The Works of Aphra Behn Volume V Part 11

_Elvira_ did not only know the Writing of _Don Pedro_, but she knew also that he could write Verses. And seeing the sad Part which _Constantia_ had in these which were now fallen into her hands, she made no scruple of resolving to let the Princess see 'em: but that she might not be suspected, she took care not to appear in this Business her self; and since it was not enough for _Constantia_ to know that the Prince did not love her, but that she must know also that he was a Slave to _Agnes de Castro_, _Elvira_ caused these few Verses to be written in an unknown Hand, under those writ by the Prince.

_Sleep betrayed th' unhappy Lover, While Tears were streaming from his Eyes; His heedless Tongue without disguise, The Secret did discover: The Language of his Heart declare, That +Agnes'+ Image triumphs there._

_Elvira_ regarded neither Exactness nor Grace in these Lines: And if they had but the effect she design'd, she wished no more.

Her Impatience could not wait till the next day to expose them: she therefore went immediately to the Lodgings of the Princess, who was then walking in the Garden of the Palace; and pa.s.sing without resistance, even to her Cabinet, she put the Paper into a Book, in which the Princess used to read, and went out again unseen, and satisfy'd with her good Fortune.

As soon as _Constantia_ was return'd, she enter'd into her Cabinet, and saw the Book open, and the Verses lying in it, which were to cost her so dear: She soon knew the Hand of the Prince which was so familiar to her; and besides the Information of what she had always fear'd, she understood it was _Agnes de Castro_ (whose Friends.h.i.+p alone was able to comfort her in her Misfortunes) who was the fatal Cause of it: she read over the Paper an hundred times, desiring to give her Eyes and Reason the Lye; but finding but too plainly she was not deceiv'd, she found her Soul possest with more Grief than Anger: when she consider'd, as much in love as the Prince was, he had kept his Torment secret. After having made her moan, without condemning him, the Tenderness she had for him, made her shed a Torrent of Tears, and inspir'd her with a Resolution of concealing her Resentment.

She would certainly have done it by a Virtue extraordinary, if the Prince, who missing his Verses when he waked, and fearing they might fall into indiscreet Hands, had not enter'd the Palace, all troubled with his Loss; and hastily going into _Constantia's_ Apartment, saw her fair Eyes all wet with Tears, and at the same instant cast his own on the unhappy Verses that had escaped from his Soul, and now lay before the Princess.

He immediately turned pale at this sight, and appear'd so mov'd, that the generous Princess felt more Pain than he did: 'Madam, _said he_, (infinitely alarm'd) from whom had you that Paper? It cannot come but from the Hand of some Person, _answer'd_ Constantia, who is an Enemy both to your Repose and mine. It is the Work, Sir, of your own Hand; and doubtless the Sentiment of your Heart. But be not surprized, and do not fear; for if my Tenderness should make it pa.s.s for a Crime in you, the same Tenderness which nothing is able to alter, shall hinder me from complaining.'

The Moderation and Calmness of _Constantia_, served only to render the Prince more asham'd and confus'd. _How generous are you, Madam_, (pursu'd he) _and how unfortunate am I!_ Some Tears accompany'd his Words, and the Princess, who lov'd him with extreme Ardour, was so sensibly touch'd, that it was a good while before she could utter a word. _Constantia_ then broke silence, and shewing him what _Elvira_ had caus'd to be written: _You are betray'd, Sir_, (added she) _you have been heard speak, and your Secret is known._ It was at this very moment that all the Forces of the Prince abandon'd him; and his Condition was really worthy Compa.s.sion: He could not pardon himself the involuntary Crime he had committed, in exposing of the lovely and the innocent _Agnes_. And tho' he was convinced of the Virtue and Goodness of _Constantia_, the Apprehensions that he had, that this modest and prudent Maid might suffer by his Conduct, carry'd him beyond all Consideration.

