第2章
加入书架 A- A+
点击下载App,搜索"Incognita",免费读到尾

  Hippolitoassoonasshewasgonein,begantomakehisRemarksabouttheHouse,walkingroundthegreatCourt,viewingtheGardensandallthePassagesleadingtothatsideofthePiazza。Havingsufficientlyinformedhimself,withaHeartfullofLove,andaHeadfullofStratagem,hewalkedtowardhisLodging,impatienttillthearrivalofAurelianthathemightgivehimselfvent。Inwhichinterim,letmetakethelibertytodigressalittle,andtelltheReadersomethingwhichIdonotdoubthehasapprehendedhimselflongago,ifhebenotthedullestReaderintheWorld;yetonlyfororderssake,letmetellhimIsay,ThatayoungGentleman(CousintotheaforesaidDonFabritio)happenedonenighttohavesomewordsataGameingHousewithoneLorenzo,whichcreatedaQuarreloffatalConsequencetotheformer,whowaskilledupontheSpot,andlikelytobesotothelatter,whowasverydesperatelywounded。

  FabritiobeingmuchconcernedforhisKinsman,vow’drevenge(accordingtotheancientandlaudablecustomofItaly)uponLorenzoifhesurviv’d,orincaseofhisdeath(ifitshouldhappentoanticipatethat,muchmoreswingingDeathwhichhehadinstoreforhim)uponhisnextofKin,andsotodescendLineallylikeanEnglishEstate,toalltheHeirsMalesofthisFamily。ThissameFabritiohadindeed(asLeonoratoldHippolito)takenparticularnoticeofhimfromhisfirstentranceintotheRoom,andwassofardoubtfulastogooutimmediatelyhimself,andmakeenquiryconcerningLorenzo,butwasquicklyinform’dofthegreatnessofhisError,inbelievingaMantobeabroad,whowassoillofhisWounds,thattheynowdespair’dofhisrecovery;andthereuponreturn’dtotheBallverywellsatisfied,butnotbeforeLeonoraandHippolitoweredeparted。

  So,Reader,havingnowdischarg’dmyConscienceofasmallDiscoverywhichIthoughtmyselfobligedtomaketoThee,Iproceedtotellthee,thatourFriendAurelianhadbythistimedancedhimselfintoaNetwhichheneithercould,norwhichisworsedesiredtountangle。

  HisSoulwascharm’dtothemovementofherBody:anAirsograceful,sosweet,soeasieandsogreat,hehadneverseen。ShehadsomethingofMajestyinher,whichappear’dtobebornwithher;

  andthoughitstruckanaweintotheBeholders,yetwasitsweetnedwithafamiliarityofBehaviour,whichrendreditagreeabletoeveryBody。ThegrandeurofherMienwasnotstiff,butunstudiedandunforced,mixedwithasimplicity;free,yetnotloosenoraffected。

  Iftheformerseem’dtocondescend,thelatterseem’dtoaspire;andbothtouniteinthecentreofPerfection。EveryturnshegaveindancingsnatchtAurelianintoaRapture,andhehadliketohavebeenouttwoorthreetimeswithfollowinghisEyes,whichsheledaboutasSlavestoherHeels。

  Assoonastheyhaddonedancing,hebegantocomplainofhiswantofBreathandLungs,tospeaksufficientlyinherCommendation;Shesmilinglytoldhim,hedidilltodancesomuchthen:YetinConsiderationofthepainshehadtakenmorethanordinaryuponheraccountshewouldbatehimagreatdealofComplement,butwiththisProviso,Thathewastodiscovertoherwhohewas。AurelianwasunwillingforthepresenttoownhimselftobereallytheManhewas;

  whenasuddainthoughtcameintohisHeadtotakeuponhimtheNameandCharacterofHippolito,whohewassurewasnotknowninFlorence。Hethereupon,afteralittlepause,pretendedtorecalhimselfinthismanner:’Madam,itisnosmalldemonstrationoftheentireResignationwhichIhavemadeofmyHearttoyourChains,sincethesecretsofitarenolongerinmypower。IconfessIonlytookFlorenceinmyway,notdesigninganylongerResidence,thanshouldberequisitetoinformtheCuriosityofaTraveller,oftheraretiesofthePlace。WhetherHappinessorMiserywillbetheConsequenceofthatCuriosity,Iamyetinfear,andsubmittoyourDetermination;butsureIam,nottodepartFlorencetillyouhavemademethemostmiserableManinit,andrefusemethefatalKindnessofDyingatyourFeet。IambyBirthaSpaniard,oftheCityofToledo;mynameHippolitodiSaviolina:IwasyesterdayaManfree,asNaturemadethefirst;todayIamfallenintoaCaptivity,whichmustcontinuewithmyLife,andwhich,itisinyourpower,tomakemuchdearertome。ThusinobediencetoyourCommands,andcontrarytomyResolutionofremainingunknowninthisplace,Ihaveinform’dyou,Madam,whatIam;whatIshallbe,I

  desiretoknowfromyou;atleast,Ihope,thefreediscoveryIhavemadeofmyself,willencourageyoutotrustmewiththeknowledgeofyourPerson。

  Herealowbow,andadeepsigh,putanendtohisDiscourse,andsignifiedhisExpectationofherReply,whichwastothispurpose——

  (ButIhadforgottotellyou,ThatAureliankeptoffhisMaskfromthetimethathetoldherhewasofSpain,tilltheperiodofhisRelation。)HadIthought(saidshe)thatmyCuriositywouldhavebroughtmeindebt,Ishouldcertainlyhaveforbornit;oratleasthaveagreedwithyoubeforehandabouttherateofyourdiscovery,thenIhadnotbroughtmyselftotheInconveniencyofbeingcensur’d,eitheroftoomucheasinessorreservedness;buttoavoid,asmuchasIcan,theextreamityofeither,Iamresolv’dbuttodiscovermyselfinpart,andwillendeavourtogiveyouaslittleoccasionasIcan,eithertoboastof,orridiculetheBehaviouroftheWomenofFlorenceinyourTravels。

  Aurelianinterruptedher,andsworeverysolemnly(andthemoreheartily,Ibelieve,becausehethenindeedspoketruth)thathewouldmakeFlorencetheplaceofhisabode,whateverconcernshehadelsewhere。SheadvisedhimtobecautioushowhesworetohisExpressionsofGallantry;andfarthertoldhimshenowhopedsheshouldmakehimareturntoalltheFineThingshehadsaid,sinceshegavehimhischoicewhetherhewouldknowwhoshewas,orseeherFace。

