Lisarda; OR, THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy. A NOVEL. In Two Parts.  
By H. C. Gent.  
Licenced, Sept. 30th 1690.  
Rob. Midgley.  
LONDON, Printed for Joseph Knight, at the Popes-Head in the Lower-Walk of the New-Exchange, 1690.   

TO THE Honourable James Levinston, Esq  
SIR,  
IT is so Customary a thing, the Dedications of Books to Persons of Quality; Especially, where the Author hath received any Obligations, that I might have been thought singular, had I not found some Person, to whom Obligations had required an Acknowledgement; and whose Judgement and Approbation might have been sufficient to Countenance my Book. That, Sir, I hope will excuse my Presumption of Introducing Lisarda to you; A Lady, who though Virtuous to a Superlative, yet Unfortunate, till the Consummation of her Marriage with Don Ricardo, and the greater Happiness of attaining the Honour to be Presented to you, fearful lest her Misfortunes might follow her here into England, and that many might blame that here, for want of knowing the Customs of Spain, which there is not thought a fault, no not a venial one: She fears our Ladies might be offended with so much forwardness in Spanish Women, which for want of a Spanish Confinement, they are not Guilty of themselves: These thoughts are what troubled her, till now that I assured her, You were too Courteous to refuse your Patronage to a Lady. But while she is thus happy in your Protection, give me leave to assure you, That I am, Most Entirely,  
Sir, Your Devoted Friend, and humble Servant, H. COX.   

TO THE READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
I Have offered you this Book without the Commands of any Person of Quality, or the urgent desires of any Friend, only for my own Pleasure, and perhaps a little for my Profit; besides, I think it a pleasant thing, though I shall not impose this Opinion on any one, nor think myself obliged to him who favours it; do but buy it, and let the Bookseller take your money; then Curse it, Damn it, and the Author, throw it away, or what you please. Nor have I omitted my Name for fear of the Critics, who I desire to have no more mercy on the Book, when once bought, than they have of their own unpitied Souls, who likely they may damn, by way of affirming the poor ignorant Author for a Blockhead, a Dunce, and Fool, with a long Et caetera of their ironical Titles; a thing that he'll but smile to hear, so that his Expectations are but answered, and the Book sells: And though likely you may be one of this ungrateful Gang; yet however, I will speak so much, and for the better understanding of it as I think convenient; partly to satisfy you in some particulars, but more for my own satisfaction: I must tell you, the Scene being in Spain, I have been feign to give them Foreign Characters, although the Haughtiness of the Spanish humour, and their aptness to be Jealous, is a daily Discourse here in England. Yet lest you should think my Don Ricardo and the rest, to deviate in good manners and sense, when they show those inseparable qualities to the Spaniard, when they speak so much in their own Praise; I must advertise you, that Custom permits that there, which would be very ridiculous here; nor would I have you wonder at the forwardness of my Ladies, for they being deprived of that Liberty our English have, they make use of the Occasion, and always are very forward in their Courtship; they without difficulty, will meet the Man they like, halfway; and 'tis not altogether uncommon there, for them to tell a Man at first sight they are in love with him; and now I think I have said enough, except I should further tell you, that as you use me now, so shall I treat with you hereafter; either by writing more, if you Damn this, to vex you and please myself, or not writing: I know not why nor wherefore, but as the fancy takes me.  
God b'y ' hearty.   

Lisarda; OR, THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy.  
CLara Lisarda, a Lady but of sixteen years of Age, Beautiful, Discreet, and one that had sixteen thousand Dollars for a Portion; was born in Andaluzia, of Illustrious Parents: Now the Possessors of Youth and Riches we know are never homely, especially the latter is so attractive a Virtue, that that itself is capable to gild all Imperfections; so that you need not question the number of Pretenders to this Lady, being every way well qualified; but however, amidst the throng of her Adorers, there was not one could reasonably think himself in a higher place of her regard than another; she was civil to them all, nor was there any one of them, that ever pretended to her, but hoped with the rest; however she carried herself with such indifference, that none could complain, nor envy another; yet with all young Women she very much desired the happy hour, that might perfect her frame, and satisfy a certain desire of something nature did dictate to her, for which end a thousand hover thoughts advertised her, she was born, and that without this (she knew not what) she should never be happy: a thousand wishes and desires, Curiosity itself urging her to haste the experiment of Joys, spoke to be so great, that the most copious Language is too scanty to express. She many times would alone, at that instant, when each little Fiber of her Soul shot forth, warmed by that vernal Sun that still invites those of her tender years to newborn Appetites, discreetly reason in the following manner.  
Who is it can penetrate the heart and thoughts of Man, being so various, that the dispositions of most are changed as often as they change their Company; and yet as uncertain as their humours are, so certain is it my years require me to accept of one for a Husband? What shall I do then? shall I plunge myself into life-lasting Miseries to gratify my wishes, and please my Parents?  
Two things there are to invite Pretenders, my Person, or my Estate; My Person, No. It is not that; for I know many in this City, if not more Noble, yet far beyond me in Perfections; and because they are poor, Lovers are not only wanting, but even those that in jest should offer Marriage. Why then, if 'tis my Portion does these wonders, I find it hard to marry a Man who woos not me but my Estate; and yet could I bear with this, (for Ambition is so grown into the World, that there must be a new Creation to find disinteressed men:) who can assure their selves of their manners, where there are so many Cheats. In the time of wooing the most vicious appears a Saint, and detests all Vice: with what protestations doth the inconstant at that time avouch his Constancy? and how assured of his Mistress' Virtue is the Gallant, when many times afterwards, he proves murderously troublesome with his Jealousy; and all, how false soever, call Heaven to witness the sincerity of their Love: O! how they Adore, Admire, Esteem, with many other such like terms, till they have got their aim. His Friend styles him virtuous, good, etc. His Relations will say that for him, He is good natured, and given to no remarkable Vice; another as a gallant young Gentleman; Nay the Maid, the young Ladies Confident, hath had the itching of her Palms answered, to give her good word, and all this to her cost, who takes him for better and for worse; and gives her hand and heart to an Enemy, who either impairs the Estate by Gaming, or proves very ill humoured, or what is worse, grows weary of the Person that adores him; so opposite are the humours of many Men to reason, that they never love less than when they are most beloved: thus it is with us poor Women, who filled with hopes of continued unspeakable Joys, many times throw ourselves into continued and unexpressible Miseries. Suffer it not, O Heavens! Desire it not, O Parents! For rather will I end this Life by a draught of Poison, or Poniard, than marry, without making, not only for Months, but for Years, a sufficient Enquiry into the Manners of him who is to be my Husband.  
Thus reasoned our discreet young Lady, and thus resolved not to marry; yet lest she should err in her Election, or rather because Love was but just conceived in her Maiden Breast, and had not yet strength capable of any more than directing that little Affection (she thought Friendship) to Ricardo Antonio, a Gentleman so well accomplished, and of so great Parts, that in the judgement of the whole City, he was only worthy to be Lisarda's Husband, and she only deserving to be his Bride. At this time the City was obliged to Feasts, in that to show their Joy for the Union between the two Crowns of France and Spain; Exchanging the two Beautiful Princesses Isabel and Juana, that with the tie of affinity their Friendship might be lasting. The Feasts were so much the richer, forasmuch as all the Rival-Servants of our Lady, with Emulation, set themselves forth, without regard of Expenses; so that for many days were great Bonfires, Balls, Masks, and to end this Solemnity, there were prepared twelve Bulls of the largest size; this is a sport that the Spaniard extremely delights in. Ricardo on the last day of the Bulls was resolved to show his Activity, and to that intent, in the Morning, when the numerous throngs of People surrounded the Lists, appeared well mounted, with a Spear in his hand, applauded by all except Lisarda, who was concerned to see him running into so imminent danger. 'Twas now Love was resolved to dally no longer, and took this occasion to make Lisarda know, that even she with all her Charms, could not withstand his Pleasure; for now, though she knew not why she should be more concerned for Ricardo than for the rest of his Competitors; but willing to deceive herself (a frailty common to humane nature) she fancied it only a tender Friendship. She was so grieved and uneasy, that she became restless. A terrible Bull was let lose into the Lists, when, according to Custom, the People gave a shout, which so angered the haughty Animal, that casting his fiery Eyes on Fulgencio, Ricardo he ran at him with such fury, that striking his Pointed Horns in his Horse, he tossed Horse and Man in the Air. At the sight of this Lisarda sounded, and was feign to be carried home.  
Every one was concerned at this Tragical Mischance, but especially Ricardo, who, enraged to see no one run to the assistance of this Gentleman, who though he was his Rival, Generosity urged to endanger his own Life to rescue his; therefore throwing his Spear, it went so strongly from the hand of the Caster, that it traversed the Body of the Beast; who now more furious than before, ran with a full Career at Ricardo, but he nimbly drawing his Sword, and opportunely lifting his hand as he went to gore the Horse, gave so strong a blow, that he clove his Scull, and left him at the Horse's Feet, confessing that the strongest must surrender to the Fortunate; at this the whole Neighbouring Fields Echoed with the loud shouts of the gladded People, while Ricardo lighting from his Horse, looked up to the Window where Lisarda sat; but his Servants telling him that they saw her carried away in a swound when the Bull so fiercely attacked Fulgencio, he concluded he was the Chosen from among the Crowd of her Adorers, and running to help him up, taking him by the Arm, said, Sir, Your fall to you is like that of Saul, for it hath made known your Election; and so retired extremely discontented to his Lodging: where we'll leave him complaining of his hard Fate, and return to Lisarda, who as soon as she had recovered from her swound, was acquainted how bravely Ricardo had rescued Fulgencio, and killed the Bull; and withal, that he intended to Encounter a second in the Afternoon; this perplexed her extremely, and resolving, that rather one should guests at her Love, than thousands know it, by the evident demonstrations of her weakness, she resolved to write to him, and retiring from Company, she set Pen to Paper to the following purpose.  