The Princess, who heedfully survey'd him, saw so many Marks of Despair in his Face and Eyes, that she was afraid of the Consequences; and holding out her Hand, in a very obliging manner to him, she said, 'I promise you, Sir, I will never more complain of you, and that _Agnes_ shall always be very dear to me; you shall never hear me make you any Reproaches: And since I cannot possess your Heart, I will content myself with endeavouring to render myself worthy of it.' _Don Pedro_, more confus'd and dejected than before he had been, bent one of his Knees at the feet of _Constantia_, and with respect kiss'd that fair kind Hand she had given him, and perhaps forgot _Agnes_ for a moment.

But Love soon put a stop to all the little Advances of _Hymen_; the fatal Star that presided over the Destiny of _Don Pedro_ had not yet vented its Malignity; and one moment's sight of _Agnes_ gave new Force to his Pa.s.sion.

The Wishes and Desires of this charming Maid had no part in this Victory; her Eyes were just, tho' penetrating, and they searched not in those of the Prince, what they had a desire to discover to her.

As she was never far from _Constantia_, _Don Pedro_ was no sooner gone out of the Closet, but _Agnes_ enter'd; and finding the Princess all pale and languis.h.i.+ng in her Chair, she doubted not but there was some sufficient Cause for her Affliction: she put herself in the same Posture the Prince had been in before, and expressing an Inquietude, full of Concern; 'Madam, _said she_, by all your Goodness, conceal not from me the Cause of your Trouble. Alas, _Agnes_, _reply'd the Princess_, what would you know? And what should I tell you? The Prince, the Prince, my dearest Maid, is in love; the Hand that he gave me, was not a Present of his Heart; and for the Advantage of this Alliance, I must become the Victim of it--What! the Prince in Love! (_reply'd +Agnes+, with an Astonishment mix'd with Indignation_) What Beauty can dispute the Empire over a Heart so much your due? Alas, Madam, all the Respect I owe him, cannot hinder me from murmuring against him. Accuse him of nothing, (_interrupted_ Constantia) he does what he can; and I am more oblig'd to him for desiring to be faithful, than if I possest his real Tenderness.

It is not enough to fight, but to overcome; and the Prince does more in the Condition wherein he is, than I ought reasonably to hope for: In fine, he is my Husband, and an agreeable one; to whom nothing is wanting, but what I cannot inspire; that is, a Pa.s.sion which would have made me but too happy. Ah! Madam, (_cry'd out +Agnes+, transported with her Tenderness for the Princess_) he is a blind and stupid Prince, who knows not the precious Advantages he possesses. He must surely know something, (_reply'd the Princess modestly._) But, Madam, (_reply'd +Agnes+_) Is there any thing, not only in _Portugal_, but in all _Spain_, that can compare with you? And without considering the charming Qualities of your Person, can we enough admire those of your Soul? My dear _Agnes_, (_interrupted +Constantia+, sighing_) she who robs me of my Husband's Heart, has but too many Charms to plead his Excuse; since it is thou, Child, whom Fortune makes use of, to give me the killing Blow. Yes, _Agnes_, the Prince loves thee; and the Merit I know thou art possest of, puts bounds to my Complaints, without suffering me to have the least Resentment.'

The delicate _Agnes_ little expected to hear what the Princess told her: Thunder would have less surpriz'd, and less oppres'd her. She remain'd a long time without speaking; but at last, fixing her Looks all frightful on _Constantia_, 'What say you, Madam? (_cry'd she_) And what Thoughts have you of me? What, that I should betray you? And coming hither only full of Ardor to be the Repose of your Life, do I bring a fatal Poison to afflict it? What Detestation must I have for the Beauty they find in me, without aspiring to make it appear? And how ought I to curse the unfortunate Day, on which I first saw the Prince?--But, Madam, it cannot be me whom Heaven has chosen to torment you, and to destroy all your Tranquillity: No, it cannot be so much my Enemy, to put me to so great a Tryal. And if I were that odious Person, there is no Punishment, to which I would not condemn my self. It is _Elvira_, Madam, the Prince loves, and loved before his Marriage with you, and also before his Divorce from _Bianca_; and somebody has made an indiscreet Report to you of this Intrigue of his Youth: But, Madam, what was in the time of _Bianca_, is nothing to you. It is certain that _Don Pedro_ loves you, (_answer'd the Princess_) and I have Vanity enough to believe, that, none besides your self could have disputed his Heart with me: But the Secret is discover'd, and _Don Pedro_ has not disown'd it. What, (_interrupted +Agnes+, more surpriz'd than ever_) is it then from himself you have learned his Weakness?' The Princess then shew'd her the Verses, and there was never any Despair like to hers.

