TOTHE
HONOUREDANDWORTHILYESTEEM’D
MRS。KATHARINELEVESON。
Madam，AClearWit，soundJudgmentandaMercifulDisposition，arethingssorarelyunited，thatitisalmostinexcusabletoentertainthemwithanythinglessexcellentinitskind。MyknowledgeofyouwereasufficientCautiontome，toavoidyourCensureofthisTrifle，hadI
notasintireaknowledgeofyourGoodness。SinceIhavedrawnmyPenforaRencounter，Ithinkitbettertoengagewhere，thoughtherebeSkillenoughtoDisarmme，thereistoomuchGenerositytoWound；
forsoshallIhavethesavingReputationofanunsuccessfulCourage，ifIcannotmakeitadrawnBattle。ButmethinkstheComparisonintimatessomethingofaDefiance，andsavoursofArrogance；
whereforesinceIamConscioustomyselfofaFearwhichIcannotputoff，letmeusethePolicyofCowardsandlaythisNovelunarm’d，nakedandshiveringatyourFeet，sothatifitshouldwantMerittochallengeProtection，yet，asanObjectofCharity，itmaymoveCompassion。IthasbeensomeDiversiontometoWriteit，IwishitmayprovesuchtoyouwhenyouhaveanhourtothrowawayinReadingofit：butthisSatisfactionIhaveatleastbeforehand，thatinitsgreatestfailingsitmayflyforPardontothatIndulgencewhichyouowetotheweaknessofyourFriend；aTitlewhichIamproudyouhavethoughtmeworthyof，andwhichIthinkcanalonebesuperiortothatYourmostHumbleandObligedServantCLEOPHIL。
THEPREFACETOTHEREADER。
Reader，SomeAuthorsaresofondofaPreface，thattheywillwriteonetho’
therebenothingmoreinitthananApologyforitsself。ButtoshowtheethatIamnotoneofthose，IwillmakenoApologyforthis，butdotelltheethatIthinkitnecessarytobeprefix’dtothisTrifle，topreventthyoverlookingsomelittlepainswhichI
havetakenintheCompositionofthefollowingStory。RomancesaregenerallycomposedoftheConstantLovesandinvincibleCouragesofHero’s，Heroins，KingsandQueens，MortalsofthefirstRank，andsoforth；whereloftyLanguage，miraculousContingenciesandimpossiblePerformances，elevateandsurprizetheReaderintoagiddyDelight，whichleaveshimflatupontheGroundwheneverhegivesof，andvexeshimtothinkhowhehassuffer’dhimselftobepleasedandtransported，concern’dandafflictedattheseveralPassageswhichhehasRead，viz。theseKnightsSuccesstotheirDamoselsMisfortunes，andsuchlike，whenheisforcedtobeverywellconvincedthat’tisallalye。Novelsareofamorefamiliarnature；Comenearus，andrepresenttousIntriguesinpractice，delightuswithAccidentsandoddEvents，butnotsuchasarewhollyunusualorunpresidented，suchwhichnotbeingsodistantfromourBeliefbringalsothepleasurenearerus。RomancesgivemoreofWonder，NovelsmoreDelight。Andwithreverencebeitspoken，andtheParallelkeptatduedistance，thereissomethingofequalityintheProportionwhichtheybearinreferencetooneanother，withthatbetwenComedyandTragedy；buttheDramaisthelongextractedfromRomanceandHistory：’tistheMidwifetoIndustry，andbringsforthalivetheConceptionsoftheBrain。MinervawalksupontheStagebeforeus，andwearemoreassuredoftherealpresenceofWitwhenitisdeliveredvivavoce-
Segniusirritantanimosdemissaperaurem，Quamquaesuntoculissubjectafidelibus，&quaeIpsesibitraditspectator。——Horace。
SinceallTraditionsmustindisputablygiveplacetotheDrama，andsincethereisnopossibilityofgivingthatlifetotheWritingorRepetitionofaStorywhichithasintheAction，IresolvedinanotherbeautytoimitateDramatickWriting，namely，intheDesign，ContextureandResultofthePlot。IhavenotobserveditbeforeinaNovel。SomeIhaveseenbeginwithanunexpectedaccident，whichhasbeentheonlysurprizingpartoftheStory，causeenoughtomaketheSequellookflat，tediousandinsipid；for’tisbutreasonabletheReadershouldexpectitnottorise，atleasttokeepuponalevelintheentertainment；forsohemaybekeptoninhopesthatatsometimeorotheritmaymend；butthe’totherissuchabalktoaMan，’tiscarryinghimupstairstoshowhimtheDining-Room，andafterforcinghimtomakeaMealintheKitchin。ThisIhavenotonlyendeavouredtoavoid，butalsohaveusedamethodforthecontrarypurpose。ThedesignoftheNovelisobvious，afterthefirstmeetingofAurelianandHippolitowithIncognitaandLeonora，andthedifficultyisinbringingittopass，maugreallapparentobstacles，withinthecompassoftwodays。