BEARN , though one of the least Provinces subject to the Crown of France , may be accounted among the most considerable , for the great number of Soldiers it sends into the Armies . It hath the honour of giving Birth to the Renowned Prince , Henry the Great , and the Privileges he granted it are sufficient proof of the esteem he had for the Inhabitants . And those who now serve the King in his Wars , have made it appear they have not degenerated from the vertues of their Ancestors . Besides , as if it were not enough for this Province to produce Heroes in an Age , when all parts of France furnish such plenty of them , it hath signaliz'd it self in giving Birth to a Heroine , who seems to have forgot the infirmities of her Sex , to assume the vigour and generosity of the Masculine , without losing the beauty and sweetness of her own , and to compose of both , the most perfect Person in the Universe .

Her Name is Christina , Daughter to the Baron of Meyrac , one of the most eminent of the Province , though less known at Court than in his Country , where he spent all his days . He had an only Son brought up at the College of Pau , whom he design'd to send timely to Paris to learn his exercises , the better to fit him for the King's service , in the Armies where he intended to provide him employment . Christina was bred at home with her Parents as their darling : she naturally had that strong inclination for Arms , she knew sooner how to discharge a Gun , than to handle a Distaff ; and at nine years old could handle and use all sorts of Fire-arms with incredible dexterity . She was extreamly averse from Learning to read , and to perswade her now and then to look on a Book , they were obliged to permit her to go a-hunting twice a week ; but to purchase a pound of Pouder she would do any thing , how difficult soever . This for a time was a divertisement to her Parents ; till Christina having one day shot at Pidgeons in a Barn full of Corn , it unfortunately took fire , which consum'd a great part of it , though a great many hands were presently at work to quench it . At this the Baron was so offended with his Daughter , that he would not see her for many days , nor pardon her , but upon condition she would never handle a Gun . Poor Christina was very glad to be re-admitted upon any terms into the favour of a Father , so severe as she knew hers to be : but that way of living being quite against her temper , a week was scarce past , but there appear'd a visible alteration in her looks . This alarm'd her Mother , who tenderly lov'd her , and having often , but in vain , endeavour'd to prevail with her Husband in favour of his Daughter , to remit a little of the rigour of his orders ; she order'd a Gun to be carried to a Neighbour's , where Christina , by agreement with her Mother , sometimes resorted : And not daring to go a-Hunting , least the Father should know it , she shot at a mark for her exercise . This restrant but heightened her passion for Hunting and Shooting , as she made sufficiently appear by the advantages she took of her Father's absence , in a Journey about that time .

The Baron in the Vacations sent for his Son home ; and Hunting being the principal Recreation of Country-Gentlemen , scarce a day past , but his Son made a match with his Friends for that sport : He never went forth , but Christina was cruelly vext , she could not make one of the Game ; and when he return'd , she was not less troubled for the pleasure she fansied he had enjoy'd , and she was unjustly debarr'd from , and seeing her Brother come every day home laden with Game that he had taken , she could not forbear tormenting herself for fear he would leave none for her .