While they were both thus sadly employ'd, both sighing, and both weeping, the impatient _Elvira_, who was willing to learn the Effect of her Malice, returned to the Apartment of the Princess, where she freely enter'd; even to the Cabinet where these unhappy Persons were: who all afflicted and troubled as they were, blushed at her approach, whose Company they did not desire: She had the Pleasure to see _Constantia_ hide from her the Paper which had been the Cause of all their Trouble, and which the Princess had never seen, but for her Spite and Revenge; and to observe also in the Eyes of the Princess, and those of _Agnes_, an immoderate Grief: She staid in the Cabinet as long as it was necessary to be a.s.sur'd, that she had succeeded in her Design; but the Princess, who did not desire such a Witness of the Disorder in which she then was, pray'd to be left alone. _Elvira_ then went out of the Cabinet, and _Agnes de Castro_ withdrew at the same time.

It was in her own Chamber, that _Agnes_ examining more freely this Adventure, found it as cruel as Death. She loved _Constantia_ sincerely, and had not till then any thing more than an Esteem, mixt with Admiration, for the Prince of _Portugal_; which indeed, none could refuse to so many fine Qualities. And looking on her self as the most unfortunate of her s.e.x, as being the Cause of all the Sufferings of the Princess, to whom she was obliged for the greatest Bounties, she spent the whole Night in Tears and Complaints, sufficient to have reveng'd _Constantia_ for all the Griefs she made her suffer.

The Prince, on his side, was in no great Tranquillity; the Generosity of his Princess increas'd his Remorse, without diminis.h.i.+ng his Love: he fear'd, and with reason, that those who were the occasion of _Constantia's_ seeing those Verses, should discover his Pa.s.sion to the King, from whom he hoped for no Indulgence: and he would most willingly have given his Life, to have been free from this Extremity.

In the mean time the afflicted Princess languished in a most deplorable Sadness; she found nothing in those who were the Cause of her Misfortunes, but things fitter to move her Tenderness than her Anger: It was in vain that Jealousy strove to combat the Inclination she had to love her fair Rival; nor was there any occasion of making the Prince less dear to her: and she felt neither Hatred, nor so much as Indifference for innocent _Agnes_.

While these three disconsolate Persons abandon'd themselves to their Melancholy, _Elvira_, not to leave her Vengeance imperfect, study'd in what manner she might bring it to the height of its Effects. Her Brother, on whom she depended, shew'd her a great deal of Friends.h.i.+p, and judging rightly that the Love of _Don Pedro_ to _Agnes de Castro_ would not be approved by the King, she acquainted _Don Alvaro_ her Brother with it, who was not ignorant of the Pa.s.sion the Prince had once protested to have for his Sister. He found himself very much interested in this News, from a second Pa.s.sion he had for _Agnes_; which the Business of his Fortune had hitherto hindred him from discovering: and he expected a great many Favours from the King, that might render the Effort of his Heart the more considerable.

He hid not from his Sister this one thing, which he found difficult to conceal; so that she was now possest with a double Grief, to find _Agnes_ Sovereign of all the Hearts to which she had a pretension.

_Don Alvaro_ was one of those ambitious Men, that are fierce without Moderation, and proud without Generosity; of a melancholy, cloudy Humour, of a cruel Inclination, and to effect his Ends, found nothing difficult or unlawful. Naturally he lov'd not the Prince, who, on all accounts, ought to have held the first Rank in the Heart of the King, which should have set bounds to the Favour of _Don Alvaro_; who when he knew the Prince was his Rival, his Jealousy increas'd his Hate of him: and he conjured _Elvira_ to employ all her Care, to oppose an Engagement that could not but be destructive to them both; she promised him, and he not very well satisfy'd, rely'd on her Address.

