A 50599 5
ARTES
18370
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PLURIOUS
UNUM
TCEBOR
SI-QUÆRIS-PENINSULAM-AMŒNAM
CIRCUMSPICE
༦.? )་
་
828
A45
ALMIR A.
BEING THE
HISTORY
OF A
YOUNG
LADY
Of good Birth and Fortune, but more
diſtinguiſh'd Merit.
VOL. IL
LONDON:
Printed for W. OWEN, near Temple-Bar,
M.DCC.LXII.
(
English
THE
14416
HISTORY
OF
ALMIR A.
T was matter of diverfion, to
obſerve the wonder viſible in
·
the good woman of the houſe,
as they paffed by her, on feeing thoſe
two ladies in the place of her two gen-
tlemen; but Amanda ftepped afide,
and kindly flipped a piece of gold into
her hand; and, fmiling, told her, her
kinfmen would have no more occafion
for her lodgings, as fhe had now pre-
vailed on them, to take up one with
Vol. II.
B
her,
[2]
HISTORY
THE
her, for the remainder of their ſtay in
Hertfordshire, which would now be but
fhort.
Fidelio met them at his gate; where
he was waiting, with his ufual pleaſure
and impatience, to receive his loved
Amanda. But he found his joy aug-
mented, in the fight of all thofe welcome
gueſts.
They were no fooner feated, than he
aſked his ſpouſe, what ſhe had done with
Bellmont? For, he could affure her, his
company would have been no lefs agree-
able than theirs.
Florello readily (as for himfelf) avow-
ed the fame; and faid, it was unkind in
him, if he could any way have dif-en-
gaged himself, to leave his joy imper-
fect. Telling Fidelio, that he was more
indebted to that gentleman, than he could
ever pay fufficiently.
Amanda intimated, by a look to her
Fidelio, that it was a fecret ſtill who
Bellmont was. And then again repeat-
ed,
OF ALMIR A
éd, that fudden bufinefs had indeed oc-
cafioned his departure; but that he had
affured her, when he went, of this, That
nothing ſhould deprive him of being
preſent on a certain day, (fhe would not
mention) whenever it came; and adding,
he might conclude, ſomething of no ſmall
confequence had called him fo abruptly:
and, as he left him (he knew) fo foon
to fall into the ableft hands, his prefence
could, he ſaid, be better ſpared.
Dinner was then brought in, (at which
there followed a variety of general to-
picks foreign to our preſent purpoſe, and
particular congratulations needleſs to re-
late) which being ended, it was mutually
agreed, that they fhould all fet out next
day for London, with Almira.
But Florello would not be fatisfied,
till he had prevailed on her, with Fidelio
and Amanda, to accompany him home
to tea; that he might introduce héf as
the miſtreſs of his health, and emprefs
of his wiſhes to a father, whoſe happi-
neſs, he knew, fo much depended upon
his, that he had only kept this fecret
B 2
(of
THE
HISTORY
(of his defpairing paffion for Almira)
from him, he faid, while he was void
of hope; for fear of making him a
fharer in his fufferings. -But that his
mother's turn of temper (as his two good
friends, there, knew) needed not fuch
fort of care, could fhe have known it
fingly; tho' there, indeed, was fome-
thing in her difpofition that repulfed his
confidence: nor did fhe ever chooſe to
fhew ſo great a fhare of the parental
tenderneſs, as fhe might, notwithſtand-
ing, probably, have for him. But let
all melancholy thoughts fubfide, in ſenſe
of our preſent blifs! continued he; and
let me now attend you.
Almira and Amanda would gladly
have been excufed making this vifit ;-
giving for their reafon, that as their
journey was ſo near, they had no time
to ſpare.
Florello begg'd them not to exclude
him from their company; as he intend-
ed to be ready likewife, to attend them
in that journey.
But,
OF ALMIR A,
5
But, as Cleone promiſed to make their
objections eafy, if the might be excufed
accompanying them, that afternoon;
adding, that he would fee all orders
executed, they fhould think neceffary,
in their abfence, if the might be favour-
ed with their particular commands.
Amanda thankfully complied to it; and
fhe, Fidelio, and Florello, drove di-
rectly to the houfe of Bellmore.
He, when they alighted, was reading
in the parlour, into which Florello led
Almira only (his other friends remain-
ing in another room) and ſo attentively,
that till his fon's known voice accofted
him, as follows, he faw not who was
near him.
Permit me, my dear fir, cry'd hè, in
this fair lady, to prefent to you the moft
ineftimable jewel heaven or fortune ever
yet bestowed! one who was found, and
loft! yet now is fent again to bid me
ftill live on; to praife, and blefs in you,
the beſt of parents! who firft gave that
life, which the, and only fhe, has kindly
B 3
now
6
THE HISTORY
now preferved; when, for her only, it
was almoſt loft. Receive her as my
bride; tho' I have yet no right of law,
indeed, to call her fuch; but there re-
mains now only your confent, to crown
my title to that happy expectation.
If that be all, my fan (cry'd Bell-
more, raifing him with tender eager
hafte, who kneeled upon one knee be-
fore him) be happy to your utmoſt wiſh,
my child! Then turning to Almira,
as Florello held her hand, he took the
other, and bowing to her with a grace-
ful fmile, of happy fatisfaction, ſaid,
And is it to this heavenly form, I owe
the preſervation of my boy! Well, ma-
dam, I will not grudge to be indebted
for fo high an obligation, to one, whoſe
face feems quite expreffive of fuch good-
nefs; and may heaven for ever blefs you
for it! and may he live to recompence
your merit. For fuch, as is not often
met with, I am certain you muſt be the
miſtreſs of, or elfe Florello's happineſs
could not depend on you. And I re-
quire to know no more, but wiſh there
may be room for me to prove, how
much
OF ALMIRA:
much I think myſelf obliged and happy,
in being allied to only virtuous excel-
lence !
He then defired her to fit down, but
firft embraced them both, and placed
his fon next to her, looking with plea-
fure on him and then, crying to her,
Why, madam, you have almoſt wrought
a miracle! 'Twas you, I'm certain, fent
to us this profperous phyfician, whom
we laft confulted, or he was one of your
good angels, for he brought furely blef-
fings with him!
But now, the overjoy'd Florello, tell-
ing him his friends, Fidelio and Amanda,
were in the next room, he ran o meet
them with the ſpeed of youth; ſo great-
ly had his fon's amended ſtate of health
and mind invigorated him.
The good old gentleman feem'd ſtill
much more delighted, when he found
Amanda was her friend; (he having al-
ways conceived the higheft opinion of
that lady's judgment) and when he had
feated them, and welcom'd them obli-
B 4
gingly,
6
THE HISTORY
gingly, he went to inform his ſpouſe
Bellona, of all that had ſo pleaſingly
affected him. But by the melancholy
viſible in him on his return, it gave all
who were preſent reaſon to believe, there
had been words between them, not the
moſt agreeable to him; tho' he had the
politeness to endeavour to conceal that
truth (a delicacy, that is not always to
be ſeen, on fuch occafions, in the mar-
ried ſtate) he made the beſt apology he
could, for her not giving them her
company; and pleaded an indiſpoſition
(that was only, in reality, feated in her
temper.)
However, Amanda was no ftranger
to her; nor was Almira, to her cha-
racter and Bellmore's converfation and
behaviour amply atoning for the want
of hers, they ſpent their vifit to the mu-
tual fatisfaction of all parties prefent;
but were obliged to make it ſhorter than
Florello wiſhed they would, by reaſon
they intended to fet out early the next
morning.
Fidelia
OF ALMIR A.
*.
Fidelio begg'd Florello earneftly to
accept of a place in his coach, as he in-
fifted he ſhould be his gueft, during his
ſtay in London.
Bellmore (who had before been told
by his fon of their intended tour) re-
turn'd his civileft acknowledgments for
his obliging offer; adding, that he could
then reft ſatisfied, as he fhould know
his dear Florello would want no fort of
care, that might be neceffary, in his
much weaken'd ftate of health. Tho',
who would think, my friends, (conti-
nued he) that, he had been fo bad, as
he indeed has been, to fee him now?
He only looks, methinks, fomewhat
genteeler, as well as fairer, for it.
O madam (turning towards Almira)
who, to look on you, would think you
were fo dangerous a lady! fince ſweet-
neſs and humanity, not cruelty, is moſt
apparently your difpofition; or you have
eyes, and features, that confpire to be
the moſt deceitful!
Florello's
TO
THE HISTORY
Ն
Florello's joy danced to his eyes at
this; firft looking towards her, with a
look inſpired with triumphant love; and
then upon his father, with the declining
modeft beams of duteous gratitude! But.
then, they parted for that night.
His reftlefs lids, however, were ready
(willingly) to open with the next morn-
ing's dawn; and he was at Fidelio's be-
fore one of them were awake, except the
fervants only. But as Amanda told him,
when the came down, love gives the
fwifteft wings to all the hopes, fears,
feet, and imaginations, of its faithful
votaries! And he had walk'd, part of
the way, with only leaning on his fer-
vant.
A hafty breakfaſt being over, they
fet out for London, in the following
manner.
Amanda and Almira, with Cleone
and Florello, in the coach and four ;
Fidelio (having complimented our young
lover with his feat there) rode on horfe-
back, as did his fon, Amintor; one
fervant
}
OF ALMIRA,
11
fervant likewife rode, and Florello's man
attended them behind the coach.
The fairneſs of the day contributed to
make their journey more delightful, and
having got to London early in the af-
ternoon, they all alighted at Fidelio's
houſe, and there drank tea: and then,
Florello would have waited on Almira
to her aunt, but ſhe replied, fhe thought
it would be more proper for her to fee
her firft alone; therefore fhe went foon
after home, leaving them a promiſe, that
ſhe would return to fupper. And Flo-
rello earneſtly, tho' modeftly, afferted,
that while her virtues prompted her to
pay fo charitable a regard to the defects
and miſeries of others, he must infift
upon her taking the due care of inno-
cence and excellence! And therefore fhe
muſt pardon him, if he ufed his best
endeavours to oppoſe her being too much
there; without permitting either him-
felf, or thoſe obliging friends, to keep
her company.
However, fhe would then fuffer no
one of them, befides Cleone, to attend
her;
12
THE HISTORY
her; (but ſhe did not let her go up to
fee Crudelia, at the first interview.)
Almira found her in bed, and bathed in
tears; which, fhe was told, moft dread-
ful agonies had juft preceded; ariſing
not from pain alone, of body, but vifi-
ble defpair!
The moment fhe beheld Almira at
her bedfide, fhe made a motion, that
her nurſe and maid fhould leave the
room. Then, looking upon her, with
eyes at once befeeching pity and for-
giveneſs, thro' a ghaftly glare of hor-
ror, fhe.try'd to raiſe herſelf from off her
pillow, to embrace her; crying at the
fame time, And can you, my dear
neice, forgive me, I never can myfelf!
You do, I find you do, or elſe I had
not been ſo bleft to fee you! yet, I am
fure you cannot !
Almira begged her to compofe her-
felf, and think no more on what was
paſt than might conduce to make her
mind more eafy; and that her only
motive for defiring further, or at all,
to
OF
13
ALMIRA.
to name it was, that it might effect that
happy end.
My dearest Mira (returned Crudelia
wildly, fnatching and grafping hard her
hand in hers) that is impoffible; your
goodneſs caſts a blacker dye on all my
guilt, and unjuſt uſage of you: I ſhall,
I fear, be irrecoverably loft! O! let me
have your prayers, as well as generous
pardon.
She then began upon the ſubject of
the letter, and difcovered to Almira what
has been here before related, concerning
the particular place and time fhe wrote
it in, &c. confeffing (with a ſhower of
repentant tears) her motive for fo doing,
her view of intereft in marrying her to
her ſon; and many more particular and
general confeffions of repentance. Ad-
ding, with a heart-rending figh, I feel
too late my error! heaven grant my
child may not, hereafter, likewife feel
its puniſhment! I have fulfilled, in no-
thing yet, the laft requeſt of thy dear
father; and the beft of brothers he was
to me! Let me, while this fmall time
remains,
14 THE
HISTORY
remains, make hafte to do it. Then,
pointing to a cafket on the table by her
bed-fide, fhe bid her take it into her care
immediately; and then with difficulty,
taking the key belonging to it out of
her pocket (that was beneath her pillow)
fhe gave it her, faying, In that, my
dear, are all thoſe papers (of much con-
fèquence) which belong to you; and
fome, which I have kept you (and not
only you) much longer than 1 ought,
a ftranger to. But I have more to fay
concerning this, but cannot now. Alas!
how baſe a thing is avarice! and yet how
justly does it turn its point to its own
breaft at laft! I feel it all here!
beating her hand (hard clinch'd) with
violence againſt her bofom. Which
(added to the horrid look and inanner)
fo much ſtartled and affected Almira,
that fhe fent forth fo loud a fhriek, that
thoſe attendants who waited in another
room, run in immediately, thinking their
miſtreſs was expiring. They, perceiv-
ing Almira to be fo much fhocked (tho'
ignorant of the caufe, as to the blow;
only they faw her aunt in agonies, fuch
as they had feen her in before) begged
ber
OF ALMIRA:
15
her to quit the room, till fhe was more
compofed; which fhe confented to.
She found Flavillo waiting in the
dining-room, for her coming out, and
Cleone, only, with him. Who, having
told him that his coufin was with his
mother, he begged he might have ſome
little time to talk with her in private.
Which, his dejected, and much altered
humble manner of requefting (when he
faw Almira) moved her to confent to;
tho' not without fome fmall reluctance,
from former recollections: and Cleone,
going on purpoſe up to her apartment,
he began to this effect.
He told her, he had greatly injured
her, in feveral refpects, tho' his unhappy
mother (he was forry to be obliged to
fay) was the firſt cauſe of his fo doing.
And then (intreating her to pardon him)
difcovered to her in what manner he had
deceived Crudelia, about the jewels, &c.
which has been before related. Adding,
that he had drawn himſelf into the fad
neceflity of joining crime to crime (a
cafe too common) to ward off a dif
pleafure
+6
THE HISTORY
pleaſure that he feared the confequence
of. But, that thofe fears were now but
fecondary with him; that he was mar-
ried, fome few days before, and had in-
tended to have kept it intirely a fecret to
his mother; as it was vifible to all, her
time was now but very fhort; he having
but a little fortune with his wife, a cir-
cumſtance, that he had caufe to fear,
would much offend her. But, that a
ftrange (tho' feemingly a trifling) acci-
dent, had determined him, on all events,
to make his marriage known to her di-
rectly; for he, in fhort, from thinking
himſelf one of the moft happy men a-
live, he was become the wretchedeft!
and from fo fooliſh a foundation, as an
idle dream, his wife had dreamed, the
three fucceeding nights after his wed-
ding; which had impreffed her mind fo
ftrongly, that now he found his hap-
pineſs or miſery, as well as hers, de-
pended on his mother's knowing of it.
Almira begged to hear the circum-
ſtances of fo powerful a dream, that could
have proved fo fatal to their peace.
Flavillo
OF ALMIRA.
17
Flavillo then began, and gave the
following account of it.
Upon our wedding night, as foon as
ſhe had cloſed her eyes to fleep, a gen-
tleman, whofe form was quite unknown
to her, came and drew open wide the
curtains of her bed; his fide, next to
her, feemed much wounded; and, with
a look of grief and anger, heightening
into fury, he looked fome minutes ear-
neftly upon her; then, fhaking folemn-
ly his head, three times, his eyes burft
into tears of blood, which in a moment
covered her! While, with a threatning
attitude, and voice of horrid fternnefs,
he cry'd out aloud, 'Tis fo far well;
take care, perfift, I charge thee! meet
not ever, or return thy huſband's love!
nor (tomorrow) waſte one hour, till
thou haſt ſeen his, and thy mother.
The horror, fhe has three nights
waked in, cannot be reported, out of
this horrid dream! tho' my Olinda, will
have it only called a dreadful vifion!
And you, my deareft coufin, are the
Vol. II.
C
only
18
HISTORY
THE
only perfon who can, with proper
prudence, break the ftory of my mar-
riage to her.
She will, I am affured, refuſe you no-
thing, from what I have lately heard.
Nor will your tender heart, I am ſure,
decline to beg for us her bleffing and
forgiveneſs.
Almira told him, that all within her
power, in this affair, to ferve him, he
might depend upon. Tho', added ſhe,
perhaps you'll wonder to hear I am as
fuperftitious as your fpoufe; for I am
much alarmed for you indeed, and ſhud-
der at this dream.
This news, alas, will come to her in
an unhappy time! who ſeems ſcarce able
to bear more, than fhe at preſent ſuffers.
Flavillo fighed, and anſwered, that
he knew it all; yet, fhe might bear it
better than they thought, perhaps, her
fickneſs having (as he had been told)
made a great alteration in her way of
thinking.
Juft
OF ALMIRA.
19
Just then, Cleone came in haftily,
and told Almira, ſhe muſt again attend
her aunt, for ſhe had called inceffantly
upon her, ever fince fhe left the room,
nor could her fervants pacify her.
Flavillo hearing that, again renewed
his before-named requeft; crying, for
heaven's fake, madam, loofe no time in
this; it may be precious now, fhe may
not live till morning.
Almira went directly to her; and
Crudelia fhewed the utmoſt joy and fa-
tisfaction, that her
ftrength allowed of,
at the fight of her. Again, the bid her
nurſe and maid retire, till call'd; and,
in faint whiſpers, pointed, that her niece
ſhould fit down by her.
I had forgot, my dear, faid fhe, to
tell you, before I frighted you away juſt
now, that I would fee Florello: Where
is he, have you feen him lately? Or,
has my wicked ſcheme fallen heavy on
him?—I am no ſtranger to the fad ef-
fect it had on you, while you refuſed
C 2
to
20
HISTORY
THE
to fee him; and I overheard enough to
be affured you loved him, and intended
foon to make him yours.
If he ſtill ſuffers for my cruel fault, I
cannot reft till you reftore him to your
favour; for now I know, and likewife
own, he beſt deferves you.-How has
partiality mifled me, O Flavillo! hadft
thou been like him, I might have had
leſs fin to anſwer for on thy account.
Almira took that opportunity to ma-
nage the unpleafing taſk before her;
the therefore told her aunt, that ſhe had
heard, indeed, Florello's life had been
in danger, from his taking it fo much
to heart, that fhe had, fince that unhappy
letter, broke off all intimacy with him;
which ſhe had done, as thinking him.
unworthy.
But, if he would oblige her by a
promife, of granting one request of hers,
The would engage to ſee him foon, and
make that eaſy to her, as it fo much af-
fected her.
Crudelia,
OF ALMIR A.
21
Crudelia, without once hefitating,
promifed it; and faid, Thou canst not
aik me any thing, I am fure, but what
I ought to grant: I have ever known
thy virtues, tho' I have hitherto, alas,
but ill rewarded them! Now, tell me
what it is?
You must, return'd Almira, let me,
madam, bring my coufin Flavillo (who
is lately married) and his wife, to beg
your bleffing.