  AurelianwhowasreallyinLove,andinwhomConsiderationwouldhavebeenaCrime,greedilyembrac’dthelatter,sincesheassuredhimatthattimeheshouldnotknowboth。Well,whatfollow’d?Why,shepull’doffherMask,andappear’dtohimatonceintheGloryofBeauty。ButwhocantelltheastonishmentAurelianfelt?Hewasforatimesenseless;Admirationhadsuppress’dhisSpeech,andhisEyeswereentangledinLight。Ishort,tobemadesensibleofhiscondition,wemustconceivesomeIdeaofwhathebeheld,whichisnottoimaginedtillseen,northentobeexpress’d。NowseetheimpertinenceandconceitednessofanAuthor,whowillhaveaflingataDescription,whichhehasPrefacedwithanimpossibility。OnemighthaveseensomethinginherCompositionresemblingtheFormationofEpicurushisWorld,asifeveryAtomeofBeautyhadconcurr’dtouniteanexcellency。HadthatcuriousPainterlivedinherdays,hemighthaveavoidedhispainfulsearch,whenhecollectedfromthechoicestpiecesthemostchoiceFeatures,andbyadueDispositionandJudiciousSymmetryofthoseexquisiteparts,madeonewholeandperfectVenus。Natureseem’dheretohaveplay’dthePlagiary,andtohavemoldedintoSubstancethemostrefinedThoughtsofinspiredPoets。HerEyesdiffus’dRayscomfortableaswarmth,andpiercingasthelight;theywouldhaveworkedapassagethroughthestraightestPores,andwithadeliciousheat,haveplay’daboutthemostobduratefrozenHeart,untill’tweremelteddowntoLove。SuchMajestyandAffabilitywereinherLooks;soalluring,yetcommandingwasherPresence,thatitmingedawewithlove;kindlingaFlamewhichtrembledtoaspire。Shehaddancedmuch,which,togetherwithherbeingclosemasked,gaveheratinctureofCarnationmorethanordinary。ButAurelian(fromwhomIhadeverytittleofherDescription)fancy’dhesawalittleNestofCupidsbreakfromtheTressesofherHair,andeveryoneofficiouslybetakehimselftohistask。Somefann’dwiththeirdownyWings,herglowingCheeks;whileothersbrush’dthebalmyDewfromoffherFace,leavingaloneaheavenlyMoistureblubbingonherLips,onwhichtheydrankandrevell’dfortheirpains;Nay,soparticularweretheirallotmentsinherservice,thatAurelianwasverypositiveayoungCupidwhowasbutjustPen-feather’d,employ’dhisnakedQuillstopickherTeeth。

  Andathousandotherthingshistransportrepresentedtohim,whichnonebutLoverswhohaveexperienceofsuchVisionswillbelieve。

  AssoonasheawakedandfoundhisSpeechcometohim,heemploy’dittothiseffect:

  ’’TisenoughthatIhaveseenaDivinity——NothingbutMercycaninhabitthesePerfections——TheirutmostrigourbringsaDeathpreferabletoanyLife,butwhattheygive——Useme,Madam,asyouplease;forbyyourfairself,IcannotthinkaBlissbeyondwhatnowIfeel——YouwoundwithPleasure,andifyouKillitmustbewithTransport——Ah!Yetmethinkstolive——OHeaven!tohaveLifepronouncedbythoseBless’dLips——Didtheynotinspirewheretheycommand,itwereanimmediateDeathofJoy。

  AurelianwasgrowingalittletooloudwithhisAdmiration,hadshenotjusttheninterruptedhim,byclappingonherMasque,andtellinghimtheyshouldbeobserved,ifheproceededinhisExtravagance;andwithal,thathisPassionwastoosuddaintobereal,andtooviolenttobelasting。Hereplied,Indeeditmightnotbeverylasting,(withasubmissivemournfulVoice)butitwouldcontinueduringhisLife。Thatitwassuddain,hedenied,forshehadraiseditbydegreesfromhisfirstsightofher,byacontinueddiscoveryofCharms,inherMienandConversation,tillshethoughtfittosetFiretotheTrainshehadlaid,bytheLightningofherFace;andthenhecouldnothelpit,ifhewereblownup。

  Hebegg’dhertobelievetheSincerityofhisPassion,atleasttoenjoinhimsomething,whichmighttendtotheConvincingofherIncredulity。Shesaid,sheshouldfindatimetomakesomeTrialsofhim;butforthefirst,shechargedhimnottofolloworobserveher,aftertheDissolutionoftheAssembly。Hepromisedtoobey,andentreatedhertotellhimbutherName,thathemighthaveRecoursetothatinhisAfflictionforherAbsence,ifhewereabletosurviveit。Shedesiredhimtolivebyallmeans;andifhemusthaveaNametoplaywith,tocallherIncognita,tillhewerebetterinformed。

  TheCompanybreakingup,shetookherleave,andathisearnestEntreaty,gavehimashortVisionofherFacewhich,thendress’dinanobligingsmile,causedanotherfitofTransport,whichlastedtillshewasgoneoutofSight。AureliangathereduphisSpirits,andwalkedslowlytowardshisLodging,neverremembringthathehadlostHippolito,tilluponturningtheCornerofaStreet,heheardanoiseofFighting;andcomingnear,sawaManmakeavigorousDefenceagainsttwo,whopressedviolentlyuponhim。HethenthoughtofHippolito,andfancyinghesawtheglimmeringofDiamondButtons,suchasHippolitohadupontheSleevesofhisHabit,immediatelydrewtohisAssistance;andwiththatEagernessandResolution,thattheAssailants,findingtheirunmanlyoddsdefeated,tooktotheirHeels。

  ThePersonrescuedbytheGenerousHelpofAurelian,cametowardhim;

  butashewouldhavestoop’dtohavesalutedhim,dropp’d,faintingathisfeet。Aurelian,nowhewassonearhim,perceiv’dplainlyHippolito’sHabit,andstep’dhastilytotakehimup。JustassomeoftheGuards(whoweregoingtheRounds,apprehensiveofsuchDisordersinanUniversalMerriment)cameuptohimwithLights,andhadtakenPrisonerstheTwoMen,whomtheymetwiththeirSword’sdrawn;whenlookingintheFaceoftheWoundedMan,hefounditwasnotHippolito,buthisGovernourClaudio,intheHabithehadwornattheBall。Hewasextreamlysurpriz’d,aswerethePrisoners,whoconfess’dtheirDesigntohavebeenuponLorenzo;groundingtheirMistakeupontheHabitwhichwasknowntohavebeenhis。TheywereTwoMenwhoformerlyhadbeenServantstohim,whomLorenzohadunfortunatelyslain。

  TheymadeashifttobringClaudiotohimself;andpartoftheGuardcarryingoffthePrisoners,whomAureliandesiredtheywouldsecure,therestaccompaniedhimbearingClaudiointheirArmstohisLodging。HehadnotpatiencetoforbearaskingforHippolitobytheWay;whomClaudioassuredhim,hehadleftsafeinhisChamber,aboveTwoHourssince。ThathiscomingHomesolongbeforetheDivertisementswereended,andUndressinghimself,hadgivenhimtheUnhappyCuriosity,toputonhisHabit,andgotothePallace;inhisReturnfromwhence,hewassetuponintheMannerhefoundhim,whichifherecovered,hemustownhisLifeindebtedtohistimelyAssistance。