One day , as the Baron and his Son were a-Hunting , a Farmer came to the Castle to make his complaint of the great spoil done in his Corn by a wild Boar , and to beg assistance for killing him . The Baroness being assur'd the Boar never fail'd coming to the Corn in the Twilight , promis'd to take order in it , and dismiss'd the Countryman . Christina having over-heard the discourse , said not a word to her Mother , least she might endeavour to divert her from her design ; but charg'd her Gun with two bullets , and as it began to be dark , went away to the place the Country-Man had spoken of ; and to make the surer work , got up into a Tree a little distant from the Corn , with a resolution to wait there the coming of the Boar. The same Country-man having met the Baron's Son as he return'd from Hunting , told him the story , who loth to lose so fair an occasion , instantly turn'd back into the Field , and fearing he was come too late , stole gently a-cross the Corn , and attended the Boar's coming near half an hour : But growing impatient of longer stay , he resolved to retire . His Sister in the Tree , not well able to discern what she imagin'd she saw , the Corn being high and night come on , made no doubt but it was the boar stirring up and down ; and to lose no time discharg'd her Gun , and kill'd her Brother . As he fell he cry'd out for help , which so troubled the unfortunate Christina , that she presently fell down from the top of the Tree . The Country-man runing in at the noise of the Gun , immediately met Christina tearing her self like a Woman distracted , and thought the Boar had wounded her : He ask'd her several questions , which she answer'd not , but he took her up , and help'd her to walk a few steps . When she found her self in a condition to go alone , she order'd him to make all the hast in his power to let the Baron know his Son lay a-dying , having been dangerously wounded by the Boar ; with that she made away as fast as she could possibly , not knowing whither to betake her self . Having travell'd above an hour she found her self near a Castle belonging to the Abbot Dizeste , who was extreamly surprized to see her so bloated with crying , and at that time of the night . But Christina , having given him as good an account of her misfortune as she could in the case she was in , the Abbot who was her fathers very near Kinsman , instantly got on Horse-back , and arriv'd at the Castle , the very moment they brought in the Body of the poor Gentleman , who having lost much blood for want of help , dy'd in the Arms of the Chirurgeon who first drest him . All things in the Castle were in such a confusion , the Abbot could not learn the truth of the accident . The people would needs believe the Boar had kill'd the Gentleman , though they found two bullets in his body : But the Baron and his Lady , not finding Christina , made no doubt but it was her act ; and though they believ'd she had don 't by misfortune , the Baron was so transported with passion , for the loss of his Son , that he made search for his Daughter all over the Town , with his Pistol in his hand , to sacrifice her to his Wrath. The Abbot being told of it , ran after him , and having said to him all that might be expected on such an occasion , he brought him back to the Castle , where he made use of many tedious discourses to comfort him , but all to no purpose . Two Capuchins came in at the noise of the disaster ; and the Abbot having left them the care of comforting of the Baron , return'd home to bring Christina the news of her Brothers Death , and the danger she was in , if her Father should discover where she was ; yet he assured her of his protection , and that he would never forsake her .

Returning two days after to Meyrac , he was not a little surpriz'd to find the Capuchins exhortations had not abated in the least the grief of the Baron , nor diminish'd his anger , but that he persisted in his resolution to be the death of his Daughter , and would not admit of his Wife into his presence , because she had been prevailed upon to speak to him a word or two , in favour of the unfortunate Christina . This oblig'd the Abbot to hold a conference with two or three Kinsmen more of the Barons , and to debate the business with them , and find out some means to save her from her Father's resentment . After long discourse , it was agreed she should be sent into Spain ; and Arragon being not above nine or ten Leagues from Bearn , and the Abbot having a Brother settled at Saragosa many years , he was intreated to bear her company thither , and recommend her to his Brother , which he readly promis'd . Christina , troubled as she was , receiv'd with joy the result of this conference , and put her self in a posture to be gone on the morrow , according to order : but the Abbot having reflected in the night on the consequences of the intended Journey , found in it so many difficulties , that he had almost alter'd his resolution by morning . He foresaw the beauty of Christina would make a great noise in a strange Country , being at twelve years old far taller and handsomer than Maids of that Age ordinarily are , and especially in Spain , were the Women are generally very low : besides , he apprehended the frank humour of his Kins-woman , and the inclinations she had so different from the rest of her Sex , would hardly ever agree with the Genius of a Nation , where Women are oblig'd to live with a great deal of circumspection , and that it might prove very troublesom to his Brother . But the business was urgent , and he must resolve : Christina perceiving him waver , ask'd him the reason ; he acquainted her with the difficulties he apprehended , and added , It was not decent or fit a young Maid should run rambling into a strange Country . Christina longing to get out of her Father's reach , whom she fear'd , and having a passionate desire to see Spain , propos'd to the Abbot , that if he would give her leave , she would put on Boys Cloaths : And that she might have a plausible pretence for staying in Spain , he need no more but tell his Brother he brought him a young Kins-man to learn Spanish , and study some Months in the University of Saragosa . The Abbot at first boggled at the proposal as ridiculous and childish . But finding her persist in it , and promising she would so disguise her self they should never discover her Sex , he was perswaded by her . And having caused her to be privately put into a habit sutable to her inclinations , he thought she became it so well , that he made no more scruples , but parted the next day with her for Saragosa . Being arrived there , they were receiv'd by his Brother with incredible joy and abundance of thanks , that he would trust him with the Education of a Kins-man of so promising a meen . The Abbot returned , and Don Lorenzo his Brother , took pleasure in making provision of necessaries for his young Kins-man . Scholars in Spain wear long , loose , black Vests like the Jesuits ; a Habit that served very well to make Christina look taller and handsomer , and her Hair being of a delicate-brown , and cut after the Spanish-mode , had an admirable effect upon the beholders . She no sooner appear'd in the University , but she drew after her the Eyes and the Hearts of the Students . It is incredible what an advantage this was to the French Nation ; for Spain being a Country inconvenient for Travellers , few Persons of Quality go thither . And they seldom have amongst them any French , unless it be some poor Labourers of the Mountains of Auvergne , Limosin , and Bigorre , who for very small wagers do all manner of Drudgery . And the Spaniards , who are naturally lazy , are willing to imploy French-men who serve them for money . This is the reason the People of those Countries , who seldom travel abroad , slight the French , as they do , judging of the whole Nation by those they see amongst them . This general prejudice heightened their astonishment , who admir'd the beauty of Christina , and call'd her The Handsom Frenchman . Everyone one strove to be acquainted with the Stranger ; and her Reputation was in a short time so well settled at Saragosa , that those of the best Quality there order'd their Children , to get acquaintance with the young Frenchman , and to make him their Friend .

