great Extravagancies▪ which Bassett had occasion'● in France, and which were the Grounds of a late Edict; whereby not only that, but some other Games of the like Nature, were publicly forbid.  
Now if he could s; ay so, how much more may the Translator; who, being an absolute Stranger to this Game, as well as all others, cannot reasonably be thought to have designed this as a Reflection upon any Person whatever, especially since he did not think fit to lay the Scene in England. The Pastime of a few idle Hours, and the desire of preserving that very little smattering in the French Language which he can pretend to, was all the Inducement or Design he had in undertaking this present Translation; wherein (tho' he never intended it as a literal one,) there are but very few places, and those too little material, that vary from the Original.   

THE DISORDERS OF BASSETT.  
ONE Day at Madam Gendrill's at Bassett, he that kept the Bank taillied with the greatest Fortune in the World; he never lost so much as one Sept-et-le-va, and seldom the Paroli, insomuch that he broke all the Setters; some were complaining and sighing, others crying, fretting, and swearing; every one, in fine, had some particular way or other to express the great Concern he was in; amongst whom Madam Landroze bore no small part, she having been a considerable loser; and that which vexed her most, was to lose the same Card four times in one Deal. The Marquis of Roziers', who was in Love with her, being extremely afflicted to see her so concerned, Madam, said he, set the rest of your Money upon the Knave, I believe 'twill prove a good Card, having lost twice already. You have never yet been lucky to me, Sir, said she, yet I'll venture for once; the Knave won a Sonica. Pray Madam, said the Marquis, make the Paroli upon the same Card. Once more, Sir, said she, I must needs tell you, you were not born to bring me good Luck, yet however I'll venture; the Knave won again. Now, Sir, said she, upon what Card shall we make the Sep-et-le-va? Madam, replied the Marquis, very coldly, I was never born to bring you good Luck, therefore be pleased to choose one yourself. Pray, Sir, said she, think of a Card quickly. Madam, said the Marquis, very heavily, you will certainly lose it; she made the Sept-et-le-va upon the Ace, the Ace lost; whereupon she risen up on a sudden, tore the Ace, and all her Book; and throwing the Pieces at the Marquis, I should think it strange, said she to him, in an angry and disdainful way, if in all my Life, I should thrive in any one thing, wherein I have to do with you; believe me, we two were not born but to be a Plague to each other. The Marquis tried to pacify her, and proffered he● his Hand to wait on her home; but she refused it very Scornfully, without so much as taking the least notice of him. This Carriage of hers troubled him extremely, and threw him into a deep Melancholy, which his Friend the Count de Charlois having perceived, risen from Bassett, and went away with him in his Coach.  
When soon after, as the Marquis was lolling very thoughtfully, the Count turning that way, and looking steadfastly upon him, said to him, Unhappy Wretch that thou art, to have a concern for one who does so little deserve it; a silly Coquette creature, whom none but yourself would ever have thought of. What do you find in her, continued he, that is taking? She is lean, she has a wide Mouth. What, said the Marquis, intetrupting him, do I see in her that is taking? Who ever saw more lovely and charming blue Eyes than hers are? Was there ever a clearer and a more delicate Complexion, a whiter and more even set of Teeth, a better proportioned Nose, or a more exact and easy shape than she has? Call you those lovely and charming Eyes, replied the Count, which are so sunk into her Head; or that Complexion delicate and clear, which sometimes is so hideous yellow? Her Nose is inclined to red, or looks bluish at the best: If her Teeth are white and even, 'tis that she uses Opiate Powders, and the File so often. Is that to bs exactly and easily shaped, to have such an aukard gate as she has? Her Neck, I must confess is white; but yet, were it not for the Tailor, 'tis such a one as no body would see it. She's a Wit 'tis true, but a very dangerous, and ill-natured one. If any Woman is Handsome, Airy, or any ways accomplished, she can't endure her, but in all Companies where  she comes, is raising a thousand spiteful Stories of her. She hates all Womankind; but then, to make amends, she's  in love with all Mankind: And I believe you are the only Man she ever used ill; and that for no other reason, but because you have too much worth in you; a thing no ways agreeable to her humour. For my part I declare, if heretofore I have had any inclination for her, it has been a very slight one, and such as never went near to my Heart. Count said the Marquis, I'm told you two are not very well together. Troth replied the Count, very briskly, because I'm grown weary of her. She's a strange humoured Woman, and 'tis almost impossible to please her. When I used to visit her I looked as thin and lean as a Skeleton. What I now tell you, is not out of any spleen to her, but a real concern I have to see you so desperately engaged, and a desire to cure you of so unreasonable and so unfortunate a Passion. Alas! dear Count, replied the Marquis; little do you know my heart in this matter; I am not my own Master as you think; my reason is quite given up, and whatever Difficulties and Arguments she opposes to my Passion, serve but to make her more absolutely imperious. Nay, what way is there in the World, that I have not tried to cure myself of the Passion I have for Madam Landroze; and yet all, alas! has served only to make me more desperately in love with her. How often have I, quite disheartened by her slights, with Tears in my Eyes, said to her, Farewell Madam, and for ever farewel? Once I took up a resolution never to see her more: but scarce could I in pain, linger out two whole days in that mind, but I was forced to take up a new one. I am not, I would then say, sufficiently revenged of her in not seeing her any more; 'twere fit she should see herself slighted, and me prefer another before her.  
I went to Mass to the Petits Capucins, where I knew she used to go every day. I will salute her, thought I, but it shall be with that coldness, and indifferency, that she shall soon perceive how little I value her; and if I show any Concern or Complaisance for any body, it shall be for Madam Rocheron her mortal Enemy. ah! thought I, so shall I be fufficiently revenged. But oh! the moment I spied her out in the Church, I forgot all my former Resolutions; and instead of a cold and a disdainful Behaviour, I saluted her with all the submissive and languishing Looks imaginable.  
As I was discoursing with Madam Rocheron, I observed a Shagreen in Madam Landroze's Looks: immediately, forgetting the Design that brought me thither, I flew away in a great hurry, and confusion, without being able to beg her Pardon. When I came home, reflecting upon my weakness; fly, fly, said I, every place where Madam Landroze is: there is nothing but absence can cure me. The Court was at Fontainbleau. I left Paris, and went thither, where I sought out for a hundred Pastimes, and Diversions, to make me forget her; Walking, Gaming, Treating and Gallanting the Ladies, was the constant business of the day. Yet would you wonder to see how this cruel Passion did slily shuffle itself into the midst of all my Diversions. I had not gone an hundred Yards into the Wood at Fontainbleau, when falling into a deep Melancholy, my Head ran of nothing but Madam Landroze, and I wished to meet her there, that I might reproach her with Ingratit ude. When ever I entertained any of the Ladies with any piece of Gallantry, I insensibly addressed myself to her, who had most of the Air of Madam Landroze. At Bassett, at the Queen's, or any where else, when I have lost a Paroli or Sept-et-le-va; alas! said I to myself, Can so unfortunate a Creature as I am, ever hope to have good luck; when ever I have won, these are not the Joys, thought I, that can make me happy. In the midst of great Dainties, the delicate Flavour of the richest Wines imaginable, is no otherwise pleasant to me, then as it serves to amuse me with the vain Thoughts of what a concern she will be in to have lost me, and of being capable by that means to make her sensible of the loss.  