  BeingcometotheHouse,theycarriedhimtohisBed,andhavingsentforSurgeonsAurelianrewardedanddismissedtheGuard。Hestay’dthedressingofClaudio’sWounds,whichweremany,thoughtheyhop’dnoneMortal:andleavinghimtohisRest,wenttogiveHippolitoanAccountofwhathadhappened,whomhefoundwithaTablebeforehim,leaninguponbothhisElbows,hisFacecoveredwithhisHands,andsomotionless,thatAurelianconcludedhewasasleep;seeingseveralPapersliebeforehim,halfwrittenandblottedoutagain,hethoughttostealsoftlytotheTable,anddiscoverwhathehadbeenemployedabout。Justashereach’dforthhisHandtotakeuponeofthePapers,Hippolitostartedupsoonthesuddain,assurpriz’dAurelianandmadehimleapback;Hippolito,ontheotherhand,notsupposingthatanyBodyhadbeennearhim,wassodisorderedwiththeAppearanceofaManathisElbow,(whomhisAmazementdidnotpermithimtodistinguish)thatheleap’dhastilytohisSword,andinturninghimabout,overthrewtheStandandCandles。HereweretheybothleftintheDark,HippolitogropingaboutwithhisSword,andthrustingateveryChairthathefeltopposehim。Aurelianwasscarcecometohimself,whenthinkingtostepbacktowardtheDoorthathemightinformhisFriendofhisMistake,withoutexposinghimselftohisblindFury;Hippolitoheardhimstir,andmadeafullthrustwithsuchViolence,thattheHiltoftheSwordmeetingwithAurelian’sBreastbeathimdown,andHippolitoatopofhim,asaServantalarm’dwiththenoise,cameintotheChamberwithaLight。

  TheFellowtrembled,andthoughttheywerebothDead,tillHippolitoraisinghimself,toseewhomhehadgotunderhim,swoon’dawayuponthediscoveryofhisFriend。ButsuchwastheextraordinaryCareofProvidenceindirectingtheSword,thatitonlypastunderhisArm,givingnoWoundtoAurelia,butalittleBruisebetweenhisShoulderandBreastwiththeHilt。Hegotup,scarcerecoveredofhisFright,andbythehelpoftheServant;laidHippolitoupontheBed;whowhenhewascometohimselfcouldhardlybeperswaded,thathisFriendwasbeforehimandalive,tillheshew’dhimhisBreast,wherewasnothingofaWound。Hippolitobegg’dhisPardonaThousandTimes,andcurs’dhimselfasoften,whowassoneartocommittingthemostExecrableActofAmicide。

  Theydismiss’dtheFellow,andwithmanyEmbraces,congratulatedtheirfortunateDeliveryfromtheMischiefwhichcamesonearthem,eachblaminghimselfastheOccasion:AurelianaccusinghisownunadvisednessinstealinguponHippolito;Hippolitoblaminghisowntemerityandweakness,inbeingsoeasilyfrightedtoDisorder;andlastofall,hisblindness,innotknowinghisdearestFriend。ButtherehegaveaSigh,andpassionatelytakingAurelianbytheHand,cry’d,Ah!myFriend,Loveisindeedblind,whenitwouldnotsuffermetoseeyou——TherearoseanotherSigh;aSympathyseiz’dAurelianimmediately:(For,bytheWay,sighingisascatchingamongLovers,asyawningamongtheVulgar。)BesidehearingtheNameofLove,madehimfetchsuchaSigh,thatHippolito’swerebutFly-blowsinComparison,thatwasansweredwithalltheMightHippolitohad,Aurelianply’dhimclosetilltheywerebothoutofBreath。

  ThusnotaWordpass’d,thougheachwondredwhythet’othersigh’d,atlastconcludedittobeonlyComplaisancetooneanother。

  AurelianbroketheSilence,bytellinghimtheMisfortuneofhisGovernour。Hippolitorejoic’dasattheluckiestAccidentwhichcouldhavebefall’nhim。AurelianwondredathisunseasonableMirth,anddemandedtheCauseofit;heanswer’d,ItwouldnecessitatehislongerStayinFlorence,andforoughtheknewbetheMeansofbringingahappyPeriodtohisAmour。

  HisFriendthoughthimtobelittlebetterthanaMadman,whenheperceiv’dhimofasuddainsnatchoutofhisBosomaHandkerchief,whichhavingkiss’dwithagreatdealofArdour,hetookAurelianbytheHand,andsmilingattheSurprizehesawhimin;

  ’YourFlorentineCupidiscertainly(saidhe)’themostExpertintheWorld。IhavesinceIsawyoubeheldthemostBeautifulofWomen。I

  amfalndesperatelyinLovewithher,andthosePaperswhichyouseesoblottedandscattered,arebutsomanyEssayswhichIhavemadetotheDeclarationofmyPassion。AndthisHandkerchiefwhichIsozealouslyCaress,istheInestimableTokenwhichIhavetomakemyselfknowntoher。’OLeonora!(continuedhe)’howhastthoustamp’dthineImageonmySoul!HowmuchdeareramItomyself,sinceI

  havehadthyHeavenlyForminkeeping!Now,myAurelian,Iamworthythee;myexaltedLovehasDignifiedme,andrais’dmefarabovethypoorformerDespicableHippolito。

  AurelianseeingtheRapturehewasin,thoughtitinvaintoexpectasettledRelationoftheAdventure,sowasreachingtotheTableforsomeofthePapers,butHippolitotoldhim,IfhewouldhavealittlepatiencehewouldacquainthimwiththewholeMatter;andthereupontoldhimWordforWordhowhewasmistakenforLorenzo,andhisManagementofhimself。AureliancommendedhisPrudence,innotdiscoveringhimself;andtoldhim,IfhecouldsparesomuchtimefromtheContemplationofhisMistress,hewouldinformhimofanAdventure,thoughnotsoAccidental,yetofasgreatConcerntohisownfutureHappiness。SorelatedallthathadhappenedtohimwithhisBeautifulIncognita。

  HavingendedtheStory,theybegantoconsideroftheMeanstheyweretousetowardaReviewoftheirMistresses。AurelianwasConfoundedattheDifficultyheconceivedonhisPart。HeunderstoodfromHippolito’sAdventure,thathisFatherknewofhisbeinginTown,whomhemustunavoidablyDisobligeifheyetconcealedhimself,andDisobeyifhecameintohisSight;forhehadalreadyentertain’danAversionforJuliana,inapprehensionofherbeingImposedonhim。