The Marquess d'Osseyra then a Student there , went every morning to take him with him in his Coach to the University , and Don Philip de Palafox , Son to the Marquess d' Arizza , brought him back for the most part in his . He visited these two young Lords oftner than any other , especially the Marquess d' Osseyra , who took pleasure to teach him Spanish , and tell him when he spoke amiss . This Gentleman had a Sister married to the Marquess d' Aytona ; who having heard an excellent Report of the handsome Frenchman , desired her Brother to bring him with him to her House , proposing to her self the pleasure to be expected from the Conversation of two young Lads of their Age. But she found it more charming , and was so satisfied with the first Visit , that she pray'd her Brother to bring him often to her ; being extreamly delighted to see him and hear him speak . To engage him to come again , she presented him with a Sword , and her Brother with another ; which they carried commonly under their Gowns , as the Scholars in Spain usually do . This Present was fatal to them both : For as they were going homewards one Evening very late , they met other Scholars who knew the Handsome French-man , and could not forbear ( out of a Natural antipathy against the French ) to give him ill-language and call him French-bougre . The Marquess d'Osseyra , thinking himself concern'd in their ill-usage and incivility , and not daunted with the number of his Enemies , charged them vigorously with his Sword in his hand . The Handsome-Frenchman seconded him so well , that they two beat back five Men above thirty paces : till putting on two far , they were at last forc'd to give Ground , opprest with numbers of fresh assailants . The Marquess had a slight wound on the Face ; and the Handsome-Frenchman receiv'd a cut upon the Belly . Some Tradesmen getting out of their Shops , the Marquess discovered himself , and the Scholars took their a heels to avoid the punishment their insolence deserv'd . The wounded Persons were carried home to the Marchioness d'Osseyra's , who was so troubled at the news of her Sons being wounded , that she swooned away twice : but the Chirurgeon having convinc'd her it was only a Scratch , she turn'd all her care towards the Pretty Frenchman , who would not be search'd though they preceiv'd him lose much blood : but he was obstinate , and all they could say could not prevail with him to let the Chirurgeon see his wound . The part he was wounded in troubl'd him more than the wound , as fore-seeing it impossible to keep the secret of his Sex undiscover'd among such a Croud as waited there to see the first dressing . Being press'd , and seeing them ready to force him to give way for the Chirurgeon to search the wound , he desired to speak a word with the Marchioness in private ; and told her , that for very substantial reasons she should one day be acquainted with , she had been oblig'd to disguise her Sex ; and begg'd of her by all that 's Good , not to discover her , and to charge the Chirurgeon not to do it . The Marchioness surpriz'd at the news , promis'd what she desir'd : and having commanded all the rest to quit the Room but the Chirurgeon , she remain'd alone with him and Christina , whose wound appear'd not dangerous : and the Chirurgeon undertook it should be cured in five or six days . The Marquess not able to comprehend why his Friend was so scrupulous , earnestly begg'd his Mother to tell him what he had said to her in private , and why she made all the Company quit the Room : She gave him an answer that satisfied him .

