THE Kingdom of Poland is Elective, and yet the Polan­ders have that laudable Custom of ever choosing a Prince of the Family of their Kings. Thus Ladislaus was no sooner dead, than that Prince Casimer his Brother was Elected in his place. He was of a middle stature, brown, and something too Corpu­lent. He was as brave as one could be: Of a kind disposition: His Ru­ling passion was love, and one of the best Princes that ever Reigned. A dispensation was obtained from the Pope for his marrying the Queen Widdow of Ladislaus, formerly known in France by the name of [Page 2]Princess Mary. He had ever had an esteem for her, and for her part she had likewise very much considered him: Insomuch that they were not much troubled to change the names of Brother and Sister for those of Husband and Wife, tho the example was somthing rare. The good of the State served for a pretext to the real inclination they had a long time had for one another. The Cere­monies of their Marriage were hardly finished, than that the troubles which were newly appeased began again in the Kingdom, thro a parti­cular quarrel of a Polish Gentleman, with Chilmilenski General of the Cos­aques. Those people are composed of several strangers, and principal­ly of the Polish Peasants, who to deliver themselves from the slavery of the Nobles have abandoned their Country to retire into the Ʋkraine, a Province bordering upon the Tar­tars and Turkes, and abounding in [Page 3]all that is necessary to life. They are of the Grecian Religion under the obedience of a Patriarch, whose Residence is at Kiof, a very fair and large City, Governed under the Authority of the King of Poland. The Cosaques being obliged to de­fend the entrance of the Kingdom against the Infidels, they are e­ver Armed when they work, that they may not be surprized, and without taking any pay of the King or the Republick, they ge­nerously expose their lives, con­tenting themselves with the booty only that they take from the Ene­mies of the Crown. They are very affectionate to the King, but their hatred against the Nobles is so great, that the least quarrels obliges them to take Armes and to revenge them­selves cruelly for the offences they receive. They have never any o­ther Leader to Command them than such as they have chosen amongst [Page 4]themselves: And tho he were but a Shepherd, provided he be brave and fortunate in fight, they obey him very exactly and have for him a great respect.

Chilmilenski their General was the Son of a Miller, but the Victor­ies he gained over the Turkes and Tartars, rendered him so illustrious, that he passed for one of the great­est Captains of the age. After the Death of his Father having demand­ed of King Casimer leave to build up again the Mill that his Father had left him, and of adding to it some Houses for the Honouring his Memory, it was granted to him in consideration of his Merit and the services he had done him and the Republick. Jarinski a Polish Colonel opposed Chilmilenski's de­signe, and forbid him to pass far­ther, saying that the Water of his Mill incommoded him, that the King commanded upon his own [Page 5]Lands and he upon his. But these haughty words not having at all dis­couraged Chilmilenski, the Colonel in his absence caused his Mill and Houses to be burnt, and misused his Wife and his Son who would have hindered him. It is easie to imagine what impression this outrage made in the Soul of that great Man. He promised no less to his revenge than the exterminating all the Nobility, and his Courage so well seconded him, that having raised a powerful Army, he ruined all the Nobles, on one side as far as Lublin, and thro all Podolia as far, as Rustemburg. Women and Children were no more spared than the Churches, and those whom fire and Sword had left, were sold to the Turkes; insomuch that for the burning of a Mill sixty Cities were destroyed. The Senators of the Kingdom, without whom the King undertakes nothing that con­cerns the Republick, beseeched him [Page 6]to Arme for the destroying the Coj­aques, but the King refused them, saying that it was their fault, and that Jarinski ought not to have burnt Chilmilenski's Mill. Notwith­standing this refusal the Nobility composed an Army of fifty thousand men, and marched directly to the Cosaques, who expected them in good order. The Battail was gi­ven. The Polanders lost it, and ten thousand of them were killed upon the place. The Runaways were pursued more than twelve Leagues, and the Cosaques loaden with spoiles and Glory returned to their homes, destroying all the places thro which they passed, ex­cept the Lands belonging to the King.

The Nobles irritated with this great loss, and breathing nothing but vengeance, made a Convocation of the seventh man, which is called in the language of their Country [Page 7] Pospolite Russin, and having joyn­ed some German Troops to that levy, they renewed the War contrary to the Kings sentiment, who coun­celled them to agree, because that the Cosaques defended the Kingdom against the invasion of Infidels. But instead of following this good advice, the King became suspect­ed by them, tho he went himself to command their Army.

The Cosaques having notice of these preparations, took the field with fifty thousand men, and their spies having informed them that the Polanders were encamped beyond the Nieper, and were not upon their Guard, relying on their great Num­bers, they passed secretly the River one Night, and having surprized the Enemies they killed six thou­sand of them upon the place, put the rest into disorder, and persued them as far as Zamosh, took all the baggage and four and twenty pieces [Page 8]of Canon, which they sent to Kiof for a mark of their Victory; and having laid feige to the City after the Trenches having been opened a Month, they became Masters of it. Chilmilenski by these great ad­vantages having made himself formi­dable, proposed to the Duke of Walachia an offensive League a­gainst Poland, and the Marriage of his Son with the Dukes Daughter; but there being some difficulty made in it, whether because of the un­equality of their conditions, or be­cause that having married his Eldest Daughter to Prince Radezivil, he could not quit the party of the Polan­ders. Chilmilenski threatned to drive him out of his states: Inso­much that for the avoiding of the War, the Duke consented to the Marriage, upon condition that after the Death of Chilmilenski, his Son should succeed in the Generalship; which was granted him by all the [Page 9] Cosaques. The Polanders having notice of the day that the Nuptials were to be celebrated, drew up with designe to trouble the Feast, well imagining that the Cosaques would not be upon their Guard. In truth, these not dreaming of any thing but Mirth, were surprized in the City of Kiof, which the Polanders ruined without much trouble. The Nobles who were detained Prisoners there, were freed, the Greek Churches destroyed and pillaged, the Patri­arch carryed away prisoner, and the Cosaques were so weakned by this unexpected blow, that they appeared to be in the extreamest consternation. Being however re­covered from their astonishment, they sent an Ambassador to the King, to demand of him if it was by his or­der that action had been done, pre­tending their Patriach should be re­stored them, and a reparation made them proportionable to their loss. [Page 10]The King having answered that Am­bassador that he had neither order­ed Chilmilenski's Mill should be de­stroyed, nor that the City of Kiof should be ruined, but that the No­bility had done it of their own moti­on to recompence themselves for their losses; the Cosaques joyned themselves to the Tartars, and en­tred Podolia, committing all the Hostilities that War inspires desper­ate people with. The Nobles be­ing acquainted with this new irrup­tion, told the King plainly, that if he did not march at their head, they would have recourse to Ragoski Duke of Transilvania, and choose him in his stead. The King, who had reason to apprehend it, and who had a long time known their ill in­tentions, promised to march with the German Trops; with which they were not pleased, because they would have had them mingled a­mongst them. In fine the Army [Page 11]came to Cantinitz Podolski, which is a very strong City, where after several little rencounters, was sought a bloody Battail, wherein the Cosa­ques were beaten, being constrained to flie. But as they had made their Magazines in the Marshes, and that they expected succour, they retired thither, and the Palanders believing that they should infallibly Perish there, blocked up the Casaques, whose succours being arrived they cut off from the Polanders all pas­sage for Victuals, and constrained them to make immediately a disad­vantagious Peace. This Peace was not signed, insomuch that Casimer retired to Warsaw, and the Nobles to their Houses, extreat [...]ly humbled by their great losses, and very ill satis­fied with him, accusing him of fa­voring the Cos [...]ques.

The King having a tender Soul, and being no longer possessed with thoughts of War, Love appeared [Page 12]to him more agreeable. The Vice-Chancellor Ragieski, had for some few years been Married to a young Lady whose Beauty had made a great deal of noise at Court. She was in her two and twentieth year, of a middle Stature, but very well Carriaged, her Eyes were black, full and well turned, and whose Luster and sweetness inspired affecti­on in all who saw her, her Nose well made, her mouth pretty, and all parts of her face so well propor­tioned, that having therewith a Wit very gay and Gallant, few persons have been seen more accomplished. The Vice-Chancellor usually kept her at a Countrey House near War­saw, as it is the Custom of all the Polish Lords, whose Wives go sel­dome to Court, giving them a kind of Governesse for to watch over their actions when civility obliges them to bring them thither. The Reputation of the Vice-Chancel­lours [Page 13]Lady had given the King that pressing desire that one has of see­ing persons whose Beauty is famous, and her presence at Court so well compleated what her Reputation had begun, that he became infinite­ly in love. He felt in his heart all those violent motions which we usually are sensible of at the birth of great passions; but this violence so agreeably deprived him of his liberty, that without considering he should have a thou­sand obstacles to conquer, he aban­doned himself without referve to the power of that Lady. There are Kings who are so made that they need only to speak to make them­selves beloved, but Casimer was not of this Number, and his power did not reach so far. He feared the Queen, and he knew to what ex­cesses the Polanders proceed when they are jealous. Wherefore he contented himself to show in the [Page 14]ning more complaisance to the Vice-Chancellours Wife than to the other Ladies of the Court, and sometimes fixing his looks upon her they made her clearly see what hers had produced in his heart. But his passion was too violent to remain long in silence. The Baron de Saint-Cir, a French Gentleman, had been some years at the Court of Po­land, his good meen, his wit, his conduct and his Bravery had acquir­ed him the Reputation of a very Gal­lant man. He often saw the Vice-Chancellour Ragieski, who seemed to be much his friend, and the King who naturally loved all the French, honoured him also with a particular esteem, whether for his merit, or that he was a Relation of the Mar­chionesse des Roches the Governesse of the Queens Maids of Honour, who had a great kindness for him. All these considerations obliged the King to choose him to be the later­perter [Page 15]of his Love, and to deceive the foresight of those whose interest it was to traverse him. Wherefore he caused him to come one day into his Cabinet, where after having gi­ven him new marks of his bounty, he gave him in charge to make known his Sentiments to the Vice-Chan­cellours Lady, declaring to him of what importance it was for his re­pose. Tho the Commission was nice, the Baron knowing the jeal­ous humour of Ragieski, he made no difficulty of accepting it; and of telling the King that he esteemed himself so happy in the Honour that he did him by trusting him with so important a secret, that he should willingly sacrifice his life to render his Majesty all the service he was capable of. The King, who expected no less from the Barons in­clination, promised to make him a Royal acknowledgment, and hav­ing immediately took the Measures [Page 16]they judged necessary for the suc­ceeding well in this enterprize, which was to be so fatal to Casimer, and all the Kingdom; the Baron re­tired to his apartment to think of it at leasure. As he had the liberty of going often to Ragieski's House, he applyed himself more particularly than he had done before to show kindness to all those of the Family, and having an insinuating and an agreeable wit, he became so much in the favour of her who was in­stead of a Governesse to the Vice-Chancellours Lady, that being enarmed with his Civilities, she was mighty complaisant to him. He took occasion to speak often of the King and then exaggerated his li­berality, his tenderness, his good­ness, and his other great Qualities, in terms so advantagious that it made this Woman desirous of try­ing them. After having thus dispos­ed her mind, he cunningly made the [Page 17]Vice-Chancellours Lady observe the earnestness the King was in of seeing her when she was at Court; and even sometimes told her smil­ing, that he believed she had made him her conquest: and he so often repeated it to her in the presence of her Governesse, that being fair and having no less ambition than Beauty, he remarked that it did not at all displease her. He informed the King thereof, who redoubled his cares. The Lady perceived it with joy, and the Baron having made the Governesse his consident in the af­fair, who fancied her fortune was thereby made, they resolved toge­ther that the King should write to her that he might explain himself more precisely. The Governesse promised to do her devoir, and some days after the King wrote to the La­dy in these termes.

The Baron having taken an occasion of speaking in particular to the Vice-Chancellours Lady, gave her the Letter that the King sent her. She changed colour several times as she read it, and there ap­peared such an alteration in her face, that he looked upon it as a good au­gure; [Page 19]however after having read [...], she said nothing more to him, than that she was very much ob­liged to the King for the Honour [...]he did her, and that she had no answer to make. The Baron would have spoke to her, but per­sons of Quality coming in, he re­tired and went to give an account to Casimer of what he had done. This Prince was so satisfied with what he acquainted him, tho he could not fix any certainty, that after having told him the most ob­liging things he could have hoped, he presented him with a Diamond of great value. While that the King flattered himself agreeably with the hopes of being beloved, she for her part felt agitations that were not usual to her; and calling back into her memory all those obliging and passionate looks by which he explained himself when she was at Court, she did not at all doubt of her [Page 20]Conquest. But his Letter so posi­tively assured her, that notwith­standing all the confiderations which ought to have discouraged her, she took a delight in believing it. Casi­mer was as well made as Ragieski, tho a King, she was young, he pro­mised to be discreet and faithful, all this very much shaked her mind, and she became more thoughtful than she used to be. Her Govern­esse who was not ignorant of the cause, asked her however the occasion of her Melancholy. She excused her self a long time from telling it her, but she pressed her to it after so engaging a manner, and with so many Protestations of serving her faithfully, that she could not resist any longer. She embraced her ten­derly, and after having told her that the happiness of her life con­sisted in keeping the secret she im­parted to her, she showed her the Kings Letter. The Governesse pre­tended [Page 21]to be surprized, she read it seriously, and having remonstrated [...]o the Lady the danger she exposed [...]er self to by the noise that this pas­sion would make in the world, she [...]hen spoke to her in so advantage­ [...]s a manner of the Kings tenderness, that after having eyed her with a [...]ind of compassion, she promised [...]o manage things so cunningly, that there needed no more to determine [...]er to receive favourably his Vows. Whereupon going to Court in the Evening, the King explaining to her as his custome was the condition his Soul was in she answered him so obligingly, that he did not at all doubt but that he should be happy. He appeared on the suddain in the gayest humour imaginable, and without showing any affectation he approached the Vice-Chancellours Lady, to whom he reiterated the Protestations he had made her in his Letter of loving her Eternally. That [Page 22]Charming person whom the King discourse caused to blush, replyed with a great deal of Modesty and sweetness. It is so little credible Sir, that you can be in the conditi­on you would perswade us, that i [...] I could flatter my self that a grea [...] Prince as you are could love sincere­ly, I should take a sensible delight i [...] your passion: But, Sir, so many things oblige me not to add Faith to your words, that I dare not tell you I could wish they were real. How agreeable was this Confession to the King! His joy made him for a long time immovable, and then of a suddain that same joy having fur­nished him with the Eloquence o [...] satisfied Lovers, the Protestatoin [...] and Oaths that he made to that La­dy perfectly conquered her. It wa [...] thus they were engaged, there wa [...] nothing more wanting to complea [...] their happiness, than the finding [...] convenient place to entertain on [...] [Page 23]another without witnesses. The [...]ince gave order to the Baron to [...]ak thereof to the Vice-Chancel­lours Lady. But as he was endeav­ouring it, and that the King expect­ed with impatience that happy mo­ment, he was obliged to go into the [...]mpagne to defend himself against the Invasion of the Great Duke of Moscovy, who without any reason broak the Peace that King Ladislaus had made with him. That Prince assisted by the Cosaques took the City of Smolensko, and they made such other considerable Progresses in Lithuania, that the ruine of the Kingdom was with reason appre­hended. Casimer caused of his own proper motion succours to be de­manded of the Duke of Transilvania, of the Hospidars, of the Tartars and of the other people of those Countries; but all these Forces not being equal to those of the Ene­mies, he could not hinder the ruin [Page 24]of Vilna the Capital City of Lithu­ania; all persons there above fif­teen years old were put to the Sword, and the rest were carried to Mosco­vy, to be brought up there in the Greek Religion. It is easie to im­agine the deplorable Condition these sad Conjunctures put the King in. He loved his people tenderly, but he loved his Mistress more; In­somuch that one may say that never was Prince agitated with so many passions at a time. The Vice-Chan­cellours Lady was no more at ease than he, for he begun to be dear to her: She apprehended the losing him amongst the hazards of War, or that absence might diminish the passion he had showed her before his departure. All that the Baron could say to her to assure her of the Con­trary did not satisfie her: And if the Winter had not brought the King back to Warsaw, that fair per­son would not have been able to [Page 25]have concealed any longer, the dis­pleasure she had in Her mind. But all these Clouds were dissipated at the moment they saw one ano­ther again; the King neglected the sares of War, to think of nothing but pleasing that Lady; and she likewise abandoned her self to the motions of her Passion, after a man­ner so obliging to him, that he had nothing more to wish for, than the vanquishing a weak resistance. They enjoyed for some time, all the soft­est pleasures that a blooming passion usually gives; and Love took care of banishing from their minds, all the ill humours and disquiets that might traverse their contentment. But whether that Ragieski had perceived any thing, or that the necessity of his affairs obliged him to go into the Country, he carried his Lady thither, and departed so suddainly from War­saw, that she had not time of bid­ding Adieu to any body. Casimer [Page 26]was not a little astonished when he was told the news of it; he had in his mind all that Choler could inspire the most furious with; he vowed the ruin of the Vice-Chancellour, and in fine became so out of hu­mour, that all the Court perceived it, each One endeavouring to pene­trate into it's Cause; The Baron was the only One that knew it, and it was to him alone he discovered his most secret thoughts, and to whom in the first transports of his grief, he said the most touching things imagin­able. But as this violent Condition could not last long, and that the Vice-Chancellour's House was not far distant from Warsaw; the Baron in some manner eased the Kings suf­ferings, in giving him hopes, that un­der pretence of hunting he might procure him an interview with his Mistress, and adding to that, that he should likewise find the Conveniency of conveying to her his Letters, and [Page 27]receiving of her Answers with safety; He seemed satisfied, and left to him the care of mannaging the business. The Vice-Chancellor kept a breed of Race Horses in his Park; he had several times desired the Baron, who understood riding very well, to go see his Horses; he took that time to satisfie him, and to deliver to his Lady a Letter the King had given him in Charge. Ragieski received the Baron with a great deal of joy; but his Lady saw him with much more, she needed him for the dimini­shing the grief that the Kings absence caused in her: And when the Baron had given her the Kings Letter, she recovered her good humour: It was in these terms.