  HisIncognitawasrootedinhisHeart,yetcouldhenotComforthimselfwithanyHopeswhenheshouldseeher:Heknewnotwhereshelived,andshehadmadehimnoPromiseofasecondConference。ThendidherepenthisinconsiderateChoice,inpreferringthemomentaryVisionofherFace,toacertainIntelligenceofherPerson。Everythoughtthatsucceededdistractedhim,andalltheHopeshecouldpresumeupon,werewithincompassoftheTwoDaysMerrimentyettocome;forwhichSpacehehop’dhemightexcusehisremainingconceal’dtohisFather。

  Hippolitoontheotherside(thoughAurelianthoughthiminamuchbetterWay)wasnolessafflictedforhimself。TheDifficultieswhichhesawinhisFriend’sCircumstances,puthimuponfindingoutagreatmanymoreinhisown,thanreallytherewere。Butwhatterrifiedhimmostofall,washisbeinganutterStrangertoLeonora;shehadnottheleastknowledgeofhimbutthroughmistake,andconsequentlycouldformnoIdeaofhimtohisAdvantage。Helook’duponitasanunluckythoughtinAureliantotakeuponhimhisName,sincepossiblytheTwoLadieswereacquainted,andshouldtheycommunicatetoeachothertheirAdventures;theymightbothreasonablysufferintheirOpinions,andbethoughtguiltyofFalshood,sinceitwouldappeartothemasOnePersonpretendingtoTwo。Aureliantoldhim,therewasbutoneRemedyforthat,whichwasforHippolito,inthesameMannerthathehaddone,tomakeuseofhisName,whenhewrittoLeonora,andusewhatargumentshecouldtoperswadehertoSecrecy,leasthisFathershouldknowoftheReasonwhichkepthimconcealedinTown。Anditwaslikely,thoughperhapsshemightnotimmediatelyentertainhisPassion;yetshewouldoutofGenerosityconceal,whatwashiddenonlyforhersake。

  Wellthiswasconcludedon,afteragreatmanyotherReasonsusedoneitherSide,infavouroftheContrivance;theyatlastarguedthemselvesintoaBelief,thatFortunehadbefriendedthemwithabetterPlot,thantheirregularThinkingcouldhavecontriv’d。Sosoonhadtheyconvinc’dthemselves,inwhattheywerewillingtobelieve。

  Aurelianlaidhimselfdowntorest,thatis,upontheBed;forhewasabetterLoverthantopretendtosleepthatNight,whileHippolitosethimselfagaintoframehisLetterdesign’dforLeonora。Hewritseveral,atlastpitcheduponone,andveryprobablytheworst,asyoumayguesswhenyoureaditinitsproperPlace。

  ItwasbreakofDaywhentheServant,whohadbeenemployedalltheforegoingDayinprocuringAccoutrementsfortheTwoCavaliers,toappearinattheTilting,cameintotheRoom,andtoldthemalltheYoungGentlemenintheTownweretryingtheirEquipage,andpreparingtobeearlyintheLists。TheymadethemselvesreadywithallExpeditionattheAlarm:andHippolitohavingmadeaVisittohisGovernour,dispatch’daMessengerwiththeLetterandDirectionstoLeonora。AttheSignalagreedupontheCasementwasopenedandaStringletdown,towhichtheBearerhavingfastnedtheLetter,sawitdrawnup,andreturned。ItwereavainattempttodescribeLeonora’sSurprize,whenshereadtheSuperscription。——TheUnfortunateAurelian,totheBeautifulLeonora——AftershewasalittlerecoveredfromherAmaze,sherecollectedtoherselfallthePassagesbetweenherandhersupposedCousin,andimmediatelyconcludedhimtobeAurelian。ThenseverallittleCircumstanceswhichshethoughtmighthavebeensufficienttohaveconvincedher,representedthemselvestoher;andshewasinastrangeUneasinesstothinkofherfreeCarriagetoaStranger。

  ShewasonceinaMindtohaveburn’dtheLetter,ortohavestay’dforanOpportunitytosenditagain。ButshewasaWoman,andherCuriosityopposeditselftoallthoughtsofthatNature:atlengthwithafirmResolution,sheopenedit,andfoundWordforWord,whatisunderwritten。

  TheLetter。

  MADAM,IfyourfairEyes,uponthebreakingupofthis,meetwithsomewhattooquickaSurprize,makethence,Ibeseechyou,somereflectionupontheConditionImustneedshavebeenin,atthesuddainAppearanceofthatSunofBeauty,whichatonceshonesofulluponmysoul。IcouldnotimmediatelydisengagemyselffromthatMazeofCharms,toletyouknowhowunworthyaCaptiveyourEyeshadmadethroughmistake。Sure,Madam,youcannotbutremembermyDisorder,ofwhichyourInnocent(Innocent,thoughperhapstomeFatal)ErrormadeaCharitable(butwide)Construction。YourTonguepursuedtheVictoryofyourEyes,andyoudidnotgivemetimetorallymypoorDisorderedSenses,soastomakeatolerableRetreat。Pardon,Madam,theContinuationoftheDeceipt,andcallitnotso,thatIappear’dtobeotherthanmyself;forHeavenknowsIwasnotthenmyself,noramInowmyown。Youtoldmesomethingthatconcern’dmenearly,astoaMarriagemyFatherdesign’dme,andmuchmorenearlyinbeingtoldbyyou。ForHeaven’ssake,disclosenottoanyBodyyourKnowledgeofme,thatImaynotbeforcedtoanimmediateActofDisobedience;forifmyfutureServicesandinviolateLove,cannotrecommendmetoyourFavour,IshallfindmorecomfortinthecoldEmbracesofaGrave,thanintheArmsoftheneversomuchadmired(butbymedreaded)Juliana。Think,Madam,ofthosesevereCircumstancesIlieunder;andwithalIbegyou,thinkitisinyourPower,andonlyinyourPower,tomakethemhappyasmyWishes,ormuchmoremiserablethanIamabletoimagine。Thatdear,inestimable(thoughundesign’d)FavourwhichIreceiv’dfromyou,shallthisDaydistinguishmefromtheCrowdofyourAdmirers;thatwhichIreallyappliedtomyinwardbleedingWound,thewelcomWoundwhichyouhavemade,andwhich,unlessfromyou,doeswishnoCure;

  thenpardonandhavepityon,OAdoredLeonora,him,whoisyour’sbyCreationasheisHeaven’s,thoughneversounworthy。HavepityonYourAurelian。

  ShereadtheLetteroverandover,thenflungitby,thenreaditagain;theNoveltyoftheAdventuremadeherrepeatherCuriosity,andtakemorethanordinaryPainstounderstandit。AtlastherFamiliaritywiththeExpressionsgrewtoanIntimacy,andwhatsheatfirstpermittedshenowbegantolike。Shethoughttherewassomethinginitalittlemoreserious,thantobebarelyGallantry。

