THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.
PART I.

SIcily enjoyed great Satisfacti­on in the Reign of Men­froy; that Prince having all the Qualities which obtain the Admiration of the People. He had render'd himself formidable both in Spain and Italy, and tho' he had no other Enemies than those his Valour had occasioned, [Page 2] he had already given several Bat­tels; and it is certain, that he conquered as often as he fought. Queen Cassandra, his Wife, Daugh­ter of Roger King of Naples, was likewise an accomplish'd Prin­cess, having all the Virtues that can be wish'd for in a Great Queen; and the King, who lo­ved her with an extraordinary Affection, would have had no­thing more to desire, if Heaven had not deprived him of several Princes whom the Queen had brought into the World. This misfortune of their Family, made a great part of their Lives very afflicting, Daughters not being capable of Succeeding in the Crown, that Kingdom must in­evitably have fallen into the hands of Berranger, King of Majorca, Minorca, and Terra Nova, his Cousin-German, and greatest E­nemy. [Page 3] These two Kings being extraordinarily animated against one another, would never have suspended the Effects of their Ha­tred, if Prince Ordogne, Count of Barcelonna, and their Allies, had not made them agree to a Truce, which they represented to be necessary for the Repose of their People. The King of Sicily, notwithstanding the Advantages he had over Berranger, was pre­vailed with to consent to this Proposition; for indeed, conti­nual Victory does almost as much weary the Conquerour as the Vanquished; and the King of Majorca being brought into De­spair, through the ill Success of his Arms, accepted though with Repugnance, all the Conditions that the King of Sicily imposed upon him, hoping, that by the Length of the Truce, he might [Page 4] the better put himself in a Posture of resisting the Forces of Menfroy, who had almost exhausted all those of his Kingdom. Those kind of Treaties that are made out of Necessity do not put an end to Quarrels, they only help to fo­ment them, and the Moment of seeing them revived, is impatient­ly expected. Such were the Sen­timents of Berranger, and which he endeavoured to inspire, as much as possible, in young Amaldee his Son, and the young Camilla, as soon as they came out of their Nurses Arms. The King of Sicily being returned to Messina, the place of his usual Residence, found the Queen his Wife ready to lye in. This Princ [...]ss, who through the loss of her Children, was be­come insensible of any Joy, re­ceived the King with all the Ten­derness she was capable of, but [Page 5] with a Languishing and Deject­edness that cannot be conceived. The King made it his Business to divert her Grief, putting her in hopes that Heaven would be more favourable to them, and that it would perhaps conserve the Child with which she went; but, if by Misfortune she was delivered of a Girl, he was resolved to conceal her Sex, and to bring her up as a Prince Majeur, a Name conse­crated in Sicily, as the Prince of Wales in England, for to exclude Berranger from hopes of succeed­ing in his Crown. The Queen did willingly agree to this De­sign; and some days after, she was brought to Bed of a Princess, who was called Frederick, a Name famous in Sicily. The Nurse, Go­verness, and the Lord High Ad­miral, were the only Persons who had the Secret of this important [Page 6] Mystery. The Queen dyed some time after, whose Loss, occasion­ed a publick Affliction, the King being infinitely grieved, and re­ceived no Consolation, but what the sight of Frederick afforded him; of whom, he took a most particular Care. And indeed, ne­ver was Prince better bred than this; his Natural Endowments be­ing polished by a good Educati­on, quickly rendred him the most accomplished of all those of his Age. He was a Prodigy of Beau­ty; but his Wit surpassed the Charms of his Person, whereof, he gave early and considerable Instances.

The young Prince of Naples, called Leon, who was brought up with Frederick, walking one day with him, and seeing a Num­ber of fair Ladies, attended by a Throng of Courtiers, they conti­nued [Page 7] their Walk, with great In­difference as to those who follow­ed them; which Prince Leon ta­king notice of, You must confess, said he to Frederick, that we are no great Gallants, since we are so solitary in the Presences of so ma­ny Beauties. You are in the right, replyed Frederick; we might at least agreeably employ our Eyes, though our Hearts are not yet in a State of being sensi­sible; but it is perhaps, the little Peril we should thereby run, that makes us so negligent of pursuing it. The Truth is, dear Cousin, said Leon to him, with an Inge­nuity altogether charming, I am very far from running any such Danger; and hitherto, I find in my self so little Disposition to Love, that it would require a great deal of time to prepare me for the least Sence of it. There [Page 8] needs no more, replyed Frederick gallantly, than two Eyes, and perhaps not so many Years, to make you change your Stile. But you, said the Prince of Naples once again, Do not you find something surprizing in what they tell us of Love, whom they describe to us as an Infant, and however, would persuade us, that he is a dreadful Enemy? I know not what to think of it, said Fre­derick to him, but perhaps we shall find him more formidable when we are less childish. It was thus that those two lovely Princes entertained themselves at the Age of twelve Years. In the mean while, Endeavours were used to inspire Frederick with as much Indifference as was necessary for the Personage he was to repre­sent; and more particularly, they insinuated into him, that to reign [Page 9] peaceably upon his Throne, it was requisite he should reign over his own Heart. The King his Father had taken Care to instruct him betimes with the Reasons of his Disguise; and had made him promise, that during his Life, and that of Berranger, he would ne­ver discover what he was, for the depriving his Enemy of the Hopes of succeeding him in Sicily. Fre­derick embraced these Sentiments, and knew no other Passion than that of reigning. At length, ha­ving attained to the Age of seven­teen Years, he was instructed in all the Exercises that are in use with Men; wherein, he so excel­led, that he seemed the most ac­complished Prince of his Time. His Stature, though tall for a Woman, was middle seized for a Man, but so full of Sweetness, that it was impossible to forbear being [Page 10] charmed with it. His Eyes were black, sparkling, and sweet, min­gled with a Flame, and an enga­ging Languishing: in short, all his Person was composed after such a manner, as was capable of inspiring the most insensible with Affection. Having attained to that Season wherein Love commits so many Disorders, he began to ob­serve himself more strictly, well knowing, that if that Passion was so much to be avoided by all Peo­ple, it was much more so for him, who would be obliged to keep very perplexing Measures with those should have rendred him sensible. He saw daily a number of handsome Princes, and having examined himself, he did not yet find any Motions, which he could be any ways apprehen­sive of. Besides, he imagined that his Disguise sheltring him from [Page 11] the Gallantries of Lovers, would likewise secure him against the Attempts of Love: but therein he was mistaken in his Accounts. He quickly perceived by the Con­quests that his good Meen had made, that a Passion may be pro­duced without the help of ano­ther. Several Beauties sighed for him in secret, and some, openly enough to make themselves un­derstood; insomuch, that the Crowd of his Mistresses importu­ning him, he imagined, that his best Course would be to dissem­ble an Intrigue, by which means, he would deprive them of their Hopes, and by Consequence, di­vert the Designs they might have upon his Heart. Besides, being persuaded that Gallantry is very becoming a young Prince, he was willing to affect a Passion, whose Appearances could be no ways troublesome.

[Page 12] Yolanda, the Lord High Ad­miral's Daughter, seemed the most proper for his Design, she was aimable enough to imagine her self beloved, upon the least Decla­ration, and young enough not to distinguish a real from a feigned Passion. Nor was he deceived in all these Conjectures. Yolandeck loved him in good Earnest, and all those who might have been capable of pursuing any Designs against the Liberty of this Prince, and who had made too much hast to present him with their Hearts disengaged themselves as soon as they perceived that he payed his Vows to this Lady. Only Ame­dea, the Lord Admiral's second Wife, whom her Husband had never acquainted with the Cheat that was put upon all the Earth, was deceived therein as well as others; and likewise, observed [Page 13] more Charms in the Person of Frederick, since her Daughter-in-Law had seemed to her to have a Kindness for him. She saw him every day; and finding his way of loving very delicate, she endea­vours to divert Vows that were only imaginary. She was beauti­ful, and had not yet attained to thirty Years, which is not an Age to discard Lovers: And tho' her haughty and imperious Carriage would have discouraged all those whom her Beauty had made her Conquests; she imagined, that by abating something in Favour of the Prince, she would make him the more value what she did only for his sake; wherefore, her Eyes spoke, but spoke to no pur­pose. When Love does not make it self known to a Heart, it is Death to the Language of the Eyes: there wanted a Clearer Ex­plication [Page 14] with Frederick, who was free from any amorous Im­pression. But, the Admiral's La­dy was not of a Humour, to pro­ceed so far; and her Passion be­ing constrained to contain it self within the too narrow Bounds, which her Haughtiness prescribed, it manifested it self by cold and despising Looks, which she had the Confidence to treat that Prince with, when he came to pay her Visits out of Devoir, that he might see, at the same time, her Daugh­ter-in-law, whom she had ever in her Eye, since the Discovery she had made of her Amour with Fre­derick.

In the mean while, the passio­nate Yolanda was forbidden to look upon the Prince of Sicily as a Lover: But, she chose rather to deprive her self of so dear a Sight, han to consider as an other man, [Page 15] the Person whom her Heart had found so excelling; and went to a House her Father had, some Leagues from Messina, where shel­tring her self from the Persecution of her Mother-in-Law, she ima­gined, that by a little Absence, she should the more inflame the Passion of her Lover.

In the mean time, the Prince of Sicily seeing how easie it was for him to engage Hearts, he now grew willing to spare them out of Pitty. He had no other Intrigue during the time of Yolanda's ab­sence, having too little Acquain­tance with Love to amuse himself any longer with such kind of Fol­lies. Hunting was his greatest Divertisement, wherein, Prince Leon was his constant Compani­on. As they were one day return­ing from running a Stag, they saw a Vessel strangely battered by [Page 16] the Winds and Waves, which ha­ving forced it several times against the Rocks, notwithstanding the skill of the Pilots, it was going infallibly to suffer Shipwrack; whereupon, they sent their Ser­vant, who with Boats took up some Persons from the Wracks of this unfortunate Ship; and Fre­derick▪ having informed himself concerning them, with an unusu­al Curiosity, he was told, that they were apparently Persons of Quality, which their Air did sufficiently bespeak them. Frede­rick, by I know not what Instinct, being moved and concerned at their Misfortune, beseeched the King his Father to send for them to Court. Immediately, they were provided with all things necessa­ry; for all they had been able to do, was only to save their Lives, and their Baggage was lost with [Page 17] the rest of their Train. Leon came to the Palace a little before they arrived there, and having found out Frederick, they were discour­sing of the Pleasure they had had in Hunting, when they saw two persons come in equally well made, who drew their Eyes, and those of all the Court, being a man of a very high Appearance, accom­panied with a very beautiful La­dy, who, notwithstanding the Sad­ness and Grief that their Ship­wrack had caused in them, failed not to give Birth to far greater Dangers than that they had new­ly escaped. Leon was dazzled, and struck with the Beauty of so charming a Person; and looking upon Frederick, he observed in his Eyes the same Trouble with which he was agitated; he ima­gined to have found at the same time, a Mistress and a Rival; in­somuch [Page 18] that Jealousie and Love did together make their entrance into his Heart. We may say, that the Princess of Sicily found at the same moment, what ren­dred her both tender and uneasie, she saw a man so well made, that he might in some manner justifie the surprize of her Senses; He had the Noblest and finest shape that ever was, and above all, he had a Majestick Air, which the Princess entertain'd a design of vanquishing; but coming to cast her Eyes up­on the Fair One who accompa­nied him, she could not forbear letting loose a Sigh. It was the first she had started, that was sha­red between Spight and Love. This Lady had almost all the Features of him we have spoken of, but her white Hair, and her languishing Countenance, did hin­der at first the Company's taking [Page 19] notice of the Resemblance that was between them. How did that passionate Air, inspired in all probability by him who began to please the Princess of Sicily, appear to her an ill Omen, and how restless began she to be from that time! On the other side, the Princess of Majorca, for it was she and her Brother, who had newly escaped drowning, was sensible at the sight of Frede­rick, of a certain tender motion which she could not defend her self from. In short, those three Hearts which were taken in that same moment, seldom met in the sequel. Menfroy received them with all imaginable Civility. But they did not think convenient to make themselves known, before they were well acquainted with the Humours of those Persons who treated them so obligingly; they [Page 20] contented themselves with giving to understand, that they were of considerable Extraction, but that they were constrained by conside­rable Reasons to conceal still, for some time, their Names and their Fortune. They imagined, that they two only of all the Compa­ny being saved, they could not easily be discovered, and that their Ship having been sunk, the Sicilians had not had the leisure to take notice of the Colours. They found it no hard task to gain Credit in all they said of their Extraction, their Carriage and their Air did sufficiently shew it: People only suspected there might be some Gallantry between Persons whose Union was only occasioned by their Birth. But it is time to give an account how they were conducted into the Ter­ritories of Sicily.

[Page 21] Prince Ardalin Count of Bar­celona, being passionately in love with the Daughter of Berranger, whom he had seen at Majorca, where he had resided some time. He procured her consent to be­come his Wife: the Princess Ca­milla having a great Esteem for him, and being ingaged in no Passion, received his Vows with great Civility; which Ardalin's Passion made him take for some­thing more delicate. Being at length obliged to return to Bar­celona, he made her promise to be mindful of the Sentiments he had for her; and in a short time af­ter, his Ambassadour demanded her in Marriage of the King her Father, who finding the Match advantageous, did willingly give his consent. The Ceremonies that are usual being performed, they embarked, and Prince Amal­dee [Page 22] being desirous to conduct his Sister into Ardalin's Dominions, embarqued in the same Vessel that was newly cast away upon the Coast of Sicily. Ardalin was ex­pecting with great Impatience, so dearly beloved a Bride, while that the Caprice of Fortune and of Love possessed her elsewhere. Camilla was at first sight charmed with the Beauty and good Meen of Frederick, and thought it would be Injustice to refuse him, what she called Esteem. The Hatred of their Family, which she had from her Birth, ought to hinder her from entertaining any thing too interessing; for which Rea­son, she abandoned her self to Motions, which she imagined were in no wise to be feared: and besides, being defended by her natural Coldness, which had hindred her from making any o­ther [Page 23] Returns to Ardalin's Passion, than what meer Good Will af­forded; she could not be persua­ded that it would make any great­er Progress: but, Time made her know, that the Esteem she had for Frederick, was too particular for to be only meer Esteem; and comparing the Sentiments she had for him, whom she durst not so much as wish for her Lover, with those she had for the Prince who was to be her Husband, she found therein so great a Difference, that it amazed her. How! said she, shall the unfortunate Camilla leave her Heart in Messina, while that she goes languishing and desolate to spend her Days at Barcelonna; that must not be. Let us endea­vour at least, to defer so fatal a Marriage; let us implore the Friendship of a Brother, without discovering to him, however, [Page 24] what ought to be concealed from us our selves. Whereupon, she arose to go to his Apartment, when Prince Leon came into her's, with Design to prepossess her in his Favour, by preventing his pre­tended Rival in his Declaration, whom he fancyed to have ever eluded, by besieging her continu­ally. He found her so thought­ful and so dejected, that he had not the Power to speak to her; and these two unhappy Lovers, remained in a Silence, that would have melted with Pity all those who should have observed them; yet whereof they themselves did hardly take notice.

Prince Amaldee diverted them from it by his Arrival. He came to confer with his Sister about [...]e means of facilitating their Depar­ture: Leon being hindred by his Presence, from pursuing his De­sign, [Page 25] deferred the Declaration thereof, expecting a more favou­rable Juncture.

But the Princess of Sicily being alarmed and confused, to find I know not what new Motions in her Heart, which she could in no wise approve of, did all that was possible, to render them secret. That young Princess being accu­stomed to feign what she had not yet been sensible of, found it dif­ficult to conceal this real Affecti­on. All the Court did quickly observe this Change of her Hu­mor, which was imputed, with great Probability, to Yolanda's Absence; who, upon the Rumour of so tender an Effect, was willing to put an end to their mutual languishing, by restoring to him her Sight, and enjoying his: the Course she was, however, to steer was pretty nice in the Conjuncture [Page 26] of things. The Admiral's Lady, whom Frederick's Sadness did put very much out of Humor, was more to be feared than ever; but a Mistress does little value the Displeasure of a Mother in Law. Besides, a Friend she had at Court, who had given her Notice of the Condition the Prince was reduced to, proposed to her a secret In­terview between them, which it was easie for her to procure: whereupon, she returning to Court, did heap up Troubles on the miserable Frederick, who had too many Misfortunes of his own, for to be in a Condition to pity those of others. The Princess of Sicily did easily perceive, that notwithstanding the Complaisance of Amaldee, he had a terrible A­version for all the Nation, and which this Princess did not fail to apply to her self in particular, [Page 27] through the singular Interest she took therein: though she looked upon Camilla as her Rival, she failed not to pay her Visits very often, that she might see there her Lover, who notwithstauding his Indifference, appeared to her very lovely. She came once thither just as Prince Leon, in Despair of having found Camilla so ill dis­posed to hear him, was rising for to be gone. Camilla changed co­lour at the sight of Frederick, who blushed at the sight of Amal­dee, and Leon, out-raged to see all this Disorder, resolved to stay there still, that he might observe Motions that put him upon the Rack. Amaldee alone had so satis­fyed an Air, that the Princess of Sicily thought him the most hap­py of all men; and after a light Coversation, her Heart full of Sighs, which she found difficult [Page 28] to stifle, and her Eyes moist with Tears, which she could no lon­ger contain, she went away, not being able to support the sad Re­flection she made upon Amaldee's Happiness. But, the Princess Ca­milla had other Sentiments of this so precipitated Departure; and, having well observed the Disor­der of Frederick in the Presence of her Brother, she imagined, and applauded her self in secret, for being the Cause of it. Amaldee being left alone with his Sister, for Leon went away a Moment after Frederick, proposed to her the continuing of their Voyage, and told her, that they had re­mained too long in an Enemies Country, that it was requisite they should be gone with the soonest, and that too towards Barcelonna, where Prince Ardalin impatiently expected them. Camilla trembled [Page 29] at this Discourse, and putting all in practise for the deferring still, for some Time, that terrible De­parture, she made him consent, though with great Repugnance, to all she had a Mind.