In the mean time , Don Lorenzo coming in hastily , upon the news of his Kins-man being wounded , would have carried him home ; but the Marchioness refusing her consent , told him , His Kins-man had been wounded in the defence of her Son , and should not go out of her House uncur'd . On the morrow Don Lorenzo renew'd his Request to have his Kins-man home , whom he lov'd as tenderly as if he were his Son . The Marchioness stuck to her first Resolution ; and the Chirurgeon who had the Frenchman in cure coming in , Don Lorenzo would have the satisfaction to see the condition of the Wound : but the Marchioness obstinately refusing him a sight of it , without giving him any tolerable reason , Don Lorenzo fansy'd his Kins-man mortally wounded , and that to be the cause of her obstinate refusals . This made him send for two very able Chirurgeons , in whom he thought he might place an intire confidence . And when they were come he pray'd them to see the Wound , and give him their Judgment of it . Christina more troubled with the unseasonable kindness of her Kins-man than the pains of her Wounds , was forc'd to impart the secret to him , as well as to the Marchioness , that she might be at ease from his importunate Care of her . Don Lorenzo could hardly believe her , and thought they but jested with him , till the Marchioness seriously affirmed it . Christina was perfectly cur'd in a short time , and sooner perhaps than she could have wish'd , imagining a Secret known to so many , could not long be kept private . She was loath to expose her self to the discretion of so many ; and having retir'd to Don Lorenzo's , notwithstanding the resistance made by the Marchioness , she was dress'd in Maids Apparel , and so continu'd thenceforwards ; being so asham'd of what had happen'd to her , that she would not stir out of her Chamber .

The Young Marquess d'Osseyra hearing the news went to Don Lorenzo's to see his old Comerade , more out of curiosity than on any other account . The Marchioness d'Aytona long'd extreamly to see Christina , and take her home to her : But Christina obstinately refus'd to receive any Visit . And to be rid of their importunity , prayed her Kins-man to put her into a Nunnery for some time , and to give it out she was returned into France Don Lorenzo approved the design , and made a Visit to the Lady Abbess of the Vrsulines , to intreat her to receive a Kins-woman of his into the number of her Pensioners . All things beieg agreed on , Christinae was privately put into the Convent of Vrsulines , where she was kindly entertain'd , her beauty gaining her the affection of all that saw her . And when she had been there long enough to give them a tast of her Wit and good Humour , the good Nuns were singularly well-pleased with her Company ; and she gain'd so great a Reputation among the Pensioners , that they did nothing without her advice . She spent about six Months in this Place of Refuge and Security , from the great power of Fortune ; who vext to see her so much at ease , cut her out more work , and raised her new troubles , which forc'd her out of her port to be tost with fresh turmoils .

The Prelates of Spain are very exact in visiting Religious-Houses , as well for encouragement of the Nuns who have great veneration for them , as to discharge the duty of their Pastoral-Office . The Arch-bishop of Saragosa going to visit the Convent of Vrsulines , the Nuns having receiv'd his Benediction , treated him with a pretty merry Comedy , wherein Christina acted the part of Don Sancho Abarca King of Arragon , and did it admirably well . The Arch-bishop who had several times seen Christina a Student , looking on her in Man's Habit on this occasion , presently knew her ; and the more easily , for that Christina being extreamly handsome and of more than ordinary stature , there was scarce such another to be seen in Spain . The Comedy being ended , the good Nuns who expected great applause for performing so well , were astonisht to see the Prelate's Face glow with indignation and anger : He called the Superior aside with two of the gravest Nuns ; and told them , he was very much scandaliz'd to see that in contempt of the Rules of their Order , and to the great scandal of so many Devout Souls in the Convent , they had the boldness to introduce into it a Young Man to act his part in the Comedy . The Nuns look'd on one another without saying a word : The Superiour more surpriz'd than the rest , spoke for her self , and assured the Arch-bishop there was not a Man among the afters ; and that every part of the Comedy was acted by such only as she very well knew , and had long been of the House . The Arch-bishop thinking himself as fully assur'd of the contrary , asked her who acted Don Sancho , and how song that Person had been of the House : The Superiour answer'd , it was a French Maid , a Kins-woman of Don Lorenzo's , who recommended her very earnestly to