They confeſs their fault, in the raſh
ſtep they have taken, in not afking your
confent: but unleſs you pardon him, and
her, he will be loft in wretchedneſs, thro
the remainder of his life.
On hearing this ſhe ſtarted, and re-
mained ſome moments filent and con-
founded. But preſently cafting her eyes
towards heaven, with unexpected refig-
nation, the reply'd, 'Tis mighty well;
at leaft, I know 'tis juft! may all my
puniſhments be here!-O Mira! fome-
thing like this, I have indeed expected
C 3
from
22
HISTORY
THE
•
from him for a confiderable time. He
did, I own, one while deceive me great-
ly.-Yes, I will fee them; I myſelf,
who ſtand in need fo much of pardon,
dare not refuſe it others.
Then (with a figh) fhe aſked, whom
has he married? tell me all, my dear,
I am prepared to bear it is fhe a per-
fon of either virtue, family, or fortune?
Almira anſwered, that fhe in truth
had never ſeen her; nor yet knew her
name, or other circumſtances; being
but juſt then informed, of that ſhe had
mentioned.But then, the doctor who
attended her, entered the room; and
foftly told Almira, before he went away,
her aunt required only reft; which he
fhould order fomething to procure for
her, if poffible. And he begged the
might not be diſturbed by any perſon's
talking too much with her; for her re-
covery depended on compofure.
But, before Almira left her, fhe faid,
Tell that unhappy wretch of mine (my
dear good Mira) that he may to mor-
row,
OF ALMIR A.
23
row, bring her to me. But tell him
likewiſe, that to your undeſerved good
nature, he muſt remember, he greatly
owes my clemency, towards this worſt
act of diſobedience in him. Nor will I
fee them, if they come alone: you, my
beft child, fhall come with them; I
charge you do: for I have now no other
comfort left me, but what the fight of
thee affords me.
Flavillo waited for his coufin, with
fearful apprehenfion on his features; but
was delighted to be told how foon he
might expect a pardon, on which fo
much depended; and he almoſt flew
home with joy, to tell his bride..
Almira, and Cleone, haftened to A-
manda; where Crudelia, and her mi-
ſeries, ferved for the greateſt part of
their diſcourſe that evening; her niece
being fo much affected by her, that fhe
could talk of nothing else.
Florello told her, he defired he might
have likewiſe leave to ſee her aunt to-
morrow; to prove himſelf, if not fo
C 4
amiable
24
THE HISTORY
amiable a chriftian, as he faw and own-
ed ſhe was; yet, one who could forgive
an injury. (which there were fome of
thofe he knew could not.) Tho', ad-
ded he, there is I think but half the
merit in fo doing, when the ſuffering is
over: how I ſhould have behaved, while
under it, I dare not fay, as I had not
that trial.
Then I will answer for you, cry'd Fi-
delio. like the pure gold you would have
paffed that trial too, or I am much mi-
ftaken, and lefs acquainted with you,
than I really think I am.
They parted quickly after fupper;
for the journey, tho' a fmall one, had
viſibly. fatigued Florello. Yet, as Al-
mira ordered a hackney coach (imagin-
ing Fidelio's horfes must be tired, tho'
both Amanda and her fpoufe would
have infifted on her having theirs) he
would conduct her and Cleone home in
it; when, feemingly, he ftood much
more in need of being led himſelf, than
to attempt the leading of another; he
having more, in fact, recovered fpirits.
yet,
OF
25
ALMIR A.
yet, than ftrength.-He, when he left
them, faid, that the next morning early
he fhould vifit them.
But when Almira and Cleone rofe,
and went down to breakfaſt, they found
there, firſt, Flavillo and his ſpouſe.-He
introduced her to his coufin, with the
humility of conſcious obligation: but the
dejected countenance of that young gen-
tlewoman, ill beſpoke the bride.
She was not difagreeable, nor was the
handfome; but had fomething of a me-
lancholy in her look, mingled with mi-
fery, which was expreffive of the dream,
To that alone Almira could attribute it,
During their breakfaſt (of which they
hardly could prevail on her to taſte) fhe
could be feldom heard to answer any
thing they ſaid occafionally to her.—A
fearful kind of tremor, feemed to have
fuddenly ſeized on her nerves, fo ſtrong-
ly, that it fhook her frame like a ſtrong
ague; which her fpoufe perceiving, he
jumped up, and turning towards his
coufin, cried, with a figh, recovered by a
hem,
$
26
HISTORY
THE
hem, Methinks I wish this over; come,
madam, fhall we wait upon you now?
Almira then defired Cleone, to go
and fee if ſhe was ſtirring; and, if the
was, to give her notice of their coming.
And ſhe, preſently returning, told them,
Crudelia then expected them; and like-
wife feemed to have had a better night
than usual, by her voice, and what the
nurſe had told her.
On hearing this, they all (except
Cleone) haftened to her apartment ;-
Almira leading them the way; and fhe
was, of the three, the moft compoſed in-
deed, tho' not intirely fo; but her con-
cern was only charitable forrow, unac-
companied by fear or guilt.
It will not be improper here, to men-
tion, that Flavillo had not feen his mo-
ther for fome time before ;-fhe having
fharply reprimanded him, on finding
plainly, that he muſt have deceived her,
on his coufin's account: which quarrel
being over-heard by one of the maid-
fervants, fhe had told it to Cleone.
Almira
OF ALMIRA.
27
Almira went to her bedfide, and fig
nified to her, that fhe had obeyed her
orders; adding, Here are my coufins,
madam, come to pay their duty to you.
Crudelia then gave order, that the
fervants fhould withdraw themfelves;
and next, defired her neice to pull open
her curtains: when they both immedi-
ately approached her bed, and kneeled.
She, feeing her daughter moft in tears,
then turned her eyes upon her ſon, and
cried, 'Tis you, my fon, alone ſhould
weep! a ſtranger could not fo much in-
jure me, who owed me no obedience.
But I forgive you. Rife! and may ye
both be happier than your mother.
She then (defiring Almira's help) rofe
up a little, to falute them with mater-
nal tenderneſs;-kindly reaching out her
hand to bring them nearer to her. And
juſt then the fun pointed fo ftrongly on
them, from the window, and on the bed,
that Almira, ſeeing her eyes fome mo-
ments earnestly fixed upon her daughter,
(and
}
28
HISTORY
THE
(and then her head averted in a frighted
manner, ſuddenly ſtarting back thought
it was the exceſs of light affected her.
But, in an inftant again, fhe turned,
and looked more earneſtly; then ſtarted
into horrid fcreams! and fell directly in-
to violent convulfions.
All were aftonifhed, at this fhocking
fudden change! and the more fo, as the
appeared, but juſt before, fo well to
bear this trial. But concluded, it had
proved too powerful for her fpirits, weak
as fhe then was.
However, it was not long before the
feemed recovering from her fit; and
Olinda, having her hand in hers, was
hanging over her with much immotion,
when Crudelia's eyes fuddenly opened
upon hers, and inftantly fhe fnatch'd her
hand away from her, with violence that
fhook the bed: and, cafting upward her
two ghaftly beams, with both her hands
which were wrung hard together, the
cried out, O! heaven! O! horror! hor-
ror! Death have mercy on me! murder
not my everlaſting foul! O fpare me!
fave
OF 29
•
ALMIRA.
fave me
fave me now! for this de-
Itroys too faſt for mortal patience! Yet
let me look once more, and hope that I
may be miſtaken.
She then looked ftedfaftly again upon
her; and, with hafty trembling fingers,
(rifing foftly from her pillow) tore afide
Olinda's handkerchief; and, bending
down her head cloſe to her breaſt, ſeem'd
looking on a mole, which then appeared
upon her bofom of an unufual fize, with
an attentive examination. Then, in the
fame minute, fhe pushed her with great
fury from her; and cried out aloud,
Away! away! for-ever from me! thou
inceftous monſter! O my boiling brain
and fcorching confcience! 'Twill con-
fume us all together!
The aſtoniſhed pair ftood fpeechless,
Hooking upon each other; when Almira
(trembling likewife with amazement;
thinking, from what fhe had heard, her
brain indeed was touched) cried out,
For heaven's fake! madam, tell me, what
has made this fudden alteration, if you
are fenfible of any thing I fay to you?
Crudelia
30
THE HISTORY
Crudelia looked with tenderneſs (tho'
agonized) on her; and then burſt into
fuch a flood of tears, as if her foul was
ftruggling that way to get free, from
mifery that feemed too fharp for human
nature to fuftain.-See there! (cried fhe)
my daughter! my own daughter! my
fon's wife! fee there fhe is, returned from
death, to ſcourge adultery with inceſt !
fee, nature mark'd her cheek, while in
the womb, to prove the explanation and
horror of my guilt and puniſhment!
Thofe deadly marks, you fee, of never-
dying fhame, her guilty father caufed;
he threw thofe black, thofe dreadful
grapes,-look on them there, (for one
that patch has cover'd) and pity me, if
poffible, Almira! In fport he threw
them then against my face; but they
at laſt have reached my heart! They
ſhould have reached it fooner, from re-
flecting only on an injured huſband's
wrongs.
But tell me, thou Olinda, that is thy
miferable name, how long haft thou been
called to life again? poor wretch of my
creat-
OF ALMIRA.
31
creating! Or, if indeed, thou never haſt
been dead, as thou wert hoped to be,
why didit thou not, before this dread-
ful hour, make thyfelf known to me?
to fave thyself, thy huſband, and a dy-
ing mother, from this heavy load of
most unpardonable fin! Go, hide thy-
felf from me, and from thyfelf if that
were poffible; thy huſband hide thyfelf
for-ever from ! and all the world. I
dare not look upon thee; yet I would
pity thee; but I have none to fpare,
and I abhor myfelf too much, alas to
love my crimes, or their fad confequen-
ces. O juftice! thou indeed, at last, haft
reach'd my foul! and judgment foon
muft follow!
Flavillo fell again upon his knees be-
fore her, fhocked, and hardly able to
reply to what he had heard; and begg'd
that ſhe would try to calm her mind
ſome moments, and attend to what, he
hoped might, in fome meaſure, foften
fuch extream calamity! if fuch it was, as
he had heard. If this, faid he, can be
my fifter, I am indeed a wretch! and
one dark act of difobedience, has drawn
-
down
32
HISTORY
THE
Yet, I am not
down another upon me.
fo black as I appear to be. Olinda's
natural modefty, or fome kind over-
ruling power, or happy fate, has faved
us from the deeper dreadful fin of inceft!
Yes, madam, we are innocent of that;
and I muſt now blefs that reluctance, in
her prophetically-virtuous nature, which
I before miſconſtrued for indifference.
Let this give comfort to you; nor will
I ever think of her again, be affured,
but as a fifter.
This feemed a little to lend new life
and hope to the afflicted mother while.
the no lefs afflicted wife, oppreffed with
grief, beyond her ftrength to bear, had
fainted, unobferved, in a great chair,
wherein ſhe had thrown herſelf to give a
looſe to tears, on the above-named dif-
covery.
Crudelia feeing that, defired them to
comfort her, and lend her their affift-
ance. And when he was recovered, ſhe
called her to her, with a voice of tender
melancholy only; and after fhe had
kifs'd her, `with a figh, fhe cry'd, I find,
Olinda,
OF ALMIRA.
33.
Olinda, we are not quite fo loft; thy
virtue has ſomewhat preferved us. Live,
my child, in conſtant prayer, and thanks,
to that all-feeing providence, who only
could preferve that virtue in thee. Pray
likewife, for the fins of her, who very
foon muſt go to give in her too long ac-
count. Yet let me first hear from thee,
how, till this fatal time, thou haſt been
nouriſhed, for theſe eighteen years, for
thou wert loft at nurfe when only three
years old; tho' in what manner I could
never know: fome accident, it was
thought, had ended thee; for there were
rivers, bogs, and ponds, near the poor
woman's houfe, to whom thou hadst
been fent, far off, upon a lonely com-
Alas I have not had, I own, a
mon.
virtuous mother's love for thee,
Olinda fighed, and wept; and then
told her, that ſhe ſhould have been, till
then, a ftranger to her birth, but for
one lucky accident her life had met with.
For fhe was kept, till ten years old, by
an impoftor, who faid fhe was her mo-
ther; with whom ſhe had gone begging
about the country. But that a good lady
Vol. II.
D
took
34
THE HISTORY
took, one day, a fancy to her, at her
door, and bought her of the woman
(to whom, notwithſtanding, fhe allow-
ed the liberty to come and fee her child,
as often as the pleaſed.)
That this woman, quickly afterwards,
finding herſelf dying, fent for her, and
told her, if the would promife not to
diſcover what ſhe would tell her (left it
fhould hurt her with the lady) fhe would
own a ſecret to her; and then told her,
ſhe was not her mother: but had, in
travelling the country, far from where
fhe lived, found her at play, and ſtole
her from a door, upon a common.
This, Olinda faid, fhe had never men-
tioned before, to any perfon living.
That this lady (who had bought her)
having died two years ago, left her five
hundred Pounds; and he became ac-
quainted with Flavillo by going to a
milliner's, with whom that lady uſed
to deal, and with whom fhe had worked
fince her good friend's deceaſe.
That
OF ALMIR A.
35
}
That fhe had brought her up in her
religion (that of the Roman church)
and fhe would now forever quit the
world, and enter into a religious houſe
abroad, to make, if poffible, atonement
for her crime; tho' it was one that was,
indeed, committed innocently.
Crudelia feemed more pleaſed, than
might have been expected, at the latter
part of this difcourfe, and bleffed Olinda
for it, in the warmest manner, often.
And it was not long before the reaſon
was made manifeft to thofe about her;
for, finding herfelf juft going, fhe de-
fired a Romiſh prieft (and not a church
of England miniſter) might inftantly be
fent for: and the acknowledged to her
neice and children, that fhe had, almoft
ever fince her marriage, profeffed that
faith that fhe was made a convert to it
by Bargrave, Olinda's father, who was
a jefuit; and he had abfolved her from
the crime he was the caufe of, upon her
changing her religion for his. But died
foon after, of a wound got in a duel with
her husband; who difcovering his func-
D 2
tion,
36 THE HISTORY
tion, and growing uneafy at his frequent
vifits (being averfe to that religion)
had challenged him, and run him thro'
the body. But that it never was made
known, by his defire upon his death-
bed, who had killed him. Tho' the
grief it gave the other, proved as fatal,
for he did not long furvive him; and
they both were dead, before fhe was de-
livered of that daughter; which ſhe im-
mediately fent from her, nor could ever,
hardly, bear the fight of.
Olinda (burſting into tears again at
this) cry'd out, Yet, madam, I am cer-
tain I have feen my father; his guar-
dian ſpirit it was preſerved me.
She then defcribed the form, and
other circumſtances (as before-menti-
oned) in her dream; which threw her
mother, for fome time, into another
agony of grief and horrour. But it was
juft then the prieſt attended her, and all
but him left the apartment
But the called back Almira, and re-
quefted earneſtly of her, that fhe would
pre-
OF ALMIRA.
37
prefently again come to her, and bring
Cleone with her.
Almira found Florello waiting for her
impatiently; and, fome time after, he,
with Almira and Cleone, went to take a
final leave of that unhappy woman!
who then was only able to make figns
of penitence, and fatisfaction, on the
fight of them; but feemed to ftruggle
hard for fpeech, while fhe looked fted-
faftly, by turns, upon Cleone and Flo-
rello. And, notwithſtanding all the ab-
folution fhe had just received, horrors
of guilt remained fo ftrongly on her foul,
that none of them were able long to bear
her room.-Death, in itſelf, we know,
is called the king of terrors; but how
much muft thofe terrors be augmented,
when we fee him labouring beneath the
dreadful load of an unhoping, guilty
confcience! Such was Crudelia's mi-
ferable end! And her unhappy chil-
dren, who were thus made acquainted
with her crimes (which they were born
to fuffer by) immediately took leave
forever of each other,
D 3
Olinda
38
THE HISTORY
Olinda threw herfelf, and her fmall
fortune, into one of the fevereſt con-
vents. And Flavillo (quickly after)
bid farewel to all he knew, and went
abroad, to ſettle for his life; where nei-
ther he, nor his difgraceful ftory, would
be known.
Almira faw her funeral executed, as
Crudelia had requested; which was in
the moſt private manner, and late at
night. And ſhe had defired likewife of
her, that, after it was over, fhe would
put on no mourning for her death; ad-
ding, that ſhe had reaſon to defire (as
foon as poffible) to be forgotten (not
remembered) by a neice, whom he had
treated fo unworthily; and wifh'd her
to be happy ſhortly with Florello.
And it was not many days before (the
time being almoft expired of Almira's
mourning for her father) he gently ven-
tured to remind her of it. Amanda fe-
conded him in his folicitation upon that
fubject, and every neceffary preparation
foon was made on both fides, for the
wed-
•
OF ALMIRA.
39
wedding; and, with Fidelio and his
fpoufe, they in a little time return'd to
Hertfordſhire, to celebrate their nuptials
at his father's, as had been there deter-
mined.
But Almira, before the went, vifited
her poor faithful fervant Prudence; who,
with her daughter, fhe had engaged to
come and live with her, the mother as
her houſekeeper, and Sharlot as her wo-
man; promifing to make their places
eafy and happy to them.
Fidelio and Amanda would have fain
prevailed upon Almira and Florello, to
have made their houfe in town, their
own, on this occafion; but Bellmore's
ftronger claim, obliged them to defiſt.
For, in his letters, he declared he fhould
eſteem himſelf ill-known indeed, by his
dear daughter (as he would then call
her) if he could not fo far confide in
him, as to venture, while a maid, to
fleep in his protection; and befides, ad-
ded he, my fpoufe has never feen her
lovely child (that is to be) nearer, than
weak deſcription of her; and the
D 4
in my
is
40
THE HISTORY
is grown impatient now, I can affure
you, till we have her with us; to ac-
knowledge, how fhe thinks herfelf obli-
ged, like me, to one who has restored
our dear Florello. Thefe, and a few
more arguments, fo far prevailed, that
a fhort time before the day appointed
for their nuptials, when Bellmore and his
fon came to Fidelio's country houſe
(where firft Almira went) determined
not to go back, they faid, without their
lovely prize, as they then called her.
She agreed to go; but not unless her
friend Amanda, with Cleone, would ac-
company her thither; which fhe, oblig-
ingly complied with.
And indeed no thoughts hung hea-
vier, or indeed fo heavy, on Almira's
mind, than thofe occafioned by the cha-
racter she had heard of her, who was
ſhe
to be her mother-in-law: fhe did not
reliſh greatly her not ſeeing of her, when
he was there before: nor did fhe, when
ſhe viſited as a phyſician, much admire
her. But generally, if not always, the
greater confiderations can overpower the
fmaller, and therefore he, or fhe, who
truly
OF
40
ALMIRA.
truly loves, will fwallow little difficul-
ties, if they are fomewhat bitter; as
they have that pleaſant cordial, which
only love and friendſhip can beſtow, to
wash away its tafte from the nice palate
of reflection.