In the mean while, he resolved to dispatch, privately, some one to the King his Father, for to give him notice of all that had happened since their Departure; and going out something dissatis­fied with his Sister's Change of Humor, he went to walk alone in the Palace Gardens.

Immediately, he heard some confused Voices; and approach­ing something nearer, he distin­guished that of Frederick, and that of Leon, who were parleying something sharply. I congratulate, said the Prince of Naples, your having made a Conquest, without being at the Trouble of the least [Page 30] Advance; your Vows are recei­ved before they are declared; and there is no pretending to any other than the Quality of an un­fortunate Lover, if a Man had a mind to engage in Sicily. Frede­rick had too many Affairs in his Mind to think of undeceiving him; insomuch, that he replyed with some Sharpness, As you did not consult me about the Choice of your Engagement, I do not think my self obliged to give you an Account of the Progress I shall make in mine; but believe me, let us continue Friends, a strange Lady should not disunite us; you ought not to understand me all together, but you shall know the rest, when it is fitting for me to tell it you. Then he quitted him for to go into a gloomy. Alley, where, letting a Loose to his Me­lancholy Humor, he remained [Page 31] in a certain Scituation, wherein, the Soul, as it were, being prey­ed upon by it's Lanquour, is ren­dred almost insensible, wherein we fly, if I may so say, from our selves, to give our selves up to the beloved Object, the Crowd of Thoughts, hindring us from being able to distinguish any one, and by having too much to re­solve on, we resolve on nothing.

In the mean while, the Prince of Majorca imagining that the two Princes▪ were his Sisters Lovers, he went to inform her of it, with­out thinking, that such Advertise­ments do ever further an amorous Passion instead of preventing it. Sister, said he, gallantly to her, You ought to be upon your Guard, the Princes of Sicily, and of Na­ples, have felt the Power of your Eyes; if I am not deceived, their Amour will put you to some [Page 32] Trouble. Brother, said Camilla to him, with a little Blush, if my Eyes could revenge us of all the Desolation that the Sicilians have committed in our Territories, why are not you willing I should em­ploy them against the Prince of Sicily? Ah! Sister, said Amaldee to her, How zealous are you to take up a Quarrel, whose Ven­geance ought not to be your Pro­vince▪ and in all Probability, How weakly would you defend your Heart against an Enemy, whom your Eyes are willing to attach? I confess, replyed the Princess, hurryed away by her Passion, Frederick appears lovely to me, and if he was sensible— Ah! it is too much interrupted, Amaldee, let us get out of the Hands and Dominions of a Prince, whose Merit is fatal to the Liber­ty of a Princess, who is to com­mand [Page 33] elsewhere. It is no longer time to think of that, said she to him, all in Tears, I am no longer Mistriss of my Heart, and all the Favour I demand of you, is, to prevent my becoming Princess of Barcelonna. Ah! Sister, said he to her, your Reason is asleep, when you ought to think of defending▪ your self; it is yet time enough, the first Motions are easiest to vanquish, Absence may secure your Resistance, content your self with the Delight of seeing the Power of your Charms, and do not em­ploy them against your self. This was the Counsel of a Prince, whose Experience was but small in Love. For, we cannot stop there, we are willing to enjoy the Fruit of a Conquest, and to what Purpose is being beloved, if we have not a Design to love? Ca­milla was well acquainted with [Page 34] these Maxims, she was not igno­rant of her Tenderness, and only aimed at being beloved, that she might not love in vain. How tender and moving an Idea did she represent to her self of the Sweets of a reciprocal Love! and notwithstanding the little Repose that these agreeable Thoughts af­forded her, how beautiful did she appear the next Day to the amo­rous Leon! This Prince not know­ing what to comprehend of Fre­derick's Discourse, came to inform himself of his Mistress, and to re­pair the Occasion he had failed of the Day before. Camilla had too tender Thoughts to keep up that haughty Air, which makes the boldest Lover tremble: there appeared so much Sweetness in her fair Eyes, that the Prince ima­gined that it was a fit Occasion to declare himself: he wavered [Page 35] more than once to speak through the inseparable Respect of a great passion; and through the Address of Camilla, who knowing his Thoughts, diverted the Conversa­tion of them with all the Liberty of a contented Mind. She pro­posed to him to go a walking, which he durst not refuse; and Prince Amaldee, at his Sisters De­sire, kept them Company. They came to a place where was an ad­mirable Eccho, and Amaldee pre­vailed with his Sister, to sing a Tune she had made some time be­fore; whereto, the Words were as follow.

[Page 36] When she had done singing, she heard another Person likewise exercising his Voice, which was Frederick, who was entertaining his Melancholy; and without ha­ving heard Camilla, was singing these words at some distance.

Camilla imagined, that she had so great a Share in what he sung, as obliged her to make an Answer; so that very seasonably remem­bring some Verses that Prince Ar­dalin [Page 37] had formerly learnt her, and which suting admirably well with the Subject, she sung them as they were couched, in these Terms.

Amaldee did but too well know the Vivacity of this so just Appli­cation which his Sister made, in Answer to Frederick's Verses; and Prince Leon imagined, that she had made them at that very Instant; Frederick alone, under­stood nothing of this Mystery; [Page 38] he was so possessed with his Pen­siveness, that nothing but the Cause was capable of diverting it. They approached him by little and little, and the Prince of Ma­jorca having some Indulgence for his Sister, whom he saw was for­ced to love by her Star, was willing to render her an Office that he would have done himself, if he had known what had passed in the Heart of Frederick; inso­much, that he dexterously drew aside Leon, though with terrible Violences.

Camilla had immediately an agreeable Transport to find her self alone with the Prince of Si­cily; but he made but ill Returns, and she maintained much better the Character of a Mistress, than he of a Gallant. His Eyes follow­ed Amaldee, and pursued him by languishing Looks, which endea­voured [Page 39] to draw the Prince of Majorca to him▪ Leon was ever casting his Eyes towards Camilla, who took little Notice of his amo­rous Actions: neither knew she what to think of Frederick's Pro­cedure, and was upon the Point of preventing what he ought to have said to her, and encourage by her Kindness, that Lover whom she could only accuse of too much Circumspection. Her Haughtiness, whereof Women have little when they are in Love, would not have been sufficient to have made her keep Measures; she would have spoken, if Prince Leon had not had too much Tenderness for to suffer hers to take it's Course. Be­ing become knowing in a short Time, he was easily inclined to think that Love had a great share in their mute Conversation; and believing that he had but too long [Page 40] permitted his Rival to enjoy what he imagined to merit, as much as he, his Return was something precipitated. This Incivility did not at all amaze Amaldee, but Ca­milla did sufficiently let him know her Displeasure, to hinder him another Time from such Im­portunate Interruptions, if Lovers can be ever more circumspect.

Though Frederick was over­joyed at his being so happily freed from so perplexed an Encounter, yet he fell immediately into an other of no less Intricacy. Yolan­da, as we have already said, be­ing concealed in Messina, gave him notice that same Evening of her Arrival, conjuring him to meet her in an Arbour, which her Friend had judged proper for the Assignation. Frederick was ob­liged to go thither, and knowing the Afflictions of an ill-rewarded [Page 41] Affection, he was not willing to be the Occasion of suffering them. Well, Prince, said Yolanda to him, at his coming, are not you full of Acknowledgment for the Sentiments I have ever enter­tained of you, and of the Trou­bles your Absence has given me. Frederick by deceiving her agree­ably, being willing to give a Loose to his own Passion, made Answer, Yes, my dear Yolanda, I have been tormented since your Absence, by all the Cruelties of Love; and I never knew what Grief was, till after I had been de­prived of the Delight of seeing you. He was going to continue, when he heard at a little distance the most lamentable shriek that can be. Camilla, whom her ill De­stiny had conducted just to the Place of the Rendevouz, which was not far from her Apartment, [Page 42] had heard the Princess's Voice, and discovered a Rival, at a time when she was so tenderly posses­sed with the sole Idea of Frede­rick, she was not able to support this Reverse, and fell into a swoon just at the place from whence the Voice came: Frederick ran thi­ther, and Yolanda withdrew, not being in a condition to give help to others, that might have ha­zarded her own Reputation, she only gave notice to her Friend of what had passed, who came thither in all haste, tho however too late. Berranger's Daughter had received, without knowing it, that assistance from the most cruel of her Persecutors; he took Water from a Fountain that was hard by, and having sprinkled some of it upon her Face, he made her easily come to her self. Perhaps that the Delight which [Page 43] her heart, tho in despair, felt at the approaches of the Person who had rendred her sensible, did con­tribute very much towards the making her recover the Use of her Senses; she opened her Eyes, and seeing her self in the hands of a Person who caused all her trouble, Vexation seized her soul, and following her first motion, she withdrew something rudely, and got to her Apartment, with­out turning towards him, who had newly rendred her that good Office, Where Love is outraged, it often takes every thing for Af­fronts. In short, the Princess, of Sicily being left alone, with her Mind full of its own Disquiets, she made but a Moments reflecti­on upon all these capricious In­cidents, which she also did with relation, that to her the like might happen, What a Night did Ca­milla [Page 44] pass! all the torments of Jealousie presented themselves to her Imagination; and tho her Choller had no Object to fix it self upon, she entertained a thou­sand Designs, against whomsoever it was that usurped from her that Heart which she had thought her self in possession of; then repent­ing on a sudden, she felt all those touching Motions that a generous and an afflicted Soul can be sensi­ble of, How? said she, is my Affection less violent for being concealed? and ought it to be ill rewarded for being produced something later than that, which my Ungrateful is so fond of? Mad that I am, added she, Shall I disturb the Peace of two Lo­vers, whom Heaven had united before I dream'd of being en­gag'd? No, let us leave them to enjoy all those Delights which I [Page 45] had vainly figured to my self, and let us not one moment di­vert them through the compassi­on of Miseries that I have drawn upon my self by having been too credulous. All these doleful thoughts kept her company as long as the Night continued; Day appeared before that her Mind could find a moment of Repose. Amaldee came, as he often did, to see her in her Cham­ber, and he having been the in­nocent cause of her Tears, at the sight of him she could not for­bear redoubling them. Ah! why have you seduced me by the de­ceiving Appearance of being be­loved by the Prince of Sicily? Why, by making me apprehen­sive of his Tenderness, should you render it so dangerous to me? Ah! continued she, seeing he made no Answer, Why did you [Page 46] not keep that Silence that would have spared me so many Tears? Why did you pronounce that fa­tal Word by it's enchanting Sweet­ness? —Heaven is my Witness, interrupted Amaldee, that my In­tention was to hinder you from loving by—Alas! interrupted Ca­milla, hastily, was that the way to hinder me from loving, by tel­ling me that I was beloved? Why did you not rather tell me, as was true, that he languishes for another? It would have made me sigh; but I should at least have avoided the mortal Troubles that devour me. She thereupon rela­ted to him all that she had hear'd, exagerating the thing as much as her Passion could inspire her, and endeavouring to exhale her Grief in Reproaches, she was not able to make an End. When Persons are something recovered from their [Page 47] first Transports, they aim at be­ing Eloquent, that they may at least make others share with them in their Misfortunes. But Amal­dee, judging that she wanted Re­pose, left it her in some kind, by leaving her Chamber, for she remained as motion-less after his departure, and found her self in that condition wherein we have already represented the Princess of Sicily, who by lying under the heaviest Oppressions, enjoyed some kind of Tranquillity, and some time after she fell very dan­gerously ill.

In the mean while, Prince Ar­dalin having got some intelligence of his Bride's being cast away up­on the Coast of Sicily, he came thither incognito to inform him­self of the truth. The Shipwrack of his Mistris had so dejected and penetrated him with so lively a [Page 48] grief, that he was not to be known. The first Object that of­fered it self to his Eyes was Amal­dee, who was thinking of the means to free his Sister out of the Abyss of Despair wherein he saw her plunged. The Prince of Majorca was at first surprized to see Ardalin in the Territories of Sicily, and was hardly able to re­cover from it, by reason of the change that Affliction had wrought in his Countenance, insomuch that he only answered with a sigh, when Ardalin made enqui­ry after Camilla. This sigh cost the Prince of Barcelonna many more. He no longer doubted, but that his Princess had been swal­lowed up by the Waves, and being pierced to the quick by so fatal a Thought; Speak, said he, Prince, speak, and no longer conceal from me a loss which I [Page 49] ought not to survive. Amaldee knowing that an Infidelity is the most afflicting thing that can be told a Lover, was in no haste to undeceive him; but being at length pressed to make Answer, she lives, said he to him, but ask me nothing more concerning her, and would to Heaven you may never be informed of the rest. These Words, though the latter part of them were capable of gi­ving terrible Suspicions, failed not to calm the Soul of Ardalin; and not penetrating the Motive of that Sadness, he suspended his own, upon learning that he should again see Camilla; and being re­covered from the Fright he had been in for her Life, all the rest seemed sweet and easie. Amaldee acquainted him in few Words, with all that had happened to them, except what he ought ne­ver [Page 50] to have known. He gave him notice not to discover them, and as for himself, having but a small Train, he would hardly be known for the Prince of Barcelonna. They came at length, to the Palace where the whole Discourse was of Camilla's Sickness: That Prin­cess, after having been brought out of a Lethargy, had made such powerful Efforts to cure her Heart, that her Body had fallen under the weight of them. She was taken with so violent a Fe­ver, that from the Beginning, they were apprehensive of the Issue: However, Ardalin went with Amaldee to Camilla's Apartment. How great was the Astonishment of the Princess, at that unexpect­ed Sight! The Remorse of having neglected a Husband who left all to come and seek her, the Shame of having betrayed him for a [Page 51] Person, who triumphed, perhaps, in her Sufferings, and may be boasted of them to her Rival, put her into a strange Confusion. As Amaldee would have prepared her for Ardalin's Arrival, whom she had but too well known, she in­terrupted him; and addressing her Speech to the Count of Barce­lonna, From whence come you, Prince, said she to him, and what makes you take such Care of a Wretch, whom Heaven has but too much abandoned? Ah! Madam, said that Prince to her, it is too just to let so extraordinary a Per­son languish any longer, you may hope all manner of Happiness from it's Justice, and thereupon, Leon entred the Room, who came to inform himself of the Princesses Health: his Presence, which at other times she thought a Trouble, was pleasing in this Occasion, [Page 52] since it interrupted a Conversation that made her very uneasie. She gave her Brother to understand by a Sign, that she should take it for a Favour to be left alone; which Prince Leon comprehending, he went first away, without ma­king any other Reflection than what his Mistrisses Sickness in [...]used, which possessed all his Thoughts. Amaldee dragg'd likewise away the Prince of Barcelonna, who without knowing all his Misfor­tunes, had however enough to put an end to his Days. Leon was no less to be pityed than Ar­dalin; Camilla, during the time her Fever lasted, could hardly suffer that he should come to in­form himself of the Condition she was in, that she might not be ob­liged to receive any Visits, nor to see him whom she had but too much seen for her Repose; inso­much, [Page 53] that Frederick's Absence being as dangerous a Misfortune as all those she already lay under, it brought her almost to the last Gasp. The Princess of Sicily was likewise languishing, by Reason of Amaldee's Affliction, in whom she could not suffer that Sadness for any other than her self. In short, there was nothing but Lamentation in Sicily; and one would have said, that Love reven­ged himself on the Princesses Dis­guise: But Camilla was yet much more to be pityed, the frequent fainting Fits that her too much oppressed Heart did bring her in, made her imagine, that she should quickly find a favourable Death.

One day, after coming out of a cold Sweat, which she believed the Fore-runner of her End, she sent for her Brother, and her Hus­band, and having made them sit [Page 54] on her Bed-side, Prince, said she, looking upon Ardalin, it is no longer time to disguise any thing, I will spare you the Regret that you would have for the Loss of me, by defacing my self out of your Memory, too happy! if the Confession of my Weaknesses do not render it odious to you. I am no longer that severe Camilla who made a Scruple of proceeding far­ther than Esteem for a Prince, who was to have been her Hus­band. I have felt the most lively Sentiments of Love, if I may so say, for an other than your self, but Care has been taken to re­venge you on my Ingratitude, by having my Affection despised. Farewel, said she to him, forget me if you can, and pardon me my Errors. I pardon you them, Divine Princess, said Ardalin, I know the Fatality of the Inclina­tion, [Page 55] which forces us to love, but I cannot pardon my self for not having known how to gain your Affection; my Heart is without doubt, irritated, to find that you refuse it that Tenderness which you are capable of; but it is a­gainst my self, and I alone ought to expiate the Crime of not ha­ving been able to please you. At this sad Thought he fainted away, and lost with all his Senses, that of the Infidelity of his Mistriss; but they brought him to himself by the help of Remedies, which made him enjoy still, for some Moments, all the Malignity of his Fate, The Alarums he had had for Camilla's Life, whom he had believed to have been swallowed up by the Waves, and the Cer­tainty of her Change, penetrated him with so lively a Grief, that it is no Wonder, if he fell under the [Page 56] weight of it in that so fatal Mo­ment, and the Violence of the Motions of his Soul was so great, that the Wound he had received did re-open in that Instant: he did not perceive that his Spirits dissipated; and indeed, he was wounded in a more sensible part. Ah! Princess, said he to her, I am sensible, that your Indifference does abridge a Life that I had de­voted to you, and which has not been so happy as to please you: I dye; and may it please the Cru­elty of Love to content it self with my Life, and not extend it's Ven­geance upon the Days of so beau­tiful a Princess. It is sufficient, that I sacrifice mine to it, which was wholly yours; but let at least, my last Sigh draw some from you, at least, let them be out of Pity, and do not refuse them to a Lo­ver who ready to expire, out of [Page 57] Tenderness, demands of you no­thing else: after he had spoken these Words, a mortal Languish­ing surprised him; his Eyes fixed upon Camilla, shewed still, by their dying Looks, all the Fer­vency imaginable, and caused a Torrent of Tears to gush out from those of that desolate Prin­cess. Amaldee▪ endeavoured to succour Ardalin, and to recal his Spirits which had entirely aban­doned him. The Rumour of all that passed was quickly spread about; one of the Princesses Maids could not forbear blaming Frederick openly; and he him­self came thither as well as others, and mixing his particular Misfor­tunes with those of the publick, he was willing to try, if he could at the same Time change the Face of things. Camilla seeing the Au­thor of so many Miseries, was not [Page 58] able to support the Sight of him, and turned her self on the other side. Frederick observing that Action, came and cast himself at her Feet, and following his natu­ral Propensity, made her remark so much Passion in his Eyes, that Camilla, notwithstanding her De­jection, did quickly perceive it. What would you have, Prince, said she to him with a low Voice? Ah! Madam, how late is it to declare my self, said the tender Frederick to her; I love, but alas! I could never have resolved to have let you know it till this Ex­tremity. Ah! Prince, said she to him, do not constrain your self; the too certain Knowledge I have of the Sentiments you have for an other, has brought me into this Condition; but I lose it with my Life. Ah! Madam, cryed Frede­rick, I attest Heaven, that I have [Page 59] no Sentiments prejudicial to what I owe you, and you will one day see that I am only unhappy. These Words, which so easily insinuated themselves into her Soul, made her sigh; and thinking of what she owed the Prince of Barcelonna, withdraw, said she to him, with some Difficulty, withdraw, and leave me to die less criminal, if I cannot die altogether inno­cent.

