woodcut panel of three men standing around one man lying in bed  woodcut panel of two men carrying bundles and one woman carrying a small chest 
Is He dead    

THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE duchess OF Portsmouth: Giving an Account Of the intrigues of the Court, during her Ministry. And of the Death of K. C. II.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Baldwin, in the Old-Baily, 1690.   

THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE duchess of Portsmouth.  
FRancelia was the Daughter of a French Merchant of Iron, who having by his own Industry got a small Estate, retired with it from the Tumult and Bustle of that Great and Populous City of Paris, to the Country, where he designed to pass the rest of his Life at ease, and live on that which he had gathered together: He was not long settled in the place he had chosen for his retreat, but that being of a sociable and agreeable Humour, he got the acquaintance and good will of his Neighbours and being withall a pretty good Companion, and one that had a little smack at music, he would freely drink his Glass with his Friends, and sometimes afford them some diversion with his Instruments. This rendered him acceptable to all Persons of his Rank, and made him to receive Visits as well as give them to his Neighbours and Friends. His whole stock of Children consisted in two Daughters; the Eldest passably Witty and Handsome, till the Small-Pox, that implacable Enemy to all good Faces, had strangely altered her Features and Complexion, and dulled her Apprehension, so that her younger Sister, Francelia, of whom we now writ the Life, was admired by all, both for her Wit, Forwardness and Beauty, tho yet very young, while her Sister lay unregarded, and neglected by every one. This was the occasion of raising of some envy in the mind of the eldest Sister, who on the account of her Prerogative of Birth, did use a little more Tyrannick Power over her Sister, than otherwise she might or would have done, only to keep down her Towering Spirit, and prevent her from encroaching too far on her Prerogative; and by this means there was continually some jars and Feuds betwixt the two Sisters, which were kept up on the one part by Envy, and on the other by Pride and subtlety.  
These continual Quarrels betwixt the two Daughters, did not at all agree with the Fathers free and easy Temper, that made him to seek after means to make them agree, and live in that Love and Amity which should be betwixt two Persons so near allied; but finding that all his labour was in vain, and that on the contrary, his Children would take advantage from his good Nature, to make the more disturbance in his little Family, he resolved at last to buy his Peace at any rate, tho it would not very well suit with his small Incomes, he living then at the height of his little Fortune: He proposed therefore to his two Daughters, that seeing he could not prevail with them to live peaceably together, to have them partend, by sending one of them to a Boarding-School not far from the Neighbor-hood, and left to the choice of the Eldest, where she would accept of it, or remain with him, and he would sand her Sister. The eldest Sister having refused the offer, thinking that in her absence the Younger would too far insinuate her self in her Fathers Affections to her Prejudice; the Father  told the Youngest, that since her Sister desired to remain at home with him, she should prepare to go; which was as readily and gladly accepted of by Francelia, as it had been rejected by her Sister. In short, she went to the School, where she had occasion to show her aptness to Learning, her Wit and Ingenuity; insomuch that all her Masters and Mistresses were highly pleased with her, and she drew the Eyes and Admiration upon her, of every Body that went to visit their Children at that School, which gave a very great satisfrction and content to her Father, and raised as much Envy and jealousy in her Sister, in whose Ears her Praises sounded as unwelcome News, which made her to debase as much as in her lay, all those Advantages which kind Nature had bestowed upon her younger Sister: But that did not hinder Francelia from pursuing her ends, which was to accomplish her self as much as possibly she could, while she had this fair Opportunity, not knowing how soon she might be deprived of it, which she feared would be before she had attained to the knowledge of those things which she so much desired to learn, as being very suitable to her Inclination and Humour: She was of a very airy brisk disposition naturally, but always allayed with such a Portion of subtle Policy and Craftiness, which made a very agreeable mixture in her Conversation, because she would very frequently surprise People with her Repartees, which were the more taken notice of for coming from so Airy a Person, that one would have thought never gave itself time to make any Reflections nor Observations. This maturity of mind did draw the Love and Admiration of every body upon her, and some young Men began to look upon her with some sense of Passions, which she began to be sensible of, and would affect to be courted; of which the Father having been informed, he took an occasion from thence to ease his Purse, in calling her home, after that she had been a considerable time at that School.  
She was as soon grown to maturity of Body, as she was in Mind, so that her Parents finding it a business of no small difficulty to govern her after those Measures which they had proposed to themselves, and taken for her best Advantage, they thought of a Relation of theirs at Paris, as the fittest Person to manage her: This was proposed by the Parents, and readily embraced by the Relation, who having had some account under hand of her designed Pupil, writ to have the young dansel sent to her without delay. It will be proper in this place to give you a slight account of this Gentlewoman that lived at Paris: She was the relics of a Person who had depended all his Life-time on the D. de Bellame, and who had lived always at the highest pitch of his Incomes; though he had no Children, he had not left so much to his widow, as to let her live at ease, without keeping still in some Dependency with that Family, in which she did all she could to render her Person acceptable, and her Services agreeable to the duchess of Bellame, who rewarding her pains and diligence, sometimes with Presents, rendered her Life somewhat more comfortable to her. She had a good share of Wit and Industry, she was of an easy and affable Conversation, which rendered her not only acceptable to the duchess, but to the Duke also, who would sometimes please himself with passing an hour in Converse with her; neither was she so ancient, but that her Face might pass muster with such as were nor of the highest form in Nicety.  
It was to this Gentlewoman that Francelia was entrusted by her Father, who himself brought her to Paris, and resigned her into the Hands of his dear Kinswoman, who promised him, that she would take the same care of her, in all respects, as if she was her own Child; upon which assurances the Father return'd to his Country, with all the satisfaction he could conceive.  
The Kinswoman having, after the Father's return, well considered the Wit and Prettiness of her young Charge, she began to frame in her self some designs, which she hoped would return in time to both their Advantages, and in order not to defer putting in execution, that which she had projected within her self, she had her accout●ed and dressed after the best manner, and which most conduced to the setting forth of her Darlings Parts and Qualifications. The next thing to be done, was to contrive some way to bring her to the sight of the duchess, as if by accident, that in case she should not approve of her insinuation into her presence, the Error should be attributed to mere Chance and Fortune, and so the more excusable.  
To this purpose the Matron got some body of the Dutchess's Family to give her notice, when she should next be in the Tuilleryes, that then under pretence of showing her Niece the fine places in Paris, she should be walking as by accident with the young one in some part of the Garden so as to be seen by the duchess: This Person employed to give this notice, lived not far from the entering in to that famous place of Prominade and Conversation; and they no sooner perceived the Dutchess's Coach and Livery at the Gate, but they immediately sent word to the Aunt, that the Dutchess's Coach was there, and she was not long after without appearing with her pretty Niece at the same place. They passed from one walk to another, almost all over the Garden, without meeting with the duchess, and at last when they were out of hopes of finding her, wondering what could be become of her, seeing her Coach was still at the Gate, they perceived the Duke, who having eyed the young Niece, was drawing towards them, to learn who that young Gentlewoman was, whose face he had never seen before, which made him conclude her a Stranger. The Duke being come up to them, after he had made a Jest to the Aunt, of having made use of his Dutchess's Coach, which he had accidentally met with empty, while he was carrying in a Chair, he turned himself to the Niece, to wom he made a Compliment, telling her amongst other things, how happy he was, to have had the pleasure to behold a Beauty, which doubtless would be the Admiration of the whole Court. The Aunt, to save her Nieces labour, and to prevent the disorders that an answer suitable to her self, and the Person had Complimented her, might cause in her, did presently reply, That her Niece was not so considerable to make ny Figure at Court, neither should she appear but very rarely abroad any where else. After she had diverted her with all the Curiosities, of Paris, which all Strangers ar so desirous to behold, the Duke taking scarce any Notice of the Aunts discourse, did again apply himself to the Niece, saying, That she ought in Justice to appear in that same place again, to make ample reparation of all the Damages which she had committed there; for her Beauty had doubtless wounded divers hearts, as well as his, in the Walk; she ought to return thither another time prepared with Balm, to heal those wounds she had made: That for his particular, he was so much disordered at so surprising an Object, that he begged some immediate application of a remedy from her lovely Mouth; who pausing a little while, our brisk young Stranger took the opportunity to say, That she was lately come from a place where there was so little discourse of that Nature, that she was to seek what to answer; but that she hoped her Aunt would be so kind to inform her, both as to her Behaviour and Discourse, that till then she should remain silent, choosing rather to do so, than to offer at any thing that should make her pass for Ridiculous. This said with that spriteliness and brisk Air, with which she usually accompanied all her Actions, did so much please the aged Duke, that he said to the Aunt, He would take upon him, by her permission, to show her some of the Curiosities of that City, wherefore he desired her to accompany them to the Coach, which should carry them to the Gallery of the Palace( which is like our Exchanges) where he would make her a Present. The Aunt having return'd the Duke most humble thanks for the honour he made to them both, represented to him, that such an Action would sound too high, and might draw too many Eyes upon them which would not be convenient, considering her resolution to live retired with her Niece. The Duke having considered that she had reason to decline that offer, was contented with telling, them that he would sand a Supper to the Aunts House, and that he would come of eat with them that Night; so taking leave of them, he went to his Coach, and failed not to come to the Aunts Lodgings at night, where he had before sent a very handsome Supper and Collation.  
It was there that the Duke wa●… charmed with the Beauty and Agreeableness of his little Mistress, as he termed her not without great admiration in the Aunt▪ at the forwardness of her brisk Niece who displayed her Wit and Parts with a subtlety far transcending her Youth. She divers times offered to put in a word in behalf of her Niece, partly to excuse her want of knowledge in the ways of the Court, and to pled the Ignorance that such young years were subject to, but she was as often interrupted by her nimble tongued Niece, who at last turned her Aunts Documents into a profound silence, and diligently hearkening to her discourses. The Duke himself was no less amazed at this young things forwardness and sharpness of Wit, and after he had stayed with them a very considerable time, he took leave of his young mistress, desiring the favour to please himself in another entertainment with so agreeable a Person. Thus went the Duke, not without great emotions which he found this new Object had made in his Amorous disposition.  
The next morning while the Aunt was busy in informing of her Niece of the ways of the Court, and of the difference which was to be used towards Persons of Quality as the Duke; they were  told that a Person from the Duke of Bellame desired to speak with the Aunt; she presently went to meet the Person, who  told ●… er that he had nothing to say to her, ●… hat after he had consigned into her hands ●… hat little Packet, his Commission was at ●… n end; with that having delivered to her what he had in his hand, he took his leave and went his way.  
The Packet consisted of two Letters, one directed to the Aunt, the other to the Niece. This last found besides a Letter directed to her, a very rich Neck-lace of Pearls; after she had admired the Beauty of them, she had the Curiosity to red the Letter which was conceived in these Terms.  
I Know not yet whether Fortune did intend me the greatest of Pleasure, or of Affliction, when she brought me to behold those Charms which reside in your Person; you are the only Oracle that can decide that Point, according as you shall receive my small Present, and my Person, the next time I give myself the Happiness to wait on you,( which must not be long deferred if I would live) 〈…〉 shall be able to give a guess whether you decree me for Life or Death: If you wil●… not favour me with a sight of your Characters, permit your Aunt to inform me whether I may hope a favourable Reception from you, after this free Confession; my Hear●… commands my Hand to declare, that it n●… longer can live, but under the Title of you●… Slave, and most passionate Lover,  
B—  
A Person so Amorous as our young Niece was, could not red such a free Declaration of Love, without feeling strange Emotions in her Soul, to be so magnificently presented, and so passio●ately courted, by one of the Grandees of the Kingdom, who wanted not various Choices of Beauties, by a Person who had never seen her but the day before; all these things, besides the consideration of the great disproportion of their Ages, did put her into such Reflections, and profound Meditation, that notwithstanding her natural gay Humour, she could not take off her Eyes which she had fixed on the Ground, to cast them on her Aunt, who was come up to her, to give her an account of what the Duke had writ to her.  
Indeed, Niece, I know not what to think of you, nor of your Proceedings, said she, I am as much surprised at your good Fortune, as I am at your Charms, which are irresistible, all yields to your Power, and you force even Nature her self to alter her Measures, and to produce the Effects of a youthful Spring, in the midst of Winter Snow; Be judge yourself, continued she, of what I say. With that she red that Letter which the Duke had writ to her, as follows.  
I Must confess, that my Natural Amorous Disposition, did ever make me take all Opportunities to toy and play the Wanton with such Women, as had but such a Competency of Natures Gifts, as would invite one to Converse with them; but now I find, that in sp●●● of Age, your Charming Niece has raised such Passions and Desires in me, as I used to feel in my younger days, at the sight of the most accomplished Beauties; I find that nothing less than Enjoyment can lay that Storm, and quench those Flames which burn in my Breast: Let not this free Confession which I have made you, turn to my Disadvantage, and if that all the Kindness that both your late Husband and yourself have received from me is not capable to gain you to act in my behalf, nor the Assurances of a very considerable increase of Favour from me for the future, persuade you to take my part, at least stand Neuter, and let me and my Fair Mistress decide the Business betwixt us. The King designs to sand me out of this Kingdom, I cannot tell how soon, will oblige me to lay a close Siege, that I may have occasion to leave with you wherewith to support my Charming young Mistriss's expenses, suitable to her Merits, and that violent Passion which she has created in the Bosom of your Friend,  
B—  
During the reading of this Letter, the Niece, notwithstanding the read colour which her tender years and unexperience in such matters, from a person of so great Quality, did raise on her Cheeks, did permit a certain Joy to steal from her Heart into her Eyes, which sufficiently expressed the pleasure she felt within her at the knowledge of the Duke's Passion; which was so soon perceived by the Aunt, that it hastened her to perform what she was come about, before these new Impressions should take too much rooting in her Nieces amorous Dispsition: she therefore  told her,( not regarding the loss of the Dukes Favour) These were things so common, that in Paris, young, handsome Women would sometimes receive half a dozen such Letters in a Morning, all from persons which, peradventure, they never saw nor heard of in their lives; and that these were certain set forms which were used by the Gallants, to exercise their Pens, and their lackeys Heels, more than their Wits and Dispositions: And that perhaps the Duke had writ the same Letter, word for word, to divers Women that very Morning. The Niece gave Ear to her Aunts Discourse, but her Heart was too much disposed to Love, to give Credit to what she said; she  told her Aunt, She could not believe that any person should take delight in writing such passionate things to a Woman, without feeling first some such things in their Breast; that a little time would try whether the Duke were sincere or not; and that if he should come himself after this, and make good what he had writ, it would be a great means to convince her that he dissembled not. The Aunt observing by her Nieces forwardness, that the Duke's Age and Marriage conditon would be of no use to her to repel his amorous Assaults, and that she would not make any long Resistance; she found, that though her Brother-in law had acted politicly in ridding his hands of such brittle Ware, yet he had not shewed all the Prudence in the World to sand a young thing of so amorous a disposition, to a place where persons were so liable to all the temptations imaginable. But then, considering again, that it was a great argument of the Confidence which he had in her Virtues, that had made him to entrust his Child in her Hands; she resolved to deserve that good Opinion, in taking all the care she could possible, to keep her Niece more strict to her Duty. To this purpose she proceeded in her Instructions to her; to which she added, that she would by some means or other, make the duchess Bellame acquainted of the Charge she had in hand( though it should prove to her prejudice) in hopes that she might be desirous to see her; and that she made no question, but that she would so far please her, as to invite her to take her into the number of her Followers, where she would see none but virtuous Actions, and would be freed from those importunate Letters, from the Duke himself, and from all others. The Aunt was as good as her word in a short time; for after having persuaded her Niece, not without much ado, to return the Pearls to the Duke the next time he should come to see her; and to express so much Modesty in her looks and words as should deter him from attempting any further; she went about what she had designed.  
Her Nieces arrival had made her neglect, in some measure, those assiduous Attendances which she daily paid to the duchess which had made the duchess to inquire, Whether she was ill; and there being no body present that could give any account of her, one of her Friends came directly from the duchess to know the reason of her absence; that person came so luckily to serve her in her design, that she presently took the opportunity of informing her, That a Niece of hers, whom she was willing to gratify, in showing her the Curiosities of Paris, as being a stranger, had caused her to be guilty of so much neglect towards the duchess, who she hoped would have the Bounty to forgive her, when she was informed of the occasion; adding, that she entreated her friend to be so kind, as to let the duchess know so much, and whether she might without giving offence, present her Niece to her: With that she brought her Friend in, to see her Niece, whom they found sitting, leaning her Head on her Hand, which she restend on the Table, and in a very deep Meditation. The Friend, as all others, was presently made sensible of this young ones Perfections, so soon as she heard her speak; and said, That she was certain the duchess would be so taken with her, as to retain her near her own person, and that she would be sure to give the duchess such a Character of her as would create in her a desire to see her: After that she took leave, and was going forth, when she met with the Duke, who was coming to visit his young mistress. The Duke being surprised at the reincounter of a Woman whom he knew was every day at his Dutchess's Toiletts, did not know well what to say for himself, but being a Person of a quick Wit, he presently took her by the Hand, telling her, That though he had designed, when he came, to have taken the Mistress of the House with him, to look on some things he had a mind to buy, since that Fortune had presented him with another Assistance, he would embrace it; and presently returning back to his Coach, he lead the Gentlewoman along with him, of whom he disposed afterwards as he pleased, she for the present not knowing any thing of his Intentions.  