_Don Alvaro_, who had too lively a Representation within himself, of the Beauties and Grace of the Prince of _Portugal_, thought of nothing, but how to combat his Merits, he himself not being handsome, or well made: His Fas.h.i.+on was as disagreeable as his Humour, and _Don Pedro_ had all the Advantages that one Man may possibly have over another. In fine, all that _Don Alvaro_ wanted, adorn'd the Prince: but as he was the Husband of _Constantia_, and depended upon an absolute Father, and that _Don Alvaro_ was free, and Master of a good Fortune, he thought himself more a.s.sur'd of _Agnes_, and fixed his Hopes on that Thought.

He knew very well, that the Pa.s.sion of _Don Pedro_ could not but inspire a violent Anger in the Soul of the King. Industrious in doing ill, his first Business was to carry this unwelcome News to him. After he had given time to his Grief, and had compos'd himself to his Desire, he then besought the King to interest himself in his amorous Affair, and to be the Protector of his Person.

Tho' _Don Alvaro_ had no other Merit to recommend him to the King, than a continual and blind Obedience to all his Commands; yet he had favour'd him with several Testimonies of his vast Bounty: and considering the Height to which the King's Liberality had rais'd him, there were few Ladies that would have refused his Alliance. The King a.s.sured him of the Continuation of his Friends.h.i.+p and Favour, and promised him, if he had any Authority, he would give him the charming _Agnes_.

_Don Alvaro_, perfectly skilful in managing his Master, answer'd the King's last Bounties with a profound Submission. He had yet never told _Agnes_ what he felt for her; but he thought now he might make a publick Declaration of it, and sought all means to do it.

The Gallantry which _Coimbra_ seem'd to have forgotten, began now to be awakened. The King to please _Don Alvaro_, under pretence of diverting _Constantia_, order'd some publick Sports, and commanded that every thing should be magnificent.

Since the Adventure of the Verses, _Don Pedro_ endeavour'd to lay a constraint on himself, and to appear less troubled; but in his heart he suffer'd always alike: and it was not but with great uneasiness he prepar'd himself for the Tournament. And since he could not appear with the Colours of _Agnes_, he took those of his Wife, without Device, or any great Magnificence.

_Don Pedro_ adorn'd himself with the Liveries of _Agnes de Castro_; and this fair Maid, who had yet found no Consolation from what the Princess had told her, had this new cause of being displeas'd.

_Don Pedro_ appear'd in the List with an admirable Grace; and _Don Alvaro_, who looked on this Day as his own, appear'd there all s.h.i.+ning with Gold, mix'd with Stones of Blue, which were the Colours of _Agnes_; and there were embroider'd all over his Equipage, flaming Hearts of Gold on blue Velvet, and Nets for the Snares of Love, with abundance of double _A's_; his Device was a Love coming out of a Cloud, with these Verses written underneath:

_Love from a Cloud breaks like the G.o.d of Day, And to the World his Glories does display; To gaze on charming Eyes, and make 'em know, What to soft Hearts, and to his Power they owe._

The Pride of _Don Alvaro_ was soon humbled at the feet of the Prince of _Portugal_, who threw him against the Ground, with twenty others, and carry'd alone the Glory of the Day. There was in the Evening a n.o.ble a.s.sembly at _Constantia's_, where _Agnes_ would not have been, unless expresly commanded by the Princess. She appear'd there all negligent and careless in her Dress, but yet she appear'd all beautiful and charming.

She saw, with disdain, her Name, and her Colours, worn by _Don Alvaro_, at a publick Triumph; and if her Heart was capable of any tender Motions, it was not for such a Man as he for whom her Delicacy destin'd them: She look'd on him with a Contempt, which did not hinder him from pressing so near, that there was a necessity for her to hear what he had to declare to her.

She treated him not uncivilly, but her Coldness would have rebated the Courage of any but _Alvaro_. 'Madam, said he, (when he could be heard of none but herself) I have hitherto concealed the Pa.s.sion you have inspired me with, fearing it should displease you; but it has committed a Violence on my Respect; and I could no longer conceal it from you.

I never reflected on your Actions (answer'd _Agnes_ with all the Indifference of which she was capable) and if you think you offend me, you are in the wrong to make me perceive it. This Coldness is but an ill Omen for me (reply'd _Don Alvaro_) and if you have not found me out to be your Lover to-day, I fear you will never approve my Pa.s.sion.'