In the mean while, Ardalin be­ing come again to himself, and ta­king a new Vigour from the Sight of the Prince of Sicily, whom he then knew for his Rival, he used all his Efforts to speak, but not being able to do so, he melted the Hearts of all those who saw him. His Gaspings re-doubling, the Company perceived that he was ready to breath his last; and having made them comprehend by [Page 60] most moving Demonstrations ima­ginable, that he had a Desire to ap­proach the Princess, they brought him to her Bed-side: whereupon, his Forces returned to him when he was upon the Point of losing them for ever; and looking up­on Frederick and Camilla, live, said he to them, happy Lovers, so beautiful a Princess could only be born for so accomplished a Prince. I am not at all ashamed to yield to a Rival, who excells me by so many Advantages, and whom I can only surpass by my Tender­ness. At these Words, having fi­xed his Mouth upon Camilla's Hands, he seemed inseparable from that afflicted Person, and his Soul being detained by that Pleasure, had all the Difficulty imaginable to fly away. Thus Love terminated the Days of a Prince, who by the Greatness of [Page 61] his Passion ought to have been reserved for a better Destiny: So sad a Spectacle put all the Assi­stants into a Consternation, and their gloomy Silence was only in­terrupted by the lamentable Cries of Camilla; they caused his Corps to be removed, who occasioned all this Sadness: he seemed still animated by his Love and his greedy Looks, which appeared not altogether extinguished, seem­ed as if they could never be sati­ated with seeing what he had so much loved.

During all this Confusion, they had forgot to dissemble; Arda­lin's Attendants Train discovered him by their Regrets for the Prince of Barcelonna; and Amal­dee and Camilla were likewise known to be the Children of King Berranger, though they did not expect to be discovered. They [Page 62] could not have chosen a more fa­vourable Moment; for, Peoples Minds were altogether disposed to Pity, there was no Room for Hatred: and the King continued to them the same Kindness he had already afforded them, as he only considered them by themselves; he did not change the Sentiments he had of them, though they had changed their Names as to him. But, the Princess of Sicily was over-joyed to hear that Amaldee and Camilla were only Brother and Sister, and filling her Soul with the soft Motions which suc­ceeded in the place of the cruel Suspicions that had agitated her, her Tenderness was thereby con­siderably augmented. If she found in him the Son of Menfroy's Ene­my, a Prince for whom she was forced to that so singular Disguise, in short, one who ought never to [Page 63] wear the Crown of Sicily, she found in Recompence, a Prince full of Charms, a Prince who might be engaged in her Favour; she no longer found a Rival; and that Obstacle being removed, did sufficiently make amends for all that might be contrary to her: Thus being in Repose, as to her Lover, she was no longer disqui­eted about obtaining him for her Husband. Ardalin's Body was sent back to Barcelonna, with all the Magnificence that became him and Menfroy: And a Poet made his Epitaph; which is as follows.

Nothing could recover Camil­la; and though Remedies had re­moved her Fever, yet her Affli­ction was as bad as all Diseases. Leon having been Witness of all that had passed between Camilla and Frederick, all the assurances he receiv'd from this Prince were not capable of satisfying him. He could in no wise comprehend the important Mystery he was to expect the issue of. Besides, this Princess was in love with ano­ther, which was sufficient to de­prive him of all Repose. Amaldee, whose Heart was free from any Im­pression, was continually repas­sing in his memory the Events that had newly happened. All [Page 65] his mind was full of the shade of Ardalin, and all his Actions shew'd him very Melancholy. As he often did walk all alone, the Princess of Sicily did the same through another motive, inso­much that they often met, but never joyned company; the Prin­cess's Passion rendring her fearful, made her avoid the Person whom her Heart sought with too much eagerness, and he either took no notice of it, or was not very earnest to ask her the reason. However, one day, as Frederick was passing by him, and pretend­ing not to see him; Lovers are very salvage, said Amaldee to him laughing, and I think my self ve­ry happy in having my heart of a more obdurate temper than yours; after what I know of Love, I would not for any thing make the Experience of it, but [Page 66] will neglect, as much as possible, those Beauties who excite so in­tire an application; and since we ought to sacrifice all our thoughts to what we love, I am resolved never to love any thing. The Princess, who was strangely af­flicted with this Discourse, made him however an answer with something a scornful tone; Well, keep to that indifference you find so very charming. She had not the power to say any thing more, but went away very much dis­pleased. And Amaldee seeing Fre­derick depart after that manner, was something dissatisfied; and, not believing he had offended him, he made Reflection upon all his reserved and unhandsome Pro­cedure, and found in his way of living with him, something very particular, which he could only take for the Effect of some natu­ral [Page 67] Antipathy. He admired how a Person could love the Sister, whose Brother he so much hated, but resolved, however, to serve him both in his Hatred and his Amour. He wrote to the King his Father, and endeavou­ring to melt him by the good Of­fices that had been done them, he proposed to him a Match between Camilla and Frederick, saying, that it seemed as if Heaven had already assembled their Hearts for the uniting their Families for ever, and adding, that Menfroy would not oppose it; that the Kindness he had for his Son, would make him pass over all manner of Inte­rests; that this King was of a ge­nerous Nature; and that provi­ded he would make the least Ad­vance towards an Accommodati­on, a Peace would quickly be concluded. This Letter had not [Page 68] all the Success it ought to have had, as will be made appear in the Sequel.

In the mean time, Amaldee not being capable of hating Frederick, avoided him however, for fear his Presence should prove trou­blesome. Some Days after the Conversation that had separated them, they met in such another Conjuncture; it was nice, Amal­dee stept back, and Frederick sighed to see that Amaldee retired first; a Sigh is not to be inter­preted, I hate you; however, that Sigh made the Prince of Majorca think so: But, Frederick in his Turn, could not comprehend the Cause why he should so shun his Company; thus they were both deceived by very contrary Rea­sons. If Amaldee's Indifference made him take for Hatred what was nothing less, the Tenderness [Page 69] of the Princess of Sicily, who ea­sily believed what she apprehend­ed, made her likewise take for Contempt, what was very far from it; for, though she did not appear under the Figure of a Lover, that did not hinder her from being so; and if Neglect ought not to have directly offended her Passion, yet she failed not to be wounded by the Effects, which the Intention did not sufficiently justifie with her. Alas! said that Princess, Why does he not find himself for­ced to love me, though his Reason does oppose it? I find, I love him without the Consent of mine; but he is far from being under such Circumstances; Why has not he more penetrating Eyes, and why cannot he distinguish the Heart of a Mistriss under the Figure of a Lover? The languishing of my Eyes, ought, methinks, to have [Page 70] unravelled to him this Mistery, but his were not willing to see it, or if they did, they have despised the Discovery. The Figure of Fre­derick, is it so contemptible, that it has not yet been capable of making a Friend of Amaldee, since the Princess of Sicily dares not make him her Lover? And not daring to entertain any hopes for her self, must she needs be re­duced to wish some Respects for Frederick, whom Amaldee takes so much care to avoid. As Love is addicted to making Verses, and that Poetry entertains and charms our Amorous Thoughts, she fell to making an Elegy, which oc­casion'd many other Disorders. The Princess of Majorca began to leave her Chamber, and Frederick, who through the Conformity of their Destiny, and the resemblance she had with Amaldee, afforded [Page 71] her a great deal of Complaisance, accompanied her the first day she went abroad, after a very melt­ing Conversation. Camilla, see­ing this Prince carry himself with so much kindness, began to forget the loss of Ardalin, insomuch that having thought some moments, she asked him for his Table-book, wherein she wrote these follow­ing Verses, she had newly made.

This was something to insult the Memory of Ardalin, but the least reasonable Sentiments are the most meritorious in Love; Fre­derick [Page 72] answered them at that in­stant by the four following, whose Equivocation failed not to be interpreted by Camilla ac­cording as he designed.

The Princess smiled at this an­swer, and seem'd very well sa­tisfied, but Frederick taking out his Table-book, drew out with it, and let fall a Paper, which was presently taken up by the curious Camilla, without Frede­rick's knowledge: She stay'd still some moments with him, which [Page 73] seem'd but too long to her im­patience; insomuch that having taken a handsome pretext to leave him, she went to her Chamber to read the Paper she had ta­ken up. You may judge of her Thoughts at the perusal of this Elegy.

Spight seized her Soul at the reading of this; and looking up­on Frederick, who was just come in to entertain her with a thou­sand kind things, as the most treacherous of all men; her Jea­lousie produced, in that Instant, a quite contrary Effect from what the former had done; it restored her all her Spirits through the Ardour of Revenge. However, she was in a very great Perplexi­ty, the Idea of a Beauty, who had deprived her of Frederick's Heart, did put her to a terrible Tor­ture; [Page 78] and thinking to hate Fre­derick, she did not perceive that she hated all the Ladies of the Court, for fear of not hating her, who put her to that Torment. There was not one that did not give her a secret Pain; she desi­red and feared at the same time to find what she sought; and shew­ing the Elegy to all the Ladies, confess, said she to them, after a rallying manner, confess that you are very happy in having inspired such delicate Sentiments in so sin­cere a Prince as Frederick: Then thinking to read in their Eyes what they had in their Souls, she examined them with the most un­easie Attention in the World. Se­veral read the Elegy, without finding themselves concerned therein; they had all been so rea­dy to receive Frederick's Flames, that not one of them could make [Page 79] the Application to her self of the Complaints it contained. Ca­milla began to breath again, and recovered by Degrees from the Apprehensions she had had. When the Lord High Admiral's Wife, ta­king the Elegy with some Dis­dain, began first to smile, then a Blush, which came into her Face, giving Camilla to understand, that she ought to fix her Jealousie up­on her; Madam, said she to her, your disgusting Haughtiness for any other Lover, gives you a Prince wearied with Sighs; but have a Care, if I am not deceived, your Ladiship will not long main­tain that Character; for, I have observed in your first Motions, something so far from Cruelty, that if the Sequel be answerable to this Beginning, I am very much afraid, that that Severity, which you have had during Frederick's [Page 80] Indifference, will end with it: However, follow my Counsel, continue your Severity, if you are desirous that a Passion should last which it has produced. You are in the right, said the Admiral's Lady to her, rising to be gone: The Princess was stung to the Quick, both at the Answer, and her uncivil Departure. They all retired thereupon, every one rea­soning after their own manner, upon the capricious Choice of Frederick. Yolanda was quickly informed hereof, by the means of her Friend; and, by the order she had to return to Court, her Mother-in-Law having made Re­flection upon the Elegy, found that it admirably well suted with her Circumstances. The little Re­gard she had had for a Prince her Lover, could only pass with her for Contempts; so much Manage­ment [Page 81] on his part, could only be for a Woman, who had too much out-raged him to love her without Shame; and what confirmed this, was the Name of Amaldee, which the Princess durst not write at length; which being very like her own, (she being called Amedee) did fully confirm her in that Opi­nion. Any other than one con­cerned, would never have unra­velled that trembling and ambi­guous Character; but, what does not Love do when it goes about it? Insomuch, that being assured of that Heart which Yolanda had vainly imagined that she possessed, she was very willing to have her for a Witness of her Happiness. The Vexation of a Rival is a great Satisfaction to a Lover, who tri­umphs, with great Delight, over one she had had any Apprehensi­ons of. What a Disappointment [Page 82] to Yolanda, to return to Court for the Infidelity of a Prince, when her too great Facility had drove her from thence; but she must obey, which she the more willing­ly did, that she might clear a Sus­picion that could hardly enter in­to her Mind. She thought her Mother-in-Law very unfit to usurp a Heart which Camilla had not been able to make a Conquest of; for, her Friend had heard one say, that Frederick had assured, that Camilla was not the Person whom he most passionately loved; but, that there was another, for whom he should sigh as long as he lived. Yolanda had some Reason to be­lieve the Constancy of the Prince herein, being deceived by the Relation that these Words had, with the good Opinion she had of her self touching Frederick. In short, being returned to her Mo­ther-in-Law, [Page 83] she found her dis­armed of that severe and salvage Air, which Women quickly lay aside, when they have a Lover who pleases them; she took upon her the Air gallant, and reproach­ing her self in secret, with having lost by her little Understanding in Love, those Moments which she might have spent with great De­light, had she known Frederick's Inclination; she had a Mind to recall them, and was contriving how to embolden him whom she had rendred fearful by her too great Severity, and thought good to open the way her self to his Pursuit. Knowing that he often walked all alone, she designed to meet him in his Passage, which she accordingly performed, the same Day. Frederick had stol'n from the Crowd, and leaning up­on one of his Hands, let some [Page 84] Tears tricle down his Cheeks, which the amorous Sicilian thought worthy of her Pity; she approached him softly, and told him, blushing, alas! Prince, is there no way to put an end to Sufferings▪ which afflict all the Court; Joy dares no longer ap­pear there, since you have banish­ed it from your self: All our Ladies are penetrated with the Languishing which oppresses their Prince. That Languishing, answered he something indiffe­rently, ought not in any wise to concern all the Ladies you reproach me with, since the only Person whom it ought to move with Pity,—Proceed Prince, said she to him, seeing that he stopped there; I very well un­derstand, that some too severe fair one does make you, fearful of ill Success▪ in a Passion that [Page 85] must needs, however, be success­ful; But, Why do not you speak? There is not a Beauty how haughty soever she may be, but would willingly share with you in all the Sentiments you entertain of her. But, Frederick made her no Reply, and after ha­ving returned several Times to the Charge, seeing she made no Pro­gress, and Frederick irritating her by his too great Reservedness, she quitted him with some kind of Displeasure.

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.
PART II.

IN the mean time, the Truce was upon the point of being at an end, Berranger had ta­ken▪ very ill the Propositions of Amaldee, and the Commendations he had given of Menfroy, he com­manded him to return home with all speed, to show if the Prince of Majorca ought to speak like [Page 90] the Son of the King of Sicily. This Prince, well fore-seeing after what manner he should be treated by his Father, would not how­ever be disobedient, and beseech­ed Menfroy to give him the liber­ty to leave his Dominions, which was granted him, with the same facility that he was suffered to come into them. They embraced very affectionately, being charm­ed with one another's Virtue▪ From thence Amaldee went to Fre­derick's Apartment, being to take his leave of him; tho he had sent to inquire, if his Visit would not prove importunate, and that he was prepared to receive it, yet he was however disordered at his arrival. Be pleased to give me leave, said Amaldee to him, to ren­der you Thanks for all Your Ci­vilities, which I have very well di­stinguished, notwithstanding what [Page 91] a Sentiment of Hatred may inspire you with against a Prince, whom his misfortune has borne your Ene­my. At these words the Princess was extremely troubled; she would have stifled some sighs, but that she found impossible, and her Confusion was thereby so much the more augmented. Amal­dee not knowing what to think of this, asked her the cause of her Disorder; this put her quite out of Countenance, and though the Habit▪ she wore did secure her from the suspicions that might have been had of the truth, it was sufficient to be culpable in her self, to believe she appeared so to others. For though she had some thoughts of unbosoming her self, that Design did not continue long, and her Severity did hinder her from putting it in execution. Leave me, Prince, said she sadly to [Page 92] him, and, if possible, give no cre­dit to what you see. This was certainly a great Mistery to him, and he went and related to his Sister all that had passed between them. She thought she compre­hended it better than he did, and imagined that it might be the Remorse of having betrayed the Sister, whose Brother treated him with that Civility, and that a re­turn without doubt would follow it. This was sufficient to overturn all that had been projected against him, and thereupon she wrote him a Letter, that might do more than re-assure him. The Princess of Si­cily received it, after having un­dergone terrible Conflicts, having accused her self of weakness in not having known how to unde­ceive the Prince of the aversion she was in no wise capable to en­tertain of him, for this was what [Page 93] she most apprehended he would believe. It is impossible for a Person in Love to leave the Par­ty beloved in a Belief of being ha­ted. She had judged very well af­ter her first Motion, that he would know nothing more; and resol­ved, at all Adventures, to remove the Impression of what might pre­possess him against her, and be in­jurious to what he might perhaps one day know of the Course of her Inclinations. Remaining fix'd in this Design, she enjoyed some Repose, and read the Letter that was brought her from Camilla, which was conceived in these Terms.

[Page 95] Camilla did not expect that her Letter should have proved so kind, but when a Woman is wri­ting to her Lover, it is Love that conducts the Pen; and she can­not oppose the rapidity with which it paints what the Heart in­spires and dictates. Frederick was making some Reflections upon this Letter, when another was brought him, and the Person who delivered it vanished at the same instant, without expecting any Answer; but it came from the Admiral's Lady, and he found therein these words.