All the while the Court was at Fontainbleau; I spent my time so miserably as I tell you; and by this way of living. I was grown so moped, and so fallen away, that no body could have known me. Being sensible at last, that none of these Remedies were sufficient to cure me; I resolved to return to Paris, and throwing myself at her Feet, to ask her Pardon. But after I had given her a faithful Account how dismally I spent my time at Fontainbleau; would you believe what an Answer this Ungrateful Creature made me? Monsieur Marquis said she, you have made good use of the time you spent in reading Romances, and have an admirable way of representing the Characters of those great Heroes. Oh cruel Creature! was ever the like said? Faith Marquis, said the Count very briskly, shall I tell you my mind plainly; you are a mere Novice in this Affair. Alas, what good can you hope to make of such Florid Discourses: the Ladies of this Age, (especially such as Madam Landroze) are for something more substantial, and to the purpose. Are you in Love with a Woman, and would you that she should return it? find out what she takes most delight in, and make your Court to her that way. Is she Musically given? entertain her with public music-meetings, and treat her often at the Opera. If she loves Play, go halfs with her, and be sure never to let her want Money. Does she love fine , and to be always well dressed? Present her with the Richest, and most fashionable Silks you can meet with. If she loves to eat well, make her frequent entertainments; and, as often as may be; let 'em be given out of Town; and than if at any time, you find her in better humour, and more transported then ordinary, make use of the opportunity; bear up to her briskly, and be not frighted with the show of a forced Modesty: if she's angry beg her Pardon, and lay the blame upon the violence of your Passion: Women are always easy to forgive Affronts of that nature: As soon as ever you are reconciled, be not afraid, but at her again, and try your Fortune three or four times more; till at last, take my word for't, you'll find that Happy and Critical Minute you look for. Count replied the Marquis, you talk like an Errand Debaucheè: Know you not, that I naturally hate Debauchery, and desire nothing further of Madam Landroze, then to make myself Master of her Heart? Alas! Poor Young Man, said the Count, a Woman's Senses and Affections always go together; So that whoever pleases the former, may be sure not to miss of the latter. Well, well, Count, replied the Marquis, you, that pretend to be so bold, how would you, were you in my place, behave yourself before Madam Landroze? How? said the Count, very easily: She loves Play, and particularly Bassett; keep a Bank at her House, do you-tailliee, and let her be your Crouppier. I am acquainted with the Chevalier Briere, he is a cunning professed Gamester, knows all the Gamesters about Paris, and would be glad with all his Heart to go in the Bank: He wall bring you as many Gamesters as you desire. Madam Landroze is Covetous, and the advantage the Bank has over the Setters, is so great, that at the long run, you will infallibly be a considerable winner. This is the way you must take to win her Heart. By this means you will have an opportunity of seeing her every day, and of rallying with her upon all those who lose their Money. As for the Chevalier, 'tis no matter whether he knows the Intrigue or no; for he has an admirable way of making Discoveries. In fine, you will be allowed a great freedom, and have a thousand little secrets told you; and without jesting, the Money she will win in going with you, will make you appear more amiable in her sight, and she consequently more sensible of the Passion you have for her. Ah! Count, replied the Marquis, what a Proposal have you made me, I have so great a Passion for Madam Landroze, that I cannot endure the very thoughts of it; to keep a Bank at her house, and make it a public Gaming Ordinary, and Rendezvous for all sorts of People, where every Rake-helly Sharper of the Town, and common Strumpet, is Hail-fellow-well-met with Persons of the best Reputation and Quality, to expose her every Minute to a thousand Foolleries, and impertinent Disputes and Quarrels: Fie! fie! 'tis a thing I can't endure to think of. Troth, replied the Count, 'tis pleasant to see how wonderful nice, and tender you are of Madam Landroze's Reputation; when, at this very instant, People of the best Quailty in all Paris, make no scruple of having Bassett at their Houses; and I know some of very good Fashion, that neither care for Bassett, or any other sort of Gaming, and yet are desirous to have it at their Houses for the Profit of the Card-money; and if you'll do so for her, take my Word for't she'll never scruple it. Will you hold an hundred Pounds, continued the Count, that she does not agree to't, when you have once convinced her that there's Money to be got by't? All Women are Covetous, and she the most in the World. In fine, the Count made it so plain and clear to the Marquis before he left him, that he went away with a Resolution of setting up a Bank at Madam Landroze's  
The next Morning the Marquis of Rozier's went to her Leveè, where having diverted the peevish humour she was in (as being but just up) he began to demonstrate to her how disadvantageous a Game Bassett was to the Setters, and how certainly advantageous to them that keep the Bank, when there were a great many that played. That at Venice, where Bassett was first found out, the Venetians Farmed the sole Power and Right of keeping the Bank, at Fifty or Sixty thousand Crowns a year, which could never turn to Account, were not the advantages which the Bank has infinitely great, as was easy to be comprehended; for Example, said he, there are Thirteen different Cards; suppose then, that the Gamesters set upon the Thirteen different Cards, it must necessarily follow, that the last Card but one is clear Gains to the Bank, in that the Dealer cannot lose the last Card, which is a ne v● pas; besides, if all the Twelve Cards go every Deal, let 'em lose or win, one Card or other of the Thirteen will be fassed; Judge therefore how great an advantage the Bank has. I must confess it does not so happen, that they set upon the Thirteen differrent Cards every Deal, and that the Cards are not always well mixed, but that sometimes Two or Three of a sort shall come together, and at other times the Dealer's Card does not come till the Six last Taillieès; yet take it one time with another, the Bank has certainly a very great advantage; these Reasons, together with the Reflection she made, upon how much she had lost at that Game, made her resolve for the future to leave it off. The Marquis finding her in a right Temper for his design, proposed to her to have Bassett at her House, that she should keep the Bank, recommending to her the Chevalier Brierie, as one who would be glad to have a share in it, as a Man of a general Acquaintance in Paris, and one who would bring 'em Gamesters enough. Madam Landroze liked the Motion, and readily agreed to it; and, after a little pause, she hinted to the Marquis that with her late losses she was quite run out of her Money, yet that there was a Merchant she used to deal with, who upon some Allowance, and defalcation for Interest, would accept of an Assignment upon one of her Tenants, and advance her the next Years Rend upon it. The Marquis offered to lay down the Money, and make a Bank for her; which she refused, but borrowed Three hundred Loüis d'ors of her Merchant, to which the Marquis put Three hundred more, and the Chevalier as many; so that they made up a Bank of Nine hundred Loüis d'ors. What with the pains the Chevalier took to divulge it, and the Reputation of the Persons concerned, it was quickly known all the Town over; Gamesters came from all parts, and the very second time they Dealt, there was so great a Crowd, that notwithstanding the Table held above Thirty, there were several that could get no room. The Marquis taillied, and Madam Londroze, and the Chevalier crouppied. Sure nothing could be more Entertaining, than to see a Number of People setting round a great Table, some looking pale, some red, some ready to split themselves with laughing, others swearing, storming, fretting, and making a hundred several Grimaces: Sometimes you should see a young Heir, yet in deep Mourning for his Father, at one setting play away all that the good Old Gentleman had been scraping up for three or sour years together; the Paymaster of the Army the poor Soldiers Pay; Abbots their yearly Revenues; Officers their Pay; the new married Man his Wife's Portion; the Magistrate his Bribes; and married Women lose great Sums of Money, just before taken up upon their Necklaces and Jewels. Now and then you should see some People, having lost all, rise up and go away after a very desperate manner, and of a sudden return with their Pockets full of Loüis d'ors; the purchase Money of some Plate, or Suit of Hang just exposed to Sale: In fine, there was a great Rendezvous and Medley of all sorts of People; the young Heiress with the old Widow, the grave Statesman with the fluttering Courtier, the infamous Strumpet with the Ladies of Honour, and the Upstart Valet de Chambre with his late Lord and Master; a Scene then which nothing can be more ridiculously Pleasant: One time there were two Citizen's Wives, who having been considerable loser's, went home twice for fresh Recruits; and having at length lost all they