'Oh! what a time have you chosen to make it appear to me? (pursued _Agnes_.) Is it so great an Honour for me, that you must take such care to shew it to the World? And do you think that I am so desirous of Glory, that I must aspire to it by your Actions? If I must, you have very ill maintain'd it in the Tournament; and if it be that Vanity that you depend upon, you will make no great progress on a Soul that is not fond of Shame. If you were possest of all the Advantages, which the Prince has this day carried away, you yet ought to consider what you are going about; and it is not a Maid like me, who is touched with Enterprizes, without respect or permission.'

The Favourite of the King was too proud to hear _Agnes_, without Indignation: but as he was willing to conceal it, and not offend her, he made not his Resentment appear; and considering the Observation she made on the Triumphs of _Don Pedro_, (which increased his Jealousies) 'If I have not overcome at the Tournament, reply'd he, I am not the less in love for being vanquish'd, nor less capable of Success on occasion.'

They were interrupted here, but from that day, _Don Alvaro_, who had open'd the first Difficulties, kept no more his wonted Distance, but perpetually persecuted _Agnes_; yet, tho' he were protected by the King, that inspir'd in her never the more Consideration for him. _Don Pedro_ was always ignorant by what means the Verses he had lost in the Garden, fell into the hands of _Constantia_. As the Princess appeared to him indulgent, he was only concerned for _Agnes_; and the love of _Don Alvaro_, which was then so well known, increas'd the Pain: and had he been possess'd of the Authority, he would not have suffer'd her to have been expos'd to the Persecutions of so unworthy a Rival. He was also afraid of the King's being advertised of his Pa.s.sion, but he thought not at all of _Elvira_, nor apprehended any Malice from her Resentment.

While she burnt with a Desire of destroying _Agnes_, against whom she vented all her Venom, she was never weary of making new Reports to her Brother, a.s.suring him, that tho' they could not prove that _Agnes_ made any returns to the Tenderness of the Prince, yet that was the Cause of _Constantia's_ Grief: And, that if this Princess should die of it, _Don Pedro_ might marry _Agnes_. In fine, she so incens'd the jealous _Don Alvaro's_ Jealousy, that he could not hinder himself from running immediately to the King, with the discovery of all he knew, and all he guest, and who, he had the pleasure to find, was infinitely inrag'd at the News. 'My dear _Alvaro_, said the King, you shall instantly marry this dangerous Beauty: And let Possession a.s.sure your Repose and mine.

If I have protected you on other Occasions, judge what a Service of so great an Importance for me, would make me undertake; and without any reserve, the Forces of this State are in your power, and almost any thing that I can give shall be a.s.sured you, so you render your self Master of the Destiny of _Agnes_.'

_Don Alvaro_ pleas'd, and vain with his Master's Bounty, made use of all the Authority he gave him: He pa.s.sionately lov'd _Agnes_, and would not, on the sudden, make use of Violence; but resolv'd with himself to employ all possible Means to win her fairly; yet if that fail'd, to have recourse to force, if she continued always insensible.

While _Agnes de Castro_ (importun'd by his a.s.siduities, despairing at the Grief of _Constantia_, and perhaps made tender by those she had caus'd in the Prince of _Portugal_) took a Resolution worthy of her Virtue; yet, amiable as _Don Pedro_ was, she found nothing in him, but his being Husband to _Constantia_, that was dear to her: And, far from encouraging the Power she had got over his Heart, she thought of nothing but of removing from _Coimbra_. The Pa.s.sion of _Don Alvaro_, which she had no inclination to favour, served her as a Pretext; and press'd with the fear of causing, in the end, a cruel Divorce between the Prince and his Princess, she went to find _Constantia_, with a trouble, which all her Care was not able to hide from her.

The Princess easily found it out; and their common Misfortunes having not chang'd their Friends.h.i.+p--'What ails you, _Agnes_? (said the Princess to her, in a soft Tone, and with her ordinary Sweetness) And what new Misfortune causes that sadness in thy Looks? Madam (reply'd _Agnes_, shedding a Rivulet of Tears) the Obligations and Ties I have to you, put me upon a cruel Tryal; I had bounded the Felicity of my Life in hope of pa.s.sing it near your Highness, yet I must carry to some other part of the World this unlucky Face of mine, which renders me nothing but ill Offices: And it is to obtain that Liberty, that I am come to throw my self at your feet; looking upon you as my Sovereign.'