The Vice-Chancellor's Lady, who went into the Country against her will, was in no less pain there, than the King at Warsaw; and her passion for him was come to that point, that Ragieski seeing her in an extraordi­nary melancholy, begun to observe her more strictly, to endeavour to discover its cause, and even pressed her very often to tell it him; But as his importunities augmented her ill humour; the Baron came very conveniently to remove it, and Casi­mer's [Page 29]Letter dispersed all her fears: She' had at the least as much impa­tience as he to be at Warsaw; she pretended to be sick that she might re­turn thither. But Ragieski not be­leiving the disease very pressing, still delayed his departure. In the mean time she passionately longed to see the King, and yet she apprehended his impatience would make him come, because that her Husband would have certainly discovered their Com­merce. In this uncertainty a middle way was to be found out. There was a very fine house two Leagues from theirs, belonging to an Officer of the Crown; the Baron proposed to the Vice-Chancellor's Lady to make a party for hunting there, where he would cause the King to come; she approved the expedient, and as nothing is impossible to wo­men of wit, she so well mannaged the business that Ragieski himself pro­posed to the Baron the hunting a [Page 30]Stag two days after: for the better concealing his design, he pretend­ed to have business which obliged him to return. This caused his stay to be the more pressed, and all be­ing thus resolved, he wrote to the King, marking precisely the Place where he might see the Vice-Chancel­lors Lady; and that he might add faith to his words, she wrote him this Letter.

The Baron gave this Letter to his Gentleman of the Horse, to carry it to the King. But tho the success of his voyage ought to have given him a great deal of joy, as he passi­onately loved the Marchioness das Reches, whose absence made him in an extream pain, he could not help showing his uneasiness: Ragieski be­leiving that the Baron was weary of his house, did all he could to divert him; and seeing that notwithstand­ing his Caresses and his good Treat­ment, he still reserved so great a Melancholy that he could not con­ceal it, he fancyed him to be in Love, he had already rallied him upon that point several times at Warsaw, se­ing him so assiduous with the Mar­chioness des Roches his Relation. But tho they were often together, he had never made him his Confident. Wherefore he renewed his earnest­ness [Page 32]in so civil and galant a man­ner, that the Baron did really avow to him his passion. Ragieski beleiv­ing there must needs be somthing ex­traordinary in their intrigue, obliged the Baron to make him the recital of it, and after having promised secrecy, the thing being of consequence e­nough, the Baron thus began his History.

DUring the last Civil wars which caused so much disorder in France, my Father who is of one of the best Families of Guyenne, sent me to Paris, where the Queen Re­gent Anne of Spain kept her Court. I was then four and twenty years old, and tho I had not all the neces­sary qualities to make me be distin­guished in the finest Court of the world, I dare however affirm that in a little time I procured a great many Friends. As I had ever had a great [Page 34]passion to see Italy, and that my Fa­ther had hindred me from it, because that I was the only Son, and he loved me tenderly, it was with a great deal of trouble that he consented to my making that voyage. But after having taken all the necessary mea­sures for the satisfying my curiosity: One day as I went to the Louvre, to take leave of a friend of mine, a person of Quality; I met a young Lady, who being left a Widdow without Children, saw her self ob­liged to dispute with the Heirs of her deceased Husband, a piece of land of great value that he had given her at his Death: Her shape being of the most advantagious, caused me [...]o stop to consider it; I felt in my heart so great a desire of knowing nor, that I could not hold from fol­lowing her; she being deirous to present a Petition to the Queen and to beg her Protection, she adressed her self to the Captain of the Guards, [Page 35]who was the same I was also look­ing for: Love being resolved to make me feel its darts, would make use of that Occasion to learn me his Laws; for the Marchioness des Roches (thus was that Lady called) made the recital of her affans, in so witty and galant a manner, that being likewise as you know very pretty, I interessed my self in her affairs, as if she had been very consider able to me. I forgot the design I had made of travelling, and believing that I could never do any thing more a­greable or advantageous to my self, than to make my applications to that fair Widdow: I thought of [...]o thing but the means I should make use of for the acquainting her with my sen­timents: Wherefore after having thought a while, I in [...] the Marchioness, whom I had still eyed very attentively, for to cell my friend, that tho I was perswaded that his Generosity would insallib [...]y move [Page 36]him to serve her, I however joyn­ed my Prayers to hers, and conjured him to employ his Credit, and to procure her a favourable Audience of the Queen. And then addres­sing my self to her, I told her, with an air that made apparent the part I took in what concerned her. I could not hope, Madam, to be happy enough to offer my services to so lovely a person as you, but since my good fortune has given me some part in my Lord's friendship, I could not let this occasion pass without testify­ing to you, in recommending to him your interests, the extream passion I have of serving you; and I should heartily desire, Madam, that time would furnish me with more favour­able Ones, that I might the better make appear, the zeal and respect I have for your Ladyship. The Mar­chioness, whom these words caused to blush, answered me with a Mo­desty that perfectly charmed me [Page 37]lought, without doubt, my Lord, to attribute to your generosity a­lone, the obliging offers you make me; for not knowing in my self any quality that might procure me so galant a man as you for Protector, I should be very vain to believe that my merit had engaged you to take so much part in my interests; and Heaven, that always protects afflict­ed persons, must needs have sent you on purpose hither, to give me marke of your goodness. While we were thus discoursing, an Officer came and informed us that the Queen was going out, the Captain gave his hand to the Marchioness to present her to her Majesty; she was received very favourably, and after that the Queen was mounted into the Coach, I did all that I could to accompany the Marchioness to her house, but she would not consent to it; Inso­much that I returned to my house with sentiments very opposite to [Page 38]these that had brought me to the Louvre Paris seemed to me a thou­sand times more charming than I had ever found it, and felt my self so taken with the Beauties of the Marchioness, that I entirely renounced the desire of travelling, to think only of the means of pleasing her. Love, to be well received in fouls, enters them usually attended with graces and joys, that he may the more easily Master them, represented to me the Marchioness as the most lovely per­son in the world, in making me sometimes remar [...]ue with pleasure that sweetness which accompanies all her actions, and then the vivacity of her Wit, and that galant turn she gives to things; insomuch that never having been in that condition, I admired so extraordinary a change, having thus made several reflecti­ons upon my adventure, I went to bed, thinking to sleep; but I had hardly shut my Eyes to abandon [Page 39]my self to sleep, that that the Mar­chioness represented her self to my fancy, with yet more Charms than I had found in her. I awaked con­trary to my custom which surprized me, and after having in vain endea­voured to fall asleep again, I dis­coursed thus to my self: Whence proceeds it that in a moment all my Curiosity is vanished? I have no longer that strong passion which has so long tormented me; and on­ly for one time seeing the Marchi­oness des Roches, I find my self dis­quieted and pensive: What will it then be when I shall know her more particularly? No, no, I'le have no engagement with a person who pro­duces so extraordinary effects, the Consequences would be too fatal to my repose, and I should deprive my self of the thing I esteem the most in the world: Wherefore He depart and remove my self from these pla­ces before I'le be engaged; Neither [Page 40]can I well justifie a delay of this Na­ture to my Father, or all my friends, of whom I have taken leave. But alas what do I say! to go from Paris [...] my heart cannot consent to it, what I should leave there is more worth than all the rest of the Universe. My fair Widdow, ought to be to me instead of all my voyages, and I shall take an extream pleasure in seeing her, per­haps she will not be insensible to my Vows, and that in fine I shall be hap­py enough not to displease her. Let none talk to me any more of travel­ling, I have lost the thoughts of it; and since we must once lose our li­berties, and become slaves, Ah! may it be the adorable Marchioness, who has not her like. Having be­sides made several other Reflections, it was impossible for me to sleep: In­somuch that the day being far ad­vanced without any of my servants having been in my Chamber, one of my friends who was surprized to see [Page 41]me so long in Bed, came by his pre­sence to interrupt my privacies: and as he had a great power over me, he asked me what obliged me to be so lazy, seeing I had not too much time for the giving order for my de­parture, and having answered him that I had been very much indisposed all the night, but that I found my self somthing better; I rose present­ly after, and went to the Palace of Orleans, to trie by the Beauty of those gardens, to divert the troubles this budding passion gave me: But instead of finding there the Remedy I sought, after having walked thro with little application all these fine walks, I was the more confirmed of fixing my self in the service of the Marchioness, and I returned home so pensive, that I found no pleasure but in the agreeable Idea I preserved of her Beauty: Insomuch that two days after I went to make her my first visit, and as our conversation [Page 42]was pretty long, I had time to dis­cover the delicacy of her wit. She said the finest things imaginable up­on the point of our acquaintance, and I returned so satisfied with the Marchionesses Civility, and so much charmed with her, that Love had never been better established in a heart. I began from that time to take more care of my person than I had done, I became more pensive than usual, and all that was nor the Marchioness seemed to me so in­supportable, that even my friends perceived me to be changed. But the time I had taken to depart be­ing passed as well as my curiosity, I feigned an indisposition, of which I gave notice to my Father, who having with pain consented I should travel, was very glad to hear I was no longer in hast to leave the King­dom; and as he had a design of buy­ing me a considerable Charge at Court, helet me know it was his [Page 43]will I should stay there. It is easie to imagine the joy this news gave me, as it agreed with my Love; never any thing was more welcome; and having then no other passion than of serving the Marchioness, I [...]aw her dayly, and lost no occasion of making known to her my passi­ons. All the difficulty was to make her see I loved her; my languish­ing Eyes, and redoubled sighs made it apparent that I was not insensible: But all this did not satisfie me, and when I went from her I could not bear with any company: And when alone I passed over in my mind, all that I had said, and all that I had done; sometimes I blamed my self for having been too fearful, and then again for having been too bold. And I was ever as ill contented with my self, as I was fatisfied with that lovely person. In fine time furnish­ed me with an occasion which I made use of luckily enough. The [Page 44]Marchioness had a friend who was often in our Company, and who having some inclination for me, did all she could to discover her for whom I sighed, and even pressed me so agreably upon that point, that I was put to much trouble to con­ceal my passion. One day as we went all three of us to walk in the Gardens, the Marchioness and I in­sensibly fixing languishing looks up­on one another, that friend per­ceiving it, told me with great sur­prize, Ah! Sir, I know at present what you have concealed from me with so much care, and then held her peace and would say no more. We did all that we could to break her silence, and especially the Mar­chioness pressed her to tell her the cause of it, but all was in vain: In­somuch that not being willing to stay any longer in the Gardens, we were constrained to return. Tho the Marchioness had not had the [Page 45]curiosity that is natural to the sex, this Mystery would have given it [...]er: Wherefore making her a visit the day after, she did not fail as soon as she saw me to press me to discover the secret, well imagining I was there for something. As I knew not precisely its cause, I found my self perplexed, I did all that I could to defend my self from telling my thoughts; But as in those sort [...]f occasions, the more we excuse our selves from telling Ladies what they would learn, the more it aug­ments their Curiosity; the Marchi­oness redoubled her earnestness, and would absolutely know my o­pinion thereof: Insomuch that that Conjuncture seeming to me very favourable for the discovering to her my passion, I tried two or three times to tell her what I had resol­ved, but I found in that moment the Power of an amourous respect, and it was with a great deal of fear [Page 46]and Confusion, that with a trembl­ing voice I told her, that her friend had perceived I loved her, and that it had put her into so ill an humou [...] Yes, Madam, added I, it is impossibl [...] to love you more, and if you con­si [...]er what your Charms are able to effect, you would easily judge they cannot but produce extraordinary passions. The Marchioness expecting to learn quite the contrary, was ex­treamly surprized to hear me speak so seriously; she was upon the point of being angry, of banishing me from her presence: But having pressed me to declare my thoughts, she con­tented her self with telling me, with a tone however that shewed her agitation: if I had been less cu­rious, it is [...]ertain, Sir, you would not have taken the liberty of speak­ing to me after the manner you have done, and that the respect you owe to our Sex would have hindred you: but since I my self have occasioned [Page 47]this fault, I will not punish you as I might otherwise have done; and if you desire we shall see one another [...]gain, I pretend it be without passi­on, and I forbid you to tell me a­gain you have any for me: These words having something encouraged me, and not being ignorant, that when it is once said We, love, Love repeats [...] a thousand times; I turned the thing galantly, in saying to the Marchi­oness, that she had obliged me more than she thought in forbidding me to speak of my passion, seeing I [...]ould not express it well enough by words, and that it was impossible to explain the sentiments of a heart so much in love as mine. That I would obey her and keep silence; but that I hoped my Eyes, and all my actions would so well supply the defect of my tongue, that at length she would be perswaded that no­thing could be added to the respectu­ [...]ous and sincere affection I had for [Page 48]her; I had hardly done speaking, when the Marchioness's Companion entred the Chamber: But the Mar­chioness being ill satisfied with her Curiosity, she was careful not to ask her also the reason of her Melan­choly; insomuch that the Conver­sation falling upon general and in­different things, it quickly finished, each one retiring. From that time I had some kindof hopes the Marchi­oness would hear my Vows, and as hopes flatter and ease the suffer­ings of Lovers, I almost ever in­terpreted to my advantage all she said to me. But it was not how­ever till after a years assiduity, that that fair Person let her self be van­quished, and that she gave me all the marks of esteem and kindnes [...] I could have expected from a Per­son in whom Vertue was in the su­premest Degree. Never was so pure and innocent a passion seen as tha [...] we had, nor did ever Lovers pas [...] [Page 49] [...]heir time so sweetly as we did du­ [...]ing some Months. But these fine lays were eclipsed, and Love made [...]e know that if he lends for a time is joys and favours, he pays him­ [...]lf with Usury. The Marchiones­ [...]s merit being known by all per­ [...]ons of Judgment, it happened to [...]y misfortune that a Lady of great Quality having been desired by the [...]een of Poland, to send her a [...]rench Lady to be Governess of [...]er Maids of Honour, she cast her Eyes upon the Marchioness, and so well perswaded her of the impor­ [...]ance of that employ, that at length [...]e resolved to accept it. Ambiti­on which is natural to the sex, seem­ed to her in that moment the strong­est passion; she imagined I would with joy subscribe to her absence, and that I even would follow her; and in that opinion she secretly took all the necessary measures for her de­parture, being resolved I should not [Page 50]know it till the day before. But a ill News is ever learnt sooner tha [...] one would know it, I had noti [...] given me of the Marchionesses de­sign. Never was a surprize equ [...] to mine, and as if I had been struc [...] with a thunder-bolt, I was a lo [...] time immoveable without being ab [...] to speak one word. At length re [...] covering my self, I examined all m [...] ­passed Conduct, to see if I had do [...] any thing that might oblige the Ma [...] chioness to treat me thus, and afte [...] having exactly recollected to th [...] very least Circumstances, findin [...] my self only guilty of too muc [...] Love, I accused her a thousan [...] times of injustice and infidelity and then referring my case to Lov [...] himself, I made him the Author [...] my misfortunes, and my disorde [...] was so great that I did not spa [...] my self: Insomuch that after havi [...] taken a hundred several Resolu [...] ­ons for the breaking of this voy [Page 51]age, things even the most extrava­gant came into my imagination, and all agitated with different passi­ons; I went to the Marchioness to reproach her with her inconstancy: but I had no sooner seen her, than [...]hat Love recovering the Empire of [...]y heart, as faithless as she was, I found her with the same Charms as formerly. All my Resolutions va­nished, and if the Marchioness per­receiving grief in my face, had not asked me what caused it, I should not have been able to have com­plained of my misfortune, so true is it that it is impossible when one loves very tenderly, to be able to reproach the beloved Object, Whom we ever excuse through a kind of shame of seeing our selves deceived, or for fear of displeasing. Whereupon the Marchioness acquainted me with the reasons she had to accept the of­fers that were made her, and Love made me find them to be the best [Page 52]imaginable, during all the time was with her: Insomuch that th [...] Marchioness seeing her self free [...] from this dangerous point, fancye [...] she should certainly take that vo [...] age, and was possessed with nothing but the thoughts of it. But as Am­bition only had made her resolve th [...] undertaking it, and that before she had engaged her self, she had neither consulted her Heart no [...] her Love, they made her know when she the least thought of it. That they ought to be of the Party and that nothing is well done with out them. Having thus taken al [...] the measures that were requisite fo [...] her journy, she quitted Paris, to g [...] to Havre, where a Ship attended her. Her absence rendred me the mos [...] unfortunate of all Lovers, causing in me an extreme grief, and in my dispair I made Complaints capable of moveing a heart of Marble. B [...] at length having spent many sighs [Page 53]took Post and went to expect her Havre, with design to use in that [...]ace the utmost efforts for the per­wading her from that Voyage. The [...]archioness arriving after five days [...]rny, was much furprized to find [...] there in a disguised habit. Her [...]ove was renewed in seeing me, and [...] felt in her heart a motion of ten­ [...]erness which made her blame her [...]bition: As I perceived something [...]f it, I made use of that good mo­ [...]ent; for after having given her a [...]pposed Letter, which served me [...] a pretence, having obliged her to [...] see the Cittadel, which is one of [...] finest and strongest in Europe, as [...] walked upon the Bastions, at [...] foot of which the Waves of the [...] beat, I took an Occasion to speak [...] her of the infidelity of that Ele­ [...]ent: and some wrecks of a Vessel [...] had been cast away a little be­ [...]e in the Road, presenting them­ [...]elves in that moment to our view, [Page 54]it so luckily seconded my Design, that fear and love procured in the mind of the Marchioness the effect [...] had promised my self. She chang­ed the Resolution she had taken of quitting me. We renewed our an­tient Protestations, of never parting, and for the better covering this change with a specious pretence the Marchioness feigned to be very ill; and it was resolved that I should not appear till after the Vessel [...] put to Sea; Whereupon she [...] carried immediately to her Lodging, where, as soon as she came she di [...] not fail to go to Bed, and to con­plain as may be imagined. The ablest Physitian was sent for to her, and I had so well instructed him, that he needed no more to perswade all the world that she was very fick, and that every one beleived her life in danger: Insomuch that the Captain of the ship, after having waited fifteen days in vain for her [Page 55]recovery, was constrained to make [...] for Poland. Having noting [...]ore to desire, I made known [...] the Marchioness that for the [...]king away all suspicion, that [...] had contributed to her stay, it [...]as requisite I should return as I [...]ame, to which she consented; and [...] days after she also arriving at [...], she so well perswaded the [...]dy, who had engaged her, the [...]ief she had to have fallen sick, and at having been able to take the oyage, that she discovered no af­ [...]ctation, and ever preserved for her [...]all her esteem and affection: Both of us well satisfied with one another, we passed very sweetly six months together: But in sine Love having resolved to part us, renewed the Occasion of going into Poland at a time I least dreamt of it; for the Queen impatiently expecting a Go­verness, and not seeing her arrive in the Vessel that was to have brought [Page 56]her, fancying her Orders were neg­lected, addressed her self to another Lady to send her One, which the Marchioness having notice of, she so employed her interest with the for­mer Lady who had engaged her, that by her means she was again destined for that employ, having a real design of going. All that I could do to perswade her from this fancy was of no effect; and the Mar­chioness apprehending a second sick­ness, obliged me not to leave Paris. Wherefore I was constrained to con­sent to it, and to content my self with the assurance she gave of ne­ver forgetting me. My tears and sighs had no Power, and the time she had demanded to settle her affairs being expired, she went aboard the Vessel which was to carry her, and arrived safely at the Court of Po­land, where she was received by their Majesties with all the kindness she could have hoped. Of all the [Page 57]displeasures that Love causes in us, abfence is certainly the most sen­sible; There are its true several O­thers, whose stings are very piercing, but when we are far from what we love, nothing certainly lies heavier upon us: Wherefore it is easie to imagine what my trouble was. As I loved the Marchionels tenderly, I looked upon that separation as a kind of Death; and that Thought made such an impression upon my mind, that in a few days I appear­ed so changed, that my friends were all surprized at it. I was no longer seen in that gay humour which I had before, and tho I en­deavoured to conceal my melancho­ly and recover my mirth, there ap­peared a certain languishing in all my actions, which made known that my soul was far from me. As much as Paris had been dear to me, I as much abhorred it since the Mar­chioness had left it, and in the middle [Page 58]of that great City I lived as if I had been in a Wilderness. The re­membrance alone of my Mistress possessed all my thoughts, and not being able to live any longer with­out seeing her, I took the resoluti­on of following her. But such a voyage beeing very long, I was wil­ling to take such precautions with my Father as that it might not afflict him: I went to see him, and stayed four or five months at his house, du­ring which time having made known to the Marchioness the design I had of going to her, she took measures with the Queen of Poland, and sup­posing that I was her Relation, she made her Majesty think fit I should make a voyage to her Court. She had even the goodness to declare to her that I might not be useless there, and that she would certain­ly let her see that she took part in all that concerned her. The Mar­chioness being thus assured that I [Page 59]should be well received, gave me notice of it by this Letter.