To Ricardo Antonio.  
A Certain Friend of yours, who hath been this two years persuaded you loved her, and one who hath a greater esteem for your Life than yourself, since you venture it so rashly, that she can't look on without pity, hath desired me to beg you'd do her the pleasure to day, to see the Feast, and not be an Actor in them. If your Gallantry are the endeavours to gain her, know she is already yours; but if it is with design to please any other Lady, know that you are ungrateful: Your disobedience will undeceive her; this I desire of you for the love she bears you, which is not a little, since the danger you was in this Morning hath cost her much grief and trouble; this she desires, advertising you withal, if she is now denied, she will take her leave of ever ask any favour of you in all her life.  
Clara Lisarda.  
When this Letter came to Ricardo by a continued thought of what had passed, he had arrived almost to the height of despair, Cursing himself, and the hour he first saw Lisarda, and as the Servant knocked at the Door, he had just drawn a Poniard, with intention to have ended his Life, but hearing some body at the door, he stopped and listened, knowing the Servants Voice, himself ran, and the Servant delivered into his own hand the Letter, which he retired to read bidding the Servant wait an Answer. A thousand thoughts pestered him, he knew not what to make of the Letter; the Directions he knew to be Lisarda's writing, but never having received, nor heard she had ever writ to any of her Lovers before, he conjectured it was to discard him: since she had made her choice of Fulgencio, lest she might give him Ombrage, or cause Jealousy, by entertaining still her old Suitors, she had writ to them all to forbear their vain Endeavours. This now past for granted, and he was resolved not to open the Letter, lest it might draw Effeminate tears into his Eyes, therefore retaking his Poniard, he said, Come welcome steel, thy sharpness is much easier to be endured, than to see the happiness of my Rival; End my Misery; and as he was going to strike, says he, No. Though thy Charms hath made me miserable to that degree, that to avoid that succeeding Chain of Miseries that must needs follow, I will end my life. Yet in my last hour such is my Constancy, I will kiss thy Name, paying my last devoir to the sign of my cruel Sentence, submitting— More he would have said, but having opened the Letter to kiss the name, he could not so confine his sight but he read these last words, If she is denied, she will take her leave of ever ask any Favour of you in all her Life: he pondered on them, but not being able to understand them, Curiosity lead him to read the rest, the better to understand the meaning of that line, but each word and syllable did not only change his Melancholy, but added to the first so many transports of Joy, that he was not able to contain himself, but running to the Entry where the Servant was waiting, with a rich Diamond, and some gold, he paid the Bearer, desiring her to stay but a moment longer, till he could write, which by reason of his excess of Joy he was not so well able to do, wanting that sedateness required, but as it was, here I give you the Copy.  
To Lisarda.  
IF the endangering my Person will occasion any uneasiness in you, for that same favour I would hazard it a thousand times: but not to anger you (your Friend I mean) from this moment I desist from my intent, and thank your loving pity; this Compliment, though I know not if I hit right, in calling of it pity, for excuse me to go into the Lists, that there I might see those sparkling Eyes, is a blessing I with much difficulty receded. But I had forgot, your Woman stays, and I stay, she for an Answer, and I that this might come to your hands, and that you may not take leave of ask me, but begin to command me as your Spouse (I was going to say), but as your Slave I mean.  
Ricardo Antonio.  
This Letter was extremely plea●ing to Lisarda; but, O Heavens! who can express the transports and ecstasies it caused in Ricardo; now the Feast was really a pastime to her, while to him 'twas tedious, he thinking he should never soon enough breathe his thanks with gentle whispers in her tender Ears; in short, he was e'en mad with content, for the excess of all Passions is a real madness. The hour being come to return to the Feasts, he went, and by good luck was invited by Fulgencio to sit in his Window, which was next to that where Lisarda sat; 'tis impossible to tell you the agreeable meetings of their Eyes, who, if by chance she glanced any other way, as if so much precious time was lost, with eager hast they returned to their belov'd object. Fulgencio at first minded the Game, but having turned three or four times to ask his Friend his Opinion of such and such haps, he still found him looking towards Lisarda; this made him take notice of them, and then, to his great Confusion, he saw the reciprocal kindness between them; at this he was in so great a Passion, that with much difficulty could he contain himself within the compass of Discretion, Envy, Jealousy, Anger, and a thousand other Passions tore his Breast; in short, he found them prevailing over his Reason, and least by seeing more it should be overpowered, and that not being a fit place for a quarrel or disturbance, he slunk away without saying any thing, however all the time of the Feast our Lovers were too busy to perceive it; minding nothing but what each one thought most charming in his Object: How unwilling were they to be going when the Feast was ended? and though they saw nothing of it, nor were at all delighted at that, yet were they extremely sorry it ended so soon; but at last, with much regret, they parted; it not being the Custom in Spain, that of offering one's Service to wait on a Lady home; and it is a great favour if he is permitted to see her, though in Company with her Father or Mother.  
Ricardo being at home, and his head filled with nothing but thoughts of his Happiness, he bethought himself of a young Woman he had long kept, and considering if Lisarda should hear of it, it might be his ruin in her good thoughts, and a let to his Marriage with her, which now he thought sure; for so 'tis in that Country, the discovery of the Woman's love seldom precedes a whole Week to their Marriage; therefore the Person he had not visited but kept since his love to Lisarda, out of mere honour, he went to see her now with intention to rid her out of the Town, and in some distant place give her an allowance sufficient to maintain her, but no sooner he entered the door, but she with a thousand reproaches, upbraided him with his unkindness; and 'tis common with these sort of Women to think, if a Man keeps them a while, that he is from that time tied to them, and they may domineer; especially Donna Clara, for so was her Name, being of a good Family, but debauched by one that left her, who now to shun the indignation of her Kindred, was feign to make a Trade and Livelihood of that way. She first began by the mere force of Love, through the unkindness of her Parents, who would not consent to the match. She really loved Ricardo, and her Love urged her to be the severer, nor would she hear him speak, but threatened to tear Lisarda to pieces; this urged Ricardo to think of another course, so that saying nothing, he went straight to the Corregidors, or Governor of the Town who was his Kinsman, and one that really loved him, to him he told the whole affair, and desired his assistance to get rid of her, which he promised; then they agreed, that the ensuing night, about eleven a Clock, the Corregidor should come with a Coach and Guards, and with a feigned Warrant seize her, and send her in a Coach to Madrid, where the Guards should leave her. Just as Ricardo came out of the House he met Fulgencio, who taking what he had said in the Lists, lifting him from the ground as a Jeer, having seen so reciprocal a kindness between the Lovers, at the Feast, through Madness and Jealousy, had been seeking him to fight him, and therefore now took the opportunity to tell him, without why or wherefore, That he must fight him. Ricardo told him he could not then, but on the Morrow at twelve at Night, he would be at such a House, and his Whistle should be a sufficient token to know who stayed for him, and then he would satisfy his desires; on these Promises they parted: No sooner was he come home to his own House, but found a Letter to this purpose.  
To Ricardo.  
SInce not only by your Letter, but by your behaviour at the Feasts, I must needs conjecture, you think that 'tis myself that loves you, I would see what 'tis you'd do to deserve that love; therefore my Father and Mother being out of Town, in the Morning I'd be glad to hear your Proposals.  
Lisarda.  
Ricardo received this with much joy, and read it several times; such delight he took in it, kissing the Name, and a thousand times squeezing it to his heart; he admired the freedom and easiness of the stile: in short, such was the ecstasy that rest nor sleep he could not, but lay meditating all Night on the Charming Mistress of his Heart: how oft did he wish 'twas day, and when 'twas day wish it were a decent hour to wait on Lisarda, feign would go, but still was afraid it was too early; a thousand turns he made about the room, and through the eagerness of thought walked so fast, one would have thought it had been for a wager; then would he stop to tell the Clock, and stamp and fume to hear it strike too few. In short, surely not Lover was ever in a greater Agony; at last he heard nine strike, when with eagerness he called to his Servant to follow him, and away he went. When he came there, Lisarda perhaps with as much impatience was expecting him, so that he was Conducted to her Chamber. Their Eyes at the sight of each other declared the joy of their hearts; what passed further in matter of Courtship, I will leave every one to guests. And only tell you this, The time was agreed on for the Marriage.  