them , and one who behaved her self very well . How credulous are you , poor Innocents , says the Arch-bishop , you have taken in a Wolf , and lock'd him up among the Sheep . The good Souls were presently nonplust ; and without farther inquiry , pray'd the Prelate the Criminal might be instantly arrested , and brought to Exemplary Punishment . The Arch-bishop being a Person of more than ordinary discretion , was not of their mind , but represented to them the inconveniences might attend the publishing this business , which would be matter of laughter and sport to the World , and a dishonour to the Convent ; adding , that without doubt the Young Man had been blindly led away with a violent Passion he had for some one of the Pensioners ; that they should watch and endeavour to surprize them , and then have them Married . The Nuns received with a great deal of respect the Arch-bishops Counsel ; and having given him thanks , promis'd to follow his Advice . He was no sooner gone , but the Superiour called for the Sister who had the Government of the Pensioners , and having made particular and exact inquiry into Christina's Life , and which of the Pensioners she was most intimate with , she found she lived in very strict Correspondence and Amity with Zeraphine Cortes , one of the handsomest Sisters in the Convent , and a considerable Fortune : That same , without doubt , is the Wretch hath yielded up her Honour , and profaned our Convent , says the Superiour ; and forgetting the secresie the Arch-bishop had recommended to her , immediatley she call'd a Convocation , and with tears in her Eyes declar'd to the Sisters the misfortune befallen their Convent , and desir'd their advice in that important Affair . Many , especially the Elder Nuns , insensible of the pleasures of Youth , were for delivering the Criminals into the hands of the Secular Justice . But it was carried by Majority of Voices , and resolved that Christina and her suppos'd Mistress should be lock'd up a part in several Cells , and fed only with Bread and Water , till the Arch-bishop should prevail with Don Francisco Cortes for his Pardon , and consent for Marriage . The Criminals were accordingly call'd to the Bar , where they received as severe Reprimands as anger could suggest . Christina who at first thought all done in Railery , could not forbear laughing ; but finding them in good earnest she stood upon her Justification , but to no purpose ; for without giving her leave to speak they shut her up , and executed the Order of the Convocation with that rigour , they gave only pitiful old Pallets to lie on . Christina sent the Superiour word by her Keeper , that to know her mistake , she need only have her search'd ; and that she would most willingly undergo any punishment if she were not as other Women . This was reported to the Superiour ; but the Nuns were all so prepossest , that there was not one in the Convent would undertake searching her , for fear of meeting some Bug-bears the Nuns are terribly afraid of . Don Francisco Cortes being privately told of the busines , was for having them punish'd as Vitiated Vestals , and buried alive . The Arch-bishop who was for moderate courses , sent for Don Lorenzo ; and having aggravated the Enormity of the Crime he had commited in introducing his Kins-man among the Nuns in Womens Apparel , without giving him time to answer , he asked him of what Quality and Fortune that Wretch was . Don Lorenzo astonisht at this long Discourse , gave him an account of Christina's Adventures , and made him clearly sensible of the Error he had committed in the Judgment he made of those two Young Persons ; and added , the Marchioness d'Osseyra would confirm all he told him . The Arch-bishop was satisfied , and went directly to the Convent to disabuse the poor Nuns , by acquainting them with all that had happen'd to Christina ever since she came into Spain . The Prisoners were set at Liberty , and having thank'd the Arch-bishop , were the first that laugh'd and diverted themselves with their disaster . The Marchioness d'Osseyra understanding Christina was in the Convent , and not gone into France , as had been reported , went to see her , with the Marchioness D' Aytona her Daughter , who was ravish'd with her company . The young Marquess who was in the Country , having heard the News by Letter from his Sister , came away Post to see Christina , who appear'd so Charming in her Natural Habit , that from that very moment the Friendship he had for her improv'd it self into Admiration and Love : Christina perceiving it by his discourse , and the disorder he appear'd in , would have withdrawn , telling him , unless he would alter his Language , he should never see her more . The Marquess to keep her a little longer with him , promis'd all she desir'd , and pray'd her to admit him to visit her at least thrice a week , but she gave him leave to see her only once a fortnight .

