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+*The Project Gutenberg Etext of Incognita, by William Congreve*
+#5 in our series by William Congreve
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+Incognita
+
+by William Congreve
+
+October, 2000  [Etext #2363]
+
+
+*The Project Gutenberg Etext of Incognita, by William Congreve*
+*****This file should be named ncoga10.txt or ncoga10.zip******
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+
+INCOGNITA: OR, LOVE & DUTY RECONCIL'D
+
+by William Congreve
+
+
+
+
+TO THE
+HONOURED AND WORTHILY ESTEEM'D
+MRS. KATHARINE LEVESON.
+
+Madam,
+
+A Clear Wit, sound Judgment and a Merciful Disposition, are things so
+rarely united, that it is almost inexcusable to entertain them with
+any thing less excellent in its kind.  My knowledge of you were a
+sufficient Caution to me, to avoid your Censure of this Trifle, had I
+not as intire a knowledge of your Goodness.  Since I have drawn my
+Pen for a Rencounter, I think it better to engage where, though there
+be Skill enough to Disarm me, there is too much Generosity to Wound;
+for so shall I have the saving Reputation of an unsuccessful Courage,
+if I cannot make it a drawn Battle.  But methinks the Comparison
+intimates something of a Defiance, and savours of Arrogance;
+wherefore since I am Conscious to my self of a Fear which I cannot
+put off, let me use the Policy of Cowards and lay this Novel unarm'd,
+naked and shivering at your Feet, so that if it should want Merit to
+challenge Protection, yet, as an Object of Charity, it may move
+Compassion.  It has been some Diversion to me to Write it, I wish it
+may prove such to you when you have an hour to throw away in Reading
+of it:  but this Satisfaction I have at least beforehand, that in its
+greatest failings it may fly for Pardon to that Indulgence which you
+owe to the weakness of your Friend; a Title which I am proud you have
+thought me worthy of, and which I think can alone be superior to that
+
+Your most Humble and
+Obliged Servant
+CLEOPHIL.
+
+
+
+
+THE PREFACE TO THE READER.
+
+
+
+Reader,
+
+Some Authors are so fond of a Preface, that they will write one tho'
+there be nothing more in it than an Apology for its self.  But to
+show thee that I am not one of those, I will make no Apology for
+this, but do tell thee that I think it necessary to be prefix'd to
+this Trifle, to prevent thy overlooking some little pains which I
+have taken in the Composition of the following Story.  Romances are
+generally composed of the Constant Loves and invincible Courages of
+Hero's, Heroins, Kings and Queens, Mortals of the first Rank, and so
+forth; where lofty Language, miraculous Contingencies and impossible
+Performances, elevate and surprize the Reader into a giddy Delight,
+which leaves him flat upon the Ground whenever he gives of, and vexes
+him to think how he has suffer'd himself to be pleased and
+transported, concern'd and afflicted at the several Passages which he
+has Read, viz. these Knights Success to their Damosels Misfortunes,
+and such like, when he is forced to be very well convinced that 'tis
+all a lye.  Novels are of a more familiar nature; Come near us, and
+represent to us Intrigues in practice, delight us with Accidents and
+odd Events, but not such as are wholly unusual or unpresidented, such
+which not being so distant from our Belief bring also the pleasure
+nearer us.  Romances give more of Wonder, Novels more Delight.  And
+with reverence be it spoken, and the Parallel kept at due distance,
+there is something of equality in the Proportion which they bear in
+reference to one another, with that betwen Comedy and Tragedy; but
+the Drama is the long extracted from Romance and History:  'tis the
+Midwife to Industry, and brings forth alive the Conceptions of the
+Brain.  Minerva walks upon the Stage before us, and we are more
+assured of the real presence of Wit when it is delivered viva voce -
+
+
+Segnius irritant animos demissa per aurem,
+Quam quae sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus, & quae
+Ipse sibi tradit spectator.--Horace.
+
+
+Since all Traditions must indisputably give place to the Drama, and
+since there is no possibility of giving that life to the Writing or
+Repetition of a Story which it has in the Action, I resolved in
+another beauty to imitate Dramatick Writing, namely, in the Design,
+Contexture and Result of the Plot.  I have not observed it before in
+a Novel.  Some I have seen begin with an unexpected accident, which
+has been the only surprizing part of the Story, cause enough to make
+the Sequel look flat, tedious and insipid; for 'tis but reasonable
+the Reader should expect it not to rise, at least to keep upon a
+level in the entertainment; for so he may be kept on in hopes that at
+some time or other it may mend; but the 'tother is such a balk to a
+Man, 'tis carrying him up stairs to show him the Dining-Room, and
+after forcing him to make a Meal in the Kitchin.  This I have not
+only endeavoured to avoid, but also have used a method for the
+contrary purpose.  The design of the Novel is obvious, after the
+first meeting of Aurelian and Hippolito with Incognita and Leonora,
+and the difficulty is in bringing it to pass, maugre all apparent
+obstacles, within the compass of two days.  How many probable
+Casualties intervene in opposition to the main Design, viz. of
+marrying two Couple so oddly engaged in an intricate Amour, I leave
+the Reader at his leisure to consider:  As also whether every
+Obstacle does not in the progress of the Story act as subservient to
+that purpose, which at first it seems to oppose.  In a Comedy this
+would be called the Unity of Action; here it may pretend to no more
+than an Unity of Contrivance.  The Scene is continued in Florence
+from the commencement of the Amour; and the time from first to last
+is but three days.  If there be any thing more in particular
+resembling the Copy which I imitate (as the Curious Reader will soon
+perceive) I leave it to show it self, being very well satisfy'd how
+much more proper it had been for him to have found out this himself,
+than for me to prepossess him with an Opinion of something
+extraordinary in an Essay began and finished in the idler hours of a
+fortnight's time:  for I can only esteem it a laborious idleness,
+which is Parent to so inconsiderable a Birth.  I have gratified the
+Bookseller in pretending an occasion for a Preface; the other two
+Persons concern'd are the Reader and my self, and if he be but
+pleased with what was produced for that end, my satisfaction follows
+of course, since it will be proportion'd to his Approbation or
+Dislike.
+
+
+
+
+INCOGNITA:
+OR,
+Love & Duty
+RECONCIL'D
+
+by William Congreve
+
+
+
+
+Aurelian was the only Son to a Principal Gentleman of Florence.  The
+Indulgence of his Father prompted, and his Wealth enabled him, to
+bestow a generous Education upon him, whom, he now began to look upon
+as the Type of himself; an Impression he had made in the Gayety and
+Vigour of his Youth, before the Rust of Age had debilitated and
+obscur'd the Splendour of the Original:  He was sensible, That he
+ought not to be sparing in the Adornment of him, if he had Resolution
+to beautifie his own Memory.  Indeed Don Fabio (for so was the Old
+Gentleman call'd) has been observ'd to have fix'd his Eyes upon
+Aurelian, when much Company has been at Table, and have wept through
+Earnestness of Intention, if nothing hapned to divert the Object;
+whether it were for regret, at the Recollection of his former self,
+or for the Joy he conceiv'd in being, as it were, reviv'd in the
+Person of his Son, I never took upon me to enquire, but suppos'd it
+might be sometimes one, and sometimes both together.
+
+Aurelian, at the Age of Eighteen Years, wanted nothing (but a Beard)
+that the most accomplished Cavalier in Florence could pretend to:  he
+had been Educated from Twelve Years old at Siena, where it seems his
+Father kept a Receiver, having a large Income from the Rents of
+several Houses in that Town.  Don Fabio gave his Servant Orders, That
+Aurelian should not be stinted in his Expences, when he came up to
+Years of Discretion.  By which means he was enabled, not only to keep
+Company with, but also to confer many Obligations upon Strangers of
+Quality, and Gentlemen who travelled from other Countries into Italy,
+of which Siena never wanted store, being a Town most delightfully
+Situate, upon a Noble Hill, and very well suiting with Strangers at
+first, by reason of the agreeableness and purity of the Air:  There
+also is the quaintness and delicacy of the Italian Tongue most likely
+to be learned, there being many publick Professors of it in that
+place; and indeed the very Vulgar of Siena do express themselves with
+an easiness and sweetness surprizing, and even grateful to their Ears
+who understand not the Language.
+
+Here Aurelian contracted an acquaintance with Persons of Worth of
+several Countries, but among the rest an intimacy with a Gentleman of
+Quality of Spain, and Nephew to the Archbishop of Toledo, who had so
+wrought himself into the Affections of Aurelian, through a Conformity
+of Temper, an Equality in Years, and something of resemblance in
+Feature and Proportion, that he look'd upon him as his second self.
+Hippolito, on the other hand, was not ungrateful in return of
+Friendship, but thought himself either alone or in ill Company, if
+Aurelian were absent:  but his Uncle having sent him to travel, under
+the Conduct of a Governour, and the two Years which limited his stay
+at Siena being expired, he was put in mind of his departure.  His
+Friend grew melancholy at the News, but considering that Hippolito
+had never seen Florence, he easily prevailed with him to make his
+first journey thither, whither he would accompany him, and perhaps
+prevail with his Father to do the like throughout his Travels.
+
+They accordingly set out, but not being able easily to reach Florence
+the same Night, they rested a League or two short, at a Villa of the
+great Duke's called Poggio Imperiale, where they were informed by
+some of his Highness's Servants, That the Nuptials of Donna Catharina
+(near Kinswoman to the great Duke) and Don Ferdinand de Rovori, were
+to be solemnized the next day, and that extraordinary Preparations
+had been making for some time past, to illustrate the Solemnity with
+Balls and Masques, and other Divertisements; that a Tilting had been
+proclaimed, and to that purpose Scaffolds erected around the Spacious
+Court, before the Church Di Santa Croce, where were usually seen all
+Cavalcades and Shews, performed by Assemblies of the Young Nobility:
+That all Mechanicks and Tradesmen were forbidden to work or expose
+any Goods to Sale for the space of three days; during which time all
+Persons should be entertain'd at the Great Duke's Cost; and publick
+Provision was to be made for the setting forth and furnishing a
+multitude of Tables, with Entertainment for all Comers and Goers, and
+several Houses appointed for that use in all Streets.
+
+This Account alarm'd the Spirits of our Young Travellers, and they
+were overjoy'd at the prospect of Pleasures they foresaw.  Aurelian
+could not contain the satisfaction he conceiv'd in the welcome
+Fortune had prepar'd for his dear Hippolito.  In short, they both
+remembred so much of the pleasing Relation had been made them, that
+they forgot to sleep, and were up as soon as it was light, pounding
+at poor Signior Claudio's Door (so was Hippolito's Governour call'd)
+to rouse him, that no time might be lost till they were arriv'd at
+Florence, where they would furnish themselves with Disguises and
+other Accoutrements necessary for the Prosecution of their Design of
+sharing in the publick Merriment; the rather were they for going so
+early because Aurelian did not think fit to publish his being in Town
+for a time, least his Father knowing of it, might give some restraint
+to that loose they designed themselves.
+
+Before Sun rise they entred Florence at Porta Romana, attended only
+by two Servants, the rest being left behind to avoid notice; but,
+alas! they needed not to have used half that caution; for early as it
+was, the Streets were crowded with all sorts of People passing to and
+fro, and every Man employ'd in something relating to the Diversions
+to come; so that no notice was taken of any body; a Marquess and his
+Train might have pass'd by as unregarded as a single Fachin or
+Cobler.  Not a Window in the Streets but echoed the tuning of a Lute
+or thrumming of a Gitarr:  for, by the way, the Inhabitants of
+Florence are strangely addicted to the love of Musick, insomuch that
+scarce their Children can go, before they can scratch some Instrument
+or other.  It was no unpleasing Spectacle to our Cavaliers (who,
+seeing they were not observ'd, resolved to make Observations) to
+behold the Diversity of Figures and Postures of many of these
+Musicians.  Here you should have an affected Vallet, who Mimick'd the
+Behaviour of his Master, leaning carelessly against the Window, with
+his Head on one side, in a languishing Posture, whining, in a low,
+mournful Voice, some dismal Complaint; while, from his sympathizing
+Theorbo, issued a Base no less doleful to the Hearers.  In Opposition
+to him was set up perhaps a Cobler, with the wretched Skeleton of a
+Gitarr, battered and waxed together by his own Industry, and who with
+three Strings out of Tune, and his own tearing hoarse Voice, would
+rack attention from the Neighbourhood, to the great affliction of
+many more moderate Practitioners, who, no doubt, were full as
+desirous to be heard.  By this time Aurelian's Servant had taken a
+Lodging and was returned, to give his Master an Account of it.  The
+Cavaliers grown weary of that ridiculous Entertainment, which was
+diverting at first sight, retired whither the Lacquey conducted them;
+who, according to their Directions, had sought out one of the most
+obscure Streets in the City.  All that day, to the evening, was spent
+in sending from one Brokers Shop to another, to furnish them with
+Habits, since they had not time to make any new.
+
+There was, it happened, but one to be got Rich enough to please our
+young Gentlemen, so many were taken up upon this occasion.  While
+they were in Dispute and Complementing one another, (Aurelian
+protesting that Hippolito should wear it, and he, on 'tother hand,
+forswearing it as bitterly) a Servant of Hippolito's came up and
+ended the Controversie; telling them, That he had met below with the
+Vallet de Chambre of a Gentleman, who was one of the greatest
+Gallants about the Town, but was at this time in such a condition he
+could not possibly be at the Entertainment; whereupon the Vallet had
+designed to dress himself up in his Master's Apparel, and try his
+talent at Court; which he hearing, told him he would inform him how
+he might bestow the Habit for some time much more to his profit if
+not to his pleasure, so acquainted him with the occasion his Master
+had for it.  Hippolito sent for the Fellow up, who was not so fond of
+his design as not to be bought off it, but upon having his own demand
+granted for the use of it, brought it; it was very Rich, and upon
+tryal, as fit for Hippolito as if it had been made for him.  The
+Ceremony was performed in the Morning, in the great Dome, with all
+magnificence correspondent to the wealth of the great Duke, and the
+esteem he had for the Noble Pair.  The next Morning was to be a
+Tilting, and the same Night a Masquing Ball at Court.  To omit the
+Description of the universal Joy, (that had diffus'd it self through
+all the Conduits of Wine, which convey'd it in large measures to the
+People) and only relate those effects of it which concern our present
+Adventurers.  You must know, that about the fall of the Evening, and
+at that time when the aequilibrium of Day and Night, for some time,
+holds the Air in a gloomy suspence between an unwillingness to leave
+the light, and a natural impulse into the Dominion of darkness, about
+this time our Hero's, shall I say, sally'd or slunk out of their
+Lodgings, and steer'd toward the great Palace, whither, before they
+were arrived, such a prodigious number of Torches were on fire, that
+the day, by help of these Auxiliary Forces, seem'd to continue its
+Dominion; the Owls and Bats apprehending their mistake, in counting
+the hours, retir'd again to a convenient darkness; for Madam Night
+was no more to be seen than she was to be heard; and the Chymists
+were of Opinion, That her fuliginous Damps, rarefy'd by the abundance
+of Flame, were evaporated.