  ShewondredatherownBlindness,andfancy’dshecouldremembersomethingofamorebecomingAirintheStrangerthanwasusualtoLorenzo。Thisthoughtwasparenttoanotherofthesamekind,tillalongChainsuccessivelyhadBirth,andeveryonesomewhatmorethanother,inFavourofthesupposedAurelian。ShereflecteduponhisDiscretion,indeferringtheDiscoveryofhimself,tillalittletimehad,asitwere,weanedherfromherperswasion,andbyremovingherfartherfromherMistake,hadpreparedherforafullanddeterminateConvincement。ShethoughthisBehaviour,inpersonatingaSickMansoreadily,uponthefirsthintwasnotamiss,andsmil’dtothinkofhisExcusetoprocureherHandkerchief;andlastofall,hissiftingouttheMeanstowritetoher,whichhehaddonewiththatModestyandRespect,shecouldnottellhowtofindfaultwithit。

  ShehadproceededthusfarinamazeofThought,whenshestartedtofindherselfsolosttoherReason,andwouldhavetrodbackagainthatpathofdeludingFancy;accusingherselfofFondness,andinconsiderateEasiness,ingivingCredittotheLetterofaPersonwhoseFacesheneversaw,andwhosefirstAcquaintancewithherwasaTreachery,andhewhocouldsoreadilydeliverhisTongueofaLyeuponaSurprize,wasscarcetobetrustedwhenhehadsufficientTimeallow’dhimtobegetaFiction,andMeanstoperfecttheBirth。

  HowdidsheknowthistobeAurelian,ifhewere?Nayfarther,putittotheExtremity,WhatifsheshoulduponfartherConversationwithhimproceedtoLovehim?WhatHopeswerethereforher?OrhowcouldsheconsenttoMarryaManalreadyDestinedforanotherWoman?

  nay,aWomanthatwasherFriend,whoseMarryingwithhimwastocompleatthehappyReconciliationofTwoNobleFamilies,andwhichmightpreventtheEffusionofmuchBloodlikelytobeshedinthatQuarrel:Besides,sheshouldincurrshareoftheGuilt,whichhewoulddrawuponhimbyDisobediencetohisFather,whomshewassurewouldnotbeconsentingtoit。

  ’Tisstrangenow,butallAccountsagree,thatjusthereLeonora,whohadrunlikeaviolentStreamagainstAurelianhitherto,nowretortedwithasmuchprecipitationinhisFavour。IcouldnevergetanyBodytogivemeasatisfactoryreason,forhersuddainanddextrousChangeofOpinionjustatthatstop,whichmademeconcludeshecouldnothelpit;andthatNatureboil’doverinheratthattimewhenithadsofairanOpportunitytoshowitself:ForLeonoraitseemswasaWomanBeautiful,andotherwiseofanexcellentDisposition;butintheBottomaveryWoman。ThislastObjection,thisOpportunityofperswadingMantoDisobedience,determinedtheMatterinFavourofAurelian,morethanallhisExcellenciesandQualifications,takehimasAurelian,orHippolito,orbothtogether。

  Well,theSpiritofContradictionandofEvewasstronginher;andshewasinafairWaytoLoveAurelian,forshelik’dhimalready;

  thatitwasAurelianshenolongerdoubted,forhaditbeenaVillain,whohadonlytakenhisNameuponhimforanyillDesigns,hewouldneverhaveslip’dsofavourableanOpportunityaswhentheywerealoneandintheNightcomingthroughtheGardenandbroadSpacebeforethePiazza。Inshort,thusmuchsheresolv’d,atleasttoconcealtheKnowledgeshehadofhim,ashehadentreatedherinhisLetter,andtomakeparticularRemarksofhisBehaviourthatDayintheLists,whichshouldithappentoCharmherwithanabsolutelikingofhisPerson,sheresolv’dtodressherselftothebestAdvantage,andmusteringupallherGraces,outofpureRevengetokillhimdownright。

  IwouldnothavetheReadernowbeimpertinent,andlookuponthistobeforce,orawhimoftheAuthor’s,thataWomanshouldproceedsofarinherApprobationofaManwhomsheneversaw,thatitisimpossible,thereforeridiculoustosupposeit。LetmetellsuchaCritick,thatheknowsnothingoftheSex,ifhedoesnotknowthatWomanmaybetakenwiththeCharacterandDescriptionofaMan,whengeneralandextraordinary,thatshemaybeprepossess’dwithanagreeableIdeaofhisPersonandConversation;andthoughshecannotimaginehisrealFeatures,ormannerofWit,yetshehasageneralNotionofwhatiscall’dafineGentleman,andisprepar’dtolikesuchaonewhodoesnotdisagreewiththatCharacter。Aurelian,asheboreaveryfairCharacter,sowasheextreamlydeservingtomakeitgood,whichotherwaysmighthavebeentohisprejudice;foroftentimes,throughanimprudentIndulgencetoourFriendsmerit,wegivesolargeaDescriptionofhisexcellencies,thatPeoplemakemoreroomintheirExpectation,thantheIntrinsickworthoftheManwillfill,whichrendershimsomuchthemoredespicableasthereisemptynesstospare。’Tiscertain,thoughtheWomenseldomfindthatout;forthoughtheydonotseesomuchinaManaswaspromised,yettheywillbesokindtoimaginehehassomehiddenexcellencies;

  whichtimemaydiscovertothem,soarecontenttoallow,himaconsiderableshareoftheiresteem,andtakehimintoFavouruponTick。AurelianashehadgoodCredit,sohehadagoodStocktosupportit,andhisPersonwasagoodpromisingSecurityforthepaymentofanyObligationhecouldlieundertotheFairSex。

  Hippolito,whoatthistimewasourAurelian,didnotatalllessenhiminappearingforhim:SothatalthoughLeonorawasindeedmistaken,shecouldnotbesaidtobemuchinthewrong。IcouldfindinmyHearttobegtheReader’spardonforthisDigression,ifI

  thoughthewouldbesensibleoftheCivility;forIpromisehim,IdonotintendtodoitagainthroughouttheStory,thoughImakeneversomany,andthoughhetakethemneversoill。ButbecauseIbeganthisuponabareSuppositionofhisImpertinence,whichmightbesomewhatimpertinentinmetosuppose,Ido,andhopetomakehimamendsbytellinghim,thatbythetimeLeonorawasdress’d,severalLadiesofheracquaintancecametoaccompanyhertotheplacedesignedfortheTilting,wherewewillleavethemdrinkingChocholatetill’tistimeforthemtogo。

  OurCavaliershadbygoodFortuneprovidedthemselvesoftwocuriousSuitsoflightArmour,finelyenammelledandgilt。HippolitohadsenttoPoggioImperialeforacoupleoffineledHorseswhichhehadlefttherewiththerestofhisTrainathisentranceintoFlorence。