The Duke having rid his Hands of this troublesone Woman, he return'd a back way to see his young Mistress, whom he found all alone: Her Aunt, not thinking the Duke would give them a Visit till the Afternoon, especially, having been disappointed of Answers from either of them, was gone next door, to the Labour of one of her Neighbours, where she had been called. The Duke's coming that Morning so early, had been occasioned by the King's sending to him to let him know, he should prepare with all the Expedition he could, to command those Gallies and Men which he was forthwith sending to the Assistance of the Venetians in opposition to the Turks design upon Candia, this had allarmed him, and he was come to acquaint his young Mistress with it, and to observe how she would take this News. He gave her then an account of his Business and of his Passion, to both which, the young forward one, who was not then overawed with her Aunts presence, gave such Answers as did sufficiently express how sensible she was of those signal Favours and great Honour which she had received in the Duke's Visit and condescension, tho she had not so much Vanity, as to think there was any thing in her could invite a Person of so great Merit to speak any such things, more than by way of Diversion; and she was so taken up with the Duke's Presence, and with what she should answer him, that she forgot at first to return the Necklace of Pearls, as her Aunt had advised her to do. But a while after, in pursuance of Discourses, in which the Duke did sound her all manner of ways, she took occasion at some words, to draw it out of her Pocket, and to offer it him. The Duke surprised at that Action when he least expected it after so long a Discourse, seeing she had not done it at first, stood a while mute, looking on her with as much love as he could express with his Eyes; at last he thus broken out: Is it possible, Fair One, that after those hopes I had entertained in me, I should see myself so Unfortunate, as to have the first Testimony of my Passion( tho small, I confess) so much slighted, as not thought worthy of Acceptance? Pardon me, my Lord, replied the Niece, that besides the knowledge of my unworthiness, I follow the Instructions of a Person unto whom my Parents have given a full Authority over me. This malicious Intimation which she had on purpose made, that in performing her Aunts Advice, she might not prejudice her own Designs, and lay the whole fault on her Governess, had its wished for effect, for the Duke finding which way the Wind blew, he so closely plied his young Mistress, under the favour of her Aunts absence, that before she was return'd, he had not only persuaded her to retain the Pearls, but also to accept of what else he should sand to her with such Privacy, that her Aunt, for the future, should not have occasion to disturb their intrigue with her superfluous Councils. In short, the Duke found out the way so to please his Mistress's Humour, that after some few days, in an intercourse of Letters, which were privately received from, and delivered to her, she expressed her self willing and ready to obey the Duke in whatsoever he should require of her.  
The Duke being thus got to the highest point of his Designs, thought of nothing more, but of contriving some Opportunity for an Enjoyment. But while he had busied his Brains about that, he received an Order from the King, which commanded him on Board within forty eight hours at farthest. This was a blow unexpected, and though through his Advice his Mistress feigning an Indisposition, had by that means avoided being presented to the duchess of Bellame by her Aunt; yet he began to fear, that he should be glad to leave her in his Wives Hands, believing her more safe there from Temptations, than any where else, yet he left not endeavouring all ways imaginable to come to an Enjoyment, notwithstanding his multiplicity of Business, and the small time he had to stay at Paris, but to no effect, and finding that she expressed as ready a Compliance to his Desires, as she did of Fervency in his Passions, he took the Opportunity to offer the taking of her along with him to Candia. This gave her the Opportunity to show she had as much Courage as she had Wit and Beauty, she presently embraced the offer, desiring the Duke but to find out the means to take her from her Aunt unknown to her, and that she should be ready at the time appointed to follow him where e're he should be pleased to command her.  
Her Aunt all this while, before whom she had carried her self with much more reservedness than she had at first, under pretence of her Illness, and take off all suspicions, who did not in the least distrust any further Intriegue betwixt the Duke and her Niece, being rather inclined to believe, that in consideration of the great disparity of Ages, he might have declined what he had so vigorously pursued before; being, it may be, she fancied, diverted by some new Object from thinking any longer on her; did all that she could to bring her Niece to that recovery of Health, as to enable her to endure to be carried to the duchess in a Chair, and through her Importunities she got her niece at last to consent to it, in lieu of giving thereby an opportunity to the Duke to take her away; wherefore she presently sent him word of it by their private Messenger, which was a Woman that taught her to Sing, which he had gained by Presents. The Duke being advertised of that, set some Persons to watch all the Chairs that should go out of the Aunts House, with order, that when they should perceive a Chair with a young Gentlewoman in it, they should order the Chairmen to follow them where the Duke had appointed that she should be received.  
It was not above six hours before the time given him by the King for his longest stay, that this was done. She was carried out, only accompanied by her Aunts Foot-Boy, she being gone to the duchess before in a Coach to be ready to receive her niece; presently were the Duke's Spies about the Chair, and while some were bidding the Chairmen to turn down the next corner they should come at, others were busy in amusing the Foot-Boy another way, that he should not see which way the Chair was carried, which they did so well, that the Boy turning his head again, and not seeing the Chair before him, he run on streight forward, it being the way to the duchess, where he knew they had been ordered to carry the young Lady, still cursing the Chairmen in his heart for running so fast.  
Mean while Francelia was joyfully received by those the Duke had appointed so to do; and they having sent him word that she was come, he stayed not long after, but run into the House with all the Joy and Pleasure that the approaching Enjoyment could inspire him: so soon as the first Caresses and Embraces were over, he gave her an account of the suddenness of his departure, that he had however given order to some Persons that should supply her with all that she should have occasion, even with profusion; but that if he durst but hope, she would harken to a Proposition which he durst not advance without her leave, and her promise that she should not take it in ill part, he should think himself the happiest Man in the World; which she having consented to, he proposed her going along with him in the Habit of one of his Pages, that he would be as careful and tender of her as of his own Heart; that she should have all manner of Accommodation, should lye in his own Cabin, eat and drink with him; that no Body should ever know of her disguise; and that when once arrived at Candia, it should be to her choice, whether she would continue under that disguise, or re-assume the habits of her own Sex; in fine, he  told her so many fine things, and expressed so much Passion and Tenderness towards her, that she consented to all his desires.  
It was not difficult to make her pass for one of his Pages, even with his own Servants, because that two of his, finding themselves unfit for the Sea, or perhaps having no inclinations to go to Candia, having declined his Service, he was to seek for others; one he had got, which he would have made shift with, with two more that he had, so that having immediately given order for a Pages habit to be ready for her; there was one got ready in the space of four hours, with which our Female page. being accouter'd, and furnished with all things else suitable, Capape, she suffered her self to be conducted by the Duke, with the rest of his Retinue, in the Admiral's Galley, where she found as much Civility, Love, and Passion, as the Duke had promised she should receive.  
We must leave them floating on the Waves, to return to the Aunt, who after long waiting for her niece in vain, sent for her Foot-Boy, to give her an account of her, and where he had lost her; the Boy said, There was such a Crowd, that he had been once intercepted by a Coach or two crossing betwixt him and the Chair; that so soon as they were passed, he had made all the hast he could to overtake it, but could not, and that he had thought the Chairmen had set down the Lady and gone their way before he came, which had made him to wait there contented.  
The Aunt little satisfied by this Account, could not tell what to think; sometimes she fancied the Chairmen had misunderstood where they were to carry her; sometimes that some sudden Illness coming upon her, she had desired to be carried into some House, or else home again; in fine, she thought of every thing but of the right, she would have been long enough before she had thought her niece was gone to Sea with the Duke, especially, he having given out that he was gone on Ship-board three hours before the niece had stirred forth, that he might have time to take leave of her in private, and leave orders for all things necessary for her till his return. Wherefore the Aunt having waited long in vain, and having made all the inquiries she could possible after her: in which the duchess her self had employed divers of her own Servants, without success, she was forced to return home very disconsolate, where having sent for all the Friends she had, she engaged them to assist her with all their Power, by endeavouring to recover her Niece, which she concluded to be stolen.  
The Duke having had a very quick Voyage, arrived at Candia, where he landed his Forces, and entrenched them: Some time after in an Engagement with the Enemy, a Mine Sprung under him, which blow'd him up, or so interred him, that from that time he was never seen nor heard of. Ill News flies fast; no sooner was that Engagement over, but the loss of so Eminent a Person was spread all over the Christians Quarters, and was carried to the Fleet also, where you may imagine how his Mistress resented it. In an instant she found her self in the midst of Enemies, encompassed round with Fire and smoke, and her Ears filled with the Cries of Dying Men, and of others Lamenting for their Friends Losses, destitute of all Friends, Relations, and Acquaintance to protect her, in a Disguise unbecoming her Sex. In the midst of all these Tumults and Distractions, she abandoned her self to such an Excess of Grief, that it was not probable she could have subsisted many hours longer under so great an Affliction. She was lying on a Bed in her Lords Cabin, bathed in Tears, venting of Sighs to preserve her Heart from bursting, when there came in a Gentleman, who flinging himself on his Knees by the Bed-side, said, Madam, It suffices you have done your part, and have paid your Devoirs to the Memory of your Noble Friend. I share in your Affliction also, having, in the same Person, lost a worthy Friend and honourable Patron; but, Madam— At this second time that she heard the word Madam named, and knowing that no Woman, but her self, was in the Fleet, she could not but start, and appear very much concerned, notwithstanding the great Consternation she was in; and looking on that Person that spoken to her with silence, it gave the Gentleman an opportunity of adding: Yes, Madam, as an Argument that I was privy to the Duke's greatest Concerns, I come to tell you he had confided in me the Secret of your being disguised in a Pages Habit, and that he had me to promise him to assist you, in case he should miscarry; and that he would bequeath you to my Care and Protection; of which if you please to accept, Madam, I offer it you with all the Submission and Respect imaginable, expecting but your Orders and Commands, to act according to them. The damsel then found that she could no longer decline giving this obliging Gentleman an answer; wherefore, raising her self a little on the Couch, she said, I cannot, Sir, but be sensible of those obliging offers you are pleased to make me; and I must needs aclowledge also, that without a very great Intimacy with my Dear Duke, you could never have attained to so much knowledge of me, as you have expressed. But, Sir, my Sorrow is so great, and my Troubles so many, that I must, with your leave, allow to myself some longer time to alloy those Disturbances, which agitate my mind; and to give a further vent to those Tears and Sighs, which otherwise would absolutely destroy me: After that, Sir, I shall with humble acknowledgements, embrace your Kindness and Assistance, in the conveying of me back to my own Country. Your request is so just, Madam, replied the Officer, that I have nothing more to reply, but that I am from this very moment so wholly at your disposal, that you need but speak, and I shall readily act in your behalf, all that is within my Power. Mean time, Madam, I retire; but with your leave and permission, I shall leave with you a Servant that you may command as your own, and that shall know where to find me at any time that you shall have occasion for me. This said, he made a profound reverence, and went out of the cabin.  
Not long after, that Servant who he had left at the entry of the cabin, hearing our afflicted Lady fetch a deep Sigh, believing she had called, came in, and having demanded whether she wanted any thing, she had the Curiosity to ask of him( which she thought she might do with more freedom than of others) who, and what his Master was? The Servant did readily give her satisfaction on that Point, saying, His Master was a Person of Quality, who had a considerable Command in the Navy, and that he had ordered him to wait upon her till further orders: And, Sir, added he, I shall always be ready at the cabin door, where my Master has fixed my Post, when ever you please to call. The Lady thanked him, and desired him to retire till she should call: The Servant gone out, she still lying on the Bed, at last she yielded to slumber, which having not got into her Eyes for some days before, did then take a full possession of her. She being thus fallen into a profound Sleep, this being the third day after the News of the Dukes loss, and another Officer being nominated to b●… the Admiral, in order to come o●… Board of the Captain's Galley, in whic●… our Lady was lying still, and tak●… possession of his Command; he sen●… some of his own Servants, with som●… of the late Duke's( amongst which wa●… two of his Pages to see the said Duke●… Goods removed) and to put in some o●… his own. They came into the Cabbi●… while she was in her dead Sleep, and by the Livery she had on, taking her to be one of the Pages, by the Strangers, who had been  told by the two other Pages it was a young Gentleman, whom the Duke their late Master had taken into his Service, but just before he left France, and whom he extremely loved, insomuch that none was to be admitted into his cabin but him, and that he doubtless had a very great Affection for his Master and had been Mourning and Lamenting for him ever since his Death; that they were glad to find him so fast asleep; and they desired he should not be disturbed, till he awaked of himself; this made the Servants to mind their business in removing some Chests, leaving that of the Beds to another time; after which they left the cabin, except the eldest page.. Thus was the young Lady left unmolested, who in the midst of her deep Sleep, her Imagination being agitated with Dreams, suitable to the Condition to which she was reduced, made her to utter these words: Why will you be gone, my Lord, and leave your poor young Mistress behind you? This she spoken so loud and distinctly, that he who was present could not but take notice of it; and a little while after, stretching forth her Arms as if to retain him, she added: My dear Duke, I will follow you where ever you go; and with the motion she made, she awaked, started up, and perceiving the page. gazing upon her, it put her in a very great Disorder, which did but the more increase the suspicions that her words had newly raised in him, of her being a Woman. The page. did presently make her sensible of the Discovery she had made of her self, and having compared divers Circumstances, during the whole Voyage and stay at Candia, with what he had heard. This the eldest of the Pages, whom the Duke had speedily designed for some Preferment, had he lived, said, You have betrayed your own Secret, Madam, but let me advice you not to add more Affliction to that which has been the cause of your Discovery; and if you please to think me worthy to serve you, employ me in what you shall think fit. This he said, leaning over the Bed, with a low Voice, that none but her self might hear him from without. The young Lady being wonderfully surprised, and put into a very great Consternation, by the Discovery that the page., or rather that she her self had made, remained for some time in such a Confusion, that she could not speak one word; but turning her back towards him, and covering her Face with her Hand, she put forth two or three loud Sighs, after which she said, in a low Voice, her Face being still turned from the page.. I know not, in the Condition I am at present, whether it be for my advantage, that through my Excess of Grief, you have come to the true knowledge of me; I wish that the Heavens may inspire you to contrive my return; I should not fail to give you those acknowledgements for so great a piece of Service, as should in some measure express my Gratitude. Since I cannot longer conceal my Disguise from you, I will freely confess to you I am a Woman, a most unfortunate Woman; but if you would have me believe that you have really any Inclinations to serve me, confirm me in it, by not enquiring any further in my Concerns, nor into the Cause that brought me here, so far from my Native Country, and amongst so great a number of Armed Men, all absolute Strangers to me, but our late Master, who would have performed his Promise of returning me back to France, if it had not been his too cruel Fate to perish here. With this shedding a Torrent of Tears, her sobbing stopped her Mouth, so that the page. had time, after a little pause, to assure her, that he would implicitly obey all her Commands, if she would assure him that she would but kindly accept of them; and perceiving she made no answer, but gave a free vent to her Grief, he added: I see, Madam, that your Sorrow will have its Course, wherefore I will retire, to return to you when I may be more Serviceable than at this present. With that he went out of the Cabin, telling the Servant who waited at Door, that he should not let any body come in to disturb the young Gentleman, who lay very ill on the Bed.  
He was just going out of the galley, when he met with the new Commander of it, who was coming himself, with some of his Friends and his Servants, to take Possession of the Cabin, which made him to return immediately back again, believing that the young Lady might have occasion to make use of his Service, wherefore the Officer being entred, and perceiving one in the late Duke's Livery lying on the Bed, he enquired who he was; the page. made answer, That it was one of his Fellow Pages, with whom the Sea not agreeing so well as with the rest, had remained Sick in the Cabin; but that he would take care that he should be removed against Night, with all the rest of his late Masters Goods, into that Vessel which was ordered to go back into France with the Goods, and such of his Servants as were desirous to return. The Officer taking no further notice, after he had looked about a little, and given order how he would have his things disposed, went out of the Cabin and galley also, bidding the page. take care that it should be cleared of all that belonged to the late Duke, because he intended to lie there that Night. Francelia, who had heard what had been ordered, was glad to find the page. to stay behind in the Cabin, that she might consult with him, what were best to be done for the better Concealment of her, till she was brought back again into France, where she should be in a better Condition to aclowledge his Services than there: The Excess of her Grief had already put out of her mind that other Person who had so passionately offered his Service to her; she looked upon it rather as a Dream than any Reality, and was resolved within her self to rely wholly on the Cares and Services of her Fellow page., which she believed she might better manage to her own mind, than any body else; she therefore turning to him, Chandore, said she, so was he named, I find such a necessity of wholly trusting myself to your Care and Bounty in the sad Condition I am in, that in the Opinion I have, you are Generous, and that you will deal like a Gentleman by me; I wholly rely on your Friendship, only I entreat you to use all the means imaginable, with the rest of your fellow Servants, to get leave to return with all speed; for certainly it will cost me my Life, if I should remain but a Month longer in this Condition. And here is my Hand, added she, that I will be sensible of all your Kindnesses to me, when I once set foot again in my dear Country. There needed no more to spur on our brisk page., who having from the beginning admired Francelia's Face, even when he believed her a page., wishing he could get a Mistress with the like Beauty. He presently reiterated to her the Assurance of his Fidelity and Service, and  told her, That he would immediately go and get as good a place as he could possible in the best Cabin of that Vessel appointed for their Transportation; and that so soon as he had got all things ready for her removal, he would come to fetch her, and bring along with him Persons to carry away all that did belong to her. With that he immediately went out of the Cabin, not staying for her answer.  
