SOME Persons who esteem LOVE as the Sweetest and most tender of all other Passions , have imagin'd it to be more especially appropriated to the Female Sex : But whoever will take the pains to look back into the ancient Records , may be soon convinc'd that it has extended its Conquests , not only over the Fair Sex , but also over the greatest Men in all Ages ; and that even the most Famous Warriours amidst their dangerous Enterprises , have too often felt its effects , and been forc'd to submit to its Irresistible Power . Let us but look backwards upon those great Heroes , Alexander , Caesar and Pompey ; cou'd the greatness of their Designs ever make 'em abandon their amourous Intrigues ? They scarce ever drew their Swords , but with an intent to please their Mistresses , and to make them to be sharers in their most glorious Victories . Has not Love been too often the occasion of Bloody Wars , and of the Destruction of whole Countries ? Has it not undermin'd and over-thrown the Strongest Towers ? Why then shou'd it be denied that it Sympathises in a most extraordinary manner with Mars the God of War . I am apt to believe it to be an unquestionable Truth , that all Mankind feel the effects of Cupid's Arrows ; who does not spare a Throne , making even Scepters and Crowns submit to his Empire . When the Glory of Martial Exploits and a well proportion'd Body meet in one Person , they are such Powerful , or rather irresistible Charms to a tender Heart , that nothing is able to hold out against 'em . The Histories of all Ages are full of such instances to convince us , that even the most Illustrious Heroes in former Ages , as well as ours , have been carried beyond their Bounds by this Passion , even to that degree , that by the Inchantment of their Mistreses charms , they often become forgetful of their Duty , having Sacrifis'd to their so much ador'd Deities all their Glory and Renown , which with a Thousand hazards and the loss of their Blood , they had before accquir'd , under Mars's Standard . There are never theless not wanting Examples of others , who having made it their chief aim to fight , and to Sacrifice their Lives for their Prince , have been able at least for some time to despise and withstand the Force of Love .

The Marshal de Boufflers , whose amourous Adventures I am about to relate , is of this number : For tho' he had always a strong Inclination to Pleasure , and especially to such Love-intrigues as are usual among Gentlemen , he has notwithstanding all this , always kept such a ballance between Love and Glory , that the first of these two Passions , tho' otherwise the most powerful , has never been able to fully his Martial Glory ; our General having ever shew'd himself as much a Soldier as a Gallant , as will more plainly appear from the following Relation .

Love leads Mankind , even from their Youth thro' so many capricious Adventures , that it is always impossible to avoid its inchanting snares : Let us but consider that we are all made of the same Clay , of which our fore-Father , Adam was created , who was not strong enough to resist the enticements of a Woman made either for his Destruction , or pathaps for his comfort , why then shou'd we expect to excel him in this particular ? But to return to our History , Monsieur de Boufflers had in his younger Years altogether addicted himself to Hunting , and Amourous divertisements , the latter being never theless for the most part predominant ; when after some time thus spent in amourous Delights , one of his Friends advis'd him to enter into the King's Service . He having for some time entertain'd this noble Design , his Mind was wholly empoly'd in finding out means how to make a Figure in the Court of France , which cou'd not be done without very great expence : The Marshal , who was born a Gentleman in the Province of Picardie , ( where Gold is a pretty scarce Commodity ) was put to a great non plus as to this Affair ; when one Day walking all alone in his Garden , and musing upon his present Circumstances , the same Friend very seasonably surpris'd him ; and by offering him his Purse and all his Credit , freed him from his present trouble ; adding withal , that by this means he might purchase the Royal Regiment of Dragoons , which was then to be sold by the King's Order . The Marshal receiv'd the Courtesy of his Kinsman with a great deal of Joy and thankfulness , and having by his assistance compleated his Design , he saw himself in a little while after at the Head of a Regiment , which carries along with it Terrour and Admiration , whereever it comes . The poor Protestants of France have been sufficiently sensible of it to their cost : But let us leave