  MountedontheseandeverywaywellEquipt,theytooktheirway,attendedonlybytwoLacqueys,towardtheChurchdiSantaCroce,beforewhichtheyweretoperformtheirExercisesofChivalry。

  HippolitoworeuponhisHelmalargePlumeofCrimsonFeathers,inthemidstofwhichwasartificiallyplacedLeonora’sHandkerchief。

  HisArmourwasgilt,andenammell’dwithGreenandCrimson。AurelianwasnotsohappyastowearanytokentorecommendhimtothenoticeofhisMistress,sohadonlyaPlumeofSky-colourandWhiteFeathers,suitabletohisArmour,whichwasSilverenammelledwithAzure。IshallnotdescribetheHabitsofanyotherCavaliers,oroftheLadies;letitsufficetotelltheReadertheywereallveryFineandveryGlorious,andlethimdresstheminwhatismostagreeabletohisownFancy。

  OurGallantsentredtheLists,andhavingmadetheirObeysancetohisHighness,turnedroundtosaluteandviewtheCompany。TheScaffoldwascircular,sothattherewasnoendoftheDelightfulProspect。

  Itseem’daGloryofBeautywhichshonearoundtheadmiringBeholders。OurLoverssoonperceivedtheStarswhichweretoRuletheirDestiny,whichsparkledalustrebeyondalltheinferiourConstellations,andseem’dliketwoSunstodistributeLighttoallthePlanetsinthatHeavenlySphere。LeonoraknewherSlavebyhisBadgeandblushedtilltheLiliesandRosesinhercheekshadresemblancetothePlumeofCrimsonandWhiteHandkerchiefinHippolito’sCrest。Hemadeheralowbow,andreinedhisHorsebackwithanextraordinaryGrace,intoarespectfulretreat。AureliansawhisAngel,hisbeautifulIncognita,andhadnootherwaytomakehimselfknowntoher,butbysalutingandbowingtoheraftertheSpanishmode;sheguess’dhimbyittobehernewServantHippolito,andsignifiedherapprehension,bymakinghimamoreparticularandobligingreturn,thantoanyoftheCavalierswhohadsalutedherbefore。

  TheExercisethatwastobeperform’dwasingeneralarunningattheRing;andafterwardstwoCavaliersundertooktodefendtheBeautyofDonnaCatharina,againstallwhowouldnotallowherpreheminenceoftheirMistresses。Thisthingwasonlydesignedforshowandform,nonepresumingthatanybodywouldputsogreatanaffrontupontheBrideandDuke’sKinswoman,astodisputeherpretentionstothefirstplaceintheCourtofVenus。ButhereourCavalierswereunderamistake;forseeingalargeShieldcarry’dbeforetwoKnights,withaLadypainteduponit;notknowingwho,butreadingtheInscriptionwhichwas(inlargeGoldLetters)AbovetheInsolenceofCompetition。

  Theythoughtthemselvesobliged,especiallyinthepresenceoftheirMistresses,tovindicatetheirBeauty;andwerejustspurringontoengagetheChampions,whenaGentlemanstoppingthem,toldthemtheirmistake,thatitwasthePictureofDonnaCatharina,andaparticularHonourdonetoherbyhisHighness’sCommands,andnottobedisputed。UponthistheywouldhavereturnedtotheirPost,muchconcernedfortheirmistake;butnoticebeingtakenbyDonFerdinandofsomeShowofOppositionthatwasmade,hewouldhavebeggedleaveoftheDuke,tohavemaintainedhisLady’sHonouragainsttheInsolenceofthoseCavaliers;buttheDukewouldbynomeanspermitit。Theywerearguingaboutitwhenoneofthemcameup,beforewhomtheShieldwasborn,anddemandedhisHighness’sPermission,toinformthoseGentlemenbetteroftheirmistake,bygivingthemtheFoyl。BytheIntercessionofDonFerdinand,leavewasgiventhem;

  whereuponaCivilChallengewassenttothetwoStrangers,informingthemoftheirError,andwithaltellingthemtheymusteithermaintainitbyforceofArms,ormakeapublickacknowledgmentbyridingbareheadedbeforethePictureonceroundtheLists。TheStranger-CavaliersremonstratedtotheDukehowsensibletheywereoftheirError,andthoughtheywouldnotjustifieit,yettheycouldnotdeclinetheCombate,beingpressedtoitbeyondanhonourablerefusal。TotheBridetheysentaComplement,wherein,havingfirstbegg’dherpardonfornotknowingherPicture,theygavehertounderstand,thatnowtheywerenotabouttodisputeherundoubtedrighttotheCrownofBeauty,butthehonourofbeingherChampionswasthePrizetheyfoughtfor,whichtheythoughtthemselvesasabletomaintainasanyotherPretenders。Whereforetheypray’dher,thatiffortunesofarbefriendedtheirendeavoursastomakethemVictors,thattheymightreceivenootherReward,buttobecrown’dwiththeTitlesoftheirAdversaries,andbeeverafteresteem’dashermosthumbleServants。Theexcusewassohandsomelydesigned,andmuchbetterexpress’dthanitishere,thatittookeffect。TheDuke,DonFerdinandandhisLadyweresowellsatisfiedwithitastogranttheirRequest。

  WhiletherunningattheRinglasted,ourCavaliersalternatelyboreawaygreatshareoftheHonour。ThatSportended,MarshalswereappointedfortheField,andeverythingingreatformsettledfortheCombat。TheCavalierswereallingoodearnest,butordersweregiventobring’embluntedLances,andtoforbidthedrawingofaSworduponpainofhisHighness’sDispleasure。TheTrumpetssoundedandtheybegantheirCourse:TheLadies’Hearts,particularlytheIncognitaandLeonora’sbeattimetotheHorsesHoofs,andhopeandfearmadeamockFightwithintheirtenderBreasts,eachwishinganddoubtingsuccesswhereshelik’d:ButasthegeneralityoftheirPrayerswereforthegracefulStrangers,theyaccordinglysucceeded。

  Aurelian’sAdversarywasunhorsedinthefirstEncounter,andHippolito’slostbothStirrupsanddropthisLancetosavehimself。

  TheHonouroftheFieldwasimmediatelygrantedtothem,andDonCatharinasentthembothFavours,whichshepray’dthemtowearasherKnights。TheCrowdbreakingup,ourCavaliersmadeashifttostealoffunmarked,savebythewatchfulLeonoraandIncognita,whoseEyeswereneverofffromtheirrespectiveServants。Therewasenquirymadeforthem,buttonopurpose;fortheytopreventtheirbeingdiscoveredhadpreparedanotherHouse,distantfromtheirLodging,whereaServantattendedtodisarmthem,andanothercarriedbacktheirHorsestotheVilla,whiletheywalkedunsuspectedtotheirLodging;butIncognitahadgivencommandtoaPagetodog’emtilltheEvening,atadistance,andbringherwordwheretheywerelatesthoused。