But fhe, however, foon was mot
agreeably furprized, on that account.
Bellona viewed her (as her good huf-
band led her in from the coach to her,
who met them in the hall) with grave,
but civil obſervation; and faluted her
(with more, indeed, of the commen
Engliſh form, and ſtiffneſs, than ufually
exiſts amongſt the moſt well bred) and
welcomed her, with much reſpect and
feeming fatisfaction. For it appeared,
by fomething that foon was whifpered
in the family, till it had reach'd Almi-
ra's ear, that fhe had at firft conceived
her to be one of little or no fortune
(having then heard nothing of her) by
her making the firft vifit; but when the
was, by Bellmore and her fon, let fur-
ther into that affair, ſhe had repented of
her rudeneſs, in refufing to come down
into
42
HISTORY
THE
into her company, which was in fact the
cafe.
However, nothing now was left un-
faid, or done, by her, that could atone
for it ;-fhe took the tendereft notice of
her; and told Florello fhe was happy in
his choice; and doubted not at all but
he would be fo likewife; and compli-
mented Amanda, on her taſte, in friend-
fhip: who fmiling, anfwered, that the
could almoſt envy her, indeed, a happi-
nefs, which, had Amintor's age befriend-
ed her, the ſhould have yielded up much
more reluctantly.
And, having fpent an hour or two
agreeably, (all parties feeming pleaſed)
Amanda took her leave of them.
In short, Bellona proved, how for-
tune's all-attracting charms, poffeffes
with kind ideas the beholders of its fa-
voured object.
Florello told his loved Almira, the
day following, that his father had em-
ployed his lawyer, and given him an or-
der
OF ALMIRA.
43
der to expediate the marriage articles;
which he had kindly infifted to have left
entirely to his own care and manage-
ment; adding, that if, when he perufed
them, there ſhould be any thing inferted
that he wished to alter, he would moft
willingly oblige him in it, or his Almira
likewife.
She looked down and blufhed; but,
quickly recollecting that her lover's de-
licacy had never mentioned to her any
thing concerning her affairs of fortune,
the replied, What you have faid juft now,
fir, reminds me of a neglect in me; I
will ſtep up ftairs a minute, and be with
you again preſently.
Florello, underſtanding what ſhe meant,
haſtily catch'd her hand as ſhe was riſing;
and, with precipitation, checked by gen
tleneſs, forced her to her chair again;
crying, at the fame time, (with accents
full of love and tenderneſs), Not for the
Indies fhall you leave me, upon any fuch
account.-No, madam, I am convinced
enough already, how ineftimable a trea-
fure I fhall foon poffefs in you alone! Į
neither
44
HISTORY
THE
neither wiſh, or feek, for any other: my
joy can meet with no addition, from the
moft fplendid confideration of that na-
ture, I affure you; but what muſt all
ariſe from your being miſtreſs of the dif
pofal of it. But, if your kind and ten-
der care, in this thought, regards my fa-
ther, you fhall oblige me by conſulting
with him only concerning it; tho', be-
lieve me, you will find it quite unneceſ-
fary; for I know him ;-he is not fo
unworthy of your dear alliance. He
would have been, if pofliole, more happy
had your fortune, or rather want of it,
left him further room to prove his wor-
thy preference of virtuous, beauteous
merit, fuch as yours; and fuch as you,
and only you, can furely fhew him.
And it was not many days before
Almira was convinced, Florello had not
been mistaken in his father; he having
made her fettlement above as large again
as could have been expected by her for-
tune, on his own eftate; leaving entirely
to her, and Florello, the diſpoſal of all
hers; which gave the higheft fatisfaction
to
OF
F ALMIR A.
45
to a ſon, who ſhared hereditarily the fa-
ther's noble generofity.
And now the happy day appeared! for
which, good Bellmore had prepared an
equipage, both for himſelf and fon, in
all refpects quite fuitable to the occafion.
-Florello's he prefented to him the
evening before his marriage; making
him, at the fame time, the immediate
mafter of a fine eftate adjoining to his
own, which he had lately purchaſed to
the amount of half his fortune; telling
him, with a tender, melancholy fmile,
that, when one leafe or two for life, were
out, (and the incumbents were not young)
the reft would all fall in to him of courſe.
Bellmore had, likewife, beſpoke dia-
monds, to the value of feveral thoufand
pounds, for him to make a preſent of
to his Almira; concerning the taſte and
faſhion of which, he had firſt conſulted
him.
And all things being now ready, and.
the morning opened that was to crown
this
46
THE HISTORY
this happy lover's wiſh! Florello
appear-
ed in white, embroidered richly with a
gold-and-filver point-de-fpang, beſpoke
in a new taſte entirely, which likewiſe
ornamented a waiſtcoat of white fattin;
and, tho' his dreffing did not take up
above one quarter of the time moſt beaux
allow themſelves daily. to wafte, upon
occafions lefs important, he might be
faid, indeed, to look the accompliſhed
bridegroom.
His perfon was amiable, genteel, and
eafy; his complexion florid; with the
moſt pleaſing manly features; enlivened,
agreeably, by ſparkling, yet gentle eyes,
expreffive of thofe virtues which his foul
was mafter of.
Nor was his bride fo long in orna-
menting, as to endanger their being at
church too late; tho', from the fuper-
numerary trifles of which a lady's dress
too much confifts, fhe was much longer
than his haftening wiſhes could well allow
of: yet all, befides himſelf, then preſent,
made her the compliment of wondering;
how
OF ALMIRA.
47
how the could appear, in fuch a little
time, as ſhe had then been up, ſo finiſh'd
in the perfection of exact attire.
Her drefs was a brocade of white and
filver; and her head was richly adorned
with jewels; among which, as there was
the moſt valuable one, called Modefty,
ſhe could not think thoſe ornaments
fufficient to exclude all other covering,
tho' warranted by faſhion; and, there-
fore, wore a head of Bruffels lace drefs'd
in the Engliſh form; remembering that
it is, in holy writ, forbid, for women to
appear at church bare-headed.
She came down to breakfaſt with her
ufual eaſe, exempt from that too com-
mon affectation uſed by many maidens
on the brink of matrimony; for ſhe be-
haved, as ſhe had always faid fhe hoped
ſhe ſhould, on ſo folemn and intereſting
an occaſion! ever conceiving it, both an
affront to their own judgment, as well as
to the object of their choice, for a woman
to put on airs of half-repenting doubt-
fulneſs, as if to combat kinder inclina-
tion into a fort of feeming diffatisfaction.
And
48
HISTORY
THE
And no one would have known by her
behaviour, or her look, (altered in no re-
fpect, but by a fomewhat deeper bluſh,
when he, her happy lord who was to be,
approached her) that he was just then
going to be married.
She had requeſted, that no more com-
pany might be invited, on the occafion,
than their friend Fidelio with his fpouſe,
and fon, the young and much admired
Amintor, whom they were all, with rea-
fon, fond of, and whom Florello had
promiſed to accept as bride-man.
All were dreffed in fuits quite new,
and elegantly chofen; Cleone, who was
the bride-maid, was the humbleft in ap-
pearance, tho' quite in character; her
cloaths being only plain white tabby.
The company aforefaid, being come,
and Bellmore telling them, they muſt
now think of moving, Florello very
readily accepted of the fummons; and,
taking his Almira's hand, (which in that
moment he ſeemed to prefs with an
exulting, happy ardour !) he led her to
his
OF ALMIRA..
49
his coach; into which, then, Bellmore
led Bellona; and Fidelio's having in it
room for Cleone, they fat out with joy
confpicuous upon every face: but, on
hers, who was the miftrefs of the cere-
mony, it was feen thro' a ferene and
modeft dignity; which no lefs denoted a
laudable and conſcious fatisfaction, from
having made a prudent choice.
When they ſtepped from their coach
into the church, Almira found that it
was neceffary for her to exert the utmoſt
ſpirit of her refolution, which ſhe at-
tributed only to the unexpected crowd
there waiting for them. Yet, fhe had
too much reverence and regard, for all
ſhe was come there to fay, to miſs re-
peating any part of it; tho' it was not
every part, indeed, ſhe could be plainly
heard to utter. And an involuntary pal-
pitation, during the ceremony, like an
audacious pioneer, betrayed its under-
mining boldneſs, by diſturbing the com-
poſure of the tender fabrick of which her
handkerchief was made; and not a little
conveyed its influence to remove the
bluſh from off her cheeks.
Vol. II.
E
However,
fhe
50
HISTORY
THE
the recovered that, foon after the facred
rites were over, and reſumed the coach
again, with rather more precipitation,
than fhe had left it with, her trembling
knees requiring a little of fuch relief as
that afforded them.
They were no fooner feated in it, than
the ever-ready ringers forced the bells to
pay them their congratulations. Upon
which the bridegroom faid, politely,
Well, my Almira, I can hence aver,
that bells, to me, have harmony excel-
ling all the art of fofter mufic; and con-
certs have been thrown away upon me,
for they could never touch my foul fo
fenfibly as thoſe harſh founds (as they
are called) do now. But, it is from
you alone, my love, they borrow all
their ſweetneſs!
Bellmore, before he ſtepp'd into the
coach, requeſted the good clergymen,
to whom they had been, he faid, fo
agreeably indebted, to let them have his
company at dinner. And, when feated,
fhook hands affectionately with his fon
and daughter; telling her, ſhe was doubly
now
OF ALMIRA.'
51
now his child, he having been her fa-
ther at the altar.
Bellona too, with the fincerity of pure
affection, wiſhed that joy to every party,
which the feemed then, very heartily, to
be a ſharer in; and, upon their return,
it was reciprocally wifhed again, and
witneffed by falutes, thro' all that friend-
ly company.
Florello owned, he thought himſelf
the happieſt man alive; confirming it at
the fame time, as tho' he took an oath,
and made his lady's hand his bible.
But his father, with a chearful air
and voice, reply'd, Hold there, my fon,
thou art not, I am fure, the happieſt,
fince I am no lefs fo from feeing it: but
thou, alas, art yet a ftranger to paternal
joy! And it will be time enough twenty
years hence, if I fhould live fo long, for
me to hold a conteft with thee on that
fubject; thou mayſt be then, perhaps,
my match, tho' fo much younger.
E 2
Florello
52
THE 'HISTORY
Florello bowed, with confcious ſenſe
of what he owed fo excellent a father;
and told him, that he had not vanity
enough, indeed, to think he ſhould, at
any age, be that; tho' it was the ut-
moſt wiſh of his ambition, to inherit his
perfections.
Well then, returned the bride, to
eſteem them worthily, is the beſt ſtep
towards imitation.
At which Amanda fmiled, and told
her, that there ſpoke the wife already,
in that kind infinuation: Bellmont, him-
felf, with all his fkill in natural Philo-
fophy, could not have ſaid a better truth
than that.
The unexpected name of Bellmont,
called up all the blufh of conſcious re-
collection, to Almira's face; and, in a
moment, her eyes, as if to hide it,
fought the floor, fweetly confuſed! which
could not eſcape the bridegroom's watch-
ful obfervation. He looked alternately
on both, for fome fmall time; then,
turning
OF ALMIRA.
58
turning to Amanda, aſked her, if that
worthy gentleman, his kindeft, beſt phy-
fician, had never called again upon her?
for he thought, he faid, there was a kind
of promiſe that he would not be abfent
on that happy day: and he feemed one
whoſe word could not be doubted.
Amanda anſwered, that he was one
whoſe word, in truth, was facred! and he
had not forgot that promife: adding, I
find, my friend, you were not long enough
acquainted ;-one vifit was too fhort an
intimacy for you to even know him
when you fee him, or you could not
have miſſed him at the altar: my eyes
were taken up by hardly any other ob-
ject during the ceremony: and you, who
ftood ſtill nearer to Bellmont, not to have
feen him, is indeed amazing!
If there he only could be feen, (re-
turned Florello) I am not, madam, the
leaſt amazed I miffed him; for there
one object drew my whole attention. (I
fhould indeed, I think, except the mi-
nifter).
E 3
And
54
THE HISTORY
And are you poſitive, (returned Al-
mira) that this one object was not Bell-
mont ?
Here Florello, ſtarting, catched im-
mediately the pleaſing information; and,
in a grateful rapture, flew to prove his
ardent ſenſe of fuch an obligation, by the
tendereſt embrace! crying, And is it
poffible thou canft be Bellmont? my
Almira! Bellmont? Yes, yes, it is, it
must be fo; for nothing, greatly good
and generous, could be too much for
thee to execute. How could I be fo
near the lovely miſtreſs of my wishes,
and be a ſtranger to fuch happineſs! Yet
had it been prefumptuous in me too,
could I have then fufpected it. How
has this obligation crowned my ſenſe of
blifs! I can now recollect (with won-
der at my own too ftupid infenfibility)
that ſweet reſemblance! which I thought
I found in that kind vifiter.
But yet,
fo barbarouſly (for I must call it fo)
hadft thou contrived to cover thoſe ſweet
features! that no perfon could have
known them. Henceforth, who dares
pre-
OF ALMIRA.
55
pretend to fay, Almira fcorns the aid of
art? She ftands, you hear, detected
now; but neither red or white, I am
fure, were called to thy affiftance: but
their native bloom was fome way fkillfully
conceal'd in the moft dextrous manner,
that even thy years feemed almoſt
doubled.
T
To which Almira modeftly and duti-
ouſly replied, As you can pardon this
deceit, I find, I will not only let you
into the method I made ufe of, but will
likewiſe promife, it fhall be the wort
diſguiſe I will ever ufe againſt you.
Bellmore, as well as his Bellona,
looked and liftened with delighted won-
der! and then blefs'd fo new and kind
an inftance of the moft laudable regard!
and begg'd her to proceed.
She then informed them, how, with
cork, burnt black, fhe had enlarged her
eye-brows to juft double their own fize;
and, with a little of the fame material,
mixt with fome powder, had touch'd her
cheeks and chin, (a worthy fecret that
E 4
fhe
56
THE HISTORY
ſhe had treaſured up in memory, from
wonderous ſtories told her in her nurſery)
in order to ape fomewhat of the mafcu-
line appearance; which not a little was
affifted by the bufhy fhadowing of her
wig and that her voice had very op-
portunely acquired, juſt then, an acci-
dental diſguife, (that feemed quite natu-
ral) from having got a hoarſeneſs in it
by a cold, which change of drefs had
given her yet, (notwithſtanding that
had made fo great an alteration) once
or twice her voice had given her fearful
apprehenfions of being diſcovered by
him.
Fidelio told her, that he would own
it frankly, he had wiſhed moſt heartily
ſhe might be diſcover'd; partly on his
good friend Florello's account; and for
her having never fuffered him himſelf,
(tho' an old married man) to come, with
his Amanda and Amintor, to fee her do-
ing honour to his fex. But I, however,
(added he) muft ftill congratulate you,
fir, on your being thus happily become
the poffeffor of fo fweet a delicacy! which
is no leſs diſtinguiſhed in her having
kept
OF
57
ALMIRA.
kept this ſtory (till now) a fecret, from
the only perfon living who could moſt
worthily applaud it.
Juſt then a fervant came up, and told
the bridegroom, that a gentleman de-
fired to ſpeak with him below.
Almira ftarting, cried, Who is it?
You'll never be polite enough, I fee, to
be denied.
Florello aſked, if he was not a clergy-
man? (remembering his father's invita-
tion of the minifter who married them)
and, being told he was, ran down im-
mediately, to aſk him to walk up ſtairs;
wondering, at the fame time, that he
fhould wait below.
Mean while, Almira went into the
adjoining room; nor was returned be-
fore her ſpouſe and friend came up.
But, we will here acquaint the reader,
how Florello was furprized, to find this
clergyman (instead of him he had ex-
pected) a friend and intimate companion
of
58
HISTORY
THE
of his when he was abroad; who, fince
he faw him, had taken up the gown;
and, ignorant of his marriage, acciden-
tally had came that day to fee him.
Florello, therefore, with great joy,
received him, telling him, how doubly
welcome his appearance was on that oc-
cafion; adding, that if he had known fo
loved a friend had been in England, he
could not have omitted requeſting, not
only his company, but a ftill greater
favour of him, to have tied his happy
knot that morning;-but that he never
thought he fhould have feen him in that
habit.
Florello then conducted him up to
the apartment where he had left Al-
mira, &c. but, juft as he was opening
the door, he was called by Bellmore
from below, who wanted to fay fome-
thing to his fon that moment; he there-
fore, cried, Dear Sam, walk in ;-excufe
me ;-there you'll find the bride;—I will
wait on you immediately
The
OF ALMIR A.
59
The clergyman walked flowly for-
ward, bowing fedately to the company,
and taking, at the fame time, a regular
ſurvey of all, to find the lady out, whom
he was firſt to compliment. His obfer-
vation guided him to fix upon Cleone,
being the only perfon preſent, whofe
form and dreſs anſwered his expectation,
he, therefore, moſt reſpectfully advanc-
ing up to her, faluted her, and then ad-
dreffed her in the following manner:
You muſt forgive me, madam, I have
juſt now been authorized, to do myſelf
this honour; then added: I always had
the higheſt way of thinking concerning
my dear friend, your worthy ſpouſe;
and he has given me now, indeed, a
proof. His taſte is not inferior to his
merits in having made fo excellent a
choice, as from appearance, madam, I
muſt perſuade myfelf, he has in you
and, from my foul, I wish you all that
joy
But here Cleone faltering in her ſpeech,
ſtopped his going any further on, by
anſwering him thus :
No,
60
THE HISTORY
No, fir, indeed, you are miſtaken
quite; it is not me, you mean; the
bride will preſently be here; I have no
title to your compliment.
But, madam, returned he, (begging
her pardon, and feemingly afhamed of
the miſtake) that voice entitles you,
however, to a place in my remembrance;
though I am fuch a ftupid and forget-
ful fellow, as not to be able to recollect
where I have ſeen you.
When the bride juft then appearing,
Cleone pointing towards her, faid, That
lady, fir, perhaps, may help your re-
collection, to refolve that queſtion.
He looked, fome moments, ftedfaftly
upon Almira; and then ftarted back-
ward, while both his hands rofe up, as
though to keep true time to wonder:
gazed, and grew pale; then moved a
ftep towards her, and bowed, but uttered
not one word. And thus Florello found
him, (who came in that minute) and all
the company ſtanding in great aftonifh-
ment;
OF ALMIRA.
61.
ment; looking firſt on one another, then
on them, in wonder what it meant.
The bride feemed likewiſe much fur-
prized; but, with a fmile, fhe curfeyed
to him, and then reached out a chair,
and begged him to fit down.
The bridegroom catched the fpread-
ing wonder too, and cried, My friend,
I have been very rude to leave thee fo
abruptly; but, prithee, what is the
matter with thee?