had, went away with Tears in their Eyes. The Chevalier perceiving what a taking they were in, and having a great Curiosity to hear what they said, went close after 'em in the Dark, and overheard one saying to the other, What shall we do? Oh! Unfortunate Creatures! for my part, I am grown desperate, and wish to die: you see Cousin, continued she, you must no longer make a Difficulty of giving up your Daughter to the Farmer general of the Revenues, he has assured me you shall never want Money, and 'tis the last Shift we can make; when he has done with her himself, he'll marry her off to one of his under Officers, or if he should not, yet are there many others who knowing nothing of the Matter, would be glad of her: The Men are mere Blockheads in that Point, and my Husbanb, poor Man, who fancies himself a Conjurer, knows no more of that matter than another Man. In the mean time one of the Footmen coming with a Candle, the Chevalier stole away, as fearing to be seen. Another time a young Lady betwixt Seventeen and Eighteen, handsome and well dressed, being at play, and having very bad luck, the Chevalier over-saw her Card several times; which Madam Landroze taking notice of, watched it the more narrowly; at last, after the loss of Two and twenty Loüis d'ors, she went away very discontentedly; whereupon the Chevalier following her, overheard an Old Woman saying to her, Have not I often warned you of the danger of Play? What think you will your Mother say when she sees you without the Petycoat? Were not the Two and twenty Loüis d'ors, she gave you, enough to have bought one, but you must play 'em away in hopes to get more, that you might have a Richer? You have done finely, han't you? for my part I look for nothing less than being turned out of Doors. Immediately the Chevalier addressing himself to the young Lady, told her he had overheard their Discourse, assuring her how much troubled he was at her loss, it being no fault of his that she had not won, and that her Card had not been over seen every time. At first the young Lady blushed, but the Chevalier proffered to lend her some Money with so much Importunity, that, notwithstanding the many refusals she made, he at last in a manner forced her to accept it. He waited upon her to a Shop, where they laid out Three and thirty Loüis d'ors upon a Petycoat. He was with her a great while all alone. The next day she was engaged at Bassett, and so for several days together. She never was without Money. Madam Landroze, said the young Lady; was much obliged to the Chevalier, for supplying her so constantly with Money, and that she had found out the Mystery by their oagling each other: But certain it is, that about Two or Three Months afterwards, there being a great deal of Company, she was missed on a sudden; and that one day her Woman, as she was unlacing her, told her plainly she never saw her Breast so high. She is slipped out of Town, and 'tis given out she is gone into a Monastery. Another time, a Friend of the Chevalier's had just set his Foot into the Room where they were Dealing, when of a sudden he drew back to avoid being seen; the Chevalier made after him, and pressed him to come in; he desired to be excused, but the Chevalier being very earnest with him to know the Reason his Friend asked him, Did you, said he, mind the Old Gentleman that sat next you? yes, replied the Chevalier; know then, said he, that he is worth Eight hundred thousand Livres, and has three Daughters to marry, that he goes about to the Bassett Tables only to take notice who comes there, and if he finds any one that courts any of his Daughters at play he positively commands her, to whom the Court is made, to break off with her Lover, and forbidden him the House, protesting that no Bassett-player shall ever marry any Daughter of his. Now I being very well with the Eldest, and in no small hopes of getting her, she gave me this Advice, which I'm resolved to follow. The Chevalier being satisfied with this Reason, and going back into the Bassett Room, fell a rallying so severely upon the Old Gentleman, that he obliged him to quit the Room, as looking upon him to be one that would hinder their Custom.  
Nothing can be a stronger Instance, to how great Extravagances the love of Bassett may subject one, than what happened to the young Count de Angluron; he was a Friend of the Chevalier's who meeting him one day in Town, asked him how chanced, he, that was so great a lover of Play, had now quite left it off: The young Count told him, he was now wholly taken up another way; for that he was fallen desperately in Love with one of the most Beautiful Creatures in all France, of whom he was likewise not a little beloved; that his Passion for her had perfectly cured him of that for Play. The Chevalier told him there was Bassett at Madam Landrozes, whether People of the best Fashion in Town did daily resort, and invited him to it, and to bring his Mistress along with him.  
Next day the Count and his Mistress, the Marquis of Roziers' and the Chevalier, were at Madam Landroze's very merry together; but being too soon to begin to Deal, they fell into a Discourse about play. Madam Landroze said, He that was given to play could never make a good Lover, or be very observant to his Mistress. The Marquis of Roziers' was of Opinion one might easily disengage himself from the love of play: In answer to which, the Chevalier in a rallying way said, that whoever has once placed his Affections upon play, can never wean himself from it as long as he lives. The Count de Angluron was for maintaining the contrary, and looking languishing upon his Mistress, said, That from his own Experience he could prove, that Love was an infallible cure for any Inclination to play. And for my part, replied his fair Mistress, I think any Woman very ingrateful that can't be of the same Mind. The Chevalier, for the Jest sake, still persisted in it, that no Man who, loves Bassett can ever leave it off for a Mistress; a Mistress, said he, may perhaps requite her Lover for the many Torments she makes him endure; but can she at any time give him a Paroli, a Sept, a Quinze, or a Trent-et-le-va? No! no! never was any Lady's favour of that Consequence. By this time the Company being come, they gave over the Discourse; and the Marquis of Roziers' begins to Taillièe: Do but observe now what happened to the Count de Angluron; this Man, whom Love had so well cured of any desire of play, at first played but very little, and was taken up rather in watching his Mistress' Eyes, than his own Cards; he lost 'em every one; then being heated, and in hopes his luck might turn, he set as much upon a Card at one time, as he had lost since he first began to play. He lost it; whereupon he doubled and doubled on, losing some Cards, and winning others; of every Card that he won, he made the Paroli and a Sept-et-le-va, which he still lost; so that after this manner he had played off One hundred and fifty Loüis d'ors. He went out, and sent for the Chevalier into the next Room, where he proffered to sell him his Coach and Horses. The Chevalier thought it a good Bargain, and bought 'em: This Money was as little lucky to the Count, for he soon lost it. A second time he sent for the Chevalier out into the next Room, to sell him his Mistress' Diamond Clasps. The Chevalier at first was unwilling, but the Count, as also his Mistress, in complaisance to him, did so press and importune him to it, that at last the Chevalier bought the Diamond Clasps. That Money lost, he sold the Pearl Necklace too, as little lucky as the rest. The Count de Angluron grown desperate with all these losses, taking the Chevalier aside, prayed him to let him have some Money upon his Note, protesting solemnly he would repay it in two or three days: The Chevalier seemed not to mind him, having made an Oath never more to lend a Farthing without a Pawn, by reason of some disputes he had lately had with some of his best Friends upon the like occasion. Well, said the Count, in a great concern, will you lend it me if I pawn to you the thing of the World I value most, and which I would Redeem at the expense of my Life; 'tis that Beautiful Creature that came along with me, I will leave her in your hands, till such time as I have repaid you to a Farthing of what shall borrow; doubt not, my dear Chevalier, but some time before the end of the Week you shall have your Money, and in the mean time I shall take it as the greatest Obligation imaginable. The Chevalier surprised to hear of such a kind of Pawn, and calling to mind that he had but just before heard the Count maintain, that Love was an Infallible cure for any Inclination to play, was so pleased with this Passage, that 'twas as much as he could do to forbear laughing out right. He told the Count very coldly, that he could not take that Pawn, for what, said he, would you have me do with that young Woman? What would I have you do with her, replied the Count? Alas! what should one do with so precious a Pawn? What soued one do? do by her like a Man of Honour; whereupon the Chevalier desired him to think no more on't. Go then, said the Count, pulling his Hat over his Eyes, and turning short from him, you have dealt unworthily by me, and I'll declare it to all the World, you don't play like a Gentleman; so fling out of doors, without so much as thinking of his Mistress, who all this while was seeing 'em play at Bassett, and forced to walk home on foot, the Coach and Horses having been not long before sold and delivered up.  