As I expected with the usual im­patience of passionate Lovers News from the Marchioness, I received this Letter with all the tenderness I was capable of: I kissed it a thou­sand times, and read it over as often: Insomuch that only thinking of go­ing to see her, I in some measure re­covered my briskness; and after having caused my Father to consent to my absence, I made a very mag­nificent Equipage, and went to Havre with design to go on board there the first: Vessel I should find: But not being willing to surprize the Marchioness, I acquainted her with it in these terms.

After having sent this Letter to the Post, I waited at Havre more than a month for the conveniency of a Vessel, which was come to take in Marchandice for Poland, my im­patience may be better imagined than I can express it, and in all my life I never found the days so long I went every moment to the Port to see if the Ship could depart, and when I found the wind fair I was mad we were not to make use of it; But Sea-men are a people without Reason, as well as without Love, wherefore I could not oblige them [Page 63]to put to Sea before the time they [...]ad projected, what prayers soever [...] made them. Being thus constrain­ [...]d to wait, I took the resolution of [...]eing a pretty woman, and of the [...]st Quality of the City, I had known her at Paris, and if I be not deceived she had some kind of esteem for me. She received me with all the testimonies of kindness and ioy I could have hoped for; and if I had been capable of relishing the diver­tisments of the season, I should not have been weary with her; but all that lovely person could do, it was impossible for her to see me one day without melancholy. In fine the time beeing arrived I expected with so much impatience, that Lady would needs accompany me on Board, where after having wished me all manner of happiness, she ten­derly embracing me bid me farewel. The Son that had not appeared in more than a week, shewed by his [Page 64]return the part he took in my good fortune, and it seemed according to all appearances, that I was to make a happy voyage. But we were hardly twenty Leagues at Sea, than the great agitation of the ship made me so sick, that in two or three days I lost my speech, and could not make my self understood otherwise than by signs. During my suffer­ings in this manner, there arose on a suddain so furious a tempest, that the sea-men not being able to go­vern their ship, were constrained to tear down the sails, and to abandon it to the mercy of that Element. Death presented it self on all sides, and the most daring apprehended to find there their Grave; insomuch that I had been extreamly happy in my disease, if the Master of the ship, who was a man naturally barbarous enough, and of those sort of people who are given to superstition, had not fancied that I was the cause of [Page 65]this change, because he had seen that Lady embrace me upon the Deck when she bid me Adieu. Wherefore notwithstanding all the resistance of his people he would needs cast me into the Sea, saying that the tempest would certainly cease, and that they should be de­livered. In this cruel design assisted with some of his sea-men, he took me and carried me upon the Deck, and they had already half put me into the Sea, when that a Religious touch­ed with Compassion, couragiously opposed his Barbarousness, and held me by a foot; But as the Master per­severed to drown me, tho he remon­strated to him, that being a person of Quality my death might be re­venged and cost him his head. At length seeing that his reasons were not heard, and wisely considering that to oppose was the means of rendring his Charity useless, he found this expedient, that if I did not speak [Page 66]the next day, and that I were still sick, he consented they should cast me into the Sea, to which the Ma­ster agreed and I was left upon the Deck, without my servants daring to take care of me. Not having lost my hearing, and understanding very well all that was said, it is easie to imagine with what a fright I was seized. The certain death I saw presented it self to my imagination with all the horrours which accom­pany it, and I thought of nothing but preparing my self for it, when that Heaven made a miracle in my savour, for the air clearing up about three a clock in the morning, there fell a little shower, which having a­waked me out of the trance I was, I crept as well as I could to some tackling, and having suckt with my tongue the water which dropt down, it so well moistned my throat, that it took away the sharpness which hindred me from speaking: Inso­much [Page 67]that with the day light I re­covered my speech, and the Sea be­ing also become calm, the Master surprized with these alterations, not only left off persevering in the base design he had; But having told him I went to the Court of Poland by the Kings Order, (which put him in a terrible fright being his Subject) He took so much care of me, that some days after I recovered my perfect health, and had so absolute a power over the Ship, that I disposed of it as if it had been mine. Wherefore we thought of nothing but of making use of the fair wind we had, when that being ready to enter the Baltique sea, having taken his Glass upon the no­tice they saw a sail, he discovered that that ship endeavoured to get the wind of him, and that it was an English Man of War; as he appre­hended with reason he should be insulted, he did all he could to avoid their coming up to him, but after [Page 68]having used all his efforts one whole day to prevent being taken, the man of war in the evening coming within Canon-shot, made three shots upon our Vessel, which made the Master resolve to cast Anchor to ex­pect him. I did what I could to oblige those who travelled with me, to put our selves in a posture of de­fence, but notwithstanding my re­monstrances and the desire I had of fighting we were taken by those Py­rates, who entring our ship, so ter­rified them that were in it, that two of the six Hospital Maids that the Queen of Poland caused to come from France to establish them in her Kingdom, cast themselves in­to the Sea where they were drown­ed; they stript all the others and took from them what they had of value, and discovering by my cloaths that I was no common person, and that they might have a good ransom from me, they made me only lay down [Page 69]my Arms, and treating me with more Civility than I could have hoped, we were carried to London; Crom­wel the Usurper of the Kingdom reigned there at that time under the name of Protector. The Master of the ship remonstrated to him that he had been in France by order of the King of Poland, and that all that was taken belonged to him, he shew­ed his Passports and demanded his liberty; but it would not be granted him, and we were constrained to wait above a month, for news from the Court of Poland. The King be­ing surprized to hear what had hap­pened to us, sent an express to the Protector, to whom having confirm­ed what the Master had advanced, the Protector ordered that all should be restored that had been taken from us, which was punctually executed, insomuch that putting again to Sea after incredible fatigues, we arrived at length at Danzick, from whence [Page 70]thinking to have gone to Warsaw, I was much surprized when they told me that the sickness had drove the Courtaway, which was wandring from City to City, for the avoiding that Cruel disease which depopulated all the Kingdom. But having learnt that it stopped at Lublin where it would stay sometime; I sent one of my servants to the Marchioness to give her notice of my arrival, and to know where I might see her. But when he arrived at Lublin, the King was already gone from thence for the Dutchy of Lithuania; He joyned the Court at Vilna, and delivered my Letter to the Marchioness, who having as much impatience to see me, as I had of making known to her, that she alone still made all my hap­piness, that nothing might hinder me from making all the expedition possible, she sent me back my man with one of hers, who knew the language and the wayes. In effect [Page 71]they had no sooner delivered to me the Letter the Marchioness wrote to me, than that I begun my journy for Vilna. My impatience made me make a thousand useless vows, and I can­not express to you the greatness of my trouble: But in fine I arrived at the place where I desired to be with so much passion. The Mar­chioness whose absence had not at all diminished her affections receiv­ed me with much joy, and as she found in me also the same sentiments I had ever had for her, Our first in­terview produced the usual effect of extream passions. We were a long time without being able to speak; and after having acquainted one another with what had happned to us since our parting, I had the plea­sure of receiving from her in that occasion, all the most obliging marks of esteem and kindness that I could have expected. Two days after the Marchioness having presented me to [Page 72]their Majesties, who beleived me her near Relation, I was received by them with so much goodness, that I shall preserve the memory of it as long as I live. All the Court did me likewise more honour and civility than I could have expected; and especially you, my Lord, treated me after so obliging a manner, that be­ing the man of the world, the fullest of acknowledgment, I vow to you that from that day, I have ever had a very great passion of serving you, and of being of the number of your friends. Ragieski who had very peaceably listened to the Baron, having interrupted him to answer his Civility, and to make him new Protestations of frienship, he con­tinued his discourse thus. As I had no other ambition than that of lov­ing the Marchioness and of being be­loved, the liberty I had of seeing and speaking every time I could wish it with Civility, rendered me [Page 73] [...]e most happy of all Lovers. The [...]ing gave me Employs, as you [...]ow, wherein I have endeavour­ [...] to answer the good opinion he [...] of all those of our Nation. The [...]archioness continued to love me, [...]ove her with the same tender­ness as I did the first day; and it is that [...]ich makes me something melan­ [...]oly, notwithstanding the good [...]ear; and the other pleasures I receive in your House. This is, [...]y Lord, all of consideration that [...]ean acquaint you with; and as [...]ou are the only One I have intrust­ [...]d with my secret, I hope it will re­ [...]in so with you; since you see it [...] of considerable consequence, and [...]hat you take part in all that con­ [...]erns me. The Baron having left off speaking, Ragieski neglected nothing [...]hat might confirm him in the good opinion he had of him. And after having applauded his Constancy and his Choice; Supper time ap­proaching, [Page 74]they went to the Vice-Chancellor's Ladyes apartment, whose Letter the King received with so tender and passionate transports, that after having read it several times, it seemed as if he could ne­ver part from it; he was no longer seen in that gloomy humour he was in before. All people were sur­prized at it; and tasting already by advance the pleasure that was pro­mised him, his joy was read in his face, waiting however with impati­ence for the day of Rendevouz. He gave orders for hunting exactly half way from the Vice-Chancellor's house, and as the days were some­thing short, he departed in the morning, and in the heat of the Chace, stealing from the croud of Courtiers, he was not long before he came to the place, where the Vice-Chancellors Lady as impati­ent as himself, expected him, the King being only followed by one Officer [Page 75]in whom he put great confidence. It was a Country house in the middle of the Forest, and far enough from the high ways. Being the dwelling place of a Nobleman meanly rich, who was not at all surprized to see hunters there. But as a pretence was requisite for staying, the Vice-Chancellor's Lady being only fol­lowed by her faithful Governess and the Baron's Gentleman of the horse who knew the ways, had had the precaution to say at her arrival, that she had fallen from her horse and was something hurt. The Nobleman had left his house to her that she might take rest, and went to see his labourers work. Thus the King finding no obstacle to his contentment, had so agreable an entertainment with the Vice-Chancellor's Lady, that nothing could be added to the pleasure they had together: They recom­penced themselves with Usury for [Page 76]the time they had lost; and while that all those that had followed Casimer to the chase, were in extreme pain of finding him, as well as Ragi­eski was on his part for his Lady, whom he beleived lost, because she was not at the death of the Stag. They passed their time sweetly to­gether. They were two hours in that manner, and in that time a great many things are said when we are as much in love as they were. But the Governess fearing a surprize, and thinking the time long, came and told them they ought to think of retreating: Insomuch that they must part, but it was not without ex­treme pain they did so, and that each of them went their way. The La­dy was not long before she joyned her Company who were in search of her; she told them she had lost her self in the wood, they easily be­leived her, and as she was very well satisfied, and that they were [Page 77]so likewise with the good success of their hunting; they all returned with much joy to Ragieski's Castle. The rest of the day passed very a­greably; the Vice-Chancellor's La­dy acquainted the Baron in few words with the success of the Rende­vouz. Casimer not being obliged to give an account of his actions, had an overplus of pleasure to see at his arrival at Warsaw, how earnest they were to know what had been become of him: and the Baron re­turning the day after to Court, after having been well regaled at Ragies­ki's house, who was charmed with his Wit and his other Qualities: They would have all had reason to have been well contented, if the Marchioness, knowing nothing of what passed, had not taken ombrage of the Baron's visit: But as she was naturally jealous, and that the Vice-Chancellor's Lady was pretty and young, she could not hold from [Page 78]reproaching him with the long stay he had made in her house, and making likewise reflection of his earnestness to speak to her when she was at Court, there needed nothing more to perswade her of his being in love with her: Insomuch that in the first transport of her jealousy, she spoke such sharp and vexati­ous things to the Baron, that he seemed to be the most treacherous of all men. I do not at all wonder, said she to him in anger, that for some months you have not had that application for me that caused all my joy, my kindness too well assured you of my heart, that you should still make it your delight and your pleasure, you love—There she could not proceed, nor detain her tears; but a moment after recovering her speach, yes you are unfaithful; and do not think I am ignorant you have been at Ragieski's to give your new Mistris a heart that belongs to me, [Page 79]and of whom I shall revenge my self. The Baron being extremely astonished at these threatnings did all that he could to undeceive the Marchioness of the errour she was in; he cast himself at her knees, which he very tenderly embraced, he sigh'd, he wept, he swore a thousand times that he still loved her with the same sidelity, and that his passion should be eternal. But tho he told the truth, all this did not cure the fair displeased One; the Vice-Chancel­lor's Lady made her affraid; and tho he was perswaded it was dan­gerous for him to discover the Kings secret, he chose rather to risque all events, than to see her any longer displeased with him. True Lovers cannot conceal any thing from their Mistresses, he knew she only treat­ed him ill because she would not lose him; wherefore he acquainted her with what we have said of the Kings Amours with the Vice-Chancellor's [Page 80]Lady; this setled her mind, and the Baron and the Marchioness were so well reconciled, that he did not ap­prehend she would impart to other people the secret he trusted her with.