Francelia somewhat satisfied with the assurances that Chandore had given her of his Care, and with the hopes of returning to France again, arose from the Bed to look after those things which did particularly belong to her, in order to their removal. The Duke had been very profuse to her, for he entirely loved her, and at his going on that last Expedition, in which he lost his Life, he had given her a little Casket, which he bid her lock up in her own Trunk till he return'd again; but if that it was his Fate to be left behind, that she should keep it for her own use in remembrance of the Love which he bore to her. She had the Curiosity to open her Trunk to look on the Casket, and peradventure, that it had gone so far as to have invited her to see what was in it, but that she had no sooner opened her trunk, but the Officer, who was a marquis, and had before discovered to her his knowledge of her Sex, came in to the Cabin, which obliged her to shut her Trunk again, to receive him with Respect, his Garb, Meene, and Presence speaking him some Person of Quality, though without Attendance. I am come, Madam, said he, to led you to an apartment which I have caused to be made ready for you, when I understood that the Commander of this galley was to take Possion, and lye in it this Night. This convinced Francelia that what she had fancied to be a Vision was Reality, which made her to return the Person himself thanks for the Care he had of her; but withal  told him, That the eldest of the late Duke's Pages, who designed to return to France, had taken care to get her a good Accommodation in that very Vessel which was to carry back the Duke's Goods and Servants, and that though she found her self infinitely obliged to his care of her, yet she with his permission should rather choose to go there, that she might not be left behind, but always be in a readiness to go when they should put off to Sea. The Officer presently made answer, That to his knowledge the galley would not be permitted to go till they had beaten the Turks out of Candia, or utterly lost it: That to be so long confined to a Cabin without Conversation, and continually exposed to the Insults of Servants would needs be a very great addition to her Affliction, which would doubtless make her fall into some Distemper: That he had a Tent purposely for her on the ashore, where she might be as ready at all times to embark as if she were in the Vessel; that his own Servants should continually attend her, and that she should be free from any discovery. That while the Duke was with her she might expect all manner of Civility and Respect, but now he was not, every body would be Master, that there would be such a Disorder and Confusion amongst his People that she could not but be very much disturbed at it: In fine, he so well represented to her the Inconveniencies she should meet with in the galley, and the Services which she would receive in the Tent on shore, that notwithstanding she  told him, That she was but waiting for Chandore's return to have gone along with him with her Goods into that galley. He having assured her, that Chandore should be informed of her removal to shore, by his Servant who he would leave to that purpose behind, that she consented to be lead by him, and her Trunks to be carried after her by Seamen; designing to make an Apology to Chandore for her removal to shore, when next she should see him, which she believed would be that very day: Thus was she conveyed to shore, and the marquis, who had no design of letting Chandore know where he had removed her, he not liking well his own diligence, sent his Man another way, that Chandore at his coming should not be informed, but left wholly in the dark.  
The Officer did bring her to a very curious Tent, where were all things necessary for her use, nay, even to Delicacy with Attendance, had been provided for her. So soon as she was entered the Tent, he having given order to all the Servants to attend without, only leaving a young Moresco Woman with her, who had lately been made a Prisoner, he went out himself, to give the greater liberty to his new Guest.  
Mean time Chandore was returned to the galley in order to take Francelia along with him, and had brought Persons with him to carry her things; but in what Amazement was he when he found the Cabin empty both of the Lady and of all her Goods; he presently made enquiry after the young page. of every Person that was in the galley, but none could tell him where she was gone; they said, That an Officer of Quality had been with her, who had lead her along with him into a Long-Boat, but whether they knew not; that some of their Crew were gone with them to carry her Trunks, who perhaps might give him an Account at their return: This made him to stay and wait for their coming back, that he might learn what he could from them; at their return he could get no more than that the Long-Boat had put them on Board another galley, but they knew not its name, nor who Commanded it. The Officer had done this designedly, that he might not be traced with the Lady: So that Chandore was forced to rest contented for the present, not without hopes by his indefatigable search to retrieve her again, wherefore, not to lose any time he went about it immediately.  
He visited all the Gallies in the Port, enquired strictly of every body in them, Whether they had not seen a handsome young page. in the late Admiral's Livery, with an Officer, come on Board them; at last, when he was almost past all Hopes, he had Intelligence, that such a one had been there, but did not stay, and that he was gone with that Officer to shore in the Long-Boat that had brought them thither: His next business was to get a shore, where he continued his diligent Search, and not knowing who was the Officer that had conveyed her to Land, he accidentally addressed himself to him, just as he was returning to her in the Tent: He with Respect enquired, Whether he could inform him of a young page., lately belonging to the Admiral; which he did with so much earnestness and concern, that it was easy for the Intelligent Officer, to see that it was something more than the acquaintance of a fellow page., made him so earnestly inquisitive; wherefore, to be rid of so troublesone a Rival, he roughly answered him, That he should apply himself to other Persons to inquire after Pages, and that he did not use to concern himself with Boys: Thus went he into the Tent. This answer to an amorous Person in quest after his Hearts Desire, who being a Gentleman to of Courage beyond what his youth promised, had doubtless provoked him to return as tart to the Officer, had he not so soon entered the Tent. However, as Lovers Eyes and Ears are always more open than others, he did imagine, that something more than ordinary had caused this Officer, in all other respect civil enough, to return so rough an Answer to his humble Request, this made him to hover all that Evening about that Tent, yet with that Caution, as not to be seen by the angry Officer, who he began to think had a knowledge of his Mistresses Sex, and was become his Rival: He was not ignorant of the familiarity to which this Officer had had with the late Duke, and he believed, that the Duke, at some time or other, might have communicated so great a Secret to him; he knew also, what a considerable Command he had, and that he was a marquis of a considerable Estate; wherefore considering all the great advantages which his powerful Rival had over him, joined to the Possession of his Mistress, he thought it would be no booty for him to act in any manner but by subtlety and Craft; wherefore he resolved within himself, that so soon as he should certainly know the place where his Mistress was, which he did not know but might be in that Tent where the marquis had entered, he would use all means possible to come to Speech of her, to learn from her self, whether his Services might be still acceptable to her, as she seemed to express they would be before this change; at least, so great was his Love, that if she should express any indifferency for him, or any thing to his Rivals advantage, that he would lose his Life, or rid himself of so powerful a Competitor.  
Francelia, on her part, was thinking on Chandore, whom she liked well enough, and thought her self as much obliged to him as to the marquis: She had had divers times the opportunity to observe him, he being the chief that came about the Duke, she had heard the Duke divers times speak very advantageously of him, of his good Education, of his honourable Parents, of his Courage and Address, and that he would in a very short time prefer him to an Employ suitable to his Capacity, and the Family he was Related to: This, with his readiness to serve her, and some Passion which she had observed in his Eyes towards her, did make her very much incline to favour him: She was in the height of those Reflections when the marquis came into the Tent. He approached her with an Air full of Love and Respect, but which was mixed with a certain Gaiety, with which he usually did agreeably season all his Actions. Well, Madam, said he,( his Passion having made him forget the Dress she was in) how do you like your Apartment? The word, Madam, having raised a severe blushy over all Francelia's Face, and made her to cast her Eyes on the Ground, while she endeavoured to hid her disorder with her Handkerchief: It made him sensible of his Error, but it was too late to recall it; besides, he was in hopes that there being no body then in that Room, but the Moresco, whom he knew understood not French, no body had heard him from without, though he had spoken somewhat loud; he came up to Francelia, and made what Apology he could for his Error, begging her Pardon, and laying it upon the excess of a new-born Passion, which had been kindled in his Breast for her, the fault he had committed, assuring her that for the future he would be be more circumspectly. She, as unwilling to take any notice of what he had expressed of Love,  told him, She was glad there was no Person in that place that could understand him, and that except he had been heard from without, all would be well enough: She presently changed the discourse, and  told him, She could not but be highly pleased with her Lodgings, for which she return'd him humble Thanks, and then said, that she wondered very much that she had not yet heard any thing from Chandore, who had promised to be with her before this; and that she had something of her own Concern to impart to him, in which he and no body else could serve her. How, Madam, replied the marquis, in a lower tone, and with some abatement of his Gaiety, is no body capable to serve you, but that page.? Does he know so much of your Concerns, as to have so much power to serve you? I thought myself the only happy Man, Continued he, who knew of your disguise, and— he was going on, when Francelia, to break off his further inquiry into that business, said, Sir, he was my fellow page., and in that respect he might have so much knowledge of my Affairs, as to be serviceable to me, though he should not have any knowledge of my Sex. It is concerning some Papers, Sir, continued she, that I would discourse him, which I cannot find, and that peradventure he might give me some intimation of them: If I was but assured they were in the Fire, or in the bottom of the Sea, I should be as well satisfied as if I had them: I know not whether in my late disorders I might not scatter them, and he have lighted upon them. The marquis, who had all this while narrowly observed her, did fancy that he had perceived some change, more than once, in in her Countenance, during her Discourse, he took no farther notice of it, but designed to watch so narrowly Chandore's steps, that he should not have the opportunity of seeing her once, much less to speak to her: He therefore in his turn turned off the Discourse, giving her an Account of the posture of Affairs, reserving for after Supper, to speak to her of his Passion; but a Message being brought to him that a Body of Turks were advancing towards the Head Quarters; and that it was ordered that he should forthwith, with his Battalion, go to maintain a Pass which lay in the way. It obliged him to quit Francelia, though not without expressing some regret for it, and giving orders that his Supper should be brought to the young Gentleman, and that all his Servants which he left behind, should give their Attendance to him, as to his own Person. The orders were so pressing, that he had no more time but just to take his leave of her, and to tell her, That he feared not but to have good Success, if she did but favour his Actions with her good Wishes: With that he got on Horse-back to join his Battalion.   

Chandore, who had been hovering about the Tent in a grey campaign Coat, to disguise himself a little, having seen the marquis take Horse, came to the Tent Door, and there he so well insinuated himself with the Servants, that at last he got Intelligence from one, who had over-heard the marquis to say, Madam. He gave him some Pistols, which caused him to shut his Fist so soon as he had felt them, and to open his Mouth, saying, That of truth there was a Person within that Tent, which had a Livery on, and that he verily believed he was nothing less, than what he seemed to be; that through the great Respect the marquis shewed him, the Services which he had ordered all his Servants to render him, and his once calling him, Madam, not to mention the Beauty of his Face, he verily believed that it was some Gentlewoman, which he had met by chance, concealed under the habit of a page..  
This discovery, as it highly pleased Chandore on the the one hand, did very much perplex him on the other, to find that his Mistress was so well known; he persuaded that Servant to step aside with him a little, because he had something of Consequence to communicate to him; the Fellow complied with his Desires, and having got him to a Suttlers, there he  told him, That of truth it was a Woman, and his Sister, that the marquis had got, and that he had some things of great moment to communicate to her, that if he could but bring him to the speech of her, or at least convey it into her hands a Letter, which he would deliver to him, assuring him that he should be very grateful to him: The Servant made answer, That as he was but one of the Inferior Servants, and not admitted to come into that Tent, he believed it impossible for him to perform, but that there was a Moresco Woman, which the marquis had placed with the Gentleman, that he would endeavour to put the Letter into her hands, and make the best signs he could to get her to deliver it to the Person. That if the Moresco took the Letter from him, he would peep through some hole to see whether she delivered it, and would give him an account of it. Chandore had been also informed by this Servant, that the marquis had given a strict Charge, that no Person should be admitted to the sight, or speech of her; wherefore he despaired of obtaining that Happiness, till he had first informed her that he was thereabouts, ready to receive her Commands, being prohited the sight of her, by her gaoler,( thus he termed the marquis) having writ a Letter to that purpose, he gave it the Servant, who promised to deliver it to the Maresco Woman, and to bring him an answer where he was, if he could get one. Thus he left Chandore at the Suttlers, and went to try what he could do; After some time waiting at the Tent Door for some conveniency of delivery without being seen, he at last contrived this way, he turned his Back towards the entry, and holding the Letter in his hands behind him, thrusting it into the Door of the Tent, he moved it up and down, that notice should be taken of it, which had its effect; for at that very time Francelia reflecting on the Condition she was in, and fearing that she could not deal so well, and come off so easily from the Marquess's Courtship, which she found she could not affect, as she might do of Chandore's, if he opposed her desires: She was wishing that she might see him, and perceiving a Paper to wag up and down, she fancied there might be some Mystery in it, and peradventure that it might be from Chandore; she had reason to believe that the marquis had deceived her in his Promise, of letting Chandore know where she was, because she verily believed, that if he had had any Intelligence of it, he had doubtless been with her before that; she therefore went to that part of the Tent, and unseen to the Moresco, snatched the Paper, which a little while after she red; It was as follows.  
It may be dangerous to say more at present, than that I have had a World of Difficulties to find you out, your gaoler, the Marquis, is infinitely Jealous of you; I had the ill Fortune to ask of him after you; he gave me a scurvy answer: This Servant I have gained, did hear him call you Madam; you pass with him for my Sister: Take what measures you can from these Informations, to let me know, by the same Person, in what manner I may serve you with my Life. She having red this, drew a Pencil, with which, on the back part of the Letter, she writ these few Lines. I have reason to believe all you have writ to be true, and I am also inclined to believe you intend me well, and that you would serve me; I find here too much of respect and Services, as of jealousy also to be well pleased; come to my Tent in the Morning, and I shall endeavour to let you know what advice this Night shall give me. She having closed this Note, and perceiving the Hand to wag, as if it craved an Answer, she went towards it, and put the Note into it, the Moresco Woman not observing it, which was presently conveyed to Chandore, who was impatiently waiting for it: He rewarded the Servant, and desired him to continue his Friendship to him, in case he should have further occasion for it; which being promised him, he went to pass the Night as well as the Impatiency he was in to see his Mistress, would permit him.  
In the Morning early he got to the Tent, he was walking the Rounds about it, when Francelia appeared at the Door. He soon spied her, and coming up, he  told her softly, That he was ready to obey her Commands. Though the Servants were displeased at Chandore's discoursing with her, they durst not express any dislike, for it was none of their fault; if there was any design in it, it was of their own contriving, and they had no order to hinder her from taking the Air at the entry of the Tent, as she had pretended to do, no more than to prevent her in any other of her Actions and Desires. She  told Chandore, She fancied she should be more contented to be in the Cabin he had provided for her in the Galley, than where she was, because she feared, that in time the Marquiss's imperious Humour might be very uneasy to her, and that she hoped he would be more Complaisant to her in any way, though she was highly respected by the marquis, but with such an Air, that gave her cause to suspect she could not expect the continuation of it long. Chandore proffered to led her away instantly, but did not know how to get her Goods removed. They were plotting and contriving together what to do, walking in the Shade aside of the Tent, when the marquis came Galloping up, and surprised them together.  
He had at some distance perceived Francelia, which had made him set Spurs to his Horse, but had not discerned who that Person was that spoken to her, but he no sooner did alight but knew it was Chandore; yet making as if he had not taken notice of him, he addressed himself to Francelia, whom taking by the Hand, he lead into the Tent.  
Chandore being thus again deprived of his Mistress, when he was busied with her in contriving to get off, by her own consent, remained as if he had been struck with a Clap of Thunder, his Love and his Courage did suggest to him divers bold Enterprises, but fearing still, that if he should use main force, it would redound more to Francelia's Prejudice than to his Advantage; after divers Fluctuations of Mind, he choose rather to continue to gain by subtlety, though with longer time, that which would be much more hazardous by open force, he retired therefore with a design to make further use of that Person whom he had employed before with so good Success.  
The marquis, mean time, having entertained Francelia with the Success of that Expedition he had been employed about, without the least taking notice of his having perceived Chandore, she thought fit to conceal from him the knowledge of her seeing of him, in the Opinion, that he had not been discovered, seeing he had not made the least mention of him. Thus did they both dissemble and conceal their different Thoughts and Designs, under pretence of other Discourses. But the marquis was no sooner shifted in his own Tent, but that he went about ordering of things, so that Chandore should no longer be a Thorn in his Side. He went to the Commander in Chief, and represented to him, That there were divers of the late Admiral's Retinue that lay idle, which might render signal Service, and he particularly insisted on a certain page. of the late Dukes, to whom he said, the Duke had designed to give an Employment in the Army; that as a Friend to the late Duke, he entreated him to put him upon some Expedition, in order, immediately after his return from thence with Success, to give him the first Vacancy.  
This was so well relished by the General, who was both willing to gratify the marquis, and to do something in Honour to the Memory of the Duke, that he immediately sent for Chandore, and commanded him to act next and immediately under the Chief Commander of those Forces which he was sending forth that night, to surprise and force a Pass from the Enemy. Poor Chandore, astonished at the Command, which at any other time he had been ravished to have obeied, durst not refuse the Honour that was made him, though by it he was forced to leave Francelia in the Power of his Rival, and not have the time and opportunity of delivering her from it, as she had seemed to desire, nor to take his leave of her; and the General ordering that Horse and Arms should be delivered to him, with all things necessary for that Expedition, out of his particular Store,( which was a singular Favour) and to immediately repair at the Rendezvous of that Party; all that he could do, was to return the General Thanks, and to obey his Orders without delay.  
Thus did the marquis rid himself in an honourable way, of those Inquietudes which this young Rival gave him, without letting him know that the blow came from his Hand.  
The Affairs of the Christians growing daily to a ruin, as fast as the Turks gained Advantages over them, being over-run with the vast number which he powered into that iceland, from all the Parts and Dependencies of the Ottoman Empire. The French bethought themselves of a timely Retreat, and every Officer perceiving that the next Assault the Infidels should give unto the City of Cana, would be likely in all Reason to carry it; they began every one in particular to contrive for their own Safety. Our marquis, who had a considerable Estate to invite him to live to enjoy it, and who came first into Candia but as a volunteer, was none of the last to provide for his Safety, being the more induced to be one of the forwardest on the account of Francelia, whom he passionately loved.  
For this reason the marquis made choice of that Vessel appointed for the Transportation of the late Duke's Goods and Retinue, it being ready fitted to put to Sea for his Carriage, and in a short time after, having had Intelligence, that that Party which the General had sent, in which Chandore was engaged, had been totally defeated; and that the Turks pursued their Victory so close, and proved Conquerors in all places they went; and that already there were divers French Officers embarked, in order to return; he of his own Power and Authority caused that said Galley to put out to Sea, where he and Francelia, with all their Goods and Servants being embarked, they were the first that came to the French-Coast.  
Thus was Francelia return'd into her own Country, not without having daily been solicited by the marquis, to obtain the same Favour which the Duke of Bellame had enjoyed. Whether he succeeded in his Addresses to her, I am not able to determine, my memoirs failing me in that particular, yet it may easily be guessed, that she who was so forward to accept of the Duke's offers to transport her to Candia, was no less willing to bestow the same Favours upon a Person that took the care of her in her return to France. The marquis was no sooner return'd to Paris; but divers of the first Rank desired to be informed of him, concerning the most remarkable Passages that had happened in Candia, and amongst other things, having once mentioned to a Friend of his, the rencontre he had with Francelia, after the Death of the Duke of Bellame, whom he had taken along with him from Paris. This Friend related it to another, and he to a third, by which means it came to the Princess Dorabella's Ears; and she was extreme desirous to learn the Adventure of that young dansel from her own Mouth.  
