LOVE in Diſtreſs: OR, THE LUCKY DISCOVERY.

LIsbon, the principal City of Portugal, famous for its curious Traffick, and no leſs to be admired for the produ­cing of Worthy and Brace Heroes; amongſt the reſt, a Noble Youth (whoſe Extraction was derived from the moſt Illuſtrious Seba­ſtian, the Nephew of John the Third, King of Spain and Portugal, who was unfortunate­ly ſlain in the Field of Alcazar in Affrick) and whoſe Royal Virtues, and Heroick Acti­ons, might worthily contain as many Vo­lumes as our Atlas: But rather than dero­gate in the leaſt from his acquired, and re­nowned Fame, I will omit all Circumſtances of his Valour, and only recount the Amo­rous part of his Life, with Impartiality.

2His Parents injoyed all the Bleſſings of Peace, Honour, Wealth and Tranquility; all the Comforts that the World, or Nature can beſtow upon Mortals in this lower Sphere; yet nothing added more to their ſecret Satisfaction and Felicity, than the ſpringing Vertues, and Beauty of Melantius, which was the Name of this moſt Excellent Perſon. It was now he was attained to the Twenty third Year of his Age, and with that to all the Perfections, that a Soul ſtampt with the Image of a Deity, could be capa­ble of: It was therefore no wonder if his Pa­rents were throughly ſenſible of his Deſerts, and knew how to ſet a conſiderable value on ſo ineſtimable a Jewel; they feared that his Generous and Ambitious Humour, would prompt him forward to be acting ſomething worthy of himſelf: And indeed he had of­ten ſolicited them to permit him to aſſiſt the Chriſtians, againſt the increaſing Power of the Inſulting Turk. He pleaded the Juſtice of the Cauſe, the Shame of an Unprofitable Life; and, in ſhort, he told them, his Soul glow'd within him, to be attempting that which he had often envyed in other Brave Men; he urg'd that the Plenty of the World ought not to indulge a Man in Idle­neſs; he had recourſe to the Emblem of the Bees, and their abhorrence of the ſlothful Drone: He omitted no Argument that might3 prevail; he feared no Danger, nor appre­hended Fate, but begg'd he might have leave to try his Fortune where Glory was to be gotten, and not like a Dunghil-weed rot at the Spot he grew.

They heard, (and often bleſſed the Auſpi­tious Hour that gave him Birth) but never could be brought to condeſcend, that he ſhould launch for Fortune in the uncertain World: They told him, It was not the Juſt and Brave, that always reap the Benefit of their own Merits, for fickle Fortune is a Jilt, and often favours Fools and Knaves; yet found no Argument ſtrong enough to diminiſh in the leaſt, the aſpiring Spirit of this Gal­lant Youth. At laſt they thought a Married Life the Infallible Remedy to ſecure the only Pledge of all their former Joys: He then found himſelf preſt to Marry, his Relations having propoſed to him a Match out of one of the Nobleſt Families in Portugal; her Name Aſpatia, only Child to the Duke An­tonio de Almeyda, a Lady whoſe Perfections, ballanced with her Quality and Fortune, had made numerous Captives of leſs amorous Souls than our Melantius.

It was a ſhort Voyage down the famous River Tajo, that conducted him to the Scene of bliſs, firſt under pretence of a complemental Viſit; the Duke received him with an extraordinary and hearty Welcome, which4 he return'd, by a grateful acknowledgment of his Favour.

The Duke to divert his Noble Gueſt, en­tertained him with a ſight of his magnificent Palace, where he took great delight in view­ing the unparallel'd Statues, and Paintings, and the curious Cielings, done by the moſt famous Maſters of the Age. After he had ſatisfied his Curioſity, as well as he could in ſo ſhort a time, the Duke led him into his Garden, which for the fine Scituation, and lovely Proſpect, the Orange, Lemon, and Citron-Trees, continually in Bloſſom, Fruit of all ſorts, and variety of all Flowers, plea­ſant ſhady Wilderneſſes, refreſhing and ar­tificial Fountains; and, in ſhort, all that Nature or Art could render curious, made this exquiſit Spot of Ground be juſtly term­ed the Paradice of Portugal.