But who would think it, that amidst of all this happiness, Fortune, whose delight seems to be baffling our surest hopes, should so suddenly Eclipse the Amorous Flame of our two Lovers, and that not for a while, but put them in a condition of never performing the Articles agreed between them. Amidst all the sweet Discourses and pleasing words, Ricardo bethought himself of his troublesome Mistress, and impatient lest it should be discovered; he took his leave of the Virtuous Lisarda, not without giving her hopes of seeing him again that day; he goes directly to his Servants House, where he kept Clara Euphegenia, that being her Name; he came with a very pleasing Countenance, telling her, that what he said or did yesterday, was only to try how she loved him; this he did that she might not suspect him for what should follow; he dined with her, and stayed with her till near four of the Clock, in which time he showed so much love, and Caressed her so handsomely, that she could not doubt but he was sincere; he went to the Corregidors to see if all things were ready against the hour appointed; from thence he went to Fulgencio Ricardo's House, thinking to answer his Challenge then, because he thought at Night he might be too busy, but not finding him within, he went to pass a part of the Evening in the Fields; a Servant of Lisarda's saw him, and told her Mistress, that she saw Ricardo Antonio going to walk in such a place; it being duskish, and her Father and Mother not at home, she took a Servant with her, thinking to meet him; as she was going out, Fulgencio Ricardo was in a House hard by, and saw her, and follows her; going into the Fields she passed by the House where her Lover Ricardo Antonio entered, and heard him say to the Servant who opened the door, Don't shut, for I shall be going again. She stayed before the door a while, at last she bid the Maid ask a Neighbour, who was owner of that House; the honest Man told the Maid, that 'twas a Servant of Don Ricardo Antonio's who owed the House, but he believed the Master had most sport in't; this being told to Clara Lisarda, she was curious to know what sport that might be, and bidding her Maid wait, she went in, but being in the first room, the door of the second stood half open, from whence our Lady heard these words; Ah, my Dear Clara, Don't imagine or think, that I can be false to thee; It is to have little Confidence in thine own Charms; Knowing this Voice to be Ricardo's, she carefully looked through the opening of the door, and saw her Lover lying on Clara's Lap: O, Ye just Powers! said she to herself, Is this possible! Can silly, easy Lisarda have believed it, had not her Eyes and Ears been Witnesses of his Ingratitude: Hear she stopped hearing Ricardo speaking thus: My Dear Clara, I don't deny, that for my Friend's satisfaction I gave out, and pretended to love Lisarda, but that was, that I might with secrecy give a full soup to my wishes, and thy Dear Embraces. What is Lisarda comparable to thee, but as a false Glass to a Diamond. Here Lisarda, not having Patience, rushed into the Room. How much astonished our Cavallero was, I leave it to the Reader to imagine, while she spoke thus.  
Beautiful Lady, I can't deny, the Pain, Grief and Trouble, with which I come into your Presence, for though I would I should have a thousand Accusers, my Voice, my Affections, my Colour, my Pain, my troubled Words would discover the Cheat; but be not troubled at my coming, for I assure you, I have no design, if I could, which would be impossible, he being withheld by your  Charms, to rob you of the Gallant, who so justly enjoys your good will, that you ought to love him for his many good Parts, I mean as to his Body, for as to the rest, Heaven never framed a Man so false, so ungrateful a Creature, that you may pardon me this rudeness, and not believe his Vows and Protestations. Hear me if it will not be troublesome to you; Then taking a Seat, with more Tears than Words, and more Sighs than Tears, her Heart ready to burst, turning to Ricardo, she said, Think not, Ungrateful Man, that these Complaints should be heard by you, were they not ushered by force: I am torn with Jealousy and Rage, and my Heart would burst if I did not speak. Here Ricardo heard his Signal, and finding Lisarda to be in too great earnest for him to hope, and fearful lest Clara, in his absence, might offend her, he shut Clara in the next Room, and hoping to have complied with his honour and return, or rather not know what he did, nor thinking what he was to do, he went down to Fulgencio, whom he would have put off for an hour or two, but Fulgencio told him, he had had enough of Lisarda's Company, and if he would not go to a more convenient place, he'd give him an occasion to draw there; Ricardo seeing himself thus pressed went with him, where we must leave them afighting, and return to our two Ladies, who while they were discoursing through the Door, hearing a noise below, Lisarda, for fear of being known, Veiled herself, when immediately the Corregidor came up, and seeing her took her for Dona Clara, and delivered her to the Guards, who put her into the Coach, and carried her towards Madrid. In the mean while Clara, with her Maid, made their escape out of a Window; and as she was going she knew not where, Fulgencio meeting her supposed her to be Lisarda, and accosted her in this manner. Madam, Might I be never so happy in any other Woman, I would not exchange the Hell wherein you have put me, not for that happiness: And she mistaking him for Antonio, Answered, Then 'twas a great Hell to you to hear my Rival Rage to night. Alas Antonio, I thought you could not have been in pain while you possessed my heart; at least you have often told me so: He perceiving she mistook him for t'other was overjoyed, not knowing he himself was mistaken, but on the contrary, by his having seen her in the street go into Antonio's; her discourse of having seen him that night, and his seeing Antonio go in just before her, had not any scruple, but really thought it was the Person he took her for; and since she took him for his Rival, not being able to worst Antonio by the Sword, he thought now to revenge himself by a trick, and so proceeded. Well, Madam, said he, Since we love sincerely, let me beg of you, before you go further, to give me the assurance, you'll be ever mine: How shall I do that, replied Clara? Why, Madam, for several urgent reasons, for your advantage as well as mine, we may be married now, and keep it private till— Here cutting off his words, not having power to contain herself for Joy, said, Ay, my Antonio, I Consent, You know I can refuse you nothing. So presently they went to a Priest, who was at Fulgencio's Devotion, or rather was devoted to the gold he expected, who married them by the light of one single Lamp that hung i' the Church, so that neither perceived their mistake. Now was Fulgencio in his highest Orb of bliss, and wrapped in the delicious thoughts of having sufficiently revenged himself of Ricardo, who though in the Duel had disarmed him, yet Honour had obliged him to restore his Sword, but he being possessed of his Mistress, thought himself obliged by honour to keep her; and having gratified the Priest, he told her, she should not go home that night, but lodge with him; to which she as easily consented, as to the Marriage: What covered extremely the mistake was, as in all Foreign Countries, having two Names, Fulgencio could answer by that of Ricardo, and designedly did so, Clara was the first Name of Lisarda's as well as hers, whom we call by that Name; but now to leave them going, and to return to Ricardo, who was got to his Servants House, not dreaming of what had happened, nor indeed reflecting on his own Error by locking Clara up. So that the Corregidor, (had he not found Lisarda whom he mistook for her) could not have accomplished the design, though now 'twas undesignedly that he had not done't, but committed a gross error. Ricardo no sooner entered the House, but he enquired for his offended Lisarda, to whom the Servant told the mistake; but how shall I describe the Fury, the Madness rather, that seized him at this News; now had he need of all his Prudence to govern himself in this misfortune: He enquired for Clara, they told him she was also gone; he ordered his Horse presently to be Saddled, and mounting thereon, he went to the Corregidor's House, told him the mistake, but desired in all haste to have Orders to bring her back, which he had no sooner received, but Posted after the Coach in all haste; he had not gotten above three Leagues from the Town, before he had sight of a Coach, to which he rid up, Crying out, Stay, it is a mistake, and I have Orders from the Corregidor; still he perceived the Coach to drive on faster; he knew not what it should be that occasioned them to drive from him; but in a little while he overtook them, Commanding the Coach to stop, off flew a Pistol, Ricardo lets fly again, and here gins a Fight, for both their Pistols being discharged, Fulgencio called to him, and told him, if he'd dismount he'd try if Fortune would continue her favours to him, with this our noble Cavallero dismounted, and Fulgencio stepped out of the Coach; but Ricardo, a Man of great Dexterity, a second time disarmed his Adversary, and being no less Generous than Valiant, returned him his Sword, and when he came to examine the business, it was the discovery of a double deceit: First instead of Lisarda, whom both thought was in the Coach, they found Clara Ricardo's late Mistress, and to Fulgencio's great perplexity, his now Wife; he no sooner knew who 'twas but he would have disowned her, but in vain, for he had told Ricardo in his Capitulation, that on condition he would Promise not to meddle with a Lady in the Coach, who he had that Night Married, he would surrender, but without that Promise, Disarmed as he was, the Dispute should continue, and assuring him it was no Person sent by Command of the Corregidor, and consequently not the Person he sought for; Ricardo had granted his Request, delivered him his Sword, and went to wish the Lady Joy; when, Gods! what a surprise was it to him to see Clara; had he been capable to have received any Pleasure amidst that throng of Vexations, undoubtedly this would have been a great one to see himself so well rid of so troublesome a Mistress; but being two contraries they are never at once to be found in one Breast. Ricardo after he had wished her Joy, took his leave, telling Ricardo, he had best make the best on't, and so bid him farewel; riding away as fast as possible he could to overtake Lisarda, which after two hours riding he did, but such was his Love, such was his Grief, and the sense of his offence, that not able to speak, Floods of Tears ran down from his Eyes; at last he made shift to tell the Officers that were with her, that he had Orders from the Corregidor to bring that Lady back to Town; and delivering the Paper to them, she told him, that they'd turn after they got to the next House, that they might have light to read by; Lisarda was extremely pleased to see that the mistake was likely to give her no further trouble; and as soon as they came to a House they waked the People, and got light; finding they were to