_Constantia_ was so surpriz'd and touch'd with the Proposition of _Agnes_, that she lost her Speech for some moments; Tears, which were sincere, express'd her first Sentiments: And after having shed abundance, to give a new mark of her Tenderness to the fair afflicted _Agnes_, she with a sad and melancholy Look, fix'd her Eyes upon her, and holding out her Hand to her, in a most obliging manner, sighing, cry'd--'You will then, my dear _Agnes_, leave me; and expose me to the Griefs of seeing you no more? Alas, Madam, (interrupted this lovely Maid) hide from the unhappy _Agnes_ a Bounty which does but increase her Misfortunes: It is not I, Madam, that would leave you; it is my Duty, and my Reason that orders my Fate. And those Days which I shall pa.s.s far from you, promise me nothing to oblige me to this Design, if I did not see my self absolutely forc'd to it. I am not ignorant of what pa.s.ses at _Coimbra_; and I shall be an Accomplice of the Injustice there committed, if I should stay there any longer.--Ah, I know your Virtue, (cry'd _Constantia_) and you may remain here in all safety, while I am your Protectress; and let what will happen, I will accuse you of nothing. There's no answering for what's to come, (reply'd _Agnes_, sadly) and I shall be sufficiently guilty, if my Presence cause Sentiments, which cannot be innocent. Besides, Madam, the Importunities of _Don Alvaro_ are insupportable to me; and tho' I find nothing but Aversion to him, since the King protects his Insolence, and he's in a condition of undertaking any thing, my Flight is absolutely necessary.

But, Madam, tho' he has nothing but what seems odious to me; I call Heaven to witness, that if I could cure the Prince by marrying _Don Alvaro_, I would not consider of it a moment; and finding in my Punishment the Consolation of sacrificing my self to my Princess, I would support it without murmuring. But if I were the Wife of _Don Alvaro_, _Don Pedro_ would always look upon me with the same Eyes: So that I find nothing more reasonable for me, than to hide my self in some Corner of the World; where, tho' I shall most certainly live without Pleasure, yet I shall preserve the Repose of my dearest Mistress. All the Reason you find in this Design, (answered the Princess) cannot oblige me to approve of your Absence: Will it restore me the Heart of _Don Pedro_? And will he not fly away with you? His Grief is mine, and my Life is ty'd to his; do not make him despair then, if you love me.

I know you, I tell you so once more; and let your Power be ever so great over the Heart of the Prince, I will not suffer you to abandon us.'

Tho' _Agnes_ thought she had perfectly known _Constantia_, yet she did not expect to find so intire a Virtue in her, which made her think her self more happy, and the Prince more criminal. 'Oh, Wisdom! Oh, Bounty without Example! (cry'd she) Why is it, that the cruel Destinies do not give you all you deserve? You are the disposer of my Actions, (continued she in kissing the Hand of _Constantia_) I'll do nothing but what you'll have me: But consider, and weigh well the Reasons that ought to counsel you in the Measures you oblige me to take.'

_Don Pedro_, who had not seen the Princess all that day, came in then, and finding 'em both extremely troubled, with a fierce Impatience, demanded the Cause: 'Sir, answered _Constantia_, _Agnes_ too wise, and too scrupulous, fears the Effects of her Beauty, and will live no longer at _Coimbra_; and it was on this Subject, (which cannot be agreeable to me) that she ask'd my Advice.' The Prince grew pale at this Discourse, and s.n.a.t.c.hing the Words from her Mouth (with more concern than possest either of them) cry'd with a Voice very feeble, '_Agnes_ cannot fail if she follow your Counsel, Madam: and I leave you full liberty to give it her.' He then immediately went out, and the Princess, whose Heart he perfectly possest, not being able to hide her Displeasure, said, 'My dear _Agnes_, if my Satisfaction did not only depend on your Conversation, I should desire it of you, for _Don Pedro's_ sake; it is the only Advantage that his unfortunate Love can hope: And would not the World have reason to call me barbarous, if I contribute to deprive him of that? But the sight of me will prove a Poison to him--(reply'd _Agnes_) And what should I do, my Princess, if after the Reserve he has. .h.i.therto kept, his Mouth should add anything to the Torments I have already felt, by speaking to me of his Flame? You would hear him sure, without causing him to despair, (reply'd _Constantia_) and I should put this Obligation to the account of the rest you have done. Would you then have me expect those Events which I fear, Madam? (reply'd _Agnes_) Well--I will obey, but just Heaven (pursued she) if they prove fatal, do not punish an innocent Heart for it.' Thus this Conversation ended. _Agnes_ withdrew into her Chamber, but it was not to be more at ease.