HowmanyprobableCasualtiesinterveneinoppositiontothemainDesign，viz。ofmarryingtwoCouplesooddlyengagedinanintricateAmour，IleavetheReaderathisleisuretoconsider：AsalsowhethereveryObstacledoesnotintheprogressoftheStoryactassubservienttothatpurpose，whichatfirstitseemstooppose。InaComedythiswouldbecalledtheUnityofAction；hereitmaypretendtonomorethananUnityofContrivance。TheSceneiscontinuedinFlorencefromthecommencementoftheAmour；andthetimefromfirsttolastisbutthreedays。IftherebeanythingmoreinparticularresemblingtheCopywhichIimitate（astheCuriousReaderwillsoonperceive）Ileaveittoshowitself，beingverywellsatisfy’dhowmuchmoreproperithadbeenforhimtohavefoundoutthishimself，thanformetoprepossesshimwithanOpinionofsomethingextraordinaryinanEssaybeganandfinishedintheidlerhoursofafortnight’stime：forIcanonlyesteemitalaboriousidleness，whichisParenttosoinconsiderableaBirth。IhavegratifiedtheBooksellerinpretendinganoccasionforaPreface；theothertwoPersonsconcern’daretheReaderandmyself，andifhebebutpleasedwithwhatwasproducedforthatend，mysatisfactionfollowsofcourse，sinceitwillbeproportion’dtohisApprobationorDislike。
INCOGNITA：
OR，Love&DutyRECONCIL’D
byWilliamCongreveAurelianwastheonlySontoaPrincipalGentlemanofFlorence。TheIndulgenceofhisFatherprompted，andhisWealthenabledhim，tobestowagenerousEducationuponhim，whom，henowbegantolookuponastheTypeofhimself；anImpressionhehadmadeintheGayetyandVigourofhisYouth，beforetheRustofAgehaddebilitatedandobscur’dtheSplendouroftheOriginal：Hewassensible，ThatheoughtnottobesparingintheAdornmentofhim，ifhehadResolutiontobeautifiehisownMemory。IndeedDonFabio（forsowastheOldGentlemancall’d）hasbeenobserv’dtohavefix’dhisEyesuponAurelian，whenmuchCompanyhasbeenatTable，andhaveweptthroughEarnestnessofIntention，ifnothinghapnedtodiverttheObject；
whetheritwereforregret，attheRecollectionofhisformerself，orfortheJoyheconceiv’dinbeing，asitwere，reviv’dinthePersonofhisSon，Inevertookuponmetoenquire，butsuppos’ditmightbesometimesone，andsometimesbothtogether。
Aurelian，attheAgeofEighteenYears，wantednothing（butaBeard）
thatthemostaccomplishedCavalierinFlorencecouldpretendto：hehadbeenEducatedfromTwelveYearsoldatSiena，whereitseemshisFatherkeptaReceiver，havingalargeIncomefromtheRentsofseveralHousesinthatTown。DonFabiogavehisServantOrders，ThatAurelianshouldnotbestintedinhisExpences，whenhecameuptoYearsofDiscretion。Bywhichmeanshewasenabled，notonlytokeepCompanywith，butalsotoconfermanyObligationsuponStrangersofQuality，andGentlemenwhotravelledfromotherCountriesintoItaly，ofwhichSienaneverwantedstore，beingaTownmostdelightfullySituate，uponaNobleHill，andverywellsuitingwithStrangersatfirst，byreasonoftheagreeablenessandpurityoftheAir：TherealsoisthequaintnessanddelicacyoftheItalianTonguemostlikelytobelearned，therebeingmanypublickProfessorsofitinthatplace；andindeedtheveryVulgarofSienadoexpressthemselveswithaneasinessandsweetnesssurprizing，andevengratefultotheirEarswhounderstandnottheLanguage。
HereAureliancontractedanacquaintancewithPersonsofWorthofseveralCountries，butamongtherestanintimacywithaGentlemanofQualityofSpain，andNephewtotheArchbishopofToledo，whohadsowroughthimselfintotheAffectionsofAurelian，throughaConformityofTemper，anEqualityinYears，andsomethingofresemblanceinFeatureandProportion，thathelook’duponhimashissecondself。
Hippolito，ontheotherhand，wasnotungratefulinreturnofFriendship，butthoughthimselfeitheraloneorinillCompany，ifAurelianwereabsent：buthisUnclehavingsenthimtotravel，undertheConductofaGovernour，andthetwoYearswhichlimitedhisstayatSienabeingexpired，hewasputinmindofhisdeparture。HisFriendgrewmelancholyattheNews，butconsideringthatHippolitohadneverseenFlorence，heeasilyprevailedwithhimtomakehisfirstjourneythither，whitherhewouldaccompanyhim，andperhapsprevailwithhisFathertodothelikethroughouthisTravels。