While that all this passed in this manner, his affairs of War were not in so good a posture. The Diet assembled at Warsaw; where the Vice-Chancellor was obliged to be and to bring his wife, who could stay no longer in the Country by reason of the season. The Nobles appeared there allarmed, and in strange divisions: The Ecclesiasticks complained highly that their Privi­ledges were violated, and that the King had consented in favour of the Cosaques to the rupture of the Uni­on made between the Roman and Greek Church, and that every one might live according to his beleif: and both the one and the other in stead of Uniting to hinder the ruin [Page 81]of the Republick, consumed the time in particular disputes, and that great Assembly was hardly able to take the necessary Resoluti­ons for the approaching Campagne. It would be a kind of Miracle if a [...]ing could long entertain an a­morous intrigue without discovery. Kings are so used to be absolute in their Wills, that they cannot always constrain themselves. Casimer took so much pleasure in entertaining the Vice-Chancellor's Lady every time she came to the Palace, that tho he saw her else where more con­veniently, he could not hold from speaking to her. It was perceiv­ed, it was talked of, she was pret­ty; all the world knew that Love was the Kings ruling passion, e­very one likewise beleived that the Vice-Chancellor's Lady possessed his favours; Ragieski took notice of it as well as the others, but the honour Casimer did him, not being [Page 82]for his convenience, he made known something of it to his wife who in­formed the King thereof. They were for sometime more reserved, which augmented his cares and jealousy, and as the Lady was not cautious enough in concealing her passion, in the end her love betray­ed her. Ragieski unluckily found one day her little Cabinet open, she kept the Kings Letters in it, as glo­rious marks of his defeat and of the power of her eys, he took them and was in dispair to see what he was very unwilling to have found. In the first transport of his fury, he more than once deliberated to sa­crifice her to his Dispair; but as un­faithful as she appeared to him, he loved her too well to lose her; he contented himself with outraging her by terrible words, and to shut her up in a Chamber of which he took the key: This was not yet enough or a man so irritated as Ragieski, he [Page 83]knew the Queen could not patient­ly suffer the amorous thefts of Casi­mer, he went to her immediately, and dilivered into her hands the Letters he had found: The Queen seemed no less outraged than himself, and as she had more than one reason, that obliged her to wish Casimer might not be won from her, she promis­ed Ragieski to hinder the continu­ance of their dishonour: She was a Woman of her word, neither did she fail to shew her Resentment to the King, and he so impatiently suf­fered the Queens Reproaches, that it did but augment his passion for the Vice-Chancellor's Lady, and Ragieski well knowing to what dangers one is exposed, when in disgrace with his Prince, resolved to seek his safety in his retreat; Wherefore he returned to his house, whither he carried his wife, believ­ing that time which allays the great­est ills, would appease the Kings an­ger, [Page 84]and extinguish his flames. How­ever it happned quite contrary, for the King who found in the airy Conversation of the Vice-Chancel­lor's Lady, Charms which eased his mind of those troublesome fatigues from which Monarchs are no more exempted than other men, and who still hoped for greater favours, find­ing himself on a suddain deprived of the pleasures she gave him, sent an Order to Ragieski to return to Court to render his Majesty the service he was obliged to by his Charge. All Courts are full of such people as insult over the unfortunate, and that to get by their disgrace, or to re­venge themselves, ever find out con­cealed Crimes. In a short time Ragieski was accused of caballing against the interests of the State, and was con­victed of some secret Intelligences with the Enemies of the Crown: Insomuch that the Senators and Nuncios of the Kingdom deposed [Page 85]him from his Charge, banished him for ever, and confiscated his goods: All the efforts of the Arch-Bishop [...] Gnesne Primate of the Kingdom, could not prevent this Thunder­ [...]olt, and the unfortunate Ragieski [...]as constrained to go seek refuge [...] forreign Contries. But as he had many considerable Relations, and [...]hat he was a man of wit, he so well knew how to discover to the Swedes [...]he weakness of the Republick, that [...]n the end he rendered his vengeance [...]tal to Casimer, as we shall quick­ [...] see. Thus the King having no more obstacle in his love, and the Queen not being able to hinder [...]s being entirely the Vice-Chan­ [...]ellor's Ladyes; he caused her to [...]ome to Court under pretence of [...]ringing up there an Only Daugh­ [...]er she had had by Ragieski, and [...]aving given her all the confiscated [...]ands and goods of her Husband, he continued the seeing and loving her [Page 86]with yet more tenderness and passi­on than he had done before. He triumphed over the Queen and Ra­gieski for some months, not keep­ing any measures for the conceal­ing the Love he had for the Vice-Chancellor's wife, whom he pub­lickly saw as often as he pleased. Some of Ragieski's Relations be­gun to murmur very highly, and the Vice-Chancellor who was re­tired to Stockholm to the Queen of Sweden, so well inflamed them by the correspondences he held with them, that having made them comprehend that the honour of all the Nobility was branded in his person. As the Nation is na­turally jealous as well as haughty, at the length all the Nobles so publickly complained of Casimer's proceedure, that tho nothing was Criminal that had passed between him and the Vice-Chancellor's Lady, he was constrained to yeild to the [Page 87]reasons of State and to abandon her. To express here the greatness of his and the Ladys grief, is what cannot be done by words. Tho a King and highly sensible of the in­ [...]ury that was done him, he was forced however to suffer it, and to stifle his love and his anger: Tho Ragieski's ought to have been lessened by this kind of victory which he gained at his turn, and that he ought to have spared his Country; yet the particular hatred he had conceived against the King overcoming all other considerations, he made use of this way for the ful­ly satisfying his Revenge. All the world knows that Charles of Suder­mannia being become King of Sweden by the Revolt of the Bishops and the people, who had embraced the Doctrine of Doctor Disteben, he maintained himself there against his Nephew Sigismund Father of Casi­mer, who had been elected King of [Page 88] Poland, and to whom the Crown of Sweden belonged by right of In­heritance. Gustavus Adolphus that famous Conqueror likewise main­taining himself therein, notwith­standing all the efforts of Ʋladislaus; after several bloody Wars, they made a Truce, during which they were to labour for a good Peace. But these two Kings being dead, Casimer renewed this Truce with Christina, the only Daughter of Gust­avus; who having resigned the Crown in favour of Charles her Cosin German; Casimer who pre­tended that this abdication could not be made to his Prejudice; the Crown of Sweden Legitimately be­longing to him, sent a Gentleman to the States of Sweden assembled for the Coronation of Charles, that he might form an opposition on his part: But this opposition not being considered, and Charles touched to the quick with this proceedure: Ragi­eski [Page 89]seeing the Occasion favourable for the pushing on his resentment, employed all the talents of his wit for the animating Charles to resent the affront that Casimer had newly done him, and adding to that the great Correspondencies he enter­tained with the principal Lords of the Kingdom, who could no longer suffer his Government, he gave him so certain hopes that he might be elected in his place, that at length Charles resolved to break the Truce, and to make War upon Poland. In the mean time there were Ambassa­dors at Lubec who laboured for the Peace; Casimer seeing the Nobility alienated, his Authority lessened, a thousand Contradictions in the Assemblies, Lithuania in the power of the Moscovites, and the Cosaques revolted; all this obliged him to desire it, and to yeild up several points which he would not have a­bandoned in another juncture. But [Page 90] Charles animated by Ragieski chang­ed Policy in changing Design. His Ministers sought out new difficulties, and tho Casimer had renounced in favour of Charles all the preten­tions he had upon the Kingdom of Sweden, and had even consented the three Crowns he bore in his arms should be taken away, which was the only subject that had obliged Sigismond and Ʋladistaus to make War. The Swedes passed to other demands, that under pretence of still labouring on the Peace, they might make their preparations, fool the King of Poland, and dispossess him without his being able to de­fend himself. Charles caused like­wise to be published his pretenti­ons upon the Dutchy of Cleves and Juliers, for the better concealing his Designs. And as the truce ought to have lasted six years longer, Ca­simer could not imagine that Charles would break it, and therefore took [Page 91]no precautions. He thought at that time of curing the Melancholy the forced retreat of the Vice-Chan­ [...]ellor's Lady had cast him into, his [...]eart could not live without loving, [...] was his natural inclination: he had formerly cast his Eyes upon one of the Queens Maids of Honour, He daily saw her without going out of the Palace: she was no Poland­er, she was younger than the Vice-Chancellor's wife, and was not less fair. Casimer fancied he could not do better than to love her, and endeavour the being beloved: The greatest obstacle he found in it pro­ceeded from the great severity with which the Marchioness lived with her Maids of Honour, observing the least of their actions. That La­dy being affectionately beloved by the Queen, appeared likewise so fixed in her interests, that the King was not a little perplexed. But the faithful Baron was a great help to [Page 92]him, for having discovered to him his new passion, as he was much in the Marchionesses favour, he pro­mised him to employ the credit he had with her, for the obliging her to furnish the King with the means of seeing his Mistres in secret. The Baron interessed himself too much in all that might please Casimer, to omitt any thing for the engaging the Marchioness to serve him. He knew her Delicacy, and was not ignorant that the proposition he was to make her, would furiously displease her; But he resolved to suffer all for the contenting his Master. She for whom the King sighed was called Mademoiselle de Schanfeild, she was a German, and but eighteen years old; Her shape was fine, and of those that may be called advantagious, her face oval, her Eyes blew, well turn­ed, and in which there was seen a certain languishing mixed with vi­vacity, [Page 93]vacity, so great a proportion in all [...] person, that one more beautiful could hardly be found. But with [...] these advantages she had so quick [...] it and so just a discernment, that [...] is not to be wondered if Casimer [...]nd in her wherewith to comfort in for the loss he had. As the noise [...] his first passion had ruined [...] and that the Queen continually [...]atched the least of his actions; [...]s love disguised it self a long time [...]der the name of good will; and [...] Eyes alone made known to Made­ [...]eiselle de Schanfield, that he had in is heart something more for her [...]an that general esteem One has [...]or all fair Persons. The King lost [...]o occasion of speaking to her, and [...]hen he did it, it was in so obliging [...]erms, that it might be easirly ima­ [...]ined his was not indifferent. The Marchioness perceived it, which made her the more strictly observe the Conduct of Mademoisellede Schan­field; [Page 94]she also spoke of it one day to the Baron, and declared to him that this passion of the King ex­tremely perplexed her. The Baron made use of the occasion to qu [...] himself of what he had promised Casimer, and looking upon the Marchioness with a passionate air. I am so used, Madam, said he to her, to ask you favours, and to re­ceive: marks of your goodness, that I know not if you will have tha [...] of disengaging me from the word I have given to the King, that you shall not traverse the passion h [...] has for Mademoiselle de Scanfield I very well know that what [...] demand of you is extraordinary that it is in a manner affronting you to pretend it. But likewise Madam, added he, the more vio­lence you shall use upon your self [...] the more shall I be indebted to you [...] There are Kings like Torrents who destroy all that opposes their [Page 95]passage: You know what it cost Pagieski, and also the little satis­faction the Queen had in shewing [...]er jealousy. The King's love is so violent that it cannot suffer any engmentation; He is liberal and [...]akes care of raising me, but this [...] not what most engages me; He [...]onours me with his Confidence; he discovers to me the most secret, thoughts of his heart. In fine, Madam, I judge of the pleasune you shall do him by that I should receive, if the like service was [...]endred me in regard of you. The Marchioness who had hearkened to all this discourse with much at­tention, was very much perplexed now to answer it; she clearly saw that all the Baron told her merited reflection to be made upon it. But what she owed the Queen and what she owed her self at that time overcame all these considera­tions, and she was so displeased with [Page 96]the Baron, that he was constrain­ed to come to submissions for the appeasing her exasperated mind. However he did not despair of bringing her to the point he desired; and having acquainted the King with what he had done, this diffi­culty [...]d but augment his ardour, insomuch that he was upon the point of declaring himself openly. In that thought the amourous Prince made a thousand different Projects, but coming to consider the impressi­on that this would make upon the Queens Spirit, who would use all manner of means for the ruining his hopes; he conjured the Baron to make a second effort with the Marchioness, for the conquering her scruples, for the suceeding in it; the Baron redoubled his cares and applications, he never quitted the Marchioness; and as nothing is impossible to Love when it con­cerns it self, the Baron's tender­ness [Page 97]so touched the Marchioness, that at length she resolved to be of [...]he intelligence. Casimer had an [...]expressible joy; he made magni­scent presents to the Marchioness, [...]nd promising himself the enjoy­ment of thousands of pleasures, [...]e means was to be sought for the [...]aking him see his Mistress with [...]fety. The Marchionesses apart­ment was judged the most conve­ [...]ent and the least suspected; but [...]he difficulty was to come secretly [...]ere. The other maids of Ho­ [...]ours Chambers were to be passed [...], and to win two Guards who [...]er kept sentinel in the Gallery, which appeared an invincible ob­ [...]acle, because these Guards were [...]aily changed: Wherefore they [...]hose the most dangerous means [...]ut likewise the most certain, which [...]as to pass thro a window which [...]oked into the Court, thro which [...]he Baron took the King with a [Page 98]Ladder into the Marchionesses Chamber: there is nothing to which we expose not our selves when we are in Love. Casimer approved this expedient, tho dangerous for his person; and all being disposed in that manner, the Marchioness be­gun to caress Mademoiselle de Schan­field more than usual, she made her the Consident of her secrets, that she might have part in hers, and rallying her agreeably upon the Complaisancies the King had for her; in a little time she won her good Opinion, and discovered to her all he was resolved to do for the giving her marks of his Love. As Made­moiselle de Schanfield was haughty, she received very coldly the propositi­on the Marchioness made her, which rendred her very uneasie; but in fine the pleasure of being belov­ed by a King, whose tenderness was known, too agreeably flattered her imagination to despise the [Page 99]Conquest. She consented to the Rendevouz the Marchioness had appointed her; and the hour ap­pointed being come, the Baron [...]st out a Ladder to the King with which he mounted into her apart­ment. There it was that this Prince found that Love treats Kings as o­ther men; all his greatness quitted him as well as his Courage. Made­ [...]oiselle de Schanfield appeared to him the most formidable person in the world, tho she was there more soft, yet he durst hardly offer her his heart. Neither is there any thing which more perplexes a Lover than to say he loves: all his actions pub­lish his Love, and he very well contented; but when words are to be found to explain them, a cer­tain Confusion mingled with fear so seises on all his Spirits, that he cannot discover what he even dyes thorowly to perswade. Where­fore the disorder the King was in [Page 100]was not useless to him; and tho he had told Mademoiselle de Schanfield all he had resolved to say to her, perhaps it would not have made the same impression upon her mind as his silence and his sighs. It is the usual effect of great passions to be ever mute, Nothing touches more a fair person than to see greatness humbled at her feet, a King suppli­ant to Charms that are very power­ful; and in truth it was all these considerations that made Mademoi­selle de Schanfield lose a part of her na­tural haughtiness in that Occasion; she felt in her heart unusual moti­ons, and if her bashfulness hindred her from declaring to the King that his passion did not displease her; it is certain that she conceived a great esteem for him, and that she secret­ly interessed her self. But the glo­ry of conquering a young heart which had never been touched be­ing joyned to his Love, it may be [Page 101] [...]aid that that uncertainty was not without delight; One loves natu­rally to surmount all that makes re­sistance, and the hope there is of [...]anquishing and recompensing our selves, causes sometimes more joy [...]han favours would do. But all the [...]ings hopes had like to have been [...]uined by an accident which put [...]s person in extreme danger. There [...]as ever been observed at the Court [...]f Poland the Custom of setting [...]wo Guards before the apartment [...]f the maids of Honour, that they [...]ay know what passes there. One [...]ay that the Baron de Saint Cir [...]ould not go to the Marchionesses [...]partment, by reason of an indis­position which obliged him to keep [...]is bed; the King not being able [...]o pass the window as he used to do, would needs go thro the maids of Honours Gallery: But after hav­ing passed the first Sentinel with­ [...]ut being perceived, because it [Page 102]was late and that, the Souldier was without doubt asleep; when he was upon the point of entring the Gal­lery, the other Souldier stopped him by a who goes there? to which the King not thinking fit to answer, still continuing his way, the Souldier believing that it was perhaps [...] Theif, who would make use of the darkness of the night, called his Companion and both together seiz­ed the King with much violence; he did all he could to get out of their hands, to the end he might not be known: But it was in vain, and the noise they made having a­waked most part of those who were in the neighbouring apartments who came to help the Sentinels; the King whom they would have killed was constrained to make himself known. Never were people so surprized as those Guards were; their boldness turned into fear, and they would have fled to avoid the [Page 103]punishment they beleived to have merited, when the King command­ed them to stay, and to tell those who came to know what passed, that having quarrelled with one another they had caused the noise that had been heard. As they did not expect to be quit for so small a thing, they willingly obeyed, and the King covering his face, and pressing to know the occasion of the noise, for the better conceal­ing himself, retired to his apart­ment. The Marchioness and Made­moiselle de Schanfield not seeing the King come, imagined some ill might have happned to him, which made them very uneasie, especially Made­moiselle de Schanfield, beginning to have an inclianation for him, appear­ed very much concerned. He for his part was no less out of humour, whether for not having seen his Mistress, or because he feared that adventure coming to be discovered, [Page 104]it might break all his measures; In­somuch that he could not sleep, and kept his bed the following day, loaded with ill humour and vexati­on. The Baron being recovered he went to see the King, who told him what had happned, and that he had only received some blows of their fists. He was willing to make a Galantry of it to Mademoiselle de Schanfield and writ her this Letter.