There were several other no less pleasant Passages at this Bassett-Bank, which I purposely forbear to take notice of, that I may come to speak of the Passion which the Marquis of Roziers' had for Madam Landroze. The Count de Chariots hearing of the vast Sums of Money which this Bank had won, had a Curiosity to know how well the Marquis of Roziers' had succeeded in the advice he gave him to gain Madam Ladrozes Heart; and to that end he made him a Visit. She is wonderfully pleased, said the Marquis, and is often counting over the great gains she has made by the Bank. She's always in good Humour, and when we are by ourselves, we rallyèe upon those whose Money we win; but as for what Advances I have made, towards the Mastery of her Heart, they are little more than what I made the very first day. Do not you Marquis, said the Count, make the right use of her being in good Humour, and wait for the Critical Minute? Believe me, replied the Marquis, I lose nothing for want of assurance, but she puts me by, and rebukes me with so much Indignation, that I often begin to despair. Is it, said she, once to me, because I sometimes vouchsafe you my Company at play, that therefore you presume to take this Liberty? Very fine! indeed Monsieur Marquis, that is not like to be the Price of our Bank. Therefore Count, continued the Marquis, to deal plainly with you, yours has failed, so that I must now think of some other way. Well, replied the Count, I'll tell you one, that can't possibly fail; Contrive all you can to lose, and quite ruin the Bank; put Madam Landroze upon borrowing of every body, upon pawning all her Jewels and Movables; she's extravagant, and so excessively fond of Play, that rather than want Money for Bassett, there is not any thing she won't sell, pawn, or promise to do: I'll undertake, that when she's under such Circumstances, she'll be no longer reserved to you, and 'twill be in your own power to make yourself Happy. But how, said the Marquis, interrupting him, do you mean by ruining our Bank, and what way should I do it? I mean, replied the Count, that you shall agree with some of your Friends, to come and play deep, while you being to deal, shall so shuffle the Cards, as that they may win; than which nothing can be more easy, let them make the Paroli, the Sept, and Quinze-et-le-va, and in a short time, take my Word for't they'll break the Bank, Madam Landroze shall borrow of every body, pawn all she can rap and rend for Money to make a new one, which shall have as ill success as the former; and never believe me more, if when you have once reduced her to that Condition, you do not find her more Affable and Courteous; if you are unwilling to intrust a Secret of this Nature to any of your own Friends, I'll help you to some fit Persons, and engage the Chevalier to join with you in this thing; for he's a Man no ways nice in these Matters, provided he suffer not in point of Interest. Ah! Count, replied the Marquis very hastily, what a Proposal have you made me? I play Crimp? I that so detest all such knavish Practices? I cheat Madam Landroze, a Person I  on above all things in this World? Think you I can be so hardhearted, as to bear up against those Afflictions, which the being reduced to such Extremities must inevitably throw her into? No! no! Count, you don't know me; and let me assure you, I had rather despair of ever obtaining any favour from her, then purchase it that rate. Faith Marquis, replied the Count, you mistake me quite, I propose to you the cheating Madam Landroze? I never had any such Thought in my Head, and I'm sorry, that as you're my Friend, you should know me no better; my meaning is, that you should restore her all the Money she loses; but that being reduced to such straits, she might think she owes all to you which you return to her, and so can refuse you nothing: Don't be apprehensive of how great a concern she may be in, but think rather how highly she will look upon herself to be obliged, and what Acknowledgements thereof she will make to you; this, in my Judgement, is the only way to prove successful in your Amour; now choose you whether you'll make use on't. The Marquis of Roziers' having better considered of the Proposal, and the Reasons wherewith the Count de Charlois had enforced it, approved of it very well. The Persons who were to manage it came to the Marquis to receive their Instructions; the Chevalier being assured by the Count, that there was nothing intended but a piece of Gallantry, and that Madam Landroze should have her Money again, readily assented to it: As for the Marquis, all his Business was practising to shuffle the Cards, and to remember what the Count had taught him. They agreed amongst themselves what Cards should win, and the Marquis' Valet de Chambre, who waited at the Bassett Table, and to whom it belonged to bring his Master the Cards when he dealt, had his Lesson given him how to place 'em: In fine, matters were so well managed, that at the third setting down, the Bank was quite broke, and the Persons designed won all the Money. Madam Landroze immediately pawned all her Jewels, Plate, Furniture, and whatever else she could make Money of to set up a new Bank, which held out not above four settings. The next Day after this second Bank was broke, the Marquis made her a Visit about the time they used to begin play. He found her lying in a careless Posture upon a Palate-Bed, leaning upon her Elbow, in such a melancholy Fit, that he hardly knew her: He sat himself down in an Elbow Chair that stood by the Bed side, and having for some time fixed his Eyes languishing upon her, Let us not Madam, said he, disguise the matter, I see plainly what a trouble you are in for your late Losses, whereof I have so great a Resentment, that I would readily Sacrifice all I am worth in the whole World, to bring you out on't: Ah! Madam, how happy should I be, could you but imagine how pleasant those Services are to a Lover, which he pays to his Mistress; be pleased, said the Marquis, pulling a Bag from under his Cloak, and throwing it upon the Bed, to accept of these Twelve hundred Lovis d'ors for your present occasions; I have still a Foond left to set up the Bank again, which I intent to venture. We have had an ill run long enough, and may now reasonably hope for a turn; yet should we lose this Foond, I can find Credit for another; upon the whole matter, I'm resolved, tho' I hazard every Farthing I am worth in the World, to try to change your Luck. But alas! Madam, while there is not any thing I would not do to serve you, may not I hope you will do something for my sake? you cannot be insensible how long, and with how violent a Passion I have adored you, tho' to this minute I never met with the least return of any thing, but Scorn and Cruelty; How many severe shocking things have you said to me? How little Inclination had you ever to any thing I proposed? and how unmoved have you ever been at the Torments I endured for your sake? And now, Madam, my Passion is grown to that height, that without some undeniable Proofs of your Love to me, 'tis impossible I should live any longer. Well then Marquis, said Madam Landroze, fetching a great sigh, since it must be so, I will now freely own the Passion I have for you, which hitherto, (for some private Reasons best known to myself) I have thought fit to conceal; yes Marquis I do love you, and that too a thousand times more than you do me. Do you love me, Madam, replied the Marquis, interrupting her? and yet have treated me all this while with so much Cruelty and Disdain? Call you that Love? if, Madam, you would make me believe you love me, turn all your Frowns into Smiles, and let a thousand unspeakable Joys make amends for those many Torments I have so long endured; a Reservedness to those we love, argues a great coldness and indifferency in our Love; let your care in omitting no Opportunity of doing me a Favour be an Argument of your Love, and to make it unquestionable; let its violence appear in some more than ordinary Attempt. What, Monsieur Marquis, replied Madam Landroze, would you have me grant your request, the very minute I've received the Obligations from you? No! no! my Love is too real ever to express itself in an Act of Kindness, that looks more like paying a Debt, than the free gift of a generous Passion; 'tis my Heart you desire, let her alone then, freely to dispense her Favours according to the Dictates of her own Inclinations, and after a little Patience, you will have no reason to complain. Oh! ingrateful, continued Madam Landroze, you reproach me with my being severe and rigid to you, when alas 'twas the Natural result of that great Love I bore you. Yes (since 'tis to no purpose to conceal it any longer) I protest ingenuously to you, when ever I fancied you did any thing that did not answer those tender Thoughts I hoped you had for me, I fell into a Rage so beyond all Reason, that I hardly knew what I did: Alas! you little think how much you were obliged to me, for even then, when in my Looks and Actions there appeared the greatest disdain, I adored you from the bottom of my Hart, and felt an inward concern for you, which till that instant I was a Stranger to. I set myself to study your Humour, and found the only way to secure your Heart to me, was to keep it in a perpetual Motion; for, if at any time it had nothing further to desire, it began to grow cold and abate much of its fondness, the loss whereof I so dreaded, that there was not any desperate Remedy in the World I would not make use of to prevent it. Ah! did you but know how many Tears and Sighs, that affected Coiness and Scorn, I showed, has constantly cost me, how would you, instead of upbraiding me with it, have thought yourself obliged to have pitied me. But oh! Words are too weak symptoms of a bleeding Heart, that is ever attended with more violent ones; here then, I give myself up to your Desires, do with me as you think fit; Inhuman Creditor! pay yourself, come, Cruel, as thou art! Why dost thou stand off? then looking languishing on him with Tears in her Eyes, she threw herself at his Feet; Pardon said she, pardon, my dear Marquis, I am sensible you have too much Honour to use any force, and if I refuse you at present, impute it only to the struggle of a disabled Virtue, just yielding to the power of Love.  