this doleful Subject , and return to Monsieur Boufflers , whom for the Reader 's Diversion I will draw to the Life , before I proceed : To speak without vanity there is scarce any one that is better able to performe it than my self , having had the Honour to know him , and to have been his Companion even from his Infancy , and having follow'd him in all his Martial Exploits , as well as Love-Intrigues . If any fault is to be found in the Picture , which I am about to draw , those that espie it , I hope , will rather attribute it to the defect of my Pencil and Colours , than to any other imperfection . But let us see him as naturally drawn as can be , without any Disguise . Our General , who was formerly a Marquess of the Marquisate of Boufflers , is a Person of a mean Stature , but very well set , strong and vigourous in all his Actions , even to excess at certain times . His Eyes are black , sprightly and full of Fire , his looks fierce and somewhat stern among Men ; but very sweet and charming , when he ly's prostrate at the Feet of a beautiful Woman ; where I have seen him making his Courtship a thousand times , with all the Sweetness imaginable . He has something , I know not what extraordinary in his Countenance and Behaviour , which begets him Respect and Veneration . His Face is smooth , of an oval Figure , his Fore-head high , and his whole Physiognomy the best compos'd that ever I saw ; these are the advantages which bounteous Nature has bestow'd upon him , let us observe those for which he is beholding to his Sword , and whereby he has rais'd himself to the greatest Preferments in France . During his abode in Paris , he knew so well by what means to insinuate himself into the favour of the chief Generals , who at that time commanded the Kings Armies , that they receiv'd him among the number of their most intimate Friends ; On the other hand , he made his Court with so much Address to those Ladies who were then most belov'd by that Monarch , that by their favour he easily obtain'd whatever he wish'd for at Court ; among the rest he paid the most respect and most assiduous Visits , to the two Marchionesses of Montespan and Maintenon , but the later , who at that time began to have the most Soveraign Ascendant over the King , did recommend him so effectually , and in terms so obliging to that Prince , that thereby he made his Fortune with the King . The Prince of Conde , first Prince of the Blood , and the Marshal Schomberg , were not behind hand in advancing his Fortune , those two great Warriours having procur'd him the Advantage of being employ'd in the next Campaigne , which was in the Year 1678 , where he signalis'd himself by his Valour at the Siege of Puicerda , which is one of the best Cities in Catalonia , situated in a fair Plain , on the River Segre . The Marshal and Duke de Navaille who commanded in chief before the Place , was so taken with his Bravery , that he lov'd him no otherwise than a Brother , and commended his great Actions to all his Friends ; for he never fear'd any Fatigue , being frequently accustom'd during the Campaign to sleep in his Boots and Accoutrements , shewing by his example to the Dragoons , whose General he was , that by hardship and Toils , as by so many steps they must ascend to the Pinnacle of Glory : He was always the last that dismounted , and the first that mounted his Horse . If his Troops rested in any place , he himself was wont to go the rounds , and visit the advanced Guards ; if any Attack were to be made , you 'd certainly find him at the Head of his Troops , with an undaunted Courage , animating them by his Example . These are those extraordinary Endowments befitting so great a Captain , that have rais'd him to that Advantagious Post , in which we now see him ; The King his Master having since the Siege of Namur , where he defended that City , like a great Warriour , made him a Duke and Peer of France , not without hopes that his Majesty will in time be pleas'd to make him Constable . Now let us take a view of his Amorous Exploits , these being the chief Subject of our present Relation . 'T is not to be thought strange that so famous a Soldier as the Marshal de Boufflers , has often languish'd in the Arms of some Beauty or another , For he has been as Victorious in his Conquests of Love as in his Martial feats , and one may affirm , that he has been crown'd with Roses and Lawrels as frequently in the Field of Venus , as in that of Mars . Part of the French Frontiers have been the Theater , where both his Amourous and Military Expeditions have been represented : The City of Puicerda , of which I have spoken before , will furnish us with a Subject of this Nature .