Their wandring Steps led them into a re­tired Walk, where Melantius was ſurprized with the ſight of a Beauty; and altho' the Jeſſamin-Hedges, which were very thick on each ſide, had eclipſed ſome part of her Charms; yet he had diſcovered ſo many Perfections, that he was reſolved to approach this unguarded Fair; who, if Heaven had informed, with a Soul agreeable to her Bo­dy, he had no farther thought, then an in­tire reſignation of himſelf: With theſe Con­templations he entred the Arbour, not ob­ſerved5 by the Duke, who was juſt turn'd to gather a Flower, which gave him opportuni­ty to gaze, as one void of ſence, upon this Lovely Fair. 'Twas at that Inſtant our young Enamourato's Thoughts were eleva­ted beyond the Power of expreſſion.

The Weather in thoſe Climates is violent hot, eſpecially that part of the Day, when the Sun is in the Center of the Zodiack; which ſo ſuffocates the Inhabitants, that they are willing to cloſe with all advantages, that can render a Refreſhment to their drooping Vitals: The ſame Motive induced this Charming Fair to receive the benefit of a ſoft ſtill Wind, that whiſpered Content through all the lazy Air. She had a Slave, whom ſhe was moſt ſecure in; but at this time ſhe had diſmiſſed her, that ſhe might with greater freedom enjoy the liberty of ſweet Contemplation: Love had been no ſtranger to her Heart, a Heart perhaps too apt to take the Impreſſion; and what Per­ſon of the ſame Sex, that has ever experi­mented the leaſt Power of that Triumphant Tyrant, but muſt acknowledge, that altho' to feed their fancy, and divert their melan­choly hours; they may admit of a Confident, to treat with all advantage on the Object of their thoughts; yet there are ſome Tran­ſports of Satisfaction, that cannot be con­tained under any limit, but breaks out into6 Raptures; which when vaniſhed, dejected and ſurprized they even blame themſelves for being an Eye-witneſs.

This place was all Retirement, ſecret and ſecure; none durſt approach except the Duke, at ſome appointed hours, wherein ſhe never failed to entertain her ſelf with all the privacy and freedom her Heart could wiſh: At this time her Soul, wrapt in ſub­limer Meditations, had took its flight above all thought, and left the Body wholly bereft of ſenſe or motion; a profound Sleep ſealed her Eyes, and ſhe appeared as divinely charming to the raviſht Melantius, as the vertuous and excellent Lucretia did, expos'd a Victim to her audacious Roman Lover: A ſacred Silence ſeem'd to reign there, which ſecured her from all fears of Interruption, as in a Cave forſaken by wild Beaſts-in a De­ſart.

The ingenious contrivance of this Arbour rendred ſuch ſatisfaction to the ſight, that it unreſiſtably allured the Beholders to a ſolita­ry retreat; it conſiſted of four delicate little ſquare Beds of green Turf, on the fartheſt of which, lay this Amazing Beauty; her Head declining to the right ſide, ſupported by a Hand, that ſeemed to be form'd of po­liſh'd Alablaſter, her Hair hanging careleſly mov'd at the diſcretion of a gentle Wind, the colour fair, compar'd to Cynthya's Silver7 Treſſes; ſhe had on a pair of embroyder'd Bodice, her Boſom half open, with a large white Damask-Scarf wrought with Gold, which falling off her Shoulders, had circled in her Knees, and likewiſe hid the other Arm, her Breaſt whiter than Snow, but of a warmer Conſtitution, wrought wonderful effects in a young tender Heart reſolved to love: The diſcovery of all theſe Charms, the powerful clearneſs of her delicate Complexion, was capable to make him ſurrender upon the firſt Aſſault.

You muſt imagine the unavoidable ruſtling that he made, ſoon expiated the drowſie God, who gently ſlipt his Chain, and gave his Captive leave to open her bright Eyes; then with a Face more ſerene and lovely than Aurora, ſhe confirmed the languiſhing Ex­pectation of her Amorous Lover; tho' the ſudden confuſion that ſeized every Faculty, at the approach of a Man, and a Stranger, diſperſed a pleaſing Bluſh throughout her Cheeks, and gave a raviſhing luſtre to her ſparkling Eyes, which were blue, and full of Life. With what new fire this kindled him is unaccountable; for never was Lover at the height of his Wiſh, ſtruck with a more acute Paſſion, than he was ſenſible of the firſt Minute; Fear, Pleaſure, and a reſenting Pity filled his Mind, to ſee her ſo ſeverely aſtoniſh'd, that ſometimes her Face with8 Shame was glowing red, then ſtreight with Anger it grew pale.