Just as she had said these Words, the Chevalier Brierie came into the Room, and found her at the Marquis' Feet; but she hearing some body tread very softly behind her, and perceiving in the Glass just opposite to her, that 'twas the Chevalier, continued still at the Marquis' Feet, and seeming as tho' she had not seen the Chevalier, immediately turned the Discourse in this manner. No! Sir, No, I'm resolved never to rise from this Posture, till you have promised me not to fight with my Brother. I ask you a thousand Pardons for whatever he has said to you, he's a passionate hot-brained Fellow, and grown desperate to find himself obliged to repay me the Money I lent him. As she was saying these Words, she turned her Head about to the Chevalier on a sudden, seeming to wonder what noise she heard; then, as tho' surprised to see him there, she started up on a sudden, having first winked upon the Marquis to withdraw, which accordingly he did, but in so great a hurry and confusion, at what had lately befallen him, that he had much a do to find his way home. Ah! dear Chevalier, said Madam Landroze very heavily, I am undone, I am the most unfortunate Creature on Earth, if you don't take pity on me; for the love of God use all the interest you have with the Marquis not to fight with my Brother; but Oh! that thoughtful and reserved Look, which he went away with, has dashed all my hopes, for I have ever observed it to be the surest sign of a revengeful Temper. Feigning at last to come to herself she told the Chevalier 'twould have done her a great kindness, had he happened to come but a Minute sooner; that having lost her Money at Bassett, she was forced to dun her Brother for what he owed her; who thereupon brought her that Bag which he saw upon the Bed, showing him that which the Marquis laid there that her Brother fell very severe upon her for playing at Bassett, which kept her always at home, that she was peeked at it, and so they came to high Words, that in the heat of the Dispute the Marquis very unfortunately came in, and offered to take her part; at which her Brother was so incensed, that they fell to Words, and in the Passion they were in, but for the respect the Marquis had to her, they had drawn upon each other in her Chamber; that her Brother went out first threatening the Marquis, that she had done all she could to prevent the Marquis from following him; yet that she was still in a perpetual fright of what might ensue hereupon. The Chevalier with all his cunning was caught in the Trap, and being naturally impatient, after having promised to do her what Service he could in this matter, he immediately took his leave of her. He understood at the Lodgings, where Madam Landroze's Brother lay, that he went out in the Morning early, and had not dined at home; as for the Marquis he was but just gone to bed, and had left word if any body came he was not to be spoken with. This confirmed the Chevalier in what Madam Landroze had just before told him, and made him try to prevent the mischief which he thought he luckily foresaw. The Marquis though in Bed, as they told the Chevalier, was so far from being asleep, that 'tis not to be imagined, how restless and distracted his Thoughts were; when he reflected upon those tender and passionate Expressions wherewith Madam Landroze had lately Entertained him, he was Transported with Joy even to a degree of Madness. What, said he to himself, does Madam Landroze love me, and conceal it only to preserve me more constant to her? Is it possible that all those Cruelties I've endured from her, should be only the Effects of a melancholy Apprehension, lest I did not love her so passionately as she could wish? Yes! yes! neither the loss of Reputation, or fear of what might happen, could withhold her from giving herself up to me to do what I would with her; 'tis I only that am a trouble to her, lest what ever she does for me, I should impute rather to Design, than the free Motives of a disinterested Love. Fear nothing, continued he, shall I ruin your Reputation, shall I, that have so great an Adoration for you, expose you to the violent Prosecutions, and fury of a Jealous Husband? No! no! I renounce the Thoughts of any pleasure that you must purchase at so dear a rate; the enjoyment of your Heart is all I ask, and 'tis that, and only that can make me the happiest or unhappiest Man breathing. Then again, falling headlong from that high Rapture into a deep Melancholy, What, said he, what have I done, to deserve so much kindness from her? Is it by Treachery, Cruelty, and Cheating? What to have betrayed her basely, to have been so cruel as to make her lose her Money, to have seen her so reduced as to sell her Jewels, Plate, and Furniture, to have stood unmoved at her greatest Despair, to have played the Pickpocket, and hired People to assist me in cheating her? Are these the Stratagems to conquer Hearts? thus, and much more than can be expressed, did the Marquis rave all Night? When he had called to mind that he had suffered Madam Landroze to throw herself at his Feet, he was almost distracted, and called himself an unmannerly Brute; when he considered the Chevalier Brierie had surprised him in this Posture, and overheard what he said, he was so confounded that he knew not what to think; he could not imagine what Madam Landroze meant by desiring him not to fight with her Brother; and how she came off with the Chevalier; and what troubled him yet more, was, that he had taken notice how very observant the Chevalier used to be to Madam Landroze, which made him think he loved her, and mistrust least his Rival, by telling her how she had been cheated, should ruin his Interest with her to all Intents and Purposes; thereupon he thought the safest way would be to begin first, and throw himself at her Feet, in hopes to merit his Pardon by a voluntary confession of the Crime: He thought the Night very tedious, and waited for Day with great impatience to execute his Design; at last the Hour of seeing Madam Landroze being come, he was in haste to be going, but just as he got to the Door, he found some of the Guards there, which a Marshal of France had sent; 'tis not to be imagined, how wonderfully troubled and surprised he was at so strange a disappointment; he sent presently for the Count de Charlois to unfold this Mystery to him. The Count understood by his Friend the Marshal of France, who sent 'em, that the Chevalier Brierie had informed him of a Duel that was to be fought by the Marquis of Rozeirs, and Monsieur de Lisle, Brother to Madam Landroze, upon a Quarrel that happened lately betwixt 'em. Thereupon he went to the Chevalier, who told him how he had found Madam Landroze at the Maquiss' Feet, and all that she had said to him. The Count returning to the Marquis complained of his unkindness in not acquainting him with the late business betwixt him and Lisle. The Marquis, who did not then call to mind that Lisle was Madam Landroze's Brother, and what she had said to him upon the Chevalier's surprising her at his Feet, protested to him with a thousand solemn Imprecations, he was so far from having had any late dispute with Lisle, as that he had not either spoken to, or so much as seen him this Twelvemonth. If what you say be true, replied the Count, either the Chevalier is the greatest Impostor, or Madam Landroze the most deceitful and designing Woman alive. Afterwards the Marquis, as he was telling him of some particular Passages that happened the day before at her House, began to remember, how upon the Chevalier's surprising her at his Feet, she entreated him not to fight with her Brother, and made signs to him to withdraw; which accordingly he did, leaving the Chevalier with her all alone: This made him sensible of the Truth of what had been told him, and considering how serviceable the Count might be to him on this occasion, he told him ingeniously every particular Circumstance of the whole Affair, and desired his advice and assistance therein. Forthwith the Count went to the Chevalier, assuring him the business was made up, and that 'twas for Madam Landroze's Credit that it should not take Air; so they went together to testify the same to the Marshal of France, and to get an Order for recalling the Guards. This order came very opportunely, for they who were sent to serve Lisle had not as yet been with him; but staying to drink a Glass of Wine at a Tavern-next Door to his Lodgings, there they received the Countermand. The Marquis of Roziers' was in a continual fright at what Madam Landroze's Brother would think of the matter, and the great prejudice it might be to her Reputation. As soon as the Count de Chariots had brought him an account of the happy success of his Negotiation, he fell into a Discourse about Madam Londroze's death: Marquis, said the Count, where was your Wit to lose▪ so fair an opportunity? Troth, I know not what to make of you, thou hast lost thyself in her Opinion beyond all hope of recovery; for let me tell thee, all such faults are unpardonable with Women. Is it possible thou shouldst come to this Age, and not know that Women use such little Tricks, only to decoy and bring Men on with greater eagerness, Count, replied the Marquis very briskly, if you knew Madam Landroze you'd be of soother mind. She's all Truth, of a tender Disposition, Generous, uncapable of any little Trick, and endued with a thousand other extraordinary Accomplishments, which few either Women could ever pretend to; nay I know her Temper so well, that she can least defend herself against that way of Courtship I have always used to her: I have ever sacrificed my Will to her Interest and Pleasure, whereby she is assured how much I love her better than my own Life; 'Tis sufficient to secure her to me as long as she lives. Alas! Marquis, said the Count, shrugging up his Shoulders, you'll never do any great Feats amongst the Women; the way, continued he, to have gained Madam Landroze, and kept her sure to you as long as you'd a mind to't, bade been to have made use of the opportunity she gave you; 'tis by that, as by some secret Charm, a Man gets so great an asendant over a Woman's mind, that she can deny him nothing, humours him in all things, falls out with the whole World in his Cause is careless of her carriage to her Husband, or the concerns of her Family, values not her Reputation: In fine, if her Gallant be but a bold experienced Sinner she enters in without the least reluctancy, and stops at no Crime though never so execrable. What you say Count, replied the Marquis, is very true of lewd debauched Women, and such as have lost all sense of Repueation; but all Women are not under such Circumstances, and Madam Landroze, of whom we were speaking, least of any Woman in all France. Once more, replied the Count, I must needs tell you, I find you do not know the Sex; there are hardly any, and especially Madam Landroze, but what are Fantastical in their Amours; they suffer themselves to be hurried away I know not how: When ever they love or hate, they can give no Reason for either, but are equally inclined to both by a whimsical and unaccountable Humour; they are true to nothing, but their Interest, or when they want an Opportunity to be false; they are naturally Coquets, and their affected Virtue is nothing but a Cloak to their Coquettry. They have design in all they say or do; but above all Tears are the Masterpiece of their Cuning, and the surest Baits to catch the wariest Cudgeons. Though I, continued the Count, defy even those, as well as all others, and what I now tell you, I have either had experience of, or observed in most Women. I have known 'em leave very worthy deserving Persons, whom they once had a great kindness for, and who have had no less for them, to take up with pitiful inconsiderable Fellows: Sometimes because they either danced or sung well; sometimes being dazzled with the glittering of a rich Embroidered Coat, a well fancied Equipage, or a hundred other such fantastical Reasons. One day a married Woman, lamenting the loss of her Lover, who was killed in the War, said to me, Alas! poor Youth, how lovely he was, and how dearly he loved me? How often have we ran the Balls together? How often has he carried me to Plays? then fetching a deep Sigh, Oh! unfortunate Wretch, said she, that I am! Farewell Balls, farewel Plays, they are all over with me, for who is there now that will carry me to 'em? No! no! I shall never see any more. Another time a Widow, the very first year of her Mourning, viewing herself in the Glass, said to me (as I was standing by) with Tears in her Eyes, Ah! Sir, what a loss have I had of my Husband? At which I began seriously to Comfort her: Comfort, replied she sighing, talk not to me of Comfort; see what an ill Air this Bandore has, bow frightful this plain Linen makes me appear? What Man will endure now to look upon me? when I han't patience to see myself in the Glass?  