Theyaccordinglysetout，butnotbeingableeasilytoreachFlorencethesameNight，theyrestedaLeagueortwoshort，ataVillaofthegreatDuke’scalledPoggioImperiale，wheretheywereinformedbysomeofhisHighness’sServants，ThattheNuptialsofDonnaCatharina（nearKinswomantothegreatDuke）andDonFerdinanddeRovori，weretobesolemnizedthenextday，andthatextraordinaryPreparationshadbeenmakingforsometimepast，toillustratetheSolemnitywithBallsandMasques，andotherDivertisements；thataTiltinghadbeenproclaimed，andtothatpurposeScaffoldserectedaroundtheSpaciousCourt，beforetheChurchDiSantaCroce，wherewereusuallyseenallCavalcadesandShews，performedbyAssembliesoftheYoungNobility：
ThatallMechanicksandTradesmenwereforbiddentoworkorexposeanyGoodstoSaleforthespaceofthreedays；duringwhichtimeallPersonsshouldbeentertain’dattheGreatDuke’sCost；andpublickProvisionwastobemadeforthesettingforthandfurnishingamultitudeofTables，withEntertainmentforallComersandGoers，andseveralHousesappointedforthatuseinallStreets。
ThisAccountalarm’dtheSpiritsofourYoungTravellers，andtheywereoverjoy’dattheprospectofPleasurestheyforesaw。Aureliancouldnotcontainthesatisfactionheconceiv’dinthewelcomeFortunehadprepar’dforhisdearHippolito。Inshort，theybothremembredsomuchofthepleasingRelationhadbeenmadethem，thattheyforgottosleep，andwereupassoonasitwaslight，poundingatpoorSigniorClaudio’sDoor（sowasHippolito’sGovernourcall’d）
torousehim，thatnotimemightbelosttilltheywerearriv’datFlorence，wheretheywouldfurnishthemselveswithDisguisesandotherAccoutrementsnecessaryfortheProsecutionoftheirDesignofsharinginthepublickMerriment；theratherweretheyforgoingsoearlybecauseAureliandidnotthinkfittopublishhisbeinginTownforatime，leasthisFatherknowingofit，mightgivesomerestrainttothatloosetheydesignedthemselves。
BeforeSunrisetheyentredFlorenceatPortaRomana，attendedonlybytwoServants，therestbeingleftbehindtoavoidnotice；but，alas！theyneedednottohaveusedhalfthatcaution；forearlyasitwas，theStreetswerecrowdedwithallsortsofPeoplepassingtoandfro，andeveryManemploy’dinsomethingrelatingtotheDiversionstocome；sothatnonoticewastakenofanybody；aMarquessandhisTrainmighthavepass’dbyasunregardedasasingleFachinorCobler。NotaWindowintheStreetsbutechoedthetuningofaLuteorthrummingofaGitarr：for，bytheway，theInhabitantsofFlorencearestrangelyaddictedtotheloveofMusick，insomuchthatscarcetheirChildrencango，beforetheycanscratchsomeInstrumentorother。ItwasnounpleasingSpectacletoourCavaliers（who，seeingtheywerenotobserv’d，resolvedtomakeObservations）tobeholdtheDiversityofFiguresandPosturesofmanyoftheseMusicians。HereyoushouldhaveanaffectedVallet，whoMimick’dtheBehaviourofhisMaster，leaningcarelesslyagainsttheWindow，withhisHeadononeside，inalanguishingPosture，whining，inalow，mournfulVoice，somedismalComplaint；while，fromhissympathizingTheorbo，issuedaBasenolessdolefultotheHearers。InOppositiontohimwassetupperhapsaCobler，withthewretchedSkeletonofaGitarr，batteredandwaxedtogetherbyhisownIndustry，andwhowiththreeStringsoutofTune，andhisowntearinghoarseVoice，wouldrackattentionfromtheNeighbourhood，tothegreatafflictionofmanymoremoderatePractitioners，who，nodoubt，werefullasdesiroustobeheard。BythistimeAurelian’sServanthadtakenaLodgingandwasreturned，togivehisMasteranAccountofit。TheCavaliersgrownwearyofthatridiculousEntertainment，whichwasdivertingatfirstsight，retiredwhithertheLacqueyconductedthem；
who，accordingtotheirDirections，hadsoughtoutoneofthemostobscureStreetsintheCity。Allthatday，totheevening，wasspentinsendingfromoneBrokersShoptoanother，tofurnishthemwithHabits，sincetheyhadnottimetomakeanynew。
