IN Clusa ( the Metropolis of the wealthy Kingdom of Armenis , which is compos'd of the greatest half of the Island Sindaton ) there liv'd a Beauty , whom Fortune and Nature had joyntly bless'd with all those Graces that procure Adorers , yet render the possessor not altogether happy . No Man could see her and preserve his liberty , and therefore no Man could think himself secure in the possession ; yet all the Youth of the Nation sigh'd for her , and those whom Fortune had not blest with Wealth , gaz'd on the happy exalted Fair , and had those thoughts for her , which we bear to distant Heaven , when yet we cannot paint the glorious Fabrick , or hope to reach the Blessing . Her Father ( the Earl of Cisala ) lov'd her more than Honour ; he blest the Gods for this mighty gift , and with pride saw himself the Master of a thousand Hearts , by being the envied disposer of the Lovely Eriphile . The travelling God , in all his race , ne're saw a form like hers beneath him ; Love threw his Arrows through the yielding Air , or shot at random to consume the trifles , her Eyes too fast supply the wilful loss , and strike even those who ne're before had bow'd . She seem'd the unknown Agent of the all-conquering Jove ; for tho' she had the softness of a pitying Goddess , and the languishing looks of a yielding Virgin , yet her frowns out-stretch'd thunder , and shook the very State of powerful Love . Believe me , Albisinda , the only way to express her Charms and Wit , were to to say she copied you ; and had she prov'd as nicely Virtuous , she had been indeed another Miracle . But Beauty too often proves fatal to the owner , and a handsome Face an Enemy to Honour . All men admire the truly Charming , and continued Assaults must needs shake the besieg'd , or force them at least to Articles .

Amongst the numerous Youth of Armenis , none could yet pretend to merit the happiness of her esteem , and the Young Lovers had no relief from pains , but when they remember'd , that time must advance one to the Heaven they aim at , and knew not but indulgent Providence had design'd the Bliss for them .

While thus she reign'd , absolute in the Hearts of a thousand noble Subjects , the Great Duke of Entheon arriv'd from his Travels . Him too she Conquer'd , but pay'd her Liberty as a price for the glorious Victory . He is the first Subject of his Country , yet Master of a Soul that infinitely surmounts his Birth or Quality . He has the Courage of a Man in despair , yet attended with the Caution and diffidency of a Coward , or one who values Life . Like Heaven slow to Anger , but if it concerns his Fame , sudden in the Execution , and quicker than Lightning . The liberality of a mighty Prince , and the careful management of a private Subject , are equally his . He has the Religion of the good and wise , without the Biggotry of the superstitious and ignorant : Looks like a Crown'd Head , yet more affable than the meanest Courtier , and values the honour of his Native Country beyond his private interest , or his dearer Life . Admir'd by all men but himself , and envied by none but Villains , who damn those Virtues in others , to which themselves can ne're attain . He speaks most Languages , and is conversant in the History of most Nations . In short , Madam , 't is generally said of him , that his Birth and breeding , make him truly the first Gentleman in the World . Sindalon thought her self enrich'd beyond her Neighbouring Countries , and the happy Inhabitants of Armenis , look'd on this miraculous Youth , as their Genius or Guardian Angel . Every Man became his Votary , and those who had spent most of their Years abroad , felt yet those little qualms , and disturbances of Mind when they approach'd him , which bashful Strangers know in shining Courts , when ey'd by Godlike Monarchs . The fairest Ladies in Clusa sigh'd for him , the King doated upon him , and all the World blest him . Cisala amongst the rest , fail'd not to shew that esteem he had for him ; and the Duke , who greedily had heard his Daughter's Beauty universally proclaim'd , forgot not to embrace his Friendship , he long'd to see the Original , which his Fancy , at second hand , began to form even beyond what it was , or Nature e're cou'd make , and already believ'd that in all his Travels he had seen nothing comparable to the Fair Eriphile . The Earl's Country House was situated on the fertile Banks of that famous River which supsupplies Clusa with daily Necessaries , and as it peaceably glides along washes the Walls of its Monarch's Garden . Thither the noble Youth went to confirm the loss of his Liberty , which already he had half resign'd . Cisala receiv'd him with that respect , his merit every where exacted , without regard to Quality , and now thought he had found a Husband worthy of his Daughter ; yet doubtful of his wish'd success he acquainted the Fair One with the arrival of his Noble Guest . 