+
+Now the Reader I suppose to be upon Thorns at this and the like
+impertinent Digressions, but let him alone and he'll come to himself;
+at which time I think fit to acquaint him, that when I digress, I am
+at that time writing to please my self, when I continue the Thread of
+the Story, I write to please him; supposing him a reasonable Man, I
+conclude him satisfied to allow me this liberty, and so I proceed.
+
+If our Cavaliers were dazled at the splendour they beheld without
+doors, what surprize, think you, must they be in, when entering the
+Palace they found even the lights there to be but so many foils to
+the bright eyes that flash'd upon 'em at every turn.
+
+A more glorious Troop no occasion ever assembled; all the fair of
+Florence, with the most accomplished Cavaliers, were present; and
+however Nature had been partial in bestowing on some better Faces
+than others, Art was alike indulgent to all, and industriously
+supplyed those Defects she had left, giving some Addition also to her
+greatest Excellencies.  Every body appear'd well shap'd, as it is to
+be suppos'd, none who were conscious to themselves of any visible
+Deformity would presume to come thither.  Their Apparel was equally
+glorious, though each differing in fancy.  In short, our Strangers
+were so well bred, as to conclude from these apparent Perfections,
+that there was not a Masque which did not at least hide the Face of a
+Cherubim.  Perhaps the Ladies were not behind hand in return of a
+favourable Opinion of them:  for they were both well dress'd, and had
+something inexpressibly pleasing in their Air and Mien, different
+from other People, and indeed differing from one another.  They
+fansy'd that while they stood together they were more particularly
+taken notice of than any in the Room, and being unwilling to be taken
+for Strangers, which they thought they were, by reason of some
+whispering they observed near them, they agreed upon an hour of
+meeting after the company should be broke up, and so separately
+mingled with the thickest of the Assembly.  Aurelian had fixed his
+eye upon a Lady whom he had observ'd to have been a considerable time
+in close whisper with another Woman; he expected with great
+impatience the result of that private Conference, that he might have
+an opportunity of engaging the Lady whose Person was so agreeable to
+him.  At last he perceived they were broke off, and the 'tother Lady
+seem'd to have taken her leave.  He had taken no small pains in the
+mean time to put himself in a posture to accost the Lady, which, no
+doubt, he had happily performed had he not been interrupted; but
+scarce had he acquitted himself of a preliminary bow (and which, I
+have heard him say, was the lowest that ever he made) and had just
+opened his Lips to deliver himself of a small Complement, which,
+nevertheless he was very big with, when he unluckily miscarried, by
+the interposal of the same Lady, whose departure, not long before, he
+had so zealously pray'd for:  but, as Providence would have it, there
+was only some very small matter forgot, which was recovered in a
+short whisper.  The Coast being again cleared, he took heart and bore
+up, and, striking sail, repeated his Ceremony to the Lady; who,
+having Obligingly returned it, he accosted her in these or the like
+words:
+
+'If I do not usurp a priviledge reserved for some one more happy in
+your acquaintance, may I presume, Madam, to entreat (for a while) the
+favour of your Conversation, at least till the arrival of whom you
+expect, provided you are not tired of me before; for then upon the
+least intimation of uneasiness, I will not fail of doing my self the
+violence to withdraw for your release.  The Lady made him answer, she
+did not expect any body; by which he might imagine her Conversation
+not of value to be bespoke, and to afford it him, were but farther to
+convince him to her own cost.  He reply'd, 'She had already said
+enough to convince him of something he heartily wished might not be
+to his cost in the end.  She pretended not to understand him; but
+told him, 'If he already found himself grieved with her Conversation,
+he would have sufficient reason to repent the rashness of his first
+Demand before they had ended:  for that now she intended to hold
+discourse with him, on purpose to punish his unadvisedness, in
+presuming upon a Person whose dress and mien might not (may be) be
+disagreeable to have wit.  'I must confess (reply'd Aurelian) my self
+guilty of a Presumption, and willingly submit to the punishment you
+intend:  and though it be an aggravation of a Crime to persevere in
+its justification, yet I cannot help defending an Opinion in which
+now I am more confirm'd, that probable conjectures may be made of the
+ingenious Disposition of the Mind, from the fancy and choice of
+Apparel.  The humour I grant ye (said the Lady) or constitution of
+the Person whether melancholick or brisk; but I should hardly pass my
+censure upon so slight an indication of wit:  for there is your brisk
+fool as well as your brisk man of sense, and so of the melancholick.
+I confess 'tis possible a fool may reveal himself by his Dress, in
+wearing something extravagantly singular and ridiculous, or in
+preposterous suiting of colours; but a decency of Habit (which is all
+that Men of best sense pretend to) may be acquired by custom and
+example, without putting the Person to a superfluous expence of wit
+for the contrivance; and though there should be occasion for it, few
+are so unfortunate in their Relations and Acquaintance not to have
+some Friend capable of giving them advice, if they are not too
+ignorantly conceited to ask it.  Aurelian was so pleased with the
+easiness and smartness of her Expostulation, that he forgot to make a
+reply, when she seem'd to expect it; but being a Woman of a quick
+Apprehension, and justly sensible of her own perfections, she soon
+perceived he did not grudge his attention.  However she had a mind to
+put it upon him to turn the discourse, so went on upon the same
+Subject.  'Signior (said she) I have been looking round me, and by
+your Maxim I cannot discover one fool in the Company; for they are
+all well drest.  This was spoken with an Air of Rallery that awakened
+the Cavalier, who immediately made answer:   'Tis true, Madam, we see
+there may be as much variety of good fancies as of faces, yet there
+may be many of both kinds borrowed and adulterate if inquired into;
+and as you were pleased to observe, the invention may be Foreign to
+the Person who puts it in practice; and as good an Opinion as I have
+of an agreeable Dress, I should be loth to answer for the wit of all
+about us.  I believe you (says the Lady) and hope you are convinced
+of your error, since you must allow it impossible to tell who of all
+this Assembly did or did not make choice of their own Apparel.  Not
+all (said Aurelian) there is an ungainness in some which betrays
+them.  'Look ye there (says he) pointing to a Lady who stood playing
+with the Tassels of her Girdle, I dare answer for that Lady, though
+she be very well dress'd, 'tis more than she knows.  His fair unknown
+could not forbear laughing at his particular distinction, and freely
+told him, he had indeed light upon one who knew as little as any body
+in the Room, her self excepted.  Ah! Madam, (reply'd Aurelian) you
+know every thing in the World but your own Perfections, and you only
+know not those because 'tis the top of Perfection not to know them.
+How? (reply'd the Lady) I thought it had been the extremity of
+knowledge to know ones self.  Aurelian had a little over-strain'd
+himself in that Complement, and I am of Opinion would have been
+puzzl'd to have brought himself off readily:  but by good fortune the
+Musick came into the Room and gave him an opportunity to seem to
+decline an answer, because the company prepared to dance:  he only
+told her he was too mean a Conquest for her wit who was already a
+Slave to the Charms of her Person.  She thanked him for his
+Complement, and briskly told him she ought to have made him a return
+in praise of his wit, but she hoped he was a Man more happy than to
+be dissatisfy'd with any of his own Endowments; and if it were so,
+that he had not a just Opinion of himself, she knew her self
+incapable of saying any thing to beget one.  Aurelian did not know
+well what to make of this last reply; for he always abhor'd any thing
+that was conceited, with which this seem'd to reproach him.  But
+however modest he had been heretofore in his own thoughts, yet never
+was he so distrustful of his good behaviour as now, being rally'd so
+by a Person whom he took to be of judgment:  Yet he resolved to take
+no notice, but with an Air unconcerned and full of good humour
+entreated her to Dance with him:  She promised him to Dance with no
+body else, nor I believe had she inclination; for notwithstanding her
+tartness, she was upon equal terms with him as to the liking of each
+others Person and Humour, and only gave those little hints to try his
+Temper; there being certainly no greater sign of folly and ill
+breeding, than to grow serious and concerned at any thing spoken in
+rallery:  for his part, he was strangely and insensibly fallen in
+love with her Shape, Wit and Air; which, together with a white Hand,
+he had seen (perhaps not accidentally) were enough to have subdued a
+more stubborn Heart than ever he was master of; and for her Face,
+which he had not seen, he bestowed upon her the best his Imagination
+could furnish him with.  I should by right now describe her Dress,
+which was extreamly agreeable and rich, but 'tis possible I might err
+in some material Pin or other, in the sticking of which may be the
+whole grace of the Drapery depended.  Well, they danced several times
+together, and no less to the satisfaction of the whole Company, than
+of themselves; for at the end of each Dance, some publick note of
+Applause or other was given to the graceful Couple.
+
+Aurelian was amaz'd, that among all that danced or stood in view he
+could not see Hippolito; but concluding that he had met with some
+pleasing Conversation, and was withdrawn to some retired part of the
+Room, he forbore his search till the mirth of that Night should be
+over, and the Company ready to break up, where we will leave him for
+a while, to see what became of his adventurous Friend.
+
+Hippolito, a little after he had parted with Aurelian, was got among
+a knot of Ladies and Cavaliers, who were looking upon a large Gold
+Cup set with Jewels, in which his Royal Highness had drank to the
+prosperity of the new married Couple at Dinner, and which afterward
+he presented to his Cousin Donna Catharina.  He among the rest was
+very intent, admiring the richness, workmanship and beauty of the
+Cup, when a Lady came behind him and pulling him by the Elbow, made a
+sign she would speak with him; Hippolito, who knew himself an utter
+Stranger to Florence and every body in it, immediately guessed she
+had mistaken him for her acquaintance, as indeed it happened; however
+he resolved not to discover himself till he should be assured of it;
+having followed her into a set Window remote from Company, she
+address'd her self to him in this manner:  'Signior Don Lorenzo (said
+she) I am overjoy'd to see you are so speedily recovered of your
+Wounds, which by report were much more dangerous than to have
+suffered your coming abroad so soon; but I must accuse you of great
+indiscretion, in appearing in a Habit which so many must needs
+remember you to have worn upon the like occasion not long ago, I mean
+at the Marriage of Don Cynthio with your Sister Atalanta; I do assure
+you, you were known by it, both to Juliana and my self, who was so
+far concerned for you, as to desire me to tell you, that her Brother
+Don Fabritio (who saw you when you came in with another Gentleman)
+had eyed you very narrowly, and is since gone out of the Room, she
+knows not upon what design; however she would have you, for your own
+sake, be advised and circumspect when you depart this place, lest you
+should be set upon unawares; you know the hatred Don Fabritio has
+born you ever since you had the fortune to kill his Kinsman in a
+Duel:  Here she paused as if expecting his reply; but Hippolito was
+so confounded, that he stood mute, and contemplating the hazard he
+had ignorantly brought himself into, forgot his design of informing
+the Lady of her mistake.  She finding he made her no Answer, went on.
+'I perceive (continued she) you are in some surprize at what I have
+related, and may be, are doubtful of the Truth; but I thought you had
+been better acquainted with your Cousin Leonora's Voice, than to have
+forgot it so soon:  Yet in Complaisance to your ill Memory, I will
+put you past doubt, by shewing you my Face; with that she pulled off
+her Mask, and discovered to Hippolito (now more amaz'd than ever) the
+most Angelick Face that he had ever beheld.  He was just about to
+have made her some answer, when, clapping on her Mask again without
+giving him time, she happily for him pursu'd her Discourse.  (For
+'tis odds but he had made some discovery of himself in the surprize
+he was in.)  Having taken him familiarly by the Hand, now she had
+made her self known to him, 'Cousin Lorenzo (added she) you may
+perhaps have taken it unkindly, that, during the time of your
+indisposition by reason of your Wounds, I have not been to visit you;
+I do assure you it was not for want of any Inclination I had both to
+see and serve you to my power; but you are well acquainted with the
+Severity of my Father, whom you know how lately you have disobliged.
+I am mighty glad that I have met with you here, where I have had an
+Opportunity to tell you what so much concerns your Safety, which I am
+afraid you will not find in Florence; considering the great Power Don
+Fabritio and his Father, the Marquess of Viterbo, have in this City.
+I have another thing to inform you of, That whereas Don Fabio had
+interested himself in your Cause, in Opposition to the Marquess of
+Viterbo, by reason of the long Animosity between them, all hopes of
+his Countenance and Assistance are defeated:  For there has been a
+Proposal of Reconciliation made to both Houses, and it is said it
+will be confirm'd (as most such ancient Quarrels are at last) by the
+Marriage of Juliana the Marquess's Daughter, with Aurelian, Son to
+Don Fabio:  to which effect the old Gentleman sent 'tother Day to
+Siena, where Aurelian has been Educated, to hasten his coming to
+Town; but the Messenger returning this Morning, brought word, That
+the same day he arriv'd at Siena, Aurelian had set out for Florence,
+in Company with a young Spanish Nobleman, his intimate Friend; so it
+is believ'd, they are both in Town, and not unlikely in this Room in
+Masquerade.
+
+Hippolito could not forbear smiling to himself, at these last words.