Therewas，ithappened，butonetobegotRichenoughtopleaseouryoungGentlemen，somanyweretakenupuponthisoccasion。WhiletheywereinDisputeandComplementingoneanother，（AurelianprotestingthatHippolitoshouldwearit，andhe，on’totherhand，forswearingitasbitterly）aServantofHippolito’scameupandendedtheControversie；tellingthem，ThathehadmetbelowwiththeValletdeChambreofaGentleman，whowasoneofthegreatestGallantsabouttheTown，butwasatthistimeinsuchaconditionhecouldnotpossiblybeattheEntertainment；whereupontheVallethaddesignedtodresshimselfupinhisMaster’sApparel，andtryhistalentatCourt；whichhehearing，toldhimhewouldinformhimhowhemightbestowtheHabitforsometimemuchmoretohisprofitifnottohispleasure，soacquaintedhimwiththeoccasionhisMasterhadforit。HippolitosentfortheFellowup，whowasnotsofondofhisdesignasnottobeboughtoffit，butuponhavinghisowndemandgrantedfortheuseofit，broughtit；itwasveryRich，andupontryal，asfitforHippolitoasifithadbeenmadeforhim。TheCeremonywasperformedintheMorning，inthegreatDome，withallmagnificencecorrespondenttothewealthofthegreatDuke，andtheesteemhehadfortheNoblePair。ThenextMorningwastobeaTilting，andthesameNightaMasquingBallatCourt。ToomittheDescriptionoftheuniversalJoy，（thathaddiffus’ditselfthroughalltheConduitsofWine，whichconvey’ditinlargemeasurestothePeople）andonlyrelatethoseeffectsofitwhichconcernourpresentAdventurers。Youmustknow，thataboutthefalloftheEvening，andatthattimewhentheaequilibriumofDayandNight，forsometime，holdstheAirinagloomysuspencebetweenanunwillingnesstoleavethelight，andanaturalimpulseintotheDominionofdarkness，aboutthistimeourHero’s，shallIsay，sally’dorslunkoutoftheirLodgings，andsteer’dtowardthegreatPalace，whither，beforetheywerearrived，suchaprodigiousnumberofTorcheswereonfire，thattheday，byhelpoftheseAuxiliaryForces，seem’dtocontinueitsDominion；theOwlsandBatsapprehendingtheirmistake，incountingthehours，retir’dagaintoaconvenientdarkness；forMadamNightwasnomoretobeseenthanshewastobeheard；andtheChymistswereofOpinion，ThatherfuliginousDamps，rarefy’dbytheabundanceofFlame，wereevaporated。
NowtheReaderIsupposetobeuponThornsatthisandthelikeimpertinentDigressions，butlethimaloneandhe’llcometohimself；
atwhichtimeIthinkfittoacquainthim，thatwhenIdigress，Iamatthattimewritingtopleasemyself，whenIcontinuetheThreadoftheStory，Iwritetopleasehim；supposinghimareasonableMan，I
concludehimsatisfiedtoallowmethisliberty，andsoIproceed。
IfourCavaliersweredazledatthesplendourtheybeheldwithoutdoors，whatsurprize，thinkyou，musttheybein，whenenteringthePalacetheyfoundeventhelightstheretobebutsomanyfoilstothebrighteyesthatflash’dupon’emateveryturn。
AmoregloriousTroopnooccasioneverassembled；allthefairofFlorence，withthemostaccomplishedCavaliers，werepresent；andhoweverNaturehadbeenpartialinbestowingonsomebetterFacesthanothers，Artwasalikeindulgenttoall，andindustriouslysupplyedthoseDefectsshehadleft，givingsomeAdditionalsotohergreatestExcellencies。Everybodyappear’dwellshap’d，asitistobesuppos’d，nonewhowereconscioustothemselvesofanyvisibleDeformitywouldpresumetocomethither。TheirApparelwasequallyglorious，thougheachdifferinginfancy。Inshort，ourStrangersweresowellbred，astoconcludefromtheseapparentPerfections，thattherewasnotaMasquewhichdidnotatleasthidetheFaceofaCherubim。PerhapstheLadieswerenotbehindhandinreturnofafavourableOpinionofthem：fortheywerebothwelldress’d，andhadsomethinginexpressiblypleasingintheirAirandMien，differentfromotherPeople，andindeeddifferingfromoneanother。Theyfansy’dthatwhiletheystoodtogethertheyweremoreparticularlytakennoticeofthananyintheRoom，andbeingunwillingtobetakenforStrangers，whichtheythoughttheywere，byreasonofsomewhisperingtheyobservednearthem，theyagreeduponanhourofmeetingafterthecompanyshouldbebrokeup，andsoseparatelymingledwiththethickestoftheAssembly。AurelianhadfixedhiseyeuponaLadywhomhehadobserv’dtohavebeenaconsiderabletimeinclosewhisperwithanotherWoman；heexpectedwithgreatimpatiencetheresultofthatprivateConference，thathemighthaveanopportunityofengagingtheLadywhosePersonwassoagreeabletohim。Atlastheperceivedtheywerebrokeoff，andthe’totherLadyseem’dtohavetakenherleave。HehadtakennosmallpainsinthemeantimetoputhimselfinaposturetoaccosttheLady，which，nodoubt，hehadhappilyperformedhadhenotbeeninterrupted；butscarcehadheacquittedhimselfofapreliminarybow（andwhich，I