You have, perhaps, replied Samander,
more to aſk pardon for than that; how-
ever, fir, I wanted not this proof of the
fuperiority of your accompliſhments:
you have mentioned to me not one word,
what lady you had married. Know,
therefore, that I had once the ambition
to look up as high as there myſelf, tho'
lefs fucceſsful, it is plain; and I am
proud to prove my friendſhip by this
trial of it, for I can wish you happy,
notwithſtanding, with her, from my
foul, though once my whole felicity de-
pended, I can affure you, only on her
fmiles.
Flo-
62
THE HISTORY
Florello, fomewhat gravely ſmiling,
told him, he deſerved but half that pity,
he ſhould otherwiſe have ſpared a friend,
on an occafion that he owned the moſt
demanded it; for having, like a miſer
with his gold, kept to himſelf his know-
ledge of fo ineftimable a treaſure, and
never, during their familiar intimacy fo
long abroad, permitting once her name,
or praiſe, to make a part of any of their
various converfations. Yet, had I known
this ſecret ſooner, added he, I affure my
dear Samander, my friendſhip ſhould
have acted kinder by him, than to have
let him, thus unprepared, meet with fo
cruel a furprize as this, to pay the kind-
nefs of his viſit to me.
Well, my dear, worthy friend, return-
ed Samander, I forgive thee heartily;
and I have humility enough, at leaſt, to
own, that I but loft a treaſure, thou wert
ever worthier to find; and from that
lady's juſt diſcernment, and my deficien-
cy of merit, remember to acknow-
ledge, that thy abundant happineſs aroſe.
But thou wilt do me juftice in return, I
hope,
OF ALMIRA..
63
hope, and let her know one truth con-
cerning me, that time, and the ad-
vantage of thy friendly counfel, have
quite new-formed Samander, fince he
had the honour of feeing her; and this
I must infift on, as the leaft amends you
ought to make me.
Florello told him, he muft beg his
pardon there; for it was needleſs, and
he choſe to leave the merit of that cauſe
for him alone to prove, adding, that
fuch attempts to praife, did but depre-
ciate often, and that intrinſic worth could
ſtand alone, and needed no fuch weak
fupporters.
Upon hearing which, Almira faid,
the hoped the might congratulate him
then, with pleaſure, on the habit he had
chofen, though fhe fhould never have
fufpected the finding him, of all man-
kind, beneath it.
He bowed, and looked quite con-
fcious of that truth, but told her, no-
thing was more common than to ſee ex-
tremes fupplant each other; and I have
had
64
HISTORY
THE
had the ambition, madam, continued
he, to grow good, thank heaven! be-
fore I reach an age that might invali-
date the merit of an attempt fo laudable,
and certainly my duty.
But, madam, by your leave, and
yours, Florello, I fee no reaſon why all
thefe diſcoveries are to rob me of a right
which both the day and courteous liber-
ty of England will allow of. Though,
you muſt know, I firſt, through a miſ-
take, faluted one who is not a bride yet,
I ſhould not, therefore, loofe my title to
the honour of diftinguiſhing, that way,
the lady who is really one.
He then rofe, and faluted her; and
afterwards turning towards Cleone, ſaid,
I may, I think, demand again this fa-
vour of you, madam, as that juſt now,
it is plainly proved, was not meant for
you; and, to atone for my miſtake, I
wiſh you only ſuch a huſband, in reali-
ty, as I believed you were the miſtreſs
of. How are you altered fince I faw
you, that I could not, at firft, perfectly
recollect you! But you will, I hope, for-
give
OF ALMIR A.
65
give my faying fo; for it is an altera-
tion greatly to your advantage, I am
certain. You was much thinner, I can
now remember, when I had laſt the plea-
fure of ſeeing you; nor was the bloom
of health fo happily apparent, as it now
appears.
Cleone looked, if poffible, more filly,
at this fecond addrefs he made to her,
than fhe had done before; and only an-
ſwered with a bow and bluſh.
Juft then, good Bellmore joined the
company; and, civilly addreffing him-
ſelf to Samander, told him, he was much
obliged, that he had favoured them that
day; and he would now much leſs re-
gret the having heard that another gen-
tleman of his cloth could not oblige
them by a viſit as was expected; fince
his place, at table, would be filled with
one fo highly welcome to his fon : (for
Bellmore, when he called Florello juſt
before, had then been made acquainted
with his name, and the regard he had
for him).
Vol. II,
F
And
66
THE HISTORY
And now they were informed, that
dinner waited for them below ftairs
where they found every thing that could
be wilhed to form a wedding feaſt: at
which the poor were not forgotten, an
open table for them being ordered in the
kitchen all that day, and a confiderable
fum of money diftributed befides,
throughout the neighbourhood, to fuch
as flood the moſt in need of it.
The day was spent in chearful mirth
and entertaining converfation, void of all
thofe unpardonable impurities of ſpeech
which often are permitted to prophane
(if I may ufe that word) a ceremony
that is in itſelf ſo pure and facred.
And Bellmore, ftill retaining both his
tafte and limbs for dancing, he had pre-
pared a band of mulic ready for that
purpoſe. There being three married
couple, Cleone's partner muft of courſe
be the young clergyman. Nor was the
well-deferving youth Amintor left un-
provided for, as there was prefent Bel-
lona's niece Terrefa; who, being within
a year
OF
67
ALMIRA.
a year of his own age, and likewiſe very
pretty, ſeemed to be the only partner he
would, in cafe he had been aſked, have
chofen. They all agreeably amufed
themſelves that way for feveral hours,
the days being then at the longeft. But,
when the evening approached, Samander
took his leave, tho' preſs'd by Bellmore
and the bridegroom to accept of a bed
there that night, if he would for no
longer time oblige them with his com-
pany; but no perfwafions could prevail :
he civilly excufed himſelf, and promiſed
fhortly after to renew his vifit. And it
was obfervable, he did not fail to take
due notice of his partner, e'er he left
them, (a very common cafe on fuch oc-
cafions).
ג
Soon after he was gone, all parties
(being fomewhat weary) fat down to reft
themſelves a little, and receive refreſh-
ment from a glaſs of wine.
Florello was agreeably employed, in
bantering politely his Almira on his dif
covering that he had formerly refufed
his friend the doctor; telling her, that
F 2
he
681
HISTORY
THE
he found it was well for him Samander
had not fooner wore that gown; divinity
having he knew, full often, an attractive
power to draw towards itſelf a faint!
The room they then were in, look'd
out upon the road, and faced the gate
that led directly to the houſe. All were
engaged in different little parties of dif
courfe and happy gaiety, except indeed.
Cleone, who had, for fome few minutes,
ſeparated herſelf from all the reft, and
then leant fideways againſt the window,
fomewhat thoughtful; when Bellona ob-
ferving it, and ſeeing a glafs of wine, that
ſhe had helped her to, untouched, went
with it to her, and reminded her that
it was the bride's good health fhe thus
neglected drinking to. Upon which,
Cleone, fmiling, took it; and was juſt
going to drink it, when a loud rap heard
at the gate occafioned her holding the
glass of wine fufpended for a moment,
to obſerve what company was coming at
fo late an hour; when inftantly, from
between her trembling fingers, it dropp'd
upon the floor; which, drawing every
eye at once upon her, they prevented
her
OF ALMIR A.
€ 9
}
her from following it; as by her ghoſt-
like afpect, and declining head, ſhe
fhewed them fhe was going, in a mo-
ment more, to do.
All were aſtoniſhed, and furrounded
her; while Bellmore and Florello, who
both ſtood talking juft then next the win-
dow (with no lefs concern than all the reft,
at what had fo furprizingly and fudden-
ly alarmed them, upon her account)
ſtarted, and pointed to the garden; Flo-
rello crying out at the fame time, Look
yonder, fir! fee, is not that Samander,
now bringing up the walk, between two
men, all bloody, and to appearance
dead, or dying?
They had no fooner anſwered one ano-
ther, to confirm this melancholy truth,
than they were told it by a frighted fer-
vant; who informed them of the follow-
ing fad occafion of it: That his cha-
riot had been overturned but a few paces.
from their gate; the coachman having
turned too fhort, either thro' negligence
or liquor, by which accident (the glaffes
F 3
being
70
HISTORY
THE
being up, and broke) it was feared that
he had received fome fatal hurt!
The gentlemen ran down immediately
into the room where they had led Sa-
mander; while all the ladies were obliged
to ſtay and lend affiftance to Cleone, who
did not recover for a confiderable time
and, when ſhe did, appeared in great
confufion when they aſked her how the
did.
;
Almira told her, fhe had tired her-
felf, perhaps, too much by dancing, as
ſhe was but little uſed to it. But the
made ſmall reply, only declared, that a
fudden fickneſs, in one moment, feized
her, which was now almoft gone off.
No one, then prefent, feemed to be
a ſtranger to the real cauſe; but, as ſhe
did not name what had furprized her,
every one avoided mentioning it to her
then. But her confiderate friend, the
bride, prevailed on her to let her lead
her to a couch in the next room, in or-
der to compoſe herſelf a little; fearing
fhe
or ALMIRA.
ケ
​the might relapfe, fhould the be prefent
when any news, unwifhed, about Saman-
der, might be brought up ftairs.
However, it appeared, when they had
fetched a furgeon, and had his wounds
examined, that they were (tho' deep) not
dangerous; but, from the violence of
the blow, he had received upon his head,
and lofs of blood, he was made fenfelefs,
and was put immediately to bed, and
proper means applied for his recovery;
which the furgeon gave them great hopes
would be more fpeedy than the unſkilful
might have imagined, (or a practitioner
leſs conſcientious might, indeed, have
made it) from his horrible appearance
when he first came in, being almoſt co-
vered with his blood.
Nor was the gentleman miftaken; for
his fenfes very foon returned after a little
reft; but it was thought proper not to
let him talk too much, or be disturbed,
more than might just be neceffary for
his fafety.
F 4
As
72
THE HISTORY
As foon as he was fenfible enough to
find out where he was, and recollect what
had befallen him, he begg'd he might
fee his friend Florello, before they could
prevail on him to try to reft again.
Supper was then juft over, and the
chearfulneſs of that (before) quite happy
company, was much abated by this me-
lancholy accident; when the account a
fervant gave them, that he was able to
make this requeft, feemed to en-
liven every countenance fo much, that
poor Cleone (who had forced herſelf to
come to table) happily might paſs among
the crowd unnoticed; tho' her fatisfac-
tion was the most confpicuous, and it
had made the greateft change in her
complexion.
Florello went to him directly, and
Samander (tho' faint yet) made his friend
a fenfible and kind apology, on an oc-
cafion indeed that required but little.
For it might be eafily believed he meant
not to himſelf, or him, a trouble of that
fort.
OF
73
ALMIRA.
fort. He begg'd, however, that it
might caft no damp upon whatever
mirth the family fhould chooſe to make;
affuring him, that he was ſo much
mended then, that he believed but for the
foreneſs of his head, and an unuſual faint-
nefs, he could be as able, as he was de-
firous, to make one amongst them again;
adding, that he was an unfortunate
officious fool, as it had happened, to
blunder on him upon the only day,
whereon an accident, like that, muſt be
the moſt unwelcome.
Florello anſwered him in the moſt
tender manner; and affured him, that,
at any time, his welfare muſt lay equal
claim to his concern and carefulleft re-
gard; and begg'd him to forget, if
poffible, that a contraft fo difagreeable
had happened on that day; but would
not fuffer him to talk any more upon
that fubject, nor any other could he
have hindered him. But then, Saman-
der defired him to fend away his footman
to acquaint his father (in whatever man-
ner he ſhould judge would leaft furprize
him) with the occafion of his not re-
turning
74
HISTORY
THE
turning home; adding, I would rather
fpare the other, (meaning his coachman)
as leaft proper to attend me; but, as I
know my father to be paffionately hafty,
I fhould fear for the unlucky fellow,
when he difcovers that his carelessnefs
has been the caufe of this misfortune.
Florello then wifhed him good reft,
and took his leave of him-then in-
ftantly obeyed him, and difpatched the
man; giving ftrict orders to his fer-
vants that the mirth, wherein they were
engaged, might be conducted with the
utmoft quiet; making it more worth
their while, to lend attention and obe-
dience to him, by liberally rewarding
them at the fame time; and telling each,
only to whiſper out, as often as he would,
the bride's good health, and every other
that they choſe to drink.
The fame obliging care was next ob-
ferved above; and pleaſure wore, for
the remainder of that evening, the curb
of kind confideration and humanity.
Fidelio
OF ALMIR A.
75
...
Fidelio, with his ſpouſe and fon, took
leave of them juft after fupper.
And about twelve of the clock the
bridegroom was obferved to yawn two
or three times, (or rather feem to do
fo; for, by the briſkneſs of his eyes and
fpirits, that was moft certainly counter-
feited). He likewife faid, I think this
fright, upon my friend's account, has
left the influence of an ague fit upon
me. To that however (Bellmore ſmiling,
anfwer'd) we will impute it; and, look-
ing kindly on his daughter, told her,
that as ſhe ſaw he was ſo much diſorder'd,
ſhe would have too much good-nature,
he was certain, to oblige him to fit up
too late; adding, that he beleived it was
not early then. Upon which, Florello's
watch was foremoſt to inform his father
of the hour, (tho' it was found to go,
indeed, near half an hour fafter than
every other there;) and then Bellona,
turning towards the bride, cried, Come
my dear, we wives, you fee, are taught
to underſtand our fummons; your fa-
ther
76
THE HISTORY
ther now, I fee, grows fleepy, therefore
let us now withdraw.
Almira bowed, and told her (tho' but,
faintly) fhe would follow her: but firft
looked fomewhat filly, for a moment, as
if to catch fome ftraw-weigh'd flight ex-
cufe, if poffible; which prudent wiſdom
haftily informed her, would not hold her
long; and then ſhe rofe, and curtefying,
(lefs gracefully a little, than fhe was
uſed to do) wifhed Bellmore good re-
pofe, and waited on her new mamma:
while Cleone and Terrefa, catched up
each of them a candle, to conduct them
up to the bridal chamber; nor would
Almira be attended there by any more:
and thoſe three friends, indeed, feemed
proud of their new office, (that of help-
ing to undreſs her;) which, when they
had finiſhed, all but Bellona took their
leave of her, and went to their apart-
ments. But the firft returned to acquaint
her fon, that he need not, unless he
choſe it, fit up any longer; tho' the
drowſy difpofition (added Bellmore) is
gone off.
And
of ALMIRA,
77
And he did not require being ſpoke
to twice, before he heard and paid obe-
dience to her ſummons.
Bellmore and fhe attended him up
ſtairs; and waited in the room adjoining,
while he undreffed himſelf. They then
went in, juſt to confer their bleſſing on
that worthy pair! as both thoſe parents
had requeſted they might do.-A liberty
lefs painful that, methinks, to virgin
modefty, than one, Almira and Florello
could not ſuffer, but which is frequently
allowed of upon fuch occafions, when a
bride and bridegroom are fet up in bed,
in order to be moft ridiculously pelted
at, for the diverfion of the company,
under the pretended right they plead
their claim to, that of throwing the
ſtocking an entertainment, by much
too ludicrous, I think, for any part of
matrimonial ceremony; and no leſs offen-
five to the true idea of female deli-
cacy.
And
-*8
THE HISTORY
And now, their wedding being over,
Florello's ftay was but to be a fhort
one with his father;-all things were
ready for his reception at the houſe be-
Fonging to the eſtate Bellinore had given
him. But that tender parent ſeemed
defirous of their continuing fome time
Longer with him; looking upon it as a
feparation fomewhat difagreeable; tho' a
few minutes could, at any time, convey
them to each other's houſe.
Samander mended very faft; and,
tho' confined by order of his furgeon to
his room, declared, he would not looſe
the pleaſure of his friends fociety, when
able to fit up, to compenfate the pain he
had fuffered. Florello therefore, and his
ſpouſe, drank tea in his apartment: and,
in a day or two, he ſeemed to expreſs
furprize a little, at not hearing from
his father. But his friend told him, that
he need not be the leaft concerned about
it, for he, upon mature confideration,
had determined, that the moſt kind
apology was to aquaint him only, that
he
F
79
ALMIRA.
he had ftaid to honour a friend's nuptials.
And I have charged your fervant, added
he, to mention nothing further. He is
returned this day.
Florello had a double reafon for fo
doing, as the bride had begg'd him to
prevent, if poffible, his father's coming
there, as his fon's life was not the leaſt
in danger; remembering, that his dif
pofition and behaviour formerly were
not the moſt agreeable: and therefore
judging, that, upon fuch a vifit (all
things confidered) his company might
be diſguſtful to all parties. For her re-
fufal of his fon, it feems, had greatly
hurt his pride, of which he had more
than a common fhare, tho' of a vulgar
fort.
Nor did Samander feem difpleaſed
with the kind turn Florello gave the
meffage.
Cleone could not be perfwaded to
make one among the fick man's vifiters
tho' it was certain fhe feared herſelf,
much
THE HISTORY
much more than ſhe did him, in her re-
fuſing ſo to do. He foon perceived it,
and aſked, one day, why he was never
favoured with his partner's company ?
as all, but her, had condefcended to
oblige him by repeated viſits;—he hoped
the was not indifpofed; and, if ſhe was
not, he ſhould think it a reflection on
his cloth, in cafe a maiden lady ſhould
have any fcruples on approaching (at
leaft in company) his bedchamber.
All, who were then prefent, were
much pleaſed to find his fpirits fo chear-
fully difpofed. Upon which Almira
ftarted up, telling him, that he ſhould
likewiſe remember, that a maiden lady
always ought to ſtay till fhe was aſked;
and therefore, why not, pray, till aſked
for? (continued fhe) but that, however,
fhe would let her know he had made
her now, in form, an invitation.
But Cleone was fome time before fhe
would accompany her in: till her friend
(laughing at her) faid, This furely,
cannot be Cleone! for I never thought
it
1
OF ALMIRA.
&x
it poffible for her to grow a prude!
She then proteſted fhe would diſcover to
Samander all the knew, and that (fhe
faid) was more, the dared believe, than
the herfelf would care to tell him, or to
have him told, at leaſt, at prefent; add-
ing, My dear, indeed, you did not cut
your forehead with the wine-glafs; tho
you might, I will allow, have done fo;
therefore no mark is likely to betray you,
if you can but keep your own fweet
council.
The other then blushing, a little con-
fcious of being fo well known, attended
her to drink their tea in his apartment.
But, for the world, fhe could not afk
him how he did, that he might have lefs
trouble to diſcover, how well her heart
fincerely wiſhed him.
Samander moſt agreeably acknow-
ledged the favour of her vifit; and told
her, he was going unfarely to betray a
fecret, that concerned her chiefly, before
all that company: yet, as all there, he
faid, were friends, he hoped fhe would
Vol. II.
G
for-
82
HISTORY
THE
✓
forgive it. Then, turning to Florello,
he proceeded in the following manner :
You would not, I am fure, believe, to
look upon that lady, fir, who, till this
minute, has declined, in company and
open day-light, to be feen thus vifiting a
batchelor, that ſhe would come by night.
abruptly, to break in upon, and even
difturb his flumbers.