Forgive me, Madam, (ſaid he, with an Air full of concern) by unadviſed ſteps, (tho' I must own 'twas not without deſign) I have incroached upon your Priviledges; charm'd with ten thouſand Beauties, inſenſibly I did re­ſort to this Retirement. Sir, (reply'd Aſpa­tia, who had a little recover'd her ſelf) I pray, no more; call not more Bluſhes to my Cheeks; but if you will reſtore my Peace, re­tire, and leave me to my innocent Retreat. Melantius, who could not brook this Com­mand, with eager Tranſport threw himſelf at her Feet, then bleſſed his happy Geni­us which had been his Guide, and con­vey'd him to the Shrine of Chaſte Diana, where he would offer up his pure Devo­tion.

While thus he ſpoke, ſhe ſurvey'd him round, view'd and review'd his Noble Meen, obſerved his Speech, his Air, his Perſon, in all which diſcovered Worlds of Pleaſure. He was of a middle ſtature, well ſhap'd, the features of his Face were regular, black-ey'd, and languiſhing; his Hair was of a bright Aſh colour, which was very long, and lay in folding Curles all o'er his Shoul­ders.

With ſtrange amazement, and tranſport­ed thoughts, they did for a great while9 ſtand and gaze on one another. Then, then the little envious God of Love did clap his Wings, and rejoyced at the approaching Fate of theſe unhappy Lovers; but ſoon this pleaſing Extaſie was diverted by Aſpatia, whoſe Modeſty recalled her ſurpriſed Spi­rits; then caſting down her Eyes which were filled with Shame, ſhe blam'd her moſt im­prudent Curioſity, when ſhe beheld Melantius Proſtrate at her Feet, with Eyes that ſpoke too open and intelligibly the Circumſtances of his Heart; yet forced a Smile to ſay, Indeed you are too obſequious, too laviſh of your Praiſe; and give me leave to impute theſe Fa­vours, to that common face of Gallantry, that generally attends your Sex, rather than to your ſolid Judgment.

By this time the Duke had recovered the Arbour; where he was ſurpriſed to find Me­lantius in a cloſe Converſation with his Daughter, who appeared in great confuſion; the Duke blamed his own Imprudence, in leading him that way, and as he entred the Arbour, excuſed himſelf, by telling her the agreeable Entertainment of that young Lord's Converſation, had wholly taken up his Conſideration; therefore to compence for having interrupted her accuſtomed Re­treat, (which he attributed altogether to himſelf) they would leave her to her free­dom; and ſeeing Laura the Slave of fair10 Aſpatia appear, the Duke thought fit to re­tire.

This ſudden motion was ſomething per­plexing to Melantius, who could not depart without a great Regret, which he ſignified by his Looks, which were all Remorſe. Im­mediately Aſpatia withdrew to her Apart­ment, where, as ſoon as ſhe enter'd, ſhe threw her ſelf careleſly on a Couch, and there ſat very dull and penſive; Laura ima­gining it no other, but ſome little concern for the diſorder ſhe was ſurprized with in the Garden; approach'd her with a pleaſing Look: Come, Madam, (ſaid ſhe) baniſh this trifling Sorrow, here is that will make you ſoon aſſume your uſual Gaiety; a Letter from the Count Octavio, Madam. From Octavio! (ſaid ſhe, ſtarting in a little diſorder) Give it me. But what means my foreboding Heart? Can any thing from that brave Man diſpleaſe me? And yet I feel an unuſual Shivering over all my Limbs, as ſome dire Omen of a future Misfortune! She took the Letter with her trembling Hands, and having opened it, ſhe Read as follows.