haveheardhimsay，wasthelowestthateverhemade）andhadjustopenedhisLipstodeliverhimselfofasmallComplement，which，neverthelesshewasverybigwith，whenheunluckilymiscarried，bytheinterposalofthesameLady，whosedeparture，notlongbefore，hehadsozealouslypray’dfor：but，asProvidencewouldhaveit，therewasonlysomeverysmallmatterforgot，whichwasrecoveredinashortwhisper。TheCoastbeingagaincleared，hetookheartandboreup，and，strikingsail，repeatedhisCeremonytotheLady；who，havingObliginglyreturnedit，heaccostedherintheseorthelikewords：
’IfIdonotusurpapriviledgereservedforsomeonemorehappyinyouracquaintance，mayIpresume，Madam，toentreat（forawhile）thefavourofyourConversation，atleasttillthearrivalofwhomyouexpect，providedyouarenottiredofmebefore；forthenupontheleastintimationofuneasiness，Iwillnotfailofdoingmyselftheviolencetowithdrawforyourrelease。TheLadymadehimanswer，shedidnotexpectanybody；bywhichhemightimagineherConversationnotofvaluetobebespoke，andtoaffordithim，werebutfarthertoconvincehimtoherowncost。Hereply’d，’Shehadalreadysaidenoughtoconvincehimofsomethingheheartilywishedmightnotbetohiscostintheend。Shepretendednottounderstandhim；buttoldhim，’IfhealreadyfoundhimselfgrievedwithherConversation，hewouldhavesufficientreasontorepenttherashnessofhisfirstDemandbeforetheyhadended：forthatnowsheintendedtoholddiscoursewithhim，onpurposetopunishhisunadvisedness，inpresuminguponaPersonwhosedressandmienmightnot（maybe）bedisagreeabletohavewit。’Imustconfess（reply’dAurelian）myselfguiltyofaPresumption，andwillinglysubmittothepunishmentyouintend：andthoughitbeanaggravationofaCrimetopersevereinitsjustification，yetIcannothelpdefendinganOpinioninwhichnowIammoreconfirm’d，thatprobableconjecturesmaybemadeoftheingeniousDispositionoftheMind，fromthefancyandchoiceofApparel。ThehumourIgrantye（saidtheLady）orconstitutionofthePersonwhethermelancholickorbrisk；butIshouldhardlypassmycensureuponsoslightanindicationofwit：forthereisyourbriskfoolaswellasyourbriskmanofsense，andsoofthemelancholick。
Iconfess’tispossibleafoolmayrevealhimselfbyhisDress，inwearingsomethingextravagantlysingularandridiculous，orinpreposteroussuitingofcolours；butadecencyofHabit（whichisallthatMenofbestsensepretendto）maybeacquiredbycustomandexample，withoutputtingthePersontoasuperfluousexpenceofwitforthecontrivance；andthoughthereshouldbeoccasionforit，fewaresounfortunateintheirRelationsandAcquaintancenottohavesomeFriendcapableofgivingthemadvice，iftheyarenottooignorantlyconceitedtoaskit。AurelianwassopleasedwiththeeasinessandsmartnessofherExpostulation，thatheforgottomakeareply，whensheseem’dtoexpectit；butbeingaWomanofaquickApprehension，andjustlysensibleofherownperfections，shesoonperceivedhedidnotgrudgehisattention。Howevershehadamindtoputituponhimtoturnthediscourse，sowentonuponthesameSubject。’Signior（saidshe）Ihavebeenlookingroundme，andbyyourMaximIcannotdiscoveronefoolintheCompany；fortheyareallwelldrest。ThiswasspokenwithanAirofRallerythatawakenedtheCavalier，whoimmediatelymadeanswer：’Tistrue，Madam，weseetheremaybeasmuchvarietyofgoodfanciesasoffaces，yettheremaybemanyofbothkindsborrowedandadulterateifinquiredinto；
andasyouwerepleasedtoobserve，theinventionmaybeForeigntothePersonwhoputsitinpractice；andasgoodanOpinionasIhaveofanagreeableDress，Ishouldbelothtoanswerforthewitofallaboutus。Ibelieveyou（saystheLady）andhopeyouareconvincedofyourerror，sinceyoumustallowitimpossibletotellwhoofallthisAssemblydidordidnotmakechoiceoftheirownApparel。Notall（saidAurelian）thereisanungainnessinsomewhichbetraysthem。’Lookyethere（sayshe）pointingtoaLadywhostoodplayingwiththeTasselsofherGirdle，IdareanswerforthatLady，thoughshebeverywelldress’d，’tismorethansheknows。Hisfairunknowncouldnotforbearlaughingathisparticulardistinction，andfreelytoldhim，hehadindeedlightupononewhoknewaslittleasanybodyintheRoom，herselfexcepted。Ah！Madam，（reply’dAurelian）youknoweverythingintheWorldbutyourownPerfections，andyouonlyknownotthosebecause’tisthetopofPerfectionnottoknowthem。