The King having given this Let­ter to the Baron, he went immedi­ately to the Marchionesses, where finding Mademoiselle de Schanfield, he acquainted them with the fore­mentioned Circumstances, and gave Mademoiselle de Schanfield the King's Letter, it being the first he had writ to her she blushed, appeared much amazed, and it was with a great deal of fear she opened it. But the Baron pressing her to give an Answer she was in great per­plexity: [Page 106]yet after several irresolu­tions; whether out of respect or inclination, she wrote this Letter to the King.

THo the acknowledgment I ought to have of all the favours you haue done me, should not oblige me, Great Prince, to take part in all that concerns you; your life is too dear and too pretious to remain insensible when One learns it has been in danger: Wherefore I am as much moved as One can be at the accident that happned to you last Night, and as I am the cause of it, I cannot tell you precisely the impression it makes upon my heart: But I can assure you that it begins to fear you, and that it will suddainly also want Guards, if you continue thus to attaque it.

Mademoiselle de Schanfield having given this Letter to the Baron, he went immediatly to carry it the King [Page 107]who was at the Queens apartment. But tho he was used to stay longer there, his impatience made him go out as soon as he perceived the Baron; and hi [...] heart being between fear and hopes, he opened his Mistresses Letter with much preci­pitation; tho it was not very kind, he felt so extraordinary a joy that he could not hold from showing it in the least of his actions. In effect it is certain that of all the pleasures we find in Love, the most sensible is that which gives the first glimpse of being beloved; for tho those which follow are usually more so­lid, it may be said however they are not so agreeable, and that they are less moving to a Lover. The same evening the King had a very tender Conversation with Made­moiselle de Schanfield, who being some­thing bolder, said to him a thousand things which made him find her more lovely than he had done be­fore: [Page 108]insomuch that he returned the most satisfied of all men. But if Love was favourable to him, his joy was quickly changed into trouble. The King of Sweden did not sleep, and Ragieski had given him too fair hopes for to neglect them. Wherefore he broke the Truce which was to have lasted six years longer, as we have said, and turn­ed all his Designs to the Conquest of Poland. Casimer in his first fur­prize offered Peace to the Cosaques with a general Pardon, and the Confirmation of their antient Pri­viledges, and likewise the liberty to brew Beer, make Metheglin, and burn Brandy. But he could not reduce those Rebells to their Devoir; and at that time Prince Charles, Alexander, Bishop of Nuis and of Plosko, his only Brother be­ing dead, few Monarchs have been afflicted like him. This was not yet enough for the shaking his [Page 109]of his great Courage, Prince James Rodrivil, One of his Generals, took the part of Charles King of Sweden, after having failed in his duty at th [...] [...]ege of Mohilon, and for the com­pleating his misfortune, the Tartars [...]oyned to Casimer's Troops, having [...]eaten Chilmilenski before Husman, killed fourteen thousand men, taken two and twenty Pieces of Canon, as many Colours, and Arms for six thousand Souldiers; they return­ed into their Country after having set Chilmilenski at liberty, whom they had also taken Prisoner. He sent the Lords de Chilmilenski and de Norviscovite for the States of Li­thuania in Embassy to Stockholm, who offered to Charles all he could desire for the making a good Peace with him: But having answered them that he was resolved to pass the Sea: Two days after Charles departed with an Army of fourteen thousand men, and the greatest Lords of his [Page 110]Kingdom. General Wittimberg com­manded another Army of sixteen thousand men, and Count Magnus [...]e la Garde expected also in Liseland the Orders of Charles with a third Army of fourteen thousand men. All these Forces joyned to those of the Electour of Brandenburg, which were no Iess considerable, cast a terrour and fright thro all Poland. Casimer demanded Succours of the Emperour against the Moscovites, and en deavoured to reunite the Nobemen for the saving the Re­publck: But Ragieski who was with Charles, had so alienated them from their duties, that the Pospolite Russeniques would have had another Chief than the King, which caused great distrusts. The Ecclesiasticks also offered to bring twelve thou­sand men on foot upon condition that Christopher Peziemski might command them. Informuch that all being reduced to this State, Count [Page 111] Magnus laid sieg to Dunembourg, which the vigorous resistance of the Governour had newly caused the Moscovites to quit, and having taken it in few days, it was found that the same Governour had been cor­rupted, and that he was of intelli­gence with the Swedes. General Wittemberg was no less succesful in upper Poland; for tho the four Vaivods were encamped with fif­teen thousand men near the River Notterlach; they basely abandoned Casimer's side, without making a­ny defence, and took the Protecti­on of the King of Sweden, upon this Condition amongst several others; that if they took 'Arms again for Casimer, their goods should be con­fiscated at the Kings pleasure. Some short time after this Conquest, which gave to the Swedes more than forty Leagues of ground without losing one man: Charles came and joyned Wittenberg near Pozen with twenty [Page 112]thousand men; but in stead of ob­serving the Conditions that Wittem­berg had granted, all manner of vi­olences were committed, and a Bish­op had his throat cut for the hav­ing his mony. Casimer being aban­doned by the greatest part of his Subjects, and Charles become Ma­ster of great Poland, he marched with all his Troops directly to War­saw for the besieging it: He ruined all the Cities in his passage which made the least resistance, and being at Colo, Pesiemski came to him in Quality of Casimer's Ambassador for to demand Peace of him: But Charles having made answer that he was too near his Cosin not to see him, he dismissed him, and told him smiling that he hoped to visit him very short­ly. Casimer having no more than fourteen thousand men, went to Warsaw, wherein he put a good Gar­rison, and from thence followed the Queen who was upon the way [Page 113]to Cracow. But as all these mis­fortunes did not lessen the kind­ness he had for Mademoiselle de Schan­field, and that on the contrary ab­sence seemed to have augmented his flames, he dispatched the Baron towards the Queen, under pretence of informing her of what passed, and encharged him with this Letter for his Mistress.

Ma [...]omoiselle de Schanfield being made sensible by the Kings misfor­tunes, was extremely touched to learn all that the insidelity of his Subjects made him suffer. And no longer doubting but that he loved her, since he gave her marks of it in the greatest fatigues of War, would no longer conceal the tender sentiments of her heart. And the Queen having given her dispatches to the Baron, Mademoiselle de Schan­field made the King this Answer.