return with the Lady, they told Ricardo, that if he pleased he might step in the Coach, and one of them would take care of his Horse, which he accepted of, being very well pleased with the offer; feign would he have spoke and excused himself with the fair Lisarda, but Grief so oppressed his Mind, and fear, being conscious of some guilt, deprived him of the Power. In the mean while Lisarda knew not what to make of these unhappy Occurrences of that Night, and was as desirous to know, could her haughty Soul have permitted her to ask, of one she thought so great an Offender against her; but nor one, nor t'other, said any thing of the matter. While they both sat thus silent, of a sudden six Men, three at each door of the Coach (having sent as many before to stop it) Present their Pistols in the Coach, swearing, if they would not deliver the Lady, they'd Pistol every Man: although Ricardo could not think to be Victor, having none but himself, and one of the Guards, the tother that mounted Ricardo's Horse, having at the sight of so numerous an Enemy rid away, yet he drew his Pistols, taking one in each hand, gave them no other reply, but shot; their Horses unruly, and themselves startled at so unexpected a thing, besides the flashes having for a while deprived them all of sight, and the shot three of their Lives, Ricardo made shift to get out of the Coach, saying to Lisarda, Madam, I am far from being sorry for this occasion, of showing how tenderly I love you; if I live I hope to clear myself of what things have happened to night; but if 'tis my fortune to be killed, let me beg you to entertain a Charitable Opinion for me: Then taking the advantage of the unruliness of their Horses which had thrown one, whom Ricardo that moment dispatched, he fiercely ran at t'other two; in the mean while he heard the Coach go on, and looking back, he received a Pistol through his Body, which laid him on the ground, while his Enemies rid after the Coach; he feign would have followed, but his strength was so much diminished by the loss of blood, that he was not able to rise; and at that time of Night, being some distance from any Town, there was no hopes of getting help till the Morning; but still his weak sight followed the Coach, and his anxious Mind kept Company with the object of his Vows: O Gods, said he, what is it I must endure these few moments I have to live; how do my wild thoughts torture my languishing Soul: Did but Lisarda know the truth, Did she but conceive my intentions that have caused all these Misfortunes, I might perhaps die with some Pleasure, to know she did not think me that ungrateful false Man. O Lisarda, Lisarda, had fortune but favoured me, how might we have been, nay how happy should I esteem myself in these few agonizing minutes. Can I but hear from thy Dear Mouth one kind word to thy unfortunate Ri— Here his Speech failed him, and his Breath seemed spent, remaining in the Field without motion. It happened the discharging so many Pistol shot, had given an alarm to two or three Houses not far distant, and though the Cowardly Boars dared not to come till they heard no more shot, yet thinking now they might satisfy their Curiosity, since they had heard the Coach drive, and Men galloping after; it began now to grow a little lightsome, the Day drawing near, when these Clowns came where the Corpse of five Men lay besmeared with gore; they began to consider with themselves what was best to be done, they had a mind to the Plunder, but feared some one's coming on the road might deprive them of staying to take their Booty; therefore one seeing his Son Jack driving a Cart to the Field, called to him, and laying the Bodies in the Cart, drove home, where they fell to ransacking the Corpse of the dead Men; but while the rest were busy about the other four, one went to handle Ricardo, and stirring and turning him to pluck of his , he not being quite dead, but only in a swound, it recovered him, and while the Fellow was about to pluck of his Breeches, he felt so sensible a Box on the Ear, that it stunned him; this frighted some of the Clowns so, that they ran away, while another more hardy and wicked, up with a stick, and laid Ricardo such a blow on the Head, that down he fell; but now see the Guards of the Corregidor enter, and seize upon all in the House; for some Houses nearer the Town, having acquainted the Corregidor of what they had heard, he sent these Guards to inquire into the business, and finding the place where they lay with some fresh blood, they followed the tracts of the Cartwheel, that began in that place, this lead them to the House; they bond the Boars, and laying the Corpse in the same Cart that brought them, (which they knew by its being bloody) tying the Boars to the Carts-Tail, and so began to drive on; when of a sudden, Ricardo a second time began to recover. He was strangely surprised when his faint Eyes beheld himself with those Corpse in the Cart; with much ado he made shift to speak, when one of the Guards hearing knew his Voice, though almost as much altered by faintness, as his Face by dust and gore. They presently took Handkerchiefs, and tied up his Wounds. When they came to Town, they put him in a Coach to be carried to his House; and the Boars were carried before the Corregidor, who committed them to Gaol. Many people flock about the Cart, where one knew his Father's Body, another her Husbands; in short, they all found Friends to mourn for them and bury them; but innumerable were the imprecations laid on the Boars; the whole Town was so enraged, that as they were going to Gaol, would have tore them to pieces, the severest Death to be imagined threatened them; the Corregidor being enraged at the usage of his Cousin Ricardo, and the people at the usage of their Friends; so that the poor Boars were loaded with Irons, and laid in a Dungeon; where we'll leave them biting their Nails, and Cursing their Misfortunes like distracted Men.  
The End of the first Part.   

Lisarda: OR, THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy.  
PART II.   

TO THE READER.  
NOW do not I know whether with truth I should begin with Gentle, Courteous, or Kind Reader; for perhaps you deserve none of these Epithets; examine your Conscience, and if you find yourself clear from having abused either Book or Author, send me but word of it, and I have left sufficient to have any of those to begin with: But if you had rather show your Wit, and exercise your Talon in Criticism; perhaps I shall give you subject enough to work on in this second Part, so that you would really be at a loss, if you have spent all your Satirical Phrases on the first, and prodigally thrown away the last Jeer your Mistress sent you on an odd expression she found you had preferred from the Academy of Compliments to your Heroic Love Epistle; and for a further advancement made it the ridiculed Interpreter of your Incomprehensible thoughts; your Lovely Caelia, Aminta, or what other fine Romantic Names you have bestowed on the sweet Lady. I protest, Sir, if so, you must change your Company, and there wait a fit occasion to put it off a second time: Or else continue saying every now and then, with a bonne Grace, But Damn me, Madam, if it bened very silly. This will do; for without doubt, Sir, the Ladies will credit you; and the unknown Author hath but lost his labour, in thinking to forestall you, and be satirical first; he'll bemoan the loss of so much pains; and ten to one the next Novel he writes, you will read in the Preface that he hath either hanged or drowned himself to put the thoughts of it out of his mind.   

Lisarda: OR, THE TRAVELS OF Love and Jealousy.  
PART II.  
THE Corregidor daily visited Ricardo Antonio, who though his Wounds were by the diligence of Skilful Surgeons almost healed, yet none understanding his continued Distemper, nor the means to heal his Heart, he was of a brisk Gallant Man, become extremely the Contrary; full of thought, and often discoursing and muttering to himself, that the Corregidor extremely feared Madness might be the Consequence of his restless Mind; and therefore by all means endeavoured to recreate him; but this augmented his uneasiness, by adding to his grief such things as he shunned; therefore being wholly Cured of his Wounds, he resolved by travel, thinking Lisarda lost, to get rid of his Cordial, though troublesome Friends; and to this purpose, he, with all privacy, got things in a readiness, and in the duskish of the Evening rid out of Town, and in short time arrived at Barcelona, and finding an opportunity to Embark, aboard the Galleys of the Great Duke of Tuscany, who were upon their return; before he Embarked, by Letters he acquainted his Friends of his health, and taking Bills of Exchange for Rome, he set forward.  
He acquainted the Captain of the Galley who he was, who treated him with all the Respect due to a Person of his Merit, and ordered his Lodging in the great ; where he endeavoured to divert himself with the Lecture of some Books he had bought to that purpose at Barcelona; there was also lodged another Gentleman near Ricardo, whose Pensiveness and Melancholy, occasioned Ricardo to take notice of him, and made him desirous to know the cause of his Sadness; sometimes he was seen to lift up his Eyes to Heaven, at other times was heard to sigh and Curse his adverse Fortune. One night after the many that Ricardo had heard this Gentleman sigh and groan, when others were blessed with repose, and only they two lay awake, (for with the grieved there is no pleasing slumbers, nor rest, but such as Nature by force extorts from their Melancholy hours) Ricardo said to him, Truly Sir, though you are a stranger to me, the trouble I perceive you lie under has extremely disturbed me; for 'tis not a small Portion of Pity that should be bestowed on so worthy a Gentleman under Affliction, which truly if I could any way remedy, I would willingly adventure my Life to obtain your quiet; and in travelling many times are knit the strictest bonds of Friendship: Pardon me, (my own Condition somewhat resembling yours, in that I also am under very uneasy Circumstances) if I desire that we may for the time to come, be paired in the happy number of Friends; and therefore hoping your bounty will not refuse my desire, I am willing to relate to you my Misfortunes, which I believe, if they are not greater, they may equal yours; hoping also that you'll pay me in the same Coin.  
Extremely pleased was the Melancholy Gentleman, with the courteous offers of Ricardo, who desired not to wonder that he of himself should relate a misfortune, that aught to be for his honour kept private from all the World, but his Civilities had such influence over him, that he had not Power to refuse him any thing; besides he thought the stillness of the night required a Companion to Discourse with to pass away those tedious hours; so that Ricardo began, and related the whole story of his Misfortunes; and having ended, the Gentleman confessed his Misfortunes were great, but those he should relate were far exceeding his, in as much as he had not only lost a Mistress that he loved, but a Wife, whom he admired above all Worldly things; and his Honour, a thing that ought to be dearer than Life: And it was thus.  