But to say no more of other Women, let's come to Madam Landroze. What think you of the Artifice she used to blind the Chevalier, of the Reason why he found her at your Feet? For my part, I think it a Masterpeice to see a come-off, so well contrived, and acted so to the Life on a sudden. Well! well! Count, replied the Marquis, let's have no more on't, you have said enough, and I verily believe you are so great a Woman hater, that, should I let you run on, you'd reap up the Story of the Ephesian Matron, 'tis not in this, continued he, I ask your advice, but what I should do with Madam Landroze, as to the Moneys I made her lose, for I have still in my Hands above Eight hundred Loüis d'ors of hers, over and above the Twelve hundred I left with her that day the Chevalier found her upon her Knees. He told him he thought he had great reason to distrust the Chevalier, that he was in a continual fright, lest he should betray him in making a discovery to Madam Landroze, which would ruin him in her Opinion to all Intents and Purposes; that he had thoughts to prevent it by restoring to her what Money he had of hers, and making an open Confession of the whole matter, in hopes she may pardon it as the rash Act of a violent Passion. The Count was of another mind, he maintained there was no Reason to distrust the Chevalier, that such a Confession can never take with Madam Landroze, who will infallibly look upon the whole design to be no better than a downright Cheat, that the better way were, to let her win it back again the same way she lost it; that if he was in haste to have it done, he might make a match to taillèe at her House to day, that he should return the Money to the same Persons that won it before, and appoint 'em to be there on purpose to lose it back again, by which means they will see plainly, he did not design Cheating; and should the Chevalier chance to speak on't, as he mistrusted, the Event was sufficient to justify the Act. Besides, said he, if the Town should come to talk of a Quarrel between you and Madam Landroze's Brother, when they see you Taillying at her House, 'twill be looked upon as an idle Report, and soon be forgotten. The Marquis approved of what was said. The Count went to the Chevalier, and the other Persons who were to lose the Money, to acquaint 'em with the design, and give 'em the Money, with all Orders necessary thereunto. Then he gave notice to several other Gamesters that there would be Bassett at Madam Landroze's about Six of the Clock. As for the Marquis he went to Madam Landroze's, and told her what the Chevalier had said to the Marshal of France, how they sent some of the Guards to him, and what bade happened thereupon. Afterwards he proposed to her the taillying at her House about Six of the Clock: She desired nothing more than to play, and was only troubled that they did not begin two Hours sooner.  
There chanced to be a great deal of good Company there that day, who designed to play deep: But just as the Marquis had drawn out the Bank money, in order to Tallièe, and the Setters made choice of their Cards, they heard a great noise in the Street, they saw a public Officer with a Trumpet before him, and a piece of Parchment in his Hand, in the midst of a great crowed, and heard him pronounce the Word Bassett several times, but could make nothing of what he said. Mean while the Company being greatly puzzled to know the meaning on't, in came an Old Gentleman, Husband to a young Lady who was then present, and had set several Loüis d'ors upon a Card: With great Joy in his Looks, he told 'em, it was an Order of Council to forbid Bassett; then looking a little angrily, he commanded his Wife not to play; she laughed at him, and the more he forbidden her, the more pressing she was with the Marquis to deal on: The Penalty of the Order, said he, is Five hundred Livres forfeiture upon every one that plays, Three thousand upon him that keeps the Bank, and the House where they play to be shut up. This perplexed and madded all the Company. Madam Landroze was for rallying it off, and said, she liked the Company too well to shut her Doors against 'em. The Marquis was loath to incur the Forfeiture of Three thousand Livres. The Chevalier, enraged at the Order, was very positive, and offered to lay Five hundred Loüis d'ors, one might safely play the rest of that day; however there being few of his Mind, they broke up and went away without it. As they were going off, he endeavoured to persuade 'em to come back, but finding it to no purpose, told 'em, that the forbidding Bassett was of a mighty consequence, which he was desirous to communicate to 'em, and therefore invited 'em all to Supper. The Ladies, and all those Gentlemen who were Strangers to the Chevalier, thanked him for his Invitation, and went away, while such as were his Friends and Acquaintance, went along with him to the Petit-Paris, where he bespoke a Supper. The Marquis promised the Chevalier to be there as soon as he. In the mean time, as the Company were taking their leaves, he counted over his Money, and put Eight hundred Loüis d'ors in a Purse by itself. Then finding himself alone with Madam Landroze, he offered her the Purse, in which the Eight hundred Loüis d'ors were, confessing the whole Cheat, in hopes she would pardon him, and look upon't as the excess of Love. While he was speaking. Madam Landroze turned sometimes pale, sometimes red, and changed Colour above a hundred times. What, said she, to him, reaching out her Hand to take the Purse, is it possible? and are these Eight hundred Loüis d'ors, and the Twelve hundred you left here yesterday, my own? Which the Marquis assuring her: Well, said she to him, you are a Man of Honour, and I forgive you freely; in full assurance whereof, as likewise how much I look upon myself to be interested in any thing that concerns you, I will make you an entire Confident in all my Thoughts. Ah! Madam, said the Marquis, interrupting her, how good and how obliging you are, and how sensible am I of it; nay further, continued she, I'll give you advice which makes against myself, and if you're wife you'll follow it: but for fear any body should come in, and surprise me with this Purse in my Hand, let me go lock it in my Cabinet: which accordingly she did, and being come back again; Troth, Marquis, said she, I had a narrow escape yesterday, for my ill Fortune at play had reduced me to so great an Extremity, that I protest I had not the power to deny you any thing you could ask me: But thanks to Providence, and my own little Cunning, I am now safe delivered. But withal, Sir, continued she, I must needs say you have not lost much by't; for whatever you had done with my Person, I had from my very Heart detested the Action, and looked upon it only as a hard Ransom, to Redeem me out of that Slavery whereinto my late Losses had unfortunately thrown me. Know Marquis that my Affections are otherwise engaged, and that too, to the most ungrateful Man breathing, one, who once had, or at least counterfeited a strong Passion for me; and oh! if 'twas counterfeited, 'twas done to the Life; one, who has a thousand times sworn to love me as long as he lived: However the Traitor has proved false, and what is yet worse, Falsehood has been so far from curing me of my Love, that it has rather increased it the more. Once when I upbraided him with his Ingratitude, and begged him to return to the Passion he formerly had for me; Could I, said he, Ah! Madam, how gladly would I do't? Can there be a greater Happiness in the World, than that of loving where one is beloved; but we are not so much Masters of our own Hearts, I value you above any Person breathing, and would readily sacrifice my Life and Fortune to your Service; but I beg you not to exact the Tribute of a Heart which is not in my own power to dispose of: A hundred, and a hundred times have I called myself perjured and ingrateful, and blushed at the shame of so infamous a Character; but how in vain are all such Attacks, upon a Heart resolved never to surrender? I thought this Discourse so very ridiculous, that I broke off with my Faithless Lover, and forbidden him from ever more corning near me; and yet Marquis, 'tis but too great a Truth, and what I have experimented upon you, that the Heart is a head strong Libertine, that will love only where it pleases. How often have I, to the most advantage that could be, reminded myself of the great Obligations I own you, of your high Merit, and Passionate Affections for me, with frequent Suggestions to myself, how happy I should be in your Love, could I but love you again? I endeavoured by such gentle Stratagems as