This Letter, though he knew not the hand, would have diver­ted Frederick at another time, if [Page 97] the Tenderness which possessed him had not given him Motions very opposite to Joy. He was ad­miring the Capriciousness of Love in these two Letters, when a third was brought him, which he read with some Precipitation and found therein.

Frederick did very much sus­pect, that this Letter came from Yolanda; he imagined that Desti­ny conducted him to the unravel­ling of so many Adventures; he fancyed that these three Mistrisses meeting at the same Randezvouz, would free him by an Appearance of Treachery, from all the real Im­portunities they had plyed him with: Insomuch, that descending into the Alley, he had hardly the Leisure to walk there a Moment, before he saw them all three a co­ming. He thought it strange to see them together: but the thing [Page 99] happened in this manner; Yolanda having placed her self at a Window which looked out upon the way that was to be taken to go to the Alley, waited therefor Frederick's Arrival; and having seen him pass, and immediately after him, a Wo­man, who walking with trembling Steps, took the same way; she re­solved to prevent her enjoying a Conversation with Frederick, which she had been too long con­triving it to leave it to others: she run thither with such an ear­nestness, that it was taken notice of by her Mother-in-Law, who had too great an Interest in her Conduct not to follow her. Where are you going, said she to her? I see a certain Emotion in your Countenance, that would make me suspect that some amorous In­trigue had brought you hither, if I knew not that after the Princes [Page 100] so fresh Infidelity, you could not be capable of a new Engagement. And I, Madam, answered she, with a malicious Smile, I should believe that you suspected me through some interessed Motion, if I saw not the Princess, whom you have more Reason to fear than me. At that Word, all Reply ceased, and they walked insensibly after Camilla, whom they overtook before she had entred the Alley; insomuch that being all three animated with the same Spirit of Jealousie, they returned into an other, and never parted till they had seen the Prince, who, weary with waiting for them, was gone, after he had seen them take another way, and thought his Intrigues at an end, without himself being any ways concerned. He fancyed, that their haughty Hu­mors had hindred them from gi­ving either's Rival the least Occa­sion [Page 101] of suspecting their Design or that the Severity of Amedee whose Passion he had not yet taken notice of, had restrained them; in short, not knowing to whom he was indebted for his good Luck, he resolved to take Advantage of it, and never to be with them alone, but even to avoid the Companies of all Women, that he might not be troubled with any more of their amorous Importunities: how­ever, he was mistaken in his Con­jectures, as those three Mistresses had been in thinking to deceive each other. As each of them had pretended not to have seen the Prince, they all imagined in par­ticular, that the Randezvouz had been only for them; and all of them applauding Frederick's Fide­lity, and their Address in conceal­ing what they thought thereof, so that there passed a very gallant [Page 102] Conversation between them, and they parted with great Civilities. Camilla was the most pensive, as indeed she had the most Reason to be so; and that Occasion being lost, was hardly to be recovered. Her Brother was to depart the next day, she must either go with him, or expose her self to her Fa­thers Rage, or to the Slights of her Lover, which was less easie for her to support. But, Love still wrought in her Favour; for, the Princess of Sicily, as we have said, who was willing to repair all the Incivilities she had done to him whom she so tenderly loved, went to take her Leave of him; but she easily perceived, by the Trouble she was in at her first co­ming into his Presence, that it would be difficult for her to exe­cute the Designs she had laid in his Absence. The first Civilities [Page 103] being over, which she acquitted herself of, with Gallantry enough, she was to proceed to something of more Concern, which perhaps she would have but very ill per­formed: she already trembled, the Fear of saying too much or too little detained her for some time in Silence, which was only ended by the coming in of Camilla, which both rejoyced and displeased her, seeing that deferred, which she would willingly have said, and which she so much apprehended to say. Camilla had the same Senti­ments, and perhaps they would not have spoken, if Amaldee had not opened the Conversation. Prince, said he to Frederick, You see a Princess allarm'd at the Vsage she shall receive from an irritated Fa­ther. Ah! said Camilla interrupting him, I have but too well merited his Displeasure not to undergo the Ef­fects [Page 104] of it with Resignation. The King is very unhappy, said Frede­rick to her, to see himself refused, even in the Azyls that he is desirous to afford you▪ I know how much I am indebted to the King, said she to him; but, the Prince of Sicily would do too great a penance, should he see incessantly the Object of his Hatred. Ah, Madam! interrupted Frederick, What a Monster would the Prince of Sicily be! Ah! said Camilla, interrupting him again, it was no small Effect of Hatred, that of pretending to love me▪ for the depriving me of a Happiness, whose least Idea was sufficient to surprise me: See, said she to him, shewing him the Elegy, What a Delicacy for a Prince, whose Flames are kindled by Severities, and how does Love over-turn the Order of all our Incli­nations! It is this same Prince▪ who is to this point so tender and sub­missive! [Page 105] In what Confusion was Frederick! His Passion was so na­turally painted in those Verses, the Character of them was so tender, that Amaldee was very much mo­ved; he was some time without having the Power to justifie him­self of a thing too true, but at length made use of the Ambiguity for his Plea in that Occasion. Madam, said he, addressing himself to Camilla, I vow to you, once again, that all that I love is here. Say no more, in­terrupted Camilla, not doubting but that it was of her, he spoke, How sweet do I find these Obscuri­ties! After having imagined to have had so clear a Prospect of my Mis­fortune, leave me in my Error, if you cannot draw me out of it, but at the Expence of that Affection which I so passionately pursue. After which▪ she quickly agreed to stay in Sici­ly, fearing, with just Reason, the [Page 106] Displeasure of Berranger, who had learn'd, with Indignation, the Kindness she had for the Prince of Sicily; but, this was not enough, Frederick had yet said nothing in his own Behalf, so that saluting Amaldee, he looked upon him ve­ry tenderly, And you, Prince, said he to him, Will you still believe that I hate you? I know not, said Amal­dee to him likewise very tenderly, All that I can say is that my Regret is extream to leave you in a time you are willing I should believe you do not. They were not able to say any thing more, their Tears trick­led down reciprocally; and with­out doubt, the Prince of Majorca▪ felt that, I know not what, which Frederick found strange he had not yet been sensible of. The Day af­ter, he was to take his publick Leave of the King, all the Court was assembled, and Menfroy did [Page 107] shew the great Esteem he had for the Prince of Majorca, by all the Caresses he made him, and embra­ced him once again; after which, Amaldee made up to embrace Fre­derick, who retired some Paces; but the King taking notice of that Action, made him a Sign not to discover himself, but to embrace the Prince: whereupon, a great Blush mounted into his Face, and the Prince, when a respectuous Sentiment did already restrain, did advance without trembling; and if notice had been taken of that dis­order, it would have been without doubt surprizing. After this, Amal­dee returned immediately unto the King his Fathers Dominions, with all the Violence of a Man, who finds himself drawn elsewhere without knowing what it was that did so. He saw the King, who ac­cording to his Expectations, recei­ved [Page 108] him like a disobedient Son, and who fell into a strange Passi­on against Camilla, accusing her of Treason, and vowing that he would go and drag her from the Arms of the triumphing Frederick. Alas! How little did he merit that Title, and under what Affliction did he lie, through the Absence of Amaldee. This last Misfortune seem­ed to him insupportable; he fell sick of a lingring Fever, which sheltred him from the Pursuits of Yolanda and the Admirals Lady, who could not agreed together: These two Rivals being almost al­ways in Company, envyed one ano­ther's Joy and Affliction. In short, being always at Enmity, they part­ed, and Yolanda went for her [...] and that of her Mother-in-law to remain at a Relations House▪ from whence she sent daily to en­quire after the Health of the Prince, [Page 109] whom Camilla alone had the Pri­viledge of visiting. She came to see him with the King, who know­ing that her Affection would soon­er or later degenerate into Friend­ship, and endeavoured already to give Occasion for the contracting it between them. The Princess his Daughter contributed thereto on her part, and being desirous to expell Love from her own Heart, she no longer used any Terms that are proper to it; and said nothing that might give Occasion to any such Motions. The words of Friend­ship were the only ones in their Mouths; and Camilla not caring, tho Love appeared to her under a borrowed Name, provided it was still the same in the Soul of Frede­rick, did suffer it with great Sa­tisfaction. The Princess of Sicily was at length cured of her Fever, but she was still in a languishing [Page 110] Condition; she had observed so melting a Sadness in Amaldee's Countenance at their parting, that it re-doubled her own. But tho that tender Trouble had afforded her some Joy, yet it lasted not long, and that Instant of Happiness went away so fast, that it only helped to render that Princess more un­happy.

In the mean while, the Truce being at an end, and Berranger ha­ving a long time been preparing a considerable Fleet, (his Son was hardly returned) when for to pu­nish him for the Obstacles he had raised in his Designs, he ordered him to take the Command and Conduct of it. This was a cruel Circumstance, for him to bear Arms against a King, whose Fa­vours had filled him with Admi­ration, and against a Prince, who had insensibly disarmed him of▪ a [Page 111] certain natural Haughtiness, which was his only Defect. His budding Passion, which he did not call by that Name, did extreamly weaken in him that which his Father would have inspired him with for that War. Moreover, he found it so unjust, that he proceeded to a hun­dred Extremities, before he could be brought to it: however, he at Length yeilded, it being to no purpose for him to oppose the de­signs of his Father, who for his Obstinacy inflicted the Punishment on him, of going to lay wast a Countrey he had so much kindness for, which indeed he looked upon as so severe, that he could as wil­lingly have been dragged to his Grave. He could not forbear tell­ing the King, who recommended to him the doing his Duty, If I do it, you have Reason to fear the Success of your Enterprise. These [Page 112] Words making the King appre­hend that he might favour the In­terests of Menfroy, he gave a se­cret Charge to one of the Officers, to have an Eye upon his Conduct, and to give him an Account of all his Actions, and told him, that his Fortune should answer for the Disobedience of his Son. Hereup­on, Amaldee embarqued for to return to Sicily. He wished that a happy Ship-wrack would dis­pence him from a Voyage so fatal to his Repose and his Glory. He had only the Name of Command­er in Chief, and it was that Name that made him appear culpable in the Eyes of the Sicilians. Menfroy did very much suspect the Violence that was done him, but Frederick was more difficult to be persuaded in that Case; he thought it something so severe, [Page 113] to see him in Arms to attach him, and which he would have done, tho it had been only in his own Defence against him, that he could not find any Reason for his Justi­fication. Besides, the Vexation he had to see that apparently he had never had him in his Memory, while that he afford­ed him all his Thoughts, did very much contribute to the ma­king him entertain Reasons of Complaint in all he could have done. Thus that Prince did not appear, though he was effectually innocent: No Body had heard from him since his Departure from Sicily, by the Care that Berranger had taken to prevent it. This very much surprised Camilla, who knew not what to think of it. Frederick had often let her know, how much he was dis­satisfied with this Procedure; but [Page 114] in such passionate Terms, that she frequently reproached him with having more Kindness for her Bro­ther than for her. Since we are retrenched to the Names of Friend­ship, said she to him one day, give me that which you have for Amal­dee, Why should you make so disad­vantagious a Difference for me? How satisfied should I be, if I could draw upon my self a little of that Displeasure, which methinks is so obliging: Do not You make Tryal of that, said he to her, something fainting. Alas! answered she with an extream Sadness, It is more for my Interest than for Yours, which I ought not to neglect, You love me so little, though I love You, that should my Affection in the least grow faint, Yours would vanish in an instant. But, I must confess, that it would be in vain for me to endeavour to les­sen it; and I am sensible, that it [Page 115] would be as impossible for me to me­rit your Displeasure, as you to grant me it. Ah! Frederick, either You do no longer, or You never did love me, my Passion is ever augmenting and yours decreasing. And indeed, it is a great Diminishing in Love, not to encrease. Besides, the Prin­cess of Majorca, in the beginning of her Tenderness, had so often wavered between the fear of ha­ving a Rival, and the hopes of ha­ving none, that those tumultuous. Sentiments did blind her as to those of Frederick, and hindred her, in some manner, from perceiving their Faintness. But, when she had her mind free from any Jealousie, she began to observe them with more Exactness; and finding them so little conformable to her own, she fell into a Melancho­ly more cruel than all the vio­lent Griefs she had lain under. [Page 116] How! said she, I lose Frederick, and no body deprives me of him, I lose him by himself, and it is he who refuses to love me, tho he is not in love with any other Women! How happy was I, when I had no reasons of Complaint but against my Rivals, I might accuse my Star of Misfortunes, I might accuse their Charms of forcing him to love, but nothing ingages him; he prefers his indifference before all the softness I might inspire him with; he slights me, and I can only blame him for all the hard usage. I receive from him. But the disease was without remedy, and insupportable, they all began to sham one another in Scicily, and Amaldee's absence caused a Consternation in the mind of Frederick, which was shared by all those who had any concern for him. He was so out of hu­mor, that no Body durst speak [Page 117] to him: If he went out of his A­partment, it was to hide himself in some lonely place where he was inaccessible. His Mistresses would several times have followed him to his Retreats, but were still hin­dred by one another; they mu­tually incommoded themselves, and through the conformity of their Sentiments, they almost ever jump­ed in the same Designs: Thus was he freed by all together, from each of them in particular, and he found himself less importuned by the Mul­titude, than if he had had but one. However, tho they all persued him with an equal Passion, the Admi­rals Lady was the most happy to find him alone; He shunned her the least, because he did not know that she was his unknown Votary, whom he wished might be so to him for ever; though he had seen her often with Camilla and Yolan­da, [Page 118] in places where they came up­on his account, he had not taken notice of it; he had ever looked upon her to be too averse to Ga­lantry, for to entertain any such suspicion, and imagined, when he perceived a return of kindness in her for him, after all the incivili­ties he had committed, that her Husband had made her a Confident of what he was. This thought seemed to him so probable, that he resolved to make her his Con­fident. It was requisite he should have one: When we are happy, we contain all our joy within us, and can be without imparting it to any Body; but when we are af­flicted, we must necessarily dis­charge one part of our grief by confiding it in a Friend. He look­ed upon the Admirals Lady as a very good Woman, imagined that she would willingly embrace all his [Page 119] Sentiments; and as they had reci­procally the design of meeting, it was not long before they did so. One day Frederick went into an Alley, where he found the Admi­ral's Lady, they walked together for a while, and after the first Ci­vilities, which lasted but too long in both their opinions, Frederick began first a particular Conversati­on. Madam, said he to her, I have extreamly sought an occasion to find you alone, and you have not seemed to shun it; I give you a thou­sand thanks for all your favours. I have of late perceived a change in your Carriage, which makes me be­lieve that you know something of my Secret. The Admiral's Lady was very much surprised at the change of his respectful behaviour, and did not take it well that she was re­proached with having so much kindness, which she had never [Page 120] dreamt she was liable to. Her face shewed her to be extreamly troub­led, and she told him with some kind of Anger, Methinks that you ought not to abuse what pity has ob­liged me to do: And the disorder she was in hindring her from con­tinuing, Frederick not comprehend­ing her displeasure, told her, Ma­dam, I did not think that a Con­fession, which shews the esteem I have for you, could have given you any offence; but since it displeases you, I shall say nothing more. The Ad­miral's Lady being mortally afraid he should hold his peace, told him languishing; Speak, Prince, I will lay aside something of my severity, since indeed I know but already too much not to hear the rest favourably. The Princess was more and more perplexed, and could not com­prehend the meaning of that seve­rity and that favour which were [Page 121] valued at that rate, and thinking that she herself was obliging in that she had chosen her to the prejudice of any other, to honour her with her Confidence, she thought her very fantastical. However the oc­casion she had for One whom she might open her heart to, made her pass over all, and she was go­ing to tell her a thing which would have produced terrible Consequen­ces in that Conjuncture. The Ad­miral's Lady would have proclaim­ed a Mistery which must have fil­led her with spight, and all the measures that the King had taken should have been broken, if his good fortune had not made him send one of his Attendants to seek out Frederick, to give him notice that Berranger's Fleet was coming with full Sails under Amaldee's con­duct. The person who was charg­ed with this Commission, perform­ed [Page 122] it something rudely. What a surprise was this to the poor Prin­cess! What conflicts did she not undergo! The slaughter and hor­rour which she represented to her self, might well have daunted a young person; but nothing terri­fied her so much as the danger whereto Amaldee was going to be exposed: She was no longer mind­ful of his slights, her greatest mis­fortune was to lose him by his death; and all Sentiments being confounded in that, I must be gone, said she sadly, turning towards the Admiral's Lady, tho I have not yet, Madam, unbosomed to You my thoughts. I know enough, Prince, said she to him, shedding some tears which Frederick found very obli­ging, and for which he thanked her by a sign of his Head, which she found more obliging than all he could have said. Whereupon he [Page 123] went away to the King, who ex­pected him in his Cabinet. He had a mind to be alone with his Daughter, whom he saw very much alarum'd, which did not at all sur­prise him, and interpreting her timidity like a good Father, he was long in suspence if he should suffer her to be exposed to the dangers of a Sea-fight. It was however requisite to continue a Fiction that passed for a Truth, and was so important to the re­pose of his People; Thus he found no reason that could dispense his Daughter from passing for his Son in the War, since she had ever ap­peared under that name at Court: Wherefore he desired her with tears in his eyes to preserve her self, and to be more mindful of what she was, than of what she ought to ap­pear. Why do not You incourage me better, said she to him, being [Page 124] charmed with the kindness he shew­ed her, it will be but too easie for me to appear what I am, and I ought at least to seem Frederick in so great an Occasion, though I belie that name in my own Soul. Ah! my dear Daughter, be careful only of the Princess of Sicily; Frederick will e­ver be well enough preserved. They parted, being both full of all the Events which they foresaw. But Camilla having had notice of all that passed, was extreamly con­cerned. Her Brother and her Lover were going to engage, and she saw afflictions falling upon her, what side soever Fortune should favour. She went to Menfroy, and asked him pardon for the Ingrati­tude of her Brother: That good King was altogether disposed to excuse him; they easily believed, knowing him as they did, that he must be under a great Constraint, [Page 125] and rather pitied than blamed him. All things were made ready, and Menfroy's Fleet being equal, or indeed rather stronger than that of Amaldee, he resolved to go out and prevent his Enemies Attack: Besides confiding in the justice of his Arms, and in the good luck which had never abandoned him, he sent a Herald to the Prince of Majorca, for the choosing a day fitting to decide their quarrel. Menfroy chose rather to hazard an Engagement by Sea, than to fa­tigue his People by a long War, which would have interrupted their Commerce, insomuch that the day was appointed for the Battel. Camilla had not of a long time seen Frederick in par­ticular; there had passed some kind of Coldness between them, which easily happens when Affe­ctions are not reciprocal. As all [Page 126] their Discourse was now come to be of indifferent things, she took an occasion to ask him what he thought of her Brother, and if his procedure did not inspire him with a great aversion for all their Family; for she durst no longer tell him, that she apprehended it as to her own particular: Ma­dam, said he to her with a very tender Air, You would easily know my thoughts, if you knew me a lit­tle better: This was sufficient to engage her to an Explication, which she had so much desired. It is easie to judge that they then were reconciled; Quarrels seldom last long when there is a disposi­tion on both sides to put an end to them, and when we once come to clear Suspicions, we often end by Justifications. Thus Frederick, before he departed made his Peace with all his Mistresses. Yolanda [Page 127] alone had not an opportunity of speaking with him; but she thought of him the more, and fancied that he thought no less of her; and indeed, never did Mistress so much rely upon the Faith of her Inclination. It gave her so great a tranquility as to Frederick, that an Infidelity on his part would never have seemed probable to her. Hereupon he went on Board his Ship, being ve­ry uncertain what he was to do; and Menfroy having embraced him with a tenderness that seemed a fore-knowledge of some Misfor­tune, they separated, the King leaving him the Command of one of the Squadrons of his Fleet un­der the Conduct of the Admiral, and he himself Commanding in Chief over the whole, boar up in all diligence against Amaldee: When this Prince, who was ex­pecting [Page 128] him in good order, had per­ceived him, he sent at the same in­stant one of his most considerable Officers in a Pinnace, for to te­stifie to him the great regret he had to appear in that Equipage, and to show so much ingratitude in appearance, tho he was only un­happy in effect. Menfroy sent him a generous Answer, That he was not at all surprised that he obeyed the Orders of his Father, and that the Actions could not be Crimi­nal when the Intention is Innocent. Thereupon he sent him back; and those two Princes thought of no­thing but of doing their duty. The Engagement was very bloody on both sides; the principal Squa­dron of the Sicilian Fleet put a great part of that of Amaldee's in­to disorder, who coming to rally and second them with the Squa­dron which he commanded in Per­son; [Page 129] He found Menfroy in the Head of them, and was willing to shun him; and the King of Sici­ly being unwilling to attack him out of the same motive, turned his Fury upon the rest of the Enemies Fleet, the greatest part whereof he took and sunk; and after five or six hours Engagement, he gain­ed at longth a great Victory, be­ing the same Fate that had always attended him; but it cost him ve­ry dear, since that Frederick and the Admiral were not to be found amongst the Conquerors, insomuch that it was very much doubted, whether Berranger or Menfroy had received the greatest loss. The thing happened in this manner.