The Prince de Conti and the Duke de Navaille having made themselves Masters of this Placeby Capitulation , the Troops were for some time sent into Quarters of refreshment . At this time it was , that Love which seldom lets slip any Opportunity , did peirce the Heart of the Marshal de Boufflers : The God of Love , who displays his Standard in the Field of Peace and Tranquility , having found it not impenetrable . In short , the Marshal was desperately Wounded by the bright Eyes of a Spanish Widow , whom he accidentally met in a Boat passing the River Segre . The name of this fair Lady was Donna Olympia , who besides that she was very amiable in her Person , by her courteous Deportment to our General , and her charming and engaging Air conquer'd his Heart : As she spoke very good French , so he offer'd her his Service in leading her out of the Boat with an intention to have accompanied her to her own House ; but she notwithstanding her Heart began to feel some emotions for him , did refuse his offer , telling him that the Custom of her Country did not allow of such a Civility ; that it wou'd be thought very strange if such a Gentleman as he shou'd Conduct a Lady home to her own Appartment ; that such a thing wou'd be sufficient to ruin her Reputation for ever . A certain grave old Matron , whose name was Tressa Alleva , ( such a one as they call in Spain the Guardians of Young Women , ) taking notice of what pass'd between 'em , began to urge her to go home , telling her with a very sour Countenance , with her great Spectacles upon her Nose , that her Discourse was too long with a Stranger , Alass ! my dearest cry'd Olympia , ( who already began to feel some effects of Love towards the Marshal ) my Heart does even now too much foretell me my Destiny of Loving one day this Stranger . Madam , reply'd the old Woman Smiling , you are soon intangl'd in the Snares of Love , without making a due Reflection upon what you are going about to do : Your Love towards a Frenchman is too foreward ; if your Relations shou'd be inform'd of this matter you ' — The Marshal , who understood the threats of Tressa Alleva , thought it time to quit his Mistress , and having squeez'd her fair hand , he whisper'd her in the Ear , where he might see her again , if it were possible for him to live without her till after to morrow ? Just by that Seat , which you see built at the Foot of that Rock , said she , with a very passionate Air , I hope to have the good Fortune to talk with you to morrow about ten a Clock at night , if my Passion do not deprive me of this Life before that time . This was enough for the Marshal , who did now fansie himself the happiest Man in the whole World ; so that the rest of that day and the next following , seem'd to him a Year , or ( according to the Hyperbolical expressions of Lovers ) an Age , which he spent in making reflections upon his approaching Felicity and Pleasures .

Which way , wou'd he say to himself , shall I begin to Court my Mistress ? What Favours shall I ask first ? It must not said he , Smiling , be tosee her Feet , for the Spanish Lady's wou'd dye as soon as let any one see or touch them , they being commonly so very small , that they appear like a Puppet's , in comparison of those of Men. Their own Husbands must not pretend to such a favour . Our General , who does not admire delays in Love , was extremely disturb'd at first with his growing Passion ; but whilst he was ruminating upon the strangeness of this Adventure , and by his amourous conceits , had set himself all over in a Flame . The appointed hour of the Rendez-vous drew near ; he went to the place nominated by his Mistress , and having pass'd several times by the House , he perceiv'd no Body , which almost drove him to despair , having lost all hopes of ever seeing again the Object which Tormented him with so much Violence . The Marshal waited almost an Hour , expecting what wou'd be the issue of this Adventure ; when he by the help of the Moon-light perceiv'd a Woman at a Window , playing with her Fingers after a strange manner : This is a certain way us'd in Spain , for Lover thus to speak to one another ; in a mute Language , the Marshal who was unacquainted with this odd way of Courtship , did not understand the meaning of it ; but being come nearer to the Window , which was pretty low , and having perceiv'd that it was his new Mistress who call'd to him , he at that Moment made use of all the most tender Expressions , which are usual with Men at the beginning of a most violent Passion . Donna Olympia was thereby touch'd to the very Heart ; and told him in a languishing Tone : Sir , pray don't speak so loud , we dare not make use in this Country of our Liberty as we cou'd wish ; and turning all what the General had said into Raillery ; is it possible , said she , that so lovely a Gentleman as you shou'd have left France , the very dwelling place of Love , without some very strong praeengagement ? Alass ! without Flattering my self , I can scarce be perswaded that you are come hither , without having lost some part of your Liberty . My case wou'd be desperate , Madam , reply'd the Marshal gallantly , to have lost it before I had the opportunity to lay it at your Feet : The most miserable Estate unto which you have reduc'd me , is a convincing Proof of it ; you having depriv'd me of my own self . I was not able to resist such dangerous blows as Yours ; you have Wounded me in the most sensible Part ; I did Love or rather adore you from the very first Moment I saw you . There is none but you , that can make me Fortunate or unfortunate ; Pronounce therefore with your own charming Lips my Sentence of Life or Death .