12During the peruſal of this Letter, the Commotions of her Mind was viſible in her Face; and having concluded it, ſhe fetch'd a deep ſigh, and return'd to her penſive po­ſture. After ſome time lifting up her trou­bled Eyes, ſhe cry'd, Ah! Laura, did I Love Octavio? Laura ſmil'd at the oddneſs of the Queſtion, and made no Anſwer; whilſt ſhe continu'd; Was I not obliged in honour to make ſome return to him I owe my Life to? Nay more, the Life of him that gave me mine. But ſay I did advance too fast, too tenderly, forgive my Indiſcretion, it was no more than Gratitude did prompt me to: But why theſe ſcruplous Thoughts? Am I not the ſame Aſpatia, young, f•ee, and diſingag'd? No, no, but he is ſtill the Brave the Generous Octavio; and must not, cannot, will not be impoſed upon.

Tormented with a thouſand different Thoughts, ſhe paſt the reſidue of the Day till Bed-time. Laura wondering much from whence this ſhould proceed, (tho' it requi­red no penetrating Eye to diſcry a deep im­preſſion of the Lovely Stranger ſtampt upon her Boſom) had uſed the moſt prevalent of her Arguments, to diſſwade her from that melancholy Humour: But alas! 'twas all in vain; ſhe retired to her Bed, where her Pillow was the only Confident to the Agi­tati••ſhe ſuffered that Night; which was13 ſpent with much more ſatisfactory Reflecti­ons by Melantius, who encountred no other Ideas but thoſe of Love and Extaſie; he was tranſported with the many Charms he found in the beautiful Aſpatia. He fancy'd her his own, not dreaming of any Obſtacle that could oppoſe it; he conſider'd the E­quality of their Birth and Fortune, the Con­veniency of the Match; and indulged him­ſelf with all the tranſporting and delightful Raptures that proceed from thought.

The next day was that great Solemnity, wherewith Alphonſo Henery entertain'd his new Queen Beatrice, Daughter to Alphonſo the Tenth, King of Caſtile; by whom that Noble Dowry, the Kingdom of Algaroes, was added to the Crown of Portugal. All the Nobility was there preſent to pay their Devoirs to the Queen. In particular, the illuſtrious Families of Almeyda, and that of the Marqueſs de Leganes, who was Father to our Cavalier Melantius. The Celebra­tion of theſe Nuptials, would be too tedi­ous to recite; let it ſuffice, never was any thing more glorious, where Melantius made the moſt conſiderable Figure of the Beaux Eſprits, and Aſpatia of the Belles.

The general approbation they receiv'd, did not a little contribute to augment the favourable Sentiments they had entertained for one another. And at the Tournament,14 when Aſpatia beheld her young Heroe enter the Lift, (with an Aſpect that foretold the Miracles he perform'd) it was eaſie to read her Wiſhes in her Eyes, which were con­ſtantly fixed upon him, and ſeem'd to move in the ſame Sphere with the Viciſſitudes of his Fortune. But oh! how her Heart danc'd when he came of Conquerour; the Air re­founded with 10 Poeans to the Victor, and ecchoing Triumphs filled the breath of Fame; but his proudeſt Trophy was the Congra­tulation he receiv'd from the fair Aſpatia; and without doubt, he was Gallant enough to attribute his good Fortune to the influ­ence of her Eyes.

After ſome ſhort Preliminaries, theſe Di­verſions broke up, to entertain the Ladies with a ſplendid Ball; and it was there Me­lantius determin'd to make an Offering of his panting Heart to the Deity he Worſhip'd: His kind Stars ſoon bleſs'd him with a lucky Opportunity; for Aſpatia being ſomewhat overheated with Dancing, was in motion with her Fan, which by chance ſhe let fall. Melantius was the fortunate Perſon that took it up, and delivering it with a pro­found Bow, in a ſoft dying Tone; he ſaid, Ah! Madam, could you as eaſily reſtore my Heart, which I just now reſign'd an Offering at your Feet. She ſmil'd at the pretty Gal­lantry, and reply'd, I never retain any thing15 I cannot pretend a Property in; and would have declin'd a farther Diſcourſe: But he continu'd, That is as your Cruelty or Juſtice will determine: This I can affirm, it is no longer mine; and if your Severity will not think it worth your Charitable Protection, you ſhall behold it the most wretched Victim in the World. He waited for no anſwer, but taking hold of one corner of her Handkerchief, which he dexterouſly convey'd into his own Hands: 'Tis but reaſonable, Madam, (ſaid he) to afford me ſome ſmall Relick, to guard that Breach, which otherwiſe you expoſe to the greatest danger imaginable. Altho' this did ſomething diſpleaſe her, it was impoſſible to retrieve it, without a publick view; there­fore not offering at a recovery, ſhe ſuffered him to carry it off, tho' not without a great Reſentment, which appear'd in her angry Brow. Melantius, who was ſenſible of his fault, engaged with the reſt of the Compa­ny, and appeared no more that Night be­fore Aſpatia, but as a Criminal; only ſhe had the ſecret ſatisfaction of often ſeeing the Handkerchief diſplay'd to his Lips, and there moſt religiouſly ſaluted. The Depar­ture of the King and Queen, put a period to that Days Entertainment; and all the Company retired well diſpoſed to ſleep; nor did a thought moleſt Aſpatia, who enjoyed16 a ſweet Recruit for the laſt Night's Tribula­tion.