Amaldee, as we have said, being desirous to spare Menfroy, knew not that in falling upon another Squadron of the Sicilian Fleet, he attacked Frederick. The Admiral [Page 130] did his duty with great vigour; but as they were bearing up so near one another, as to discern Objects, Frederick perceived the Prince of Majorca, whose sadness seemed to attone for all the Affli­ction he had given him; that sight put him into such a trouble, that he no longer knew what he did: He was so little able to defend himself against him, that he no longer thought of defending him­self against others: And Amaldee fell likewise into so great a disorder that he seemed to Communicate it to the rest of his Fleet. But to what an Extremity were they not both reduced, when that the si­cilians being animated by the death of the Admiral, who had been newly killed with an Arrow, they grappled Amaldee's Ship, before that those two Princes had deli­berated what they were to do, [Page 131] their Souldiers attacked one ano­ther with a Fury that did suffici­ently repair the weakness of their Princes; and Frederick seeing himself Master of his own Con­duct by the Death of the Admi­ral, after having been in suspence some Moments about the Resolu­tion he was to take, on a sudden repenting his Effeminacy, or ra­ther not knowing how to come to any determination, he follow­ed I know not what rage, which forced him to enter with his Sword drawn into Amaldee's Ship: He remained in that Confusion, that Amaldee had time to recol­lect himself from his first Emoti­on, and presenting him with his Sword, Generous Prince, said he to him, Stab this perfidious heart, that has not dared to follow it's own Motions, and which could not hinder me from doing an Acti­on [Page 132] unworthy of the esteem I have for you. Frederick was so trans­ported with what he had done, and with what he had seen the Prince of Majorca do, that giving back he made a false step, and had like to have fallen into the Sea, but Amaldee saved him, and neg­lecting all other Cares, his whole Thoughts were then full of a Per­son who interessed him under a borrowed Name. He had taken him by the hand, and they re­mained some Moments in that Posture, enjoying a certain De­light, notwithstanding all their Agitations, which hindred them from thinking even of the Condi­tion they were in. Then Fre­derick disingaging himself from his Hands, told him faintly, Do not suspend the Effects of my Duty, suffer me at least to go to the De­fence of my Men. Alas! replyed [Page 133] Amaldee to him, with an incon­ceivable Grief, seeing that he was going away, What Course must I take to do my Devoir, and why do we so obstinately pursue War, when our Hearts are in Peace? Frede­rick was something vexed that he had given Occasion to the speaking these last Words; and for which, some of Amaldee's Soul­diers suffered, that the Prince of Sicily might at least revenge him­self on them, for the Passion their Prince had inspired him with; insomuch, that he fell upon them with an extraordinary Fury, and making his way through a thou­sand Swords, the Prince of Ma­jorca was in terrible Alarums for his Life. He endeavoured to put an end to the Fight; his Party had the Advantage in that place, where the better part of his For­ces was got together. The small [Page 134] Forces that followed Frederick, were over-pow'red by Numbers; the rest perished, and were sunk with Frederick's Ships, who was left alone, and abandoned in that Extremity. He looked tenderly upon Amaldee, and without deci­ding what he demanded of him, he inspired him at that Instant with a desire of making him his Prisoner, and with a design of setting him at Liberty. At first, they were not able to speak a Word to one another; but at length, Amaldee broke Silence, either as he was the boldest, or that his Thoughts were at more Liberty: It is certain, that when that Love does not appear under it's proper Figure, he does not commit such great Disorders, he is hardly any otherwise formida­ble than through the Fear we have of him; and tho he was in the [Page 135] Heart of Amaldee as well as in that of Frederick, yet he made a much less Bustle in the one than in the other; Amaldee had received him without knowing who he was, and he only gave him some small Disquiets, which he is not able to dispence any Body from; but Frederick, who endeavoured to oppose his Progresses, was tor­mented both with the Shame of having given him Entrance, and the Design of banishing him from his Heart. The Disease is never so extream as when we go about to be cured; and it is in those Conflicts that we are to be pity­ed. Ah! Prince, cryed Amaldee, Why must I needs lose you by setting you free; for, if the Friendship I have for you makes me desirous to detain you, the Acknowledgment that I owe the King of Sicily and your self, demands of me your Li­berty: [Page 136] Render it me then all entire, said Frederick to him, be­ing hurryed away by his Passion. You consent then to our Separation, said Amaldee to him; and do you willingly, replyed Frederick? In short, continued he, You will suf­fer me to go. Amaldee was so charmed with receiving so ma­ny Testimonies of Friendship, and Frederick so confused with ha­ving given him them, that they once more were surprised with Silence; but then at length, Fre­derick's Timidity made him break it in his Turn, and the fear of being exposed to the receiving a thousand Marks of Esteem from the Prince, which though pleasing, were so dange­rous to him, that they made him resolve to desire the Prince to let him go. I perceive then you hate me still, said Amaldee to him, [Page 137] but he made him no Answer; and fearing that he had but too well persuaded him of the con­trary, he went in great Haste in­to the Ship that was destined to carry him home. Amaldee com­manded with great Grief, that he should be conducted to Messina, but he was but very ill obeyed; the Person whom Berranger had commissioned to have an Eye over his Sons Conduct, gave or­der secretly, for the carrying Fre­derick to Majorca, after having feigned, for the contenting the Prince, that he had appointed them to steer to Sicily; it was easie to put this Order in Execu­tion; Night coming on, did both facilitate this Deceit, and the Retreat of the Prince of Majorca, who did but too soon perceive the Defeat of his Fleet, he re-assembled the Remains as [Page 138] well as was possible for him, and escaped happily from the Pursuit of Menfroy, whom Night did de­prive both of Frederick and the rest of the Victory. After that A­maldee thought himself out of his Reach, being troubled with so many Events, he shut himself up in his Cabin, while that his Fleet made away with full Sails from Sicily, whither his Heart tended however. His Return was yet more sad than his Voyage had been, and Frederick who was no less agitated than himself, suffered them to carry him whither they had a Mind; but when he per­ceived the Trick that was put up­on him, he gave a doleful Skreek, and likewise fell into a Passion against those who used him so treacherously; but there was no Remedy.

[Page 139] He perhaps found likewise a kind of Consolation in thinking that he should again see Amaldee, without having contributed there­to; He was very glad that his E­nemies had done for him what he never durst have done for himself, and though he seemed to be in a rage, without doubt he lay un­der no great Violence. They had neither of them the leisure to be weary during their Voyage, their Thoughts took them so up, that they made them imagine it very short. They arrived at the same time at Majorca, and Prince A­maldee not knowing that Frede­rick was so near him, went to sa­lute the King and Queen, who made him a very unkind Recep­tion, they were very much grie­ved to see that Destiny continued obstinately bent upon their ruin, they knew nothing of Frederick's [Page 140] being taken, and the astonish­ment was equal between them and Amaldee, when it was told a moment after, they then were full of Acknowledgment to the Prince, their Son; the Person who had managed the Business, had a great Respect for his Prince, and seeing that he had been con­strained to displease him out of obedience to the King, he was willing to repair his Fault, by giving him the honour of all. In private he made him his Ex­cuses for that deceit, and after having told him the Reasons which obliged him to it, he found him disposed to pardon him, thus all the World was sa­tisfied. The King had never been sensible of any Joy equal to that of having the Son of Menfroy in his hands, He desired to see him; and that Prince having paid his [Page 141] Respects to him, with a very good Grace, and having enter­tain'd him with a great deal of Wit, he was something secretly vexed, that his Merit was but too answerable to his Reputati­on; but the Queen had far other Sentiments, she relished a dou­ble pleasure in having him for her Prisoner, when she found him so well made, and obtained from the King her Husband, that the City should be all his Confine­ment, hoping to make him lose the Liberty she gave him, where­of Frederick on the morrow had some suspicions, and in a few dayes after, she imparted to him her Thoughts. Years had not yet extinguished her Beauty, she was addicted to Gallantry, and ima­gined that she might well merit Vows, without exacting them, she was forced sometimes how­ever [Page 142] to make Advances; Her Rank hindred her at least from knowing the Lovers whom she caused to languish, and did strange­ly importune her, upon Frede­rick's account, who entertained her with a thousand agreeable things, for he had recovered all his Gayety, and he lived in so perfect an intelligence with Amal­dee, that his Felicity hindred him from thinking that under the Name of a Friend, she was a Lover, and that her haughtiness was but ill managed; and in­deed, Women never think of that, when they are satisfi'd with their Lovers, and the design of being severe, does seldom arise during the pleasure of a happy Engagement. His was in a fair way to become so, Amaldee did insensibly shew him as much tenderness as if he had known [Page 143] him better; he might believe that it was sympathy which occasion­ed their Inclination; and as he was entertaining him with a thou­sand kind things, being prompt­ed thereto by motions which he could not penetrate. Word was brought that the Queen desir'd to speak with the Prince of Sicily. At first their Conversation was ve­ry diverting, the Queen had a great deal of Wit, and Frederick had no less; at length they made Love the Theme of their Dis­course. For my part, said Frede­rick, I believe that the Perfection of Love consists in its continuance, and that We may judge of its force, when it can resist Time; and I, re­plied the Queen, should believe on the contrary, that Constancy does rather proceed from the weakness of a Lover, than from the power of Love. There are some, said she, [Page 144] who have not the courage to change, who make a Habit of their Passion, which becomes calm and still, does something approach in­difference, and has no longer any more than the Name of Love, the Pleasure is greatest in having new Sentiments. This is the reason that most commonly Amorous In­gagements are only delightful in the beginnings. You, said she, ought to lay by that so regular Fidelity, your Person is attend­ed with an Air that may pretend to more than one Conquest; it is only for those who have but a small share of what can please, to keep to their first Passion, though they are so happy as to be therein suc­cessful, they ought never to hazard themselves in a second: but there are People of so great Merit as to entertain more extended Designs.

[Page 145] Frederick received very Civil­ly the application she was pleased to make him of those obliging words, but the Queens discourse having a particular Aim, whereto he only Answered in general Terms; Could you make use of those Maxims, said she to him looking upon him fixedly, examine your self and in time you shall know more. Hereupon she withdrew into his Closet, without expecting her answer, perhaps for fear of re­ceiving one, that would not be very conformable to what she too ardently desired not to be under apprehensions, and perhaps like­wise to conceal her Blushes; for how much accustomed soever a Woman is to intrigues, she al­ways Blushes at her loving first, be it out of shame or spite. Fre­derick remained very much surpri­zed, and foreseeing that the Queens [Page 156] Passion would give him some trouble, he was a while in sus­pence, if he should give a hint of it to the Prince of Majorca, per­haps by that means they would have come to a more entire expli­cation. The Conjuncture was favourably, but they were desti­ned to other events, and the clear­ing of this business was deferred by an interressed Person. Frede­rick was expecting Amaldee who used to Walk with him every Evening, and had hardly made four steps, than that he was over­taken by a young Cavalier, who made himself known to be the Admirals Widdow. His surprise was great, How, Madam, said he to her, my Eyes deceive me with­out doubt: No, said she to him, Your Eyes do not deceive you, and besides, if your heart did tell you that it was me, you may very well [Page 147] rely on its Testimony: but by what good Fortune, said he to her, do I see you again? Can you doubt of that, said she to him, let it be only in consideration of you, if you could do the same thing for me? Frederick was so amazed, that by having only offered to make her his Confident, it had obliged her come so far; and was no less sur­prized at the Compliments she made him, joyned to that strange disguise, that they were going to fall into a new perplexity, if A­maldie had not diverted them from it. But it is time to make known by what Adventure she came to Majorca; it is certain that when a Woman, who pre­trends to more than ordinary Virtue and Severity, does concern her self in Gallantry, she does not do it by halfes, but passes from one extremity to another; and [Page 148] when she resolves once to stray out of the course of Wisdom, she seldom contains her self from committing extraordinary fol­lies?