What _Don Pedro_ had learn'd of the Design of _Agnes_, caus'd a cruel Agitation in his Soul; he wished he had never loved her, and desir'd a thousand times to die: But it was not for him to make Vows against a thing which Fate had design'd him; and whatever Resolutions he made, to bear the Absence of _Agnes_, his Tenderness had not force enough to consent to it.

After having, for a long time, combated with himself, he determined to do what was impossible for him to let _Agnes_ do. His Courage reproach'd him with the Idleness, in which he past the most youthful and vigorous part of his Days: and making it appear to the King, that his Allies, and even the Prince _Don John Emanuel_, his Father-in-law, had concerns in the World which demanded his Presence on the Frontiers, he easily obtain'd Liberty to make this Journey, to which the Princess would put no Obstacle.

_Agnes_ saw him part without any Concern, but it was not upon the account of any Aversion she had to him. _Don Alvaro_ began then to make his Importunity an open Persecution; he forgot nothing that might touch the insensible _Agnes_, and made use, a long time, only of the Arms of Love: But seeing that this Submission and Respect was to no purpose, he form'd strange Designs.

As the King had a deference for all his Counsels, it was not difficult to inspire him with what he had a mind to: He complain'd of the ungrateful _Agnes_, and forgot nothing that might make him perceive that she was not cruel to him on his account, but from the too much Sensibility she had for the Prince. The King, who was extreme angry at this, reiterated all the Promises he had made him.

The King had not yet spoken to _Agnes_ in favour of _Don Alvaro_; and not doubting but his Approbation would surmount all Obstacles, he took an occasion to entertain her with it: And removing some distance from those who might hear him, 'I thought _Don Alvaro_ had Merit enough (said he to her) to have obtained a little share in your Esteem; and I could not imagine there would have been any necessity of my solliciting it for him: I know you are very charming, but he has nothing that renders him unworthy of you; and when you shall reflect on the Choice my Friends.h.i.+p has made of him from among all the great Men of my Court, you will do him at the same time Justice. His Fortune is none of the meanest, since he has me for his Protector: He is n.o.bly born, a Man of Honour and Courage: he adores you, and it seems to me that all these Reasons are sufficient to vanquish your Pride.'

The Heart of _Agnes_ was so little disposed to give it self to _Don Alvaro_, that all the King of _Portugal_ had said had no effect on her in his favour. 'If _Don Alvaro_, Sir, (answered she) were without Merit, he possesses Advantages enough in the Bounty your Majesty is pleased to honour him with, to make him Master of all things, it is not that I find any Defect in him that I answer not his Desires: But, Sir, by what obstinate Power would you that I should love, if Heaven has not given me a Soul that is tender? And why should you pretend that I should submit to him, when nothing is dearer to me than my liberty? You are not so free, nor so insensible, as you say, (answer'd the King, blus.h.i.+ng with Anger;) and if your Heart were exempt from all sorts of Affection, he might expect a more reasonable Return than what he finds. But imprudent Maid, conducted by an ill Fate, (added he in fury) what Pretensions have you to _Don Pedro_? Hitherto I have hid the Chagrin, which his Weakness, and yours give me; but it was not the less violent for being hid. And since you oblige me to break out, I must tell you, that if my Son were not already married to _Constantia_, he should never be your Husband; renounce then those vain Ideas, which will cure him, and justify you.'