Donna Olympia look'd upon her Lover with Eyes which sufficiently declar'd her Passion , and finding that Love began to overcome her Reason , she reply'd not without some confusion : O Heavens ! How weak do I find my self at this Instant ? What crime am I going to commit against my Duty ? Sir , Sir pray have pitty upon me . The Marshal was vext to the very Soul , that he cou'd not make use of so Favourable an Opportunity as presented it self ; he cou'd have wish'd that the Wall which parted his Beloved and him , had been of Paper or Cloth , that he might have made his way thro' it : He struck with his Sword several times against the Window , the Enemy of his happiness , but alass ! in vain , for he found her so barricado'd up with Iron Grates , that he cou'd scarce put a Finger thro' it . His belov'd Angel , who was not insensible of his disquiet , and wou'd very willingly have had a more secret interview with him , cry'd out to him , take Courage , Sir , Fortune has always a kind chance for Lovers . The Marshal was so Transported with this charming Expression , that he cou'd not forebear telling her : Divine Creature , I dye a thousand times a day by a most violent Death , being uncertain of my destiny ; if you be so Inhumane and Cruel as to deny me your pity , and prohibit me to enjoy the Pleasure of seeing you in Private . Rather suffer , that after having declar'd my Passion and what Pains you have made me undergo , I may dye for grief at your Feet : But continu'd he , I am resolv'd to do it without delay , and drawing his Sword , and putting the Point towards his Breast , I will sayd he , dye in your Sight : He swore these Words in so Melancholy a Tone , that Donna Olympia fearing he was in earnest , cry'd out all in Tears , hold , hold , for Heaven's sake , don't let your Passion drive you into despair , don't make your self the most Criminal of all Mankind ; why will you make an attempt against your own self , for want of a little Patience ? Preserve your self for my sake , and I promise that I will find out a more favourable Opportunity . The Marshal seem'd extremely pleas'd with the assurances he had receiv'd from his Mistress , and glad that his feign'd attempt had made her believe that his intent of killing himself in her presence was real ; tho' God knows , it was the least of his Thoughts , being not so much a Fool as to dye for her sake . Nevertheless looking upon her with a very Passionate Eye , Madam , said he , I am infinitely oblig'd to your Goodness , for saving my Life , which was ready to be Sacrific'd before you , if you had not stopt my Hand , and thereby prevented the fatal Stroak , I shou'd have certainly executed it without delay ; but now since you flatter me with hopes of seeing you again in private ; I will leave my most adorable Olympia , to convince you of the greatness of that Passion , which I have for you , and to shew you that an Age will not be long enough to satisfy my Desires . The fair Spaniard perceiving some of her Women to come that way , retir'd into another Chamber ; and the Mar. who surmis'd that some body had surpris'd her whilst she was talking with him , retir'd somewhat backward from the Window , with a resolution nevertheless to stay all Night to watch an opportunity of entertaining his Mistress a second time . Having thus walk'd up and down near the Ditch of an adjacent Castle , he saw at the very break of day , a Black-Moor coming from under the Ground out of a Vault , and making up towards him , who presented to him the following Letter :

The Marshal who had not without some fear taken the Letter from the Black-moor , did imagine that perhaps it might be the Devil who was come from the infernal Regions , on purpose do him some mischief , and being at some uncertainty what to resolve upon ; he went back to his Lodgings , and enquir'd of his Land-Lady , as well as he cou'd in the Spanish Tongue ( which she understood very well ) whether she knew that Lady who liv'd at the Foot of that Rocky Castle , which he nam'd to her . Yes , very well , said she , she is the Relict of a certain honest Gentleman , who is lately dead , his Name was that of the Marquess of Toledo ; but good God! continu'd she , how unhappy is that pretty Creature since the Death of her Husband , who lov'd her even to a degree of Folly ? She is at present under the Government of a Brother , who Tyrannises over her like his Slave , not allowing her the Liberty of speaking one word to any Man . His name is Don Bilboano ; he is Jealous