But for the taking a Prospect of things from the time we left them in Sicily; you must know, that after the Fleet was returned Victorious, although in Conster­nation upon Frederick's being ta­ken, people were divided between Joy and Grief, every one was sensible of their particular losses, and it was enough that they did not afflict themselves with the Princes imprisonment, since they were assured of his being alive, without that rejoycing at the gaining a Battle, which Sicily paid so dear for; several conside­rable persons had lost their Lives therein and amongst others, the Lord High Admiral, as we have [Page 149] said was Killed. His Widdow, whom he left in right to dispose of her self, resolved to make use of it in favour of her Lover: she had apparently a very sensible Grief for the Death of her Hus­band; and people were not sur­prised at the Resolution she had taken to leave the World, but she had not yet renounced its Pleasures, which she still found was not without Charms: she was only obliged to go seek them afar off. The Object of her De­light was now at Majorca, and she resolved to spare no endea­vours to find him out. After that the first Ceremonies of Mourning were over, she pre­tended to retire into a Convent. In the mean while Camilla know­ing Frederick to be at Majorca, had a great desire to return thi­ther, and did not think it con­venient [Page 150] to stay any longer in the Dominions of an Enemy a­gainst the Will of her Parents, she went to the King and told him, that it was not Just, that Ber­ranger's Daughter should be well treated by a Prince, whose Son was in the hands of her Father, who did not restore him that Li­berty which he had given Amaldee. I ought not, said she, to share in his ingratitude, by suffering it: I am ohliged to make it my whole endeavour to set the Prince at Li­berty, send me back to Majorca, if you can confide in me. Without doubt the King my Father will at length be melted with so much Ge­nerosity: But in Case he continues Obdurate, notwithstanding all your Favours, leave me to manage this business with Address, and I pro­mise, you that you shall see him a­gain in a short time, or that I will [Page 151] come and remit my self into your hands. Perhaps she did really mean all that she had spoken: But Memfroy without much con­sidering her intention, told her, Madam, provided that your intrests may still be preserved, I shall not be sorry to be obliged to you for the Liberty of my Son. He had al­ready caused an offer to be made Berranger to render her upon very advantagious Conditions, but he would in no wise hearken to it. Nothing was so advantagious to him, as to have the Prince of Si­cily in his Dominions; insomuch that Memfroy desparing of seeing him without renewing a War, the success whereof is ever doubtful▪ adventured to send back Camilla, and delivering up voluntarily an Hostage that Chance had given him: He fancied that he should thereby oblige Berranger to re­store [Page 152] what Fortune had given him likewise. Insomuch that all things being prepared for Camilla's departure; she was sent back with a Noble Convoy, and the Admirals Widdow taking that op­portunity to go to Majorca, did mingle her self in the Crowd of those who accompanied her. She Transvested her self into a Cava­lier, and was so well disguised, that she hardly knew her self. Several days passed without any ill success in her Design. Camilla was almost ever shut up in her Cabin with one of her Maids, in whom she most Confided, and without doubt the Admirals Wid­dow would not have been Dis­covered, if her Love had not be­trayed her. The Character of a Lover is too remarkable not to be distinguished. She bethought her self of making an Acquain­tance [Page 153] with the Princesses Confi­dent, hoping to know by that means, in what terms Frederick stood with Camilla, though the Admirals Widdow did believe her self beloved: There needs so little to wound a Passion, that incer­tainty has ever been the share of those who are in Love. Thus she did all she could to have a clear Information; she thought, that the best course would be for her to win the Heart of that Maid, for the discovering of her Mistresses Secrets; and as nothing renders People so dextrous as Love, she acted the Lover so na­turally, that this Confident took delight in believing that she in­spired her with some tender mo­tions. The habit of hearing ama­rous Discourse, had prepared her Heart to entertain those soft and tender Vows; and the sentiments [Page 154] of the Princess, had seemed to her to be so sweet, that she could not forbear following them. The Admirals Widdow made a very pretty Gentleman, and seemed very deserving the Ladys Favours. Thus a great progress was made in the Heart of that Maid, when unluckily she had a desire to speak of her Galant. It is impossible for People to forbear starting in all their Discourse, something of the Object their Soul is full of, and we sometimes meet with such Persons, who had rather speak ill of their Victorys, than be con­strained to say nothing at all of them. She was ever hearing Camilla commending hers, and it is no small constraint to be al­ways hearing, when we have so many things to say. She could not forbear breaking so trouble­some a silence, which she did so [Page 155] dextrously, that she both found the means to please her Mistriss, and satisfie her self at the same time. The Admirals Widdow had often talked to her of Frede­rick, and the Maid made use of that pretext to speak in Com­mendation of her Galant, Madam, said she to her, I know a Sicilian here on Board, who has a most par­ticular Affection for his Prince, and I dare assure you, that he is the most zealous of his Subjects. Ca­milla was too tender not to be Charmed with the affection that people had for Frederick, we think our selves indebted to o­thers for the kind sentiments they have for what we love, and she was willing that the pretended Sicilian should know, how kindly she took his good will. Her Con­fident was upon the wing to call him, but at first he made some [Page 156] resistance, yet being obliged to obey, he disguised his voice so well, that he was not known, till speaking of Frederick, a blush surprised him, and it was easily perceived that he studyed what he had to say: his discourse had no relation, the one part with a­nother, his Motions appeared in their Naturals, and his true tone of Voice returned on him. The Admirals Widdow was too sin­cere upon this Subject, for to be able to conceal any thing from Jealousy. Madam, said she to her, I thought you very busy in Works of Piety, but the Habit of a man which you have put on, does not persuade me that you have had any such Motive. The Admirals Widdow made her a very smart Answer, for there is no keeping of rank amongst Rivals, and the Conformity of Sentiments does [Page 157] in some manner equal persons; their Conversation was very bit­ter during some time, but at length they were appeased being there was no Remedy, and agreed; hop­ing to deceive one another, to de­mand a Confession before their Faces of the Prince of Sicily, and that the Mistriss, who was prefer­red should enjoy that happiness without the others envying it her; Whereupon they concluded together, that the best way would be to surprise him, that he might not have the leasure to Correct his words, but explain himself in good earnest, but they resolved both in particular to prepossess him in their favour. Rivals ne­ver keep their Words, and Love removes all manner of Scruples. The Admirals Widdow found him out first as has been already in­timated, but she made no advan­tage [Page 158] of her diligence, for though she was not hindred by Camilla she was so by her Brother who came to tell him some News; The Admirals Widdow withdrew not being willing to be seen in that posture which was so little Conformable to Modesty, other­wise then by him who had occa­sion'd that extravagance, and who ought to be the more obliged to her for that she had surmounted all manner of Considerations for the love of him. But as we have not all these Considerations for others, we are careful to keep up the reputation of all our virtue with them, and willing to have them think us still the same. In short the Prince of Majorca ac­quainted Frederick with the dis­grace of his Sister, who had met with unkind reception from the King, and one much worse from [Page 159] the Queen, Who suspecting the occasion of her return, had for­bidden her to stirr out of her Apartment. After which he im­ported to him a piece of News, which put him in despair, with­out his Comprehending the reason thereof. The King had sent for the Princess of Mantua the Queens Neece, under Pretext of keeping her Company, but indeed for the concluding a Match between her and Amaldee. This Prince had ever shown a very great a­version for any such ingagement, but it was hoped that the Charms of that Princess would by de­grees vanquish that indifference, the King gave him notice that very evening of this design, that he might contribute thereto, and told him that he would grant him some time for the producing between them what makes a [Page 160] happy Union: Frederick was no less troubled at this News than Amaldee. They remained both of them mute, and looked upon one another without saying a word, the King and Queen be­ing in the same place with all their Train: the Queen found Frederick in a very great trouble, which she did not doubt, but that Camilla had given occasion to, and that thought putting her into despair, she gave the King to understand that it was requisite he should be upon his Guard, that the Sicilians under the pretext of having brought Camilla, might facilitate to Fre­derick the means of evading, and Conducting him into his own Teritories; These reasons were thought very probable by the King, and diffidence suting with his natural humor, Frederick [Page 161] was guarded more strictly, which disgrace he supported with consi­derable patience, and indeed he had other misfortunes which lay much heavier upon him. He perceived that his ill Fortune had only made a truce with him for a moment, to the end, that he might be the more sensible of all the afflictions that its return was preparing for him. The Queens passion, that of Camilla, and a­bove all that which Amaldee was in a way of being engaged in, made her find a great un­happiness in all the others, it was however a kind of advan­tage for him, that he had all these misfortunes together, if he had had them separately, they would have been more afflicting, but when the mind has so ma­ny views, it fiexs upon none, and it has of its sufferings on­ly [Page 162] a confused Notion which is not so violent, and indeed he was only dejected. But the Queen was more agitated, the thoughts of having caused the least trouble in what she loved, made her incessantly contriving the means of puting him out of pain. She only waited for a favourable occasion to speak thereof to the King, whose hu­mor was difficult to be mana­ged, but she ordered her busi­ness so as to find it. She could no longer forbear seeing Frede­rick, her Jealousy was mollifi­ed by time, and she knew no other trouble than absence, which un­happiness she was to endeavour the removing, whereupon she remonstrated to Berranger that it was glorious to leave Frede­rick upon his word, that he would oblige him, by Treating [Page 163] him honourably to make the like returnes, that he ought not to render himself odious to his people, by an action opposite to Royal Virtues, and that in short, the best course would be to en­gage him to them, and to di­vert the trouble he lay under in being detained from his Domi­nions by rendring his abode with them as agreeable as could be. The King did comply with these Instances, having nothing more to fear from the Sicilians when he had sent back with or­der to tell Menfroy, that if Chance had put Frederick into his hands, as it had done Camilla into his, he would have delivered him after the same manner, but ha­ving purchased him with the bloud of so great a number of his Subjects, and by the loss of a Battaile, it was fitting he should [Page 164] still keep what he had so dear­ly acquired. The King of Si­cily perceived that he must still riscue some more of his men for the recovery of his Son, and pre­pared anew for War, but Frede­rick seeing himself freed from that great number of Guards, not­withstanding his dejection, he enquired after Amaldee, he was told that that Prince was gone to meet the Princess of Mantua with a considerable part of the Court. How fatal was this News! He was not able to view his misfor­tune in that distant Prospect, though it makes it appear less great, he saw it approaching, and was in no less perplexity how, to come off from a Visit that the Queen exacted from him; and yet, however he was obliged to make it, but he went to her with so great a sadness, that the Queen [Page 165] asked him with surprize, from whence that profound Melan­cholly proceeded, You ought to lay it now aside, said she to him, since your misfortunes are now blown over. Ah! Madam, said he to her, I am no sooner got out of one Laby­rinth, than that I fall into another, I am so accustomed to that long train of misfortunes, that I will also ac­custom my self to bear them with an equal Countenance: I have made a habit of my Troubles, which will cause me at least to receive indif­ferently all that is still prepared for me: And will you view your good fortune also with that in­difference, said she to him. It is beyond all appearance, replyed he, that though it should be offered me, I should never believe it real, and should refuse it for that reason. Camilla's Confinement puts you into this ill humor, said the Queen to [Page 166] him, outraged with Spite, but you would do well to disingage your self a little on that side, from whence you are not to expect any great suc­cess; think of it once more, added she ri [...]ng. He made her a pro­found [...]ow, and withdrew, see­ing Company come in, without making Reflection, upon what his too little obliging Conduct with the Queen might produce.

THE FEMALE PRINCE; OR, FREDERICK OF SICILY.
PART III.

FRederick no other Prospect now, than the Marriage of Amaldee; he Walked Pensive all alone, and tho impatient of his return, yet it was not long enough deferred in his Opinion. He could [Page 170] not see but too soon the Princess of Mantua, she seemed to him so Beautiful, and Amaldee so Com­plaisant, tho he only did what meer Civility required, that he perceived his grief was capable of increasing. The King received her according to her Quality, and the views he had for her, did merit. Yet the Queen did not see her that day, and gave out that she was Indisposed. But the Princess of Mantua viewed Fre­derick with great application, and hardly took any notice of all the honours that were done her. She could have wished that he had been the Prince of Majorca, and tho' that Amaldee was admirably well made, she was not destined to have those Sentiments for him, which she began to have for Fre­derick. They had conceived a great esteem for one another, but [Page 171] nothing more, and never two hearts were at that distance, when they were to have been united. they met, it is true, at the same point in what concerned Frede­rick, but that was not the way to join them. On the Morrow they were each of them full of such Capricious Sentiments, that it seemed as if Love had changed place for the better exercising his vengeance, but this Princess did still bear the source, and all affli­ctions were mean in comparison of hers. She had a sensible re­doubling of them, through the Jealousie she had of Amaldee, which she had hitherto been unac­quainted with; and that so violent passion in all others, was only doleful in her, and by consequence much more oppressing. It is a great case when we can complain of a Person with Justice: And [Page 172] those terrible Motions, which makes us believe that we hate him who loves a Rival, are more supportable than those ten­der languishing, which only tends to the accusing our selves of all our Sufferings. Ah! how feeble is that Accusation, and how Af­flicting at the same time? Why did I not make my self known, said she, before he made his Addresses to another, it is now too late to show him the Princess of Sicily, after he has seen the Princess of Mantua, and that he has already received the impression of her Charms? Why did I not take the opportunity of gain­ing his heart, during his happy in­difference: I complained of this, alas! but I still deferred the procuring being beloved. I see my self now pre­vented. Why did he not keep to that indifference which he would not quit for me? I never had any other [Page 173] than the trouble of not being belo­ved, but that seeing him Love an­ther is a thousand times more Cruel. She was not able to go abroad that day, and pretended a sickness which she had only in her mind. The Queen was very well again, when there was an occasion to vi­sit Frederick, who though he had offended her by his faint Be­haviour, she found the means of justifying him. He had some reason on his side; the unjust pro­ceedure of the thing wherein he might think that she had some share, by reason of Camilla, was very capable of putting him out of humor: but tho all should have been against him, she found in her heart what spoke in his de­fence. It is very natural to believe Innocent, what is so much our Interest to have so. In short she disposed her self to make him a [Page 174] Visit, after having received one from the Princess of Mantua, whom she gave to understand, that she was obliged to have great regards for that Forreign Prince; and tho she could not approve in her self of all the managements she had for him, she endeavoured to make them be approved of by others. The Princess of Mantua asked her several Questions con­cerning Frederick, telling her that she had not taken notice of such a Person, and obliged her to carry her with her; tho she had no great desire to do so. This young Princess had had a certain disquiet all the Night, which had hindred her from sleeping, and which had put her into a condition of keeping her bed if she had not been to see the Queen: she flattered her self that Frederick's Sickness might be some­thing approaching hers. She fancied [Page 175] that he had viewed her very earn­estly, and that he frequently sighed, while he was in her Presence, and the desire of seeing him do so a­gain, filled her Imagination with a Delight, which vanished at her coming into his Chamber: they found him in so lamentable a Condition, his Eyes being all ba­thed with Tears, which he hard­ly thought of Wiping away, not­withstanding their Presence. It was easie for them to Judg, that they had neither of them any share in that great grief. The be­ginnings of a Passion are not so violent, and the Princess of Man­tua was with reason apprehensive, that the Person whom she was so desirous to render sensible, was but too much so already. The Queen on her side having no rea­son to applaud her self for that profound affliction, it made her [Page 176] conceive a furious spight; the Conversation was faint on all sides, and the Visit short. As they were going away, Amaldee came likewise to make Frederick a Visit, who could not forbear giving him an unkind Reception, and though he would not willing­ly give him any offence, yet he did, for the Princess of Sicily im­agined she robbed her of that heart, when they did not give it her, tho she had so well merited it. She could not be satisfied with him, who gave it to another. Does the Princess of Mantua send you hither, said Frederick to him, after something a slighting man­ner: Amaldee without making him any answer upon that, asked him only what he thought of her, and if she was not very beautiful, I did not take so much notice of her, answered he in the same tone. [Page 177] I am much afraid, said Amaldee, now something displeased, that you have seen her but too much for your repose and for mine; and that af­fectation of not speaking of her, seems to me a fear of augmenting that ten­derness by commending a Princess who has inspired me with it. Fre­derick was so disordered, and in such dispair, to see him so infla­med, that he had not the Cou­rage to give him an Answer, and Amaldee was more and more con­firmed in the suspicion he had of his being faln in Love with his Mistress: this troubled him, with­out knowing the reason of his own Thoughts. He perceived that he should not be much concerned, tho she should Love Frederick, but he could not endure that Fre­derick should love her. I am de­ceived, said he, and Jealousie dis­turbs my mind, I ought only to ap­prehend his Loving her, for fear she [Page 178] should likewise Love him: but con­tinued he a moment after, I am sensible, that I apprehend all on the side of Frederick, even without Re­lation to the Princess. I am Mad, added he in short, I am in Love, since I am Jealous, and I can only be so of the Princess of Mantua. However, he could not conclude this in good earnest, and he was suspended between his Reason and his Sentiments, which he could not accord, but had very terrible Allarms. Frederick not being able to suffer his Rival to make all the Progress she had a mind to, while he should amuse himself in complaints, he left his Chamber on the morrow, and appeared so sad, but so lovely, that the Princess of Mantua commended him extra­ordinarily, and gave Presenti­ments of the Truth to the Queen, whom experience rendred know­ing in Womens thoughts of Fre­derick, [Page 179] she found two Rivals, and was not her self Beloved. This was sufficient to prompt her to terrible extremities; she was na­turally Imperious: however, as Love works great changes in the minds of those it possesses, the ex­cess of her Passion made her undertake what she would never have done without its aid. Fre­derick happening to lean upon a Window, where he was pro­foundly Pensive; she approached him under the pretext of looking into the Gardens; You are unwor­thy, said she to him, of the kind thoughts some Persons entertain of you: You ought to have perceived that I Love you: you Love Camilla, and I will give her to you: but like­wise, let this extraordinary effect in­gage you to some acknowledgment. She did not wait for his Answer; and a great Blush covering her [Page 180] Face, she went from thence to go find out the King, of whom she demanded Camilla's Pardon, and told him that his Severity ought to be satisfied, and that it was now time to take her again into his Favour. The King could hardly▪ be prevailed with to give his con­sent: but after a thousand Ca­resses, for which he had no reason to be much obliged to her, she ob­tained what she demanded, upon condition however, that his Daughter should not appear in his Presence. From thence she went to Camilla's Apartment, whom she found under so great a sadness, as would have melted with pity, any other than a Ri­val. The absence of Frederick, whose Company was enjoyed by the Admirals Widdow, and all his other Mistrisses, was such an af­fliction, as she had been ignorant [Page 181] of till that time, and which she had the leisure to feel in all its ex­tent, She received the Queens Visit with no small astonishment: but her surprise was cruelly aug­mented, when she entertained her with the following Discourse, Go thank the Prince of Sicily for your Pardon, it is to him that you are indebted for it▪ he sets you free, by playing you an Infidelity with the Princess of Mantua, Camilla was not willing to purchase her Liber­ty at that rate; and the Queen went away without saying any thing more. As by breeding a quarrel between her and Frede­rick, she deprived her of the fruit of the service, which she seeming­ly designed her, she was in hopes that all would turn to her own ad­vantage. Camilla would rather have chosen to have continued in doubt of what passed between [Page 182] Frederick and the Admirals Wid­dow, than to have the certainty of his being become a Votary to the Princess of Mantua: a new Rival revives all our griefs; they augment every time we fall under them anew, because we add the fresh troubles to those we had al­ready. Penetrated with a thou­sand different thoughts, she only followed that which spight inspi­red her with, which was never to speak to Frederick. And indeed she had so much address to avoid the occasions of doing so, that tho he should have sought them more than he did, he would never have found an opportunity. Fre­derick, the Princess of Mantua, and the Queen, did so well justi­fie all that had been said, that there was no place for any doubt. The Princess of Sicily was very glad to deprive the Person of a [Page 183] Heart, who had deprived her of hers, and by that means take re­venge for all the torments Amal­dee had put her to, which she did with success. As they one day met, said that Prince very dole­fully to him, Well, you are in Love with my Mistress, must I yield her to you? Do not yield her to me, said he scornfully, we must dispute for her Heart by Services; and notwithstanding the affection I have for her, must she necessarily be yours? The affection which you have for her! answered Amaldee, Ah! this I find insupportable! How, shall I then be betrayed by my best Friend! We must quarrel if you Love the Princess of Mantua. Let us quarrel said the Princess of Sicily, outraged to see motions in him which she did not think herself the cause of, for Love had never produced so many Caprices without making [Page 184] himself known, as he did in the Soul of Amaldee, they spoke no more to one another that day, and the Princess of Sicily spending with her Rivals all the hours she would have spent with her Lover, did recompence herself for what she might lose, because he was also a loser, and she imployed her time in putting obstacles to the pro­gresses which his Passion might make, if she could not hinder him from being in love, too hap­py in having so useful an occupa­tion! This made a diversion to her sentiments, which Idleness would have rendred more fer­vent. The Princess of Mantua was Charmed to see so happy a suc­sess in her design, which at first she did not think capable of being executed; she no longer made re­flection upon the difficulty she had foreseen therein, since it was [Page 185] now removed. When we are sa­tisfied with the present, we are not inclinable to take views of unacceptable remembrances, or when we do make some reflections upon them; our passed sufferings do only help to make us find more pleasures by the opposition of the present delightful entertainments. The Queen was in a fury to see that a change had been wrought according to her Maxims, and that it was not so in her favour, she would have found it less cruel to have seen that Frederick had conti­nued to love Camilla, than to see that he began to be in love with the Princess of Mantua, he might well have sigh'd for her daughter, without giving her offence, he knew not then that she was beautiful, but after having both known her to be so, and had received Testi­monies of her Affection, to sacrifice [Page 186] her to another could not be with­out a horrible Contempt. It is particularly the preference which outrages. Camilla for her part had no other Course to take than that of complaining with her Brother, and he of complaining with his Si­ster; thus they augmented their griefs by mingling them toge­ther. The Admirals Widdow who made a strict inquiry after all that concernd Frederick, was infor­med to the very least circumstan­ces of her misfortune? she became a friend of the Princess of Majorca, since they had nothing more to fear of one another, and since they equally did dread a Rival. They likewise concerted together the means of doing her an Injury. The Admirals Widdow could not resolve to lose the fruit of her Voyage, she would at least speak with the ungrateful Frederick, but [Page 187] she could not meet with an op­pertunity; He kept the Princess of Mantua Company the most he could, and was more frequently with the Queen than he was will­ing to have been, who endevouring not to make any noise, made use of the same Artifices he had prac­tized in regard of Amaldee, and stole from him moments which he had designed for the Princess of Mantua, thus was he tortured on all sides. By these means the Queen did share in his assiduities, or rather payed them to him, or at least extorted them from him much against his will. His Com­plaisance for her was onely con­strained, nothing could move him to have any, but only in con­sideration of her Rank; Thus his devises having not the same Motive which made him act for [Page 188] the Princess of Mantua, they had a notable difference. Frederick had four Mistrisses at the same time, he was the Lover of his Ri­vals, and the Rival of his Lo­ver; and he particularly main­tained those two last Characters to the heighth. As Amaldee would have seen without trouble, the Passion of his Mistriss, if his Friend had not repaid it with re­ciprocal flames. He neglected very much to complain of her, he frequently entertained her only with indifferent things: but one day observing the uneasiness of Frederick, who was Walking with the Queen, and who endeavour­ed to approach him, to hear what he said to the Princess of Mantua, he resolved in his turn to put him upon the Rack for some moments, and raising his Voice, Ah! Ma­dam, said he to her, have we no­thing [Page 189] that is more delightful to en­tertain our selves with, it seems as if we were afraid that Frederick should over-hear us: as he did indeed. She made him Answer in a kind of slighting manner, The more indifferent the Conversa­tion is, the more it ought to be agree­able: What a rigour! cryed A­maldee, in a trouble that was not feigned, since he judged that her indifference for him, only pro­ceeded from the affection that Fre­derick had for her. Is it, continu­ed he, by such indifferent things that the Prince of Sicily has found the way to please you, and has he so little accustomed you to amorous Con­versations, that you cannot bear with them. Frederick was too knowing in motions, not to ob­serve that those of Amaldee had a very tender Principle, without diving into the cause of that ten­derness: [Page 190] since he who felt it could not dive into it himself; this inspired him with all the rage which the Princess of Mantua ought to have conceived, inso­much that the Queen took notice of it, and was no less concerned than he. And those four Lovers, two of whom had only a good Title to that Appellation, sha­red themselves very injudicially, for want of knowing the truth of their own Sentiments. Frede­rick who was drawn to Amaldee, did by little and little draw the Queen to him likewise, who attri­buting this violence to the Prin­cess of Mantua, she was willing to divert him, and turned suddenly into an opposite Alley. The Con­versation of the Princess of Ma­jorca, and of the Princess of Man­tua, did insensibly come again to be flat and faint, when they were [Page 191] no longer animated by Frederick's presence, she was not very eager to justify her self of Amaldee's suspi­tions, and he fell into a certain Ma­lancholly humour which hindred him from proceeding any further upon that point. On the other side, Frederick and the Queen were in an inconceivable disorder, Fre­derick was in despair that he was no longer witness of a Conversati­on which he imagined to have proceeded much further; and the Queen was in despair to see that he was so; But tho they hardly interchanged a word, yet it was a good while before they parted. The Queen detained Frederick as long as Civility would permit her, and he at length withdrew, so outraged with what he had heard, that he resolved according to the Custome of those who are in love, to hear henceforward all [Page 192] that he might wish never to know, he never parted from Amaldee, who innocently gave him a thou­sand occasions of Jealousy, he could not endure that Frederick should speak to the Princess of Mantua, he interrupted the Con­versation as soon as he saw them together, the Prince of Sicily did as much on his part, thus they vexed one another by a hundred little tricks, and irritated their re­ciprocal tenderness by the marks they gave thereof to the Princess of Mantua; their redoubled ad­dresses importuned her, two pas­sions proved troublesome to hers, it was necessary that she should rid herself of the one or other, and without doubt the lot would have faln upon that of Amaldee, but as it was not she who had given birth to it, her power did not ex­tend so far, and it was in vain [Page 193] that she undertooke the curing him of it. As he one day accord­ing to his custome had interrupt­ed their conversation, she sell to discourse upon the point of jea­lous Lovers; for my part, said she, I beleive that the assiduities of a Lover of that Character, do as much diminish the esteeme that a Mistrisse has for him, as the de­voirs of a more circumspect Lover do augment it, it is a first sight that gives birth to an inclination, when it is happy, those which follow do only serve to confirme what it had already done, but when it produces nothing, all the other only help to irritate our durity, by the obstacles we are willing to raise. It seems as if he would take our heart by main force. It is born free and when it does not give it self, nothing de­prives us of it: that is very true replyed the Prince of Majorca, when [Page 194] we do not please at first it is in vaine that we endeavour to do so afterwards▪ [...]constancy is as displea­sing in an unwelcome votary, as it is charming in a Lover who pleases but when we cannot be successeful in Love, we are willing to be so at least in jealousy, and it is sufficient if we can but hinder a Rival from taking advantage of our disgrace, and cer­tainly he has a greater share in our assiduities than a mistresse to whom we no longer owes them from the time that she permits them in an other.