She having found her Aunt dead at her return, had taken( or the marquis for her) a handsome Lodging, where she still continued to receive the Marquess's Visits; and passed some moments also in contriving what excuse to give the World for her Ramble to Candia. She thought none more fit, than to say, That while, to her great content, her Aunt was making means to admit her into the duchess of Bellame's Retinue, the Duke, her Husband, had accidentally had a view of her, and had caused her to be forcibly carried to Marseilles, where he had put her on Board, and carried her away to Candia, much against her Will, and all the Supplications that she could make to the contrary. With this formal Story she went at Dorabella's Command to wait upon her, who was so taken with her feigned Innocence, and the witty account she gave of her self, and of the Duke of Bellame, which she illustrated as she did think fit to her advantage, that what with that her gay Humour, and the prettiness of her Person, she was highly caressed by Dorabella, and received into her Family.  
Dorabella had not entertained Francelia very long in her Service, when that Tyrannides judged it very necessary, for the Advancement of his Affairs, to sand her to prevail with her Brother, a Prince of the Isles, to enter into a private League with him, both Offensive and Defensive, notwithstanding a triple League which had not long before been made betwixt the said Prince and others. And Tyrannides having had the satisfaction of hearing and admiring the Ingenuity of Francelia, he thought her not only fit to accompany Dorabella into the Isles, but also judged her a proper Instrument to forward his Designs on the Isles, and to influence wholly the Prince and the chiefest Ministers of his Councils: She was therefore pitched upon to be one of the Princesses Attendance to the Isles; and not only as a bare cipher, but as one proper to manage, with good Directions, any business of State that should be committed to her charge: It is certain, that her sound judgement, accurate Apprehension; her happy Memory, her smart Wit, and insinuating Way was sufficient to captivated the Mind of so Amorous a Prince as was the Prince of the Isles, especially, when all those Accomplishments were accompanied with some share of Beauty and Love, though but in an outward appearance.  
The Princess Dorabella, who was very glad at this occasion of going to the Isles, that she might have the opportunity to see once more her Brother, the Prince; made all the diligence possible to leave Paris: In short, she came safe over the Seas with a magnificent Train, where the Prince her Brother went to meet her. She soon, by all her Charms, so won the Prince, that he quiter forgot the triple League, to enter into a new Alliance with Tyrannides, more strict than ever had yet been, the Articles of which Treatise were Signed, and presently ratified by the two Princes But this was not all, Francelia, who had acted but an indifferent part in the procurement of this new Alliance, according to those Instructions she had received, was to manage things of much greater Consequences yet, though that of breaking the triple League and making a new one appeared to be a Master-stroke. Francelia's Cunning and subtlety, which she concealed under a serious Air, did in a short time insinuate very far in the princes Mind; insomuch, that when Dorabella was to return, he shew'd and expressed no less reluctancy in parting with Francelia, as he did with the Princess, and had as much forgot his former Mistress Cornelia as he had the triple League; his whole Thoughts being for the present bent on Francelia. Dorabella knew very well the Prince her Brother's natural Propensity to Love, and how apt he was to take Fire, that made her to press her return, to blow up still more and more those Flames which Francelia had kindled in the princes Bosom; wherefore she would, in the Prince his presence, frequently bid Francelia to prepare for returning; and as oft as she repeated those harsh sounds in the princes Ears, he would feel a great disturbance in his Mind. Francelia also, who could not but observe the princes new-born Passion towards her, would tyramnize, and frequently mention the desires she had of returning; insomuch, that at last the good Prince, not able to contain any longer, broken out into this Passion, Would to Heaven, Madam, said he to his Sister, that you were sensible of the trouble which I feel at the parting with you, you could not for pity but retard your Return for some days longer. Dorabella, glad that the Prince had broken the Ice, replied, That she found, the longer she stayed the more sensible she should be at the Separation from a Person so dear to her as he was; wherefore, since there was a necessity of parting, she thought the sooner were the better to avoid the greater trouble by a less. I am sensible, Madam, replied the Prince, of the hard necessity of losing you, and seeing it is unavoidable, be pleased to grant me one humble Request, that I shall make to you before you go, in order to alloy the anguish of my Heart for the loss of your dear presence. Is there any thing within my Power, replied the Princess, that I can refuse you? The Prince answering with a profound Bow, said, You cannot but be sensible, Madam, that you have lately found I could refuse you nothing, that emboldens me to go on with my Request, which is, you would be pleased to leave a Jewel of yours behind you in my Custody, and under my Charge; assuring you, that I shall be as careful of it, as of the Apple of my Eye. You needed but to name, to succeed in such a trifle, Sir, replied Dorabella, who guessed well enough at the nature of the Jewel; Is it any I have about me, Sir, continued she, or any other that I have worn since I came here? Go fetch, added she, speaking to Francelia, the rest of my Jewels, that the Prince may choose what he pleases. It is here already, said the Prince, and taking Francelia by the Hand, as she was going out, this is the Jewel which I demand of you, and which I prise above all those that adorn you. The Princess was highly pleased as well as Francelia, that the Prince run so readily in the Net that was spread for him;  told him, That she was extremely sorry she could not for the present grant him his Request, because she had promised Francelia's Relations to bring her safe back to them, but that she would endeavour to prevail with them to let her come again, to have the honour to be made Maid of Honour to the Princess, and that she would so soon as she came to Paris again, so far oblige the Prince, as to writ a Letter to the Princess, to beg the favour of her to receive Francelia in that Quality, which if she accepted of, then should Francelia be immediately sent over to the Isles again.  
The Prince was forced to have patience, and to be contented with this Assurance, not doubting but that the Princess's good Nature would easily be wrought upon; and truly he feared much more Cornelia's high Spirit and jealous Temper, than any opposition from the Princess.  
The reason of the Princess's not yielding to Francelia's remaining in the Isles at that time, was, that she might punctually follow those Orders which had been given her, which was, first to try the princes Inclinations towards Francelia, and if certain to take effect according to their desires, then to bring her back to receive such further Instructions, and to be instructed with such Secrets, which there was no occasion otherwise to disclose to her.  
The Princess Dorabella having now completed all that was in her Commission, and not before, she was impatient to return, to give so good an account of her Negotiation as she was able to do; and the Prince overjoyed at the Promises he had obtained from his Sister, was not so earnest, as before, to retain her longer. Dorabella return'd then, with all the outward Expressions of Sorrow, for parting with so dear a Brother, but with a real excess of inward Joy at her good Success; and the Prince return'd with those that attended him.  
Amongst the Grandees that had followed the Prince, Villarius was the most magnificent, and who had the most knowledge of all that the Prince had transacted, either private or openly. He was at that time so much in the princes Favour, that the Prince thought sit to tell him, he would have him to keep secret what he had heard or seen, of what Nature soever, especially of his new Amours, from the knowledge of Cornelia, whose high Spirit and jealous Humour he apprehended above all things. Villarius did in part observe what the Prince required of him; but his hatred to Cornelia was such, that he could not conceal from her knowledge the princes new Mistress, which he let her understand by a third hand, with hopes that it would even break her proud Heart.  
This Feud betwixt those two eminent Favourites, was of that Consequence, that it is convenient I should give the Reader some knowledge of it; because that in the pursuance of Francelia's Adventures, those two Persons are very remarkably concerned.  
Not long before the Prince of the Isles return'd from his Exile, the springing Beauty of a young Lady did make such a noise all over the Kingdom, that Villarius, who was related to her, grew very impatient to see her. It is well known that he was the most accomplished Person in the World, in all respects of Gallantry, insomuch that he seldom tempted, but he overcame; and all his Conquests being gained at a very easy rate, he made so little value of them, that Love, whom he had so often offended, was resolved at last to revenge herself for all his Inconstancy towards the fair Sex, by the means of this his Kinswoman's Security.  
Villarius being related to that Family, as I have said, he took that advantage to give a Visit to his Kinswoman, the young Lady, who then lived with a Relation of hers; there he was received as a near Relation, but his great Application to this Charming young Lady, did soon put into the head of this Relation, that Villarius did not afford them the Honour of his Presence, on the bare account of a Visit. Villarius, when he saw that Beauty, was charmed with her, and at this very first interview, he did tell her all that so passionate an Heart as his was could express, of tenderness to so amiable a Person. She affencted to seem as if she understood not Loves Dialect, and that did but the more inflame Villarius's desires.  
He was not long, by his frequent Visits, before he made her to confess, she was improved under his Tuition; and that she began to answer pertinently to her Master's Interrogatories, yet not so subtly, but that her Governnant had such warning given her, that she thereupon hastened a Match, which had been some time in hand, betwixt that young Beauty, and a Gentleman of a very good Estate: In short, the Matrimony was Consummated, notwithstanding all the secret Oppositions that Villarius could make against it. However, he left not his pursuits for that, tho he acted not so openly as before; and she answered so obligingly all his Expressions of Love, that he made no doubt but to come to Enjoyment, so soon as any fair Opportunity should offer itself; and he had some reason to believe this, by the Assurances that she had given him, of the Love she had for so accomplished a Person.  
Things were at this pass, when the full Resolutions were taken to bring the exiled Prince of the Isles in again, which was soon after accomplished, to the great Joy and Content of the whole Nation. Amongst those Ladies that longed for the Honour to kiss that princes Hands, our young married Lady was not the least Solicitous. She received that Honour, not as the rest of the Ladies did, but with an opinion, that when the Prince saluted her,( as he did the rest of the Ladies) she had observed something in his Eyes, and felt something from his Lips, which she fancied he had not expressed to others; and from that time she entertained such Thoughts in her Mind, as were very suitable to her Ambition. She began to fancy, that to be beloved by a Prince, was an Honour as far beyond that she could receive from Villarius, as that was above that of the Insipid dull Animal, called an Husband. She grew melancholy upon it, and Sick also, which made Villarius to double his Visits; but he still found an entertainment which did daily grow colder and colder; yet he had so good an opinion of himself, that he did wholly attribute it to her Indisposition of Body, which was really a Distraction of Mind. In a word, though the Lady did in time recover, as to her bodily Distemper, she still seemed to be in an anxiety of Mind, which set Villarius's Wits to work to find out the cause, but without Success.  
At last Villarius's Visits grew so uneasy to her, that she had not the Power to conceal any longer, she did not find in them that Delight and Satisfaction which she formerly had done: though she was far from telling him so much, yet her Actions spoken so plainly the Change Ambition had wrought in her Mind and Inclinations, that Villarius could not but be as fully informed of it, as if she had spoken it to him, in as plain Language as ever she uttered in her Life. The most apprehensive Villarius presently understood her, which made him to say, What is there in my Conduct, Madam, of late, that may have produced so strange an alteration in you, as you manifest in your Actions, notwithstanding all the Care and Circumspection with which you manage yourself? She sighed, and readily answered, That she had nothing to allege against his Conduct, and that if he found any Alteration in her, he was to attribute it to some relics of her late Distemper, which peradventure did render her something more shagrine than usually, which he ought to bear with. Yes, Madam, I believe you, replied Villarius, and I am very apt also to judge right of the cause of your Illness; Love, Love is the Author of my Misfortune, and I am the more to be pitied, because I am left in the dark, as to the Object of your new Affections. My Lord, answered she again, I here declare before Heaven, that I know no Person in the World, for whom I have a greater Inclination, than for yourself. Yes, Madam, replied Villarius, but no Love, you had not else so often deferred and put off from time to time those Favours, which you have been pleased to own my constant Passion did deserve. I find, Madam, that you reserved them for some more happy Rival, while I must still languish, and be fed with vain Hopes and empty Promises. Well, my Lord, replied Cornelia, I will confess to you, that you have a Rival, but after so fair a Confession, do me so much Justice as to believe that this your Rival is not so in point of Love: No, my Lord, it is in Ambition, that you are rival'd, as a mark of my Love to you; I have brought myself to confess, that my Ambition prevails above my Love, and that it will be the first served and satisfied. In a word, my Lord, this last Passion is so powerful in my Mind, that nothing less than a crowned Head can alloy it. I must be beloved by the Prince, I must be the princes Mistress, or I must die in despair. At this declaration Villarius stood motionless like a Statue, which gave her time to add: I must allow of your surprisal, my Lord, but believe that my discovering of this Secret to you, is the greatest mark of my Love, that I could possibly confer upon you, till by your means and assistance I am entertained by the Prince, which is the only way to satisfy my Ambition, after which I faithfully promise to reward your Affection and Services, with my last of Favours, and to consent to whatsoever you shall please to desire from me: And finding that Villarius remained still mute: Remember, my Lord, that the Prince is not properly your Rival; and, by Heavens, you need to fear no other: It is my Ambition only that he must satisfy, but you my Love; only Ambition will be first served.  
Villarius looking still steadfastly on her, after he had fetched a deep Sigh, answered: Certainly, Madam, your thoughts of me are very singular, and you must needs believe me the most passionate and constant Lover, or a Man of the most easy temper in the World, to be worked upon. Well, Madam, you shall find I am both; but you must judge of my easiness to yield to such strange and surprising Propositions, as you have made to me, by the excess of my Passion towards you. Yes, Madam, I will use that Power I have with the Prince, to satiate your Ambition; but deceive me not, Madam, after that, neither defer one moment longer, to satisfy my Passion; otherwise, I must tell you, Madam, that you will raise such another Passion in me, that all your Charms would never have Power to alloy, and that would transform your best of Friends into an implacable Enemy. I go, Madam, to work your ends with the Prince, as you desire, that I may, without further delay, obtain what my Passion has so long languished for. With saying this, Villarius went out, and in a short time he so wrought Cornelia's Interest with the Prince, whom he found very much inclining that way, that Cornelia said she had no more to do, but to reward Villarius according to his Merits and her Promises. But she, who upon the Favours which she had newly received from the Prince, through Villarius's Mediation, had let her still growing Ambition stifle her Love; in lieu of gratifying him, as she had promised, did after that shun all the opportunities of seeing him; which being perceived by the slighted Villarius, and that all he could do would not so much as get her to discourse with him, nor so much as answer any of his Letters, he turned that great passion of Love he had for her, into as great an one of Hatred and Revenge, though not without a great Conflict, in which at last Revenge prevailed. Thus that Lady, to obtain great Titles, did sacrifice to her high Spirit and Ambition, the most constant Lover that she had ever had, which will in some measure justify Villarius's severity towards her, of which we shall have occasion to treat some particulars in this Discourse, so far as they relate to our Francelia.  
The Princess Dorabella being returned to Paris, and having given Tyrannides a full and satisfactory account of her Negotiation, Francelia was presently taken to task; she was entrusted with the Court-Secrets, and fully instructed in the part she was to act, both with the Prince of the Isles, and with those State-Ministers and Courtiers, that were become Pensioners to Tyrannides's Mercenaries. Dorabella was also advised to writ immediately to the Princess of the Isles concerning Francelia, that the princes Affections towards her might not cool. Villarius was also solicited to decline the Interest of Cornelia, and wholly to espouse that of Francelia, which being altogether according to his own Inclinations, he most earnestly embraced, and did as vigorously pursue.  
The Death of Dorabella, which for the Suddenness and Nature of it, surprised all the World, following presently after, and a Letter coming from the Princess of the Isles to have Francelia sent to be one of her Maids of Honour, notwithstanding all the Arts that Cornelia used to the contrary. Francelia was put into the Hands of a Person of Quality, who took care to conduct her over into the Isles, and to resign her into her Majesty's Hands: There were private Lodgings got for her at first, till others were prepared for her in the Court. The Prince failed not to visit her so soon as she came, and to express all the Passion imaginable towards her; but all this he did with the greatest Privacy imaginable, for fear of raising such a storm in Cornelia's Breast against him, which he should not be able to weather. Yet was she informed of it by Villarius's means, who hoped it would tear her Heart in pieces. The Prince continued so assiduous in his private Visits to Francelia, it began to be suspected he had some Inclinations that way, and from divers Hands did Cornelia receive the ungrateful News of her Rival's getting ground upon her; mean time the Prince was very diligent also in visiting Cornelia, to take all Suspicions from her: But that would not do, she was too subtle and too much concerned, to calmly suffer a Stranger to entrench upon her Prerogative. She was the princes first Mistress, since his return to the Isles; nay, his beloved Mistress, on whom he had bestowed vast Sums of Money, and the highest Degrees of Honour, and she would not calmly yield all those Advantages to a French-Woman, of neither Birth nor Fortune, beyond what she had got by her Services. This caused Cornelia to set Spies upon the princes Actions, that should bring her word when the Prince should go next to see her Rival, that she might intercept him, and take him to her self. It was not long before News was brought to Cornelia, that the Prince was to sup with Francelia at her loadings, with Villarius; she presently gave orders that a very great Supper and Banquet should be prepared against such an hour that Night, and getting into a Coach, she hovered up and down near Francelia's Lodgings, just about that time she had been informed the Prince was to go thither in a Hackney Coach: At last she was  told that the Prince was in that Coach which she saw coming towards her; she presently caused her Coach-man to turn about, and so she met the Prince full-butt; she  told him she was just going to invite him to come and sup with her that Night; that she designed to surprise him, which was the reason she had not given him a solemn Invitation; then she wondered at his being so private in a Hackney, asked him where he was then going? that it made her fear he had some private Assignation: to all which the fond Prince made no other Answer, than that he was going in a frolic to be merry with half a dozen Persons, which he was  told were got together, in whose Company he very much delighted; and finding that Cornelia made no mention of Francelia, he did all he could to divert her from any such thought, by beginning a Discourse of quiter another nature, and by freely getting into Cornelia's Coach out of his, so went along with her, you may imagine with what Satisfaction.  
Cornelia did treat him the best she could, and made him to pledge her so frequently, that at last he had quiter forgot his other Appointment, and began to be as merry and well pleased, as if he had had no other design than that he was about. In short, Cornelia did so flatter him, that he lay there all that Night, and it was late the next Morning before he departed.  