+For ever since the naming of Don Fabio he had been very attentive;
+but before, his Thoughts were wholly taken up with the Beauty of the
+Face he had seen, and from the time she had taken him by the Hand, a
+successive warmth and chillness had play'd about his Heart, and
+surpriz'd him with an unusual Transport.  He was in a hundred Minds,
+whether he should make her sensible of her Error or no; but
+considering he could expect no farther Conference with her after he
+should discover himself, and that as yet he knew not of her place of
+abode, he resolv'd to humour the mistake a little further.  Having
+her still by the Hand, which he squeez'd somewhat more eagerly than
+is usual for Cousins to do, in a low and undistinguishable Voice, he
+let her know how much he held himself obliged to her, and avoiding as
+many words as handsomely he could, at the same time, entreated her to
+give him her Advice, toward the management of himself in this Affair.
+Leonora, who never from the beginning had entertain'd the least
+Scruple of distrust, imagined he spoke faintly, as not being yet
+perfectly recovered in his strength; and withal considering that the
+heat of the Room, by reason of the Crowd, might be uneasie to a
+Person in his Condition; she kindly told him, That if he were as
+inclinable to dispense with the remainder of that Nights Diversion as
+she was, and had no other engagement upon him, by her consent they
+should both steal out of the Assembly, and go to her House, where
+they might with more freedom discourse about a business of that
+importance, and where he might take something to refresh himself if
+he were (as she conceiv'd him to be) indisposed with his long
+standing.  Judge you whether the Proposal were acceptable to
+Hippolito or no; he had been ruminating with himself how to bring
+something like this about, and had almost despair'd of it; when of a
+suddain he found the success of his design had prevented his own
+endeavours.  He told his Cousin in the same key as before, That he
+was unwilling to be the occasion of her Divorce from so much good
+Company; but for his own part, he was afraid he had presumed too much
+upon his recovery in coming abroad so soon, and that he found himself
+so unwell, he feared he should be quickly forc'd to retire.  Leonora
+stay'd not to make him any other reply, only tipp'd him upon the Arm,
+and bid him follow her at a convenient distance to avoid Observation.
+
+Whoever had seen the Joy that was in Hippolito's Countenance, and the
+Sprightliness with which he follow'd his Beautiful Conductress, would
+scarce have taken him for a Person griev'd with uncured Wounds.  She
+led him down a back pair of Stairs, into one of the Palace Gardens
+which had a Door opening into the Piazza, not far from where Don
+Mario her Father lived.  They had little Discourse by the way, which
+gave Hippolito time to consider of the best way of discovering
+himself.  A thousand things came into his Head in a minute, yet
+nothing that pleased him:  and after so many Contrivances as he had
+formed for the discovery of himself, he found it more rational for
+him not to reveal himself at all that Night, since he could not
+foresee what effect the surprize would have, she must needs be in, at
+the appearance of a Stranger, whom she had never seen before, yet
+whom she had treated so familiarly.  He knew Women were apt to shriek
+or swoon upon such Occasions, and should she happen to do either, he
+might be at a loss how to bring himself off.  He thought he might
+easily pretend to be indisposed somewhat more than ordinary, and so
+make an excuse to go to his own Lodging.  It came into his Head too,
+that under pretence of giving her an account of his Health, he might
+enquire of her the means how a Letter might be convey'd to her the
+next morning, wherein he might inform her gently of her mistake, and
+insinuate something of that Passion he had conceiv'd, which he was
+sure he could not have opportunity to speak of if he bluntly revealed
+himself.  He had just resolv'd upon this Method, as they were come to
+the great Gates of the Court, when Leonora stopping to let him go in
+before her, he of a suddain fetch'd his Breath violently as if some
+stitch or twinging smart had just then assaulted him.  She enquired
+the matter of him, and advised him to make haste into the House that
+he might sit down and rest him.  He told her he found himself so ill,
+that he judged it more convenient for him to go home while he was in
+a condition to move, for he fear'd if he should once settle himself
+to rest he might not be able to stir.  She was much troubled, and
+would have had a Chair made ready and Servants to carry him home; but
+he made answer, he would not have any of her Fathers Servants know of
+his being abroad, and that just now he had an interval of ease, which
+he hop'd would continue till he made a shift to reach his own
+Lodgings.  Yet if she pleased to inform him how he might give an
+account of himself the next morning, in a line or two, he would not
+fail to give her the thanks due to her great kindness; and withal,
+would let her know something which would not a little surprize her,
+though now he had not time to acquaint her with it.  She show'd him a
+little Window at the corner of the House, where one should wait to
+receive his Letter, and was just taking her leave of him, when seeing
+him search hastily in his Pocket, she ask'd him if he miss'd any
+thing; he told her he thought a Wound which was not throughly heal'd
+bled a little, and that he had lost his Handkerchief.  His design
+took; for she immediately gave him hers:  which indeed accordingly he
+apply'd to the only wound he was then griev'd with; which though it
+went quite through his Heart, yet thank God was not Mortal.  He was
+not a little rejoyc'd at his good Fortune in getting so early a
+Favour from his Mistress, and notwithstanding the violence he did
+himself to personate a sick Man, he could not forbear giving some
+Symptoms of an extraordinary content; and telling her that he did not
+doubt to receive a considerable Proportion of ease from the
+Application of what had so often kiss'd her fair Hand.  Leonora who
+did not suspect the Compliment, told him she should be heartily glad
+if that or any thing in her power might contribute to his recovery;
+and wishing him well home, went into her House, as much troubled for
+her Cousin as he was joyful for his Mistress.
+
+Hippolito as soon as she was gone in, began to make his Remarks about
+the House, walking round the great Court, viewing the Gardens and all
+the Passages leading to that side of the Piazza.  Having sufficiently
+informed himself, with a Heart full of Love, and a Head full of
+Stratagem, he walked toward his Lodging, impatient till the arrival
+of Aurelian that he might give himself vent.  In which interim, let
+me take the liberty to digress a little, and tell the Reader
+something which I do not doubt he has apprehended himself long ago,
+if he be not the dullest Reader in the World; yet only for orders
+sake, let me tell him I say, That a young Gentleman (Cousin to the
+aforesaid Don Fabritio) happened one night to have some words at a
+Gameing House with one Lorenzo, which created a Quarrel of fatal
+Consequence to the former, who was killed upon the Spot, and likely
+to be so to the latter, who was very desperately wounded.
+
+Fabritio being much concerned for his Kinsman, vow'd revenge
+(according to the ancient and laudable custom of Italy) upon Lorenzo
+if he surviv'd, or in case of his death (if it should happen to
+anticipate that, much more swinging Death which he had in store for
+him) upon his next of Kin, and so to descend Lineally like an English
+Estate, to all the Heirs Males of this Family.  This same Fabritio
+had indeed (as Leonora told Hippolito) taken particular notice of him
+from his first entrance into the Room, and was so far doubtful as to
+go out immediately himself, and make enquiry concerning Lorenzo, but
+was quickly inform'd of the greatness of his Error, in believing a
+Man to be abroad, who was so ill of his Wounds, that they now
+despair'd of his recovery; and thereupon return'd to the Ball very
+well satisfied, but not before Leonora and Hippolito were departed.
+
+So, Reader, having now discharg'd my Conscience of a small Discovery
+which I thought my self obliged to make to Thee, I proceed to tell
+thee, that our Friend Aurelian had by this time danced himself into a
+Net which he neither could, nor which is worse desired to untangle.
+
+His Soul was charm'd to the movement of her Body:  an Air so
+graceful, so sweet, so easie and so great, he had never seen.  She
+had something of Majesty in her, which appear'd to be born with her;
+and though it struck an awe into the Beholders, yet was it sweetned
+with a familiarity of Behaviour, which rendred it agreeable to every
+Body.  The grandeur of her Mien was not stiff, but unstudied and
+unforced, mixed with a simplicity; free, yet not loose nor affected.
+If the former seem'd to condescend, the latter seem'd to aspire; and
+both to unite in the centre of Perfection.  Every turn she gave in
+dancing snatcht Aurelian into a Rapture, and he had like to have been
+out two or three times with following his Eyes, which she led about
+as Slaves to her Heels.
+
+As soon as they had done dancing, he began to complain of his want of
+Breath and Lungs, to speak sufficiently in her Commendation; She
+smilingly told him, he did ill to dance so much then:  Yet in
+Consideration of the pains he had taken more than ordinary upon her
+account she would bate him a great deal of Complement, but with this
+Proviso, That he was to discover to her who he was.  Aurelian was
+unwilling for the present to own himself to be really the Man he was;
+when a suddain thought came into his Head to take upon him the Name
+and Character of Hippolito, who he was sure was not known in
+Florence.  He thereupon, after a little pause, pretended to recal
+himself in this manner:  'Madam, it is no small demonstration of the
+entire Resignation which I have made of my Heart to your Chains,
+since the secrets of it are no longer in my power.  I confess I only
+took Florence in my way, not designing any longer Residence, than
+should be requisite to inform the Curiosity of a Traveller, of the
+rareties of the Place.  Whether Happiness or Misery will be the
+Consequence of that Curiosity, I am yet in fear, and submit to your
+Determination; but sure I am, not to depart Florence till you have
+made me the most miserable Man in it, and refuse me the fatal
+Kindness of Dying at your Feet.  I am by Birth a Spaniard, of the
+City of Toledo; my name Hippolito di Saviolina:  I was yesterday a
+Man free, as Nature made the first; to day I am fallen into a
+Captivity, which must continue with my Life, and which, it is in your
+power, to make much dearer to me.  Thus in obedience to your
+Commands, and contrary to my Resolution of remaining unknown in this
+place, I have inform'd you, Madam, what I am; what I shall be, I
+desire to know from you; at least, I hope, the free discovery I have
+made of my self, will encourage you to trust me with the knowledge of
+your Person.
+
+Here a low bow, and a deep sigh, put an end to his Discourse, and
+signified his Expectation of her Reply, which was to this purpose--
+(But I had forgot to tell you, That Aurelian kept off his Mask from
+the time that he told her he was of Spain, till the period of his
+Relation.)  Had I thought (said she) that my Curiosity would have
+brought me in debt, I should certainly have forborn it; or at least
+have agreed with you before hand about the rate of your discovery,
+then I had not brought my self to the Inconveniency of being
+censur'd, either of too much easiness or reservedness; but to avoid,
+as much as I can, the extreamity of either, I am resolv'd but to
+discover my self in part, and will endeavour to give you as little
+occasion as I can, either to boast of, or ridicule the Behaviour of
+the Women of Florence in your Travels.
+
+Aurelian interrupted her, and swore very solemnly (and the more
+heartily, I believe, because he then indeed spoke truth) that he
+would make Florence the place of his abode, whatever concerns he had
+elsewhere.  She advised him to be cautious how he swore to his
+Expressions of Gallantry; and farther told him she now hoped she
+should make him a return to all the Fine Things he had said, since
+she gave him his choice whether he would know who she was, or see her
+Face.
+
+Aurelian who was really in Love, and in whom Consideration would have
+been a Crime, greedily embrac'd the latter, since she assured him at
+that time he should not know both.  Well, what follow'd?  Why, she
+pull'd off her Mask, and appear'd to him at once in the Glory of
+Beauty.  But who can tell the astonishment Aurelian felt?  He was for
+a time senseless; Admiration had suppress'd his Speech, and his Eyes
+were entangled in Light.  I short, to be made sensible of his
+condition, we must conceive some Idea of what he beheld, which is not
+to imagined till seen, nor then to be express'd.  Now see the
+impertinence and conceitedness of an Author, who will have a fling at
+a Description, which he has Prefaced with an impossibility.  One
+might have seen something in her Composition resembling the Formation
+of Epicurus his World, as if every Atome of Beauty had concurr'd to
+unite an excellency.  Had that curious Painter lived in her days, he
+might have avoided his painful search, when he collected from the
+choicest pieces the most choice Features, and by a due Disposition
+and Judicious Symmetry of those exquisite parts, made one whole and
+perfect Venus.  Nature seem'd here to have play'd the Plagiary, and
+to have molded into Substance the most refined Thoughts of inspired
+Poets.  Her Eyes diffus'd Rays comfortable as warmth, and piercing as
+the light; they would have worked a passage through the straightest
+Pores, and with a delicious heat, have play'd about the most obdurate
+frozen Heart, untill 'twere melted down to Love.  Such Majesty and
+Affability were in her Looks; so alluring, yet commanding was her
+Presence, that it minged awe with love; kindling a Flame which
+trembled to aspire.  She had danced much, which, together with her
+being close masked, gave her a tincture of Carnation more than
+ordinary.  But Aurelian (from whom I had every tittle of her
+Description) fancy'd he saw a little Nest of Cupids break from the
+Tresses of her Hair, and every one officiously betake himself to his
+task.  Some fann'd with their downy Wings, her glowing Cheeks; while
+others brush'd the balmy Dew from off her Face, leaving alone a
+heavenly Moisture blubbing on her Lips, on which they drank and
+revell'd for their pains; Nay, so particular were their allotments in
+her service, that Aurelian was very positive a young Cupid who was
+but just Pen-feather'd, employ'd his naked Quills to pick her Teeth.
+And a thousand other things his transport represented to him, which
+none but Lovers who have experience of such Visions will believe.
+
+As soon as he awaked and found his Speech come to him, he employ'd it
+to this effect:
+
+''Tis enough that I have seen a Divinity--Nothing but Mercy can
+inhabit these Perfections--Their utmost rigour brings a Death
+preferable to any Life, but what they give--Use me, Madam, as you
+please; for by your fair self, I cannot think a Bliss beyond what now
+I feel--You wound with Pleasure, and if you Kill it must be with
+Transport--Ah! Yet methinks to live--O Heaven! to have Life
+pronounced by those Bless'd Lips--Did they not inspire where they
+command, it were an immediate Death of Joy.
+
+Aurelian was growing a little too loud with his Admiration, had she
+not just then interrupted him, by clapping on her Masque, and telling
+him they should be observed, if he proceeded in his Extravagance; and
+withal, that his Passion was too suddain to be real, and too violent
+to be lasting.  He replied, Indeed it might not be very lasting,
+(with a submissive mournful Voice) but it would continue during his
+Life.  That it was suddain, he denied, for she had raised it by
+degrees from his first sight of her, by a continued discovery of
+Charms, in her Mien and Conversation, till she thought fit to set
+Fire to the Train she had laid, by the Lightning of her Face; and
+then he could not help it, if he were blown up.