  WhileseveralConjecturespass’damongtheCompany,whowereallgonetoDinneratthePalace,whothoseCavaliersshouldbe,DonFabiothoughthimselftheonlyManabletoguess;forheknewforcertainthathisSonandHippolitowerebothinTown,andwaswellenoughpleasedwithhishumourofremainingIncognitotilltheDiversionsshouldbeover,believingthenthatthesurprizeofhisDiscoverywouldaddmuchtotheGallantryhehadshowninMasquerade;buthearingtheextraordinarylikingthateverybodyexpress’d,andinaparticularmanner,thegreatDukehimself,tothePersonsandBehaviouroftheunknownCavaliers,theOldGentlemancouldnotforbeartheVanitytotellhisHighness,thathebelievedhehadaninterestinoneoftheGentlemen,whomhewaspleasedtohonourwithsofavourableaCharacter;andtoldhimwhatreasonhehadtobelievetheonetobehisSon,andtheotheraSpanishNobleman,hisFriend。

  Thisdiscoveryhavingthusgotvent,wasdiffusedlikeAir;everybodysuck’ditin,andletitoutagainwiththeirBreathtothenexttheymetwithal;andinhalfanhourstimeitwastalkedofintheHousewhereourAdventurerswerelodged。AurelianwasstarkmadattheNews,andknewwhatsearchwouldbeimmediatelymadeforhim。

  Hippolito,hadhenotbeendesperatelyinLove,wouldcertainlyhavetakenHorseandridoutofTownjustthen,forhecouldmakenolongerdoubtofbeingdiscovered,andhewasafraidofthejustExceptionsLeonoramightmaketoaPersonwhohadnowdeceivedhertwice。Well,wewillleavethembothfrettingandcontrivingtonopurpose,tolookaboutandseewhatwasdoneatthePalace,wheretheirdoomwasdeterminedmuchquickerthantheyimagined。

  Dinnerended,theDukeretiredwithsomechosenFriendstoaGlassofWine;amongwhomweretheMarquessofViterboandDonFabio。HisHighnesswasnoStrangertothelongFewdthathadbeenbetweenthetwoFamilies,andalsounderstoodwhatOverturesofReconciliationhadbeenlatelymade,withtheProposalsofMarriagebetweenAurelianandtheMarquess’sDaughter。HavingwaitedtilltheWinehadtakentheeffectproposed,andtheCompanywereraisedtoanuncommonpitchofChearfulness,whichhealsoencouragedbyanExampleofFreedomandGoodHumour,hetookanopportunityofrallyingthetwograveSigniorsintoanAccommodation:ThatwassecondedwiththepraisesoftheyoungCouple,andthewholeCompanyjoinedinalargeEncomiumupontheGracesofAurelianandtheBeautiesofJuliana。TheoldFellowsweretickledwithDelighttoheartheirDarlingssoadmired,whichtheDukeperceiving,outofaPrincipleofGenerosityandFriendship,urgedthepresentConsummationoftheMarriage;tellingthemtherewasyetonedayofpublickRejoycingtocome,andhowgladheshouldbetohaveitimprovedbysoacceptableanAlliance;andwhatanhonouritwouldbetohavehisCousin’sMarriageattendedbytheConjunctionofsoextraordinaryaPair,theperformanceofwhichCeremonywouldcrowntheJoythatwastheninAgitation,andmakethelastdayvieforequalGloryandHappinesswiththefirst。Inshort,bytheComplaisantandPerswasiveAuthorityoftheDuke,theDonswerewroughtintoaCompliance,andaccordinglyembracedandshookHandsupontheMatter。ThisNewswasdispersedliketheformer,andDonFabiogaveordersfortheenquiringouthisSon’sLodging,thattheMarquessandhemightmakehimaVisit,assoonashehadacquaintedJulianawithhispurpose,thatshemightprepareherself。

  HefoundherverychearfulwithDonnaCatharinaandseveralotherLadies;whereupontheoldGentleman,prettywellwarmedwiththeDuke’sGoodfellowship,toldheraloudhewascometocrowntheirMirthwithanotherWedding;thathisHighnesshadbeenpleasedtoprovideaHusbandforhisDaughter,andhewouldhaveherprovideherselftoreceivehimto-morrow。AlltheCompanyatfirst,aswellasJulianaherself,thoughthehadrally’d,tilltheDukecominginconfirmedtheseriouspartofhisDiscourse。Julianawasconfoundedatthehastethatwasimposedonher,anddesiredalittletimetoconsiderwhatshewasabout。ButtheMarquesstoldher,sheshouldhavealltherestofherLifetoconsiderin;thatAurelianshouldcomeandconsiderwithherintheMorning,ifshepleased;butinthemeantime,headvisedhertogohomeandcallherMaidstoCounsel。

  JulianatookherleaveoftheCompanyverygravely,asifnotmuchdelightedwithherFather’sRallery。Leonorahappenedtobeby,andheardallthatpassed;shewasreadytoswoon,andfoundherselfseizedwithamoreviolentPassionthaneverforAurelian:Nowuponherapprehensionsoflosinghim,heractivefancyhadbroughthimbeforeherwithalltheadvantagesimaginable,andthoughshehadbeforefoundgreattendernessinherInclinationtowardhim,yetwasshesomewhatsurprizedtofindshereallylov’dhim。Shewassouneasieatwhatshehadheard,thatshethoughtitconvenienttostealoutofthepresenceandretiretoherCloset,tobemoanherunhappyhelplessCondition。

  OurTwoCavalier-Lovershadrack’dtheirInventiontillitwasquitedisabled,andcouldnotmakediscoveryofoneContrivancemorefortheirRelief。Bothsatsilent,eachdependinguponhisFriend,andstillexpectingwhent’othershouldspeak。Nightcameuponthemwhiletheysatethusthoughtless,orratherdrownedinThought;butaServantbringingLightsintotheRoomawakenedthem:AndHippolito’sSpeech,usher’dbyaprofoundSigh,brokeSilence。

  ’Well!(saidhe)whatmustwedo,Aurelian?Wemustsuffer,repliedAurelianfaintly。WhenimmediatelyraisinghisVoice,hecry’dout,’OhyeunequalPowers,whydoyeurgeustodesirewhatyedoomustoforbear;giveusaWilltochuse,thencurbuswithaDutytorestrainthatChoice!CruelFather,Willnothingelsesuffice!AmI

  tobetheSacrificetoexpiateyourOffencespast;pastereIwasborn?WereItolosemyLife,I’dgladlySealyourReconcilementwithmyBlood。’ButOhmySoulisfree,youhavenoTitletomyImmortalBeing,thathasExistenceindependentofyourPower;andmustIlosemyLove,theExtractofthatBeing,theJoy,Light,Life,andDarlingofmySoul?No,I’llownmyFlame,andpleadmyTitletoo。——Buthold,wretchedAurelian,hold,whitherdoesthyPassionhurrythee?Alas!thecruelfairIncognitaLovestheenot!SheknowsnotofthyLove!Ifshedid,whatMerithastthoutopretend?——