Phoebus had already mounted the Olym­pick Palace, and made a conſiderable Pro­greſs in his Day's Circuit, when our love­ly Fair awaked, and called Laura to in­quire how the Day had paſt: After ſhe receiv'd ſatisfaction to ſome ſuch frivo­lous Queſtions, Laura preſents her with a Billet-doux, which ſhe had juſt receiv'd from a Page of Melantius, who ſtill wait­ed for an Anſwer: She took it with a panick fear, in hope and doubt, to find what it contain'd; but who can tell her pri­vate Tranſport, when ſhe read what fol­lows.

This paſſionate Declaration was ſo far from diſpleaſing, that it filled her with a Torrent of Joy, to find a Man ſo entirely at her Diſpoſe, whom Fate had already de­ſtin'd her to Love; to deny his Viſit, was to rack her own Inclination, and to permit it too eaſily, would make the Conqueſt too cheap; however, this Conteſt did not long laſt, the irreſiſtable God bore ſway, and ſhe returned this Anſwer.

Having diſpatched the Page, ſhe began to reflect how barbarouſly ſhe uſed Octavio in the mean time; but who can reſiſt the powerful influence of that little Tyrant, who models us after his own Chimera's? well may he be repreſented blind, not only for the inequality of Perſons that he wounds, but whoever is poſſeſſed of the ſame Malady, runs violently on, purſues the Object of their Affections, adheres to nothing but Almighty Love, and cannot ſee an Er­rour.

Well, ſhe is reſolv'd to let Octavio ſtay a little for an Anſwer, being in ſome perplexity19 what to write to him; ſhe baniſhed all trou­bleſome Thoughts, and wholly dedicated that Day to Melantius, who came dreſs'd with all the Gaiety of a young Bridegroom; enter'd the Room, with ten thouſand Gra­ces, and paſſionately flings himſelf at her Feet; and having ſtole her Hand, he gently raiſed it to his trembling Lips, and ſtampt the Image of his Soul upon it. Aſpatia, who ſimpathized too feelingly with this Extaſie, was the firſt that by good fortune recovered her ſelf; and being oblig'd to take ſome notice, My Lord, (ſaid ſhe) this is far from concurring with the Capitulations I propos'd. Oh! name them not; (ſaid he) forbid the Sun to ſhine, ſtop the bright Charioteer of Hea­ven in his full Career, root up the Ea•th from its Center, but never, never bid me ceaſe to Love; all theſe are more poſſible to be done, then not to Love the Adorable Aſpatia.

She already felt a Commiſeration too ſenſi­ble to withſtand, but her unlucky Sex obli­ges her to act that hard Part, to appeaſe the deareſt of her Wiſhes: ſhe wore the Mask, and moſt ſeverely reprimanded him, conjur­ed him not to perſue ſo extravagant a Ral­lery; or if it were ſincere, to avoid ſo fruitleſs an Amour: In ſhort, ſhe played the Tyrant, and inſulted over a Heart, whoſe ut­moſt Faculty was to ſerve her; but Melanti­us could not yield to Deſpair, at every little20 repulſe, and reſolved not to quit the Siege: He left her not that Evening, till he had brought her to a more gentle Humour; af­ter that, not a Day paſſed wherein he failed to ſigh and plead. This tender Application engaged her to ſhew him indifferent Favours, till at laſt Time and Aſſiduity prevailed, and ſighing, dying, ſhe confeſſed ſhe Loved. It was then his Joy was without bounds, exalt­ed above a common Tranſport, he was im­patient for a Conſummation, and every Mi­nute of delay was inſupportable; he inform­ed the Marqueſs de Leganes, that now he was ready to make a Reſignation of himſelf to the fair Aſpatia, and only waited his Propo­ſals to the Duke her Father. The Marqueſs was extreamly well pleaſed at his Son's reſo­lution to Marry, commended his Choice, applauded his Prudence, and without far­ther demurs, he orders his Coach to be rea­dy, and away to the Duke de Almydas, whom he had the fortune to find at home: Before they parted, occaſion preſented to promote the Unity of their Families: The Duke returned the Marqueſs all the Civility in the World; and tho' he did not abſolute­ly determine, he deſired time to conſider, which was more out of Ceremony, than any doubt or ſcruple; he knew the conveniency of the Alliance, and after pretenſions of ma­ture Conſideration, two or three Viſits brought it to a concluſion.