+
+He begg'd her to believe the Sincerity of his Passion, at least to
+enjoin him something, which might tend to the Convincing of her
+Incredulity.  She said, she should find a time to make some Trials of
+him; but for the first, she charged him not to follow or observe her,
+after the Dissolution of the Assembly.  He promised to obey, and
+entreated her to tell him but her Name, that he might have Recourse
+to that in his Affliction for her Absence, if he were able to survive
+it.  She desired him to live by all means; and if he must have a Name
+to play with, to call her Incognita, till he were better informed.
+
+The Company breaking up, she took her leave, and at his earnest
+Entreaty, gave him a short Vision of her Face which, then dress'd in
+an obliging smile, caused another fit of Transport, which lasted till
+she was gone out of Sight.  Aurelian gathered up his Spirits, and
+walked slowly towards his Lodging, never remembring that he had lost
+Hippolito, till upon turning the Corner of a Street, he heard a noise
+of Fighting; and coming near, saw a Man make a vigorous Defence
+against two, who pressed violently upon him.  He then thought of
+Hippolito, and fancying he saw the glimmering of Diamond Buttons,
+such as Hippolito had upon the Sleeves of his Habit, immediately drew
+to his Assistance; and with that Eagerness and Resolution, that the
+Assailants, finding their unmanly odds defeated, took to their Heels.
+The Person rescued by the Generous Help of Aurelian, came toward him;
+but as he would have stoop'd to have saluted him, dropp'd, fainting
+at his feet.  Aurelian, now he was so near him, perceiv'd plainly
+Hippolito's Habit, and step'd hastily to take him up.  Just as some
+of the Guards (who were going the Rounds, apprehensive of such
+Disorders in an Universal Merriment) came up to him with Lights, and
+had taken Prisoners the Two Men, whom they met with their Sword's
+drawn; when looking in the Face of the Wounded Man, he found it was
+not Hippolito, but his Governour Claudio, in the Habit he had worn at
+the Ball.  He was extreamly surpriz'd, as were the Prisoners, who
+confess'd their Design to have been upon Lorenzo; grounding their
+Mistake upon the Habit which was known to have been his.  They were
+Two Men who formerly had been Servants to him, whom Lorenzo had
+unfortunately slain.
+
+They made a shift to bring Claudio to himself; and part of the Guard
+carrying off the Prisoners, whom Aurelian desired they would secure,
+the rest accompanied him bearing Claudio in their Arms to his
+Lodging.  He had not patience to forbear asking for Hippolito by the
+Way; whom Claudio assured him, he had left safe in his Chamber, above
+Two Hours since.  That his coming Home so long before the
+Divertisements were ended, and Undressing himself, had given him the
+Unhappy Curiosity, to put on his Habit, and go to the Pallace; in his
+Return from whence, he was set upon in the Manner he found him, which
+if he recovered, he must own his Life indebted to his timely
+Assistance.
+
+Being come to the House, they carried him to his Bed, and having sent
+for Surgeons Aurelian rewarded and dismissed the Guard.  He stay'd
+the dressing of Claudio's Wounds, which were many, though they hop'd
+none Mortal:  and leaving him to his Rest, went to give Hippolito an
+Account of what had happened, whom he found with a Table before him,
+leaning upon both his Elbows, his Face covered with his Hands, and so
+motionless, that Aurelian concluded he was asleep; seeing several
+Papers lie before him, half written and blotted out again, he thought
+to steal softly to the Table, and discover what he had been employed
+about.  Just as he reach'd forth his Hand to take up one of the
+Papers, Hippolito started up so on the suddain, as surpriz'd Aurelian
+and made him leap back; Hippolito, on the other hand, not supposing
+that any Body had been near him, was so disordered with the
+Appearance of a Man at his Elbow, (whom his Amazement did not permit
+him to distinguish) that he leap'd hastily to his Sword, and in
+turning him about, overthrew the Stand and Candles.  Here were they
+both left in the Dark, Hippolito groping about with his Sword, and
+thrusting at every Chair that he felt oppose him.  Aurelian was
+scarce come to himself, when thinking to step back toward the Door
+that he might inform his Friend of his Mistake, without exposing
+himself to his blind Fury; Hippolito heard him stir, and made a full
+thrust with such Violence, that the Hilt of the Sword meeting with
+Aurelian's Breast beat him down, and Hippolito a top of him, as a
+Servant alarm'd with the noise, came into the Chamber with a Light.
+The Fellow trembled, and thought they were both Dead, till Hippolito
+raising himself, to see whom he had got under him, swoon'd away upon
+the discovery of his Friend.  But such was the extraordinary Care of
+Providence in directing the Sword, that it only past under his Arm,
+giving no Wound to Aurelia, but a little Bruise between his Shoulder
+and Breast with the Hilt.  He got up, scarce recovered of his Fright,
+and by the help of the Servant; laid Hippolito upon the Bed; who when
+he was come to himself could hardly be perswaded, that his Friend was
+before him and alive, till he shew'd him his Breast, where was
+nothing of a Wound.  Hippolito begg'd his Pardon a Thousand Times,
+and curs'd himself as often, who was so near to committing the most
+Execrable Act of Amicide.
+
+They dismiss'd the Fellow, and with many Embraces, congratulated
+their fortunate Delivery from the Mischief which came so near them,
+each blaming himself as the Occasion:  Aurelian accusing his own
+unadvisedness in stealing upon Hippolito; Hippolito blaming his own
+temerity and weakness, in being so easily frighted to Disorder; and
+last of all, his blindness, in not knowing his dearest Friend.  But
+there he gave a Sigh, and passionately taking Aurelian by the Hand,
+cry'd, Ah! my Friend, Love is indeed blind, when it would not suffer
+me to see you--There arose another Sigh; a Sympathy seiz'd Aurelian
+immediately:  (For, by the Way, sighing is as catching among Lovers,
+as yawning among the Vulgar.)  Beside hearing the Name of Love, made
+him fetch such a Sigh, that Hippolito's were but Fly-blows in
+Comparison, that was answered with all the Might Hippolito had,
+Aurelian ply'd him close till they were both out of Breath.
+
+Thus not a Word pass'd, though each wondred why the t'other sigh'd,
+at last concluded it to be only Complaisance to one another.
+
+Aurelian broke the Silence, by telling him the Misfortune of his
+Governour.  Hippolito rejoic'd as at the luckiest Accident which
+could have befall'n him.  Aurelian wondred at his unseasonable Mirth,
+and demanded the Cause of it; he answer'd, It would necessitate his
+longer Stay in Florence, and for ought he knew be the Means of
+bringing a happy Period to his Amour.
+
+His Friend thought him to be little better than a Madman, when he
+perceiv'd him of a suddain snatch out of his Bosom a Handkerchief,
+which having kiss'd with a great deal of Ardour, he took Aurelian by
+the Hand, and smiling at the Surprize he saw him in;
+
+'Your Florentine Cupid is certainly (said he) 'the most Expert in the
+World.  I have since I saw you beheld the most Beautiful of Women.  I
+am faln desperately in Love with her, and those Papers which you see
+so blotted and scattered, are but so many Essays which I have made to
+the Declaration of my Passion.  And this Handkerchief which I so
+zealously Caress, is the Inestimable Token which I have to make my
+self known to her.  'O Leonora! (continued he) 'how hast thou stamp'd
+thine Image on my Soul!  How much dearer am I to my self, since I
+have had thy Heavenly Form in keeping!  Now, my Aurelian, I am worthy
+thee; my exalted Love has Dignified me, and rais'd me far above thy
+poor former Despicable Hippolito.
+
+Aurelian seeing the Rapture he was in, thought it in vain to expect a
+settled Relation of the Adventure, so was reaching to the Table for
+some of the Papers, but Hippolito told him, If he would have a little
+patience he would acquaint him with the whole Matter; and thereupon
+told him Word for Word how he was mistaken for Lorenzo, and his
+Management of himself.  Aurelian commended his Prudence, in not
+discovering himself; and told him, If he could spare so much time
+from the Contemplation of his Mistress, he would inform him of an
+Adventure, though not so Accidental, yet of as great Concern to his
+own future Happiness.  So related all that had happened to him with
+his Beautiful Incognita.
+
+Having ended the Story, they began to consider of the Means they were
+to use toward a Review of their Mistresses.  Aurelian was Confounded
+at the Difficulty he conceived on his Part.  He understood from
+Hippolito's Adventure, that his Father knew of his being in Town,
+whom he must unavoidably Disoblige if he yet concealed himself, and
+Disobey if he came into his Sight; for he had already entertain'd an
+Aversion for Juliana, in apprehension of her being Imposed on him.
+His Incognita was rooted in his Heart, yet could he not Comfort
+himself with any Hopes when he should see her:  He knew not where she
+lived, and she had made him no Promise of a second Conference.  Then
+did he repent his inconsiderate Choice, in preferring the momentary
+Vision of her Face, to a certain Intelligence of her Person.  Every
+thought that succeeded distracted him, and all the Hopes he could
+presume upon, were within compass of the Two Days Merriment yet to
+come; for which Space he hop'd he might excuse his remaining
+conceal'd to his Father.
+
+Hippolito on the other side (though Aurelian thought him in a much
+better Way) was no less afflicted for himself.  The Difficulties
+which he saw in his Friend's Circumstances, put him upon finding out
+a great many more in his own, than really there were.  But what
+terrified him most of all, was his being an utter Stranger to
+Leonora; she had not the least knowledge of him but through mistake,
+and consequently could form no Idea of him to his Advantage.  He
+look'd upon it as an unlucky thought in Aurelian to take upon him his
+Name, since possibly the Two Ladies were acquainted, and should they
+communicate to each other their Adventures; they might both
+reasonably suffer in their Opinions, and be thought guilty of
+Falshood, since it would appear to them as One Person pretending to
+Two.  Aurelian told him, there was but one Remedy for that, which was
+for Hippolito, in the same Manner that he had done, to make use of
+his Name, when he writ to Leonora, and use what arguments he could to
+perswade her to Secrecy, least his Father should know of the Reason
+which kept him concealed in Town.  And it was likely, though perhaps
+she might not immediately entertain his Passion; yet she would out of
+Generosity conceal, what was hidden only for her sake.
+
+Well this was concluded on, after a great many other Reasons used on
+either Side, in favour of the Contrivance; they at last argued
+themselves into a Belief, that Fortune had befriended them with a
+better Plot, than their regular Thinking could have contriv'd.  So
+soon had they convinc'd themselves, in what they were willing to
+believe.
+
+Aurelian laid himself down to rest, that is, upon the Bed; for he was
+a better Lover than to pretend to sleep that Night, while Hippolito
+set himself again to frame his Letter design'd for Leonora.  He writ
+several, at last pitched upon one, and very probably the worst, as
+you may guess when you read it in its proper Place.
+
+It was break of Day when the Servant, who had been employed all the
+foregoing Day in procuring Accoutrements for the Two Cavaliers, to
+appear in at the Tilting, came into the Room, and told them all the
+Young Gentlemen in the Town were trying their Equipage, and preparing
+to be early in the Lists.  They made themselves ready with all
+Expedition at the Alarm:  and Hippolito having made a Visit to his
+Governour, dispatch'd a Messenger with the Letter and Directions to
+Leonora.  At the Signal agreed upon the Casement was opened and a
+String let down, to which the Bearer having fastned the Letter, saw
+it drawn up, and returned.  It were a vain attempt to describe
+Leonora's Surprize, when she read the Superscription.--The
+Unfortunate Aurelian, to the Beautiful Leonora--After she was a
+little recovered from her Amaze, she recollected to her self all the
+Passages between her and her supposed Cousin, and immediately
+concluded him to be Aurelian.  Then several little Circumstances
+which she thought might have been sufficient to have convinced her,
+represented themselves to her; and she was in a strange Uneasiness to
+think of her free Carriage to a Stranger.
+
+She was once in a Mind to have burn'd the Letter, or to have stay'd
+for an Opportunity to send it again.  But she was a Woman, and her
+Curiosity opposed it self to all thoughts of that Nature:  at length
+with a firm Resolution, she opened it, and found Word for Word, what
+is underwritten.
+
+
+The Letter.
+
+MADAM,
+
+If your fair Eyes, upon the breaking up of this, meet with somewhat
+too quick a Surprize, make thence, I beseech you, some reflection
+upon the Condition I must needs have been in, at the suddain
+Appearance of that Sun of Beauty, which at once shone so full upon my
+soul.  I could not immediately disengage my self from that Maze of
+Charms, to let you know how unworthy a Captive your Eyes had made
+through mistake.  Sure, Madam, you cannot but remember my Disorder,
+of which your Innocent (Innocent, though perhaps to me Fatal) Error
+made a Charitable (but wide) Construction.  Your Tongue pursued the
+Victory of your Eyes, and you did not give me time to rally my poor
+Disordered Senses, so as to make a tolerable Retreat.  Pardon, Madam,
+the Continuation of the Deceipt, and call it not so, that I appear'd
+to be other than my self; for Heaven knows I was not then my self,
+nor am I now my own.  You told me something that concern'd me nearly,
+as to a Marriage my Father design'd me, and much more nearly in being
+told by you.  For Heaven's sake, disclose not to any Body your
+Knowledge of me, that I may not be forced to an immediate Act of
+Disobedience; for if my future Services and inviolate Love, cannot
+recommend me to your Favour, I shall find more comfort in the cold
+Embraces of a Grave, than in the Arms of the never so much admired
+(but by me dreaded) Juliana.  Think, Madam, of those severe
+Circumstances I lie under; and withal I beg you, think it is in your
+Power, and only in your Power, to make them happy as my Wishes, or
+much more miserable than I am able to imagine.  That dear,
+inestimable (though undesign'd) Favour which I receiv'd from you,
+shall this Day distinguish me from the Crowd of your Admirers; that
+which I really applied to my inward bleeding Wound, the welcom Wound
+which you have made, and which, unless from you, does wish no Cure;
+then pardon and have pity on, O Adored Leonora, him, who is your's by
+Creation as he is Heaven's, though never so unworthy.  Have pity on
+
+Your
+Aurelian.
+
+
+She read the Letter over and over, then flung it by, then read it
+again; the Novelty of the Adventure made her repeat her Curiosity,
+and take more than ordinary Pains to understand it.  At last her
+Familiarity with the Expressions grew to an Intimacy, and what she at
+first permitted she now began to like.  She thought there was
+something in it a little more serious, than to be barely Gallantry.