How？（reply’dtheLady）Ithoughtithadbeentheextremityofknowledgetoknowonesself。Aurelianhadalittleover-strain’dhimselfinthatComplement，andIamofOpinionwouldhavebeenpuzzl’dtohavebroughthimselfoffreadily：butbygoodfortunetheMusickcameintotheRoomandgavehimanopportunitytoseemtodeclineananswer，becausethecompanypreparedtodance：heonlytoldherhewastoomeanaConquestforherwitwhowasalreadyaSlavetotheCharmsofherPerson。ShethankedhimforhisComplement，andbrisklytoldhimsheoughttohavemadehimareturninpraiseofhiswit，butshehopedhewasaManmorehappythantobedissatisfy’dwithanyofhisownEndowments；andifitwereso，thathehadnotajustOpinionofhimself，sheknewherselfincapableofsayinganythingtobegetone。Aureliandidnotknowwellwhattomakeofthislastreply；forhealwaysabhor’danythingthatwasconceited，withwhichthisseem’dtoreproachhim。Buthowevermodesthehadbeenheretoforeinhisownthoughts，yetneverwashesodistrustfulofhisgoodbehaviourasnow，beingrally’dsobyaPersonwhomhetooktobeofjudgment：Yetheresolvedtotakenonotice，butwithanAirunconcernedandfullofgoodhumourentreatedhertoDancewithhim：ShepromisedhimtoDancewithnobodyelse，norIbelievehadsheinclination；fornotwithstandinghertartness，shewasuponequaltermswithhimastothelikingofeachothersPersonandHumour，andonlygavethoselittlehintstotryhisTemper；therebeingcertainlynogreatersignoffollyandillbreeding，thantogrowseriousandconcernedatanythingspokeninrallery：forhispart，hewasstrangelyandinsensiblyfalleninlovewithherShape，WitandAir；which，togetherwithawhiteHand，hehadseen（perhapsnotaccidentally）wereenoughtohavesubduedamorestubbornHeartthaneverhewasmasterof；andforherFace，whichhehadnotseen，hebestoweduponherthebesthisImaginationcouldfurnishhimwith。IshouldbyrightnowdescribeherDress，whichwasextreamlyagreeableandrich，but’tispossibleImighterrinsomematerialPinorother，inthestickingofwhichmaybethewholegraceoftheDraperydepended。Well，theydancedseveraltimestogether，andnolesstothesatisfactionofthewholeCompany，thanofthemselves；forattheendofeachDance，somepublicknoteofApplauseorotherwasgiventothegracefulCouple。
Aurelianwasamaz’d，thatamongallthatdancedorstoodinviewhecouldnotseeHippolito；butconcludingthathehadmetwithsomepleasingConversation，andwaswithdrawntosomeretiredpartoftheRoom，heforborehissearchtillthemirthofthatNightshouldbeover，andtheCompanyreadytobreakup，wherewewillleavehimforawhile，toseewhatbecameofhisadventurousFriend。
Hippolito，alittleafterhehadpartedwithAurelian，wasgotamongaknotofLadiesandCavaliers，whowerelookinguponalargeGoldCupsetwithJewels，inwhichhisRoyalHighnesshaddranktotheprosperityofthenewmarriedCoupleatDinner，andwhichafterwardhepresentedtohisCousinDonnaCatharina。Heamongtherestwasveryintent，admiringtherichness，workmanshipandbeautyoftheCup，whenaLadycamebehindhimandpullinghimbytheElbow，madeasignshewouldspeakwithhim；Hippolito，whoknewhimselfanutterStrangertoFlorenceandeverybodyinit，immediatelyguessedshehadmistakenhimforheracquaintance，asindeedithappened；howeverheresolvednottodiscoverhimselftillheshouldbeassuredofit；
havingfollowedherintoasetWindowremotefromCompany，sheaddress’dherselftohiminthismanner：’SigniorDonLorenzo（saidshe）Iamoverjoy’dtoseeyouaresospeedilyrecoveredofyourWounds，whichbyreportweremuchmoredangerousthantohavesufferedyourcomingabroadsosoon；butImustaccuseyouofgreatindiscretion，inappearinginaHabitwhichsomanymustneedsrememberyoutohavewornuponthelikeoccasionnotlongago，ImeanattheMarriageofDonCynthiowithyourSisterAtalanta；Idoassureyou，youwereknownbyit，bothtoJulianaandmyself，whowassofarconcernedforyou，astodesiremetotellyou，thatherBrotherDonFabritio（whosawyouwhenyoucameinwithanotherGentleman）