While things stood thus between Casimer and his Mistress, the Baron was not so well satisfied with the [Page 116]Marchioness, for having found her in a certain coldness, that made him suspect some body had made use of his absence, and pressing her to acquaint him with the cause of her change, instead of clearing his doubts as formerly, she was so vexed he should accuse her of inconstancy, that the Baron could not hold from saying to her all that jealousy could inspire the most amorous man with, and would have thus returned to the Army, if Mademoiselle de Schenfield, perceiving their misintelligence had not reconciled them. But as the Baron had not all the reason on his side, and that the Marchioness still loved him with the same constancie; he asked her pardon for his trans­ports, and returned to the King, who expected him with an extream impatience. As Wittemberg persued Casimer, Charles took Warsaw with­out much pain, and then having re­joyned the General, he marched [Page 117]towards Cracow. He was n [...] m­ed in his way that Casimer waited for him with an Army of fourteenthou­sand men, he went to seek him, he found him, and the Polanders fled and saved themselves in the Woods. Insomuch that Charles laid sieg to Cracow which was valiantly defend­ed: But after several assaults, hav­ing no hopes of succours, the Gar­rison capitulated and yielded at the end of five Weeks. During this sieg, Casimer was upon the Ri­ver of Buck, where the Baron not having been able to joyn him soon­er, gave him Mademoiselle de Schan­field's Letter: he received it with all the testimonies of joy he was then capable of, and as he found in it all he could desire, he hoped by the good success of his Love, to vanquish also his Enemies. But having notice that Charles was be­come Master of the capital City of the Kingdom and of other the most [Page 118]considerable Places, would likewise endeavour to seize his Person, he sent a Courier to the Queen that she might come to him with the Troops she had for her Guard, which having happily performed, Casimer resolved to retire into Silesia in the Dutchy of Eopol, which be­longed to him. But as he passed thro the Frontiers of Hungary, a Palatine obliged him to stop, and threatned to charge him if he did not retire out of the States of the Emperour. As neeessity gives ex­pedients which One would not make use of at another time: The King not being able to obtain the passage by force, had recourse to address. He gave an Order in writing to Morstain to go to the Emperour's Court, to offer him his Crown, and Morstain having shewn his Order to the Palatine, without further exa­mining the thing, he escorted the King as far as Eopol, where he still [Page 119]continued to love and see Made­moiselle de Schanfield. Charles hav­ing learnt the retreat of Casimer, and General Potoski having been de­feated near Cominice by Chilmilenski General of the Cosaques, he made use of those favourable conjunctures for the continuing his Progresses with safety. He drew Chilmilenski on his side, as likewise Charles, A­lexander, Conitspolskin, who com­manded the Quartains. And as victo­ry acquires friends, Ragoski Prince of Transilvania, sent to him also Ambassadors for their making an Alliance together. The Principal chiefs of the Nobility of little Po­land took also Charles his Protecti­on; and all but the great Treasurer of the Kingdom, the Lords, Char­neski, Preziemski, and Volf abandon­ed Casimer. But while every One submitted to Charles, and that he caus­ed the Diet to be assembled at War­saw, the Elector of Brandenburg en­deavoured [Page 120]to assure himself of Prussia by the means of Negotiati­on. But the Dantrichers having discovered his artifices, remained faithful to Casimer, and he referred the declaring himself to a more pro­per season. The Moscovites on their side took Lublin where they commit­ted unheard of cruelties. The Count of Steembock asisted by Ragieski, presented himself before Torne, and the Burghers animated with the re­monstrances of this last, and with the fair promises they made them, rendred without any resistance. Charles made his entry therein, and was received with all the testimo­nies of imaginable joy. But being willing to see the Burghers in Arms, he ordered them to carry them to the town-house, reproaching that they had defended themselves too ill, and that he would give them to others who should make better use of them. Thus Charles punished [Page 121] [...]hem the first day, for their unfidelity to their King. After this expedition [...]e went to Warsaw, to assist there [...] the Diet he had convoqued, ho­ [...]ing that the Senators would not fail to offer him the Crown: But be­ginning to discover the fault they had committed, in not disputing with Charles his entring into the King­dom, they did not answer his ex­pectation: And Casimer having con­ [...]oqued another Diet at Eopol, in Silesia, and invited the Nobility to come thither; the first who appear­ed was the valiant Charneski with his Troops; Volf would have follow­ed him with his, but was hindred by the Swedes. Nothing could be added to the Caresses the King made him, and he had great reason to do so, since in the Sequel he was the restorer of his affairs. He sent Ambassadors to all the Princes his Allyes to demand succours; that to Rome obtained a considerable Sum [Page 122]from the Pope; that to Vienna good hopes, and the Queen having sold all her Jewels, he hoped to put things in a better Posture. His Court was not very great at Eopol, and he needed consolation for the supporting all the disgraces that For­rune had sent him. He found none greater than the Conversation of Mademeiselle de Schanfield, whom he still loved with much passion, and by whom he was likewise be­loved. They continued to meet in the Marchionesses Apartment: But at length the Queen discovered it, she highly resented this new In­trigue, and in the first transport o [...] her jealousy would have removed Mademaiselle de Schanfield from Court, and have sent back the Marchioness into France. The King had occa­sion of managing the Queen, and things were no longer in the same posture they were in the time of the Vice-Chancellor's Lady: Where­fore [Page 123]he used peaceable means and [...]ppeased the Queen, by promising [...]er to think no more of Mademoi­ [...]lle de Schanfield: The Queen was [...]tisfied with this promise; and Sasimer having constrained himself for some days, she easily believed [...]e would keep his word. But as [...]e was not able to live without see­ing Mademoiselle de Schanfield, and that he likewise considered on the other side, that if the Queen should again discover that he still loved her, [...]e would not fail to send her back. In this grevious extremity that caus­ [...]ed in him pains that sensibly touched his heart, [...]he resolved to marry Mademoiselle de Schanfield to the Prince of Zamoski, in the opinion he might at least continue to love her, and be beloved; whereas if the Queen sent her back, which was in­ [...]llible, he should lose her for ever. He communicated this design to the Baron, as to the person he design­ed [Page 124]for the negotiating this Marriage▪ and after having given him all the ne­cessary instructions for his succeeding in it, he ordered him to be ready to go to Zamoski. And that it might no [...] be beleived that this was the occasion of the Baron's journey thither, he gave him Orders addressed to the Prince for the fortifying the Place [...] The Marchioness was of the confi­dence; neither did the Baron make any difficulty to discover to her his business. The voyage was long and dangerous, she could not forbea [...] being greived, and shed tears; the Baron was also concerned; and Mademoiselle de Schanfield having found them in this posture, knew not to what she should attribute this great sadness. Wherefore she asked them very obligingly what was the cause of it, and assured them if she could contribute to their satisfaction, she would do it with all her heart. The Marchioness madesome difficulty to [Page 125] [...]ll it her, apprehending the King [...]ould take it ill; But in fine Made­ [...]oiselle de Schanfield pressed her with [...] good a grace, and with so much [...]rnestness, that the Marchioness did really avow to her what was the [...]bject of their greif. Yes, Made­moiselle, added the Marchioness, we are only afflicted for your sake, and [...]f I loved you less, I could with more case bear with your removeal. They talk of marrying you, the Baron has Orders to negotiate your marri­age, and perhaps he will innocent­ly contribute to the rendering you unfortunate the rest of your days; for it is very uneasie to disengage One's heart when it is fixed by such pleasing tyes as are those of a great Prince, who loves you, or rather who adores you; and when One is sensible, it is very hard to be on a suddain under the laws of a husband, who never having been a Lover, im­periously uses the power he has over [Page 126]us. Mademoiselle de Schanfield who knew nothing yet of the design the King had of marrying her, was so surprized with the Marchionesses dis­covery, that she eyed her a long time, after a manner that made her judge she had spoke too much; For that fair Person after having chang­ed colour several times, fell into a swoon into the Marchionesses arms, and when she came to her self, she could only say these sad words! Ha! Sir, since you do not love me, why will you render me unhahpy! and then fainted the second time; But in fine the tears which fell from her fair Eyes, having something recovered her from her surprize, she said the most moveing things imaginable; and the Baron and Marchioness could not forbear mingling their tears with those of Mademoiselle de Schanfield. It was the usual hour that Casimer came to see her, he entered the Cham­ber they were in without their tak­ing [Page 127]notice of it; He was not a lit­ [...]le amazed to see them all three in [...]hat posture, and not being able to [...]magine the cruse, he stood as im­ [...]ovable; the Baron being the first that perceived him, rose immediat­ [...]y to give him a Chair, those two lovely persons did all that they could to recover their briskness, fancying the King had not seen them, and Mademoiselle de Schan­field being willing to turn the thing into Rallery, told him, truly, S [...], it is not civil to surprize Ladies thus, and to walk as softly as if you were to pass by Sentinels in your way to a Randevouze; the King remembring the danger he had been in, told her, that he was no less grieved than the day he was so ill treated, since that having found her crying without knowing the Cause, he stopped, not being able to walk. But if you love me, Made­moiselle, added he, as much you [Page 128]would perswade me you do, you should acquaint me with the occasion of it, if it depends on me, it not being just you should con­ceal the thoughts to the person in the world, who takes most part in all that concerns you: Sir, answer­ed that Charming Maid, it is so natural to those of our sex to have Compassion of persons that are ill treated, that the Baron de Saint-Cir having made us the recital of a very tragical story that he had learnt, we could not forbear shedding tears, and I am certain tho you are less tender than we, you would have been no less concerned; This, Sir, was the Cause of our sadness, no­thing being able to grieve me long, while that your Majesty shall ho­nour me with looking upon me fa­vourably. But if I was so unfortu­nate that you should resolve toaban­don me, I avow to you that I should never be able to receive any satis­faction. [Page 129]I beleive, replyed Casimer, [...]mething blushing, that you are so just as to allow, that from the time I have loved you, I have done all that depends on me, to perswade you that you are the dearest person to me in the world: and thus I can­not see how I could resolve to aban­don you, seeing if I had the thoughts of it, I should render my self more unhappy than you. Wherefore be assured that let what will happen I shall never forget you; but after this assurance that I make you, do not find, it strange (at these words he made a deep sigh) that I my self acquaint you with a piece of news, that will without doubt as much surprize you, as it has a long time afflicted me. You know that the Queens jealously moves her to send you back to your Relations; I shall not brag of what I have done to [...] ­der it, it being useless: But app [...] ­hending that at length she may [Page 130]come to that extemity, I have resol­ved to get you a Husband. How! Sir, replyed impatiently, Mademoiselle de Schanfield, could you take such a re­solution, after all the Protestations I have so often made you of never marrying. Ah! If you loved me you would not give me to an Other. No, Sir, you do not love me, you ever deceived me when you told me you loved me. When we are deep in love, we always know how to find the means of preserving what we love. Love never fails such as are faithful to him; and it is in those occasions he shews his Power. But if you have been able to faile in your word to him, beleive, Sir, added she cry­ing, that I will keep mine with him, and that my Constancy shall reproach you with your infidelity. What you say, answered Casimer, wholly amazed, is too advantage­ous for me to blame it, and I ever expected this usage from you. But [Page 131]if you make but the least Reflexion upon the necessity I am in of having you married, or of losing you, for ever I beleive that you will grant that what you call a defect of love in me, is one of the greatest marks of passion I can give you in so ill a juncture. For as Love ought not only to consist in loving the per­sons who loves us with all the ten­derness and passion they are capable of, but that we ought likewise to love their Reputations, and all that can be advantageous to them, tho it may be sometimes repugnant to our inclinations. It is certain that if we act otherwise, and that we on­ly consider our pleasures as the on­ly objects of our passion, it would be rather a self love than a real affection. And thus you see, Made­moiselle, that it is love maintain­ed by reason that obliges me to act in this manner. I very well know you may answe [...] it is no great [Page 132]sign of Love, to resolve to share with an other what we ought to possess alone, and that this may be even called by the name of a Civil falling out. But not only beleiv­ing you to be too just as to have one thought which would be so disadvantagious to me, my dignity would shelter me from that re­proach, since that Kings, tho Sover­aigns, may not act as other men. Their hearts as well as others are susceptible of all passions; they love, and yet their greatness which ought to be a help to them with their Mistresses, is what the most ru­ines them. The Queen knows I love you as much as one can love, and notwithstanding the promises I made her, she cannot fail of dis­covering that I do not keep them. She would send you back to your Relations, they would put you in­to a Convent, both the one or the other would equally injure your [Page 133]reputation, and would deprive me of ever seeing you. Wherefore I cannot do better either for you or my self, than to marry you within my Kingdom: I have cast my eyes upon Prince Zamoski, who might make an other happy, and I will so strongly engage him in the Court, that we shall be both of us happy. Resist no longer to give your con­sent, keep it secret, and do not ac­cuse me of inconstancy and of hav­ing little love. Sir, replyed Made­moiselle de Schanfeild, who was still weeping, since your passion must stoop to the Queens jealousy, and that I must part from you, permit me to shut my self up in a Convent, rather then to see my self under the power of a Husband, whose Capri­chio would be without doubt fatal to me; in such a place I should sa­tisfie my inclination and what I owe to you; and if I may not have the liberty of seeing you, at least [Page 134]I shall have the joy of giving you all my thoughts, you shall ever Reign in my heart notwithstanding the Queens transports: Love shall not be shared with divorce, and in fine the hopes I shall be in, that you will ever love me, will make me suffer my disgrace with con­stancy and without complaining. Casimer seeing this resistance, was in a strange perplexity, and his Soul divided between love and fear, made him take a thousand different Resolutions; but after having kept silence some time, he answered with a tone that made apparent the pain he was in. As the repose both of your life and mine is concerned in the choice you are to make, I should be too unjust, if I obliged you to give me instantly a positive answer. I leave you alone to think of it seri­ously, but especially remember, Mademoiselle, that liberty is the greatest happiness, and that you [Page 135]will have no sooner lost it in shut­ting your self up in a Cloister, than that you will make useless vowes for the recovering it. In sinishing these words, Casimer not being able to continue this conversation, hav­ing bid the Baron follow him, he left Mademoiselle de Schanfeild with the Marchioness in an unexpres­sible affliction. As he was no less agitated for his part, he was a long time without speaking, but after much walking, he acquainted the Baron with the Cause of his disquiet, and ordred him to be ready to depart in four dayes, and in the mean time to use all his endeavours with Mademoi­selle de Schanfeild to get her consent to this marriage. After which he dis­missed him. The Baron returned to the Marchioness, whom he found all alone, and having with grief acquainted her, that the King was resolved he should depart without delay (which extremity surprized [Page 136]her, she expecting his passion for Mademoiselle de Schanfield would have made him change his design; he also retired to his lodging. Sleep; which eases the most stirring griefs; was not that night known by those four persons, who having all their several afflictions, passed it in that trouble that is easie to be appre­hended: So that the day hardly began to appear, than that Made­moiselle de Schanfield went to the Marchioness extremely dejected: There was no longer seen in her fair Eyes that sparkling that made their glances hardly to be support­ed, and her whole person was so languishing, that she would have inspired Compassion in the most sa­vage minds. She no sooner saw the Marchioness, who was in bed, than that she said to her, with the most moveing air imaginable; well Ma­dam, have you found any remedy to my misfortune, or will you a­vow [Page 137]with me, that never any one was greater, and that on what side soever I look, I find my self unhap­ly? I grant, answered the Marchi­oness, that you are much to be pit­tied, and that a heart must be hard­er than Marble, that is infensible to your just grief. I do certainly take all the part that a real friend ought to take in it, and it has so disquieted me all the night that I could not pos­sibly shut my Eyes. But as of two ills the least is to be chosen, I still think it better to marry, than to be shut all ones life in a Convent: For tho our liberties be engaged in mar­rying, and that we are obliged to support the ill humours of our hus­bands, and sometime their contempt, we do not however so absolutely lose it, but that there remains that of telling him our sentiments; and for the finding the means of satis­fying our inclinations, a little Com­plaisance when we cannot have Love, [Page 138]may lul a sleep his vigilance, if he be of a jealous humour, and even very often get into his confidence, how morose soever he may be; In fine, Mademoiselle, you will be at Court, you will see the King there, and methinks this is not to be very much a slave: But in a Convent you cannot do the like, you must give an account of all your actions to your Superior, never see any body, but by her permission: and that which I find most insupportable is, that you must pass your whole life without being suffered to follow your will! It is for you, Mademoiselle, to determine and see which you like best, for the Baron must depart with­in four days to go to Prince Za­moski, whom the King designs you; and if you would follow my ad­vice, added the Marchioness, you should chose this Party. Mademoiselle de Schanfield was a long time with­out answering otherwise than by [Page 139]sighs, which shewed the condition her heart was in; but after having said a great many things more, which made appear the cruel agitation this choise reduced her to: In fine she resolved rather to please the King, than out of any inclination she had to Wedlock, to marry Prince Zamoski. The Baron coming in a moment after, the Marchioness in­formed him that Mademoiselle de Schanfield would submit to the King's will. He thinking to carry him wellcome News, went immediate­ly to give him an account of it: But he found this Prince in so unequal a diposition of mind, that tho he had declared to him the evening before, that he desired nothing with more passion than to see Mademoiselle de Schanfield in the Resolution she was now in; Casimer appeared however so extremely afflicted at it, and af­ter having walked some time with precipitation; how unhappy am I! [Page 140]cried he on a suddain, to labour with earnestness for what will cost me so much grief: I oblige a person who loves me, to put her self a­gainst her will under the laws of a Husband, and yet I cannot be con­tent that she grants me what I de­mand of her. Ah! how true it is, added he a moment after, that Love and Reason are incompatible: From whence proceeds it that I have so little resolution after having had the power of making my self such a pro­position: It is without doubt some good genius that expresly occasions my irresolutions, to set my mind at rest, by preserving my Mistress: But also what will the Queen say? What will she not do, if she perceives I have failed in my word to her? as it is impossible but that I must fail: She will shut up my Mistress, or send her away for ever; I shall see her no more, and I shall dye for grief: No, no, I must keep to my first sen­timents [Page 141]as being most just, since in marrying out Mademoiselle de Schan­field I shall content the Queen, and still possess her heart. But alas! replyed this amourous King, sighing, Who will assure me that this heart will be still faithful to me when it is engaged? Prince Zamoski is young, handsome, lovely, she may love him, and would have reason to do so: Why am not I in his place? and can One be more unfortunate! After having still held some such like discourses as these, he told the Ba­ron that if he had been so long a time without giving him an answer, it: was because he had much ado to vanquish some scruples he still had, but that he should depart within two days at the farthest for Zamos­bi. In effect Casimer gave him his Orders for the Prince, and the Ba­ron of Saint-Cir having setled his af­fairs, he begun his journey the day af­ter for Zamoski. If the King was much [Page 142]afflicted by being forced to marry his Mistress for the preserving her, he was no less at the news of the continuation of his Enemies Progress. Charles had not found at Warsaw what he had promised himself, but fortune gave him the cosolation of redu­cing the City of Elbing, which fol­lowed the example of Torne, thro the Treachery of a Burgher-Master they had corrupted. Charles was received there in Triumph, and this happy success was followed by another, which being more advan­tageous, might absolutely have ruin­ed Casimer. The Elector of Bran­denburgh had not yet declared him­self, and remained in Prussia with his Troops. Charles divided his in two, of which he sent one part to besiege Marrembourg, and with the other he went directly into Ducall Prussia, where the Quartians made great ra­vages. He met Count Mgnus de la Garde in Lifeland, with an Army of [Page 143]eighteen thousand men, which he joyned to his own, and made known to the Elector if he would not take his part, he would besiege Koningis­berg, and ruin his Province. The Elector declared he would defend himself; but Charles approaching within five Leagues of Koninsberg, He made Charles God-father to his Son, and the Elector was the like to his. Chancellor Ox­onstierne went to him [...] the King's part, and carried him such an answer as he desired. The King and the Elector conferred at Bar­estain with testimonies of friend­ship and joy, which promised no less than the shareing of the King­dom of Poland: They made a Trea­ty of Alliance together, by which amongst other things the Elector acknowledged the King of Sweden the Lord of the fier for Ducal Prus­sia. And in acknowledgment Charles granted to the Elector the Bisho­prick [Page 144]of Varminia, in reserve of Bronsberg, a very Catholick City, and a University of the Polanders. The States of the Country were not very well satisfied, but they could not hinder it: The Elector re­turned to Koningsberg, where he caus­ed to be published that all the Po­landers who should refuse to make Oath to the King of Sweden, should retire. Insomuch that Casimer had no more left than the Cities of Dan­zight, and Mariemburg. The first rendred its fidelity remarkable to Posterity, the Inhabitants set fire on their Suburbs, and what promi­ses soever that were made them of preserving their Priviledges, and even of augmenting them, they were unalterable in the Resolution they had taken of defending them­selves to the last extremity. This City is the largest, most powerful, and has the greatest Commerce of all those of the North, and the [Page 145]Magistrates seeing their King aban­doned, and without forces to suc­cour them, augmented their Troops, sent Deputies to the Hague for the remonstrating to the States the in­terest they had to aid them, that the liberty of Commerce might be preserved; and in fine they omitted nothing that might conduce to their maintenance. Yet Charles had there­in his Partisans who powerfully ca­balled for the making him Master of that important Place: They decry­ed Casimer in all kinds, even accu­sing him that he would exterminate all those who were not Catholiques, and this began to make for his ad­vantage: But befides that Casimer destroyed those impostures by the Letters he sent to the Magistrates, to whom he promised powerful suc­cours: The people of Danzick having learnt that Charles had dis­armed the Burghers of Tornes, and done some other things contrary to [Page 146]the terms of the Capitulation; this so animated them against him, that they begun to decry him, and caus­ed a new Oath to be taken to de­fend themselves without being suf­fered to propose yeilding upon pain of Death. Charles having left General Steembock before Mariem­bourg and settled all in Prussia, went into Poland for to chase Casimer in­tirely away, who was gathering Troops upon the Frontiers of Hun­gary to try the recovery of what he had lost. Some of the Nobility beginning to be weary of the Swe­dish yoke, having joyned Casimer, he sent Morstein to the great Cham of Tartary to demand of him suc­cours, and obtained forty thousand Horse, and Charneski having made a Body of four and twenty Cor­netts of Cavellery, without Canon, and without Infantry. Charles quit­ted Warsaw, and went to seek him with all his Troops in the neigh­bourhood [Page 147]of Lublin. Tho Charles was Inferiour in Troops to Casimer, his great courage obliged him to [...]ight. The King of Sweden gave [...]he right wing of the Battaile to [...]ittemberg, and the left wing to Duglas. The two Armies met, the Shocque was terrible, and the Swedes who were not used to find resistance, were surprized at that they met with. Charneski being de­sirous to revenge Casimer, did all he could to find out Charles; more than twelve hundred Swedes fell by their sables, Prince Adolphus was wounded in the knee, and con­strained to return to Warsaw: The King was likewise in very great danger; but in fine Charneski see­ing he could not joyn him, and fearing to be surrounded, made his passage with his sable in his hand and retracted, after having given marks of an extraordinary valour. The loss was almost equal, and the Polan­ders [Page 148]flight was much more preju­dicial to them than the battail, of which the King of Swedon had how­ever the glory. Charneski [...] retreat­ed to Samoski, where the Baron de Saint-Cir had delivered his dis­patches to Prince Zanoski, who caused the fortifications to be re­paired, which Charneski found in a good posture, and while that he made his Troops repose there, the Baron acquitted himself with success of the Commission that Casimer had given him. In effect the Prince having asking him the News of what passed at Casimers Court, the Baron cunningly made him so advantageous a discription of Made­moiselle de Schanfield that he con­ceived a great esteem for her. Some dayes after falling again upon the same discourse, he so exaggerat­ed that Ladies Beauty and the other Qualities of her wit, that the Prince seemed desirous to [Page 149]see her; to which the Baron hav­ing made answer that he might do it if he pleased, and even marry her, being assured that the King would consent to it. Perceiving that this discourse was not unplea­sant to the Prince, he also offered to make the propositions, and to negotiate the thing; assuring him that being a great Prince, and very rich, he could not do better than to take a Wife who would render him the happiest of all men. The Baron pushed the thing further and so inflamed the Prince for Made­moiselle de Schanfield, that he obliged him to write her this Letter.

The Baron de Saint Cir having received this Letter from the Prince, sent it to Mademeiselle de Schanfield who shewed it the King. But the Queen having discovered the true occasion of the Baron's voyage, and not being willing to suffer that Mudemoiselle de Schanfield should be so well setled, sentan other Gentle­man to Zamoski for to perswade the Prince from this marriage, and propose to him that of another Maid of Honour called Mademei. [Page 151]selle d' Arquiem by birth a French-Woman. This Mademoiselle de Ar­ouiem was no less beautiful than Mademoifelle de Schanfield, and had likewise the advantage of being much in the Queens favour. Where­fore Casimer gave the Baron no­tice of it with order to traverse this Envoy, and to make known to the Prince that he acted with­out his orders. He also writ to Zamoski that he approved his mar­riage with Mademoiselle de Schan­field. And that he might the more engage him, he consented she should make the following answer.