Mean time Villarius and Francelia had been presently informed of the trick which had been played the Prince, so that so soon as they heard that Cornelia had seized on him, they had given up all hopes of seeing him that Night, they supped together: Villarius gave Francelia divers Assurances of his humble Services, and that he would highly revenge that Affront which Cornelia had put upon them; and they both concerted together, which way to return to her some Trouble of the same nature. Villarius  told Francelia, That he had been lately informed that Cornelia had had some private Conference with a certain person, whom he would cause to be watched, and that he doubted not, but he should, by the means of his Spies, surprise them together; that if so, the Prince should have the Satisfaction to catch his Rival with her. Villarius, in fine,  told so many fine things to Francelia, and gave her that Night such Assurances of his Friendship and Affection, that she remained very well satisfied with him.  
She had been informed of the princes Humour to a tittle; amongst the rest, that the more a Woman pretended to virtue and Chastity, the more was the princes Heart inflamed towards such a Person, she resolved therefore to appear very reserved to the Prince, and never to allow him any Favours, but with the greatest Reluctancy imaginable; and she did carry her self after that towards him with so much seeming Modesty and virtue, that she passed in the fond princes Thoughts for a very Angel.  
The Prince was no sooner got to his Palace again, and retired for some Moments, but that Villarius came to him with a smiling Countenance; the Prince  told him presently, as a great Secret, how he had been met by Cornelia, who had taken him to Supper with her, and that for fear she should have any Distrust of him, he had condescended to her Desires, and lain there all Night. Villarius, to let him know that he was not so secret in that business as he imagined,  told him what they had for Supper, and some of their private Discourse: at which the Prince seemed as much surprised as could possibly be. Sir, said Villarius to him, To let you know that I am informed of all Cornelia's Actions, I shall e're long let you see how faithful she is to you, and what reason you have to be so to her, and to stand so much in awe of her as you do. I know one of her private Friends, Sir, continued he, and I shall be punctually informed of their next time and place of meeting, and it shall be your fault if you surprise them not together. The Prince, who was unwilling to believe any such thing of her without good Proof, yet glad if he could have such an opportunity to convince her of her Treachery towards him, whereby to take down her high Spirit, did not know whether he had best to thank Villarius for his offer, and to accept of it, yet at last he said, That certainly, if she was so false to him, he should have just cause to slight her, and more publicly own his Love to Francelia, whom he thought to be very virtuous, and that he feared he should have much to do to gain the point; that he did not dislike her for it: On the contrary, it made him but the more earnest to obtain that which she was so tender of, and so unwilling to part with, he verily believing she was a pure Virgin. Villarius having informed him in his Opinion, so soon as he left the Prince, who bid him go and make an Apology for him to Francelia; he went to her, and  told her all that the Prince had said concerning her, and let her know how necessary it was for her to carry on the same Humour of Modesty and virtue, with which she had already so well prepossessed her princely Lover.  
The Prince, who had not seen Francelia in three days, thought the time very long, and notwithstanding his fair Promises to Cornelia, to remain constant to her, he went privately to see her that Night. She who had been very free and pleasant with Villarius but the Night before, did put on her feigned Modesty, and so inflamed the Prince with it, that he protested he had never met with a Humour so agreeable to his as was hers, and that he languished for her. Sir, replied Francelia, the Honour which you are pleased to do me, is infinitely above my Merits; and I am sorry, Sir, continued she, that I have nothing to return to you for it, but my Prayers to Heaven for the Prosperity of your Grace; all that I can do more, is to wish it were in my power to do more. This said with a languishing Air, and a dying accent, and with Eyes, which though full of Fire, were fixed on the Floor, did so charm the good Prince, that he answered, I wish, Madam, you would take the pains to consult with yourself a little, and reflect, whether you have not besides your good Wishes, something else at your own disposal, that you might bestow on me, for that great and ardent Passion I feel in my Bosom towards you. Peradventure, continued the Prince, that some other might be more happy than me, though not more in love with your Charms, and that you would repay their Love with Love, and return your Heart for theirs. There is no Person in the World, Great Sir, replied Francelia, that can set a greater value and esteem on your virtues and Bounties than I do; and it is certainly the greatest of my Troubles, that I am destitute of means to express more effectually than with words, what I feel in my Bosom towards so much Perfection as you ar● master of. These are still but Wishes, Madam, and you certainly are Mistress of far greater Treasures, answered the Prince; you have a Heart, Madam, to bestow, because I have been credibly informed that you have never engaged it yet; would I had wherewith to purchase such a Treasure. If Love could do it, I dare boast of deserving it, beyond all the World. You have but too much Worth, Sir, replied she, to purchase so mean a thing; if any thing could gain a Heart but in exchange of another, no other price, Sir, can buy that Merchandise. If that were all, replied the Prince, were I Master of a thousand Hearts, they should all be laid at your Feet in exchange of yours; mean time, be pleased, most charming Francelia, to accept of my single Heart, in exchange of yours, with all the Love and Passion that your Perfections have kindled in it. I can but desire and wish, Sir, replied Francelia, that I had Merits sufficient to deserve suc●… an Honour, if it were in your Power, Grea●… Sir, to bestow it once more: you know, Sir, how often like a Lover you have bestowed i●… upon another Person, with whom I might dispute it, as to Esteem, Respect, and eve●… Love to your Excellency; if you had not engaged it farther, since even past all Redemption, but by Death. That is it, Sir, tha●… makes me say, you have not wherewith t●… purchase an Heart, and that I can have nothing but my best Wishes and Prayers for you besides that general Esteem that all who kno●… you have for your Perfections. The Princ●… was so strangely surprised at this unexpected time, that he was very glad Villarius came in to break off the Discours●… for the present, and give him time t●… consider of what he should say to so cunning a Mistress as he had now to d●… withal. Villarius came to tell the Prince that that very Night he would show him some sport.  
Francelia had been received a pretty while since into the Princesses Retinue, and had Possession of her Lodgings a●… Court, notwithstanding all the Intrigue●… and Plots which Cornelia had made to defeat her. The Prince therefore had not far to go to visit her at any time. Cornelia had appointed to meet her new Gallant in her own Lodgings that very Night, where he was to pass to her Embraces; he  told the Prince of this, and assured him, That if he would go and surprise them in the dead of the Night, he should certainly find them together. The Prince, whose Bosom was newly inflamed with Passion towards the charming Francelia, assured him, That he would for never so much lose so fair an opportunity of detecting Cornelia's secret Amours, that he might have just cause to break off with her, and wholly turn all his Affection on his new charming Mistress. So the Prince retired with Villarius, telling Francelia, That he would leave to another time what he had further to say to her; and he went away to prepare himself for the night Adventure.  
Cornelia had cast her Ey 〈…〉 ng Gentleman, who made a 〈…〉 erable Figure at Court, and wh 〈…〉 mien, Youth, and Vigour, was very much according to her Relish. The princes Distractions in his Amours, did not permit him to give her all that Satisfaction which she used to receive from him, and which her Constitution required. She had therefore taken the opportunity to let this Person know that he was to her Mind, and that it was his own fault if he were not happy; and that Commerce had lasted so long, that it began to be whispered abroad; but she did not much value that, because it made for her purpose, both in creating some small Jealousy in the Prince to unite him the closer to her, and to enrage the more her great Enemy Villarius. Cornelia and her Lover for more Freedom, and better Conveniency, had concluded the Enjoyment of one another in her own apartment, where all the Servants were at her sole disposal, and would be all very secret. The Gallant was come, and they had plentifully feasted in a private apartment, where none but the Servants of the Secret were at any time admitted to enter; and from thence there was a private C 〈…〉 to Cornelia's Bed-Chamber: so 〈…〉 ald the Prince come at any tim 〈…〉 ugh he had free access, and that all Doors were continually open to him, yet the Lover might with ease escape from his knowledge, except the Prince should surprise them in Bed, at the dead time of the Night, which was not likely to be, without it were upon some intelligence, and with design. About midnight the two Lovers went to Bed, and presently after, by the removing of some things, the change of Servants Stations, and the retirement of others, that Servant who Villarius had gained, and who was his faithful spy, gave notice, that now it was time for the Prince to come. The Prince came accompanied to the Door of Cornelia's Lodgings by Villarius; he went in, and thence directly entered Cornelia's Chamber, where he found them both in Bed together, the one lying in the others Arms, yet with such Circumstances, and the effects of such a present Wit as had Cornelia, that the Prince was absolutely deluded.  
Cornelia had no sooner been informed by that Woman who was upon the Watch in the Anti-Chamber, that she heard some Body coming up Stairs, and had heard the Gates open; but remembering the Proverb, 'tis good to be sure, she pulled off at once her Night-Cloaths, which hung all together, and clapped them on her Lover's Head just when she heard her Chamber-Door to open with that Key the Prince usually kept, which opened all passages to him: She fell to groan and complain, as if she was extraordinary ill. The Prince ran presently to her Bed-side, and seeing Cornelia in a Woman's Arms, and she making sad complaints, he would not draw the Curtain more open, for fear the Light that was on the Table should offend the sick Cornelia, but stooping down, What is the matter with you, Madam, said the good Prince. Oh! dear Sir, is it you, answered she, how glad am I you are here? Good Sir, do so much as hold my Head which is ready to split in pieces, while this Gentlewoman runs to my Closet for something for me. I'll go myself, replied the Prince, tell me but what I shall fetch? No, pray Sir, replied Cornelia, you know not where to find it, pray give her leave to go: Come, I'll hold the princes Head in my Arms, continued she, while you get out of Bed, he shall not see you, do not fear it. The Prince, who thought it was the Gentlewoman's Modesty that required that Ceremony from him; freely let Cornelia blind him while the Gallant slipped out of Bed, and went to the Woman Sentinel to bid her run into the Closet, and fetch any Glass out from thence, to amuse the Prince with, while he should dress himself and make his escape.  
Mean time Cornelia kept the Prince in Discourse; sometimes crying out of her Head, and desiring him to hold it gently; she  told him, That having had some small symptoms the last Night, presently after Supper, of this violent Fit, she had desired that young Gentlewoman, who had supped with her, to lye with her also that she might talk with her if she could not sleep, and to be serviceable in case she grew worse of her Head, that her Distemper had so increased, that she had been forced to pull off all her Head-Cloaths, and to toss and tumble about for ease; that she was just slumbering a little in the Gentlewoman's Arms when his Highness came; and that she was so overjoyed at his coming, that she thought she was something more at ease than she had been, and believed she should sleep if his Highness would but lye down, and let her lay her Head in his Bosom; to which the Prince presently yielded. By this time the Woman was come with the Bottle of Cordial, and holding Cornelia's Night-Cloaths behind her, which the Gallant had given her, she made as if she had taken them up near the Bed-side, she gave the Cordial to Cornelia, who desired the Prince to take some, which he did. She sent the Woman for fresh Night-Cloaths, but the Prince, who was mightily concerned in himself, for having so easily given credit to what had been so falsely reported of her, and at her illness, was moved with so much tender Compassions towards her, that he would not by any means permit her to put on fresh Linen, but said, that those she wore before, would do very well, and that he would be contented with them, so he made hast to undress him, that he might go to Bed to his dear afflicted Mistress, and to afford her all the Assistance and Comfort he could possible, by way of Compensation for the wrong he had done her in his Thoughts, fully resolved to tell Villarius his own, and never more to believe so slightly on false Reports.  
Mean time the Gallant was fled, glad that he had come off so clear, from so eminent a Danger, thinking he should never praise and admire enough the ready Wit, and ingenious Contrivance of Cornelia, who he doubted not after that but would lull the Prince asleep in those Arms which he had been freed from, much against his Will. Villarius, on the other hand, wondering that the Prince stayed so long, that he heard no noise in the House, nor saw any Lights, did not know what to think; he had the Curiosity to harken at a low Window, and while he was listening he saw the Gate open, and a Man run out like Lightning, insomuch, that Villarius, who at first had a design to stop and examine him, soon lost that thought, the Person being so suddenly got out of sight, and out of hearing, by the favour of the Night: That made Villarius conclude rightly, that the Prince had missed of the Prey, and that Cornelia had so well inveagl'd and allured him, that he would pass the Night with her; and not doubting but that Person who had run out of the House so hastily, was the Gallant, he a little while after retired, vexed that the Prince had lost so fair an opportunity of discovering Cornelia's falseness to him, and himself of giving Francelia the next Morning a pleasant account of that nights Discoveries, but not without design of out-witting Cornelia at some other time. Thus did Villarius leave the Prince in the Arms of that Person he had loved, but now hated most, not without promising to himself yet a full and entire Revenge, when the next opportunity should present itself.  
The next Morning, when news was brought him that the Prince was in his own apartment, he came to him, and the Prince received him with such a coldness that expressed what were his Sentiments, and how much he thought he had wronged him in putting him on such Extravigancies; and scandalising a Person whom he loved, to gratify his particular Revenge. Villarius amazed at the princes Expressions, said no more, but only begged his Highnesses Pardon, and  told him, That it was none of his fault, if after he had lodged the Dear, he had been so blinded as not to see him, and to let him go. Let who go? replied the Prince, I rushed into Cornelia's Room e're it was possible she could have any notice of me, and I found her in her Bed, her Heir dishevelled, almost distracted with a cruel headache, and no Person in the Room but a Gentlewoman that assisted her. That was the Man, Sir, you were to have seized, and who having escaped your Hands, got away from me also afterwards, through the favour of the Night, and the nimbleness of his Feet. Do you think I do not know a Man from a Woman? replied the Prince peevishly. Not at all times, Sir, it seems, answered Villarius, almost mad, I say again, added he, That Cornelia's Wit has deceived you, and that that Person that was in Bed with her, was a real Man, to her knowledge, however she has made him pass with you for a Woman. A Man with Womans Night-Cloaths on his Head, and a Woman bare-headed, said the Prince: here he paused, as if reflecting within himself. Yes, Sir, said Villarius, now you have unfolded the Riddle; under the favour of Cornelia's Night-Cloaths you have let the Minion escape your knowledge. How? said the Prince, looking on the Ground, as if musing still; If it was so, nothing could be more false and treacherous. There was no other way left, but under that disguise to escape you, Sir, said Villarius, and the more you will be pleased to reflect upon every particular Circumstance, the more the Cheat will appear clear to your Understanding. Why should she be without Night-Cloaths just at my coming, yet afterwards put them on, and never more complain of them, no in truth, scarce of her headache, said the Prince. Ay, Sir, and where did she find them, said Villarius? Her Woman brought them to her, replied the Prince. I believe so, Sir, replied Villarius, when the Blade had no more use for them. She sent the Gentlewoman that was in Bed with her, said the Prince, to her Closet for some Cordial. And did that Person bring it back? Villarius asked. No, said the Prince musing, it was that Woman that brought her Night-Cloaths. Very well, Sir, said Villarius, how did that modest Gentlewoman that was in Bed with Cornelia rise? before your face, Sir? No; odds fish, replied the Prince, Cornelia, I remember she bid me hold her Head while she should get out of the Bed, and though I should have had a mind to have seen her, I could not, she hugged me so close, notwithstanding the most violent headache she had but just before complained of. Replied Villarius, A very convenient way to blind you, Sir, while the other escaped. I begin to mistrust there was som●… Juggle in it, said the Prince, when I consider well every Circumstance; in truth, sh●… did not once complain of her headache all th●… night long after that, but turned from me an●… sighed often. Well, she shall never deceiv●… me more, and if we can but get such another opportunity, I'll warrant you I'll secur●… her Stallion; I find I was deluded by her Caresses, her false Embraces, which she used n●… longer than to serve her turn; that once done she proved to me, the rest of the Night, a●… could and indifferent as if I had not been i●… Bed with her. Could you blame her, Sir said Villarius, you had disappointed her Amorous Hopes, defeated her sweet Expectation, and deprived her of all those Joys sh●… was going to surfeit with; and would yo●… after that have had her to embrace a Perso●… that had so unexpectedly disappointed her o●… all her Pleasures? Well, no more on't, sai●… the Prince, I will this Afternoon dive●… this Shagrin it has brought on me, with a Glass of Wine; get half a dozen of our Friends together against six; sand me word where you are, and I'll come to you. Villarius  told the Prince he would go about it instantly, so took his leave.  
The Prince, at the merry meeting that Evening, was very pleasant, especially towards the latter end: at last he stolen away from the Company, after he had  told Villarius where he was going, and he went to visit Francelia, whom he found but just come from the Princess's Apartment. He  told her that he had been making merry, and that he came to show her that he was still the same towards her, that if she pleased to accept of a Royal Heart, he had one at her Service. Had you ever more than one, Sir? answered Francelia. No faith, replied the Prince, but that shall be yours, continued he. Then you have none to give, Sir, replied she, for that you had you gave away to the Princess in Marriage, and since that time it has been no longer at your Highness's Disposal; some small sparks of it may light by accident on other Objects sometimes, but the whole flamme cannot be fed, but by that Fuel which the Princess affords it. Never say that, Madam, replied the Prince; you, your Charms have made it burn far more fiercely than ever the Princess has done: I am very sorry, Sir, answered Francelia, that I have any thing belonging to me that serves to feed others Fires; and I would use all my Endeavours to bestow my Fuel on a Fire of my own kindling. You cannot be so cruel as you would seem to be, replied the Prince, who began to be a little more frolic, and to play with his Hands. I do not think there is any Cruelty, Sir, answered she, in avoiding being cruel to myself. Saying this, she pulled a String, after which some of her Servants entered the Room. The Prince presently understood the meaning of it, as though Francelia seemed to employ one about something there; he therefore retired, telling her softly, he would not leave her so, but would declare more fully his Mind to her yet, the next time he came again to see her; with that he took his leave.   