The Nuns , the mean while , strove who should first make her Peace with Christina and her Comrade , telling them how sorry they were for their ill usage ; and upon this occasion every one would needs perswade them she had voted in their favour , or at least had still a good opinion of them . But all agreed , that the Sister who was over the Quire had been the most bitter against them ; and when she saw she could not prevail to have them made away , she insisted strongly , they should be made a publick example . Christina had particular confidence in that Nun , and took her for her best Friend ; for that the Choire and the Vestry being under her Charge , she often pray'd Christina ( who was very handy ) to help her to wind up Ribband , and other little offices , which she did for her with singular dexterity and neatness . This Nun was prodigiously covetous , and not liking the Wax-lights a Chandler provided for the Convent , she would needs try the making some with the help of another Nun of her humour ; but her Huswifery prov'd so bad , and the Candles burnt so dim , they could scarce see by that light in the Choire , which was excellent sport for the other Nuns , especially the Pensioners , who hated her mortally : they resolv'd to play her a Trick ; Christina having got some Powder , with the help of her dear Friend Zeraphine Cortes , sow'd two Cords together , and having roll'd them up hollow , she cover'd them with Wax , and fill'd them with Powder so neatly , that no body would have thought but they were Wax-Candles : they had the dexterity to put to them little Matches , which should burn about half a quarter of an hour before the fire came at the Powder . At night when prayer time in the Choire was come , they took away the Lights that were in the Candlesticks , and put in theirs in their stead : as soon as they were lighted , they presently observ'd they burnt dimmer than ordinary ; but this was no news : yet the good Sister ( who thought they were her handy-work ) impatient to see them cast so dull a light , would needs mend one of them , and take off a little Wax that was melted about it . By this time the Powder took fire and went off like a Gun : the poor Nun fell flat on her back , and the rest were so amaz'd , they were ready to run away . One of the boldest of them runing in to help the distressed Surintendant of the Choire , the other Candle fir'd with more noise than the former : this put the poor Nuns into a perfect Confusion ; the fearful runaway , the rest staid to help their Companions , only Christina and her Friend were pleased with the disorder , and laught as if they would burst . The Morrow they held many Arguments about the accident ; most were of opinion the Devil had a hand in it , and that the Lights were bewitch'd : The Nun , Surintendant of the Choire , would no longer meddle with them , and the Superiour was forced to make use of her old Chandler again .

The Marchioness d' Aytona being alone , by reason of her Husbands absence at Madrid , to attend his imployments there , had long ( but in vain ) wish'd to have Christina at her House ; and being oblig'd on the Morrow for the Country , she begg'd her company so earnestly , it was not in her power to refuse her . The Spanish Ladies have commonly as little divertisement in the Country as in Town , being generally shut up in their Chambers , and receive no Visits but from their near Kindred . The Marquess d' Osseyra made so good use of his privilege of Brother , that he went every day to see his Sister , though not so much to complement her , as to have a sight of Christina , with whom he was Charm'd . In one of his Visits he had the opportunity to declare his passion for her , and let her know the violence of it in the tenderest expressions , assuring her it should last while he lived . Christina interrupting him , intreated him to quit his Passion , and think no more of Love ; since in the condition she was in , there was reason to believe he intended to make her his Mistress , and could not have any thoughts of Marrying a Stranger , being utterly unaquainted with her Quality and Fortune . But the Amorous Marquess having sworn several times he would Marry her when she pleas'd , though Christina was of all persons the least inclin'd to Love , to satisfie him , she told him , if he would continue in the same mind two years , that she might be convinc'd he had no ill design , she would allow him the liberty to hope : that in the mean time she expected it as an Evidence of his Love , to say no more of it , but rest satisfied with her Promise . The Marquess had that respect for her , that he forthwith retir'd for fear of displeasing her , and resolv'd to keep silent the Passion he had for her two years , in hopes by so signal obedience to win upon , and master the insensibility of his Mistress . The Marchioness had sent for a Fowler who had the Reputation of the best Marks-man in Spain . One day in complaisance to Christina , she went out in her Coach to see the skill of the Fowler , who made five shots at Partridges flying , and kill'd but two : however he was admir'd , so few there are in Spain that shoot flying . Christina slighting the pretended skill of the Fowler , lighted out of the Coach , and taking the Marquiss d'Osseyra's Gun , made ready to shoot the first Partridge that sprung : By good fortune they put up a Covey , Christina shot and kill'd three of them ; and unconcern'd at the Applause of the Spectators , new-charg'd her Gun , and having observ'd the Partridges light in two several places , she ordered two should be sprung ( one from either place ) and kill'd both with two several shots . The Marchioness and her Brother , could scarce believe what they saw : however they made her get into the Coach again , fearing so violent an Exercise might incommode her , and brought her back , in a manner , against her will .