They all laughed very heartily, at the
expence of poor Cleone, from obferving
the variety of battling paffions which this
occafioned on her features: but as, at
laft, a little anger threatened to be ga-
thering itſelf into a half-formed frown,
in order to prepare and then produce an
anſwer, he proceeded foon to the folution
of his unintelligible ſpeech.
Yet fhe has, I affure you ;-but it was
in idea only, you will imagine; tho' I,
notwithſtanding, feel methinks the in-
fluence of it, as ftrongly thro' my re-
collection, as I could have done from
the reality.
All,
OF ALMIRA.
83
All, as if with one breath, defired to
hear what was his dream, (for ſuch they
found it was) excepting her it moſt con-
cerned; and fhe looked down, turned
pale, half-trembled, then looked up
again in order to conceal confuſion, like
one, who, confcious of fome theft or
murder, feared it was on the brink of
being diſcovered.
He ſaw the pretty perturbation he had
put her fpirits into, and kindly (not to
ftare her ftill more out of countenance)
fmiled, and ſeemed not diſpleaſed; and
then looked down himſelf obligingly, to
keep her company. But prefently con-
tinued thus his fubject, obferving filent
expectation, upon every face, fat waiting
for him:
The very night I met with this mis-
fortune, in the first flumber I had fenfe
to recollect with clearneſs any thing, my
cruel fancy truly, thinking I had not had
enough in my firft fall, chofe to oblige
me with a ſecond! which, I declare, has
G 2
left
84
HISTORY
THE
1
left a deeper impreffion on my memory
than the firft; tho' not upon my face fo
deep a one and, in the moment I was
falling, I had enough politenefs, I affure
you, tho' aſleep, to reach out haitily my
hand to fave that lady, who then filled
the vacant feat befide me in the chariot;
and, by receiving her upon that arm, I
broke her fall entirely, and waked quite
fenfible of all the fharp effects of mine.
While Samander was fpeaking this,
expreffive looks went round; Florello
bit his lips; Almira feemed to blow
her nofe, in order to conceal an un-
governable fimper; and Bellmore and
Bellona laughed and looked on one ano-
ther. No one among them had any
anfwer ready, even to thank him for the
relation of his dream; looking all upon
Cleone, as if they thought the fervice
done her in it, being particular, demand-
ed only her acknowledgment.
Samander likewife, look'd as if defi-
rous of her making ſome reply concern-
ing it; when, after fome moments pauſe,
fhe
OF ALMIR A.
85
fhe told him, that fhe muft own fo kind
an inſtance of his fleeping care, deſerved
her waking thanks; and had made due
amends for the amazement he had cauſed
her in the ſtrange beginning of his
ftory. Which he anſwered, by affuring
her, that his ideal perſon had done no
more, than he could anfwer for the real
one's having performed upon the like
occafion,
Many reſpectful hints, like this, he
miffed no opportunity of giving her;
that it was eaſy to perceive a budding
inclination. But he, recollecting, pro-
bably, upon what foundation he had
proved unſucceſsful in his former paffion,
for her friend Almira, he feared (their
virtuous principles being fo much the
fame) he might be fo again repulſed, in
making his addreffes. And therefore,
fhortly after, he took occaſion when ſhe
was preſent, with his friend Florello and
his ſpouſe, to introduce the following
topic of diſcourſe :
How
G 3
86
THE HISTORY
How happy am I now, cried he, my
friend, (addreffing himself to Florello)
compared with what I ever muſt re-
member I once was! which I could wish
might be forgot by all except myſelf.
You, madam, (turning towards Almira)
ſhamed and mortified me into a difpo-
fition to look inward on thoſe faults, for
which I met deſervedly my puniſhment
in loofing your regard. How careful
ought young men to be in choofing
their acquaintance! 'Tis of as dangerous
a confequence, if not more fo, than be-
ing negligent in matrimony. A few
light fools of faſhion, whoſe folly my
flight wiſdom was not ftrong enough to
cope with, or confute, bore down my
judgment on the rapid ftream of their
extravagant and paffion-led imaginati-
ons, on a fubject more demanding juft
regard, and facred veneration, than all
other! and hazarded my being irreco-
verably plunged in an abyfs of infidelity!
tho' I was in religion, I believe, a little
like fome rakes in love-affairs, I talked
more lightly than I dared believe. But
con-
OF ALMIRA.
87
conſcience, aided by reflection, thro' the
compaffion of a gracious Providence !
foon convinced me of my error.
And
the bleffed force of that pure doctrine,
which I had heard (too patiently) de- '
ſpiſed, ere long converted me from
thence, to think all fuch defpifers of it
the moſt deſpicable and unhappy part of
human beings! Nor could I then be
happy, till I became one of its humbleſt
preachers; which my father, not the
moſt pleaſed with, I affure you, called
an unneceſſary whim of mine, and a mere
baſtard of deſpair and penitence! But
foon, however, he provided for me, not-
withſtanding, a fubftantial benefice; in-
fifting tho' upon my putting in a curate
there, to do the duty for me, till he
(he faid) was dead, or I ſhould marry;
it being above a hundred miles from his
eſtate.
-I was but juft returned from ma-
king a vifitation there, to take poffeffion
of a place which I fhould be more
pleaſed could I refide in, when I made
this too troublefome excurfion to you,
G4
my
88
HISTORY
THE
my friend; whofe beneficial intimacy,
can never be by me forgotten. For,
as a virtuous woman's prize is faid to be
above rubies! I will declare, a virtuous
man's to be of an ineftimable value!
And I can never fufficiently acknowledge
the obligation I am under to your vir
tue's powerful example.
་
They all feemed greatly pleaſed with
this diſcourſe; Florello only bowed and
fmiled; but more apparent fatisfaction
brightened thro' Cleone's eyes, who look-
ed upon her female neighbour often,
(when unobſerved by him) as tho' fhe
faid, or meant to fay, You fee, I knew
him beft;-you thought me partial, I
remember;-pray, am I miſtaken in him
now? and many fuch dumb fort of
fpeaking, foft infinuations, which Al-
mira needed not to have further explain'd
to her.
They both, however, left the room a
little after this difcourfe was finifhed,
and rallied one another very merrily
concerning him.
Almira
OF ALMIRA.
89
Almira fuitably enough reminded her
to ſtand upon her guard, as he had
once inſtructed her to do, in talking of
Florello; faying, in her own words, "I
..
only would adviſe Cleone to guard her
"heart, with all its native noble ſtrength,
"to ftand the repeated force of this young
"clergyman's accomplishments, &c."
Nor was Samander, at that time, lefs
gratefully employed. He had feized the
opportunity their abfence furniſhed for
him; and told Florello, that as he always
knew his difpofition to be generous, he
had found him now a new occafion of
laying him under an obligation to his
experienced friendſhip.
I cannot fay, continued he, that you
have deprived me of one wife, (tho' you
poffefs the lady whom I, indeed, firſt
hoped to make fo) but you have influ-·
ence, I am certain, fufficiently to pre-
poffefs in favour of me, one, whom I
fhould now be happy, I perfwade_my-
felf, could I call fuch. Cleone feems
to
90
HISTORY
THE
to have imbibed her charming friend's
internal virtues ! nor can a form, ſo every
way agreeable, fail to attract the tender
paffion of a man who has a heart at
liberty.
Yet am I, alas! in love,-a poor un-
happy fellow; for I have always fome
ill-fated difficulty to engage; and fhould
I be fo fortunate to find her inclinations
free (that I might hope, in time, to make
myſelf the happy maſter of them) I am
not certain when, or whether, I muſt
dare to only hope, that I fhall make her
mine. For I have a will to foften, more
inflexible than any lady's whom I would
chooſe to make my application to.
My father has, from various obfer-
vations of the difagreements but too fre-
quently perceived in the marriage ſtate,
conceived of late a very great diſlike to
my adventuring into it at all: but I
have reafon to believe, that powerful
1erfwafive gold! and nothing elſe,
would biafs him to change his mind.
And I have both a natural and religi-
ous
OF ALMIRA.
95
ous way of thinking, with regard to ha-
ving his confent, that influences me be-
yond fome other mercenary thoughts,
which likewife join to make it ſtill more
prudent that I ſhould wish to have it;
I, therefore, ought not, I am afraid, to
unbofom yet to her, what friendship fears
not to diſcloſe to you, till I have men-
tioned it to him; for I am refolved to
try him.
And, in the mean time, be it your
taſk, I charge you, dear Florello, to
expatiate largely on my merit, to prepare
my way; and I will promife thee to uſe
my beſt endeavours, not to reflect dif-
grace upon thy judgment, (added he)
as far as I am able.
Florello told him, he would adviſe
him, as a friend, to loofe no time him-
felf; for, to his certain knowledge, her
inclination was partly engaged already;
and it was impoffible to anfwer for its
not being fixed ere long. But that one
circumſtance was very lucky on his fide;
for, if he did not ftay too long in par-
lying
92
HISTORY
THE
lying with his father, the only gentle-
man he thought he need to fear, would
not return before him, to fupplant him
in his hopes, that he affured Samander
he was certain of. But, as to the un-
happy obſtacle of fortune, or rather want
of it, he feared that would not be ſo
eafily removed; Cleone's being, indeed,
below her merit, and his father's ex-
pectation for him.-No more (at leaſt
that he knew of, than the five hundred
pounds which his Almira purpoſed to
preſent her with upon her day of mar-
riage, and the like fum that he intended
to requeſt her to accept from him, as
an inſtance of his juft efteem for one
fo worthily beloved by his dear ſpouſe,
and who no lefs regarded her likewiſe in
the moſt grateful manner.
Samander only ſmiled his approbation
of their generofity; called fortune dirty
drofs ! and then again feemed thoughtful,
as he had been before. For this news,
about a lover, fhagreen'd him not a
little; infomuch, that, to revive him,
his friend was forced to give him all the
hope,
;
OF ALMIRA.
93
hope, thro' pity, that he dared afford
him, without injuring the abfent lady,
for whom he had fo friendly a re-
gard.
In fine, Florello told him to remem-
ber boldly the well-known faying, that
"faint heart never won fair lady;" and
he would adviſe him, therefore, to pre-
pare
his way
himſelf, before he left her;
which, Samander told him, was to be
the following afternoon,-he being now
well enough recovered to leave off the
bandage of his head, and only wore a
large black plaifter.
He thanked Florello for his informa-
tion and advice; tho' fome part of it, he
faid, had made him many degrees lefs
happy, than he had felt himſelf before.
But that, however, he would that night
accompany him down to fupper, fince
his figure was not quite fo fcaring now,
he thought, as it had been: and his mo-
tive for fo doing was not difficult to
fee thro'.
He
94
THE HISTORY
He knew that, probably, no oppor-
tunity could offer, in his apartment, for
fpeaking to Cleone privately; and, for-
tunately to his wiſh, no doubt, he found
her in the dining-room alone; for Flo-
rello, after he had accompanied her in,
withdrew himſelf immediately, pretend-
ing that he went to feek his fpoufe; but,
the truth was, he meant rather to prevent
her unwifh'd vifit, for fome time at
leaft.
*
Cleone, who kept nothing from Al-
mira, told her, how foolish the believed
ſhe muſt have looked when Samander
accofted her in words to this effect:
That he, to-morrow, was to take his
leave of her; but wifhed he might fet
out with her commiffion to return ere
long; fince it was too hard a fate, he
thought, in a good chriftian's houfe, to
enter with a broken head, and exit with
a wounded heart! The firſt, he ſaid, ſhe
ſaw was almoft healed; but he muft
learn from only her, if there was
any
OF ALMIR A.
95
any cure to be expected for the
other.
She, in a little time, fummoned up
courage to reply, and told him, that if
he would wait till fhe had ſtudied fur-
gery, ſhe ſhould be better qualified to
anſwer him.
He, taking this not for a negative,
prefumed to take her hand, and kiffed
it, with more freedom than fome time-
rous laymen would perhaps have done;
(but orthodox belief ought to give hap-
py courage) and told her then, he muſt
infiſt upon a kinder paſs, or he would
ſtay (as long as fhe fhould make it ne-
ceffary) where he was, to wait for one :
adding, after a little paufe, but to be fe-
rious, deareſt madam! have you no un-
furmountable objection, to the thinking
favourably of a man, whofe cloth, as well
as confcience, forbid him to convince
you of his regard, by threatning to chal-
lenge any one on your account; but
who admires and loves you, with a more
reaſonable and lafting flame, than thoſe,
per-
96
THE HISTORY
haps, might do, who have no other way
of proving it? May I, at leaſt, en-
courage hope, that time may ſoften,
what I would fain think is not difliking
now, into partiality, or generous and
grateful approbation of me?
Cleone anſwered him, that he had
one, if there had been no other, that
muſt be thought by her an unfurmoun-
table objection. That tho', according
to the world's opinion, fhe acknowledged
what he had faid, appeared to do her
honour, (confidering that fortune's fa-
vours were wholly on his fide) yet fuch
a fall as that, in every reſpect muſt be,
from her he formerly admired fo justly,
might fix fuch everlaſting felf-reproach
on his reflection, as would endanger pro-
miſed happineſs.
O, no, replied Samander, not in the
leaft. Defervedly, you know, I loſt her
years ago; and, fince Florello is the
happy man, I cannot envy him, even
Almira -
May
་
OF ALMIRA.
97
May that be all, my fweet Cleone has
to ſay againſt me! No, baniſh ſuch a
thought; for you were meant, by vir-
tue's beſt alliance, I am fure, to be her
fifter; each poffeffing naturally each
other's excellencies!
If, happily, no greater obftacle ſhall
hence ariſe againſt my wiſhes, I will not
long, believe me, yield to that.
He then, in order to convince her of
the truth of what he ſaid, requeſted leave,
and did not ſtay to have it, to take one
kifs which he had juft retreated from
obtaining, when all the abfent part of
their affembly joined them, as fupper
was juſt ready.
And, on the following day, Samander
left them, (returning his moſt ſenſible
acknowledgments for the kind care that
had been taken of him) Florello having
firſt enjoined him in a promife, to let
him foon hear from him; and it was not
long before he fhewed him, he had not
been unmindful of it.
Vol. II.
H
One
$8
TRE HISTORY
One afternoon, Florello and Almira
had been more freely talking with
Cleone, upon the happinefs which they
both hoped attended her, in being, one
day or other, Samander's fpoufe; when,
in that very hour, a letter came from
him.
Florello, till he had made himſelf ac-
quainted with the contents, would have
concealed it wholly; but Cleone's pene-
trating eye immediately informed him
that ſhe was not a ſtranger to that hand,
in order to make fure, perhaps, her hear-
ing what was in it.
He arofe, and walking to the window,
read it to himſelf. It was as follows:
68
My dearest friend,
SINCE I faw you I have received
another blow, indeed! tho' one, that
I was not without great apprehenfion of,
you know, before I left you.
❝ I was,
OF ALMIRA,
99
I was, I find, no ftranger to my
father; and, I was (duty pardon me) juſt
going to fay, I wiſh I had.-But, to my
melancholy buſineſs.
"I informed him of every particular,
and made him my requeft, concerning
fweet Cleone! Nor could I too much
enlarge the truth of my eſteem for her.
And this, or fuch as this, was his reply
to me:
J
So! fo! I find you have made a
profperous journey of it, truly! to your
much talked of, and great favourite Flo-
rello! And a fine compliment you make
yourſelf and family, in my opinion, don't
you think you do? to reward his marry-
ing your former doating - piece, that
haughty madam! who would not have
you truly by humbly wedding now,
at laft, her waiting - gentlewoman, or
companion, what is fhe? One of no fa-
mily, I ever heard of; or fortune nei-
ther, I fuppofe.
H 2
“No,
100 THE HISTORY
-“No, no; I would rather give
thee my confent to wed my dairy-maid;
a better houſewife fhe might make thee;
and fave thy fubftance, tho' fhe can't
increaſe it, more than the other.
"This is, no doubt, to fet your
flock (yonder) a pattern of humility!
This gown of thine, I think, has made
thee good for nothing, Sam: it has left
nothing of thy family about thee. Thou
wouldft as foon have hanged thyself,
fome years ago, as have looked down fo
low as this.
"No; my confent! I will not
have thy fooliſhneſs to anſwer for, by
giving it, indeed;-to have thee pay
me for it by and by, perhaps, with
curfes in my grave; when, being tired
of the bitter pill, you wish it had been
gilded.
"And thefe, my friend, and many
more as harsh expreffions, he made ufe
of, to convince me only, that fuch droffy
gilding,
OF ALMIRA.
IOI
gilding, as he meant, was to weigh down
my happiness! which melancholy truth
occafioned higher words between us,
than, upon recollection, I could have
wifhed; for I intend, to-morrow, to fet
out for that lately-deferted place, where
duty ſhould before have fixed me, had
not an oppofing duty drawn me from
it.
"What time may do, I know not ;
I have, at prefent, very little hope, and
ftill lefs fpirits.
" But, this I know, were not my prin-
ciples of natural obedience, as ftrong
as his unkind inflexibility, I might be
eaſier than I am at prefent, or am likely
foon to be.
C&
However, be affured, my dear Flo-
rello, that you must have another viſit
from me before I leave this county,
(I therefore will poftpone my journey)
tho' a fhorter and a lefs happier one, I
am afraid, than I had bid my wiſhes
H 3
hope
102
THE HISTORY
hope for when I left you; who am, and
muſt remain,
Your truly affectionate friend,
SAMANDER.
P.S. I need not caution you to let this
letter be a fecret."
Florello now, was under no fmall
embarraſſment; Cleone's eyes were fix'd
upon him very attentively while he was
reading, as tho' fhe meant to catch in-
telligence, in its reflective influence, upon
his features and they were fo obedient
to her obfervation, as to be quite ex-
preffive.
Almira, tho' a party lefs concerned
than the other, took notice how his co-
lour went and came; but, when he had
finiſhed it, and put it into his pocket,
taking no notice whom it came from;
and, to avoid the expected queſtion, left
the
OF ALMIRA.
103
the room feemingly fomewhat diforder'd,
all the fears of love-poffeffed imagina-
tion, roſe immediately, and took pof-
feffion of Cleone's features.
I thought, cried the, (in a low broken-
founding kind of voice) that was Saman-
der's hand; but hands may be alike
indeed.--I find I was miftaken.
So are, very often, hearts alike, my
dear, (returned Almira) I am not mif-
taken there. Nor does thy fpeaking,
honeft countenance, now dare to tell
me, that thou art in any doubt concern-
ing whofe hand it was; tho' thou art
pleading ignorance fo prettily, either
thro' fear, or anger ! fay, which is it,
my Cleone? Has his coachman broke
his head again, by overturning him?
Or has he left thee out of his epiftle,
having thee nearer in his heart ? Come,
prithee, my referved one, look lefs fe-
rious-had he been dead he had not
wrote at all, that be affured of.