these, to surprise my Heart, and make it come over to you, till having by degrees got a Habit of loving you, it should declare for you against that perfidious Man your Rival: but so successless were all those Stratagems, that they recoiled upon me, and what ever my Reason made use of to strengthen your interest, my Heart insensibly turned to the advantage of that ingrateful Man. Judge now what endeavours I've used to persuade myself to love you, and to how little purpose they have all been: 'Tis not Choice or Reason that governs the Heart, but being biased by it knows not what, it suffers itself to be hurried away with an unaccountable Pleasure, to it knows not whither, or wherefore; and so strangely contradictory, is the Temper of those who are in Love, that they fond pursue their Tormentors, and fly from those that would make 'em Happy. Oh! Cruelty, replied the Marquis, interrupting her, is it not enough to tell me you don't love me, but that I have a Rival whom you do love? Well Marquis, said she, since 'tis so, let us try in some measure to alleviate the security of our Fates, you by endeavouring to wean yourself from me, and I by studying to forget your Rival; since to love, and not be loved again, is certainly the greatest Plague upon Earth. For Heaven's sake, Madam, replied the Marquis, teach me the Secret to forget you, 'tis all the Reward I ask, of whatever I have endured for you. There is a never failing one, said she, which is never to see me more, and leave the rest to time. Never to see you more, Madam, replied the Marquis, to spend Hours, Days, Months, nay Years without seeing you, or so much as ever hoping to see you more; Ah! what a Cruel Remedy you tell me of, will time, do you say, work the rest: Alas! how slow, and weak a Cure is Time, for so violent a Distemper.  
Just as the Marquis had said this, in came the Chevalier, and told him Supper was ready, and that the Company stayed for him; though the Marquis had a great deal more to say to Madam Landroze, yet he was forced for that time to take his leave of her; which he did with so much concern, that he could scarce hid it from the Chevalier: Wh n he was come to the place where they were to sup, he told those Persons whom he had engaged in the design against Madam Landroze, that he had restored her all the Money they had won of her, and turned it off with a Jest. Whereupon they gave him the Eight hundred Loüis d'ors, which the Count Charlois had given them.  
Supper being upon the Table, and all the Company going to sit down, the Chevalier told 'em he had a matter of great importance to impart to 'em, of which it was highly necessary that every one should give his Opinion; that most Voices should carry't: in order whereunto they should choose a Precedent to count 'em, but not begin the Debate till the Fruit was upon the Table, and in the mean time to consider well of the choice. Several Healths went round briskly, at last the Fruit being set on, the Chevalier asked the Company if they had thought of a Precedent, whereat they all, with one Voice, cried out they had made Choice of him. Immediately the Chevalier putting on as Grave and Magesterial a Look, as tho' he were Precedent of the Council, opened the Sessions in this manner, The defence of Bassett, Sirs, is to be the Subject of our present Debate, and we, being the chief Gamesters, whatever Rule we make herein, will be binding to others; wherefore I desire every particular Person may give his advice in this weighty Affair deliberately, and without any prejudice. The first thing then to be considered of is, Whether 'tis most for our advantage to play at Bassett or not? And if to play, than secondly, What is to be done to avoid the Order which was this day Proclaimed to the contrary? Begin Monsieur l' Abbè, said the Chevalier, addressing himself to the Abbèe Olarion, you, whom the World has honoured with the Glorious Title of Clerk of the Bassett Table: For my part, Sir, said the Abbè, I'm of Opinion the whole Company has reason to keep up Bassett, I've ever found it turn to good Account, and that the Bank must be the only Winner at long run. 'Tis true that Bassett is an ill Game for the Setters, but we that are here present, have not so little Wit, as to do any thing but go in the Bank. 'Tis not, continued he smiling, but with great labour and pains that I have purchased that Glorious Title of Clerk of the Bassett Table; having crouppied day after day, to several Banks from two of the Clock after Dinner, till Eight at night, and so from Nine till One of the Clock the next Morning: Now I leave it to you to consider, how strong a Head a Man must have to undergo so great a Fateigue. The first Point, which is, whether 'tis most for our advantage to play at Bassett, being thus cleared, I come now to the Second, viz. How we may play at it without any danger. This I must confess does a little gravel me. There is no Pleasure in being made an Example. At first they will be very strict in putting the Law in Execution: in my judgement therefore, 'tis not safe to oppose them in the heat of their first Resolutions, but wart with patience till better days, which can't but be e'er long, for Bassett is too too bewitching a Game, not to draw many of the Nobility and other Persons of Quality in to play at it, which will serve for a Precedent to us; and this in short is what I think of the whole Matter.  
Come thou Reverend Judge of Bassett, says the Chevalier, thou to whose infallible Decission all difficult and controversial Points of Bassett are submitted with an implicit Faith, let's hear what you say. I, said Chatigny, am of Abbè Olarion's Opinion, but could wish that in the mean time some Expedient might be found out of playing in some Noble men's or Ambassadors Houses, and that sometimes we may have private Bassett in our Chambers to keep us in breath. What think you, Noble Captain, says the Chevalier, you, that as the Town will have it, have been so unfortunate at this Game. I, said the Captain, for my part, have been so provoked with Bassett, that I wish him hanged who first found it out. Before this Game came up, I and some others that understood play pretty well, could now and then pick up a little Money, and strip a well feathered Bubble without any noise. But now Bassett has so engrossed the whole Trade, that there is nothing to be got for us poor Brothers of the Die. Now Monsieur Marquis, said the Chevalier, addressing himself to the Marquis of Roziers', 'tis your turn to speak. The Marquis, rousing himself as one just awaked out of a dead sleep, staired upon the Chevalier with such amazement, that the Chevalier saw plainly he knew not what they had been talking of. The Question, said the Chevalier, is whether or no it be for our advantage to play at Bassett? The Marquis pausing a while, Never, said he, came any good of Bassett, since it came into France, therefore in my Judgement it ought to be banished for ever. But I must beg you will excuse me, and impute it to an odd whim I have, that I don't give you my Reasons for it. I'll do't for you, said Bautrin, taking up the Question. In Hell itself, said he, never was hatched so damnable a thing as Bassett. Thereupon the whole Company burst out into a great laughter, and cried he was not an Impartial Judge, having a Mortal peek to Bassett, for making him walk a foot. Think not, Sirs, replied he, that what I now say is out of madness for losing my Coach and Horses; I am equally unlucky at all sorts of Games, and had I not lost 'em at Bassett, I had done it at some other Game; so that the exception I have to Bassett, is not from what I have suffered but those general Extravagancies and mischiefs that attend it. At all other Games one has time to consider, and by reflecting upon his Losses and the Consequence thereof, to leave off; but in this there is no being governed by Reason, or any time to reflect; it runs away with so much quickness. One fancies to make the Paroli, or Sept et-le-va, which hapening to win, the success thereof draws him in to venture all he has, or can rap and rend, in hopes of the like good Fortune, till at last he loses all, and runs himself over head and ears in as short a time as I've been speaking. There's the Deuce, says another, has lost thrice already, 'tis strange if it should lose the fourth time; so thinking to have found out a sure Card, in full confidence of winning, he sets all he has left upon it, which is fassed, or loses the Sonica. Then how he storms, and rages, and borrowing all the Money he can of every body, to follow the Deuce on, he loses it (if he would confess) four times the deal following.  