Francelia did continually manage the Prince, as she found occasion, and as he ministered opportunity; but still she got ground of him, and finding that she had obtained already the greatest Ascendant over him that could be, she resolved on an Exploit that would show her Masterpiece, and the Power of her Beauty and Wit: She found that the Prince, to obtain the least ●a our of her, would not stick at any thing, but grant whatever she required, and she had all along bended her Discourses that way, she thought it now high time to come to the point; wherefore, the next time that the Prince would give her an opportunity, she resolved to improve it, and to lay before him the Conditions on which she would yield. All this, not so much to satisfy her Conscience and pretended virtue, as to make the Prince so surely her own, that she might command him as absolutely as she pleased, in all that she should put him upon, for that Interest which had brought her over into the Isles. The Prince, on his part, resolved to yield whatever she should desire of him, to obtain his ends, did conclude within himself, to subscribe to her Conditions, what ever they should be, and did with Impatience wait for the next opportunity to declare fully his Mind to her, and to expose his weakness naked before her. Thus were our two Lovers ready to enter on a Conclusion, the next time they had the opportunity of a free Conversation.  
Mean time the indefatigable Villarius, who was more netl'd than ever since the last time Cornelia had outwitted him and the Prince, did make what diligence he could to learn the time of a new Assignation; he was not long without being informed, that by some Circumstances and Alterations were made in Cornelia's Chamber, there was some new design in hand; the Spies therefore made the best use they could of their Eyes and Ears, and at last learned for certain, that some body was to be privately admitted and entertained the following Night; they presently informed Villarius of it, and he, the Prince, and they both concerted together of the means to secure them safe, and no more to be deceived as they had been before: That which made the Prince more earnest than ever, to detect Cornelia in her Inconstancy, was, that he might have more colour and just ground to break off with her, to give himself wholly up to his new Mistress, and to own her publicly, which was a humour that he highly affencted.  
The Prince having declared that he would be wholly guided by Villarius in this surprisal, at last thought fit to get three or four of his own Servants to go along with them, to place at the Doors without, to secure whatever came out of the House, in case they should miss of the bide in the Nest. He did not doubt but that the last danger the two Lovers had been in, would make them more circumspectly for the future, and that they knowing the Prince had a Key that opened all Doors within the House, yet he could not get into the House without the outward Gate was opened to him, and that that would be a sufficient time to give notice to the Lovers, and to let them escape. Villarius therefore had ordered one of his Spies to leave a back Door upon the Latch only, that they might come in without noise.  
Things being thus ordered, and the hour come, the Prince and Villarius go, with the Servants, to Cornelia's Apartment; where Villarius placed the Men at the Fore-gate, with special order to take, dead or alive, whoever should offer to go out, and not yield to them. The Prince and he, after that, went to the back-gate, where, after the Prince was got in, Villarius remained behind to keep sentry there, fully resolved to make sure of any Person that should sally out that way. The Prince got up Stairs, passed a long Gallery, and at last made a shift to lose himself in the dark, not being used to that part of the House; however, after he had blundered up and down a pretty while, he thought he heard some Voices, he hearkned, and drew nearer the place, whence he thought the Voices came, there he heard Cornelia say, I never spent an Evening worse in my Life than that, my Dear, though the Prince was very pleasant, and more than ordinarily kind, because you were not there; did he but know how loathsome all his Courtship is to me, especially when you come in my Mind, he would not trouble me with it. I declare, that next to Villarius, I hate his Conversation, it is so insipid, that were it not to divert him from wholly adhering to that French Trollop he has lately got,( whose measures I will break or ruin all) I did not care whether I did ever see him again. It has been no little cause of wonder to me, Madam, replied the Blade, that you could conceive any Hatred against so accomplished a person, as is Villarius; a Man so powerful with the Prince, and who has served you so affectionately too. He has so, replied Cornelia, and that is the greatest cause of my Hatred to him, next the Love that I bear to you, which makes me despise the very Prince. Villarius fancies he merits all things from me; that no Woman in the World is able to withstand his Temptations, and that all must truckle under that Power, which he has gained over the princes easy Mind; but I am resolved to so rival him in that, though I value it not in any other respect, that he shall know my Power, and his own Weakness, as well as his Masters.  
I despise them both, and laugh at their weaknesses; neither could all his Courtships find such returns from me, as you have done, for you alone have I kept my Affection entire. And the Prince, with all his Power, is not to be compared with the Pleasure I now enjoy in seeing you, and being alone with you all this Night.  
These passionate Expressions being accompanied with divers tender Actions, which though the Prince could not see, he could hear, did let him judge that they would be soon followed with what the Reader may imagine. This doubtless to any other Lover, would have made him violently to rush into the Chamber, with Sword in hand, and have made the Delinquent wash with his Blood, the slain laid upon his Honour; but the good natured Prince, far from making use of that Advantage, was a pretty while fumbling at the Door, before he could or would open it, insomuch that the Gallant had sufficient time to make his Escape out of the Chamber by the Fore-door. Yet the Prince entered the Room with his Sword drawn, and looking very furiously every where: Where is that Villain, said he, that dares be so bold to appear here? At these Words, and what with the Fright Cornelia had conceived at the sight of a naked Sword, she fell down backward on her Bed in a Swoon. Never was any Person in the World so unmanned, as was the Prince at that Sight; he had in a moment forgot what he was come about; he thought no longer of searching after the Criminal, his Fury was blown over, and in its stead reigned the greatest Calmness and Compassion imaginable. He let drop the Sword he had in his hand, and busied himself in recovering Cornelia from her Fit; he run to her Closet, fetched from thence such Cordials as he met with, he poured some into her Mouth, and at last with much to do, he brought her to Life again. He asked her how she did, and whether he should assist her in raising her up; she by this time having had some small time to think what she should say to the Prince, she held forth her hand, which the Prince took, and by it lifted her up; When he found that she was past danger, and that her Colour began to return, he also reassumed his severe Countenance, and in a grave Tone thus began to school her. I must confess, Madam, that I cannot but admire at my own Goodness and Indulgence, that could afford you Succour, after you had so highly abused me. You shall know, Madam, that I am not so tame as you take me to be, and that I will despise a Woman, who has so much forgot her self; and I will make such an Example of your Stallion, as shall deter all Persons from daring to aspire in the least, where I pretend any thing. There the Prince making a pause, Cornelia had time to say, That he might be deceived by outward Appearances, and that she made no question, but that she should justify her self when she should find him divested of that Passion and Fury, which from his Brow did threaten her too severely. That will not do with me now, Madam, replied the Prince, I have heard too much how unworthily you reviled me to your Minion, to admit of any excuse, from a Person so unworthy my Favours. Yes, Sir, said Cornelia, I did speak all that in my Anger, and just Resentments could suggest to me, so soon as I heard some body at my Chamber-door, imagining that none could have the Confidence to come and disturb my rest, at such an Hour, when I was retired, but a Person transported with Chymerial jealousy, as you show yourself to be. In revenge I did speak things loud enough, that they might be heard by you, that I might give you some Disturbance, for your unkind censuring of my Actions, and the ill opinion you harbour of me; but to whom did I speak those things, Sir? That you know, Madam, and you may save me the Trouble to tell it you. Where have you hide that Wretch? Sir, you have free Liberty to search all Corners in this House, and to take your just Revenge on any Delinquents you shall find here, but till then, I wish I might see your Highness take a more serene Air. I spoken those Words to none but myself, Sir, and it was my Passion that forced them from my incensed Mind, as a Punishment for your distrustful humour. I am not to be any longer imposed upon now, Madam, replied the Prince, and it was enough for you to deceive me once, with the shifting of your Night-dresses on your Darling, and not to go about to abuse m●… once again to my Face: But I trifle here, I see, and I will find him out here or secure him hereafter, that he shall never more dare to lift up his Eyes, where I have any thoughts. Cornelia answered not a word, but seemed not to be well; and the Prince fearing that she was going once again to work on his too easy temper, went out of the Chamber 〈…〉 he met upon the Stairs Villarius, who wa●… going to see what was become of him. The Prince  told him, that thoug●… the Gallant had escaped him, he had heard enough to convince him of the baseness of the Woman. Villarius answered, that he had secured the Man, and sent him where he should be kept safe, till your Highness shall examine him. After that they retired, the Prince giving him a full account of his Proceeding with Cornelia.  
About this time the French ambassador in the Isles, who had been instrumental in the breaking of the forementioned League, did give frequent Visits to Francelia, and so did his Wife, which Visits Francelia return'd again. Artabaces, who was privy to the French Cabal, and who all along kept up that, and Francelia's Interest together, in whose House the Prince had had divers private Meetings with Francelia, having been informed all along of her Progress on the princes Mind, and she having  told him that all things were now ripe, and that she was going to put the last hand to the work. He made a very magnificent Entertainment at a new-built House of his, where were invited the Prince, Francelia, the French ambassador and his Lady, with divers other Persons of Quality of the French Party. The Prince, whom Villarius had the next Morning brought to see the Delinquent Lover, had the Satisfaction to hear him own his Crime; which ingenious Confession obliged the Prince to inflict no other Punishment upon him, but a Banishment, with Threatning●, that if ever he attempted any thing of that nature again, he should find a more rigorous usage. After that the Prince prepared to go to the Entertainment, with a Resolution fully to disclose his Mind to Francelia, and to bring things to a Conclusion.  
Things being so far brought to maturity betwixt the two Lovers, though not with the knowledge of one anothers Intentions, a true understanding, and a good success, could not choose but follow; wherefore the Prince applying himself closely, after Dinner, to the Courtship of his Mistress, and willing to clear that point on which she had so long insisted, he fell upon that Theme himself, and  told her, That he was resolved to do any thing that she should require of him, provided that she would after all be favourable to him. She made answer, that she had long since declared to him, that she wanted not Respect and over Love, to gratify him in any thing that he could require of her; but that she could not bring her self to submit to that Character, which a closer Conjunction betwixt them, would bring upon her, so long as there was no Marriage in the case. Nay, if that be all, Madam, replied the Prince, I'll mary you over and over, after what form and manner you shall like best: Come, come, we'll go about it immediately; no better time than now, we shall have so many Witnesses: Come, who will lend us a formulary, and who shall be the Priest? Here's a Match made, my Lord, continued he, and a Wedding at hand; who shall we have for Bride-men and Bride-maids? Not so fast, Sir, replied Francelia, you are making a Jest of what I am very serious in: Who I? replied the Prince, not in the least, I assure you: I'll go about it presently, and give more private orders for getting all things in a readiness for your Satisfaction. With that, the Prince overjoyed that he and his Mistress were come to an Agreement, though with different Intentions, the one endeavouring all things to be done with a great deal of Solemnity and Circumspection, while the other had no further thoughts in it, but to let her have her humour, in a frolic, so long as it worked his ends with her. There was four or five persons pitched upon to be present at the Agreement of the two Lovers, who retired in a private Room, where one in the habit of a Priest mumbled over the Matrimony, and so both Parties were agreed. The Prince expressing a World of Impatience to come to an Enjoyment after all this condescension: those that were privy to the business, caused a Bridal Bed to be fitted, where in the presence of two Persons the Prince Bedded and enjoyed his French Mistress; and he being of a humour, as not to care much to toil or take pains to obtain his Pleasures, as he had frequently declared, and that he loved to find some work ready done to his hands, and moreover having been that day very well plied with Healths, to make him the less capable of discernment, he never troubled himself, nor found fault afterwards, for not finding all things the first Night he enjoyed his Mistress, according to that height o●… virtue and Innocence that she always had professed.  
Thus had Francelia the Satisfaction to be assured, that after such a trial she had put the Prince upon, he could not refuse her any thing that she should require of him; all her Policy therefor●… which she used afterwards, was to kee●… the Prince from falling into Relapse●… with Cornelia, and to entertain and keep up his Affections towards her self, at the same pitch to which she had brought him, in which she made use of all her subtle Policy and Wit, with the super-addition of her other Charms, by which she easily obtained all that she would from him, to the advantage of the French, beyond all that the French ambassadors, and the French Court-Pensioners could do; insomuch, that when at sometimes the Ministers of other Princes, did represent with so much reason, and on such sure grounds, that it was against the princes and the Nation's Interest, to yield such and such things to the French, which would so convince the Prince, that he was ready to recall his Word from the French Ministers, which he had assured those other State-Ministers that he would do; Francelia would work more with him in one Night, than they could do with all their Just Reasonings; and would so turn the Scales again before Morning, that those Ministers well saw they should never be able to bring the Prince to any reasonable Terms, so long as he lay in the Arms of that French Dalila.  
Francelia having thus brought her Designs to pass, as to the firm Establishing of her Interest in the princes Bosom, she had no more to do but destroy Cornelia's, that she might rise on her debasement; but because those Titles and Honours which had been conferred on Cornelia, were not to be taken off, she soon did work with the Prince to make her as Great in all respects; she was not long without great Titles, and without some other Testimonies of the princes Favours. The Prince did not only fill her Coffers, but her Belly also, so that at last the Princess taking notice of it, she plainly  told Francelia what her thoughts were of her. Francelia being conscious of her guilt, and that to go about to deny a thing which she would have to come to light, would but aggravate things with the Princess, and make them appear the worse; in time she little by little drew her self from her presence, and acquainted the Prince with what the Princess had laid to her Charge. There presently followed Consultations betwixt the Prince, his Mistress, and all the French Ministers and Partisans, how the thing should be carried; the Prince was for privacy, and Francelia forbidding open defiance to all; but the Prince upon mature advice, carried it his way, and she was at last delivered of a Son in Artabasus's Lodgings, the whole business being carried with all the privacy imaginable, there being a Man-Midwife in readiness to that purpose, who took care according to the Instructions he had received, to convey the Child away, who was for some considerable time kept in the Country, at a Farmers House, where it was baptized by an appointed Chaplain, and had for Godfathers and Godmothers such as the Country would afford. But Francelia being wearied at last in remaining obscure, did so work with the Prince, that notwithstanding Cornelia's last Effords towards the Princess, to endeavour the suppressing of the growing grandeur of Francelia; she was not long after entitled to great Dignities, and her Son also some time after.  
Now did Francelia look upon her self as come to the height she had all-along aimed at, and she did not a little glory also, though in private, and amongst those that were of the Cabal, of her being the princes Wife; and when it ever reached the princes Ears, though he would sometimes be a little displeased at it, yet when he considered that all that Pageantry was performed, but to obtain his Ends of his Mistress with the more ease and quicker dispatch, would laugh at it, and say, 'twas fitting she should have her Humour a little, as well as he had his. He caused a Magnificent apartment to be made ready, and very richly furnished for her at Court; he owned her publicly for his Mistress, and the young Child for his Son: And by the Assiduous Visits, and the whole days and nights he spent with her, he gave all the World sufficiently to understand that she had made her self Mistress of his Mind; and that she had got such an Ascendant over him, that all the Policy in the World was never able to remove. Now she had so well performed the first part of her Commission, that there was no fear left in the French Ministers, but that she would succeed in the rest, to the height of their Expectations. Wherefore now things were put forward in France, for her to bring to perfection here. The Great Senate was grown too troublesone, and was too prying into the French Affairs; they amongst the rest, would have the Prince to recall all his Subjects out of the French Service, both by Sea and Land; and while they were busy about such necessary things, for the good of the Nation, there came a very great Embassy from Tyrannides, and in order that they should be received according to their Merits, and the grandeur of the King they came from. Francelia persuaded the Prince to Adjourn the Great Senate for their better Reception. This Embassy consisted of divers Persons; the chiefest of which were a Duke, an Arch-Bishop, and Brillano; and these were followed with about 400 Persons of all sorts and degrees. But the Grand Senat being grown so obstinate, as to oppose all the particulars about which they were come; Francelia was set to work, and performed her business so effectually, that Tyrannides had full Leisure and Liberty to complete his Conquests against his Enemies: She obtained that the princes Subjects should not be recalled from the French Service; she dissuaded the Prince from concluding a League Offensive and Defensive with Batavia. And to these purposes, because the Grand Senate had declared they would proceed on no Business whatsoever, till those, and other things of that nature were first done, she got the Prince to Adjourn them from time to time: Amongst which Adjournments and Prorogations, there was one, when the greatest urgency of Affairs, and the Dangers which highly threatened that Nation, required most their Assembling, in order to bring to condign Punishment, all such as had been Instrumental in carrying on a dangerous Plot against these Isles. Then was it that Francelia employed all her Policy, Charms and Wit, to bring the Prince to so extraordinary an Action, to the great prejudice of the Isles, and which it was impossible he should ever have been brought to, while he was himself: Wherefore means were found out, so much to alienate his Mind from his own Interest, that he should be brought to act absolutely contrary to his own Design. Amongst divers was proposed, but few thought proper, Francelia would receive none but she her self had designed; she only wanted two more of her Sex to assist her in it, which having got, and full Instructions how to manage the Prince to the advantage of the Plot, she fell to work. The Prince had divers times mentioned, that he had a great desire to be thoroughly merry with her, to dissipate some Shagrins which the late disturbances had raised in his Mind. You shall not want that any longer, Sir, Francelia  told him, and if you please but to name the day, I'll undertake for the rest, and shall endeavour all I can possible to give you some agreeable Diversion. The Prince, who did not care how soon he were freed from some time of those Agitations which the searching too deep into the Plot wrought in his Mind,  told her, The sooner the better, and that he did not care if it was that very Evening; nay, I design to make a Night on't, continued he, and to cast off all Cares, Trouble and Thoughts, except of Mirth, during that time. Francelia presently agreed to it, and prepared a magnificent Banquet, with divers sorts of music, and variety of pleasant liquours. Those Persons also which composed the Company, had screwed their Mirth and Wits to the highest pitch, that nothing should be wanting that could produce Delights, and banish thence all Cares and Thoughts; in a word, that Night was to be wholly dedicated to Baccus and to Venus: And in effect, it proved a Debauch of the highest nature, the whole night being spent with Drinking and Toying; so that the Prince was never more enrowl'd under Bacchus's Banner than he was that night; and in the morning, when the Company began to be so tired as to part, Francelia to fill up the measure, and come to the Point and Conclusion, towards which, all the Extravagancies which were committed that night were so many steps, she with the two other great Ladies and the Prince retired into another more private Place, where to make a full Conquest of him, before he should cool so much as to admit of any second Thought or Reflections, Francelia proposed to the two other Ladies who were complaining of Heat, to strip; and to induce them to it, she began her self to open her Bosom, to take in a little Air. That Allurement made the Prince to desire a further view of those Charms which raised his Desires, and because that Francelia insisted upon having the two other Ladies do the same; the Prince not only used many entreaties to obtain that Favour from them, but assisted them also to undress; so that at last, following Francelia's Example, they pulled off so long that they left nothing on, to cover them, but what Nature had furnished them withal. Thus did those three naked Ladies stand before the Prince, not unlike the three Goddesses, Juno, Pallas and Venus, before Paris. The Prince ravished with such a Spectacle, did examine every part with his Eyes, with all the Curiosity imaginable; and because the Ladies would dress again, he bethought himself of proposing some Diversion in their undress; amongst divers that were mentioned, the sport of Questions and Commands was pitched upon. They employed some time at it, and frequently when it came to the Ladies turns to Command, they would impose upon the Prince, the drinking a Glass of Wine to each of their Healths, to bear up his Spirits: And the good Prince thought he could do no less, in requital of those Favours he obtained from them, and to keep up the frolic also, on his side. At last Francelia finding that all things were as she would have them, to give the word that should cause a general Amazement through the whole Nation, it being her turn to Rule; She asked the Prince whether he would have two Commands and one Question, or two Questions and one Command? the Prince desired one Command and two Questions. She asked him first, Whether he would not be glad to be so Absolute, as hence-forth to Govern without the Grand Senate, and have no further occasion for them? Next she asked, Who he thought the happiest Monarch in the World? The Prince having answered to those two Questions as he thought fit, she Commanded him to Dissolve the Grand Senat. Her Command was readily obeyed, and the very next Morning put in Execution; in part by a Prorogation, which was the first step to its Dissolution, notwithstanding all that the sober Party could allege to the contrary, and to the wonder of all the World.  