hadeyedyouverynarrowly，andissincegoneoutoftheRoom，sheknowsnotuponwhatdesign；howevershewouldhaveyou，foryourownsake，beadvisedandcircumspectwhenyoudepartthisplace，lestyoushouldbesetuponunawares；youknowthehatredDonFabritiohasbornyoueversinceyouhadthefortunetokillhisKinsmaninaDuel：Hereshepausedasifexpectinghisreply；butHippolitowassoconfounded，thathestoodmute，andcontemplatingthehazardhehadignorantlybroughthimselfinto，forgothisdesignofinformingtheLadyofhermistake。ShefindinghemadehernoAnswer，wenton。
’Iperceive（continuedshe）youareinsomesurprizeatwhatIhaverelated，andmaybe，aredoubtfuloftheTruth；butIthoughtyouhadbeenbetteracquaintedwithyourCousinLeonora’sVoice，thantohaveforgotitsosoon：YetinComplaisancetoyourillMemory，Iwillputyoupastdoubt，byshewingyoumyFace；withthatshepulledoffherMask，anddiscoveredtoHippolito（nowmoreamaz’dthanever）themostAngelickFacethathehadeverbeheld。Hewasjustabouttohavemadehersomeanswer，when，clappingonherMaskagainwithoutgivinghimtime，shehappilyforhimpursu’dherDiscourse。（For’tisoddsbuthehadmadesomediscoveryofhimselfinthesurprizehewasin。）HavingtakenhimfamiliarlybytheHand，nowshehadmadeherselfknowntohim，’CousinLorenzo（addedshe）youmayperhapshavetakenitunkindly，that，duringthetimeofyourindispositionbyreasonofyourWounds，Ihavenotbeentovisityou；
IdoassureyouitwasnotforwantofanyInclinationIhadbothtoseeandserveyoutomypower；butyouarewellacquaintedwiththeSeverityofmyFather，whomyouknowhowlatelyyouhavedisobliged。
IammightygladthatIhavemetwithyouhere，whereIhavehadanOpportunitytotellyouwhatsomuchconcernsyourSafety，whichIamafraidyouwillnotfindinFlorence；consideringthegreatPowerDonFabritioandhisFather，theMarquessofViterbo，haveinthisCity。
Ihaveanotherthingtoinformyouof，ThatwhereasDonFabiohadinterestedhimselfinyourCause，inOppositiontotheMarquessofViterbo，byreasonofthelongAnimositybetweenthem，allhopesofhisCountenanceandAssistancearedefeated：FortherehasbeenaProposalofReconciliationmadetobothHouses，anditissaiditwillbeconfirm’d（asmostsuchancientQuarrelsareatlast）bytheMarriageofJulianatheMarquess’sDaughter，withAurelian，SontoDonFabio：towhicheffecttheoldGentlemansent’totherDaytoSiena，whereAurelianhasbeenEducated，tohastenhiscomingtoTown；buttheMessengerreturningthisMorning，broughtword，Thatthesamedayhearriv’datSiena，AurelianhadsetoutforFlorence，inCompanywithayoungSpanishNobleman，hisintimateFriend；soitisbeliev’d，theyarebothinTown，andnotunlikelyinthisRoominMasquerade。
Hippolitocouldnotforbearsmilingtohimself，attheselastwords。
ForeversincethenamingofDonFabiohehadbeenveryattentive；
butbefore，hisThoughtswerewhollytakenupwiththeBeautyoftheFacehehadseen，andfromthetimeshehadtakenhimbytheHand，asuccessivewarmthandchillnesshadplay’dabouthisHeart，andsurpriz’dhimwithanunusualTransport。HewasinahundredMinds，whetherheshouldmakehersensibleofherErrororno；butconsideringhecouldexpectnofartherConferencewithherafterheshoulddiscoverhimself，andthatasyetheknewnotofherplaceofabode，heresolv’dtohumourthemistakealittlefurther。HavingherstillbytheHand，whichhesqueez’dsomewhatmoreeagerlythanisusualforCousinstodo，inalowandundistinguishableVoice，heletherknowhowmuchheheldhimselfobligedtoher，andavoidingasmanywordsashandsomelyhecould，atthesametime，entreatedhertogivehimherAdvice，towardthemanagementofhimselfinthisAffair。
Leonora，whoneverfromthebeginninghadentertain’dtheleastScrupleofdistrust，imaginedhespokefaintly，asnotbeingyetperfectlyrecoveredinhisstrength；andwithalconsideringthattheheatoftheRoom，byreasonoftheCrowd，mightbeuneasietoaPersoninhisCondition；shekindlytoldhim，ThatifhewereasinclinabletodispensewiththeremainderofthatNightsDiversionasshewas，andhadnootherengagementuponhim，byherconsenttheyshouldbothstealoutoftheAssembly，andgotoherHouse，wheretheymightwithmorefreedomdiscourseaboutabusinessofthatimportance，andwherehemighttakesomethingtorefreshhimselfifhewere（assheconceiv’dhimtobe）indisposedwithhislongstanding。