+She wondred at her own Blindness, and fancy'd she could remember
+something of a more becoming Air in the Stranger than was usual to
+Lorenzo.  This thought was parent to another of the same kind, till a
+long Chain successively had Birth, and every one somewhat more than
+other, in Favour of the supposed Aurelian.  She reflected upon his
+Discretion, in deferring the Discovery of himself, till a little time
+had, as it were, weaned her from her perswasion, and by removing her
+farther from her Mistake, had prepared her for a full and determinate
+Convincement.  She thought his Behaviour, in personating a Sick Man
+so readily, upon the first hint was not amiss, and smil'd to think of
+his Excuse to procure her Handkerchief; and last of all, his sifting
+out the Means to write to her, which he had done with that Modesty
+and Respect, she could not tell how to find fault with it.
+
+She had proceeded thus far in a maze of Thought, when she started to
+find her self so lost to her Reason, and would have trod back again
+that path of deluding Fancy; accusing her self of Fondness, and
+inconsiderate Easiness, in giving Credit to the Letter of a Person
+whose Face she never saw, and whose first Acquaintance with her was a
+Treachery, and he who could so readily deliver his Tongue of a Lye
+upon a Surprize, was scarce to be trusted when he had sufficient Time
+allow'd him to beget a Fiction, and Means to perfect the Birth.
+
+How did she know this to be Aurelian, if he were?  Nay farther, put
+it to the Extremity, What if she should upon farther Conversation
+with him proceed to Love him?  What Hopes were there for her?  Or how
+could she consent to Marry a Man already Destined for another Woman?
+nay, a Woman that was her Friend, whose Marrying with him was to
+compleat the happy Reconciliation of Two Noble Families, and which
+might prevent the Effusion of much Blood likely to be shed in that
+Quarrel:  Besides, she should incurr share of the Guilt, which he
+would draw upon him by Disobedience to his Father, whom she was sure
+would not be consenting to it.
+
+'Tis strange now, but all Accounts agree, that just here Leonora, who
+had run like a violent Stream against Aurelian hitherto, now retorted
+with as much precipitation in his Favour.  I could never get any Body
+to give me a satisfactory reason, for her suddain and dextrous Change
+of Opinion just at that stop, which made me conclude she could not
+help it; and that Nature boil'd over in her at that time when it had
+so fair an Opportunity to show it self:  For Leonora it seems was a
+Woman Beautiful, and otherwise of an excellent Disposition; but in
+the Bottom a very Woman.  This last Objection, this Opportunity of
+perswading Man to Disobedience, determined the Matter in Favour of
+Aurelian, more than all his Excellencies and Qualifications, take him
+as Aurelian, or Hippolito, or both together.
+
+Well, the Spirit of Contradiction and of Eve was strong in her; and
+she was in a fair Way to Love Aurelian, for she lik'd him already;
+that it was Aurelian she no longer doubted, for had it been a
+Villain, who had only taken his Name upon him for any ill Designs, he
+would never have slip'd so favourable an Opportunity as when they
+were alone and in the Night coming through the Garden and broad Space
+before the Piazza.  In short, thus much she resolv'd, at least to
+conceal the Knowledge she had of him, as he had entreated her in his
+Letter, and to make particular Remarks of his Behaviour that Day in
+the Lists, which should it happen to Charm her with an absolute
+liking of his Person, she resolv'd to dress her self to the best
+Advantage, and mustering up all her Graces, out of pure Revenge to
+kill him down right.
+
+I would not have the Reader now be impertinent, and look upon this to
+be force, or a whim of the Author's, that a Woman should proceed so
+far in her Approbation of a Man whom she never saw, that it is
+impossible, therefore ridiculous to suppose it.  Let me tell such a
+Critick, that he knows nothing of the Sex, if he does not know that
+Woman may be taken with the Character and Description of a Man, when
+general and extraordinary, that she may be prepossess'd with an
+agreeable Idea of his Person and Conversation; and though she cannot
+imagine his real Features, or manner of Wit, yet she has a general
+Notion of what is call'd a fine Gentleman, and is prepar'd to like
+such a one who does not disagree with that Character.  Aurelian, as
+he bore a very fair Character, so was he extreamly deserving to make
+it good, which otherways might have been to his prejudice; for
+oftentimes, through an imprudent Indulgence to our Friends merit, we
+give so large a Description of his excellencies, that People make
+more room in their Expectation, than the Intrinsick worth of the Man
+will fill, which renders him so much the more despicable as there is
+emptyness to spare.  'Tis certain, though the Women seldom find that
+out; for though they do not see so much in a Man as was promised, yet
+they will be so kind to imagine he has some hidden excellencies;
+which time may discover to them, so are content to allow, him a
+considerable share of their esteem, and take him into Favour upon
+Tick.  Aurelian as he had good Credit, so he had a good Stock to
+support it, and his Person was a good promising Security for the
+payment of any Obligation he could lie under to the Fair Sex.
+Hippolito, who at this time was our Aurelian, did not at all lessen
+him in appearing for him:  So that although Leonora was indeed
+mistaken, she could not be said to be much in the wrong.  I could
+find in my Heart to beg the Reader's pardon for this Digression, if I
+thought he would be sensible of the Civility; for I promise him, I do
+not intend to do it again throughout the Story, though I make never
+so many, and though he take them never so ill.  But because I began
+this upon a bare Supposition of his Impertinence, which might be
+somewhat impertinent in me to suppose, I do, and hope to make him
+amends by telling him, that by the time Leonora was dress'd, several
+Ladies of her acquaintance came to accompany her to the place
+designed for the Tilting, where we will leave them drinking
+Chocholate till 'tis time for them to go.
+
+Our Cavaliers had by good Fortune provided themselves of two curious
+Suits of light Armour, finely enammelled and gilt.  Hippolito had
+sent to Poggio Imperiale for a couple of fine led Horses which he had
+left there with the rest of his Train at his entrance into Florence.
+Mounted on these and every way well Equipt, they took their way,
+attended only by two Lacqueys, toward the Church di Santa Croce,
+before which they were to perform their Exercises of Chivalry.
+Hippolito wore upon his Helm a large Plume of Crimson Feathers, in
+the midst of which was artificially placed Leonora's Handkerchief.
+His Armour was gilt, and enammell'd with Green and Crimson.  Aurelian
+was not so happy as to wear any token to recommend him to the notice
+of his Mistress, so had only a Plume of Sky-colour and White
+Feathers, suitable to his Armour, which was Silver enammelled with
+Azure.  I shall not describe the Habits of any other Cavaliers, or of
+the Ladies; let it suffice to tell the Reader they were all very Fine
+and very Glorious, and let him dress them in what is most agreeable
+to his own Fancy.
+
+Our Gallants entred the Lists, and having made their Obeysance to his
+Highness, turned round to salute and view the Company.  The Scaffold
+was circular, so that there was no end of the Delightful Prospect.
+It seem'd a Glory of Beauty which shone around the admiring
+Beholders.  Our Lovers soon perceived the Stars which were to Rule
+their Destiny, which sparkled a lustre beyond all the inferiour
+Constellations, and seem'd like two Suns to distribute Light to all
+the Planets in that Heavenly Sphere.  Leonora knew her Slave by his
+Badge and blushed till the Lilies and Roses in her cheeks had
+resemblance to the Plume of Crimson and White Handkerchief in
+Hippolito's Crest.  He made her a low bow, and reined his Horse back
+with an extraordinary Grace, into a respectful retreat.  Aurelian saw
+his Angel, his beautiful Incognita, and had no other way to make
+himself known to her, but by saluting and bowing to her after the
+Spanish mode; she guess'd him by it to be her new Servant Hippolito,
+and signified her apprehension, by making him a more particular and
+obliging return, than to any of the Cavaliers who had saluted her
+before.
+
+The Exercise that was to be perform'd was in general a running at the
+Ring; and afterwards two Cavaliers undertook to defend the Beauty of
+Donna Catharina, against all who would not allow her preheminence of
+their Mistresses.  This thing was only designed for show and form,
+none presuming that any body would put so great an affront upon the
+Bride and Duke's Kinswoman, as to dispute her pretentions to the
+first place in the Court of Venus.  But here our Cavaliers were under
+a mistake; for seeing a large Shield carry'd before two Knights, with
+a Lady painted upon it; not knowing who, but reading the Inscription
+which was (in large Gold Letters) Above the Insolence of Competition.
+They thought themselves obliged, especially in the presence of their
+Mistresses, to vindicate their Beauty; and were just spurring on to
+engage the Champions, when a Gentleman stopping them, told them their
+mistake, that it was the Picture of Donna Catharina, and a particular
+Honour done to her by his Highness's Commands, and not to be
+disputed.  Upon this they would have returned to their Post, much
+concerned for their mistake; but notice being taken by Don Ferdinand
+of some Show of Opposition that was made, he would have begged leave
+of the Duke, to have maintained his Lady's Honour against the
+Insolence of those Cavaliers; but the Duke would by no means permit
+it.  They were arguing about it when one of them came up, before whom
+the Shield was born, and demanded his Highness's Permission, to
+inform those Gentlemen better of their mistake, by giving them the
+Foyl.  By the Intercession of Don Ferdinand, leave was given them;
+whereupon a Civil Challenge was sent to the two Strangers, informing
+them of their Error, and withal telling them they must either
+maintain it by force of Arms, or make a publick acknowledgment by
+riding bare headed before the Picture once round the Lists.  The
+Stranger-Cavaliers remonstrated to the Duke how sensible they were of
+their Error, and though they would not justifie it, yet they could
+not decline the Combate, being pressed to it beyond an honourable
+refusal.  To the Bride they sent a Complement, wherein, having first
+begg'd her pardon for not knowing her Picture, they gave her to
+understand, that now they were not about to dispute her undoubted
+right to the Crown of Beauty, but the honour of being her Champions
+was the Prize they fought for, which they thought themselves as able
+to maintain as any other Pretenders.  Wherefore they pray'd her, that
+if fortune so far befriended their endeavours as to make them
+Victors, that they might receive no other Reward, but to be crown'd
+with the Titles of their Adversaries, and be ever after esteem'd as
+her most humble Servants.  The excuse was so handsomely designed, and
+much better express'd than it is here, that it took effect.  The
+Duke, Don Ferdinand and his Lady were so well satisfied with it as to
+grant their Request.
+
+While the running at the Ring lasted, our Cavaliers alternately bore
+away great share of the Honour.  That Sport ended, Marshals were
+appointed for the Field, and every thing in great form settled for
+the Combat.  The Cavaliers were all in good earnest, but orders were
+given to bring 'em blunted Lances, and to forbid the drawing of a
+Sword upon pain of his Highness's Displeasure.  The Trumpets sounded
+and they began their Course:  The Ladies' Hearts, particularly the
+Incognita and Leonora's beat time to the Horses Hoofs, and hope and
+fear made a mock Fight within their tender Breasts, each wishing and
+doubting success where she lik'd:  But as the generality of their
+Prayers were for the graceful Strangers, they accordingly succeeded.
+Aurelian's Adversary was unhorsed in the first Encounter, and
+Hippolito's lost both Stirrups and dropt his Lance to save himself.
+The Honour of the Field was immediately granted to them, and Don
+Catharina sent them both Favours, which she pray'd them to wear as
+her Knights.  The Crowd breaking up, our Cavaliers made a shift to
+steal off unmarked, save by the watchful Leonora and Incognita, whose
+Eyes were never off from their respective Servants.  There was
+enquiry made for them, but to no purpose; for they to prevent their
+being discovered had prepared another House, distant from their
+Lodging, where a Servant attended to disarm them, and another carried
+back their Horses to the Villa, while they walked unsuspected to
+their Lodging; but Incognita had given command to a Page to dog 'em
+till the Evening, at a distance, and bring her word where they were
+latest housed.
+
+While several Conjectures pass'd among the Company, who were all gone
+to Dinner at the Palace, who those Cavaliers should be, Don Fabio
+thought himself the only Man able to guess; for he knew for certain
+that his Son and Hippolito were both in Town, and was well enough
+pleased with his humour of remaining Incognito till the Diversions
+should be over, believing then that the surprize of his Discovery
+would add much to the Gallantry he had shown in Masquerade; but
+hearing the extraordinary liking that every body express'd, and in a
+particular manner, the great Duke himself, to the Persons and
+Behaviour of the unknown Cavaliers, the Old Gentleman could not
+forbear the Vanity to tell his Highness, that he believed he had an
+interest in one of the Gentlemen, whom he was pleased to honour with
+so favourable a Character; and told him what reason he had to believe
+the one to be his Son, and the other a Spanish Nobleman, his Friend.
+
+This discovery having thus got vent, was diffused like Air; every
+body suck'd it in, and let it out again with their Breath to the next
+they met withal; and in half an hours time it was talked of in the
+House where our Adventurers were lodged.  Aurelian was stark mad at
+the News, and knew what search would be immediately made for him.
+Hippolito, had he not been desperately in Love, would certainly have
+taken Horse and rid out of Town just then, for he could make no
+longer doubt of being discovered, and he was afraid of the just
+Exceptions Leonora might make to a Person who had now deceived her
+twice.  Well, we will leave them both fretting and contriving to no
+purpose, to look about and see what was done at the Palace, where
+their doom was determined much quicker than they imagined.
+
+Dinner ended, the Duke retired with some chosen Friends to a Glass of
+Wine; among whom were the Marquess of Viterbo and Don Fabio.  His
+Highness was no Stranger to the long Fewd that had been between the
+two Families, and also understood what Overtures of Reconciliation
+had been lately made, with the Proposals of Marriage between Aurelian
+and the Marquess's Daughter.  Having waited till the Wine had taken
+the effect proposed, and the Company were raised to an uncommon pitch
+of Chearfulness, which he also encouraged by an Example of Freedom
+and Good Humour, he took an opportunity of rallying the two grave
+Signiors into an Accommodation:  That was seconded with the praises
+of the young Couple, and the whole Company joined in a large Encomium
+upon the Graces of Aurelian and the Beauties of Juliana.  The old
+Fellows were tickled with Delight to hear their Darlings so admired,
+which the Duke perceiving, out of a Principle of Generosity and
+Friendship, urged the present Consummation of the Marriage; telling
+them there was yet one day of publick Rejoycing to come, and how glad
+he should be to have it improved by so acceptable an Alliance; and
+what an honour it would be to have his Cousin's Marriage attended by
+the Conjunction of so extraordinary a Pair, the performance of which
+Ceremony would crown the Joy that was then in Agitation, and make the
+last day vie for equal Glory and Happiness with the first.  In short,
+by the Complaisant and Perswasive Authority of the Duke, the Dons
+were wrought into a Compliance, and accordingly embraced and shook
+Hands upon the Matter.  This News was dispersed like the former, and
+Don Fabio gave orders for the enquiring out his Son's Lodging, that
+the Marquess and he might make him a Visit, as soon as he had
+acquainted Juliana with his purpose, that she might prepare her self.