21Next there was a moſt glorious Preparati­on for their Nuptials; in the mean time Me­lantius had free egreſs and regreſs to the Au­thor of his Bliſs, where the bleſſed Hours were ſpent in gazing, wiſhing, and a thou­ſand Toys that Lovers affect to pleaſe them­ſelves, till the happier Minutes may be im­proved.

Who would not conclude him now the happieſt of all Men, juſt ready to launch in­to a Sea of Pleaſure, within reach of the wiſh'd for Haven, and not able to touch the Shore. Fate ſo order'd it that the Mar­chioneſs de Leganes was taken violently ill, and in three or four days died: This put a ſtop to a farther proceeding, in the Hyme­nean Ceremonies, till a long Obſequies was celebrated to the Dead.

'Tis impoſſible to tell how much Melan­tius ſuffered at this time, not only for the loſs of ſo dear a Parent, but at the delay of ſo many Joys; which without doubt would have been a kind Ingredient, and have helpt down the bitter Pill of Affliction, with leſs regret; there's no Life, no ſupport for him, whilſt abſent from Aſpatia: But the Cir­cumſtance of his Affairs forbidding his ſtay, the better to bear this parting, he begs her Picture, which ſhe grants, but at the ſame time intreats for his: This was his conſtant Companion in all Adventures, never from his22 Boſom, ſlept and converſed with him, miti­gated his Misfortunes and increaſed his Joys; and ſo ſtrong was his Imagination, that he fancied it bore part in all his Change of For­tune.

The time was now come, that the Mar­chioneſs was convey'd to Porto, there to be Inter'd, in a Tomb belonging to their Ance­ſtors. Whilſt theſe Rites were performing, Melantius, to give vent to the exceſs of Sor­row that oppreſſed him, walkt out one E­vening on the Banks of Duero, whoſe plea­ſant Streams runs by the Walls of Porto; and moving on with a ſoft eaſie pace, ſilent­ly entertaining himſelf with Contemplation of his future Fate, was rous'd from the A­byſs of Thought he was loſt in, by a Sigh that ſeem'd to pierce the Air; this made him curious to diſcover what Perſon it was that gave ſuch evident tokens of Diſtreſs: He had not gone far before he diſcovered a Cavalier, who lay upon the Graſs, with his Face towards the River; he appeared to be very tall, and his Hair black; he had a Let­ter in his Hand, which having read, he flung his Arm down with a little force, and cryed, Where must we ſeek for Vertue? Is there ſuch a thing in being? Or, is it but a Notion? 'Tis evident it's not to be found within this Globe of Earth, if it can fail in Cruel Fair Aſpatia. Theſe words were very much ſur­prizing23 to Melantius, who heard one ſigh­ing, and as he hoped for another Aſpatia, he was a true Lover, and did not want for a thouſand perplexing Fears and Doubts, at the Name of his Miſtreſs, yet were they not ſo violent as to diſturb his attention to the Cavalier who thus went on: All things in Nature look ſo huſh and calm, and not a breath of wind diſturbs the gentle Air, through­out the Horizon is all ſerene, nor do theſe dewy Sheets one wrinkle wear; and yet the Pertur­bations of my Breast, are able to affect the World around me: Have I not ſe•t, implored, and wiſht in vain? And am I now grown ſo Contemptible not to deſerve an Anſwer? Oh! Where are all thoſe pitying Looks and Glances, that uſed to wound Octavio with delight? Was my Hopes exalted to that height, to make my Fall mo•e deſperate, and upbraid me with too great Preſumption? Theſe Characters! Theſe dear Characters! can Witneſs I was not once indifferent to her. Support me, feeble Limbs, once more to Lisbon, and I'll diſcharge you e­ver from a future Service.