The History of Don Enrique Thomas.  
MY Name is Enrique Thomas de Guanches Fernandez Ysugo, my Country Barcelona, the Metropolitan of the noble Principality of Cattalonna, my Quality of the Most Illustrious in that State; my Estate, though not of the largest, yet enough; and my Age thirty four Years: There dwelled in the very next House to my Fathers, a young Lady, whom I loved as I grew in sense and years, beginning from my Childhood: I mistake, I should say adored; for 'tis more than love, not to be said to live out of her sight. Our Parents were intimate Friends, and so our Acquaintance and Intimacy was the less noted by the Neighbours, or scandalised by the Envious. I will not tyre you with the account of my Endeavours to please and gain that amiable Creature, that would be to tyre you, as also refresh my Mind, and make me suffer a second Martyrdom; but in short, I'll say no Art, no Industry, no Zeal, can ever second mine to Donna Estefania, for so is she named, who by her Ingratitude hath caused my Misery; It will be enough to say we were both Children, our Love's great, her Beauty vast, and her behaviour at that time exceeding Modest, very Witty, and consequently well discoursed; our opportunity did not a little increase our Flames, for with the leave of our Parents, we at any time might see each other; and indeed seldom was it we were a sunder; by which our Parents perceiving our desires, confirmed their Friendship by affinity, Marrying us both very young; who yet for all that, in our desires had been long wedded. Whoever say that Marriage gluts, and consequently impairs Love, certainly must be such dull Souls, who more like Brutes than Men, are but satisfying their sensual Appetite, while I'm sure all refined Spirits, who by the continual Enjoyment, have daily the Experiments of the Wit, the Modesty, the Love, the pleasing Behaviour, affording daily fresh supplies to edge his Appetite, though her Beauty should diminish, and though I cannot pretend to more than just a reasonable Man, yet like another Columbus, after many years of Enjoyment (when I thought it was impossible to love more, I found new Worlds, and daily fresh Delights, unknown to me the day before; ten Years did complete my Joys with her, for as Heaven envied my Happiness, and malicious Hell resolved to obstruct it, after these years where Joys and Blessings crowded to me, by the vastness, (I had been happier, had my love been less.) Our Estates joining together was so great, that her desire could not reach my Liberality, the Ostentation being conformable to our Riches, that we never so much appeared Lover and Mistress, as when we were Man and Wife, but who would think it, Don Ricardo, that with all these visible signs of Love, (I am ashamed to say it) that Estefania should offend my Honour, that she should defile my Bed, rejoicing in a Stranger's Arms; at least in desire if not in deed; and who would think, that I being whom I am, should live to own it, and that grief for the loss of my Honour should not deprive me of Life: I will not, my Dear Friend, nor will my Honour permit me to speak ill of that Sex, since we own our Births to them, with the dangers of their own lives; but laying these natural Obligations aside, and to speak how firm they ought to be, and how constant: tell me what trust can a Man put in that Sex, or who can sleep secure of their Treasons, since Estefania could be false? But to tell the story of my Misfortune, Heaven having given me a Son, no less Beautiful than Witty, and having seen him brought up with all the Accomplishments his Age was capable of; and since I could not leave him a larger Estate, I was desirous to better it by a Title to some Habit; and advised with my Wife, who said so much, and seemed so eagerly to regret my absence for the time required to procure it at Court, that I even repent myself of the thought; but considering it did import us, and above all, that I earnestly desired it, with much ado she gave me leave for fifteen days; for as she knew not the Court, she thought that enough to gain my pretensions: In short, I left Barcelona, and in a short space arrived at Madrid, and ordered my affairs so happily, that Fortune seemed desirous to return me into Estefania's Arms; for the King understanding the desert and services of my Fathers to the Crown, shortened the dispatch: Every Letter I received from Estefania, was filled with Complaints of my absence, and Prayers for my quick return; and I with the same desires, leaving my dispatches to the care of a Servant, made all possible haste to reach Barcelona within the limits of the time given me; and taking Post, such was my diligence, that had not a Tempest of Rain, Thunder, and Lightning hindered, I had entered Barcelona on the third day after my setting out of Madrid; but this sudden change of the Wether, from a fine clear Day to a very stormy Evening, obliged me to put into an Inn but two Leagues distant from my abode; where while I was resting myself, and ordering something for Supper, there came in a Gentleman, who by his Mein and Garb, I guest to be of Quality; but he was so wet, that I was obliged, although I did not know him, to offer him my Servants to undress him and help to dry his ; and told him, if he pleased to accompany me at my Table, I should esteem the Favour, and that he might also lodge with me: Don Federico thanked me (for so was his Name;) and after Supper, we passed an hour or two in relating Stories and several other Matters: In which discourse he showed much Judgement, speaking excellent Sense, and withal very cheerful and witty. It being time now to betake ourselves to our Lodging, we went into our Chamber, where while my Servant was undressing me, he said; Sir, you expected a pleasanter Night's Lodging than what you'll find here, the Storm having deprived you of my Lady's Company: Federico answered also, vexed at his ill luck, That Misfortune reaches both of us, for I also thought to have had the Embraces of an Angelical Creature; that tho' it may be vainglorious for me to say it, loves me, and is indeed in my mind the finest Woman in Barcelona; when, instead of that, I found myself in a Storm that drove me into this House, where were it not for Don Enrique's Courtesy in admitting me into his Company, had fared much worse.  
The Night is such, said I, (not dreaming of my Misfortune) that it would have been a Misfortune to the Lady, had you got thither; for I fear you are not in the best Condition to Content her. If it were not her Beauty, said the inadvertized Gentleman, her Name is— unfortunate: The Servants took no notice of our Discourse, and so unwilling to dive further into the Matter before them, I stayed till we were in Bed, and they had locked the Doors and were gone; but no sooner did I see ourselves alone, but with as impertinent a Curiosity, as malicious, and designedly to know the Lady's Name, I told him, I thought no Name in Spain unfortunate, because they are Names of Saints that are always given in Spain. To this he answered, That ever since in Castille there was a Lady named Estefania, who was killed by her Husband, without ever offending him, only by the deceit of a Servant, That it was a vulgar Attribute of the Estefania's to be unfortunate. According to this your Lady is called Estefania said I, a little altered: And he answered, Having told you the Story first, it would be a folly to think to hid her Name now: So craving leave to sleep, he turned himself, and left me not altogether free from a villainous suspicion of being Horned: But however, when I represented to myself all the Letters of Estefania's Desire of my Return, her continual Love to me, her modest Behaviour, etc. I thought it a madness to think her false, whom I supposed as pure as Vestal Virgins, except in the Obligation of Matrimony, and so persuaded myself in the City there might be others of the Name. It was hardly Day when I gave Federico the Good-morrow, ask him if he would rise to go into the City, that we might be there before Noon; and because he told me, that his Affairs required him to stay till Night, and so I might go alone, and that afterwards he would inquire for me: But to tell you the Truth, my Desire was to be satisfied in my Mind, and to know who this Estefania was that he Gallanted; so that I told him, that I would stay also and go along with him. He attributed this to Courtesy and Affection, which indeed was Doubt and Jealousy. We returned to the same Discourse that we had before, and I offered my Service to him, if there were any Danger in the Achievement of his Love. He thanked me, and told me there was no Danger, for though I have several Nights been within the House, yet I have not seen the Street, nor outward Walls, nor could I find the House, though I endeavoured it, such has been the Care and Secrecy of the Owner. 'Tis very strange said I, for you seem to contradict yourself; How could you so often be in a House without seeing the Street? Well, that I may not seem a Cheat to you, I'll tell you, said he, and let you see the cunning Contrivances of the Sex when they would carry on an Intrigue. I was one Afternoon in the great Street buying a piece of Silk, and there came a Lady Veiled to buy some Ribboning, and though now well covered with her Veil, yet at her first entrance into the Shop, she was not so much covered, but I saw a a Glimpse of the most charming Creature I ever beheld: I came to her with the Courtesy men of my Quality should, desiring her to take what she had a mind to, without any other Interest, than to accept on't; She turned to her Servant, as 'twas, laughing at my Proffer, or wondering at my Liberality, being unusual: I discoursed with her awhile, and at last she came to tell me, that my Person pleased her, and that not through lightness, but a certain secret Inclination obliged her to love me, from the very time she first saw me; for as Fowls have no Sex, so I think it not strange for a Woman to love at first any more than a Man; but she obliged me not to follow her, telling me, she was a Woman of more Obligations than I could imagine; but that if I desired to see her again, she would expect me in a Walk called La Marina, naming me the Day and Hour I should meet her. I really thought this, added he, but a Trick to get rid of me, till the Day and Hour that I was appointed, I saw her coming thither in a Coach, and stepping forth, that we might be more free and solitary, we took a Boat and went up the River; She acquainting me with her Love, telling me she wished she were in a Condition to dispose of herself, and I thanking her for those vast Favours, promised to love none other but herself: Thus did we several Days continue our Interviews, but one Afternoon that I found her in more than her ordinary loving Humour, I laid hold on the Opportunity, desirous to know her Quality. I prayed her, since I was confident her Ingenuity could not be wanting to find a means of our seeing one another without giving her the trouble of coming out of her House; at first she made some Difficulty, but Love, according to the Latin Phrase, Overcomes all things, made her at last agree to it, but on condition I should behave myself with great Care of her Reputation, with all Secrecy, and not be Inquisitive farther than she would let me know her Pleasure. These Articles, with several others to the same purpose, agreed on between us, we parted, but not for long, for the next Day I was to go to her House in the manner she should propose. Accordingly the next Day at the Marina Walk I expected her Orders. I had not been there long, before I saw two men bringing a Chair, in green Liveries, who bade me enter, and then closing all things well about me that I could not see, they had no sooner seated me and opened the Chair, but I found myself in a fine large Room very well furnished, hung with Arras, the Andirons Plate, Escritores and Cabinets of curious worked Olive, inlaid with Ivory and Ebbony, and very fine Pictures: I had but just turned round to see this Room, when the beauteous Lady came to me, into whose House I often entered thus, being still carried out in the same manner; once my Curiosity, contrary to my Promise urged me, seeing one of the Chair-men in the Street that used to carry me, to ask whose Livery that was? and they told me, that it belonged to Donna Estefania de Arcosty fuentes, by which I have supposed that to be the Name of the charming Creature I love.  