Thus what all the Arts of the most refined politics and rhetoric could never have been able to bring about in a long Succession of Time, was done with ease and Diligence by a Woman's Tongue and Tail; for which she had the Applause of all that Party, but above all, of her Lord and sovereign Tyrannides. This Master-piece made her fit, in the Opinion of all the Caballists, to be, not only admitted into the most secret Consultations after that, but also to have her Voice in all the Affairs that were negotiated at home and abroad. That was the reason, that after the murder of Sir Edmundus, to which she was made privy, as to all other Designs; she had the Curiosity, with another Lady of great Quality, to go to see his Body, as it lay in a Palace, on which having smiled, she said, That many should follow him, rather than that Work so well begun for the good of the French, should fall short of their Hopes and Expectations. Yet, how great soever her Expectations were that way, they were not without some mixture of Fears and Apprehensions; she was frequently heard to say, That it was good to make Hay while the Sun shined, and to provide a Cloak against a Storm. She, like an expert Politician, would provide against an adverse Fortune in the highest of Prosperity, as being indeed the most fit and proper time so to do; that made her to drain the princes Purse, as well as his Body, getting from him, when any Money was stirring, vast Sums to lay up as well as to defray her exorbitant expenses at game. That made Helliana one day to say, pleasantly to the Prince, who seemed unwilling to bestow 20 pieces of Gold for a Pollony Dog which she fancied much, That the Prince had given more thousands of pounds for a French Bitch than he would give of pieces of Gold for a much prettier Creature. Francelia was a very great lover of Cards, would play suitable to her Quality, and sit up whole nights at it, insomuch, that what with freting at the loss of a very considerable Sum, and with sitting up for several nights, in hopes to regain some back,( but her countrymen being too cunning for her that way, made her lose more and more) she so heated her Body, that she had upon it a dangerous fit of Sickness, which gave the good Prince a great deal of trouble, and cost him many Tears and Gold to repair her loss.  
It was well known, how frequently she had private Conferences with Brillano, and a Secretary of State, concerning that scurvy Discovery of the Plot, and how she influenced the Prince to slight all the Evidences that appeared to prove the same; and now it was thought fit to proffer to her Service an Hibernian Woman, who had been formerly employed about the meanest Offices at Court, and by her bold Confidence had raised her self to some higher Employ. She had been examined and tried, and had been found a fit Instrument for Francelia's purposes, so she became from a Vile Inconsiderable Wretch a very great States-woman, and a great part of the Secrets were imparted to her, and she so well acted her part, that Francelia recommended her to the princes Favour. It was by her means afterwards that all sorts of Pamphlets and Verses were delivered to Francelia, who would show them unto the Prince, who employed Persons after that to find out the Authors of them.  
Of several Amorous Intrigues which Francelia had at divers times, the Prince did never suspect her but twice, and the first time too was but for a very small time, and very superficially. One Urbirupa, for Diversion, did cast his Eyes on Francelia, and his Amorous Looks were repaid with such Glances from her, as made him see, that his Person would be as acceptable, as had always been his Wit and Conversation; his own Inclinations spurred him on, and he found he had not many steps to make that way, because of her Advances towards him; they presently understood one another, and it was not long e're he received from her such Assurances of her Good-will, that he waited but for time and opportunity to improve his Fortune. Neither was she on her part backward in the least, to let him know how much she coveted some greater completement with him; and she so prest him, that knowing himself to be in no condition to give her all the satisfaction that she required, without doing her some prejudice, he still went back, as she prest forward, which made her but the more eagerly to pursue the Game, in the Opinion that my Lord Urbirupa had some new Amour in hand, into which, according as she might be inclined, he would discover his Intrigues with her. One day that Urbirupa was come to pay those Respects to her, which of late he had frequently done; she  told him, that of all things in the World she wondered most, that Men should make it their business to insinuate into Womens Affections, on the bare account of so doing, and without drawing any further advantage, than to boast of it after. He being surprised at this free Declaration, could no longer forbear, notwithstanding the condition he was in, which had made him to defer from time to time, giving her that Satisfaction which she expected, and that he was as eager to bestow upon her, but for the above-mentioned Circumstance he found himself in; that setting aside all those Considerations, which had detained him so long from the Enjoyment of that which he so earnestly desired, and of the prejudice that the Prince might receive from it at the third hand; he only  told her, that she might be mistaken in him, and that what she took for mere Gallantry and Custom, was an effect of her singular Perfections, and of his Sense and judgement, only mixed perhaps with too much of profound Respect for the Mistress of his Prince; but that now he had laid aside all other considerations, to give himself wholly up to Love, and to her Service; in short they made use of the present opportunity, being alone, and without likelihood of being disturbed, and for the present they both were very well satisfied with one another, and continued in a secret Correspondency during some time.  
At length Francelia found her self Ill, and perceiving that she was worse and worse, and that Urbirupa grew remiss in his Visits to her, she sent to him to desire him to see her: He mistrusting what it was about, deferred answering her expectations, still putting off his appearing with some pretence or other, till at last they having pressed him beyond excuse, he could no longer put off waiting on her, he went immediately to Francelia's Apartment, and found her all in Tears, who being left alone with him,  told him, That he was certainly the most perfidious Man alive, and that he had entirely ruined her; with that she declared in what a Condition she was, that she was the most miserable Wretch in the whole World, and that she did not know how to behave her self to the Prince. Urbirupa seeing her in such a Passion, after a little pause,  told her, That he was sorry any such thing had happened, that it was unknown to him, he was himself in such a Condition; and upon redoubling of her Lamentations, he bid her to be of good Comfort, and not afflict her self so much, assuring that he would take care all things should be well, and the Prince have not so much as the least suspicion of it, only he bid her to stave off the Prince but two or three days longer from her Embraces, and by that time all things should be so ordered, that no prejudice should possibly come to her. In fine, Urbirupa, who abounded in Wit and good Language, did so well make use of them both to Francelia, that in short, she wholly relied on his address and good management, and so let him go about that work.  
Urbirupa being then highly in favour with the Prince, and one of those with whom he did use to divert himself privately; he went immediately and found out the Prince, and presently put him on a Discourse of Women. They are, Sir, said he, but as we make them, and we have the happiness not to engage with any but such, whose Modesty, straitlaced Virtue, or grandeur, are no Impediments to our Pleasures: we are for Freedom, for all sorts of Liberties, in which we feast all our Senses at once. That, I must confess, is very agreeable, replied the Prince, and I am much of your mind, that Greatness does but obstruct our Pleasures. Ah! Sir, said Urbirupa, did you but know, did you but see our ways, you would certainly be very well pleased with them, and you would not be long without making some trial that way. I have a mind to have a frolic that way, to see the humour of it, replied the Prince; when do you think we might do any thing of that Nature? When you please, Sir, replied the other, I know a place where there are three or four of the Prettiest, Wittiest, Ingenious, merry Creatures in the World; they are incomparable Company, Sir, continued he, and such as would infinitely please your Humour. Name but your time, Sir, added he, and I shall give order that the cost may be clear for your admittance, and those only you shall appoint to wait on you there. Faith, replied the Prince, I care not and if it be this Night, get you two or three more of our Company to meet there, and I'll be ready to go along with you. Urbirupa having assured him he would not fail to do all things according to his desire; he went his ways to give the necessary Orders, and return'd again to the Prince, to let him know all things were in a readiness to entertain him, and that the rest of the Company was there already, though none of them knew the Prince should be there.  
The Prince having disguised himself a little, went with Urbirupa to the Rendezvous, not a little tickled in his Fancy, with the surprisal the Company would be in at his coming, as also at the singular pastime that he expected to find there. It is certain that the whole Company did all they could to divert the Prince, but above all Urbirupa with his gay Humour and Ingenious Wit, insomuch that the Prince hearty thanked him, and protested he never was so merry in his life, and he did taste of all the Variety that was offered, with a great deal of Satisfaction, and without the least Scruple. At last the Company broken up, because the Prince grew Sleepy, and the Prince went home well satisfied with that nights Adventure.  
Urbirupa having thus far played his part, with all the Success he could wish, and without the least distrust to the Prince, the next day he went to acquaint Francelia with it, and gave her some directions to govern her self towards the Prince the next time he should come near her; and that in case he should not come of himself the next day, she should not fail, to invite him the day after to some Entertainment, that his too long absence might not break their measures. Francelia had no need to use any Invitation, for the Prince came to her the next day in the Evening, with whom he stayed the best part of the night, insomuch that now they had a very easy Game to play of it. Some five or six days after Francelia, according to her Kew, so soon as she saw the Prince, did make a sad and lamentable Complaint to him of the Condition she was in, condoling her misfortune, and the miserableness of her Condition. The Prince who expected not such a Reception, and that was wholly ignorant of the business, was not a little startled at it. He asked her what was the matter with her? What mean you, Madam, continued he, and who do you take me for? I mean, Sir, said she in a great Passion, that you have ruined me, you have undone me, I am lost, I am undone for ever. The Prince more and more amazed at her Transports, looking on her with some concern: Explain yourself, Madam, continued he, and put me out of suspense. What need I tell you, Sir, that which you know so well, and feel already. Still a Riddle to me, and I shall continue in a Cloud, except you will express yourself so as that I may understand you. At last with much to do, and not without violent Reproaches, she let the Prince understand that he had made her very ill: The Prince startled at the first news of it, went about to excuse himself, and to pled his Innocence, but that served but to exasperate her the more, insomuch that she fell into such Passions, or at least did so excellently well counterfeit them, that it put the good Prince on serious Reflections. He began to think of his last frollicking night, and of what he had then done, and concluded in himself, against himself, taking all the blame to himself, and freely confessing his Guilt to the enraged Mistress, most humbly and hearty begging her Pardon, with a thousand Protestations that he knew nothing of it, or he had not been so base as to have come near her, and that at that very instant he was as free from any such distemper, as ever he was in all his Life. He further assured her, that he had no ill Opinion of her in the least; that he took all upon himself, and that he would highly make her amends for the wrong he had done her: With that he set himself to caress her, which brought her a little out of her dumps; and some few days after, the Prince finding himself ill, he went again to her, to confess and acknowledge his Fault, and to perfect the Reconciliation; assigning her, besides a very considerable Sum of money with which he bought his Peace, which served to go to the Bath suitable to her Rank and grandeur, where she resolved to stay, and did stay till the Prince begged of her to return to him, which she did at her leisure, and when she thought fit. She remained for some time after her return under the Physicians Hands; and though the Prince was perfectly then recovered of his Illness, she would not let him Embrace her of a long time after, but still persisted in the Opinion, at least seemingly, that the Prince could not be well so long as she remained Ill, seeing that he had been the first attacked by that Distemper under which she still lay languishing. This obliged the Prince to inquire a little more narrowly into the matter, and at last he was informed by one of his own Physicians, who he had sent to take care of her in Conjunction with others, that her Distemper proceeded from another Cause, than he imagined, and that it rendered her incapable of Caressing him as she used to do, but that in a short time she would recover, though peradventure with a disability o● bearing any more Children. The Prince desire d the Doctor to continue his Cares towards her; and so was forced to rest satisfied for sometime longer: In short, the Prince was never at ease till she was recovered; nor then neither, to speak the truth; for never was there any Money stirring, either in the Privy-Purse, in the Exchequer, or from beyond-Seas, but she would have her share of it, no matter how the Prince resented it, or how he was censured by the Nation: It was to advance the French Interest that she had acted all along; and why should she not share in the Gold that came from thence as well as such which she knew very well had not performed so much, nor merited more than she had done; and to make all things sure, no sooner had she got a considerable Sum together, but it was sent into France in good Gold, till it was pretty well drained; and afterwards in Silver, under pretence of Pewter and other things made up in Casks: It was with those immense Sums that she has built a most Magnificent Palace, and that she at present keeps as great a Rank at the French Court, as any one that is of the Blood-Royal, though she has lost prodigiously at play since her return to France.  
Thus was the good Prince played upon by his ungrateful French Mistress, who not contented to play false with him, had the Impudence afterwards to task him with Crimes, that she her self was guilty of; making him pay for her Lasciviousness, and make an Atonement for her Faults.  
The other time that the Prince accused Francelia of falsehood, he had better success than in this former Intrigue, through the Assistance of one of her Servants, who was not at first come into the princes Interests, as she did afterwards upon some distaste, which is not worth the mentioning.  
Tyrannides had sent to the Court of the Isles, a certain Clergy-man, with the Character of public Minister, to negotiate something of great moment there with Francelia, and the French Pensioners at Court; and being a Person of a Noble Family, of an high Character, rarely Educated, of a very fine Presence, and a very good mien, and a great stock of Wit and Complaisance, with a full Purse; all these excellent Qualifications did render him acceptable in all ingenious Companies, and most highly coveted by the softer Sex, to which he was naturally very much inclined, and very well endowed in all respects to do them Service: But above all, under pretence of private Conferences, he had access almost at all times at Francelia's Lodgings, where he would sometimes pass whole Nights at play, and though he would lose sometimes very considerably, yet he would never be wanting to gratify the Servants, which acquired him a more free Access in most places where he resorted: After some time, when that he had dispatched the best part of the Business he came for, he did not for that decrease the number of his Visits, but only altered the Property of them, both as to Privacy and Business, which made him also to alter his Discourses; for whereas formerly they were of Affairs and politic Designs, which he would conclude with some slight amorous compliment; now his whole Theme was Love, and only sometimes to blind those that would intrude, he would superficially touch on some State Affair. His Person was not to be disliked, as I have said already, and with that he was very agreeable Company; besides, the Prince began to grow ancient, and not so full of Courtship consequently, as formerly: All these things together, made Francelia to open her Eyes, her Ears, and at last, her very Heart to this Sancti Pater's Charms, while he was admiring and praising hers, so that there was Charms for Charms, and both parties were very well satisfied in Conversation one with another. This Trade continued a pretty while before notice was taken, and all that could be made of it, when looked into a little more narrowly, was, that they diverted themselves at Cards, and in discoursing of Passages at the French Court. Mean time, Love, who never is at a stay, increasing in these two Lovers Bosoms, they began to find that their Attendance was more troublesone to them than it used to be; and that they might very well dispense with them, and not be the least incommoded. What the Sancti Pater said, was seconded by Francelia, who from thence took new Measures; and whereas formerly the Presence-Chamber was rarely without some Servants in it, and the Anti-Chamber continually full of Waiters, very frequently she would sand forth those that waited in her Chamber, on trifling Businesses, that she might have the greater Freedom for Action. Amongst those that were so served was one of her Women, who took it so at Heart, that she resolved within her self to play them a Trick for it so soon as she had an opportunity, however she gave no Signs in the least of Discontent; on the contrary seemed as well pleased as ever, having found means privately so to post her self, as to see and hear all that past betwixt the two passionate Lovers.  
Our two Politicians, as well in Love, as in State-Affairs, did gradually ascend to the highest step of their Imaginary Felicity, that they might daily relish new Joys, and taste fresh Pleasures; and though at first they run, not headlong, to a full fruition, they toy'd sufficiently, and spoken a Thousand passionate things; if one called the other his Joy, he was called again, her Life: Thus all the most endearing Expressions that Love could inspire them with, were uttered round; and with ten thousand Daliances repeated. All these things did the Woman-Spie behold, but not as sufficient yet to give her that full satisfaction of that sweet Revenge which she longed for; wherefore, with a World of impatience she waited for that she expected would follow of course.  