The naming of Lisbon, gave a freſh Alarm to Melantius, and had like to have deliver­ed him up to as much Deſparation as the other: He was fixing direful Thoughts, when he perceived the Cavalier to riſe and come forward, which obliged him to retire ſome diſtance, till he ſaw the way he would24 take, being reſolved to track him, and if poſſible, to find out the Myſtery of his Trouble; with that deſign he ſuffered him to advance to the utmoſt limit of his ſight; who returned the ſame way that Melantius came, with his Arms folded, and his Eyes fixed upon the Earth. In this poſture he had not gone far, before he diſcerned ſomething on the ground which caſt a reſplendant light, that ſhow'd it to be of conſiderable value; and having taken it up, it appeared an Eb­bony-Caſe inlayed with Gold, and ſet round with Diamonds; the outſide Glories were inferiour to what he found within, and it requires a more Polite Pen to diſplay the Wonder, Extaſie and Jealouſie, that poſſeſ­ſed his mind, to find the lively Protraicture of Aſpatia painted there. Great Gods! (ſaid he) Where will my various Fortune end? Am I beholden to ye for this Preſent, or is it lost by my more happy Rival? Perhaps Aſpatia may be near this place, and by ſome lucky Accident have dropt it: But Oh! that hope is vaniſh'd 're it is conceiv'd; Octavio dare not think ſhe who could ſuffer him to Languiſh theſe two Months, without the least of a relenting Pity, could be induced to ſet a foot near Porto, whilst it contained her much contemned Ad­mirer: Yet, whatever Chance has ſent thee, thou art welcome. Aſpatia may be Cruel to the highest degree, but you are innocent, and25 no Ingrate; you ſmile, and pleaſe me with a thouſand Graces; and ſhould I lay you near my panting Heart, you would no way reſist, but yield, and there receive warmth from my raging fire: Nay, ſhould I raviſh here ten thouſand Kiſſes, they were all my own, without the least repulſe: Why then, dear Flatterer, we will never part, but cheat my childiſh Hope with theſe Deluſions.

He was ſeated under a Tree, pleaſing him­ſelf with abundance of ſuch wild Diſcourſes. When Melantius miſſed his Picture, he re­turned with all the Concern in the World, to the place where he diſcovered the Cava­lier; and having ſearch'd diligently, and not finding it, his fears ſuggeſts to him a thouſand Doubts: Sometimes he fancies that he had dropt it as he came, and probably 'tis found by ſome poor Peaſant; who, tem­pted with the Treaſure, would conceal it, from all poſſible means of regaining: Then he imagines it in the hands of the Cavalier, whom by this time he had loſt ſight of, and knows not where to find: This made him re­double his Pace, and with all the ſpeed he could, endeavour to recover the Town be­fore he was Hous'd; yet not ſo expeditiouſ­ly as to hinder him from a ſlight ſearch as he paſſed. Being thus imploy'd, and his thoughts wholly fixed on his Loſs, he was ſtartled at the unexpected ſight of the Cavalier, who ſtill lay under the Tree, adoring the lovely26 Picture of Aſpatia. Melantius filled with Joy to have found it, yet Jealouſie and Spleen to ſee it there, went up to him; and with a haſty Voice demanded the Piece. But the Cavalier drown'd in his thoughts, anſwers to ſome former Ejaculations of his own; The Gods ſhall never retrieve thee. This rude reply, (as Melantius apprehended it to be) ſo inraged him, that without any more words he had recourſe to his Sword; bidding the Cavalier (if he dar'd) riſe, and defend it; who being recovered from his waking Dream by this fierce Attack, tho' not knowing the reaſon, yet ſeeing there was no time for Parley, he Drew in his own Defence; at firſt only parrying to avoid the Paſſes that were made at him, but finding his Enemy too reſolute to be play'd with, he was forc'd to endeavour his Diſpatch, to ſecure his own Life.