This Letter and the Queens envoy arrived almost at the same time at Zamosk, and the Prince appeared so well satisfied with the wit of Mademoiselle de Schanfield that the Baron believed him, too much in love to forbear marrying her. But as the Envoy spoke no less advan­tageously of Mademoiselle d' Arquiem, the Prince seemed very much per­plexed, especially because the Queen proposed to him the marry­ing this last, and the giving him proportionable advantages. The Baron endeavoured to destroy all that the Envoy had done, in de­claring to the Prince that his glory was concerned not to appear incon­stant, [Page 153]that the King might likewise be offended with his procedure; and in fine that the offers the Queen made him would more stain his re­putation than they would be of advantage to him; that such great Lords as he ought never to do any thing out of interest. These rea­sons were convincing, the Prince made reflection on them, and an­swered the Queens Envoy with much indifference in all the other Conferences they had together. But that which quite determined the Prince in favour of Made­moiselle de Schanfield, was a piece of the Barons cunning. He was used to play very often with Zamoski, as well for the diverting him, as because it gave him the more liberty to tell him his sentiments, and in ef­fect he had acquired by these means a great familiarity with him. The Baron had some dayes before lost a Discretion to that Prince, he [Page 154]thought to acquit himself of it handsomely the Conjuncture ap­pearing too favourable to him for to neglect it. Wherefore he cun­ningly made the Prince accuse him of not being punctual in paying. And after having accused himself of the impossbility of finding any thing that was agreeable to him, he took out a fine embroidered, Purse, in which was Mademoiselle de Schan­fields Picture, and giving it to the Prince he told him; I hope my Lord, you will grant one cannot be too dis­creet when a present is to be made so considerable as that I offer you; nei­ther do I know added the Baron smil­ing, if what I offer you in my purse may not make you uneasiy. The Prince whom these words made very curious, hastily opened the Purse, and ha­ving taken out of it Mademoiselle de Schanfie'ds Picture (which was in a little golden Box set with Dia­monds) he appeared in so great an [Page 155]astonishment that he remained [...] long time immovable. And his sur­prize continuing, the Baron being desirous to know his opinion, told him, well my Lord, could I have given you a finer thing? I am so Charmed, answered the Prince, I have not words capable of thank­ing you nor of expressing my joy; but is it possible that the Original of this picture is as hansome as the Painter represents herd far more, replied the Baron, for tho art en­deavours to imitate nature, and that Painters are usually great flatterers, I dare assure you that there are cer­tain features in Mademoiselle de Schan­field's face which are so fine, and delicate, and so much sparkling in her Eyes, that it is impossible for the most able Painters to describe them. Thus you see, my Lord, that I have not surprized you, and what advan­tage soever the Queen proposes, she can never make any that approaches [Page 156]the satisfaction you will have in pos­sessing that fair person, whose Wit is answerable to the Charms of her face. The Baron finding the Prince disposed to hear him favourably, and to believe what he said, added seve­ral other things to what I have mentioned, insomuch that at length Zamoski dismissed the Queens Envoy, to whom he declared he had other engagements he could not break. The Queen was too haughty to be therewith satisfied, and fancying her Envoy had not acquitted himself well of his Commission, she found the means of causing Prince Zamoski to come to Court, in the opinion he could not resist what she should tell him her self. The Baron accom­panied the Prince, and his voyage was not approved of by Casimer, be­cause he could not openly oppose the Queens Will; Yet he received him with testimonies of esteem which made appear the great considerati­on [Page 157]he had for him. The Queen for her part forgot nothing that might engage him to marry Mademoiselle de Arquiem, and to that end was more civil to him than she would otherwise have been: Insomuch that the Prince might have thought him­self very happy, if he had not fallen as much in love with Mademoiselle de Arquiem as he was already with Mademoiselle de Schanfield. But as he could marry but One, and that he was pressed to determine the un­certainty he was in, rendred him the most restless of all men. He went to visit those two fair Ladies one after the other, regularly e­very day, and as Mademoiselle de Schanfield spoke to him with more liberty than the other did, by reason of the Letters that had passed be­tween them, she reproached him so agreably with his inconstancy, or rather to say his irresolution, that as long as he was with her, he did not [Page 158]think that Mademoiselle de Arquiem was in the world. And as he was very handsome, and had about a million of livres a year, and appear­ed very passionate, Mademoiselle de Schanfield began really to love him, and to resolve to possess him entire­ly, Mademoiselle de Arquiem was younger, but the Queen was a good Mistress, and as she had commanded her to be very complaisant to the Prince, tho before she had been more enclined for young Zobieski, to whom she had even promised her in marriage: When that Zamoski took his turn to visit Mademoiselle de Arquiem, that bashfulness which is almost inseparable to all young per­sons, so charmed the Prince, that he was ever as well contented with his two Mistresses as he was dissatisfied with himself. Casimer perceiving Mademoiselle de Schanfields inclination, suffered no less on his side than the Prince did on his, and there was [Page 159]this diffence between their paines, that the King could not complain with Justice of the ills he endured, because he himself was the cause of them. Mademoiselle de Schanfield and Mademoiselle d' Arquiem, who had thitherto agreed very well to­gether, could not forbear being jealous of one another, they dis­puted for the preference, and each of them thought to merit more than her Companion, insomuch that notwithstanding the ill successes of the War, all this intrigue did not faile to give delight, and to render the Court agreeable. Casimer was the first who was weary of it, he could not conceal his jealousy from the Baron, and the Baron had too much Complaisance to let the King suffer any longer. So that he found the meanes of carrying the Prince back to Zamoski, notwithstanding the defire he had to stay at Court. The Queen did all she could to de­taine [Page 160]him, But the Baron who had rendred himself very agreeable to the Prince, remonstrated to him, that he ought for his Honours sake to returne, that he might avoid the affront he would infallibly do one of those Ladies, if he resolved to marry, in fine they went back to Zamosch. The Prince, who was passionately in love, was no sooner arrived there, than that he would have returned. Tho the Baron re­monstrated that it would do him an extream injury; all this did not perswade him from his Resolution. Insomuch that not being able to hin­der his depart, he gave the King notice of it, who ordered him to stay at Zamosch to defend it against the Swedes who were to attack it: This News put the Prince into the worst humour imaginable, he found nothing pleasant, and he would have fancyed it had been done on purpose, if the King of Sweden had [Page 161]not some dayes after effectually sent Troops to invest the place. As it was of extream importance to the Republick, the approach of these forces caused some trouble in him at first in the opinion he had the Sieg would employ him a long time. But the interest of his Coun­try and his own Glory having sus­pended for a time the impetuous motions of his passion, he apply­ed himself very seriously to the giv­ing the necessary orders for the making a vigorous Resistance. In effect the promises that were made him did neither shake his Courage nor fidelity, Insomuch that the King resolved to make that siege in person. He himself assign­ed all the Quarters for his Army, he caused the lines of Circonvalati­on to be made with an admirable promptness, and as he went to view the place and to appoint one for the raising a Battery, having a Scarlet [Page 162]Coat on with a white Feather in his Hat, a Canonnier of the Town who knew him by these markes, and be­cause there were several Officers near his Person, pointed his Can­on so right, that one of those who talked to the King was killed, and with the same shot this Prince fell, and was above an hour in a Swoon with­out any sign of Life. Being how­ever recovered from his Swoon and not wounded, he continued with eagerness what he had begun, and having opened the Trenches with­in Musquet shot, he pressed the place in such a manner that it made ap­pear the extream desire he had to take it. As it had five Bastions, and was environed on one side with a very deep Pond and of a very great breadth, that there was like­wise outworks in a Condition of re­sisting some dayes, between two and three thousand as well Burghers as Souldiers for to defend it, with all [Page 163]sort of provision and Ammunition in abundance. The Prince was not at all astonished at the Kings pre­sence nor at the number of his Troops. He was young and vigorous and one of the bravest men of the Nation. He was seconded by the Baron de Saint-Cir, and the Love he had for Mademoiselle de Schanfield who then alone Reigned in his heart, being joyned to his great Courage, it may be said he undertook suprizing things. Charles's Troops had but thitherto met with effiminacy, and found by some sallies that were made upon them, that the Polanders are not a people to be easily Conquer­ed, when they are well headed and well united. Several Swedes lost there lives, and in the three dayes the King spent in taking the outworks, he lost above a thousand men. The Prince was more con­cerned that he learnt no news of his Mistress then he was for the well [Page 164]defending his Town: and as he had promised her to returne suddainly to Court, and that he could not make known to her what it was that bindred, the fear he was in she should think him unfaithful, put him into an extream pain, he could not forbear making it known to the Baron, and being one night retired together to take rest: Am not I very unfortunate, said he to him, to see my self in the impossibility of keep­ing my word with the most lovely person that ever was, will she not have reason to believe that I am un­faithful, and to lose all that esteem and kindness she hath showed me with so much goodness? I confess my Lord answered the Baron, that Made­moiselle de Schanfield not knowing you are beseiged, may perhaps complain you have forgot her. And having that consideration she has for you, her complaints would be well enough grounded. Yet as the King will [Page 165]not fail of being informed of the condition we are in, I dare assure you that she will no sooner know it than that her fear with be dissipated, and she will make vows in your favour. The Baron had hardly pronounced these last words, when one of the Princes Gentlemen entred on a sud­dain into the Chamber they were in, and told him that the Enemies tak­ing the occasion of the mighty dark­ness of the night, having seized on the Counterscarpe of the great Basti­on, began allready to lodge; that on the Pond side they had done the like, and that in fine if they did not hasten to repulse them, it was to be feard it would much advance the taking of the Town. Any other than the Prince might with justice have been allarmed at this Newes. But having told the Baron that after having chaced away the Enemies they would continue their discourse, he caused his Armes immediately to [Page 166]be brought, and without the ap­pearance of any concerne in his face having drawn up his people, he di­vided them into two Troops, and having put himself at the head of one of them, and given the com­mand of the other to the Baron: Flambeaux were lighted upon the Walls, and the first discharge was made so luckily upon those that laboured on the lodgings, that in less than a quarter of an hour the Counterscarpe was almost Covered with the dead and wounded. The Baron likewise behaved himself ad­mirably well on the Pond side, in­somuch that the Enemies notwith­standing their Canon and Bombs, were so vigourously repulsed, and with so much loss, that Charles be­gun to dispair of taking the Place, which he thought to have won in eight dayes. However the Canon having made three great Breaches the day after, and Charles imagin­ing [Page 167]that the Bombs had desolated the City, out of a kind of Raillery sent to demand of the Prince if he desired a truce for the putting the Ladies out of fear and in safety: But as he had taken such order that neither the Canon or Bombs caus­ed almost any dammage; he let the King know that be thanked him for his generosity, that the Canon had only killed one old Woman, and that if he made no greater ef­forts with his forces he hoped in few dayes he might likewise offer him a truce for the giving him time to bury the dead and retreat in safe­ty. Tho the King was extreame haughty he seemed not at all vexed at this generous answer, and being willing to use his utmost endeav­ours for the winning the place, The gave orders for a general attack. He had in his Army three thousand Jews whom he had forced to take Arms, and to lay by Commerce [Page 168]which that Nation is wholy addict­ed to. Especially in Poland where they are very numerous, and where all manner of Religions are per­mitted. These Jews commanded by the Swedish Officers were the first that mounted to the attaque by three several places. But whether they were not yet well martialized, or that the courage of the besieged augmented out of the necessity of fighting for the defence of their Walls; it is certain that almost all those Infidels were killed upon the place, and in that occasion the King lost above four thousand men: How­ever he believ'd it a dishonour to him to raise the sieg, and not being willing to omit any thing for the succeeding in his Enterprize, he sent a Trompetter to the Town Gate to demand to speak with the Prince, who was in his Cabinet with the Baron de Saint-Cir, where they were contriving together for the finding [Page 169]some Expedient to learn news of Mademoiselle de Schanfield, with whom he became daily more in love than he had ever been: Whereupon he gave Orders the Trompeter should be brought as near as could be to the great Bastion, which being done, the Prince went thither incontinent­ly, where after having made him­self known, the Trompeter told him that the King before he would make the utmost trial for the taking him and his town, desired to have a Conference with him, and to that end he might come into his Camp in all safety, and that he ho­ped a discourse of two hours would terminate great differences, and save the lives of several persons. That if he made difficulty to rely upon the word of so great a King, he would send one of his Officers to acquaint him with his intentions. The Prince perceiving that for want of force, Charles would use address [Page 170]and endeavour to surprize him, was upon the point of sending the Trompeter back without an an­swer. But his Town being in a very good posture, and the abun­dance of all things there so great, that they found wherewith to satis­fy themselves with as much profusi­on as if it had not been besieged, he imagined that what the King thought would be favourable to him, would certainly oblige him to raise his sieg by the faithful account the Officer should give him. Wherefore he called a Council of War, that he might not be reproached with any thing, and having in few words exposed what we have now rola­ted, it was resolved the King should be allowed to send an Officer: The Prince let the Trompeter know, he should return with that account to his Master. And half an hour after returning with Col. Wrangel, Count Podelctoski the Princes favou­rite, [Page 171]accompanied with the Baron, and followed by fifty Hey-Dukes of his Guard, went out to meet him. After the Compliments his Eyes were bound over with a Scarf; and being introduced thro the Pond-gate, he was conducted in that manner in­to the lower Court of the Prince's Castle, where they gave him the li­berty of his sight. It was there that Wrangel appeared in an extreme surprize, to see so much magnifi­cence in a City of War. But it was much augmented when Zamoski, fol­lowed by two hundred Gentlemen, and the bravest of his Court, came and received him in his second Court, and treated him with all the civility he could have expected. After the first Ceremonies, he led him into an apartment, whose furniture was so rich, and all the rest so well suted, that he had never seen any thing more magnificent; he could not forbear looking and admiring. But [Page 172]the Prince having a mind to surprize him after another manner, and had secretly given order for the prepa­ring a great supper, where Delicacy and Profusion made it equally per­ceived, that he was not in a Condi­tion of apprehending to want Victu­als. When all was prepared, he conducted the Collonel into a great Hall, where several Tables were served in the same Order; and hav­ing caused him to sit by him, while they were thus feasting, a Con­cert of Musick and Trumpets divert­ed them so agreeably, that Wrangel fancied himself in an Enchanted Pa­lace. But after having been well entertained, the Prince who was no less Gallant than he was brave, car­ried Wrangel into another Hall, where all the Ladies of the Town, and several others of the Country who had took refuge there before the [...]eg, coming here a moment after in extraordinary dresses, he begun [Page 173]the Ball which insted a good part of the night; insomuch that the Col­lonel not being able to testifie his satisfaction to the Prince, went to bed without speaking of affairs. The day after Zamoski coming to him in his Chamber, after that all the people were retired, Wrangel told him that the King his Master hav­ing a perticular esteem for his per­son, both for his merit, and the great courage he had shown since the sieg, he had conceived the thoughts of marrying him to a Prin­cess of his blood, and that in con­sideration of this marriage, he would erect Zamoski into a Soveraignty, with a greater extent of land than then depended on it. That for this he only demanded the Right of investiture in the same manner as the Elector of Brandenburgh held Prussia, and that for surety he might during three years keep a Garrison in the Place. And having likewise added [Page 174]several other Circumstances capable to seduce a weak man; the Prince, who was not of this Character, and whose zeal and fidelity for King Casimer had appeared in several Oc­casions, eying Wrangel, told him with a haughty air, that having done nothing that might oblige the King his Master to make him Propositions so prejudicial to his honour, he pray­ed him to assure him that he would find in the sequel of the sieg, as much courage and resistance in the least of the Inhabitants of his Town, as he had found weakness and insi­delity in Casimer's other Subjects, and that he should defend himself to the utmost extremity: and that if fortune made the King his Con­querour, he believed him so gener­ous, that he would treat him like a man of his Quality, and that he would honour him with his esteem. After this discourse having drawn up all his Troops in Battail, and ask­ed [Page 175] Wrangel if having so many brave men he would counsel him to render. The Collonel who was charmed as well with tho Prince's good Enter­tainment as his generous Resolution, after having thanked him for the honours he had received, assured him that he would all his life time be full of acknowledgment; and asked his permission to retire: whereupon Wrangel himself bound his scarf upon his Eyes, and those who had brought [...]im, having ieconducted him to the place where they had received him, the recital he made to the King of all we have mentioned, so surprized this Prince; that his Army being already much diminished, as well by the number of the dead and wounded, as by diseases and disertions, he re­solved to raise the sieg, which he did the night following, and retired in­tored- Russia, upon the River D [...]zane. Zamoski being thus gloriously deli­vered, abandoned himself entirely [Page 176]to the cares of his Love, and having caused the Baron to enter into his Closet, it is time, said he to him, with a very passionate Tone, that I ac­quit my self of what I have promised; we have no longer any Enemies to fight with, nor a City to defend: Wherefore let us return to Court and assure by our presence her for whose sake life is only pleasant to me, that I am ever faithful. If I stayed lon­ger here she would have reason to complain, and I would rather die than give her the least occasion to do so. The Baron was extremely pleased to see the Prince had so ten­der sentements for Mademoiselle de Schanfield, and was no less impatient than he to be there. But being in­formed the same day that the sieg was raised that Casimer had quitted Oppol, and was come with all the Court to the Castle of Glogow, be­longing to Count Dosbrestol; he made the Prince comprehend that [Page 177]the Enemies having several flying Camps in the field, it was to be fear­ed he might fall into their hands, and thus it would be more conveni­ent he alone should take a voyage to Glogow, since he would not only render an exact account of all that had passed in the sieg, but that he would make likewise known the state his passion had put him in, and that he would take such measures as were requisite for their seeing one another with safety, and entertain­ing a Commerce of Letter. And that it might otherwise come to pass that the King of Sweden coming to know that he had quitted Zamosch, would not fail to besieg it again, which would occasion without doubt the loss of the place. And therefore that he ought for all these reasons let him run the risque of a journy, which Zamoski could hardly be per­swaded to: Yet after having still a long time persisted in his first Resolution, [Page 178]having at length drawn up an ac­count for the King of the Principal Circumstances of the sieg, he refer­red to the Baron the care of acquaint­ing him with the rest, and dismissing him gave him this Letter for Made­moiselle de Schanfield.