Florello
H 4
104
THE HISTORY
Florello then returned; and, having
heard the latter part of this difcourfe,
laughed heartily; and told them, Sa-
mander was not dead indeed; but, if
they doubted, he would, ere long, ap-
pear to them to prove it: adding, this
letter, like a running footman, only
comes before, that dinner might be
ready for him. Tho' I will own, there
is likewiſe ſome private buſineſs in it,
that with-holds it from a lady's eye;
or I had fhewn it you, I am fure, Cleone.
We are both, you know, free-maſons;
and have many facred fort of fecrets:
and, if fuch are not in this letter, I will
diſcover one, at leaſt, to make amends
for my not fhewing what is really în
it.
No correfpondence of a worthy bro-
ther-maſon, can ever tend to prejudice
a lady! Of this truth, reft fatisfied,
Cleone. I mention this particular only,
for fear you ſhould be jealous, or ſuf-
picious, as I named a fecret.
A
How-
or ALMIRA.
105
•
ta
your heart.
However, think it otherwife, to try
Prudence may, often, that
way, not only prove our fortitude, but
give a higher reliſh to felicity!
She faw too plainly, by him, that
there was fome unwelcome news; but
yet affumed a ſmile, her foul feemed to
oppofe; till friendly female pride aſſiſt-
ed her; and then fhe anſwered thus:
I have, indeed, no right, or title, to
enquire, fir, whatever buſineſs it contains.
And then feemed thoughtful.
Florello foon found, or elſe choſe to
make, occafion to drop a ſubject, that
he was fearful now of touching more
upon than he had been obliged to do.
But, it was not long before this fecret
was, in part, unravelled for, in a day
or two, Samander made them a vifit;
and it was Cleone's fate, juft then, to
be at work below alone, when he came
.in, (for Bellmore and Bellona, being
gone
305
THE HISTORY
gone out that day, Florello and Almira
were employed above, in reading and
peruling papers; fome affairs, regarding
her effects, requiring immediately fuch
an inspection: nor had the before open'd
the casket that was given her by her
dying aunt.)
He made her, on his firft approach,
the following compliment: (his face, as
fome time after Cleone told Almira,
quite corresponding with his words.)
· tell
Believe me, dearest madam, when I
you, what I wif it were poflible for
you to know, as well as I do, that I was
not mistaken when I thought I loved
you! This little abfence has convinced
me of it. And yet, believe me likewife,
that I left you with much more joy than
I now meet you with; for I am foon,
alas! to leave you! and for a time un-
certain; my hopes too of happineſs, all
with you. An unwifhed incident has
made it neceffary. Yet, you muſt an-
fwer me one or two queftions; or elfe,
in leaving you, I fhall be truly wretched!
First,
OF ALMIRA.
107
Firſt, may I hope, to often hear from
your dear hand, (in anſwer to my fre-
quent and moſt ardent enquiry after
your much prayed for health) that you
are well and happy? happier, and more
deferving of it, than I fhortly muſt ex-
pect to be.
And next, may I have room to hope,
that time may prove my friend in ab-
fence, not my dreaded enemy; both
with refpect to your eſteem, and a more
foft regard than that cool epithet can
comprehend?
Cleone fcarce knew what to anſwer,
to a ſpeech ſhe could not clearly under-
ſtand. But, weighing what fhe had ob-
ferved before, upon Florello's receiving
of Samander's letter, with this; and well
remembering what he had heard of
Brutus, Samander's father, fhe replied as
follows:
Believe me, fir, I am no ftranger to
that part
of your difcourfe (or meaning
rather)
108
HISTORY
THE
rather) which you have ftudioufly en-
deavoured to conceal in fuch polite ex-
preflion.
My knowledge of the world, and of
myfelf, could not avoid diſcovering thoſe
truths to me, which I muſt hold myſelf
obliged for your propofing to hide from
me, as you knew that women's pride is
cafily offended.
But, you'll allow me now, I hope, to
have an unfurmountable objection to
your fuit? that gives more ftrength to
the other, which I made fome time ago.
-No; I eſteem a generous mind, too
fenfibly and justly, to entertain a thought
of ever wounding it.-A parent's having
oppoſed it, could never fail to be, with
pain, remembered by us both.
Alas, Florello ! (cried Samander) haft
thou then been falfe to my request? He
has, I fee; I hear he has! It was not
kind in him.
Forgive
F
109
ALMIRA.
Forgive me, madam! forgive my fa-
ther's
It is he, my dear, my moſt
belov'd Cleone and yet, what am I
faying? or, what can I fay? I know not
how to anſwer you! I dare not look up-
on you; for this unexpected ftroke, in-
deed, has quite unniann'd my heart!
but it is ftill, and ſhall remain devoted-
ly for-ever yours!
And, in that moment, he confirmed
the truth of what he had faid, (accord-
ing to his meaning in the word un-
mann'd) by having a recourſe to tears;
which called for his handkerchief's
affiftance; and, finding he could no
longer conceal his grief, he threw himſelf
into a chair, in the remoteft corner of the
room, confounded and aſhamed.
:
While poor Cleone, from obferving
him, and being equally herſelf affected,
fat almoſt like a ftatue.
When, in that minute, Florello, with
Almira, entered the apartment; the latter
running
110
THE HISTORY
Funning to her, with a face of fimiling
joy, and arms extended to embrace her,
crying out, in rapturous accents, My.
dear, dear, fifter! come to my arms! for
heaven has now, indeed, been kind to us
in all our wiſhes ! She then embraced her
in the warmest manner; while Cleone,
now bewildered with a certain grief, and
an uncertain joy, remained quite filent.
and aftoniſhed! Almira almoft fmother'd
her with kiffes for fome time: and, her
particular attachment to her, had pre-
vented her, at firſt, ſeeing Samander.
But, Florello, on his entering the
room, perceived him; and, with an
equal extafy faluted him, as the other
did Cleone; fhaking his hands as hear-
tily, as tho', indeed, he meant to rob
him of them, and called him brother!
faying, My dearest friend, thou art
come, in the moſt happy hour, to crown
and ſhare, I hope, our happineſs!
Samander looked furprized! and,
after a check'd figh, defired to know,
what joy of theirs it was, that he could
poffibly
OF
XTI
ALMIRA.
-
poflibly be more a tharer in, than by
the pleature, he well knew, their blifs
muſt ever give him as a friend.
Florello cold him, he would leave
that doubt to be refolved by her on
whom it wholly now depended, he be-
lieved, (pointing to Cleone) to whom
he then gave a ſmall packet he had in
his hand; telling her, fhe was the perfon
into whofe care it must be firft intrufted
but he fhould infift upon her promiſe
that his friend Samander might be in-
formed of the contents, when fhe had
read them; for he must be a party now
concerned, or he would greatly damp
their happineſs.
She took it trembling with amaze-
ment, and peruſed it inftantly; but
feemed much moved at what fhe read
& B
changed colour frequently, and wept;
then, having finifhed it, replied, in a low
melancholy voice, Tho' there is one un-
happy circumftance I must regret thro
life, in this furprizing piece of news,
which is contained in this dear paper, it
is
112 THE
HISTORY
1
is fo ballanced here, (taking Almira's
band) in making me thus blifsfully allied
where I moft wifhed I had been, that I
am almoſt reconciled already to my fate
in knowing of it.
There, take it, fir, ſhe cried, (cárrying
it to Samander) and tell me, if you
fhould be happy in my place, from
feeing thoſe contents? But then a fhower
of filent tears convinced them, fhe was
not indeed compleatly fo. They were
as follows:
..
My dear Cleone,
SHAME and remorfe, joined with
fome prudent interefted motives,
have, thro' life, deprived me of the
pleaſure I fhould otherwife have had in
owning thee as my dear daughter! tho'
I have had the fight and comfort of thee
notwithſtanding; and can reflect, with
fatisfaction, that I have done a parent's
part by thee; and will do it more fo at
my death, (as when you read this you
will
OF
113
ALMIRA.
1
will own) tho' too much to my un-
fortunate difgrace! (much more than
thine, for thou wert born in, and of,
wedlock) for juftice is a duty, above all
other poor confiderations, indiſpenſable.
"Know then, my dear-loved child, that
thou art, in truth, to call Almira ſiſter,
me, alas! (in only memory) thy father;
tho' two different, but equally-deferving
women, were your mothers.
"Yours, before heaven! I was con-
tracted to, in the moſt folemn, fecret
manner, while a minor. But, as it was
a marriage that would not ſtand good
in law, if we had dared to prove it,
which our apprehenfion of fome rela-
tions cruel rigour and reſentment (whom
her juſt ſenſe of duty, no leſs loved than
feared) deterred us from attempting till
it was too late, I ever have concealed it.
For the two only witneffes we had, who
were both friends of mine, (and one of
them a ſtudent of a college, but not then
in holy orders, who married us) foon
after died.
Vol. II.
I
"Thus,
114 THE HISTORY
"Thus, youthful ardour, and her
parents capricious diſapprobation of our
at firſt-agreed-to nuptials, (they having
found a wealthier huſband for her) in
one unhappy hour, fo far betrayed my
reaſon and diſcretion, that I took pof-
feffion of thoſe charms (too foon) which
I now looked on as made fufficiently
my own.
"Yet, tho' her more than merited
regard for me, had fo far aided my un-
weighed defires, when once reflection
came to fhew her to herſelf in the new
gloomy light this had occafioned, nei-
ther her then confenting, tho' angry and
indeed rigouroufly unkind parents, nor
my most warm intreaties, could prevail
with her to marry me more legally.
"And, when I urged her on that
fubject, fhe would ever after anfwer me
to this effect :
"No, no, my dear Bellario! they
were pleaſed to fay, I was too good for
you,
OF
115
ALMIRA.
you, fome time ago, you well remem-
ber; then, what inference muſt be drawn
from their confenting now? fuch as my
foul can never ftoop to fuffer! Truth
tells me, (tho' alas! the fad reverſe of
what their ſtern partiality had ſaid) I
was never good enough; but am much
lefs worthy now, by this great breach
of duty!-
"Nor fhall I long, I find, out-live
the fhock of its difcovery! and you,
alas! would neither find, or need I hope,
a friend in thoſe I leave.-
"But I, perhaps, had been too happy
here, had it been otherwife; and we may
meet again, where all our joys are
perfect.-
"I can die fatisfied, ſo far, in know-
ing I am your wife; tho' a lefs happy
one than I had been, would others have
thought like you.-
"Your only fault, excefs of love
(affifted by the weakneſs and ſeverity of
kindred)
I 2
116 THE
HISTORY
kindred) has occafioned yet my mind,
alas! will never be itfelf again; fo
deeply has their harth, tho' juft, refent-
ment, wounded me.
" Nor did the ever overcome the
melancholy that had feized her, and
which, it was thought, alone, brought
on her death; for, in a fhort time after
thou wert born, fhe died; in a remote
retreat, to which I had fome months
before (when the was found far gone
with child) conducted her, when her pa-
rents ordered her to quit their houſe and
fight.
"Nor did we, ever after, fee thofe
unforgiving friends; who, tho' they had,
at laft, agreed that I might marry her,
declared in the moſt bitter terms, at
the fame time, that neither me, nor
mine, fhould ever have of them one
fhilling and they left all their for-
tune to her younger fifter, who is ſtill
living.
<< I leave
OF ALMIKA.
1 17
* I leave thee this particular and fad
detail, (which many fathers would, I
know, have chofen to have ever hid
from thee) becauſe I fee, with pleaſure,
that thou art of a difpofition capable of
turning it henceforward to thy own ad-
vantage, in a world where thou wilt find
lefs honourable ftories frequently; that
it may double-arm thy natural good fenfe
and virtue, againft all attacks which
can imprudently be made against them.
"But thou art happier than thy mo-
ther, my dear Parthenia, was.
"A truly tender parent, is the great-
eft bleffing! but thou, in being left
without one, may'ft, thro' thy own dif-
cretion, prove more happy than thofe
are, often, who must be guided by a
bad, or rigid one.
"But let me give thee, my Cleone,
one inftruction, as a neceffary caution:
Let not the love of any man, thro'
courtship, feduce thee into making any
I
1 3
too
118
HISTORY
THE
too facred proteſtations! yet, ſhould thou
ever be fo indifcreetly influenced, let nei-
ther titles, wealth, or any powerful per-
fwafion whatever, bias thee to break ſuch
folemn obligation!
"I was fo juftly true to that ill-fated
one! thro' which alone it was, thy mo-
ther yielded to my importunities of
paffion and impatience, that had ſhe
lived unmarried, I would never have
wedded any other woman. Of which
truth I gave fufficient proof, while I ad-
dreffed her, regardleſs of every intereſted
view.
"For then it was, that firft Almira's
worthy mother was propoſed to me,
whom I then refuſed; tho' the advan-
tage of a handfome fortune, joined to
each amiable attraction of mind and per-
fon, were greatly on her fide.-
!
"However, Altimira had fo partial
a regard for me, that fhe could eafily
forgive it and I convinced her after-
wards, by many years we ſpent in mu-
tual
OF
119
ALMIRA.
tual love, that no diſlike of her occa-
fioned fuch refuſal.
"Her fortune is, of courſe, thy
fier's; (and thy mother's fhe was de-
prived of, nor could it ever have been
demanded for thee, had I let thy birth
be known to any of her family, which
I would not).
"But, as you both are equally my
dear-loved children, I have, between
you, juſtly divided my acquired eftate;
and to the half of that aforefaid fortune,
theſe bonds, herein incloſed, amounting
to ten thousand pounds, entitle you.
"Live ftill in the fame happy love
and harmony together, (till you marry)
as you have ever done, fince firſt you
faw each other. For my perceiving that,
has greatly mitigated my oft-felt afflicti-
on when I looked upon thee! as thy
every look and feature brought Par-
thenia to my mind again, with fad
remorſe.
I 4
‹‹ This
120 THE HISTORY
"This knowledge of your near alli-
ance, will, I am fure, increase your happy
love for one another, when I fhall have
on earth no ſenſe of joy from feeing it,
who am thy tenderly
Affectionate father,
BELLARIO.
P. S. Wear the inclofed ring for thy
unhappy, but dear mother's fake:
-beneath the cypher is her hair.”
Samander, having read this letter,
threw it down, unknowing what he did
for, feeing Cleone filently fit weeping, he
ran to her, and hugged her rather than
faluted her, crying, Be happy! Would
I not be happy, didft thou fay, from
thefe contents? Yes, furely! What for-
bids it? If thou art not cruel to thyfelf
and me, and all!-all fhall be happy
now, nor wait a tedious age to be ſo nei-
ther, if thou art not unkind, I fay, and
not,
OF ALMIRA.
121
not, indeed, the fame Cleone.
Some
tears, I own, were due; and thou haft.
paid them.
He then embraced his friends, Florello-
and Almira, in the fame fort of raptu-
rous manner! wiſhing them joy of their
fweet fifter! Nor knew he, that he tram-
pled over all the fcattered papers; till
Florello (ftooping to take them up, told
him, he was a pretty lover truly, to
trample thus under his feet his miftrefs's
felicity! according to the worldly efti-
mation made of happineſs.
But he, regardleſs of replying pro-
perly to that, cried out, Where has this
letter laid till now? Or have you all
combined to hide it only from me, till
this wondrous hour?-
Bellario has been dead, you told me,
above a year; and is it probable that
none of you have feen it till this day?
To which Almira anſwered, that it
was both probable and true; (giving
him
122
HISTORY
THE
him briefly an account, which was be-
fore inferted here, relating to Crudelia ;)
adding then, to Cleone, Now you fee,
my dear, I was not fo miſtaken, as you
thought me, in fancying that my father
gave her fomething for you, more wor-
thy of
your acceptance than that ring
fhe gave you; when fhe found I had
accidentally diſcovered (by being in the
room adjoining) that he had intrufted
fomething to her care for you.-Un-
happy woman! but, however, yet ſtill
happy fifter! How has fome guardian
angel, thro' kind Providence, befriended
you as well as me, indeed, and brought
us fafely thro' the hands of one, whofe
heart feemed too prolifick of injuſtice!-
Alas! how little did our worthy fa-
ther know her, tho' his fifter; or he had
leſs intruſted her, I am certain.
I dread to think, what muſt have been
her motive for concealing this fo long;
and fhe might ftill have done fo undif
covered, as there was nothing in his will
concerning you, or thefe bleft papers.
Yet
OF
123
ALMIRA.
Yet all, we find, is fafe, thank heaven!
and fhe, at lait, did juftice: nor has
taken any more than was her due, (four
hundred pounds, left to be equally di-
vided between herſelf and ſon).
But now Samander cried, Pray let me
chide a breach of truft in thee, Florello,
that I could never have fufpected. How
couldst thou (really calling me thy
friend) betray that letter of my father's,
to the laft eyes on earth I would have
had it fhewn to?
Florello ftarted at this fpeech, and
feemed to think his joy had overturned
his brain. He afked him what he meant?
applying to both thofe ladies to affert
his innocence; adding, No, I affure you,
my Samander, I even refufed the fight
of it to my Almira; tho', both Cleone-
and fhe, by the fuperfcription, foon
found out it came from you; they
knowing well your hand, before I knew
it, fir;-take that, for injuring my
friendſhip thus! I thought thou hadit
known me better.
Come,
•
124
THE HISTORY
Come, cried Cleone, truth fhall quick-
ly reconcile you both; nor need I país,
methinks, for any conjurefs.
Know then, I am no ftranger to that
letter, (as I juft now informed you, fir)
and yet, indeed, have never heard or feen
one word of its contents.
Thanks to my kindeft fortune, for
that welcome found! (returned Saman-
der)-Forgive my hafty cenfure, good
Florello! It was, in truth, that lady's
fault, (meaning Cleone) I never knew
before that her too charming eyes (tho'
I allow their power is great) poffeffed
fuch fecond-fightednefs, as I remember
to have heard much fpoken of in Scot-
land.
Well, fir, replied Florello, tho' you
are not a Roman-Catholick, fome pe-
nance I think requifite for this offence;
and, to inflict an eafy one, I now adviſe
you to purfue, immediately, this hafty
pretty ſcheme of yours, this journey,
which
OF
125
ALMIRA.
which you believed you was just going
to take, either to prove your patience,
or exerciſe your horfes, I fuppofe, which
was it?
That journey, fir, returned Samander,
hall be left to her decifion, who un-
knowingly obliged me to determine on
it.—
Yes, the indeed (tho' innocently) was
the only caufe, you know; and now, on
her account and mine, I think, I ought
to hold my reſolution; as I have harthly
been deprived of proving the fincerity
of my difinterefted eftimation of her
virtues !
-And then an inadvertent tear and
blush of confcious recollective fhame,
checked him from faying more.