even to a degree of Madness , and 't is the common discourse of the Town , that he is in Love with his Sister . At that rate , reply'd the Marshal carelesly , as if he had not known her ; a Man must expose himself to no small danger , if he shou'd go about to Court her for a Wife . O Lord ! cry'd the good Woman , being much surpris'd , this cruel Man threatens to Sheath his Sword in the Breast of any Gentleman that shall have the boldness , so much as to think of his Sister ; he intending to be her only absolute Master . Here the Marshal interrupting her said , but for God's sake do you believe that Donna Olympia entertains her Brother's Passion ? I don't believe she does , reply'd the Woman ; for how can so charming a Creature as she Love the most ill shap'd of all Men ? for besides that , he is as ugly as the Devil ; he has a hunch Back , enough to frighten Children withal , and his Legs are as crooked as a Hoop ; tho' as to his internal Qualities , he is not inferiour to any Man , having accomplish'd himself in all manner of Arts and Sciences . Monsieur Boufflers being extremely well pleas'd with the Womans Answer , which he found very agreeable ; and pursuing the former Discourse , ask'd her what was the reason that this Marchioness had chang'd her Name from Donna Toleda to Donna Olympia . Oh! reply'd she , that is the contrivance of that ill favour'd piece her Brother , who will have it so . This evil Spirit cannot endure the name of his Brother in Law , his Head being fill'd with a fancy , that his Sister is a Maid still , and that he may enjoy her as such . This is an extravagant piece of Folly , reply'd the Marshal , such a Fellow as this , if he liv'd in France , wou'd be sent to the House of Correction . It is not the Spanish fashion , answer'd the Woman , to imprison Gentlemen for being in Love with their Sisters ; there are so many examples of this nature , that nothing is more common : Every one loves here what he likes best , without making any further Reflection upon the matter .

The Marshal de Boufflers having ended this Discourse with his Land-Lady , retir'd to his Chamber , ruminating with himself concerning what he had understood from her . His Thoughts were much distracted the whole Night , and the Day following : He began to consider with himself to what danger he was about to expose himself , if Donna Olympia's Brother shou'd find him with her ; if this ugly Devil , this Aesop shou'd , said he discover our Intrigue , we are both undone without Remedy ; Plague on him ! that this Monster shou'd have so good a Head-piece ; but let it be as it will , the hopes of possessing so charming a Creature is a sufficient Recompence for a little danger . Having taken this Resolution , he went towards the Rendez-vous , dress'd like an Adonis , and was no sooner come near the Gate of the Vault , when he saw the same Black-Moor with a Pike in his Hand , ready to attend him .

The first thing he did , was to demand the Marshal's Sword , and what other Arms he had about him , which so surpris'd the Marshal , that he made some difficulty of granting it . But the Black-Moor , who spoke good French , inform'd him that it was the Custom of the Country , for any Gentleman to leave his Sword at the Door , before he enter'd a Lady's Appartment . I know very well , reply'd the General , that this is practis'd in your common Houses , but the Case is otherwise here , where I believe my self to be in a Person of Qualities Lodgings . No matter for that answer'd the Moor with a Smile , give us your Sword , Sir , give us your Sword ; Love having by this time overcome his Reason ; he deliver'd up his Sword to the Moor , with some Lovis's d'or , at which the Black-Moor being overjoy'd , assur'd our General of his Fidelity , telling him that he needed fear nothing , since he was left to his care ; for said he , Don Bilboaono the Brother of this Lady , is such a Devil of a Man , that there is not one in the whole House , that has not wish'd him to the Devil these ten Years : Well it 's enough my Friend , reply'd Monsieur de Boufflers , come lead me to your Mistresses Chamber . Donna Olympia having over-heard these last words , open'd the Door of her Closet , and the Marshal being enter'd , found her almost half undress'd , leaning upon a Couch embroider'd with very fine Flowers . Her Complexion being very fair , and the Room where she was , beautify'd with Black Marble , and illuminated with a great many Wax-tapers ; she appear'd to him more beautiful than an Angel .