If the Prince was much in pain to part with the Baron, this last had yet much more to get to Glogow; he had a above a dozen times like to have been taken by Swedish parties, and it was thro a Kind of miracle that he came at length to Court. Casimer who had been informed of the sieg of Zamosch, and who knew not what the success had been of it, took an extreme delight in learning from the Baron all the particulars of what had passed, and that the Prince had determined in favour of Made­moiselle de Schanfield, for whom he begun to have no longer so much passion, tho he had still for her a great deal of good w [...]ll. All the [Page 180]Court took part in this good success, as may be imagined. But after that Mademoiselle de Schanfield had read the Prince's Letter, and that the Baron had likewise acqainted her with several particulars that perswa­ded her of his passion. That fair person had such a contentment of mind as cannot be described. The Queen observed it with vexation, and Mademoiselle de Arquiem as young as she was, being but fourteen years old, would also have suffered it ve­ry impatiently, if her heart had been very sensible for the Prince. But as Sobieski, tho he was but [...] of the Crown, pleased her more, and she in some manner acted more out of Complaisance to the Queen than inclination: Her displeasure a­gainst Zamoski, who had neither writ to the Queen nor her, had its real source only from the jealousy that Ladies usually have the one for the other, when they are to dispute for [Page 181]the prize of Beauty. The Marchi­oness had likewise all manner of rea­son to applaud the Barons constancy: And as he had extremely well suc­ceeded in his voyage, and that they had made it a point of honour to con­clude the marriage of the Prince with Mademoiselle de Schanfield. Ca­simer whosaw her daily in her apart­ment, had there several Conferen­ces upon this subject: But well knowing that the Queen would use all manner of means, for the de­stroying in the Baron's absence all that had been done at Zamosch; it was resolved he should return with all haste, under pretence of thank­ing the Prince, and of causing him to raise a Regiment: Wherefore he caused a Commission to be expedited and delivered the nececessary mony to the Baron, with whom having concerted how he should address all the Prince's Letters and his own to the King, who gave order to Ba­luz. [Page 182]Gentleman of his Chamber to re­ceive them, he returned to him a­gain with a very kind answer from Mademoiselle de Schanfield. The King of Sweden during the Sieg of Zamosch, sent Duglas with Troops to besieg Premiflie; but tho that City was not in a posture of main­taining a Sieg in the formes, the Burghers were so apprehensive of the Swedish Government, that the they had but simple Walls, they re­solved rather to die than to render the place. They shut up the Wo­men and Children in the Churches, and while that these implored the succours of Heaven, Duglas having passed the River over the Ice to seize on the gate, they repulsed him with so much vigour, that he lost above two hundred men in his at­tacque, and the Ice breaking in his retreat he had many more drown­ed. Inso much that he returned with much confusion to his Master [Page 183]who was extreamly surprized with all these ill successes. Charneski having notice that he caused a Bridge to be made over the Zane, and that a thousand Horse guarded the Carpenters, he advanced with his Troops into a Wood, where he laid two Regiments in Ambus­cade. And having sent two others Armed after the Tartarian manner, to charge the Swedes, they engaged them to fight, and by pretending to run away, having drawn them beyond the Ambuscade, the thou­sand Swedes were defeated, except some few who escaped, the bridge was broken and almost all the bag­gage taken by Charneski, who re­tired without having lost more than thirty Troopers.

The King seeing his Troops dayly diminished by diseases, by the rigour of the season, and by all the advantages that Charneski gained, he resolved to retreat and recover­ed [Page 184]the banck of the Ʋistule, for the preserving what was left him. Char­neski did all he could to draw him into open field that he might en­deavour by a Battail to settle the af­fairs of Casimer upon a good foun­dation; and to that purpose he at­tacqued him rather like a desperate man than a good Captain. But Charles being no less cunning than himself, and whose good fortune begun to diminish, having pene­trated his design, employed all his prudence to avoid him, insomuch that he would never quit the Rivers banck, and all the Swedes who went a stray or could not follow, were cut in pieces without quarter. As the most part of the great Lords [...]ad engaged themselves with Charles up­on Ragieskies sollicitation, and the others without making reflexion that they delivered themselves up to their greatest Enemy, the good successes of Charncski made them [Page 185]justly afraid of being one day pu­nished for it. This made them re­solve to returne timely to their devoir. Lubomierski Mareschal of the Kingdom, Calinski, Broscoski, Alex­ander Coniespolski, Nicolas Potoski, and Sapieska quitted Charles Party, and joyned themselves with their Troops to the brave Charneski. Only George Niemiviez with some of his continued in his Rebellion. It is easy to conceive the extream per­plexity that Charles was in after this desertion. He dissembled his vexation as well as he could, and seeing that it was very dangerous to stay any longer in the field, he retired to the Castle of Rudnie, where Charneski having joyned him, there was a very sharp fight. More than two thosand Swedes lost their lives, and if the succours Charneski expected had arrived, the King of Sweden had been entirely defeated. He was obliged to make a hasty re­treat, [Page 186]not being able to reach Sando­mer, where he had a good Garrison. Charneski followed him with the same diligence, he fought him the third time, and it was with incon­ceivable dangers that Charles got to Warsaw, accompained by few of his men, and was persued as far as the Suburbe. There run a report that he was killed, and all Europe so positively believed it during some Months, that it was a kind of crime to doubt it. The Queen his Wife was as much allarum'd as others and she passed the Sea to learn the certain News of it; and it was of that advantage to Casimer, that his affairs thereupon entirely changed face. General Steembock was be­fore Mariemburg, which had been admirably well defended for six Weeks that the Siege had been formed. Baron Spar, Originally a Swede, and whose Father had dwelt in Poland from the time of [Page 187] Sigismond, was Commander of it, with James Veyer and his Brother, they did certainly all that could be expected both from their Conduct and Generosity. But the Ammu­nition beginning to fail in the place, and the three thousand men that were sent from Dantzick to succour it, being deceived by the Swedes, who under pretext of deserting made them believe the City was taken, which obliged them to re­tire without expecting further News. Spar seeing he could not hold out any longer, rendred upon an Honorable Composition. This loss tho considerable was in some manner repaired the same day. For the Marquess of Baden be­ing informed of the extremity Charles was in, came to his succours with fresh Troops, but was fal­lowed by Charneski, who immedi­ately defeated three Troops of Horse. The Marquess not being [Page 188]in a Condition to fight him, passed the River de Pilsee over a Bridge de­signing to get to Warsaw. But Char­neski being desirous to engage him, and to take the advantage of his dis­order, swam over the River with his men. Baden not being able any longer to avoid it, prepared for sight and hid part of his Cavallery in the Woods. The Battail last­ed above two hours, and several were killed on both sides. But in­fine Baden fled, and Charneski per­sued him as far as Warsaw, tho a­bove seaven leagues thither. The Swedes were almost all cut in pieces, their Canon their bagage and most part of their Colours were took by the Polanders. All these happy successes made Charles know that fortune is not alwaies constant. Charneski recovered with the same vigour Lovitz, an Archiepiscopal See, where the Swedes had much booty. And General Israel having endea­voured [Page 189]to oppose him, he was no more successful than the Marquess, insomuch that Charneski being advanced into Domerella, he took in several small Cities, and sent three Senators to Dantzick to ac­quaint the Magistrates with these good successes, and the succours that Casimer was preparing. The Queen of Sweden was coming to Prussia. The Danzickers fitted out several Vessels to trie to take her, but could not do it. She landed at the Pillaw, where the Electour of Brandenburg received her with Honours and Testimonies of very great joy. The King her Husband having something refreshed himself at Warsaw, and given the remnants of his Army to Wittemburg, he went to meet her with Baden, Sulsback and Radzivil, he passed by Elbing, and being arrived at the Pillaw, his presence, his tenderness and all his Caresses made the Queen forget the [Page 190]Pains she had suffered. After having stayed there some time, they return­ed to Elbing with greater designs than ever of continuing the War.

Charles to this effect writ to all the Palatines and Polish Lords, who had quitted his Party, to re­turn to their duty, calling them Rebels, and protesting that if with­in twenty days they acknowledg­ed not their fault, he would never pardon them. And being desirous to repare with his pen what he had lost by his Sword, he writ likewise to the Magistrates of Dantzick, and complained that they would have succoured Mariembourg, and surprize the Queen, tho he and his Predecessors had done them seve­ral, favours, that however being willing to use Clemency, if they returned to their duty, he would receive them upon favourable con­ditions, if not they were to expect all the rigour that War permits. But [Page 191]that Letter made not any impres­sion upon their minds, and the Ma­gistrates answered him in few words, that having preserved for two hundred years an inviolable fi­delity to the Kings of Poland, no­thing was capable of making them abandon King Casimer, upon whom he made War without any reason; That if after having defended them­selves like men of honour, the for­tune of War should bring them un­der his Power, they hoped he would treat them better than the other Cities that had not done their Duty. Tho this answer was not conform­able to Charles's sentiments, he could not forbear commending their fidelity; and not being in a condi­tion to reduce them by force, he lest Steemooth before the psace, ex­pecting the Succours that was com­ing to him from Germany, having joyned Wrangel near unto a wood, he was informed that Charneski was on [Page 192]the other side with his Troops, he gave order to the Colonel to attacque him, which he did: the Shoque was terrible, and cost several lives. But Charneski seeing the King approach at the head of the rest of the Army, he retreated in good order with the advantage he had won. The Night favoured his Design, and the King being advanced as far as Torne, learnt there the extremity his Garrison was reduced to at Warsaw. Casimer who was preparing at Glogow to return into his Kingdom with the succours of the Tartars which he expected, learnt likewise there the happy suc­cesses of Charneski, with all the joy imaginable; and the Baron de Saint-C [...]r who was arrived at Zamosch without any danger, having also let him know that the Prince hoped in a little time to joyn him at the head of two thousand horse, and that he persevered in the design of marrying Mademoiselle de Schanfield, for whom [Page 193]his passion was still the same, one may say that from the time Casimer had quitted his Realm, his mind had never been more agreeably dis­posed. But the Queen whose ad­mireable penetration made her dis­cover the most secret intrigues, and who was not easily changed, was not long without knowing the true Occasion of the Baron's stay with the Prince; great successes as well as great troubles cannot be well con­cealed; Mademoiselle de Schanfield was too well pleased, not to let something of it be known, and did not fail to impart it to one of her Companions, whom she believed her friend; and the Queen likewise ob­serving her more strictly than usual, knew at length all that passed. Her promises and civilities having not had that effect upon the Prince she had expected, she changed her Con­duct. Count Podelotoski was the Prince's Favourite, and absolutely [Page 194]governed him, wherefore she en­gaged him to serve her as well by her presents as by his own interest. For having made him comprehend that if the Prince married Made­moiselle de Schanfield, whose wit he was acquainted withall, she would not fail to destroy his favour, and ruine his fortune, for that she would particularly informe her self of all things; whereas Mademoiselle d' Arquiem being a young person of fourteen years old, without any experience of the affairs of the world, if the Prince married her, this Marriage would not only be much more advantageous to him, but he might also continue in the favour his merit had procured him, to which she would contribute on her part, and even augment it if it was possible. And adding to all these considerations great hopes, and that the King was in love with Mademoiselle de Schanfield, which [Page 195]obliged him to wish she was Marri­ed with the Prince. There need­ed no more for the determining the Count to oppose the Baron. In effect from the time the Queen had opened her self to him in that man­ner, he fought all possible occasi­ons to traverse his designs. And as he had acquired a great familiarity with the Prince, whose affairs he absolutely governed with the same Authority he did his own; Being one day informed that Zamoski and the Baron were together in an Ar­bour, he went thither in all hast with a resolution of interrupting their discourse, and to begin by something that should make a noise to make his Court to the Queen: But the Arbour door being shut, he knocked so hard that the Prince was angry, and notwithstanding all the kindness he had for this indis­creet Courtier, had like to have dis­carded him as briskly as he had [Page 196]shown little respect. Yet being a man of wit, and perceiving an al­teration in his Masters face; he told him he was to speak to him a­bout an important affair, and hav­ing insensibly led hem into a sha­ded Alley far enough from the Ar­bour, where they had left the Baron, he presented him with an open Letter and prayed him to read it, which he did. But taking notice, that it was addressed to the Baron, and that it had been opened, he took it ill, and with some heat let him know his surprize. Insomuch that he told the Prince that a Soul­dier of the Garrison had delivered him that Letter, which had been given him by an unknown person, who had retired himself, and ob­serving that mention was made therein of him, he thought his duty ob­liged him to bring it him in all hast to dispose of it as he should think fit. You had done much better re­plyed [Page 197]the Prince very sharply, to have given it to him to whom it is addressed to, and not to meddle with an others secrets, and not gi­ving the Count time to reply, he re­turned to the Arbour, where he acquainted the Baron with what had passed in the Alley. As this Letter was from Mademoiselle de Schanfield, and that she therein gave notice to the Baron that the Queen had discovered their secret, that he ought to suspect the Count, and in fine that she apprehended the Prince would abandon her to ap­ply himself wholly to Mademoiselle d' Arquiem. After having read it over together, and looked upon one another for some time without speaking a word; at length the Prince sighing, interrupted their silence, and held this discourse to the Baron: Am not I much to be pitied to love with so much tenderness and since­rity as I do, and yet to be suspected [Page 198]of inconstancy, after having given so many testimonies of my fidelity; and are not we very unhappy, in that our secret is discovered, and that to surprize me, the Queen has engaged the Count to travers what makes all my joy? What you have said, my Lord, (replied the Baron) is so reasonable, that I can only ap­plaud your having so generous senti­ments. But if I durst tell you my thoughts, Mademoiselle de Schanfield is not to be blaimed for being in fear of being abandoned, since it is an infallible mark of the esteem she has for you, the Queen is against her, she makes you very advantagi­ous offers: Mademo [...]selle de Arquiem is young and pretty, and has the honour to belong to her; and the Count promises to make you change the good sentiments you have for her; all this joyned together makes her with justice be allarm'd: But my Lord, that you may not con­demne [Page 199]her of being so too ground­lesly, you must know that the Mar­chioness sends me word, that the Queen has promised the Count a Staroftie of a thousand pound yearly income, for to oblige you to think no more of her; and having spoke these words she shewed the Prince the Letter; this news made such an im­pression upon his mind, that after having been in a great passion a­gainst the Count, he resolved not to give credit to any thing he should tell him; and if he had not had the care of the affairs of his Family, he would without doubt have discharg­ed him. He lived for some days with him after a more reserved man­ner, and purposely avoided all the occasions of being alone that he might not discourse him. But it be­ing impossible to live long in that constraint, because he was to render him an account of his affairs, this cunning Favourite did not complain [Page 200]of the Prince's indifference, and be­ing in some manner reestablished in his former liberty, in the end he fancied he might succeed in his de­sign. The hopes of a Starosty, and the honour of being the Queens Confident so sensibly touched him, that he could not forbear intermix­ing with his affairs something of the Prince's Amours, for the endeavour­ing to oblige him to explain himself to him: However he did it not, be­cause he would keep them secret till all was regulated for the con­cluding his marriage. This reserved­ness augmented his curiosity, and the Queen pressing him to make known to her the state of affairs, he re­solved to do his utmost for the satis­fying her. The Prince loved hunt­ing very much, and as it was his or­dinary Recreation, the Count fan­cied it might furnish him with a fa­vourable Occasion to discourse him. In the Woods that are near Zamosch, [Page 201]there are seen numbers of Bears, Wild-Boors, and other Beasts of that kind, he ordered the Count to prepare the necessary things for this Divertisement: Wherefore he assembled two or three thousand Peasants; and having caused the Woods to be surrounded with Nets, as is usually practized in that Coun­try, while the Peasants beat the Woods, and the Dogs pursued the Beasts, the Count being alone near the Prince in a place the thing ought necessarily to pass thro, seeing him attentive and pensive, I allways fan­cied till now, my Lord, said he to him, that my services were pleasing to you, and I flattered my self to have so well corresponded to the ho­nour you have done me in trusting me with the affairs of most impor­tance, that I believed my fidelity being known to you, you would not conceal from me the sentiments of your heart. But if it was per­mitted [Page 202]me to complain of my ill for­tune rather than of any thing else, have I not reason to believe, that you have no longer the same kindness for me that you have been pleased to honour me with; since that you have not only been very reserved of late in the discourses that necessity ob­liges me to have with you, and you do not even give me all the time I have occasion for. But if I durst say it, my Lord, I am the last of the King­dom who knows not that you are going to marry Mademoiselle de Schansield. And you have made to me a mistery of the most impor­tant thing of your Life, and where­in I might have given you a great and most sensible mark of my fideli­ty. Yet in stead of murmuring, Heaven is my Witn [...]ss that I would never have spoke to you of it, if my honour had not forced me rather to incurr your displeasure than to fail telling you, that it is not for [Page 203]your advantage, and that endea­vours are used to surprize you in flattering agreeably the passion you have for her, Yes, my Lord, you are plaid upon, and I have advice from ve­ry good hands that the King has a long time loved her, and that he is again beloved. Insomuch that the Queen being jealous, the Baron de Saint-Cir only stays with you for the en­deavouring to oblige you to marry her: But, my Lord, if you are re­solved to marry, you will find matches at Court, much more wor­thy and becoming you both by their Birth and Fortune. The Princes of your Family have ever made illustri­ous Alliances, you ought to follow their Examples for the maintaining your Rank, and if I durst give you Counsels, it would be much more ad­vantagious to think of Mademoiselle de Arquiem; she is younger and more beautiful, and will better comply with your humour, and has likewise the [Page 204]honour to belong to the Queen. In fine you possess her heart without fearing that any other has reigned there before you, and this reason alone should oblige you to prefer her, since you will only have the Person and not the heart of Made­moiselle de Schanfield.