Well, fir, replied Cleone, then it now
is mine to fhew a father, (who is lefs
deferving of Samander than I could
wish he was, for you'll excufe me, as I
know him) that if Cleone ever had a
favourable
126
THE HISTORY
favourable thought of that Samander,
his fortune was excluded from it. Mine,
if much worthier, I fhould think it was
ftill too small for merit. Nor am I ig-
norant of thoſe generous ſentiments, for
which, no doubt, you have fuffered.-
Brutus, I am fure, (continued Cleone)
was at the bottom of your unexpected
expedition however, be that as it will,
if he ſhall ſtill adviſe it, I have no claim fo
ftrong as duty, I affure him, to oppoſe it.
Samander quickly forced her to de-
cline this fubject, for one more pleaſing
to him; and then (we may believe) re-
turned with happier expectations to his
father: who, feeing Bellario's letter,
which he had got her leave (tho' much
against her will) to fhew him, knowing
that it would be abfolutely neceffary,
he foon changed his note to one more
whimfical, but full as natural.
Samander had promiſed Florello to
remember and inform him, (as he de-
fired him) when next he faw him, of
all
}
OF ALMIR A.
127
all that paſt between them; which was
to this effect from Brutus :
"Why, ah! egad, I like this girl!
Can this be really fhe, you fpoke of,
Sam, the other day? I would not have
my boy impofed upon, methinks, for
half her fortune; yet, this I know to be
Bellario's hand, indeed; and wrote much
in his way of thinking, truly. Tho'
e'faith, I like him better now than I ever
did in his life-time. He always feemed
fo much a faint, one might have fworn
he was a fort of finner. But, reft his
aſhes now; he was an honourable rogue
however. Tho' it was a wicked trick,
to make the girl confent to marry, any
how, without permiffion from her pa-
rents; then thus, at laft, to chooſe him-
felf to tell it; ha! ha! ha! And yet
'tis pretty what he fays about it too.
— “ No, no, it would be a pity the
poor girl fhould fuffer for her father's
or her mother's fault; for he, I know,
was of a creditable family.
« I'll
128 THE HISTORY
----"I'll warrant her to be a girl of
fpirit, Sam; for fhe is half a baftard,
(as we call all fuch, you know, who are
propagated without your proper, fair,
and legal confecration) and they are very
feldom dull companions.
"It was, I find, a chamber-wed-
ding; and fuch (tho' an archbiſhop
fhould officiate) now you muſt know, I
never think legitimate.
"Who knows but thou mayft
fare the better, boy, for thy firſt baulk :
thou haft got the elder fifter; tho' thy
friend Florello, indeed, has catched, it
feems, the elder fortune; that is not
quite fo well, I own.
"However, fhe is thine, (or may,
at leaſt, be fo) with all my heart, if you
have both agreed upon this matter, as I
ſuppoſe you have; for I am likely to
have, I fee, fmall comfort of a ſon, un-
lefs I take a daughter likewife.
"But
OF ALMIRA.
129
"But I fhould choofe; I think, to
fee her, Sam; for I can fcarce remem-
ber any more of her than her bare
name, nor had I that, if it had been a
common one: I recollect, it pleafed my
fancy much, when firft I heard it.
-"I hope you have not told her
(tho') any thing I have faid; for, as I
faid before, I knew but very little of her;
and, fince we fee fhe is a match fit for
thee, 'tis a bargain.”
Such was the altered tone of worldly
Brutus! And, it may be imagined, that
the impatience of a lover, turned it to
his best advantage; for he loft no time
in forwarding a journey full of more
temptation, to him, than that he had be-
fore determined on, in hopes (as he ac-
knowledged afterwards) to foften his
obdurate father to conſent to make him
happy with Cleone.
She, (as before has been infinuated in
the beginning of theſe fheets) had al-
Vol. II.
K
ways
130 THE HISTORY
ways entertained more favourable fenti-
ments of him, than did her friend and
fifter, to whom he firft made his ad-
dreffes. Tho' it cannot pofitively be
determined, whether Almira might not
have ſeen the intrinſic merit in him, like-
wife, thro' all his imbibed folly, had his
partiality for the other, then, in prefe-
rence of herſelf, (which was Cleone's
cafe) left obfervation more at leifure to
approve him, unintimidated by the pru-
dent apprehenſion of partiality.
Samander now, tho' he was maſter of
a nearer profpect towards his approach-
ing happineſs, was ftill compelled, a
little while, to practice in himſelf, part
of that patience, which he had found it
eafier by much to preach. For, as Flo-
rello and his ſpouſe were moving then to
their own houfe; till things were all
adjuſted there, he could not influence
his fair-one to appoint the happy morn-
ing!-
But
£23
OF ALMIRA.
131
But they were ſcarcely fettled, before
Brutus infifted on it, that he would ac-
company his fon to viſit her.
That afternoon, Cleone and her fifter
happened to be both dreffed, and juſt
then going out (being engaged by an
apointment) when they a-lighted; which,
Samander feeing, was not fo forry for
as he would certainly have been, in caſe
he had viſited alone. He ſeemed indeed
to glow with apprehenfion, from his
knowledge of his father;-a painful cir-
cumſtance! but fuch a one, as he has
many fharers in, no doubt; and he foon
took an opportunity, civilly, to remind
him, that they must not long detain the
ladies.
Brutus's firſt addrefs, (that is to ſay,
after the uſual compliments were over)
was as follows to Cleone:
"Faith, Madam, my fon here has
no bad taſte. I have often heard it faid,
indeed, that the beſt fheaf at harveſt
might
K 2
132
HISTORY
THE
might be known to be intended for, or
chofen by, the parfon. But I beg par-
don, (turning towards Almira) you'll
excufe me, madam? We, country-gen-
tlemen, who never vifit London, are fel-
dom fit for courtiers :- but you remem-
ber me of old; however, I hope your
ſpouſe is well ?"
And then, reſuming his difcourſe to
poor Cleone, thus he proceeded :
<<
But, madam, I am come, in fact,
to aſk a favour or two of you, as you
are foon, I find, to be my daughter;
and, if I am not come too late, I think
you wont refufe me, as it is the firft I
ever asked of you.
"Now, you muſt know, I have a
great diflike to white; you maidens
much, I know, affect it: I ſuppoſe, be-
cauſe it repreſents your innocence! and
yet, odfo, that neither cannot be the
cafe, methinks; becauſe poor damfels,
doing penance, to affure us of their want
of
O F
133
ALMIRA.
of that, you know, do likewiſe always
wear it.
"Now, as you may not, probably,
have yet beſpoke your wedding garb, I
pray avoid that fhadow of a colour. Let
it be blue or red, I care not which:
there is, in both of thefe, a good prog-
noftick! if we must look without, and
not within a lady, for one. The first, it
is faid, will never ftain; that I approve
the moſt, I must confefs; and 'tis, as
one would fay, your love will never fade.
But, as for red, or rather your pale pink
I think you call it, tho' at firft tis pretty,
and is fometimes an a-propo fimilitude!
that will, in time, fly off a little, I affure
you but then it reprefents fo charm-
ingly the maiden's blufh, that I was
ever fond of it.
-"I, therefore beg, there may be,
in your bridal drefs, no white; except,
at moſt, a ribband or a pair of gloves;
yes, yes, I had forgot, I meant above
the under petticoat.
K 3
"You
S
134
THE HISTORY
"You must excufe my freedom,
madam. You will wonder at it lefs, the
more you fee and know me: and, if you
really love my boy, (and if you do not,
pray now do not have him) debate not
very long about conſenting to his hap-
pinefs; for fear he proves like many
more of my poor black-legg'd chickens;
who, being kept in coop too long, when
they were ready for the table, pined and
loft all that fleſh again, which I had
been at much expence and taken care to
give them."
Cleone, during all this unaccountable
diſcourſe to her, looked very much
afhamed, and made no anſwer. But,
Samander, ftill more confounded, cried,
For goodneſs fake, fir, fay no more of
this; you make the lady bluſh! who is
not yet fo well acquainted with you, as
I am.
Bluſh, boy, why fo the ladies fhould,
replied he laughing. I always love to
fee it. This was my way whenever I
went
OF ALMIRA.
135
went a-courting, to prove if there was
virtue; and it yet never failed me, tho'
I have known fome people laugh at it.
-I dare congratulate you now on
your good choice, upon my own ex-
perience.
f
And, as I now can fee a ſmile
fucceed the blufh, I know you will for-
give me, madam, (to Cleone).
She told him, that, had she been more
a ftranger to him, than fhe really was,
The could not then fo well have anſwer'd
for her doing fo: but, as fhe was quite
certain he had meant her no offence,
none could by her be taken, upon this
account.
Almira added, that they knew, of old,
he loved to give a lady opportunity to
prove, at leaſt, one chriftian virtue, by
thus offending her; which ſhe could give
one or two inftances of, but would not
then; and ſhe believed, ſhe ſaid, he would
ufe her.
K 4
Saman-
136 THE HISTORY
Samander took that hint; and, jump-
ing up, faid, But I am fure we ſhall not
be excuſed, if we detain you any longer,
ladies. And then, turning towards his
father, added, Come fir, now, if you
pleaſe, I'll wait upon you.
And fo, a viſit, fomewhat difagreeable
to all (but him who made it fo) con-
cluded. Nor did they chufe another
from him, fooner than they were obliged
to bear it.-
And Cleone was not fhagreened a
little, fhortly after, that he muſt be, ſhe
found, a party preſent at their nuptials.
However, the determined, wiſely, to
make it eaſy to her; well-knowing, that
our beſt events, in life, must have fome
fort of counter-ballance, to keep down
the pride of mortals.
But the fo little reliſhed Brutus for a
father (tho' lefs angry with him than
The might have been, had the been fhewn
that
OF ALMIRA.
137
that letter, fome of the contents of
which he had gueffed at) that the poſt-
poned her wedding, in fpite of all in-
treaty, till Samander had fettled all
things to be ready for their journey to
his living; where they determined upon
going the day fucceeding it.
She likewife infifted, that her wedding
might not be a public one; her ftory,
notwithſtanding her good fortune, ha-
ving affected her with an allay of me-
lancholy.
When all was ready for their recep-
tion in the country, as above, he would
not reft till he prevailed on her to ap-
point the neareſt day he could perfuade
her to, which was the fame day feven-
night, upon theſe conditions:
Firft, that he might be married
where her fifter was; and by that mi-
nifter.
And next, that the fhould remain
there, till their departure, as above.
Which
138 THE HISTORY
Which he confented to; and wiſhed,
as heartily as ſhe did, that his father
would oblige them by his abfence; as
he perceived with fome concern, but no
furprize, that he was greatly diſagree-
able, both to Cleone, and her fifter.
However, that was what his duty would
not let him offer to propoſe.
Brutus would often let his converfa-
tion break the bounds of decency, as
well as delicacy; which was no lefs dif-
tafteful to his fon.
Yet, had not the obedient intended
daughter forgot to oblige him in her
drefs; for the appeared, upon the morn-
ing of her nuptials, in a ſky-blue fattin
gown.
Her ftomacher fhe had ornamented
with white and filver ribband, fuch as
adorned the Bruffel's mob fhe wore
upon her head, and tied it beneath her
chin, in the manner of a bridle.
-A double
OF ALMIRA.
139
}
-A double filver flounce ruffled her
fleeves; and as fhe was genteel and
amiable, with an exceeding fair com-
plexion, this dreſs, indeed, feemed beft
adapted, of all others, to fet her beau-
ties off.
Samander's happy morning was now
come, and the intended gueſts all ready;
who were no more than young Amin-
tor, and Terefa, with Florello, and his
ſpouſe; for Fidelio, and Amanda, who
were invited, fent their excufe; the lat-
ter being indiſpoſed.
Cleone, at her fifter's wedding, had
been engaged to promife, that thoſe two
young folks fhould be at hers, when ere
The married. They were, indeed, not
an improper bride-man and maid, as
they were intended for each other, if
their more than common partiality, ob-
ferved from early infancy, fhould ftill
remain the fame.
The
$40
THE HISTORY
The bridegroom, and his father, came.
Samander's function, we well know,
fuffered no great addition to his apparel;
therefore, I need to fay but little on
that fubject.-
ས
Only, that he took care, to have a
gown, on the occafion, as rich, and
buftling as a bishop's, to fupply the
want of bulk, that he was conſcious of,
as neceffary properly to reprefent true
dignity.
Nor did he want whatever aid his
perfon could receive, that was more
prightly, and agreeable, than hand-
fome, from a fair, flowing perriwig.
But Brutus, unfortunately for him-
felf, notwithſtanding he had taken care
to be arrayed in the best manner he
could think of, and had beſtowed the
broadeft lace of gold, to ornament the
waiſtcoat of his laft new fuit of buff
colour, had been compelled to come
upon all fours that morning; and
limped
OF ALMIRA.
141
limped out of his coach, fupported by
a crutch, and cane, into the parlour;
being vifited, juft then, by a return of
an old ftubborn gout, which had at-
tended him, in frequent fits, for many
years.
He hobbled into the firft chair, and
puffed, and blowed for a few moments,
to recover breath and eafe enough to
fpeak.
Then pointed toward Cleone, looking
upon Samander, and cried out, There!
look, Sam! and never take thy father's
word again, if that prove not a kind,
obliging wife! There! read it; for 'tis
wrote upon that petticoat, or gown, I
know not which 'tis call'd. I'faith, the
is a charming, and good girl! and if
thou doft not fpoil her, thou'lt be a
happy fellow.
Come, madam-daughter; I would
come to thee, but as I move fo ſlowly,
'twill loofe time, and now, you know,
'tis very precious. If thou wilt come.
and
1
142 THE
HISTORY
and kiss me, mind ye me! I'll anfwer,
that my boy fhall pay thee two for it;
nor fhalt thou give long credit.
Samander fmiled; then rifing, went
and led Cleone to him, as one whoſe
leave was neceffary; and preſently in-
formed them, that they, indeed, muſt
wafte no time.
Therefore, their coaches being ready,
they proceeded to the church, which
they were fituated very near; and as
they went, Florello's and Almira's kind
and chearful council aided Samander, to
fupport Cleone's finking fpirits.
When they were at the altar, Brutus,
unwillingly, was forced to yield his
place, and let her brother be her father
he ſtanding in full need of both his
hands himſelf.
;
However, ftill he ftood too near
them; for while the minifter was read-
ing that part of the aweful fervice, where
it requires as follows:
If
OF ALMIRA.
143
If any person knows any lawful impe-
diment, why, &c.
veal it ;
they should re-
A horrid twinge that moment feizing
him, he fent forth fuch a hideous, O-
as ſtartled every one; but in particular
the miniſter, who looked, that inftant,
off his book, imagining, no doubt, fome
perfon had intended, though in a new
manner, to forbid the banns; and, till
he diſcovered, by thoſe wry faces Bru-
tus was ſtill making, what had been the
cauſe, made a ſmall ſtop, fome moments,
in the holy fervice.
This accident threw young Terefa,
and Amintor, into ſo natural a propen-
fity for laughing, that they could hard-
ly keep it within proper bounds; and
every perfon prefent feemed, juft then,
difpofed that way, except poor Brutus,
and the bride.
She trembled, fomewhat more, in-
deed, than fhe did juſt before.
And
144
THE HISTORY
And even the bridegroom checked a
rifing fimile, then fhook his head a little,
*and looked much confounded.
While his father, by a frequent, pain-
ful, fmothered grunt, difcovered how
he wished most heartily, 'twas over; 'for
he was grown fo bad, that they, with
no fmall time and difficulty, got him
back into his coach, which having in it
only Amintor and Terefa, he had full
room to throw himſelf on one whole
fide of it.
But he returned with fpirits to de-
termine, not to leave them that night,
if it was poffible for him to ſtay with
prudence; that is, without the fear of
being a tedious vifiter.
And, having greater intervals of eaſe,
he feemed to be intending to pour forth
a choice collection of fuch wit, as he
thought moſt adapted for the day.
And
OF ALMIRA.
145
And firſt, when he was feated, he told
the bridegroom, that he fhould obferve
his fpoufe's love of truth: fee there,
faid he, one of her ornaments muſt hence
be your inftructor! She knew there could
be no œconomy in wedlock, if that bri-
dle were omitted; thofe ends are juſt
left long enough, you fee, for you to
hold them.
She ſmiled, and thanked him, for fo
kindly remembering the fpur, as well
as bridle, that otherwife, fhe faid, might
have been ſtill forgotten.
Samander (bluſhing) added, that he
thought, as he had taken ſo much notice
of her dress, he ſhould have praiſed and
remarked moſt that part of it wherein
he had been moft obliged; tho' he re-
membered it had not been loft, he faid,
upon him, when he firft came in. How-
ever, after this, it cannot be denied, I
think, that you can, fir, the beſt of
make a bride look blue on all her com-
pany.
any,
Vol. II.
L
Brutus
146 THE HISTORY
Brutus was much diverted by this
pun.-
But young Amintor, who had liſten’d
and obferv'd him with a vifible diflike,
afked him, in a low modeft voice and
manner, If he had recollected, when he
chofe that colour for the lady, that when
it was joined with black, it was called
the devil's mourning?
The odd old gentleman, at that, turn'd
himſelf, cautiously, half round upon his
feat, and fquinted at him, with his eyes
half turned upwards, (as tho' he wished
he had not left his fpectacles behind
him in his other coat, that he might
view him better) and cried, Why, how
now, young one, is it you? A pretty
malepert one, truly! But boys, egad, in
thefe days, peck at the old ones, while
the fhell, as we may fay, ſtill ſticks up-
on them.
-If thou wert
thee to the bar;
mine, I would fend
either to find fome
more
OF ALMIR A.
147
1
more affurance, or an excufe and op-
portunity for uſing what thou haft got
already.
Florello then replied, that all the
merit muſt be his (meaning Brutus,
whom he addreffed himſelf to) in cafe
Amintor had acquired fuch; for he was
reckoned modeft, even to a fault, if there
was any fault very confpicuous in him
and, if you doubt it, fir, continued he,
look now upon him.
;
Brutus did fo, and, laughing loudly
at the bluſh he had occafioned on his
cheeks, replied, (looking firſt tho' up-
on Terrefa, who fat next to Amintor,
and then again on him) Ay! ay! and
there I fee ſo kind a fellow-feeling for
him, that I'll be hanged if thoſe two
pretty fimpletons don't come together
by and by.
But, while they both were made to
look extremely filly by this fpeech of
his, he was compelled to look more fo
himſelf, and cry, (at the conclufion of
L 2
ano-
148
HISTORY
THE
another frightful O
that lafted
almoſt half a minute) Come, girls,
(odfo, ladies I meant to ſay) I hope
your dinner is not to be long in coming;
for, if it is, I muſt, I find, be gone with-
out it, as I grow fo
ſo very bad.
Florello whiſpered then to his Almira,
who went and gladly haftened it, for
they expected fmall amendment of his
manners from his pain's increaſe. And,
when it was ready, he feemed to ſwear
revenge upon his pain by eating, refting
only when obliged to roar.
But finding many diſhes there he nei-
ther underſtood or reliſhed, he requeſted
of Florello, that, when he came to the
baptizing of his firft - born fon (for
daughters he would never anfwer for)
there might be fomething follider, than
foops and minced meats, on his table.