  OnlyLove。——ExcessofLove。AndalltheWorldhasthat。Allthathaveseenher。YetIhadonlyseenheronce,andinthatonceI

  lov’dabovetheWorld;nay,lov’dbeyondmyself,suchvigorousFlame,sostrong,soquickshedartedatmyBreast;itmustrebound,andbyReflection,warmherself。Ah!welcomeThought,lovelydeludingFancy,hangstilluponmySoul,letmebutthink,thatoncesheLovesandperishmyDespair。

  HereasuddainstopgaveaPeriodalsotoHippolito’sExpectation,andhehopednowthathisFriendhadgivenhisPassionsofreeavent,hemightrecollectandbethinkhimselfofwhatwasconvenienttobedone;butAurelia,asifhehadmusteredupallhisSpiritspurelytoacquithimselfofthatpassionateHarangue,stoodmuteandinsensiblelikeanAlarumClock,thathadspentallitsforceinoneviolentEmotion。HippolitoshookhimbytheArmtorouzehimfromhisLethargy,whenhisLacqueycomingintotheRoom,outofBreath,toldhimtherewasaCoachjuststopp’dattheDoor,buthedidnottaketimetowhocameinit。AurelianconcludedimmediatelyitwashisFatherinquestofhim;andwithoutsayinganymoretoHippolito,thanthathewasRuinedifdiscovered,tookhisSwordandslipp’ddownabackpairofStairsintotheGarden,fromwhenceheconveyedhimselfintotheStreet。Hippolitohadnotbethoughthimselfwhattodo,beforeheperceiv’daLadycomeintotheChambercloseveil’d,andmaketowardhim。AtthefirstAppearanceofaWoman,hisImaginationflatteredhimwithaThoughtofLeonora;butthatwasquicklyoveruponnearerApproachtotheLady,whohadmuchtheAdvantageinStatureofhisMistress。Heverycivillyaccostedher,andaskedifhewerethePersontowhomtheHonourofthatVisitwasintended。Shesaid,herBusinesswaswithDonHippolitodiSaviolina,towhomshehadMatterofConcerntoimport,andwhichrequiredhaste。Hehadliketohavetoldher,ThathewastheMan,butbygoodChancereflectinguponhisFriend’sAdventure,whohadtakenhisname,hemadeAnswer,thathebelievedDonHippolitonotfaroff,andifshehadaMomentsPatiencehewouldenquireforhim。

  Hewentout,leavingtheLadyintheRoom,andmadesearchallroundtheHouseandGardenforAurelian,buttonopurpose。TheLadyimpatientofhislongstaytookaPenandInkandsomePaperwhichshefoundupontheTable,andhadjustmadeanEndofherLetter,whenhearingaNoiseofmorethanonecomingupStairs,sheconcludedhisFriendhadfoundhim,andthatherLetterwouldbetonopurpose,sotoreitinpieces,whichsherepented;whenturningabout,shefoundherMistake,andbeheldDonFabioandtheMarquessofViterbojustentringattheDoor。ShegaveaShriekattheSurprizeoftheirAppearance,whichmuchtroubledtheOldGentlemen,andmadethemretireinConfusionforputtingaGentlewomanintosuchaFright。

  TheMarquessthinkingtheyhadbeenmisinformed,orhadmistakentheLodgings,cameforwardagain,andmadeanApologytotheLadyfortheirErrour;butshemakingnoreply,walk’ddirectlybyhimdownStairsandwentintoherCoach,whichhurriedherawayasspeedilyastheHorseswereabletodraw。

  TheDonswereatalosswhattothink,when,HippolitocomingintotheRoomtogivetheLadyanAccountofhisErrant,wasnolessastonishedtofindshewasdeparted,andhadleftTwoOldSigniorsinherstead。HeknewDonFabio’sFace,forAurelianhadshewnhimhisFatherattheTilting;butbeingconfidenthewasnotknowntohim,heventur’dtoaskhimconcerningaLadywhomjustnowhehadleftinthatChamber。DonFabiotoldhim,shewasjustgonedown,anddoubtedtheyhadbeenGuiltyofaMistake,incomingtoenquireforaCoupleofGentlemenwhomtheywereinformedwereLodgedinthatHouse;hebegg’dhisPardonifhehadanyRelationtothatLady,anddesiredtoknowifhecouldgivethemanyAccountofthePersonstheysoughtfor。Hippolitomadeanswer,HewasaStrangerinthePlace,andonlyaServanttothatLadywhomtheyhaddisturb’d,andwhomhemustgoandseekout。AndinthisPerplexityheleftthem,goingagaininSearchofAurelian,toinformhimofwhathadpassed。

  TheOldGentlemenatlastmeetingwithaServantoftheHouse,weredirectedtoSigniorClaudio’sChamber,wheretheywerenosoonerenteredbutAureliancameintotheHouse。AServantwhohadskulk’dforhimbyHippolito’sOrder,followedhimupintotheChamber,andtoldhimwhowaswithClaudiothenmakingEnquiryforhim。HethoughtthattobenoPlaceforhim,sinceClaudiomustneedsdiscoveralltheTruthtohisFather;whereforeheleftDirectionswiththeServant,whereHippolitoshouldmeethimintheMorning。AshewasgoingoutoftheRoomheespiedthetornPaper,whichtheLadyhadthrownupontheFloor:ThefirstpiecehetookuphadIncognitawrittenuponit;thesightofwhichsoAlarum’dhim,hescarceknewwhathewasabout;buthearingaNoiseofaDooropeningoverHead,withasmuchCareaswasconsistentwiththehastehewasthenin,hegatheredupscatteredpiecesofPaper,andbetookhimselftoaRambleComingbyaLightwhichhungattheCornerofaStreet,hejoin’dthetornPapersandcollectedthusmuch,thatIncognitahadWrittentheNote,andearnestlydesired(iftherewereanyrealityinwhathepretendedtoher)tomeetheratTwelveaClockthatNightataConventGate;butunluckilytheBitofPaperwhichshouldhavementionedwhatConvent,wasbrokenoffandlost。

  HerewasalargeSubjectforAurelian’sPassion,whichhedidnotsparetopourforthinAbundanceofCursesonhisStars。SoearnestwasheintheContemplationofhisMisfortunes,thathewalk’donunwittingly;tillatlengthSilence(andsuchaswasonlytobefoundinthatparttheTown,whitherhisunguidedStepshadcarriedhim)

  surpriz’dhisAttention。Isay,aprofoundSilencerouzedhimfromhisThought;andaclapofThundercouldhavedonenomore。

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