Frederick without knowing who found so much sweetness in these words that eying Amaldee after a very obliging manner. A dexterous Lover said he to him, ought not to be scandalized at a procedure, which showes the value which is put upon his merit and it is much for him to have procured the esteeme of his Rival. The Princess of Mantua [Page 195] looked upon him at that word with astonishment and without comprehending why he tooke Amaldees part to the prejudice of his own, even in a point appa­rently so contrary to his interests, we may say that he inspired her with jealousy at that moment, with more justice than she did him and she went displeased away upon some pretext, and seeing Frederick the next day in the Queens Chamber who was then taken up with some affaires, she endeavoured to approach him and told him I know not I must con­fess why you have more reguards for a friend, who ought no longer to be so, than I have for a Lover, whom I ought to manage by a thou­sand reasons, what would you have me do, said he to her, he treats me very Civily he has been my Con­querour—Ah said the Prince­cess [Page 196] interrupting him, do men e­ver think themselves obliged for any thing to a Rival? you do well deserve that after your ex­amples. I should make him kind returns for the designs he has up­on me, however I am willing to give you another, since you want one to shew you the devoir of a Lover, treat him as I treat him, this is no great request; But, Madam, replyed he to her, should I be ungrateful to that Prince whose sentiments are so generous? But, replyed she again, I never saw any like yours, and I believe that you love your Rival better than your Mistress; They could not speak a word more, for the Queen returning with precipita­tion interrupted them. In the mean while Amaldee and Frede­rick continued to treat one ano­ther with a thousand Civilities, [Page 197] and always in the presence of the Princess of Mantua, they were ever in her Company, it was to no purpose that she forbid Fre­derick to be so obliging to his Rival, he was Commanded by something more powerful; they fell often out and was as often reconciled, for the opinion that she was only jealous of a Rival, made her Condemn all her mo­tions as ridiculous, but our true Lovers could not be long in good intelligence amongst so many dis­orders. It came into Amaldee's head to proceed to an explicati­on of all these strange inclinations he was sensible of. He Commu­nicated his design to Frederick, and told him that it was requisite that they should put an end to their differences, by examining all their most particular thoughts with the Princess of Mantua, and [Page 198] that he who was found to love her best, should be left to pursue his Amour all alone without any obstacle from the other. Frederick had found the time of their intel­ligence so sweet and so short, that he was willing to continue it, and endeavoured to oppose Amal­dee's Curiosity, which gave occa­sion to new explications between them. Frederick reproached him, that he violently loved the Prin­cess, since that he was so desirous to be sure of her sentiments even to the risque of not being the happy Lover, Amaldee likewise reproached him with injustice in thinking himself beloved, and yet to suffer him to continue his addresses to no purpose. It is too much, said she to him, to tye me likewise to your tryumph­ing Charriot, these terrible words had like to have killed [Page 199] the Princess of Sicily, she had ne­ver heard her self talked to with so much haughtiness. Amaldee himself was surprised at what he had said, and tho he found no­thing in them but what was rea­sonable; yet as it were against his Will, he was so sorry for what he had said, that he was thinking to have asked him pardon, for not having offered him his Mistriss, and that he had treated him like a vulgar Rival: Then Repenting on a suddain without any excuse, he resolved to persue his first de­sign, and taking Frederick along, who was not capable to resist him, nor speak one word, they entred together into the Princess of Mantua's Apartment, and find­ing her alone, Madam, said he to her, it is time that I cease being miserable, or that I be so for ever; speak Madam, must I consent to the [Page 200] Ʋnion of your hearts, speak Frede­rick, said she to him, shedding some Tears, do you Love the Princess so much, as not to be able to see with­out trouble the Marriage we are de­stined too? At these cruel Words, Frederick was not able to support all his grief, but fainted away; yet People being called into his help, he came to himself at length, but would not speak to the Prince of Majorca. This adventure was known by the Queen, whose Pas­sion did dayly augment, and who having in vain essayed to get Fre­derick wholly to her self, resolved to send him quite away. She thought it would be better to deprive herself of his sight, than to see him the Lover of another. Insomuch that she went to the King; We always deferred, said she to him, the re­storing Frederick to Memfroy, through reasons of Policy which we [Page 201] thought good, but seeing at present that his Amours tend to our disad­vantage, I think it much better to deliver him into his Fathers hands, by reason of so many troubles, that may attend his longer stay here. Berranger made some difficulty to yield to this Proposition, but she knew so well how to represent so lively all the Misfortunes which accompanied them, during all the time they had made War against Menfroy, that he was at length of her Opinion. However, as soon as she found so little ob­stacle in her Designs, she began to tremble for the Execution; the Idea of Frederick's absence presented it self to her heart with so lively a grief, that she began to Combat her own Reasons, and to find that it was a good Surety of the King of Sicily's Clemency, to have his Son in their Power, [Page 202] being very sensible that she should choose to see him sigh for ano­ther, rather than not to see him, and finding that as long as he was in their Dominions, she should have a kind of Right over him; the shaddow of the least Power is always accounted something by a Mistriss. She gave Berranger to understand that it was in some manner to be Master of Sicily, to have the next Heir thereof in his hands, but as the interest of her Passion was not to be neglected, she thought fit to hinder the con­tinuance of that which he had for the Princess of Mantua, by pressing the King to conclude the Match between her and Amaldee; she had always deferred the speaking thereof, for fear of shewing her self too much concerned in the thing. It is very difficult to ap­pear indifferent when we are not [Page 203] so; but that occasion was favou­rable, she had spoken of sending him back, and she avoided ming­ling him in that adventure. The King had not been in the least in­formed of his Passion for the Prin­cess of Mantua, she lived with A­maldee after such a manner as was not capable of giving any suspi­sion to indifferent People. Thus the King was altogether disposed to hasten things, to which pur­pose it was convenient to consult both Parties, The Queen took upon her to speak to the Princess, and having sent for her into her Closet, after having made her a hundred Carasses; The Alliance which we are going to make, said she to her, obliges me to Treat you like my Daughter. All is ready for the Marriage, Amaldee is at length recovered from his indiffe­rence, and Loves you even to the [Page 204] being jealous of the inconstant Prince of Sicily, who without doubt has pretended some affection for you, for there is not a Beauty who is exempt from his Gallantrys. He was in Love with Camilla while she was in Sicily. He would likewise have paid me some of his Amorous Vows, said she laughing, I believe you have shared in his Addresses, and at present I have discovered a new intrigue. That Princess was fil­led with spight, when she learnt that Frederick's heart was not as new as hers, she had been ignorant of all that had passed between Camilla and him, and she was so very nice in things of that nature, that the very Sentiments he had had beforeknowing her, rendred her Jealous; she would willingly have Monopolized all the thoughts which he was capable of, as she was ready to afford him [Page 205] all hers. She found no difference between having the same addres­ses paid to others, that had been made to her, and between those that had been made to others, be­fore any had been paid to her, since as to her they were equally lost. And what an excess of grief was it to her, to see that they had been shared in the little time she had received them? She as­ked the Queen trembling, with whom it was that Frederick had a new engagement. You are curious, said the Queen to her with an af­fected gayity; It is answered she very sadly, a Curiosity that I should have for any other as well as for Frederick, but I should not be sorry to know his intregues. The Queen feigning to be of her Opinion, and of not observing her disorder, told her, The truth is, that there is a great deal of Pleasure in discover­ing [Page 206] what people would fain conceal from us; for my part I interess my self in an affair from the mo­ment that I know it, and it affords me almost as much delight as it does those who have therein the Principal Part. This will be to us a merry entertainment, added she, and I will give you the means of Convicting him of Inconstancy. There­upon seeing Frederick come into her Chamber, We must call him to us, said she, We shall see what an­swers he will make to our Attachs. But the Princess was not in a con­dition to support the sight of him, she went away under the pretext of being newly seized with a pain in the head, and the Queen ap­plouding in her self the success of her Malice, was willing to con­tinue it; and having caused Fre­derick to sit down, I have at length obtained for you, said she to him, [Page 207] the pleasure of returning into Sicily. That word made him turn pale, and the Queen continuing said, The King has always had the inten­tion of rendring you Master of your Conduct, since he was hurryed to some excesses upon Camilla' s ac­count, but the Marriage of Amaldee has ever possessed him since that time, and hindered him hitherto from speaking to you thereof. As it is at present concluded, and the Ceremonies are to be performed within a few days: you may per­haps have a mind to share in the Divertisements that will be upon that occasion: but if you are not that way inclined, you may depart when you think convenient, if the pleasures that are preparing for that Feast are indifferent to you, and if you do not think us deserving the satisfaction of enjoying your Company for some days longer: [Page 208] But you give me no Answer, conti­nued she, Is not this Match to your mind? Madam, said he to her with great violence, The only thought of parting from you, is so afflicting, that it hindered me from understanding what you said: but when is this Marriage to be Con­summated? It would have been already Consummated, had it not been for Amaldee's backwardness, said the Queen, thinking to be very Malitious, for the Princess of Mantua does ardently desire it. Frederick recovered some Joy at that Word, and Protested so ear­nestly to the Queen, that he was not in Love with the Princess of Mantua, and entertained her with so many obliging things, that she remained more satisfied than she promised her self, and Frederick was in hopes of making the Prin­cess consent, that by sacrificing [Page 209] the Queen effectually to her, he might have the Liberty of seem­ing to have ceased his Addresses. The intelligence, that was be­tween them, might authorize that Thought: But all these Projects were out of Season, thanks to the Queens Artifice, all his measures were broken by the Jealousie, which she had dextrously insinu­ated into the Soul of her Rival. This Princess would no longer look upon him, and it was in vain that Frederick's Eyes sought to tell her, how desirous he was of a particular Conversation with her; they could not meet with hers, but having approa­ched her Ear at a time, that no Body took notice of that action, Madam, said he to her, endeavours are used to make me abandon you, but I see a change in your Carriage which if you continue much longer [Page 210] will proceed perhaps to the sacri­ficing me to the Prince of Majorca. She turned away her head scorn­fully without making him any answer, and presenting her hand to Amaldee, he was obliged to lead her to her Apartment. But the Prince of Majorca did not take notice after what obliging manner she had gi­ven it him, his mind was filled with a thousand vexatious things upon her account. The King having sent to seek him, had commanded him absolutely to Marry her within eight days, which was the longest time that his resistance could obtain. He slighted her very much, and be­gun from that Evening to treat her as she had done him, thus they all three passed that night very uneasily. The Princess of Mantua had been so surprised at [Page 211] Frederick's perfidity, that she did not think at first of Amaldee's be­ing faithful to her, her mind be­ing fixed upon her misfortune, did not afford her any agreeable views; It is very difficult in a moment that a strong passion finds itself betray'd for a Woman to think of giving birth to ano­ther, that thought came only into her head when Frederick would have been as intimate with her as before the discovery: she then on a suddain resolved to revenge her self, she fancied that the Prince of Sicily was proud, and that he would be loath to be deprived of his Conquest; When a Woman loses one, the design comes natu­rally to make another, but it is only to make her self the more valued by her former Lover, that she endeavours to procure a se­cond, who is not much obliged [Page 212] by the paces that are made in his favour, since they all relate to the affection which first of all prevailed. Amaldee as we have already said, did not examine all this, he had so little inclination for the Princess of Mantua; that he took no notice of her Actions, Frederick's being out of humor was capable of making him so, he could not get an opportunity to speak to him since the adven­ture that had happened at the Princesses, by reason Frederick took great care to shun him, he likewise repented his having pres­sed a Declaration wherein he took so little interest, and he found himself more troubled at his being fallen out with his Rival, than he was pleased that he stood in good termes with his Mistriss, insomuch that his mind being full of Frede­rick, he wrote to him this Letter.