About this time Christina received Letters from Bearn , which brought her News of the Death of her Father , and the great desire her Mother had to see her . This oblig'd her to pray the Marchioness to bring her back to Saragosa to speak with her Kinsman about the present condition of her Affairs . At her return she was visited by most that knew her : Amongst the rest , her Ancient Comrades in the University pretended a right to make Love to her . Don Philip de Palefox , formerly mentioned , was one of those who appear'd most concern'd , to let her know they had more then ordinary kindness for her . Amidst all these pretenders , she preserv'd her usual indifferency . Don Philip not discourag'd by the small Progress of his Amours , fancy'd he might better please her with a Serenade which he gave her . Christina who was not of the humour of the Spanish Ladies , who all love this kind of Entertainment , was so angry at the noise it made in the Street , where two or three Persons were abus'd on this occasion , that she would not see Don Philip any more , nor appear to any person , no not to the Marquess who lov'd her with the greatest respect . Being thus depriv'd of the sight of her , and not able to bear so killing a loss , he inquir'd and learnt the cause of her anger , and resolved to demand satisfaction from Don Philip , and did it with a great deal of courage , but so little success , that he received two dangerous Wounds , and lay at the Mercy of his Rival , who taking his advantage , requir'd him to quit all pretence to Christina , The Marquess chusing rather to lose his life than his Mistress , Don Philip disarm'd , and left him . The Marchioness d' Osseyra seeing her Son in that condition , knowing Christina was the cause of the Quarrel , was extreamly offended with her . The Marchioness d' Aytona , came to her , endeavouring to comfort and divert her from the violent resolutions she would have taken against Christina ; but could not prevail with her to forbear sending Don Lorenzo word , that if Christina staid longer in Spain , she would set fire on his House . Christina who was preparing for her return , hastened her Journey for Bearn ; and coming home , was received by her Mother with a great deal of joy , as far as the different Passions of Joy for sight of her beloved Daughter , and sorrow for her Son , would allow her .

All the Persons of Quality in that Country complemented her at her return , and several thought her so Amiable , that in less than a Month she had many very advantageous Proposals of Marriage : Her Mother had partly made a Promise of her to a Gentleman , one of the most considerable in those parts . But Christina who lov'd her liberty , whether she had a secret inclination for the Marquess , or a natural aversion from Marriage , declar'd she would not put her self under a Master ; and since she was now in a Country where those of her Sex are no Slaves , she would enjoy her privilege . The most concern'd , thought to overcome her with diligence of attendance , and would not be discourag'd , till they found she was indifferent for all , and made no account of their services . In the mean time , the Marquess d'Osseyra being cur'd of his Wounds , and hearing his Mistress was gone , was very much afflicted with the News , and would have followed her into France , but for fear of displeasing her . He order'd one of his Family to pass the Pyrenees , and carry a Letter ( he gave him ) to Christina , which probably was full of tender and passionate Expressions : ( I wish it in my power to have pleasur'd you with the Copy . ) But the Marchioness , his Mother , having discover'd the Intrigue , caus'd her Sons Confident to be staid by the way , and the Letter to be burnt ; and oblig'd him with fearful threats to tell her Son , his Mistress was Married , and had sacrificed his Letter to her Husband , who having read it , threw it in the fire . The passionate Marquess was so vext at the News , it almost cost him his life : At last , at the perswasion of his Friends , he went to Madrid , where Ambition quickly justled out Love , as usually happens to the misfortune of Ladies . Don Philip was better serv'd , for having sent a trusty Messenger to Bearn , to know whether the News he had heard of the Marriage were true , he was inform'd she was not Marry'd ; and that she went very often a-Hunting , as the greatest pleasure she took . This made him think of stealing her ; and the rather , because he was of Opinion there was no winning of her by fair means : A Man of that Country , whom he gain'd by his Liberality , offer'd to be his Guide , and represented the matter so easie , that Don Philip resolv'd to put his design in Execution . Accompanied with this Man , and two others well mounted , he past the Mountains , and the third day in the Evening came to a Village near Mayence ; and that less notice might be taken of his Arrival , he sent the two Persons who bore him company to lodge in another Inn : the Morrow betimes his Guide was in the Field , and brought him news that Christina would not stir abroad that day ; and that the next day she was to visit