Here Federico put an end to his Story, and I remained confirmed in the Opinion of my Disgrace, and yet I had some Place to doubt it, because all he had said was Ambiguous, and might serve for some other unfortunate; but such delight he took in the relation of it, that he told so many Circumstances and signs of the House, as of the Beds, Cabinets, Hang, and particularising some Pieces of rare Paintings, of which I have many, (being a great Admirer of them) of the Hands of all the most famous Artists, by which I was assured my House was the abused; and therefore dissembling the Matter as much as I could, because about Four in the Afternoon we mounted our Horses, and began our Journey towards the Town, he still telling what Pleasures he hoped, and as it were each Word stabbed me to the Heart, for so doth every Injury done to my Honour reach the tenderest part about me; but I when I saw myself on the Road, was not so careful of any thing as to watch a convenient time, if not to Cure, at least to Revenge my Honour by his Death: Therefore I ordered my Servants to make haste before us to tell my infamous Wife of my coming: At the crossing of a very thick Wood, where for many Years the Branches of the Trees hide the Roots from the heat of the Sun, I drew my Sword and gave him so strong a thrust through the Breast, that without speaking he fell on the Ground, where lighting from my Horse I gave him many Blows, that in a short time I put him past offending me, or defending himself; he begged me not to kill him, but to give him time to confess, not knowing me, nor for why I used him so cruelly: I then thinking it would be too much Rigour, not to spare him so much time, since in it though his Body was beyond the Art of Chirurgery to heal, his Soul might be cured; I left him alive; for one thing it is to revenge my Honour as a Gentleman, and another thing to be a Christian; as I was offended, and in so nice a point, I thought I ought to have ended him; but as a Catholic I held back my Arm, that he might save his Soul; for to hinder a dying man of Confession, is to outbrave Impiety itself, and follow the Offender into Hell with my Revenge, and without doubt it hardens the Heart of God against such a one, when he shall demand Mercy: therefore hearing Horses at a distance, that I might not be discovered, I mounted and road away, and as I rid I considered what was to be done henceforward, and considering with myself that to kill my Wife, would be to publish the Infamy as done, which was but just conceived in Thought, and by that our Family would lose its ancient Lustre, I thought it a better Revenge to deprive her of my sight for ever; and with this Resolution in a short time I overtook my Servants, to whom I said, that on a Discourse of nothing we had had some few words, and that his Opiniatism had afronted me by his using some uncivil Language, on which we fought, and in which Fight I had killed him, so that I would not have it known in Barcelona that I had left Madrid, but in disguise enter the Town, and so Embark for Italy, or some foreign Country; and hearing of these Galleys, I addressed myself to the Captain of this Galley, who hath been very civil to me; but amidst all the Civilities he hath shown, there is none I esteem more than having placed you so near me: But now see, continued he, if any Misfortune can be greater than mine, that loving (for I must own still I adore her) my Wife, I am forced never to see her more; while every one thinks perhaps, there being so many High-way-men here abouts, that I am fallen into some such hands, and murdered: Ah! I would to God it were so, or that it had been a common Soul to have born this Affront, that had not the loss of his Honour so imprinted in his Soul; that yet sometimes a Thought of Revenge will break through the Walls of Love, and makes me sometimes wish I had served my Wife, as I did Federico.  
With Reason did Ricardo admire the strange Story Enrique told, which began their Acquaintance, and continued, so that being Arrived at Naples they resolved not to part, but to Travel together: And having seen all the Curiosities of that stately City, they passed by Civita Vecchia to Rome, where Ricardo took Money for his Journey upon his Bills of Exchange, and when they had kissed the Pope's Feet, and seen those innumerable things worthy of Remark in this famous City, they departed, with intention to go to Loretta, and visit that House, where so many thousands daily come out of Devotion; but as they were going into the Church, he was stopped by a Man on his Knees, who cried out, Forgive me, Sir,  I have offended you in; I am hearty sorry, and must own 'tis only in your vast Generosity and known Goodness I trust. This startled Ricardo, but Reflecting, he remembered Don Fulgentio Antonio's Voice, and bidding him Rise, he told him he'd freely forgive him, and so walking into the Church, where after they had done their Devotions, and satisfied their Curiosity, they Retired to their Lodgings, and while Dinner was getting ready, Ricardo desired Fulgentio to Relate to him the Occasion of his Travels, and as far as might be known, the cause of his visiting this Place of Devotion; which he consented to do, on his Promise that all past Actions should be forgot; and thus began:   

The History of Don Fulgentio Antonio.  
MY Pretensions to Donna Clara Lisarda you are sufficiently acquainted with; how earnestly I loved, it is hardly possible in my Opinion to Comprehend; this hath been the Cause of all my Misfortunes which happened, as follows:  
After my mistake was discovered when I met you on the Road, such a Raging Madness possessed my Soul, that had it not been Envy and a desire of Revenge, I had certainly ended my Life by laying violent hands on myself, where there lay no fault; for your too great Generosity as it made me appear a Villain, so my Villainy made it appear the more resplendent amidst all my rash Actions, by which any other man, less good than yourself, so often as Fortune favoured you with the Opportunity, would have made use of your Victory; (so far was you from deserving any blame) that you never so much as offered to satisfy a Revenge that might have grown in any other Breast.  
After I found that instead of Lisarda I had married Clara, finding by what you said, and Clara, that you went in search of Lisarda, I presently drove to a Village of mine, where with the Offers of a Reward I got eight of my Servants to wait your Return, giving Clara a thousand sweet words lest she might obstruct my Design. I left her in the Village while we, well Mounted and Armed, waited your Return on the Road, where you know how we rid away with the Coach: I hoping by this to confirm her in the Belief of your Infidelity; and if not to get my own Ends at least, to dispose her never to make you happy While we were on the way I used my Rhetoric, with all the Vows and Protestations imaginable, after my endeavours of dissuading her from you; then I told her that now 'twas in my power whither I'd carry her, and how I'd dispose of her; and therefore she had better comply than venture the Displeasure of a choleric Man: But all this produced nothing but Scorn and Slights from her, telling me no Man should ever have her, except Ricardo, who, however the Misfortune happened that Night, she was sensible he loved her, and was one deserving her love. I told her you were killed in the Skirmish. With that a Flood of Tears dropped from her Eyes; O ye Powers said she! Then is Ricardo dead, and darest thou Villain, who hath been the cause, appear before me? go, know I loathe Thee, and that now I'll die a Maid, and ever bemoan the loss of that brave Man. But than is he dead, said she, and the Cause so near me yet lives! Snatching my Dagger from my side, gave me a Wound in my Breast, that had certainly killed me had her Arm had but a little more strength: At last, when I saw nothing could prevail, and that in her Company I endangered my Life, I bethought myself of carrying her to a Countryhouse I had, where I would keep her some time, to see if I possibly could gain her by all the Endeavours that Love and Kindness could invent; which I did, and resolving not to stay with her, but to absent myself awhile, giving strict Orders to my Servants not to let her escape, but withal, to let her have all she could demand. I returned to Clara, who daily so endeavoured to make me love her; and considering I was married, and that I had best to make my Life as easy as I could: In two months' time seeing no hope of prevailing on Lasarda, Clara had so far gained me, that I really felt Motions of the greatest Tenderness for her; and as they say, Love begets Love, so was it with me; I left plying Lisarda with Letters, and began to forget her, and to have my Thoughts wholly taken up by Clara: So that at last I took Coach and went to visit Lisarda; and having heard that after you was healed, you went to Travel, told her what I knew, which so Rejoiced her, that she easily pardoned me for all things past, and so ordering a Coach, I had her conveyed to Town, where she remains in her Father's House. With what Pleasure Ricardo heard all this, is not to be expressed, but it was plainly seen by his change of Countenance, for now he had recovered a certain Gaiety and Briskness common to him before his Misfortune: But Dinner coming up stopped the Procedure of Fulgentio's relation. Don Enrique all the while at Dinner perceived such Alacrity in Don Ricardo's Looks, and observing the many Questions he asked Don Fulgentio of Lisarda's Health, etc. that he easily perceived the Pleasure he took in hearing of her, and so began her Health, for which Don Ricardo thanked him; but no sooner was Dinner ended, but Fulgentio was desired to continue his Relation; which was thus:  
After I had got Lisarda's Pardon, and heard she was safe at her Fathers, my Love increased so much towards Clara, that I don't know whether I could have thought myself happier with any one. She sent to her Relations, who were overjoyed at her good Fortune, in getting a Husband after her miscarriage, and one of my Quality; they made her an indifferent Portion: But as I loved her, so did I grow jealous of her, remembering she had been faulty, and having one Night stayed out, the next Morning a Servant told me he had seen a Man enter into my House, that was but just gone before my coming, who with all their Privacy in bringing him in and out, could not escape his Eyes: I without any further assurance, thought it must be Clara that was faulty, and there-withal going to her, though she lay asleep, waked her with a thousand Reproaches, upbraiding her with her former Life; and maugre all the Assurances and Protestations she made, to such a height my Choler grew, that I struck her, she all the while with Tears and pitying avouching her Innocency, desiring me to make further enquiry ere I proceeded so rashly to accuse her; but I was deaf to all she said, and insensible with Rage, still continuing my ill usage: At last putting on her Night Gown, she came near a Table where a Penknife lay, and taking it up, gave herself several Stabs, and then said; Sir, I own I never was worthy of you, I own my Faults with which you upbraid me, but these being the last words which I shall speak, be satisfied I am innocent as to what you now accuse me. Just as she was repeating these words, in came the Maid that waited on her in her Chamber, and seeing the Tragedy of her Mistress, and having heard at the Door part of our Discourse, she cried, O, Sir! what have you done? 'Twas I brought in the Man last Night, who is my Husband, though my Marriage was unknown till now. Hearing this, I had no Patience; I sent for Surgeons, and in the mean time we endeavoured to tie up her Wounds: A thousand times I asked her Pardon; to which she answered, Alas! Sir, I forgive you, but 'tis too late for Remedy, I find my fleeting Soul departing from my Body; but with much ease I die, since you are satisfied, and love me still; Then drawing me by my and, she brought my lips to hers, and immediately died. This is the Misfortune hath brought me hither, to make Atonement for all my Sins, of which I hope God will accept.  