Next day, without fail, he must seek out for Money to pay what he borrowed the Night before, and wherewithal to have his Revenge. Then the , Jewels, and what ever Movables he has, go to pawn, and so he has it, he cares not what Procuration or Interest he gives. With what fear, and concern, with what impatience, and palpitation of the Heart, does he watch the Cards as the Dealer is drawing 'em, especially if he sees the corner of a Card which looks like his: Nay, I'll maintain Bassett does tyre and waste the Spirits of those who play deep, more than any other Game, even Tennis itself; for which Reasons the Physicians do strictly forbid it to all those who are inclined to Consumptions. I have seen Women naturally of a pale Complexion, redden like Fire, and Men in the midst of the hardest Frosts sweat as though they were in a Bagnio. Avalon, whom ye all know, in the height of his Fever, said, Va ten Pistols, a Minute after the Pay, than the double Pay, a Paroli of the whole, continued he, in a great Agony, and on a sudden, raising his Voice, cried out, like one in Despair, Oh! unfortunate Creature that I am! to lose the Sonica; insomuch that 'twas feared lest those lightheaded Fits should turn to a perfect Frenzy; and but for his able Physician Dr. Pyard, who (knowing he had lost much at Bassett) advised him to send for some Gamesters to play by his Bed side, who came and lost to him some Money, which to that purpose his Mother had given 'em, the unfortunate Youth might have spent the rest of his Days in Bedlam.  
These are the least of those many Evils that Bassett is the cause of. Young Gentlemen designed for the Clergy, or the Law, who, till Bassett came in, never knew what Gaming was, now lay aside the thoughts of their other Studies, and apply themselves wholly to the finding out some little Tricks and Advantages of the Game, or how to take up Money at a Scriveners; who upon mighty advantages supplies 'em with great sums. The Merchants, Periwig makers, Tailors, Hatters, Mercers, or Lace-men, can't get a Farthing of Money from a Bassett-player; his Purse is entirely devoted to the Bank, and to be put to no other use. Upon the whole matter, there are none but the Usurers, and Pawn-brokers, but what lose by't. Let a Woman be never so discreet, or virtuous, if she has once tasted of the powerful Charms of Bassett, she can never wean herself from it: if she wants Money, she must have it one way of other, and when she has no other Remedy, she borrows it of her Lover, who, after that, is so far from finding her Cruel, that she will gratify him with many Favours, which she won't vouchsafe to the poor Man her Husband. That 'tis a certain Gain to those who keep the Bank, said the Abbè Olarion, is apparent from their having always won. Fie! replied Bautrain, I never dealt in my Life, but I lost: and there was a Lady of Lisle, one of my particular Acquaintance, who in three Weeks time, by dealing at Sixpenny Bassett, lost Three thousand Livers clear. You shall have a Man, when he has been stuck at play, come to a small Bank, and set a Hundred or Sixscore Loüis d'ors upon a Card. The Bank upon a punctilio of Honour stands it, the Setter winning it, makes the Paroli, and wins that too, so breaks the Bank, and at one 'Bout wins the whole Profit of three Month. 'Twas so that Madam Fontaigners Bank was broke.  
To conclude, the Council is wise, and had not forbid Bassett but for the great Disorders it occasioned at Paris, and for our common Good. They have the power in their Hands, and must not be disobeyed; the fatal Consequences whereof, are in my Opinion too dangerous to be ventured. Scarce had Bautrain speaking, when Vlisson taking up the Question, 'Tis observable, Sirs, said he, that the most refined things in Morality, and the best in Nature, do, when used with excess, prove the worst and most dangerous. No Game that ever yet was invented is comparable to Bassett, if played at with moderation and temper, nor any so pernicious when used to excess. The design of Gaming, is to amuse the Mind with the various and extraordinary changes of Fortune, just as Bassett does: for a Proof thereof you need but call to mind what Monsieur Bautrain said. A Setter, said he, looks upon himself to be upon the Point of being made a Beggar, his luck changes, a Sept-et-le-va comes and makes him a Prince. Can any thing be more surprising? Can any thing be more transporting? Have you occasion for Ten or Twelve Pistols to throw away upon any Divertisement, go to the Bassett Table, and as soon as ever you have won 'em, take your own time to come away; no body will press you to play on▪ no body will call after you, and you may go off with 'em without being counted a close sharping Gamester; a freedom that is the peculiar Excellency of this Game, and not allowed of in any other. When at any time any of us are ill treated by our cruel Mistresses, we take advantage of the Extremities to which Bassett reduces 'em, to subdue 'em to our Affections: Is not this a great relief to a wretched Lover, who has spent Days and Nights in Sighs and Prayers, without obtaining the least Favour? Hazard, Quinque-nove, or Lansquenet, may produce as bad Effects, and are as quick desperate Games as Bassett; besides, a Bassett player has great advantage over all other Gamesters, he goes boldly into the Company of Persons of the best Quality, and is well looked upon: If he tallieès, he is much made of, and all the Servants of the House are particularly observant to him. 'Tis true, there is an Order to forbid it, the best way therefore is to address to the King, and represent to him that Bassett does not so much hurt at Paris, as his Majesty is informed, and so make an interest to have leave to keep a Bank: for my part I'll make one willingly, and allow 80000 Livres yearly towards it for my own share. This, Gentlemen, is my Opinion. Vlisson having made an end, the Chevalier undertaking to speak to't, said, This appears to me, Sirs, to be a matter of great difficulty; for, that 'tis of mighty advantage to keep the Bank at Bassett, is so undeniable a Truth, that 'twere needless to use any Arguments to prove how prejudical this Order to forbid Bassett has been to us sworn Keepers of the Bank. The Point now to be considered of is, how we may continue to play at it without running into any danger; a matter of so great difficulty, that the more and more I think on't, the further I am from finding out which way it may be done: There is no pleasure I'm sure in being made an Example: to play privately and in a Room that is locked up, won't turn to account, or so much as pay for the Cards and Candles: on the other hand 'tis too hazardous to play in Nobleman's or Ambassadors Houses, as they did at Hoca, lest an Officer should come incognito, and under pretence of playing, serve us, to our great comfort, with a Verbal Process for disobeying the Order. And how many poor indigent Fellows are there, who in hopes of having the Fine, will turn Informers. The King and his Ministers are fully satisfied this Game is prejudicial to the Public, and therefore should we offer to Farm it at a Million a year, they would never hearken to the Proposal. There is no one here but knows how they have forbidden Hoca, under so severe Penalties, that tho' 'tis so very advantageous a Game to those who keep the Bank, yet no body dares venture to do it; and so will it be with Bassett. Come then, continued he, let us Metamorphose Bassett into another Game, let it be much after the manner of Hoca; but by giving it another Name, by playing it after a different way, and altering the chances, we may disguise it so that no body can possibly know it, and thereby evade the Penalty of the Order. The first thing to be observed, is, that there be one who is to keep the Bank, and to have all the advantages that he had at Bassett; only changing the Names. Those who formerly found out Games, have neither gamed more, nor had their Talents lie better that way than ours do: Whereat the whole Company began to laugh, and approving of the Chevaliers Proposal, set themselves to invent some new Game. Abbè Olarion was for Lansquenet, as 'tis played at in Poland; Vlisson proposed Prieze; and the Chevalier Nombre, insomuch that they were all divided upon which of these Games was best; but being now grown very late, they adjourned the Meeting till Tuesday next, at the same hour and place; then and there to consider further of those Matters, and the success of these new Games. Then every one in particular returning Thanks to the Chevalier, went away very well satisfied, and in good Humour, only the Marquis of Roziers', who was fallen into a deep despair, with what Madam Landroze had said to him, and the difficulties he found he was like to undergo, upon the Resolutions he had taken to cure himself, if possible, of his Passion for her.  
FINIS.