He did not approach without bearing the marks of a profound respect in his Countenance , and having set one of his Knees before her on the Ground . 'T is none but you say'd he , Divine Creature , that has the Power of Captivating my Reason . Your beauty has so far astonish'd me , that I am Transported even beyond my self . Then a charming blush cover'd her Face and Breasts , which made our Spanish Lady appear without comparison , the fairest in the World . After she rise from her Couch , she went to the Looking Glass , where she pretended to set in order some of the puffs of her Hair ; which were interwoven with the finest Diamonds that ever were seen : The Marshal then espying one of her little Hands whiter than the very Snow , he kiss'd it for the space of half an Hour without intermisssion . This his passionate Behaviour made Donna Olympia blush ; and casting a very amourous look at him ; Pray Sir said she , either moderate your Passion , or I am undone ; Good God assist me ! Where shall I find strength enough to ressist you ? Ah! Madam , reply'd he , how is it possible for me , not to be sensible of your powerful Charms ? It is you that inspire me alone at this Moment , and I can swear and protest to you , that in all my Life-time I never was so much enamour'd as now , having never met with any Object , which appear'd to me so adorable as your self , not only in point of Beauty , but also with respect to all other Perfections , which are able to charm a Mortal Man . Sir , answer'd the Lady with a languishing Air , is it possible that a Frenchman can be sincere ? It is the general Opinion among us here , that their Amours are never real , but meer Compliments and satteries . By Heaven Sir , such a sort of Love wou'd not very well agree with my Constitution : And shall never receive any Encouragement from me .

Here the Marshal interrupted her with a Kiss , I know very well say'd he , Madam , that I ought to offer you something more Substantial than bare Words ; but it is not always advisable to be too forward ; don't you know that when a Fort is to be Attackt , we first take a view of its Avenues and Out-works . Donna Olympia , who wou'd fain have perswaded the Marshal that she did not understand his meaning , began to play with her little sucking Pig , which was adorn'd with red Ribands . This Creature had also Silver-Bells in his Ears and about his Neck ; nay , even at the Tail , which made a strange kind of Harmony : This is the Fashion among the Spanish Lady's , who chuse rather to carry a little sucking Pig under their Arm , than the finest Lap-dog ; 'T is their Custom to make it squeek , when their Gallants ask 'em a Favour . Our Marshal , who perceiv'd her intent , took it from her , and put it into a little Hutch , made for that purpose . Then renewing his Courtship with a Thousand amourous Sighs : He at last forc'd these words from her fair Lips , Oh! I Love you with a most violent Passion . And what Proof , reply'd the Marshal ( embracing her ) will you give me of your Passion ? You will not grant me the least Favour ; Ay , don't you know that Love is a Child , which pines after the utmost Favour ? And what Sir , reply'd she , must a Woman keep nothing to her self , when she is to prove that she Loves ? Are not Oaths strong and convincing enough to Lovers ? Then laying her Thumb a cross one of her other Fingers , and kissing it a thousand times , according to the Spanish Fashion , she told him , I Love you above my Life ; 'T is impossible for me to believe you , Madam , reply'd the Marshal in stealing some Kisses from her fair Lips , it s meerly impossible to believe it , except you grant me that which is the only Pledge requir'd by Lovers , Surely reply'd she , with a very serious Countenance , I can scarce perswade my self that your Words are answerable to your Intentions , for shou'd I grant your desire , you wou'd cease to Love me as soon as you had enjoy'd me ; don't you know that that Favour which you seek for with so much Heat , is the Grave of Love . How many gallant Heroes have we known who have been Bury'd under its ruins ; and who have been lost when they thought themselves at the very Port of Felicity ? The expectation of the Pleasure , will far exceed the enjoyment it self .