+He found her very chearful with Donna Catharina and several other
+Ladies; whereupon the old Gentleman, pretty well warmed with the
+Duke's Goodfellowship, told her aloud he was come to crown their
+Mirth with another Wedding; that his Highness had been pleased to
+provide a Husband for his Daughter, and he would have her provide her
+self to receive him to-morrow.  All the Company at first, as well as
+Juliana her self, thought he had rally'd, till the Duke coming in
+confirmed the serious part of his Discourse.  Juliana was confounded
+at the haste that was imposed on her, and desired a little time to
+consider what she was about.  But the Marquess told her, she should
+have all the rest of her Life to consider in; that Aurelian should
+come and consider with her in the Morning, if she pleased; but in the
+mean time, he advised her to go home and call her Maids to Counsel.
+
+Juliana took her leave of the Company very gravely, as if not much
+delighted with her Father's Rallery.  Leonora happened to be by, and
+heard all that passed; she was ready to swoon, and found her self
+seized with a more violent Passion than ever for Aurelian:  Now upon
+her apprehensions of losing him, her active fancy had brought him
+before her with all the advantages imaginable, and though she had
+before found great tenderness in her Inclination toward him, yet was
+she somewhat surprized to find she really lov'd him.  She was so
+uneasie at what she had heard, that she thought it convenient to
+steal out of the presence and retire to her Closet, to bemoan her
+unhappy helpless Condition.
+
+Our Two Cavalier-Lovers had rack'd their Invention till it was quite
+disabled, and could not make discovery of one Contrivance more for
+their Relief.  Both sat silent, each depending upon his Friend, and
+still expecting when t'other should speak.  Night came upon them
+while they sate thus thoughtless, or rather drowned in Thought; but a
+Servant bringing Lights into the Room awakened them:  And Hippolito's
+Speech, usher'd by a profound Sigh, broke Silence.
+
+'Well! (said he) what must we do, Aurelian?  We must suffer, replied
+Aurelian faintly.  When immediately raising his Voice, he cry'd out,
+'Oh ye unequal Powers, why do ye urge us to desire what ye doom us to
+forbear; give us a Will to chuse, then curb us with a Duty to
+restrain that Choice!  Cruel Father, Will nothing else suffice!  Am I
+to be the Sacrifice to expiate your Offences past; past ere I was
+born?  Were I to lose my Life, I'd gladly Seal your Reconcilement
+with my Blood.  'But Oh my Soul is free, you have no Title to my
+Immortal Being, that has Existence independent of your Power; and
+must I lose my Love, the Extract of that Being, the Joy, Light, Life,
+and Darling of my Soul?  No, I'll own my Flame, and plead my Title
+too.--But hold, wretched Aurelian, hold, whither does thy Passion
+hurry thee?  Alas! the cruel fair Incognita Loves thee not!  She
+knows not of thy Love!  If she did, what Merit hast thou to pretend?-
+-Only Love.--Excess of Love.  And all the World has that.  All that
+have seen her.  Yet I had only seen her once, and in that once I
+lov'd above the World; nay, lov'd beyond my self, such vigorous
+Flame, so strong, so quick she darted at my Breast; it must rebound,
+and by Reflection, warm her self.  Ah! welcome Thought, lovely
+deluding Fancy, hang still upon my Soul, let me but think, that once
+she Loves and perish my Despair.
+
+Here a suddain stop gave a Period also to Hippolito's Expectation,
+and he hoped now that his Friend had given his Passion so free a
+vent, he might recollect and bethink himself of what was convenient
+to be done; but Aurelia, as if he had mustered up all his Spirits
+purely to acquit himself of that passionate Harangue, stood mute and
+insensible like an Alarum Clock, that had spent all its force in one
+violent Emotion.  Hippolito shook him by the Arm to rouze him from
+his Lethargy, when his Lacquey coming into the Room, out of Breath,
+told him there was a Coach just stopp'd at the Door, but he did not
+take time to who came in it.  Aurelian concluded immediately it was
+his Father in quest of him; and without saying any more to Hippolito,
+than that he was Ruined if discovered, took his Sword and slipp'd
+down a back pair of Stairs into the Garden, from whence he conveyed
+himself into the Street.  Hippolito had not bethought himself what to
+do, before he perceiv'd a Lady come into the Chamber close veil'd,
+and make toward him.  At the first Appearance of a Woman, his
+Imagination flattered him with a Thought of Leonora; but that was
+quickly over upon nearer Approach to the Lady, who had much the
+Advantage in Stature of his Mistress.  He very civilly accosted her,
+and asked if he were the Person to whom the Honour of that Visit was
+intended.  She said, her Business was with Don Hippolito di
+Saviolina, to whom she had Matter of Concern to import, and which
+required haste.  He had like to have told her, That he was the Man,
+but by good Chance reflecting upon his Friend's Adventure, who had
+taken his name, he made Answer, that he believed Don Hippolito not
+far off, and if she had a Moments Patience he would enquire for him.
+
+He went out, leaving the Lady in the Room, and made search all round
+the House and Garden for Aurelian, but to no purpose.  The Lady
+impatient of his long stay took a Pen and Ink and some Paper which
+she found upon the Table, and had just made an End of her Letter,
+when hearing a Noise of more than one coming up Stairs, she concluded
+his Friend had found him, and that her Letter would be to no purpose,
+so tore it in pieces, which she repented; when turning about, she
+found her Mistake, and beheld Don Fabio and the Marquess of Viterbo
+just entring at the Door.  She gave a Shriek at the Surprize of their
+Appearance, which much troubled the Old Gentlemen, and made them
+retire in Confusion for putting a Gentlewoman into such a Fright.
+The Marquess thinking they had been misinformed, or had mistaken the
+Lodgings, came forward again, and made an Apology to the Lady for
+their Errour; but she making no reply, walk'd directly by him down
+Stairs and went into her Coach, which hurried her away as speedily as
+the Horses were able to draw.
+
+The Dons were at a loss what to think, when, Hippolito coming into
+the Room to give the Lady an Account of his Errant, was no less
+astonished to find she was departed, and had left Two Old Signiors in
+her stead.  He knew Don Fabio's Face, for Aurelian had shewn him his
+Father at the Tilting; but being confident he was not known to him,
+he ventur'd to ask him concerning a Lady whom just now he had left in
+that Chamber.  Don Fabio told him, she was just gone down, and
+doubted they had been Guilty of a Mistake, in coming to enquire for a
+Couple of Gentlemen whom they were informed were Lodged in that
+House; he begg'd his Pardon if he had any Relation to that Lady, and
+desired to know if he could give them any Account of the Persons they
+sought for.  Hippolito made answer, He was a Stranger in the Place,
+and only a Servant to that Lady whom they had disturb'd, and whom he
+must go and seek out.  And in this Perplexity he left them, going
+again in Search of Aurelian, to inform him of what had passed.
+
+The Old Gentlemen at last meeting with a Servant of the House, were
+directed to Signior Claudio's Chamber, where they were no sooner
+entered but Aurelian came into the House.  A Servant who had skulk'd
+for him by Hippolito's Order, followed him up into the Chamber, and
+told him who was with Claudio then making Enquiry for him.  He
+thought that to be no Place for him, since Claudio must needs
+discover all the Truth to his Father; wherefore he left Directions
+with the Servant, where Hippolito should meet him in the Morning.  As
+he was going out of the Room he espied the torn Paper, which the Lady
+had thrown upon the Floor:  The first piece he took up had Incognita
+written upon it; the sight of which so Alarum'd him, he scarce knew
+what he was about; but hearing a Noise of a Door opening over Head,
+with as much Care as was consistent with the haste he was then in, he
+gathered up scattered pieces of Paper, and betook himself to a Ramble
+
+Coming by a Light which hung at the Corner of a Street, he join'd the
+torn Papers and collected thus much, that Incognita had Written the
+Note, and earnestly desired (if there were any reality in what he
+pretended to her) to meet her at Twelve a Clock that Night at a
+Convent Gate; but unluckily the Bit of Paper which should have
+mentioned what Convent, was broken off and lost.
+
+Here was a large Subject for Aurelian's Passion, which he did not
+spare to pour forth in Abundance of Curses on his Stars.  So earnest
+was he in the Contemplation of his Misfortunes, that he walk'd on
+unwittingly; till at length Silence (and such as was only to be found
+in that part the Town, whither his unguided Steps had carried him)
+surpriz'd his Attention.  I say, a profound Silence rouzed him from
+his Thought; and a clap of Thunder could have done no more.
+
+Now because it is possible this at some time or other may happen to
+be read by some Malicious or Ignorant Person, (no Reflection upon the
+present Reader) who will not admit, or does not understand that
+Silence should make a Man start; and have the same Effect, in
+provoking his Attention, with its opposite Noise; I will illustrate
+this matter, to such a diminutive Critick, by a Parallel Instance of
+Light; which though it does chiefly entertain the Eyes, and is indeed
+the prime Object of the Sight, yet should it immediately cease, to
+have a Man left in the Dark by a suddain deficiency of it, would make
+him stare with his Eyes, and though he could not see, endeavour to
+look about him.  Why just thus did it fare with our Adventurer; who
+seeming to have wandred both into the Dominions of Silence and of
+Night, began to have some tender for his own Safety, and would
+willingly have groped his Way back again; when he heard a Voice, as
+from a Person whose Breath had been stopp'd by some forcible
+Oppression, and just then, by a violent Effort, was broke through the
+Restraint.--'Yet--Yet--(again reply'd the Voice, still struggling for
+Air,) 'Forbear--and I'll forgive what's past--I have done nothing yet
+that needs a Pardon, (says another) and what is to come, will admit
+of none.
+
+Here the Person who seemed to be the Oppressed, made several Attempts
+to speak, but they were only inarticulate Sounds, being all
+interrupted and choaked in their Passage.
+
+Aurelian was sufficiently astonish'd, and would have crept nearer to
+the Place whence he guessed the Voice to come; but he was got among
+the Runes of an Old Monastery, and could not stir so silently, but
+some loose Stones he met with made a rumbling.  The Noise alarm'd
+both Parties; and as it gave Comfort to the one, it so Terrified the
+t'other, that he could not hinder the Oppressed from calling for
+help.  Aurelian fancy'd it was a Woman's Voice, and immediately
+drawing his Sword, demanded what was the Matter; he was answered with
+the Appearance of a Man, who had opened a Dark Lanthorn which he had
+by him, and came toward him with a Pistol in his Hand ready cock'd.
+
+Aurelian seeing the irresistable advantage his Adversary had over
+him, would fain have retired; and, by the greatest Providence in the
+World, going backwards fell down over some loose Stones that lay in
+his Way, just in that Instant of Time when the Villain fired his
+Pistol, who seeing him fall, concluded he had Shot him.  The Crys of
+the afflicted Person were redoubled at the Tragical Sight, which made
+the Murderer, drawing a Poniard, to threaten him, that the next
+Murmur should be his last.  Aurelian, who was scarce assured that he
+was unhurt, got softly up; and coming near enough to perceive the
+Violence that was used to stop the Injured Man's Mouth; (for now he
+saw plainly it was a Man) cry'd out,--Turn, Villain, and look upon
+thy Death.--The Fellow amazed at the Voice, turn'd about to have
+snatch'd up the Lanthorn from the Ground; either to have given Light
+only to himself, or to have put out the Candle, that he might have
+made his Escape; but which of the Two he designed, no Body could tell
+but himself:  and if the Reader have a Curiosity to know, he must
+blame Aurelian; who thinking there could be no foul play offered to
+such a Villain, ran him immediately through the Heart, so that he
+drop'd down Dead at his Feet, without speaking a Word.  He would have
+seen who the Person was he had thus happily delivered, but the Dead
+Body had fallen upon the Lanthorn, which put out the Candle:  However
+coming up toward him, he ask'd him how he did, and bid him be of good
+Heart; he was answered with nothing but Prayers, Blessings and
+Thanks, called a Thousand Deliverers, good Genius's and Guardian
+Angels.  And the Rescued would certainly have gone upon his Knees to
+have worshipped him, had he not been bound Hand and Foot; which
+Aurelian understanding, groped for the Knots, and either untied them
+or cut them asunder; but 'tis more probable the latter, because more
+expeditious.
+
+They took little heed what became of the Body which they left behind
+them, and Aurelian was conducted from out the Ruins by the Hand of
+him he had delivered.  By a faint light issuing from the just rising
+Moon, he could discern that it was a Youth; but coming into a more
+frequented part of the Town, where several Lights were hung out, he
+was amaz'd at the extream Beauty which appeared in his Face, though a
+little pale and disordered with his late fright.  Aurelian longed to
+hear the Story of so odd an adventure, and entreated his Charge to
+tell it him by the way; but he desired him to forbear till they were
+come into some House or other, where he might rest and recover his
+tired Spirits, for yet he was so faint he was unable to look up.
+Aurelian thought these last words were delivered in a Voice, whose
+accent was not new to him.  That thought made him look earnestly in
+the Youth's Face, which he now was sure he had somewhere seen before,
+and thereupon asked him if he had never been at Siena?  That Question
+made the young Gentleman look up, and something of a Joy appeared in
+his Countenance, which yet he endeavoured to smother; so praying
+Aurelian to conduct him to his Lodging, he promised him that as soon
+as they should come thither, he would acquaint him with any thing he
+desired to know.  Aurelian would rather have gone any where else than
+to his own Lodging; but being so very late he was at a loss, and so
+forced to be contented.