After that he had finished this Letter, he read it over twenty times, and did not find that it suffi­ciently expressed all that he had a mind to say; he fancyed that the terms of friendship were impro­per, and he could not reasonably make use of those which he judg­ed more sutable. He felt great agitations all the night, which seemed to him much longer than usual, and he was very impatient that Frederick should receive his Letter, and then again, he was a­fraid [Page 216] that Frederick would not re­ceive it, or that it would not suf­ficiently persuade him. He re­ceived it however, and it had all the effect that could be expected. It surprised him agreably, he only saw misfortunes for him on all sides, and a ray of hopes on the side of Amaldee suspended them with delight, and Consulting on­ly his first impulse, he returned him immediately this Answer.

Frederick had less impatience to send his Letter than Amaldee had had. He found that he had said too much, he was a long time in suspence if he should give it, till that a Messenger coming in from the Queen, he gave it, that he might put an end to all the reflex­ions it produced, he Commanded it should be carryed to Prince A­maldee, who was not so happy as to receive it, the Person, who was encharged with this Letter, having carried some from Frederick to the Princess of Mantua, and re­ceiving it in haste, he mistook what the Prince said to him, and fancied, that he was to carry it likewise to the Princess of Man­tua; she received and read it, with [Page 220] all the fury that so authentick a confirmation of Perfidy could in­spire her with: How! cried she, He is not satisfied with betraying me, he would likewise deprive me of the only Lover I have left; Ah! what a rage is his? I should have suffered his indifference, if it had not been voluntary, but I cannot suf­fer the outrage he puts upon me; I must punish him by what he most ap­prehends. Women are particular­ly jealous of their Beauty, and they are often, only willing to have a Lover, for the giving Te­stimony of it; she went imme­diately to the Queen, whom Fre­derick had newly left; the Queen was so satisfied with him, that she could no longer look upon the Princess of Mantua as the Rival; she was still more confirmed of the Sacrifice that Frederick had made her, by the desire the Prin­cess [Page 221] seemed to have, of becoming quickly her Daughter in Law, there was now no more obstacles in it, than what proceeded from Amaldee, who coming in at that moment, did pay all her advan­ces with extraordinary unkindnes­ses; the slights that are put upon a Beauty, do vex her more, than all those that can be done to the most Amorous of all men; she accused Frederick with Justice of the injury he did her Charms, and for the making him believe at least, that she was not so contemp­tible, and that she received con­solation for the loss of him, she sent him back his Letter, with orders to say, That Prince Amal­dee had given it her, and that she made him restitution of it; this is the having so favourable an ap­pearance, when all was contrary to her, went a great way towards [Page 222] the satisfying her vanity. And indeed the Princess of Sicily was pensive all alone, when his Letter was brought her, How! great was her surprise, Ah! cried she, though I do not seem a Lover, must I needs be Treated like the most con­temptible Mistress, and must I be Sacrificed to my Rivals. His last stroke compleats all the other, I have nothing more to hope, since I am used, as if I were the Princess of Sicily, I must likewise do us she should, and reproach that Person with baseness, whom alas! I cannot ac­cuse of Perfidy, seeing he never lo­ved me: Thereupon she ran to seek out Amaldee, whom she found in the Palace Gardens, and calling him all the names that rage in­spires, Art thou satisfied with all these names, said she to him, And art thou not better pleased with them, than with my silence? He was [Page 223] so afflicted, that he was not able to give her one word in answer, and leaning against a Tree, he looked upon her tenderly, and shedding a torrent of Tears, he at length drew the like from the lovely eyes of that irritated Prin­cess, she suffered her self to fall upon a grass-plat, over against him, they made a mute conversa­tion, more melting than all they could have said, but she retired as soon as Amaldee would have spo­ken, and went into a gloomy Al­ley, where she met with Camilla, and the Admirals Widdow who were in pursuit of her; who joined together, to ask the; reason of the Treachery that Frederick had done them; they had for a long time tormented themsleves they could no longer forbear vent­ing their fury, and were desirount of having the cruel delight ofs [Page 224] putting him some moments upon the rack, who had made them spend so many hours in torture; they come thither together, for we are only desirous of being pri­vate, when we have something that is agreeable to say; Moreo­ver they encouraged mutually one another, and pretended to put him into the greater confusion, by convicting him both together of the Treacherous Tricks, he had served each of them in particular; they made him a Hundred Re­proaches, which he could not make any answer to, he knew himself so well by their motions, that he was terrified, that he newly came from doing the same thing, they would never have done talking, they found still something to say, and people are inexhaustible, when they are to give a loose to their Passion, the [Page 225] violence of their passing into their discourses, caused them to make so much noise, as that they were heard by Amaldee, who appre­hended, that his dear Frederick was engaged in some peril, be­ing drawn by the sighs he gave, he answered him by others, and run to the place where there pas­sed an adventure almost like to that he had newly been engaged in. He first saw a Cavalier who disappeared, and perceiving his Sister all bathed in tears, Cruel Friend, said he to him, see the sufferings you bring upon us; Cruel Friend, your self, replyed the Princess of Sicily sadly, Why do you Sacrifice me to the Princess of Mantua? I Sacrifice you, said A­maldee to her, I who treat her dai­ly with so much Contempt upon your account? See, said she to him, shewing him the Letter, what you [Page 226] gave her, and which she restored to me. Amaldee protesting that he knew not what it was, did very earnestly beg of her to give him that Letter; Frederick could not resist the desire he had of seeing him read it; And Amaldee ma­king a stop at the end, how said he to him, you do not love the Princess more than you do me? How! replyed Frederick, and do not you love her, would to Hea­ven that I were in a Condition to love her, Cryed they both at a time. But in good earnest do not you love her, said Frederick to the Prince of Majorca? No, Replyed he coldly, and if I was sorry that you loved her, it is apparently, be­cause I do not find her aimable, but if you do not Love her, why are you in fear that I do? you must needs have some concealed interest; I have one without doubt, said Frederick, [Page 227] but still, do not you Love her, re­peated he again, let me be sure of your indifference for her before I confess any thing: I answer you I do not, ask her, said the Prince of Majorca. Frederick could no lon­ger hold out against such flatter­ing appearances; and the presence of Camilla could not put a stop to what so favourable a Moment fur­nished him with, I have been in Love, said he, from the moment that I saw you, and I should still have had all my indifference, if you had never arrived in Sicily. Camilla being charmed with this discourse, did secretly make him reparation for all she had said and thought against him, but Frede­rick stopping, found himself in a fair way, and blushing at what Love had made him do, he would perhaps, notwithstanding all his reflections, have said something [Page 228] more, if the King had not inter­rupted him, he was amazed at his taking him aside to discourse him, but the business passed in this manner:

The Queen whom a too long absence from Frederick rendred uneasie, had sent to seek for him, her imagination being full of him, figured him always with another, it was necessary for her to see him for the calming all her Suspicions, she was told that he was with A­maldee and Camilla, which was sufficient to allarm her. The King being present when this Word was brought, she blushed at the indi­scretion of the Person she had im­ployed, which Berranger taking notice of, he looked upon it as a very ill augure. What she added afterwards with some kind of transport, made him the more ap­prehensive. Camilla, said she to [Page 229] him, renews her Persuits, and it is very convenient to have a Watching Eye over her. Your Virtue is very Austere, Madam, said he to her with some disdain, I perceive that you are not willing to allow your Daughter a Lover: but as for Fre­derick, I shall take order about him, and he may possibly be on his way to Sicily by to Morrow, for preventing the consequences of an Amour, at which your severity is so much al­larm'd. Thereupon he went down into the Palace Garden, thinking upon the Discovery he had new­ly made; he met there with Fre­derick, and breaking of the con­versation that had so much pleased him, he entertained him with one that was very afflicting. Prince, said he to him, you may possibly be surprised, that I have deferred so long the telling you that you are Free: but now hence forward, no­thing [Page 230] shall detain you, all things shall be ready for your going on Board, and that to Morrow, if no Body stay you here, I pretend to render Civility for Civility to the King of Sicily by restoring him his Son. And indeed Berranger had found his Glory to revive ex­treamly upon the Queens being in disorder, and accusing himself of having not too well managed it: He managed at the same time his own repose. He paid great Civi­lities to Frederick, who only an­swered him with a profound bow, he had not the power to thank him for a thing which puts him into despair, and for the restoring him to a Liberty, which he found would be insupportable. How sensible was the Princess of Sicily's grief to depart in a time when her Presence might support the Senti­ments that Amaldee would infal­libly [Page 231] have entertained of her. To depart without making her self known, or to make her self known when she was to depart, were such tumultuous reflections, that some time was requisite for her to come to a determination, the Queen be­ing no less to be pitied than she. The Idea of never seeing what we Love, is the most cruel thing that imagination can represent; it was requisite that she should see him at least once more. Yet the King besieged continually, and the thing was almost impossible. In this pressing need she was constrained to run some risque. She Confi­ded in the discretion of one of her Maids of Honor, whose Chamber she thought most convenient for the interview, being there was a way to it by a back pair of Stairs. This Woman took care to conduct Frederick thither, who was resol­ved [Page 232] to imploy his Credit with the Queen, being ignorant of the share she had in that adventure. The King having set spies to watch him that Evening; he failed not to have notice given him of the way he had taken. The Queen finding her self indisposed, had pla­ced her self upon a Bed of repose, where all bathed in Tears, she saw Frederick at her knees, being as full of grief as her self, he conju­red her tenderly to imploy her cre­dit for the deferring a departure, which would be so fatal to him: they were in that posture when they heard the Chamber door thundred open, and saw the King with his Sword in his hand: he made a full pass at Frederick, who happened to be first in his reach: the Queen made her escape by the back pair of Stairs, he ran to per­sue her, but not finding her, he [Page 233] met with Amaldee and Camilla, whom we sent to the place where all this disorder passed, finding that his vengeance would be the more compleat, if all the World knew it, and that he added to it the trouble of all such Persons as took part in Frederick, the Princess of Mantua was likewise informed of this accident, by the rumors that were spread of through all the Palace. Her tenderness was now revived, and she no longer found him culpable, since he had now expiated his Crime by his Bloud that was shed. Insomuch that she ran thither as well as the rest; their shrieks were heard on all sides in that Chamber, and it was a very lamentable spectacle to see Frederick weltring in his own bloud. The Princess of Mantua and Camilla embraced one another in shedding a torrent of Tears. [Page 234] These two Rivals were no longer Enemies, and their common mis­fortune left them no other Senti­ments, than for the lamenting what they Loved. It being ne­cessary to undress Frederick, they withdrew, and his wound was searched. But how dangerous a one did Amaldee receive? when he saw an admirable Bosom, tinctured in several parts with bloud, yet heightned its natural Whiteness. This cannot be ex­pressed, Love making himself known to him in that cruel Mo­ment, he made him feel it with all its Violence. The Princess of Sicily was Fainted away, she was thought to be dead, she no longer breathed. But Amaldee approach­ing her, heard her still Sigh; he having caused that heart to move again, which he had so much agi­tated, she opened feebly her Eyes, [Page 235] and cast a piercing look upon the amorous Amaldee, and immedi­ately shut them again. Ah! Lovely Eyes, cried he, are you closed for ever, He imagined she had given her last Sigh, he did the Actions of a Mad-man, and being no lon­ger capable of governing himself, he suffered those Persons to con­duct him, whom the Queen had sent to give help to Frederick, to the Apartment of those afflicted Beauties, he did not acquaint them with so surprising an adven­ture, he little thought of comfor­ting them, or of telling them a piece of News which would only have served to the re­doubling his own despair, they were all in a gloomy silence, which being caused by a violent grief, did lively express it, there remained in those Princesses a ray of hopes which tormented them [Page 236] more than the entire assurance of their misfortune could have done. We suffer our selves to be trans­ported with rage, when the mis­chief is without Remedy, and there is at least but that Motion which hurries the Soul away with that Violence, and which leaves it not the leisure to be sensible of all its torments: but when we are divided between small hopes and a great deal of fear, we feel a thousand Conflicts, which as it were tore us, and cannot be cal­med, but by the loss of the one or other. They quickly lost them both, to make way for something that was much more afflicting. Word was brought that Frederick had been discovered to be the Princess of Sicily, then all the mo­tions which they had so improper­ly entertained, dissipating them­selves on a sudden, they fell into [Page 237] a kind of Lithurgy, in compari­son of which they found all their Allarms to be soft and pleasing. In the mean while the Princess of Sicily's wound being searched, was found not to be Mortal, which News being carried to the King, he received it as the cure of all his ills. The Queen no lon­ger gave him any embraces, no­thing hindred him from joyning the Crown of Sicily to his own, and finding his Honour secure, and his ambition satisfied, he learnt with great satisfaction, a thing that was necessary both for his own repose, and that of his Peo­ple. He sought out the Queen to ask her pardon for his rage, and was willing to believe, that it was only to the Princess of Sicily, that the Assignation had been gi­ven, since it was but effectually her. The Queen was so confused [Page 238] with so many changes, that she knew not what answer to make, she was in fear that it was a sur­prise, that the King would put upon her, and could perhaps have wished it. Nothing was so disa­greeable to her, as to learn she had no longer a Lover, and what was more that she had not had one. It was in vain that he en­deavoured to render her a Witness of that Truth, she excused her self, telling him after a spightful man­ner, which her Virtue too well justified, inspired her with, that she was even afraid, that the Prin­cesses Sex would not secure her from his Suspitions, since her pru­dence had not been able to do so. Neither would the Princess of Man­tua nor Camilla, now see under the proper Figure, the Person they had found so pleasing under one that was borrowed. They hated the [Page 239] Princess of Sicily, from the time that she was no longer Frederick, but she did not remain abandoned: the Prince of Majorca gave her all his thoughts which did sufficiently comfort her for those she lost else­where. What a delight was it to her to see her self beloved! this was a Novelty, she had never seen a Lover at her feet; it is very plea­sing to see one there: but it is the highest Felicity when it is one the Woman Loves. Ah! cryed A­maldee, all transported, Why did you wait so long to triumph over a heart that ought to be wholly yours, from the time it was capable of Lo­ving. I have felt, it is true, some tender longings towards you, but I lost the Pleasure by not knowing the motions of my heart, nor the merit of the Object who inspired me with them. A thousand sighs with which he repaired the time he had been [Page 240] without knowing the use of them, and a thousand disquiets he was in for her Life, did make her sufficient satisfaction for those she had thought to no purpose. She had not Courage to make him languish longer without telling him what he had inspired her with. As he was one day Comparing before her the sentiments he had had for Frederick, and those he had for the Princess of Sicily, she was willing likewise to give him a prospect of her own, they took de­light in examining all their most secret Motions, and lived al­ready the Most happily in the world, when that the two Kings consented to Consummate their felicity, and to make Peace by uniting their two familyes, the Princess of Mantua could not oppose it, she had loved Frederick at a time she was to have been [Page 227] Amaldee's Wife, which was sufficient to hinder her from being able to reproach him with the preference he made of the Princess of Sicily, besides that Princess had tryumphed over her heart under the figure of a Rival, for to see her tryumph with another under that of a Mistress; Insomuch that the Princess of Mantua return­ed two days after the wound was given without giving the Princess of Sicily one visit, she told the King that having a designe to quit the world, she thanked him for all the favours he had bestow­ed upon her, and that she should be full of an eternal acknowledg­ment, he was very glad to see her take leave of her self, the only ob­stacle to what he projected, being thereby removed, thus they were all well satisfied at Majorca.

[Page 226] Camilla recovered her Lover and a Match was Concluded between her and Prince Leon, he had ever Conserved for her a Character of so handsome Passion, that he could not fail of being recompensed at the end, he had voluntarily deprived him sel of the satisfaction of giving her marks of his tenderness which displeases when a Lover is not acceptable, and he gave her a full view of it, when that the Princess of Sicily had sent for him by the permission of Menfroy, to whom Berranger writ all that had passed, demanding of him with great earnest­ness the honour of his Allyance. Leon brought Menfroy's Consent to Berranger those two things whom no endeavours had been able to reconcile were made friends by the intercession of their Chidreu when Prince Leon saw Camilla at the passion he had ever had received and augmented, he renewed to her his vowes which she recieved with a most sincere affection the Prin­cess of Sicily was Charmed with that reunion, and saying one day to Camilla [Page 231] that Love had made use of her to render her more tractable; that Princess made answer that after having examined her self, she had observed that the respect and addresses of Leon had at first produced in her soul, which it durst not have discovered but under an other Name, this being said in the presence of that Lover, it filled him full of Joy, and Amaldee looking ma­liciously upon Camilla, called to mind those verses, which his sister had made for Frederick at the time she thought her self sure of his heart.

This put her something to the blush, out of a remain of spite, she made the application thereof to Prince Le­on, who cast himself at her feet, by [Page] way of thanks, Amaldee was more and more charmed with his lovely Princess, whom he Married shortly after, under the name of Constance, Queen of Si­cily, menfroy being dead much about that time; the Four Lovers lived in a perfect Union the rest of their days; Camila contracted a friendship with the new Queen, as soon as Leon had in­gaged her heart; indifference gives I know not what lukewarmness, for all things which ever ceases when it is gone, and we are capable of all the fine Sentiments, as soon as we begin to entertain such as are Amorous, the Queen being uncapable of doing bet­ter, brought her inclinations under the same confinement they had been in before, she saw Frederick, the Admi­ral's Widdow found a Husband at Ma­jorca, and Yolanda, one in Sicily, in short they all recovered their former Tranquility▪