But, if it should fall out at Chriſtmas,
he would not, indeed, except againſt
plumb-pies and pottage; adding, that,
from a boy, he always hated every other
fort of ſpoon meat.
He
OF ALMIRA.
149
He likewiſe (well remembering, that
to dilute fufficiently, is neceffary for the
affifting, properly, digeftion) toffed down
the wine fo faft, that, for fome time be-
fore the ſecond courfe was taken off, he
bowed moft gratefully, full often, to the
bounteous board, (tho' neither of his
eyes could fee it) and then fell gradually
back, againſt his chair, in profound
ſleep, tho' not a quiet one; for, had
there been fome mufic in his fnoring,
(as his mouth kept fo much open) they
might have thought he had been finging
to celebrate the day.
But his nap was of a fhort duration;
pain rouzed him quickly; and he then
bawled out, (while he rubbed hard his
eyes to open them) O, Sam! fee if my
rogues have dined.-Go, bid them put
the horſes to; I'll ftay no longer with
you when this bottle is out for now,
I fee, I fhall ſpoil fport, inſtead of
making any. I fhall be beft at my own
habitation. Yet I am forry thus to
leave you to, fo foon; but I fhall ſcarce
L3
get
150
HISTORY
THE
get home again before it is dark, as my
poor jades muſt only gently crawl along
with me, or I fhall have my coach laid
hold of, by fome officious knave or
other) to find out what fort of murder
is doing in it.
And thus, they foon got rid of
him-
And it was obferved, that poor Sa-
mander, when he returned from helping
him into the coach, had hazarded rub-
bing the ſkin off from his hands, (out
of pure honeft gratitude of heart that he
was fafely landed there) if, luckily, joy
had not timely came to their relief, by
fending him, in the fame minute, to
employ them better in embracing his
Cleone.
Their final affembly now feemed
ſmall
truly happy, and chearfully-agreeable
difcourfe took place, with feveral fongs;
which, as the bridegroom was extremely
fond of finging, he had infifted fhould
be fung to celebrate their wedding;
fince
OF
ALMIRA. · 15Ì
fince the bride, he faid, had been obliged
in having fuch a private one, as had
excluded mufick, or a dance, amongſt
them..
Almira, being firft preffed to favour
them, gave them the following fong,
by her Florello's earneſt defire :
L 4.
I. Q!
152
THE HISTORY
!
1.
O! Juſt Aftrea! tell me, why
Is virtue oft diftrefs'd;
While vice triumphant, ftanding by,
Proclaims thy name a jest?
II.
Or is thy empire all above,
Regardless of our fate?
O! let us, mortals, ſhare thy love,
To bless our earthly ftate!
{
III.
Or, is the mind by mifery try'd,
As gold is prov'd by fire ?
If ſo, let patience be our guide,
Content our fouls inſpire.
IV. He,
OF ALMIR A.
153
IV.
He, who can arm his mind with thefe,
Shall in a cell be bleft!
How mean foever it ſhall pleaſe;
And yield the ſweeteſt reſt.
V.
While palaces unbleſt we ſee,
'Midst all the pomp of art;
'Till patience and content agree
To deck the monarch's heart.
Samander
154
THE HISTORY
Samander feemed much pleaſed, both
with the meaning of the words, and
manner of his fifter's finging them.-
He told his bride, that if fhe had not
got that fong by heart, he fhould infift
upon her learning it; for fhe muſt fa-
vour him by finging it fometimes.
She, fmiling, told him, that ſhe hoped
he had no bad defign, concerning the
trying too far that patience, which he
began fo foon to find it neceffary for
her to learn the practice of.
Come, come, (returned Florello) pray,
good fifter, be not too fharp upon him,
on that fubject. You know it is in my
power to filence you, by telling him,
before your face, that he has innocently
brought that virtue in you to its trial be-
fore now, tho' he knew nothing of it.-
Ah, ah, Samander, there was meaning in
the dream you once related to us.-
You will not love her lefs, I know,
when you are well affured fhe did not
hate
OF ALMIRA.
155
hate you then, for having never told
her how you loved her. And, therefore,
as it now, I think, will make no breach
in delicacy, I will give you plainly the
interpretation of it.
He then proceeded to inform him of
her fainting, upon feeing him led from
the coach (as he expreffed it) that day
he had been overturned; which need
not be again repeated.
Cleone cried, Pray, brother, go nó
further; you are out already; for I am
fure it was the chariot.
This moſt convincing proof, of her
efteem for him, feemed not a little to
increaſe the joy of that fond bride-
groom; tho' the bride was fomewhat
angry with her brother, for fo foon be-
ginning to tell tales.
But then, Almira told her, if the
would not forgive Florello for it, fhe
could preſently remove her anger to ano-
ther quarter.
- I have
156
THE HISTORY
I have been filent hitherto, take
notice, fiſter, (added ſhe) but I can ſpeak,
you know, upon that fubject, to the.
fame effect as he has, if you provoke
me to it. If not, I'll keep the fecret till
you give me leave to tell it, and may
not redden quite fo much, perhaps, at
hearing of it.
29
'Tis mighty pretty, truly! (cried
Cleone). Pray, fier, is it quite fix
weeks fince you were married?" I think
'tis not. You are very well improved
confidering; and you might even
well have ſpoke it all. Theſe kind, half-
fpeakers, are the moſt provoking of all
tell-tales! for, while they ſeem to fa-
vour you, by keeping back fome trifling
fingle fecret, they imply, at leaft, a
dozen which they never were poffeffed
of.
Just then Amintor (who, tho' filent,
had long feemed to look and liften with
delight) was forced to take his leave,
doubly concerned, as his mamma's in-
diſpoſition
1
OF
157
ALMIRA.
1
difpofition was the cauſe of it; which
reafon only, could have prevented that
worthy couple's being prefent, as was
faid before.
This youth was equally beloved, and,
by his tenderness and duty, deferving of
the great affection both his parents had
for him.
Terrefa fent the longest look the win-
dow would afford her, after him; and,
drawing up, likewife, a longer breath
than ufual, told the bride, She thought,
for her part, ſhe had nothing but bad
luck; that all her wedding-vifiters were
either forced to leave her fo, or keep
away.
This made them all laugh heartily;
who fathom'd better than, perhaps, ſhe
could herſelf, the depth from whence
her whole concern arofe: which fhe, a
little conſciously perceiving, ran out
afhamed immediately.
↑
And
158
THE HISTORY
And now, the bridegroom could not
help exulting, at his fincerely-felt and
unexpected happineſs, in the diſcovery
of his bride's alliance. But, feeing her
(at that diſcourſe) look down, and hear-
ing a faint inadvertent figh, he took
her hand, and gently preffing it, de-
clared, he would be fatisfied from whence
that naughty figh proceeded.
She told him, it was, indeed, a due
one; for it had fprung from the reflec-
tion, that her joy, in fuch a lov'd alli-
ance, was founded on a worthy mother's
forrow! Nor could the help regretting
that the moſt folemn, facred tie, was not
performed at church, between her pa-
rents; for that would have compleated
her felicity in finding fuch a fifter.
That generous and dutiful reflection,
(returned Samander) is worthy, 1 allow,
of my Cleone: but now, as thou haft
paid that juſt, yet amiable debt of duty,
let other thoughts, as worthy, take their
lafting feat in thy fweet mind. And
then
\
OF ALMIRA.
159
then thou wilt applaud the motive of
that noble fpirit, tho' it led her wrong,
that could fo much atone for former
failure in her duty, by penitence and
felf-denial, of the offered hand again of
him her foul fo much approved, upon
fuch generous principles ! and find more
reaſon to commend, and even be proud
of ſuch a one, than of a mother, like
too many, (more eſteemed by the world,
perhaps, than thine would be) who
might have only thought on felf; and
hurried, with even a baſe reluctant cool
betrayer, (which indeed thy father was
not) to the altar, in order to restore loft
honour, at the expence, or hazard, of
future peace on both fides.
Yes, my Cleone, think henceforth,
without another figh, that poor Parthenia
died a happy martyr (if not truly in the
cauſe of virtue, yet a facrifice) to duty, and
faithful to her vows! as was thy father.
And great allowance must be made,
I really think, when youthful hearts have
fo been led aftray, as theirs both were,
if
{
HISTORY
160
THE
if older heads, and fuch as fhould of
I
courſe be wiſer, point them out firſt the
road in love, and want to call them
back again, when they are gone too far
to hear them.
I would not fay fo much, I own, in
every company, confidering my function;
nor before one of fuch an age as young
Terrefa; but, from my heart, I think,
Parthenia's foul (tho' certainly it conde-
fcended in one incident too weakly) roſe
nobly ever after. And fome have had
the honours of a faint, who might not
more, for dutifulneſs and penitence, have
merited that title ;-for fhe died their
martyr !
Florello heartily concurred with his
opinion and Almira told her fifter,
that the now could fee an innate reaſon,
which before could never be fo well ac-
counted for, why fhe 'was always ſeized
with a more than ufual melancholy,
whenever any fuch unhappy moving
Atories had been told before her.
Cleone.
OF ALMIR A.
161
Cleone anſwered, that he owned
they always gave her pain beyond
deſcription.
To which Samander faid, Who can
account for that? but, I may add, in-
deed, what mortal can fufficiently ac-
knowledge, or admire, the amazing
depths of nature, operating thro' the
mighty influence of its vaft origin, never
to be enough adored? I have not im-
pudence, or vanity, fo great, to dare
pretend I can attempt and execute that
fubject worthily; tho' it is the moſt ex-
tenfive of all other.
But yet, I hope, my fweet Cleone, I
fhall not be found the moſt ungrateful
amongſt mortals, for thoſe bleffings I
am allowed to be a fharer in; and a
good wife I'll rank, on earth, as greateſt
of them all.
And thus they entertained their hours
till ſupper; and, after that was over,
Almira, who was fomewhat melancholy,
Vol. II.
M
told
162
THE HISTORY
}
told her brother, that fhe defired he
would compofe a treatiſe for her to read,
(not hear him preach) when they came
down to ſee them in the North, (as ſoon
they had agreed to do) it being a con-
folation that he owed her,-upon the
following words, (not to be called a text,
but motto, if he pleaſed)
Our very wishes give us not our wish.
He thought a moment, and then told
her, he could not, truly, recollect them
in the bible.
To which ſhe ſmiling, anſwered, No,
indeed, they are not there; but you will
find them in a poem, I am fond of,
called Night-Thoughts, by Dr. Young.
That line I always was particularly
pleaſed with, tho' it is full of beauties
thro' the whole work; and have imagin'd
often, that it would make a good foun-
dation for a fine diſcourſe, both moral
and religious, for the cloſet of the ad-
mirers of ſerious contemplation.-
Now,
C
OF ALMIRA.
163
Now, we, fo lately having had a wifh
(we ever took to be a fruitlefs one) fo
wonderfully gratified! for often has
Cleone wifhed, with me, we had been
fifters; and, juft when we have found
that coveted, that dear alliance! to be
forced to feparate, alas! to fuch a dif-
tance. This, fure, may furniſh one exam-
ple of a million, which might otherwiſe,
perhaps, be met with in this world, how
much juſt fenfe is comprehended in thoſe
eight ſhort words.
I own it juft, replied Samander, and
admire the line extremely, madam; but,
if I promiſe to oblige you, as far as I
am able, by making them the ſubject of
fuch a treatiſe, which might, no doubt,
produce a very good one in fome hands,
it fhall be but on one condition :--That
you permit no more of thoſe dull clouds
of future parting recollections, pre-
mature, to darken preſent happy fun-
fhine.
M 2
No,
164
THE HISTORY
No, my Almira, (cried Florello) don't
you know that we are under mutual ar-
ticles, to make, reciprocally, once a year,
a vifit to each other, of at least a month,
if 'tis not your own faults? And all the
intervening time will pass away in plea-
fing expectation! And, I affure you, ex-
pectation is not fo infipid a delight, as
the impatient often think it.—
Tho' you, Samander, now I think
again, do not deſerve that I ſhould take
your part, for having thus refolutely de-
termined upon leaving us to-morrow,
tho' it is more Cleone's fault, in fact,
than yours.
However, in revenge to both, I'll
pay you with an ugly fimile.
-Pray, did you never, in your rural
walks, obferve a fly and watchful kite
ſkim round and round over, perhaps, an
honeft farmer's yard, and fix his eyes
upon a chofen chicken, which he no
fooner makes his own, than up again
he
OF ALMIRA.
165
he ſwiftly rifes with it, and both are
preſently gone out of fight together?
An admirable fimile indeed! returned
Samander, laughing heartily; and one
for which I'll not forgive you, brother,
unleſs you bribe me with that fong you
made upon your lady. You must not,
fure, expect to be excufed, when the
has favoured me.
Florello told him, it was not very
ufual for the poet to turn ballad-finger
likewife; however, he would endeavour
to oblige him.
He then fung the following words :
Alas! what pain affects my breaſt?
What makes my eyes decline their reft?
My fweet Almira! canft thou tell?
Thofe eyes too lovely, know too well.
Can beams, which ſhed ſuch radiant fire,
As muſt the ſofteſt flames inſpire,
M 3
Conceal
166
HISTORY
THE
Conceal a heart of frozen fnow?
O, teach me, love! to make it glow
In all, but love, extremes like thefe,
By meeting, oft afford ſome eaſe;
But nothing can relieve my flame,
'Till lov'd Almira fhares the fame.
Samander thanked him, and defired
to know, if this was wrote before he had
made his paffion known to her?
No, no, indeed, replied Florello, long
after that; but when, alas! it was a
hopeleſs one! as, by the wildneſs of the
fenfe, you may perceive.
He then, at his requeft, related to him
what had occafioned him to be an exile
from her favour; which has been here
before related.
Well, cried Samander, (much ad-
miring the generous and fpirited huma-
nity, as he expreffed it, of the kind
female phyſician) we have both, I fee,
had
OF
ALMIR A.. 167
had many briars to paſs thro', before
we gained poffeffion of our fair roſes!
But it was quite right: now, all is over,
we may own it willingly, feldom can
any one before. Life's difficulties, like
a rugged road, make us receive a double
pleaſure when we find a ſmooth one.-
Yet, were we always to have ſmooth
ones, it is probable we might, ere long,
grow weary of them; and fleep, thro'
indolence, upon our journey.
-Not that I think fleep is a thing to
be deſpiſed by mortals, I affure you, it
we indulge it not immoderately. Nor
fhould good hours, likewife, ever be
thus overlooked, tho' in good company;
-good health forbids it.
You muſt excufe the liberty I take; I
am, you know, both ſpouſe and paſtor :
therefore, away, my fweet Cleone! you
muſt lead the way, I fee, to night; or
we may fit here, talking, till the lark
bids us good-morrow, or till they tell
us that the chariot is come.-
M 4
Our
3
168 THE HISTORY
Our friends, you know, ſhould never
lead us out, (tho' fome, fo called, per-
haps, may with us gone) and, if I ſleep
too long, to make amends for this late
fitting up, Florello will be fure to laugh
at me, for fetting bad examples of bad
hours.
Befides, indeed, we muft fet out quite
early for my father's; or, take my word
for it, fome tattling knave will fend the
drums to ſtorm thy pretty fenfes.
Come, come, my dear Cleone, go
I meant to ſay. If thou ftay'ſt many
minutes longer, I'll treat thee like a
Turkiſh lady; and, fancying that I am
the grand feignor, feek firſt my couch of
reft myſelf, and in due ftate expect
thee.
Then you fhall only wait of courfe
(returned the bride) till I am a fultaneſs,
before I'll condefcend to follow you.
However, for the omen's fake, I'll not
begin with difobedience to you, if you
will
OF
ALMIRA. 169
will fet me an example first; as
follows:
You now muſt promiſe me, to bring
me back to the fame place you take me
from, if you ſhould be obliged (much
longer than is now intended) to poſtpone
your further journey, either by your fa-
ther's indifpofition or perfwafion. A day
or two I will not mind; but longer-
-But longer, faid Samander, (inter-
rupting her) you fhall not ftay. And
now confirm the article yourfelf, or I
am free remember.
Come, fifter, cried Almira, he begins,
I think, to threaten. I like not fuch
examples; they may be dangerous for
ought I know. We must be gone, I fee,
or more of this may follow.
Terrefa then ran to the bride, and
took her hand, faying, in a half-whiſper,
I thought all folks, when they were mar-
ried, were to obey their huſbands, as
they promiſed at the church; I am fure
my coufin Almira does.-
At
170
THE HISTORY
At this Cleone ſmiled, and roſe, and
fuffered her to lead her up to her apart-
ment, (while her fifter led the way)
where the infifted upon having full and
whole right to undrefs and wait upon
the bride herſelf, (making the chamber-
maid, who there attended, ſtand at a pro-
per diſtance with the pincuſhion ſhe held)
declaring, one fhould not be ſtuck upon
it for all the world.
And, when he had finished, with
much care and many fimpers, her plea-
fing task, (for it was a new one) and
waited on the bride to bed, fhe ſtoop'd,
and, in great haſte and joy, picked up
the ſcatterred pins, which he had juſt
before thrown, one by one, over Cleone's
head; and, laughing at her prize, ran
then away to bed herſelf.
Almira, having took her leave, and
kiffed her fifter, went down ftairs; and
then ſhe, and Florello, fhewed the bride-
groom which was his chamber, as they
went to theirs.
W
The
OF ALMIRA.
171
The morning following, Cleone, mind-
ful of Samander's fears for her, concern-
ing the expected drums, took care to rife
the firſt, and fhe was dreffed, in order
for her journey, extremely early; but
defired her ſpouſe to call her brother and
fifter up, while fhe was dreffing, left they
ſhould ſleep too long: having ever had
a more than common diflike to all that
mercenary fort of uproar, in the fhape
and found of joy; which feldom fails
to pay its compliments, on fuch occa-
fions, to all alike.
And now, alas! the fun-fhine of her
nuptials was to be over-caft, a little
while, to give due place to a foft ſhower
of parting tears; whofe felt reciprocal
effect, Almira proved.
Nor could the tendereft perfwafions
of their obliging huſbands prove effec-
tual; tho' they both made ufe of argu-
ments founded on duty, reaſon, wiſdom
and philoſophy; and love! that often is
too powerful for them all.
But
172
THE HISTORY, &c.
But human expectation is a very
mifer; eager of more and more felicity;
yet moft unwilling to relinquish, or even
lend the ſmalleſt part of it.
Theſe tender fifters, believing it would
be long before they could, in perſon, en-
tertain each other with pleafing verbal
converfation; now, while they had the
opportunity, were filent; and feldom
more than, now and then, a kind intelli-
gible fob, faluted one another till they
parted. But then it fuffered utterance to
both, like infpiration, in that inftant the
chariot drove away; who faid, or feem'd
to mean to fay, (in broken accents) Fare-
weli! do let me fee you once again, if
poffible. I charge you write to me, and
very often! (from both in the fame
moment).
FIN1 S.
3 9015 06581 0718
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ง
}