+
+As soon as they were come into his Chamber, and that Lights were
+brought them and the Servant dismissed, the paleness which so visibly
+before had usurped the sweet Countenance of the afflicted Youth
+vanished, and gave place to a more lively Flood of Crimson, which
+with a modest heat glow'd freshly on his Cheeks.  Aurelian waited
+with a pleasing Admiration the discovery promised him, when the Youth
+still struggling with his Resolution, with a timorous haste, pulled
+off a Peruke which had concealed the most beautiful abundance of Hair
+that ever graced one Female Head; those dishevelled spreading
+tresses, as at first they made a discovery of, so at last they served
+for a veil to the modest lovely blushes of the fair Incognita; for
+she it was and none other.  But Oh! the inexpressible, inconceivable
+joy and amazement of Aurelian!  As soon as he durst venture to think,
+he concluded it to be all Vision, and never doubted so much of any
+thing in his Life as of his being then awake.  But she taking him by
+the Hand, and desiring him to sit down by her, partly convinced him
+of the reality of her presence.
+
+'This is the second time, Don Hippolito, (said she to him) 'that I
+have been here this Night.  What the occasion was of my seeking you
+out, and how by miracle you preserved me, would add too much to the
+surprize I perceive you to be already in should I tell you:  Nor will
+I make any further discovery, till I know what censure you pass upon
+the confidence which I have put in you, and the strange Circumstances
+in which you find me at this time.  I am sensible they are such, that
+I shall not blame your severest Conjectures; but I hope to convince
+you, when you shall hear what I have to say in justification of my
+Vertue.
+
+'Justification! (cry'd Aurelian) what Infidel dares doubt it!  Then
+kneeling down, and taking her Hand, 'Ah Madam (says he) would Heaven
+would no other ways look upon, than I behold your Perfections--Wrong
+not your Creature with a Thought, he can be guilty of that horrid
+Impiety as once to doubt your Vertue--Heavens! (cry'd he, starting
+up) 'am I so really blessed to see you once again!  May I trust my
+Sight?--Or does my fancy now only more strongly work?--For still I
+did preserve your Image in my Heart, and you were ever present to my
+dearest Thoughts. -
+
+'Enough Hippolito, enough of Rapture (said she) you cannot much
+accuse me of Ingratitude; for you see I have not been unmindful of
+you; but moderate your Joy till I have told you my Condition, and if
+for my sake you are raised to this Delight, it is not of a long
+continuance.
+
+At that (as Aurelian tells the Story) a Sigh diffused a mournful
+sweetness through the Air, and liquid grief fell gently from her
+Eyes, triumphant sadness sat upon her Brow, and even sorrow seem'd
+delighted with the Conquest he had made.  See what a change Aurelian
+felt!  His Heart bled Tears, and trembled in his Breast; Sighs
+struggling for a vent had choaked each others passage up:  His Floods
+of Joys were all supprest; cold doubts and fears had chill'd 'em with
+a sudden Frost, and he was troubled to excess; yet knew not why.
+Well, the Learned say it was Sympathy; and I am always of the Opinion
+with the Learned, if they speak first.
+
+After a World of Condoleance had passed between them, he prevailed
+with her to tell him her Story.  So having put all her Sighs into one
+great Sigh, she discharged her self of 'em all at once, and formed
+the Relation you are just about to Read.
+
+'Having been in my Infancy Contracted to a Man I could never endure,
+and now by my Parents being likely to be forced to Marry him, is in
+short, the great occasion of my grief.  I fansy'd (continued she)
+something so Generous in your Countenance, and uncommon in your
+Behaviour, while you were diverting your self, and rallying me with
+Expressions of Gallantry, at the Ball, as induced me to hold
+Conference with you.  I now freely confess to you, out of design,
+That if things should happen as I then feared, and as now they are
+come to pass, I might rely upon your assistance in a matter of
+Concern; and in which I would sooner chuse to depend upon a generous
+Stranger, than any Acquaintance I have.  What Mirth and Freedom I
+then put on, were, I can assure you, far distant from my Heart; but I
+did violence to my self out of Complaisance to your Temper.--I knew
+you at the Tilting, and wished you might come off as you did; though
+I do not doubt, but you would have had as good Success had it been
+opposite to my Inclinations.--Not to detain you by too tedious a
+Relation, every day my Friends urged me to the Match they had agreed
+upon for me, before I was capable of Consenting; at last their
+importunities grew to that degree, that I found I must either
+consent, which would make me miserable, or be miserable by
+perpetually enduring to be baited by my Father, Brother and other
+Relations.  I resolved yesterday, on a suddain to give firm Faith to
+the Opinion I had conceived of you; and accordingly came in the
+Evening to request your assistance, in delivering me from my
+Tormentors, by a safe and private conveyance of me to a Monastery
+about four Leagues hence, where I have an Aunt who would receive me,
+and is the only Relation I have averse to the Match.  I was surprized
+at the appearance of some Company I did not expect at your Lodgings;
+which made me in haste tear a Paper which I had written to you with
+Directions where to find me, and get speedily away in my Coach to an
+old Servant's House, whom I acquainted with my purpose:  By my Order
+she provided me of this Habit which I now wear; I ventured to trust
+my self with her Brother, and resolved to go under his Conduct to the
+Monastery; he proved to be a Villain, and Pretending to take me a
+short and private way to the place where he was to take up a Hackney
+Coach (for that which I came in was broke some where or other with
+the haste it made to carry me from your Lodging) led me into an old
+ruined Monastery, where it pleased Heaven, by what Accident I know
+not, to direct you.  I need not tell you how you saved my Life and my
+Honour, by revenging me with the Death of my Perfidious Guide.  This
+is the summ of my present Condition, bating the apprehensions I am in
+of being taken by some of my Relations, and forced to a thing so
+quite contrary to my Inclinations.
+
+Aurelian was confounded at the Relation she had made, and began to
+fear his own Estate to be more desperate than ever he had imagined.
+He made her a very Passionate and Eloquent Speech in behalf of
+himself (much better than I intend to insert here) and expressed a
+mighty concern that she should look upon his ardent Affection to be
+only Rallery or Gallantry.  He was very free of his Oaths to confirm
+the Truth of what he pretended, nor I believe did she doubt it, or at
+least was unwilling so to do:  For I would Caution the Reader by the
+bye, not to believe every word which she told him, nor that admirable
+sorrow which she counterfeited to be accurately true.  It was indeed
+truth so cunningly intermingled with Fiction, that it required no
+less Wit and Presence of Mind than she was endowed with so to acquit
+her self on the suddain.  She had entrusted her self indeed with a
+Fellow who proved a Villain, to conduct her to a Monastery; but one
+which was in the Town, and where she intended only to lie concealed
+for his sake; as the Reader shall understand ere long:  For we have
+another Discovery to make to him, if he have not found it out of
+himself already.
+
+After Aurelian had said what he was able upon the Subject in hand,
+with a mournful tone and dejected look, he demanded his Doom.  She
+asked him if he would endeavour to convey her to the Monastery she
+had told him of?  'Your commands, Madam, (replied he) 'are Sacred to
+me; and were they to lay down my Life I would obey them.  With that
+he would have gone out of the Room, to have given order for his
+Horses to be got ready immediately; but with a Countenance so full of
+sorrow as moved Compassion in the tender hearted Incognita.  'Stay a
+little Don Hippolito (said she) I fear I shall not be able to undergo
+the Fatigue of a Journey this Night.--Stay and give me your Advice
+how I shall conceal my self if I continue to morrow in this Town.
+Aurelian could have satisfied her she was not then in a place to
+avoid discovery:  But he must also have told her then the reason of
+it, viz. whom he was, and who were in quest of him, which he did not
+think convenient to declare till necessity should urge him; for he
+feared least her knowledge of those designs which were in agitation
+between him and Juliana, might deter her more from giving her
+consent.  At last he resolved to try his utmost perswasions to gain
+her, and told her accordingly, he was afraid she would be disturbed
+there in the Morning, and he knew no other way (if she had not as
+great an aversion for him as the Man whom she now endeavour'd to
+avoid) than by making him happy to make her self secure.  He
+demonstrated to her, -that the disobligation to her Parents would be
+greater by going to a Monastery, since it was only to avoid a choice
+which they had made for her, and which she could not have so just a
+pretence to do till she had made one for her self.
+
+A World of other Arguments he used, which she contradicted as long as
+she was able, or at least willing.  At last she told him, she would
+consult her Pillow, and in the Morning conclude what was fit to be
+done.  He thought it convenient to leave her to her rest, and having
+lock'd her up in his Room, went himself to repose upon a Pallat by
+Signior Claudio.
+
+In the mean time, it may be convenient to enquire what became of
+Hippolito.  He had wandered much in pursuit of Aurelian, though
+Leonora equally took up his Thoughts; He was reflecting upon the
+oddness and extravagance of his Circumstances, the Continuation of
+which had doubtless created in him a great uneasiness, when it was
+interrupted with the noise of opening the Gates of the Convent of St.
+Lawrence, whither he was arrived sooner than he thought for, being
+the place Aurelian had appointed by the Lacquey to meet him in.  He
+wondered to see the Gates opened at so unseasonable an hour, and went
+to enquire the reason of it from them who were employ'd; but they
+proved to be Novices, and made him signs to go in, where he might
+meet with some body allow'd to answer him.  He found the Religious
+Men all up, and Tapers lighting every where:  at last he follow'd a
+Friar who was going into the Garden, and asking him the cause of
+these Preparations, he was answered, That they were entreated to pray
+for the Soul of a Cavalier, who was just departing or departed this
+Life, and whom upon farther talk with him, he found to be the same
+Lorenzo so often mentioned.  Don Mario, it seems Uncle to Lorenzo and
+Father to Leonora, had a private Door out of the Garden belonging to
+his House into that of the Convent, which Door this Father was now a
+going to open, that he and his Family might come and offer up their
+Oraisons for the Soul of their Kinsman.  Hippolito having informed
+himself of as much as he could ask without suspicion, took his leave
+of the Friar, not a little joyful at the Hopes he had by such
+unexpected Means, of seeing his Beautiful Leonora:  As soon as he was
+got at convenient Distance from the Friar, (who 'tis like thought he
+had return'd into the Convent to his Devotion) he turned back through
+a close Walk which led him with a little Compass, to the same private
+Door, where just before he had left the Friar, who now he saw was
+gone, and the Door open.
+
+He went into Don Mario's Garden, and walk'd round with much Caution
+and Circumspection; for the Moon was then about to rise, and had
+already diffused a glimmering Light, sufficient to distinguish a Man
+from a Tree.  By Computation now (which is a very remarkable
+Circumstance) Hippolito entred this Garden near upon the same
+Instant, when Aurelian wandred into the Old Monastery and found his
+Incognita in Distress.  He was pretty well acquainted with the
+Platform, and Sight of the Garden; for he had formerly surveyed the
+Outside, and knew what part to make to if he should be surpriz'd and
+driven to a precipitate Escape.  He took his Stand behind a well
+grown Bush of Myrtle, which, should the Moon shine brighter than was
+required, had the Advantage to be shaded by the Indulgent Boughs of
+an ancient Bay-Tree.  He was delighted with the Choice he had made,
+for he found a Hollow in the Myrtle, as if purposely contriv'd for
+the Reception of one Person, who might undiscovered perceive all
+about him.  He looked upon it as a good Omen, that the Tree
+Consecrated to Venus was so propitious to him in his Amorous
+Distress.  The Consideration of that, together with the Obligation he
+lay under to the Muses, for sheltering him also with so large a Crown
+of Bays, had like to have set him a Rhyming.
+
+He was, to tell the Truth, naturally addicted to Madrigal, and we
+should undoubtedly have had a small desert of Numbers to have pick'd
+and Criticiz'd upon, had he not been interrupted just upon his
+Delivery; nay, after the Preliminary Sigh had made Way for his
+Utterance.  But so was his Fortune, Don Mario was coming towards the
+Door at that very nick of Time, where he met with a Priest just out
+of Breath, who told him that Lorenzo was just breathing his last, and
+desired to know if he would come and take his final Leave before they
+were to administer the Extream Unction.  Don Mario, who had been at
+some Difference with his Nephew, now thought it his Duty to be
+reconciled to him; so calling to Leonora, who was coming after him,
+he bid her go to her Devotions in the Chappel, and told her where he
+was going.
+
+He went on with the Priest, while Hippolito saw Leonora come forward,
+only accompanied by her Woman.  She was in an undress, and by reason
+of a Melancholy visible in her Face, more Careless than usual in her
+Attire, which he thought added as much as was possible to the
+abundance of her Charms.  He had not much Time to Contemplate this
+Beauteous Vision, for she soon passed into the Garden of the Convent,
+leaving him Confounded with Love, Admiration, Joy, Hope, Fear, and
+all the Train of Passions, which seize upon Men in his Condition, all
+at once.  He was so teazed with this Variety of Torment, that he
+never missed the Two Hours that had slipped away during his Automachy
+and Intestine Conflict.  Leonora's Return settled his Spirits, at
+least united them, and he had now no other Thought but how he should
+present himself before her.  When she calling her Woman, bid her bolt
+the Garden Door on the Inside, that she might not be Surpriz'd by her
+Father, if he returned through the Convent, which done, she ordered
+her to bring down her Lute, and leave her to her self in the Garden.
+
+All this Hippolito saw and heard to his inexpressible Content, yet
+had he much to do to smother his Joy, and hinder it from taking a
+Vent, which would have ruined the only Opportunity of his Life.
+Leonora withdrew into an Arbour so near him, that he could distinctly
+hear her if she Played or Sung:  Having tuned her Lute, with a Voice
+soft as the Breath of Angels, she flung to it this following Air:
+
+
+I.
+
+Ah! Whither, whither shall I fly,
+A poor unhappy Maid;
+To hopeless Love and Misery
+By my own Heart betray'd?
+Not by Alexis Eyes undone,
+Nor by his Charming Faithless Tongue,
+Or any Practis'd Art;
+Such real Ills may hope a Cure,
+But the sad Pains which I endure
+Proceed from fansied Smart.
+
+II.
+
+'Twas Fancy gave Alexis Charms,
+Ere I beheld his Face:
+Kind Fancy (then) could fold our Arms,
+And form a soft Embrace.