No sooner had he ended this Relation, but Ricardo begged of Enrique to accompany him to Andaluzia, where he might be safe in his House from the search the Law made after him, which he consented to; so leaving the penitent Fulgentio to finish his Romery, they in all haste Rid towards Florence, and Arriving at Leghorn, opportunely found a Ship bound for Barcelona; they went Aboard, and having a fair Wind, in little time Arrived at their wished for Haven; but Enrique not willing to land at Barcelona for fear of being known, they were set ashore at Monserrate, a place where crowds of all sorts of People flock to pay their Devotions to an Image, by whom they suppose many Miracles wrought, called, Our Lady of Monserrate; but no sooner were they come into the Inn, and a little rested their selves, but leaning out of the Window, Enrique saw a Litter stop at the Door of the Inn where they lodged, six Servants attending it, and as the Master, a Gentleman very fine; but no sooner had he seen two Ladies step out of the Litter, but Ricardo observed he changed his Colour, and remained Confused, Melancholy and Thoughtful; and Reflecting on this, asked him, What was the matter? When he answered in a great Passion; Sir, What shall I say? Or, what can sufficiently express my Misfortune; if I see come out of that Litter the infamous base Estefania, with my Enemy Don Federico. Ricardo prayed him to consider and be advised, to do nothing rashly: These things, saith he, aught to be governed with Prudence, otherwise consider what Scandal your Passion may bring upon your Family. Therefore saith he, Let me advertise you to be quiet, and not to disturb yourself; be satisfied you have a Friend by your side, who to satisfy the least Scruple of your Honour, would lose many Lives. With this he came a little to himself. The place being but small, and the People many that flock thither, they could not get Accommodations in the House. Ricardo locking Enrique in a Room, desired he might have the management of this Affair, lest he in his Passion might do what with Reason he might Repent hereafter; and then going down to the Litter, he desired they would be pleased to accept of his Quarters, till the Servants might find some more Commodious; which Offer they kindly accepted of, and Don Ricardo brought them into a Dining-Room that joined to that Enrique was locked in; of which Enrique was presently advertized: so that harkening at the Keyhole, he heard the following Discourse. Ricardo after some Compliments past, craved the Honour that they would let that Chance be the beginning of an Acquaintance and Friendship between them, which he should highly value: They answered him, The greatest Pleasure and Satisfaction would be theirs; and then enquired where he was going, and from whence he came. To the first he answered, He was going to Andaluzia: And to the second, That he came from Italy, and that only for the sake of two Years Travelling, and Diverting himself. Hardly had Donna Estefania heard him name Italy, but turning to her Sister, and Federico, said, To the best of my remembrance, 'tis , though each Day hath seemed an Eternity, that my dear Don Enrique hath been wanting, and according to what I have heard travelled that same way. So many are the Spaniards in that Country, replied Ricardo, and so many I have been there acquainted with, that it is strange I have not met with him. His Name is Don Enrique, said Donna Estefania, with Tears trickling down her Cheeks. Ricardo having this Occasion, told her, He knew him very well, and that he had been his Companion many Miles; and the Reason, as he told me, that he stayed at Milan, was a Business of Honour that Banished him from his Country, and without hopes of Return. Donna Estefania hearing this, could not longer bear with her excessive Grief; so that giving a great Sigh, she would have spoke, but Federico desiring her to be Patient, craved her leave to tell the Story, as the best Witness of the Misfortune.  
The Haps and Rencounter of this World are sometimes no less strange than difficult to Penetrate: and that you may give notice to her Friend Don Enrique, how much to his own and his Ladies Disquiet he is deceived, as also of my Innocence, Sir, I must first acquaint you that Valladoled is the Place where I first breathed, and having been affronted there in such a manner, that I was Obliged in defence of my Honour, having an Opportunity to write my Displeasure in his Face, and marking him for one of a forwarder Tongue than Courage, my Friends fearing the Consequence, his Quality and Interest being Great, they sent me to Barcelona, to avoid those Troubles that might follow; where after Hunting, one Evening, by a Storm I was forced to put into a House upon the Road, and discoursing of what is most common to young Men; Love I mean, (to a Gentleman, who by the Tokens I gave of him, we know to be Don Enrique;) I chanced to tell the Story of my Amours with a Lady, whose Name I did not know, nor could I describe any more than the inside of the House, her Care having been such, that I was carried in and out in a Chair close on every side, when ever I was honoured to see her at her Dwelling. This Lady Donna Angela, the Sister of Donna Estefania is the Person whom Donna Estefania had invited to stay with her, during the Absence of her Husband, and that directed by her Stars, and not my Deserts, loved me: But one Day seeing one of the Chair-men, I asked a Neighbour whose Livery that was, and telling me it was Donna Estefania's, I supposed that to be the Name of the Person that I loved, and naming her so to Don Enrique; this occasioned all our Misfortune, for he as we were the next day Riding hither, drew, etc.  
Here Don Enrique not having any longer Patience, but overjoyed to hear his Wife was innocent; as Ricardo was going to surprise them by opening the Door, and giving Donna Estefania a sight of what she so much loved, burst it open with his Foot, and running to his Wife, Embraced her, begging Pardon for his Suspicion and Jealousy; then turning to Federico, begged his also: And thus was their Melancholy turned into the greatest Ecstasy of Joy; then Donna Estefania told him that he must wish Joy to her Sister and Don Federico, who were Man and Wife; which he did, being very well pleased with the Match: Then Supper was brought up, and having supped, Enrique enquired further of the Story, and Federico told him, that he wounded him extremely, but by the Assistance of some Shepherds he was brought to Town, but lay under the Surgeon's hands three Months; and the thing coming to be known who was the Author of that Deed, it was talked about the Town as if Donna Estefania had dishonoured you, which made us make an end the sooner of our Courtship and marry; and then having the liberty to tell the Story, we cleared both you and your Lady, and the Town were satisfied. Having ended their Discourse, Ricardo told Enrique, That though he lost the Satisfaction of having his Company on the Road, yet he hoped he might have the Honour of their coming to his Nuptials; and though he could not expect them to go immediately, yet, said he, It may be an agreeable Divertizement for them to go as far into the Country as his Abode, where though he could promise them no great Entertainment, yet they should be hearty Welcome, and he thought the Company of that loving Pair would extremely Grace his Marriage, which he hoped would be shortly Celebrated: Then Donna Angela desired to know if she might be acquainted with his Mistress' Name, which he told her was Lisarda; O then, Sir, saith she, you may safely depend on your Marriage, for by her Name I guess yours to be Don Ricardo Antonio, the only Person she hath told me should be her Husband; for about three Months ago I came acquainted with her here, she having vowed the Romery for your Prosperity; we became so intimately acquainted lodging in the same Inn together, that she told me the whole Story of your Loves. After this Ricardo made a Compliment to Federico of his Bed for himself and his Lady, and Enrique with his Lady betook themselves to his own; and Ricardo getting not quite so fitting a Lodging for a Lady, retired contentedly to it, and in the Morning early getting up, got his Horse in a readiness; when his Friends were just beginning to stir, he took leave of them, with their Promise to follow him, and sets forward for Andaluzia.  