JudgeyouwhethertheProposalwereacceptabletoHippolitoorno；hehadbeenruminatingwithhimselfhowtobringsomethinglikethisabout，andhadalmostdespair’dofit；whenofasuddainhefoundthesuccessofhisdesignhadpreventedhisownendeavours。HetoldhisCousininthesamekeyasbefore，ThathewasunwillingtobetheoccasionofherDivorcefromsomuchgoodCompany；butforhisownpart，hewasafraidhehadpresumedtoomuchuponhisrecoveryincomingabroadsosoon，andthathefoundhimselfsounwell，hefearedheshouldbequicklyforc’dtoretire。Leonorastay’dnottomakehimanyotherreply，onlytipp’dhimupontheArm，andbidhimfollowherataconvenientdistancetoavoidObservation。
WhoeverhadseentheJoythatwasinHippolito’sCountenance，andtheSprightlinesswithwhichhefollow’dhisBeautifulConductress，wouldscarcehavetakenhimforaPersongriev’dwithuncuredWounds。SheledhimdownabackpairofStairs，intooneofthePalaceGardenswhichhadaDooropeningintothePiazza，notfarfromwhereDonMarioherFatherlived。TheyhadlittleDiscoursebytheway，whichgaveHippolitotimetoconsiderofthebestwayofdiscoveringhimself。AthousandthingscameintohisHeadinaminute，yetnothingthatpleasedhim：andaftersomanyContrivancesashehadformedforthediscoveryofhimself，hefounditmorerationalforhimnottorevealhimselfatallthatNight，sincehecouldnotforeseewhateffectthesurprizewouldhave，shemustneedsbein，attheappearanceofaStranger，whomshehadneverseenbefore，yetwhomshehadtreatedsofamiliarly。HeknewWomenwereapttoshriekorswoonuponsuchOccasions，andshouldshehappentodoeither，hemightbeatalosshowtobringhimselfoff。Hethoughthemighteasilypretendtobeindisposedsomewhatmorethanordinary，andsomakeanexcusetogotohisownLodging。ItcameintohisHeadtoo，thatunderpretenceofgivingheranaccountofhisHealth，hemightenquireofherthemeanshowaLettermightbeconvey’dtoherthenextmorning，whereinhemightinformhergentlyofhermistake，andinsinuatesomethingofthatPassionhehadconceiv’d，whichhewassurehecouldnothaveopportunitytospeakofifhebluntlyrevealedhimself。Hehadjustresolv’duponthisMethod，astheywerecometothegreatGatesoftheCourt，whenLeonorastoppingtolethimgoinbeforeher，heofasuddainfetch’dhisBreathviolentlyasifsomestitchortwingingsmarthadjustthenassaultedhim。Sheenquiredthematterofhim，andadvisedhimtomakehasteintotheHousethathemightsitdownandresthim。Hetoldherhefoundhimselfsoill，thathejudgeditmoreconvenientforhimtogohomewhilehewasinaconditiontomove，forhefear’difheshouldoncesettlehimselftoresthemightnotbeabletostir。Shewasmuchtroubled，andwouldhavehadaChairmadereadyandServantstocarryhimhome；buthemadeanswer，hewouldnothaveanyofherFathersServantsknowofhisbeingabroad，andthatjustnowhehadanintervalofease，whichhehop’dwouldcontinuetillhemadeashifttoreachhisownLodgings。Yetifshepleasedtoinformhimhowhemightgiveanaccountofhimselfthenextmorning，inalineortwo，hewouldnotfailtogiveherthethanksduetohergreatkindness；andwithal，wouldletherknowsomethingwhichwouldnotalittlesurprizeher，thoughnowhehadnottimetoacquaintherwithit。Sheshow’dhimalittleWindowatthecorneroftheHouse，whereoneshouldwaittoreceivehisLetter，andwasjusttakingherleaveofhim，whenseeinghimsearchhastilyinhisPocket，sheask’dhimifhemiss’danything；hetoldherhethoughtaWoundwhichwasnotthroughlyheal’dbledalittle，andthathehadlosthisHandkerchief。Hisdesigntook；forsheimmediatelygavehimhers：whichindeedaccordinglyheapply’dtotheonlywoundhewasthengriev’dwith；whichthoughitwentquitethroughhisHeart，yetthankGodwasnotMortal。Hewasnotalittlerejoyc’dathisgoodFortuneingettingsoearlyaFavourfromhisMistress，andnotwithstandingtheviolencehedidhimselftopersonateasickMan，hecouldnotforbeargivingsomeSymptomsofanextraordinarycontent；andtellingherthathedidnotdoubttoreceiveaconsiderableProportionofeasefromtheApplicationofwhathadsooftenkiss’dherfairHand。LeonorawhodidnotsuspecttheCompliment，toldhimsheshouldbeheartilygladifthatoranythinginherpowermightcontributetohisrecovery；
andwishinghimwellhome，wentintoherHouse，asmuchtroubledforherCousinashewasjoyfulforhisMistress。