These Obstacles made by Olympia against the Marshal's Passion , did only serve to inflame it and to quicken his desire of making himself Master of that piece of Ground , which she so Valiantly defended ; and his Passion growing more violent every moment , he cou'd not forbear telling her , that if she let him languish thus any longer , he shou'd dye instantly at her Feet , Donna Olympia then finding her strength to fail her , and fearing that she shou'd not be able to hold out much longer against her charming Conqueror ( as she was wont to call him , ) very courteously desir'd him to withdraw for that time , because the day began to appear , and that her Brother was accustom'd to walk the Rounds in the House every Morning early , who if he shou'd find a Man in her Chamber , they both wou'd be in great danger of their Lives . The Marshal having understood her meaning , with a profound reverence quitted the Room , promising to renew his Visit in a short time , Yes , Sir said she , giving him her Hand ( which he kiss'd very Passionately ) I promise it shall be so , my Heart is only too forward to give its consent to so agreeable an Entertainment ; don't fail to see me to morrow at the same Hour in my Chamber . You may believe Madam , reply'd the Marshal , that I shall be overjoy'd to Execute your Commands , in which my Love is so nearly concern'd , and that every Hour ; nay , every Moment , will seem an Age to me , till such time that — Medina a Relation of this Lady coming towards her Chamber , and having made some noise in opening a door , she oblig'd our General to Decamp , with his whole Army of Sighs and Languishing Expressions : He return'd to his ordinary Post : I mean to his own Lodgings where instead of Sleep , he was overwhelm'd with a Thousand amourous Fancies : Donna Olympia flatter'd her self with having gain'd a great Point , since by breaking off the Conference , she had preserv'd that which indeed she was ready to part with . Her Heart was torn in pieces by two different Passions , for if her Vertue induc'd her strongly to its preservation , on the other hand she was apt to reproach her self for not having been more favourable to her Lover . Medina having perceiv'd the Confusion she was in , and drawing nearer to her , ask'd her in very affectionate terms the cause of her disquiet . Alass ! cry'd she , my Dearest , I am the most unfortunate of all living Creatures . Nothing but Death can expiate a crime which I have committed against my own self ; Vertue strongly opposes my Inclinations ; but Alass ! I am in Love , to my eternal Confusion , with the most dangerous of all Men , who from the first Moment , I saw him , has over-rul'd my Reason . I have resisted this Passion with all my Strength , endeavouring to stifle it in its Birth , but this too tender , too Passionate Heart , has at last been forc'd to yield to its Conquerour . I am now no longer Mistress of it ; he triumphs over it in spite of all my resistance . Madam , reply'd Medina , ( she being a Lady of a very subtil Wit ) Who is that happy Mortal , that has such powerful Charms ? What is become of that graceful haughtiness which never left you till this time ? Oh! reply'd the Marchioness Sighing , I do not know my self my Dearest , there is something fatal in the matter , I am constrain'd to submit to the present influences of my Stars . Madam , reply'd the young Lady , take courage , I don't believe that Love is so dangerous and terrible as you describe it . If Love be a crime , it is one of the most Innocent , and very few Mortals are exempted from it . Who can without injustice condemn a Passion taught us by Nature it self ? Especially since we our selves are not the cause of those Effects which she produces ; it is she her self who is the Cause of that Sin , which appears so hanious in your Sight .

He whom I love reply'd Donna Olympiae briskly , is rather the cause of it . My Passion has quite overcome my Reason . Oh! Madam reply'd Medina with a Smile , this is the way to spoil all the pleasures of Love ; but pray tell me who is this happy Man ? He is a Frenchman my Dearest , answerd the fair Spaniard with a blush ; he is a French Gentleman the most charming of all Men , who has robb'd me of my Heart , without the least hopes of recovering it , this only way being left me to revenge my self upon him to robb him of his again .