Love hath Wings, and never did he accomplish a Journey in so short a time. It was about 11 at Night when he entered the Town, and perceiving some Gentlemen at the Door of Donna Clara Lisarda's House, tuning their Instruments, by which he knew they had a mind to Divert some Lady; he at a distance alighted off his Horse, desirous, if it was possible, to know who these were, serenading, as he thought, his Mistress: Therefore by chance finding the next Door open, he entered as if it were his own house, and so putting himself behind the Door, unperceived by them, he heard their Song and Music, which was no sooner ended, but he heard the Lady shut her Window; the Company took leave of one another, and one who seemed to be the Master of this Treat, mounted a Horseback: Don Ricardo, though tired with a long Journey, and very desirous to see Don Pedro de Vargas the Corregidor, yet more desirous to see his supposed Rival, he mounted his Horse with intention to follow him; but of a sudden he saw himself surrounded with six men, who asked him, Whether he would part with his Money or his Life; Ricardo more angered at their hindering his Design, than their Audacity, gave no other Reply, but shot and killed one of them, the rest set upon him, but he defended himself so well, till his supposed Rival, not yet got so far off, but that he heard the Noise they made, was returned, by which the Rogues forgot the thoughts of Booty, and endeavoured to save their Lives by running: And Don Ricardo thus freed, turning to thank the Gentleman, knew him for his Cousin Don Pedro the Corregidor. Great were their Joy, for seeing each other, throwing themselves about one another's Neck, and embracing. They were no sooner got home, but they went to Bed, for at Don Pedro's desire, he stayed there, it being late; but Don Ricardo had his Thoughts so busily employed on Lisarda, that gave him leave but just to satisfy Nature with Sleep; awaking early in the Morning, he presently was for going to visit, or at least write to Lisarda; still entertaining himself with the Hopes of her Constancy; although now and then the Serenade he had heard, and at her House, would interrupt him in the most pleasing Thoughts; and his hearing the Window shut, made him conceive that the Serenaded Person was not displeased with the Compliment; but then again, other Reasons and other Thoughts dissuaded him from his Jealousy. Don Pedro's desire to enjoy his Cousin's Company awhile, made him early to give him a Visit; but coming to his Chamber, and finding him already dressed, he said, giving him the Good-morrow, you are as early Dressed, as if you Divined the Happiness you shall have to Day, of enjoying the Company of your Mistress, who without doubt, to your great Joy, I'll tell you, loves with an unparallelled Constancy; but withal I must tell you, you are not the only happy Man, for I also, who by visiting Lisarda, to excuse first the Mistake, and next to Persuade her to a Liking of you, her Cousin Donna Maria several times happening to be there, Glanced such Flames from her Eyes, that she fired my Soul, and I am become her Adorer; who I had just serenaded as I met with you. Don Ricardo asked then where she dwelled; who told him, That since their House was burnt, they laid in the same House with Donna Lisarda; but because it is something early, I will tell you an Adventure which will entertain us till it may be time for us to Visit the Ladies.   

The History of the Loves of Don Roderigo and Don Pedro, to Donna Maria.  
AFter your Departure, dear Cousin, which being so privately, we were extremely troubled, lest your melancholy Thoughts might have made you Injure yourself, and not knowing what was become of you, the whole Town was so Concerned, they cried out for Revenge on the Villains who we supposed had misused you, and killed those that were brought home with you; but finding no Evidence against them, but their own Confessions, was, That they at the Noise coming out of their Houses found the Murderers gone, and you all on the Ground, who they supposed Dead; that they would have taken your  and Money, and to that end carried you to their House; besides receiving a Letter from Don Fulgentio, brought by the fair Lisarda, that discharged them of the Murder. I was going to pass Sentence on them for a years Imprisonment, when Donna Maria, whose Vassals they were, begged, or rather commanded their Freedom. 'Twas first here I began to Admire; but afterwards, as I have told you, Visiting Donna Lisarda, and seeing her there, I began to Adore those extraordinary Perfections and Accomplishments I found in her: Here began I to know the Happiness of Loving, and being Beloved; for both her Parents and she liked me, my Quality and Estate being both very great: But, Sir, Crosses are things inseparable from Love, and I must also have my share; I had Don Roderigo Vasques for my Rival, a Man whose Tongue stands him in much stead, since without ever drawing his Sword, no Duel, no gallant Actions are performed, but he makes himself the Owner, and draws all the Reputation of them to himself, and that with such Cunning and Subtilty, that long time he had undeservingly the Name of a Hero. My Courage sufficiently known in many famous Exploits for the Service of the King, 
All Governors of Towns in Spain carry a Wand in token of their Office.  and that hath gained me this Honourable Verge, was Eclipsed by this false Light; and Donna Maria, a Woman of an Heroic Spirit, seemed at the same time the Match was making between us, to lend him her Ear readier than to any other; such was his Cunning and his Art in deceiving and inventing new Deceits, that I was almost afraid he would Cheat me of my Mistress: But one Day, it happened well for me, (since no further harm was done.) We were standing and discoursing some other Gentleman, when news was brought us Donna Maria's house was in a Flame; we all ran to the Assistance of that Family: But Gods! What Terror was it for me to see Donna Maria in the Balcony, (the House being surrounded by the Fire,) begging Aid to help her from perishing; eagerly I ran through the Flame, and getting up Stairs, luckily found a Bar of Iron, with which I broke a Hole through the Wall; then snatching her up in my Arms, I carried her through that Hole, which the Fire had not yet reached, and gave her into her Father's Arms. The Fright, the Noise, and Fear they were in, would not permit them to take notice of me; and I remembering her Woman was left behind, went to venture a second time, but met Roderigo bringing her through the same Hole, who fearful of the Flames, had got a Ladder, by which he got into the Balcony to help off Donna Maria's Woman; and seeing that my help was no further needed, went away about my Occasions, not to be troublesome at such a busy time. But Don Roderigo carried the Woman where her Lady was, and just come to herself, for the Smoke and Fright put her into a Swoon, in which Condition I took her, carried her to her Father, and left her: She seeing him doing that good Office to her Woman, supposed it was him that had done the same for her; and truly with the Noise and Fright, her Friends took not so much Notice as to be able to do me Justice; so that in Recompense of his saving her Life, (as she supposed) She with her Friends Vowed to be his; He with a feigned Modesty, said, That he truly had done nothing for their Service, at least, it was so little, as did not deserve Thanks from her Mouth, much less so great a Blessing as Herself; but it was too great a Good to be refused, and that he now trusted to her Word.  
The next Day it was all about the Town that Don Roderigo had ventured through the Fire, and rescued Donna Maria: This was every body's story which did not a little vex me. I affirmed the Action to be mine, and that he lied who said the contrary. Don Roderigo said, Yes it was I did it; but that with such a false Smile, such a feigned Dissimulation, and with such Equivocating words, that he owned the Action more in his Denial than I in all my Affirmatives; but what did comfort me, was, I had a Witness in my Pocket, that though it was Inanimate, with Donna Maria I was sure would confute my Rival. Sir, it was a Ring I took off her Finger as I carried her out of the Fire; and therefore to do myself Justice, I went to give her Father a Visit, who now were all in Donna Lisarda's House; and desiring to see Donna Maria, and telling her the Truth, the Ring gave it Credit, with the Promise to me she had given to Roderigo; the story now was turned, and it was made known throughout the Town, how falsely Don Roderigo claimed the Honour of that Action; so that through shame he was fain to leave the Town, and retire to a Seat he has in the Country where he still continues.  
Having thus ended his Story, Don Ricardo being desirous to see his Lisarda, they went together, but the Joy Lisarda had at the sight of Ricardo, cannot be expressed, no more than his at the sight of her. But to be short with you, and to make an end; both his Marriage with Lisarda, and his Cousins with Donna Maria were concluded, and to be Celebrated both the Sunday following; On the Day before the Marriage, Don Enrique and Don Federico, with their Ladies Arrived, so that they had a full House, great Entertainment, and a long continued Feast for Joy, and living very lovingly and happily all the Days of their Lives.  
FINIS.    

ERRATA  
PAge 5. l. 24. leave out yet, p. 10. l. 17. leave out know, l. 14. for I, read she, l. 24. leave out this she desires, p. 26. l. 16. r. knowing, p. 28. l. 22. r. she said, p. 29. l. 25, 26. leave out going, p. 33. l. 3, 4. r. Fulgentio, ibid. r. he'd do well, etc. p. 34. l. 20. r. presented, p. 36. l. 5, 6. r. how happy, etc. p. 43. l. 7, r. I have left sufficient space, etc. p. 48. l. 23. r. who desired him, etc. p. 56. l. 16. r. I had fared, p. 58. l. 16. r. and so I might go, etc. p. 60. l. 16. r. Souls, p. 63. l. 8, 9 r. Arcos, p. 67. l. 17. r. in it, p. 81. l. 13. r. to his friend.