The Prince, of late, had divers times, when he came to visit his unconstant Mistress, found the Door shut, and she either retired into her Closet, or laid down to rest, as not being well. These Excuses and Pretences had at first passed current with him, but at last, he began to grow weary of them, and it raised some Suspicions in him. These distrusts were sometimes after blown up into a flamme of jealousy by an unexpected accident. The Prince having one day gone to Francelia's Lodgings, as he used to do, was  told, That she had had an ill night, that she was newly laid down to endeavour to Sleep a little, and had given order, That no body should disturb her: The Prince willing she should be obeyed, passed from her Chamber Door into that Room where the spy was on the Watch, more by mere chance, than with any design; and perceiving her sitting very attentive, he came up to her, in order to further inform himself concerning her Mistresses Health; but first asked, What she did there so pensive alone? The cunning gipsy, glad of the opportunity that presented itself, to begin the opening of the Mystery of Iniquity; answered, That that place answering to Francelia's Beads-head, she was harkening there, to know when she might go in to her, without giving her the trouble to ring the Bell, which might cause her some disturbance: but she delivered this with such a style, and with such an Accent, as would sufficiently give to understand to any mean Capacity, that she spoken Ironically. That gave the Prince the Curiosity of leaning his Head against the Wainscote to harken; and he had his Desire; he did hear, not only one Voice, not only Francelia's, but another in Consort with hers; but though he could make a shift to distinguish two different Voices, yet they whispered so low, that it was impossible for him to understand what they said. This, however, did highly disturb him, insomuch that he could not forbear, as in a Surprise, to ask, what was the meaning of this? and prest the Woman very earnestly to unriddle the Business to him. But he was answered, That she used to follow her Ladies Orders implicitly, and never presumed to dive further into her Secrets than she her self was pleased to lay open. This Answer did but disquiet the Prince the more, and he earnestly pressed her to inform him in this Mystery. She did excuse her self, and pleaded Ignorance, but in such a manner as but confirmed the Prince the more in his Distrust. Our subtle spy having at last screwed up the princes jealousy to that hight she desired, she began to relent, and to seem to be desirous to comply with his Desires, and in Conclusion, upon Promises that the Prince would stand her Friend, and would amply gratify her, she  told him, that of truth Francelia had but feigned an Indisposition, to have the greater liberty to entertain a Friend of hers in private, without disturbancc. This did but increase the princes Desires of knowing more, which made him to repeat his Assurances of Kindnesses and Reward to her. At last, she  told him, That there was no such great Mystery in the Business; neither, that it was but what he had allowed of before; and that the same person was with her now, whom he had formerly found in private Conference with Francelia more than once, when he had retired, and left them together. I understand you now, said the Prince, it is her Countryman Sancti Pater; but now the case is altered, continued he; it is true, that I did allow of private Conferences between them, so long as he had Business of State to negotiate with her, but those things have been made an end of long since; and I know not what now he can have to communicate so privately to her, that I must not have admittance. Though I have signed all the Acts of their former Conferences, I shall not give my Consent to this Privy-one. Does he frequently do this? Yes, Sir, replied the Woman, but I humbly beg your Pardon for having not informed you sooner of it, not knowing, but that it was as formerly by your Consent. My consent, replied the Prince, it's so from it, that I will break their Measures, and spoil their Intrigue; but I will first be sure, before I make any noise about it; in which, I desire your Assistance. The Woman return'd him an Assurance, that she would for his Service, do all that lay in her power. Can you not so contrive, said the Prince, as that I may come upon them unawares, and surprise them when they are retired together? I shall do my endeavour, Sir, answered she, to give you that satisfaction, and I shall not fail, in order to it, to give you timely notice, the next time they are together, then your Highness may proceed in the Business as you shall think fit. The Prince entreated her to do so, and to take no further notice of it for the present, no more than he would, that he might the more surely surprise them; which she having promised to do, the Prince went his way, with more disturbances in his Head, than he had brought along with him, though he had had some Jealousies before.  
The Woman mean time continued her diligent Watch, as well as the two Lovers did their secret Conversations, that she might find out an opportunity of gratifying the Prince according to his desires. She had no occasion to wait long for it, the very next day offered her what she desired. Francelia having feigned to be indisposed, Sancti Pater came to give her some Consolation, as he used to do; so soon as he was come, Francelia gave more express Orders than ever, that no Body should disturb her not till Morning, because that she had some extraordinary business that required great hast to be dispatched by Morning; this she  told to that very Woman that spied her Actions, having called for her into her Chamber, where, for a show of business, divers Papers were laid open on the Table, and a Pen and Ink got ready: but on the contrary, all that did but confirm the Woman, that there was something to be done that Night, on the Interest of Love more than on that of State; wherefore presently after she went her self to give the Prince notice, that the Party was come, and that he was to lose no time. This was about Nine at Night, the Prince came with all the Privacy he could, and had the Curiosity to go to the place to listen, whether he could particular any of their Discourse. All this while the Woman had concealed from his knowledge the Peep-hole she had, whereby she could see what was done in the best part of the Chamber, but now she brought the Prince to it, and there he saw Wonders, and heard the Sancti Pater say: Now is the happy moment, in which I shall drink with long draughts, of those Sweets that flows from those delicious Streams, of which I have hitherto had but tempting sippings, which have but the more increased my unquenched Spirit. You see what I have done for you, replied Francelia; you have all sacrificed now to your Love, and the Prince himself lies neglected, to bestow on you, my Dear, with a more profuse hand, all that I am able to give you. I dare not think too much upon it, Madam, replied he, lest I should die for Joy before my time; that is, before I am wrapped in ecstasy in your Charming Embraces. Why lose we time, Madam, added he, a time so precious, whose every moment deprives me from so many Pleasures with which I should be ravished. These Expressions being accompanied with little Amorous Actions, that spoken yet more, and what was to follow, you may imagine with what impatience the Prince was seized. I have heard, I have seen enough, said he to the Woman, to distracted a Person far more Patient than I am, though I have had but too much with this ungrateful Woman that has so basely abused me. I will immediately rush in upon them. He upon that left the Woman, and went towards the Chamber-Door, where with over-earnestness in the dark fumbling for the Lock, he made so much noise, as gave them notice some Body was near; that made Francelia to endeavour getting off of the Bed, where she was with Sancti Pater, but one of her Feet being entangled in her Coats, she was found by the Prince in that posture, and the Sancti Pater lying still on the other side of the Bed, who so soon as he had perceived the Prince, got off, and while he was venting his Passion against Francelia, sneaked away.  
I need not tell you what the princes Passion suggested him to say; it suffices that I tell you he wanted words to express his Resentments; wherefore I may very well fail in the same Nature; but at his going away he  told her, that he would soon rid himself of those Troubles, and her of her Ruffian; and with that stepping to the Table he took along with him all the Papers that were on it, and tore them all along as he went out of the Chamber; he retired afterwards to his Lodgings, where how he spent that night any abused Lover may imagine.  
Francelia mean time left alone in such a Confusion, as can scarce be imagined, was a long time e're she could recover her self, and when she did, 'twas with so much remaining disorder, that she could not find any way of making any excuse for a thing, which had been but too visible to the Prince. She found that there was required a greater Calm, than she could yet be Mistress of in her Mind, to digest well this business, and to frame the least appearance of excuse or pretence; she therefore abandoned her self to Tears, and in the excess of her Grief, she at last sell into a Slumber, which contributed much to recollect her Mind, and to bring her again into some kind of frame; but the more she thought on some excuse, the more she found it difficult to make one; and all she could build upon, was in laying all the fault on the Sancti Pater's insolences, and making him guilty of attempting to have gained by force, what she would not freely yield to him: Because she had no other shift, she was glad to make use of that, till she had an opportunity to speak to the Prince, so as that he might with patience hear out her whole Story: She sufficiently schooled her Woman, and taxed her with perfidiousness; she on the other Hand, who wholly relied on the princes Promises and Favours, unwilling to have a continual noise about her Ears, fairly packed up her Tools and marched off. Francelia on the other hand failed not to sand a private Message to her disappointed Lover, to let him know what she designed to do, and say to the Prince, that he might provide against that Storm, which was unavoidably to fall upon him; she also acquainted him with what the Prince had said and done in his Absence, after he was got away; and how he had torn in pieces part of those Papers that were left upon the Table, and had carried the rest of them away with him.  
The Prince mean time on his part was not wanting, he had sent a Message to Sancti Pater, to command him to leave his Dominions, and to immediately go for France. That had somewhat surprised him, and though he could not but know he deserved a far more severe Treatment, and much more of Rigour shew'd him; yet such was his Love and Attachment to that Woman, that he could not conclude on obeying the princes Orders: Yet he was so cunning, as to feign, as if he would forthwith submit to them, but that was to get time only, and to have Conference about the business with Francelia, how to manage things under pretence of taking his Leave of her, in the presence of other Persons; but underhand he consulted divers Persons, what should be done in such a Case, whether he was to obey the Prince, or not, so long as he was invested with the Character of a public Minister of State. Some were for his immediate returning to France; others more affencted to the French Interest, would have him to stay, to dispute the business with the Prince, and to beard him in his own Palace, to the Honour of him, whose pensioners they were, and to the discredit of that good Prince, whose Subjects they were on the outside only. Upon this Sancti Pater did adventure to tarry here for some time, notwithstanding the princes express Orders to the contrary; and here he remained in opposition to the princes Will and Pleasure, for a considerable time, till he was  told, that it was not safe for him to tarry here; that he was best to make hast to be gone, lest worse should befall him. That Advice did make him look about him, and conclude upon leaving the Land and his dear Mistress behind him, which in a little time after he did.  
During his stay here, after the Prince had made that Discovery, and for some time after, Francelia endeavoured to persuade the Prince of her Innocence, and that Sancti Pater was only guilty: But he had heard and seen too much, to let that pass; and he had observed, on the contrary, that she had expressed much more of forwardness than he; wherefore the Prince was a long while before he would be reconciled to his Faithless Mistress; yet, at last, his good Nature prevailed over his Resentments, and upon her humble submission, and acknowledging of her Error, he again received her into Favour. Some say, that amongst those Papers which the Prince found upon the Table, he had the good Fortune to tare in pieces the most satirical Piece against himself that any French Pen could writ, whetted on with all the Malice and Scorn imaginable: Those other Papers which he took away with him being indifferent things, he flung them into the Fire. Francelia's peace once again made with the Prince, she soon got again the same ascendant over his Mind, as she had been Mistress of before, and if it was possible she Captivated him more than ever; insomuch, that at last, his whole delight was to walk a little, and then to spend the rest of his time with her in her Apartment. It was there, that a little before he fell ill of his last fit of Sickness, coming into her Chamber, and finding fault with some odd kind of smell, which did offend him, she treated him with some excellent Cordial, which she said, she had newly received from Spain or Italy, but the Prince did very much dislike the taste of it, and divers times found fault with it that night; however, he retired indisposed, and never held up his Head after that; divers Persons spent their Judgments upon it, as their Passions, or Interests did led them; but the poor Prince fell into Fits of Convulsions and Apoplexy, in which Fits having had some Intervals, he recommended Francelia and Helanda to his Brothers Care; thus expressing his Love towards her to the last day of his Life.  
So soon as the Prince was taken ill, she made strict Inquiries of his Physicians, Whether there was any danger? and when she was advertised, that he was threatened with Death, she began to prepare for a Retreat: she presently put up all her Jewels, and all the Gold she had, made away the best part of her Goods; and all that she could not conveniently sand away into France, she put into trusty Hands here; after which, she stayed here so long as she could conveniently, to endeavour to get some Arears due to her, being very unwilling to leave any thing behind her, but what she could not take along with her. It is reported, That since her return to France, she has had Addresses made by divers persons; but amongst the rest, she fancied one of good mien, who pretended to be most passionately in Love; but in the conclusion, it proved to be more with her Gold, than with her Person; for understanding how forward she was at playing at Cards, he made himself of the same Humour, and brought with him, one after another, three or four more notable gamesters, who played as genteely, lost their moneys as unconcerned at first, and were as free and liberal to the Servants, as any persons in the World could be; insomuch, that Francelia was very well satisfied with their agreeable Conversation, and she particularly expressed to her pretended Lover, the Resentments she had for his Care, in providing for her such excellent Company; but in the Conclusion, by her continuance at Play, they, together with her Gallant, made a shift to win about some twenty thousand Pounds from her; after which, the Gallants withdrew themselves little by little from her House, and at last, the Gallant also did on the sudden disappear, and was never heard of since. Some say, that they were a knot of Officers, that wanted so much Money to make their Equipage for this Campaign in Alsatia; where they now Swagger, and spend as high as the best, at the Cost and Charge of Francelia.  
FINIS.   

Books Printed for Richard Baldwin.  
A True Relation of the Cruelties and Barbarities of the French, upon the English Prisoners of War. Being a Journal of their Travels from Dinan in Britany, to Thoulon in Provence; and back again. With a Description of the situation, and Fortifications of all the Eminent Towns upon the Road, and their Distance. Of their Prisons and Hospitals, and the Number of Men that died under their Cruelty; With the Names of many of them, and the Places of their Deaths and Burials: With an Aceount of the great Charity and Sufferings of the poor Protestants of France; And other material Things that happened upon the Way.  
The Memoirs of Monsieur Deageant; containing the most secret Transactions and Affairs, from the Death of Henry IV. till the beginning of the Ministry of the Cardinal de Richlieu. To which is added, a particular Relation of the Arch-Bishop of Embrun's Voyage into England, and of his Negotiation for the Advancement of the Roman-Catholick Religion here; together with the Duke of Buckingham's Letters to the said Arch-Bishop, about the Progress of that Affair; which happened the last Years of King James I. his Reign. Faithfully translated out of the French Original.  
The Cabinet opened; or, The Secret History of the Amours of Madam de Maintenon with the French King. Translated from the French Copy.  
The History of the most Illustrious William P. of Orange; deduced from the first Founders of the Ancient House of Nassau; together with the most considerable Actions of this present Prince. The second Edition.  
A Collection of Fourteen Papers, relating to the Affairs of Church and State, in the Reign of the late King James.  
The Character of a Trimmer. His Opinion of, I. The Laws and Government. II. The Protestant Religion. III. The Papists. IV. Foreign Affairs. By the Honourable Sir William Coventry. The third Edition, carefully Corrected, and cleared from the Errors of the first Impression.  
An Impartial Relation of the Illegal Proceedings against St. Mary Magdalen college in Oxon, in the Year of our Lord 1687. Containing only Matters of Fact as they occurred. The Second Edition. To which is added the most Remarkable Passages omitted in the former. Collected by a Fellow of the said college.  
The Absolute Necessity of standing vigorously by the present Government; or, A view of what both Church-men and Dissenters must expect, if by their unhappy Divisions, Popery and Tyranny should return again.  
The Justice of the Parliament, in inflicting of Punishments subsequent to Offenders, vindicated; and the Lawfulness of the present Government asserted.  
An Account of Mr. Perkinson's Expulsion from the University of Oxfhrd, in late Times; in vindication of him from the false Aspersions cast upon him, in a late Pamphlet, entitled, The History of Passive Obedience.  
The Way to Peace among all Protestants; being a Letter of Reconciliation, sent by Bp. Ridley, to Bp. Hooper. By Mr. Sam. Johnson.  
Purgatory proved by Miracles; collected out of Roman-Catholick Authors. With some Remarkable Histories relating to british, English, and Irish Saints. With a Preface concerning their Miracles. By Mr. Sam. Johnson.  
A Seasonable Discourse, showing the unreasonableness and Mischiefs of Imposition in Matters of Religion; Recommended to a serious Consideration. By Mr. Andr: Marvel, late Member of Parliament.  
The Revolter. A Tragi-Comedy, acted between the Hind and Panther, and Religio Laici.  
A Collection of Poems, Satyrs, and Songs, against Popery and Tyranny. In four Parts. Most of them writ by the late Duke of Buckingham, Mr. Andrew Marvel, Mr. John Aylof, and Mr. Stephen college.  
An Answer to the Bp. of Rochester's first and second Letters, &c.  
The Intrigues of the French King at Constantinople to embroil Christendom; discovered in several Dispatches past between him and the late Grand signor, Grand Vizier, and Count Teckley; all of them found among that Count's Papers. With some Reflections upon them.  
Plain English. In relation to the Real and Pretended Friends to the English Monarchy. Humbly offered to the Consideration of his Majesty, and his Great Council, the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled. The Second Edition. With a short Preface, and an Appendix, concerning the Coronation Oath administered to K. James II.  
The New Nonconformist. Or, Dr. Sherlock's Case in preaching after a Deprivation, incurred by the Express words of a Statute; Fairly Stated and Examined. With some short Reflections upon Mr. Cook's Sermon, Feb. 2. 1690. which was licenced by the archbishop's Chaplain.  
The Fate of France. A Discourse where it is shew'd, That by the Happy Revolution in England, all the Designs of the French King for the Universal Monarchy are disappointed; and the Rational Grounds to believe his downfall near. In three Dialogues betwixt Father Petre, Father La Chaise, and two Protestant Gentlemen.  
The Anatomy of a Jacobite Tory. In a Dialogue between Whig and Tory, occasioned by the Act for enterprising K. William and Q. Mary.  
The Great Bastard, Protector of the Little One. Done out of French. And for which the French King put forth a Proclamation, with a Reward of five thousand Louis d'Ors, to discover the Author.  
A true Narrative of the Murders, Cruelties and Oppressions, perpetrated on the Protestants in Ireland, by the late K. James's Agents, since his Arrival there. Published for the Information of the Jacobites, that endeavour his Return again.  
Reflection upon a Form of Prayer, lately set forth by the Jacobites of the Church of England; and of an Abhorrence, rendered by the late King, to some of our Dissenting Bishops, upon his present Majesty's Landing.  
A Sermon preached before the High Court of Parliament at Edinburgh, on Sunday, April 27. 1690. And published by their special Command. By Geo. Meldrum, a Presbyterian Minister, and till of late one of the Episcopal Clergy of that Kingdom.  
A true Account of a late horrid Conspiracy to betray Holland to the French. And of the Trial, Confession, Condemnation and Execution of Jacob Martinet, Sheriff of the Town of Sluys; and Cornelius Reolands, Master of the Ship called the Argle of Amsterdam, who were Executed for the said Conspiracy, May 6. 1690.  
Essex's Innocency and Honour vindicated; Or, murder, Subornation, Perjury, and Oppression, justly charged on the Murderers of that Noble Lord, and True Patriot, Arthur( late) Earl of Essex. As proved before the Right Honourable( late) Committee of Lords, are ready to be Deposed.