+But since I've seen the real Swain,
+And try'd to fancy him again,
+I'm by my Fancy taught,
+Though 'tis a Bliss no Tongue can tell,
+To have Alexis, yet 'tis Hell
+To have him but in Thought.
+
+
+The Song ended grieved Hippolito that it was so soon ended; and in
+the Ecstacy he was then rapt, I believe he would have been satisfied
+to have expired with it.  He could not help Flattering himself,
+(though at the same Time he checked his own Vanity) that he was the
+Person meant in the Song.  While he was indulging which thought, to
+his happy Astonishment, he heard it encouraged by these Words:
+
+'Unhappy Leonora (said she) how is thy poor unwary Heart misled?
+Whither am I come?  The false deluding Lights of an imaginary Flame,
+have led me, a poor benighted Victim, to a real Fire.  I burn and am
+consumed with hopeless Love; those Beams in whose soft temperate
+warmth I wanton'd heretofore, now flash destruction to my Soul, my
+Treacherous greedy Eyes have suck'd the glaring Light, they have
+united all its Rays, and, like a burning-Glass, convey'd the pointed
+Meteor to my Heart--Ah! Aurelian, how quickly hast thou Conquer'd,
+and how quickly must thou Forsake.  Oh Happy (to me unfortunately
+Happy) Juliana!  I am to be the subject of thy Triumph--To thee
+Aurelian comes laden with the Tribute of my Heart and Glories in the
+Oblation of his broken Vows.--What then, is Aurelian False!  False!
+alass, I know not what I say; How can he be False, or True, or any
+Thing to me?  What Promises did he ere make or I receive?  Sure I
+dream, or I am mad, and fansie it to be Love; Foolish Girl, recal thy
+banish'd Reason.--Ah! would it were no more, would I could rave, sure
+that would give me Ease, and rob me of the Sense of Pain; at least,
+among my wandring Thoughts, I should at sometime light upon Aurelian,
+and fansie him to be mine; kind Madness would flatter my poor feeble
+Wishes, and sometimes tell me Aurelian is not lost--not
+irrecoverably--not for ever lost.
+
+Hippolito could hear no more, he had not Room for half his Transport.
+When Leonora perceived a Man coming toward her, she fell a trembling,
+and could not speak.  Hippolito approached with Reverence, as to a
+Sacred Shrine; when coming near enough to see her Consternation, he
+fell upon his Knees.
+
+'Behold, O Adored Leonora (said he) 'your ravished Aurelian, behold
+at your Feet the Happiest of Men, be not disturb'd at my Appearance,
+but think that Heaven conducted me to hear my Bliss pronounced by
+that dear Mouth alone, whose breath could fill me with new Life.
+
+Here he would have come nearer, but Leonora (scarce come to her self)
+was getting up in haste to have gone away:  he catch'd her Hand, and
+with all the Endearments of Love and Transport pressed her stay; she
+was a long time in great Confusion, at last, with many Blushes, she
+entreated him to let her go where she might hide her Guilty Head, and
+not expose her shame before his Eyes, since his Ears had been
+sufficient Witnesses of her Crime.  He begg'd pardon for his
+Treachery in over-hearing, and confessed it to be a Crime he had now
+repeated.  With a Thousand Submissions, Entreaties, Prayers, Praises,
+Blessings, and passionate Expressions he wrought upon her to stay and
+hear him.  Here Hippolito made use of his Rhetorick, and it proved
+prevailing:  'Twere tedious to tell the many ingenious Arguments he
+used, with all her Nice Distinctions and Objections.  In short, he
+convinced her of his Passion, represented to her the necessity they
+were under, of being speedy in their Resolves:  That his Father (for
+still he was Aurelian) would undoubtedly find him in the Morning, and
+then it would be too late to Repent.  She on the other Hand, knew it
+was in vain to deny a Passion, which he had heard her so frankly own;
+(and no doubt was very glad it was past and done;) besides
+apprehending the danger of delay, and having some little Jealousies
+and Fears of what Effect might be produced between the Commands of
+his Father and the Beauties of Juliana; after some decent Denials,
+she consented to be Conducted by him through the Garden into the
+Convent, where she would prevail with her Confessor to Marry them.
+He was a scrupulous Old Father whom they had to deal withal, insomuch
+that ere they had perswaded him, Don Mario was returned by the Way of
+his own House, where missing his Daughter, and her Woman not being
+able to give any farther Account of her, than that she left her in
+the Garden; he concluded she was gone again to her Devotions, and
+indeed he found her in the Chappel upon her Knees with Hippolito in
+her hand, receiving the Father's Benediction upon Conclusion of the
+Ceremony.
+
+It would have asked a very skilful Hand, to have depicted to the Life
+the Faces of those Three Persons, at Don Mario's Appearance.  He that
+has seen some admirable Piece of Transmutation by a Gorgon's Head,
+may form to himself the most probable Idea of the Prototype.  The Old
+Gentleman was himself in a sort of a Wood, to find his Daughter with
+a Young Fellow and a Priest, but as yet he did not know the Worst,
+till Hippolito and Leonora came, and kneeling at his Feet, begg'd his
+Forgiveness and Blessing as his Son and Daughter.  Don Mario, instead
+of that, fell into a most violent Passion, and would undoubtedly have
+committed some extravagant Action, had he not been restrained, more
+by the Sanctity of the Place, than the Perswasions of all the
+Religious, who were now come about him.  Leonora stirr'd not off her
+Knees all this time, but continued begging of him that he would hear
+her.
+
+'Ah!  Ungrateful and Undutiful Wretch (cry'd he) 'how hast thou
+requited all my Care and Tenderness of thee?  Now when I might have
+expected some return of Comfort, to throw thy self away upon an
+unknown Person, and, for ought I know, a Villain; to me I'm sure he
+is a Villain, who has robb'd me of my Treasure, my Darling Joy, and
+all the future Happiness of my Life prevented.  Go--go, thou now-to-
+be-forgotten Leonora, go and enjoy thy unprosperous Choice; you who
+wanted not a Father's Counsel, cannot need, or else will slight his
+Blessing.
+
+These last Words were spoken with so much Passion and feeling
+Concern, that Leonora, moved with Excess of Grief, fainted at his
+Feet, just as she had caught hold to Embrace his Knees.  The Old Man
+would have shook her off, but Compassion and Fatherly Affection came
+upon him in the midst of his Resolve, and melted him into Tears, he
+Embraced his Daughter in his Arms, and wept over her, while they
+endeavoured to restore her Senses.
+
+Hippolito was in such Concern he could not speak, but was busily
+employed in rubbing and chafing her Temples; when she opening her
+Eyes laid hold of his Arm, and cry'd out--Oh my Aurelian--how unhappy
+have you made me!  With that she had again like to have fainted away,
+but he took her in his Arms, and begg'd Don Mario to have some pity
+on his Daughter, since by his Severity she was reduced to that
+Condition.  The Old Man hearing his Daughter name Aurelian, was a
+little revived, and began to hope Things were in a pretty good
+Condition; he was perswaded to comfort her, and having brought her
+wholly to her self, was content to hear her Excuse, and in a little
+time was so far wrought upon as to beg Hippolito's Pardon for the Ill
+Opinion he had conceived of him, and not long after gave his Consent.
+
+The Night was spent in this Conflict, and it was now clear Day, when
+Don Mario Conducting his new Son and Daughter through the Garden, was
+met by some Servants of the Marquess of Viterbo, who had been
+enquiring for Donna Leonora, to know if Juliana had lately been with
+her; for that she was missing from her Father's House, and no
+conjectures could be made of what might become of her.  Don Mario and
+Leonora were surprized at the News, for he knew well enough of the
+Match that was design'd for Juliana; and having enquired where the
+Marquess was, it was told him, That he was gone with Don Fabio and
+Fabritio toward Aurelian's Lodgings.  Don Mario having assured the
+Servants that Juliana had not been there, dismissed them, and advised
+with his Son and Daughter how they should undeceive the Marquess and
+Don Fabio in their Expectations of Aurelian.  Hippolito could
+oftentimes scarce forbear smiling at the old Man's Contrivances who
+was most deceived himself; he at length advised them to go all down
+together to his Lodging, where he would present himself before his
+Father, and ingenuously confess to him the truth, and he did not
+question his approving of his Choice.
+
+This was agreed to, and the Coach made ready.  While they were upon
+their way, Hippolito pray'd heartily that his Friend Aurelian might
+be at the Lodging, to satisfie Don Mario and Leonora of his
+Circumstances and Quality, when he should be obliged to discover
+himself.  His Petitions were granted; for Don Fabio had beset the
+House long before his Son was up or Incognita awake.
+
+Upon the arrival of Don Mario and Hippolito, they heard a great Noise
+and Hubbub above Stairs, which Don Mario concluded was occasioned by
+their not finding Aurelian, whom he thought he could give the best
+account of:  So that it was not in Hippolito's power to disswade him
+from going up before to prepare his Father to receive and forgive
+him.  While Hippolito and Leonora were left in the Coach at the Door,
+he made himself known to her, and begg'd her pardon a thousand times
+for continuing the deceit.  She was under some concern at first to
+find she was still mistaken; but his Behaviour, and the Reasons he
+gave, soon reconciled him to her; his Person was altogether as
+agreeable, his Estate and Quality not at all inferiour to Aurelian's;
+in the mean time, the true Aurelian who had seen his Father, begg'd
+leave of him to withdraw for a moment; in which time he went into the
+Chamber where his Incognita was dressing her self, by his design, in
+Woman's Apparel, while he was consulting with her how they should
+break the matter to his Father; it happened that Don Mario came up
+Stairs where the Marquess and Don Fabio were; they undoubtedly
+concluded him Mad, to hear him making Apologies and Excuses for
+Aurelian, whom he told them if they would promise to forgive he would
+present before them immediately.  The Marquess asked him if his
+Daughter had lain with Leonora that Night; he answered him with
+another question in behalf of Aurelian.  In short, they could not
+understand one another, but each thought 'tother beside himself.  Don
+Mario was so concern'd that they would not believe him, that he ran
+down Stairs and came to the Door out of Breath, desiring Hippolito
+that he would come into the House quickly, for that he could not
+perswade his Father but that he had already seen and spoke to him.
+Hippolito by that understood that Aurelian was in the House; so
+taking Leonora by the Hand, he followed Don Mario, who led him up
+into the Dining-Room, where they found Aurelian upon his Knees,
+begging his Father to forgive him, that he could not agree to the
+Choice he had made for him, since he had already disposed of himself,
+and that before he understood the designs he had for him, which was
+the reason that he had hitherto concealed himself.  Don Fabio knew
+not how to answer him, but look'd upon the Marquess, and the Marquess
+upon him, as if the Cement had been cool'd which was to have united
+their Families.
+
+All was silent, and Don Mario for his part took it to be all
+Conjuration; he was coming forward to present Hippolito to them, when
+Aurelian spying his Friend, started from his Knees and ran to embrace
+him--My dear Hippolito (said he) what happy chance has brought you
+hither, just at my Necessity?  Hippolito pointed to Don Mario and
+Leonora, and told him upon what terms he came.  Don Mario was ready
+to run mad, hearing him called Hippolito, and went again to examine
+his Daughter.  While she was informing him of the truth, the
+Marquess's Servants returned with the melancholy News that his
+Daughter was no where to be found.  While the Marquess and Don
+Fabritio were wondering at, and lamenting the Misfortune of her loss,
+Hippolito came towards Don Fabio and interceded for his Son, since
+the Lady perhaps had withdrawn her self out of an Aversion to the
+Match.  Don Fabio, though very much incens'd, yet forgot not the
+Respect due to Hippolito's Quality; and by his perswasion spoke to
+Aurelian, though with a stern Look and angry Voice, and asked him
+where he had disposed the cause of his Disobedience, if he were
+worthy to see her or no; Aurelian made answer, That he desired no
+more than for him to see her; and he did not doubt a Consequence of
+his Approbation and Forgiveness--Well (said Don Fabio) you are very
+conceited of your own Discretion, let us see this Rarety.  While
+Aurelian was gone in for Incognita, the Marquess of Viterbo and Don
+Fabritio were taking their leaves in great disorder for their loss
+and disappointment; but Don Fabio entreated their stay a moment
+longer till the return of his Son.  Aurelian led Incognita into the
+Room veil'd, who seeing some Company there which he had not told her
+of, would have gone back again.  But Don Fabio came bluntly forwards,
+and ere she was aware, lifted up her Veil and beheld the Fair
+Incognita, differing nothing from Juliana, but in her Name.  This
+discovery was so extreamly surprizing and welcome, that either Joy or
+Amazement had tied up the Tongues of the whole Company.  Aurelian
+here was most at a loss, for he knew not of his Happiness; and that
+which all along prevented Juliana's confessing her self to him, was
+her knowing Hippolito (for whom she took him) to be Aurelian's
+Friend, and she feared if he had known her, that he would never have
+consented to have deprived him of her.  Juliana was the first that
+spoke, falling upon her Knees to her Father, who was not enough
+himself to take her up.  Don Fabio ran to her, and awakened the
+Marquess, who then embraced her, but could not yet speak.  Fabritio
+and Leonora strove who should first take her in their Arms; for
+Aurelian he was out of his wits for Joy, and Juliana was not much
+behind him, to see how happily their Loves and Duties were
+reconciled.  Don Fabio embraced his Son and forgave him.  The
+Marquess and Fabritio gave Juliana into his hands, he received the
+Blessing upon his Knees; all were over-joy'd, and Don Mario not a
+little proud at the discovery of his Son-in-Law, whom Aurelian did
+not fail to set forth with all the ardent Zeal and Eloquence of
+Friendship.  Juliana and Leonora had pleasant Discourse about their
+unknown and mistaken Rivalship, and it was the Subject of a great
+deal of Mirth to hear Juliana relate the several Contrivances which
+she had to avoid Aurelian for the sake of Hippolito.
+
+Having diverted themselves with many Remarks upon the pleasing
+surprize, they all thought it proper to attend upon the Great Duke
+that Morning at the Palace, and to acquaint him with the Novelty of
+what had pass'd; while, by the way, the two Young Couple entertained
+the Company with the Relation of several Particulars of their Three
+Days Adventures.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Incognita, by William Congreve
+