a Kinsman , within a League of her House . Don Philip having inform'd himself of the way she was to take , and knowing pretty near what time she would set out , gave his Men order to advance softly , and keep the Road : a moment after he followed with his Guide , having taken his Measures so right , that he arriv'd precisely as Christina was passing by , attended only with a Foot-boy . As soon as Don Philip saw her , he was so troubled and assaulted at once with Passions of so different Natures , that he was upon the point of altering his Resolution , and begging her pardon for the rashness of his Attempt . The suddenness of the accident had a suitable effect on Christina , who presently suspected his design ; and he as quickly put her out of doubt , when he told her as she was returning back , upon pretence to receive him at her House , that he was come to take her back into Spain , where he could not live without her ; assuring her , he would Marry her as soon as they got thither . Christina by a readiness of Wit , natural to many of her Sex , concealing her surprize , look'd smiling upon him , and told him she was very sensible of the greatness of his Passion for her , and was ready to go back with him to Spain , to receive the Honour ( he was pleas'd to promise ) of being Marry'd to him ; only she pray'd him to allow her so much time as was requisite for executing a Design of that Nature with decency . Don Philip credulous as true Lovers are , was Charm'd at the good Fortune , to see himself not oblig'd to use force , but hoped he might enjoy her without offering any violence : He flatter'd himself she lov'd him ; and quitting a design Despair had ingag'd him in , he willingly imbraced all Expedients she propos'd . They went to Meyrac , where Christina ravished with joy for having escap'd so great danger , made as if she were extremely concern'd to have him well entertain'd ; and under that pretence , dispatch'd two or three of her Servants , to pray three or four Neighbours to come in all hast to Meyrac . They all came in the Evening , and were much surpriz'd at the strangeness of the Adventure ; and animated by an indiscreet Zeal , and the anger of the Mother , agreed upon resolutions very violent , and contrary to the Laws of Hospitality . But Christina being of the humour of most Women , who seldom hate those that love them , though they love not again , and weary already with the noyse she had made in the world , could not be induced to consent to a cruel Revenge of a design undertaken for love of her , but was content to go into Don Philip's Chamber , attended with some Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood , and tell him she had no small respect for his Person , but could not yet resolve to Marry . With that she retir'd , to avoid hearing the reproaches of a Lover , who after she was gone , could not forbear complaining of her ; and those who accompanied her thither , told him harshly enough he must be gone . He return'd in a desperate mood into the Inn where he had left his People , made them get hastily on Horseback , and rode all Night , detesting his Passion no less than his Credulity . Not long after he address'd himself , to the Duke de S. Germain , Viceroy of Catal●nia , for imployment , perhaps to have the better opportunity to take revenge on the French for the ill usage he conceived he had received from Christina , who had her share of the trouble occasioned by this Adventure by the fright the Spaniard put her in , and the importunity of Suitors , whose Passion was awakned by the accident , and put them upon new and pressing Addresses to her . Her Mother and Relations made use of it , to perswade her to Marry Marmon , a Gentleman of great Merit , who had long endeavour'd to gain her , and had his Estate conveniently seated near hers . This business was believ'd of so much advantage to both , and the Relations on either side desired it so earnestly , that Articles of Marriage were drawn upon the assurance the Barroness gave to prevail with her Daughter to consent : But Marmon being informed how much they press'd her , went to see her , and having complain'd of her indifference , assur'd her , he was ready to set her at liberty from any Engagement she might be conceived under to him , and would endeavour to merit her by such services as he thought most acceptable to her . Christina who had not before vouchsafed him an answer , observing his sentiments so full of respect , declar'd to him she had no aversion against his Person , tho a strong one against Marriage , and was resolv'd to prefer her liberty before all other advantages ; but if it should be her fortune one day to lose it , she should be glad to sacrifice it to a person who appear'd so reasonable . He was satisfi'd with her answer , and pray'd his Relations to speak no more of the business , but give him time to win her by his services . He waited on her thenceforward with a great deal of diligence , but with so much discretion ( not speaking a word of Love ) that she received all his Visits with much satisfaction , and had a real Esteem ( though no Love ) for him .