'T was impossible to live in Armenis , and not to have heard of him ; she understood the meaning of this Advertisement , ●nd carefully drest her self to the best advantage , an Art very commendable in Ladies , and in which those of her Nation are particularly skill'd . The Earl diverted him some time with the Rarities of his House , and shew'd him several pieces of exquisite painting , done by the greatest Masters of the Age. Entheon felt a certain unexpressible disquiet , when he view'd a well-done Landskip , and wanted something which these Scenes suggested to his fancy , yet could harldly consult his Judgment to find what 't was he sigh'd for . At last they resolv'd to take a turn in the Garden ; where the Earl meeting with some Friends that had come to see him that Evening , was oblig'd to beg the Duke's Pardon , and promis'd to wait upon him in a very few Minutes . Entheon now left alone , and about to pursue his walk , was suddenly arrested by a Song that charm'd his Soul , and ty'd up all his thoughts . He wonder'd that he had not heard this Godlike Musick , but fancy'd the Charm was just begun , or not heard to perfection , because of his past discourse with the Earl . He stood sometime immoveable , yet impatient to see her that sung so like an Angel ; he resolv'd to lose one part of his present happiness for the purchase of a greater , and , guided by the Heavenly Voice , with eager steps he reach'd at last the Grove . His Curiosity ( tho' great ) did not too far extend it self ; his passion ne're o're-rul'd his Judgment , and this juncture he manag'd with the discretion of old Age : For tho he could have enter'd , as if chance not design had led him , yet he chose rather to keep himself undiscover'd , and to be blest unknown . But ●hen he advanc'd , and softly had prest down those small boughs that obstructed his sight , how much was he surpris'd ! to paint his thoughts , were a labour fit for a Muse at her full Strength ! let this suffice , he saw Eriphile , and grew divinely mad . Mortality was forgot , and he remain'd in that extasie , which if exprest would seem wholly irreligious , to any Man but a transported Lover . The Fair One lay in a careless Posture , extended on the yielding Grass . Her Foot and half the Leg were obvious to his sight , and the scanty Bliss prompted his lingering Soul to Paint the Beauties yet unseen , even beyond the Original , or what Nature when she us'd her utmost Art could form . He curst his Fortune that shew'd no more , or else expos'd too much , and fear'd that a shape so far beyond what his eager thoughts had created , should be attended with the alloy of a homely Face ; still waiting with the impatiency of a Man half blest , till some kind accident should encrease the pleasure . She , who dreamt not of a prying Lover , proves kind without design , and taking her favourite Maid by the Hand ( with an accent that gave a perfect harmony to all her words ) suddenly cry'd , my Dear Daria ( for that was her Name ) I 've unluckily lost one of my Garters . The Duke had no time to weigh his coming Fortune , and consequently lost part of the blessing , for the charming Eriphile had no sooner said so , than he could see the Pettycoat gently remov'd . The pleasure of a longing stranger , when the furling Curtain shews a guilded Scene , and warlike Musick Charms the unsteady thoughts , sickens the Mind and thrills the kindl'd blood , but ne're yet gave a Joy confus'd like his . His transports were such ( which some will think next door to impossibility ) that even Nature was husht , the Soul alone imploy'd , and Plato's way of loving was here practis'd to Perfection . Yet 't is probable that had the old Philosopher himself seen so much , he had quit the Argument , and given the Body a conquest o're the Soul . The amorous Duke , blest too much , was unable to contain himself , and after he had at once survey'd the tempting Object , and her more bewitching Face , suddenly cry'd , Oh Heavens ! Can so much Beauty ever give her self up to the embraces of a Mortal ? Sure 't is anticipating Heaven to lye panting in her Arms. — 'T was well the Fair One started from the Ground , the Lover else had prejudg'd the Duke , and his raptures had spoke his Judgment not the same he possest the preceeding minute . But a violent Love seldom knows any bounds , and when powerful Beauty suddenly assaults the Heart , Reason is often dislodg'd , or at least gives way , and then 't is pardonable if a Man rave . However he begg'd a thousand Pardons for his Sin of ignorance , and told her , that tho' he thought himself infinitely blest by this Encounter ; yet he could have wish'd it had hapned at a time when she was less dispos'd to Solitude : And offer'd to retire , that by his speedy absence she might retrieve a part of that silent pleasure she had lost , tho' not before he had assur'd her , that if his Curiosity had led him to the Grove , he paid the Forfeiture of his Liberty , as a punishment for his offence . The bewitching Maid , not knowing he had seen so much , was pleas'd with the accident ; their mutual surprise added to the Beauties of both , and she found by her forc'd silence , that the Duke was already more than indifferent to her . Yet asham'd of this new weakness , she strove suddenly to recollect her self , and confusedly told him , she presum'd he was the Duke of Entheon ; that her Father and the whole World spoke advantagiously of him , and she could not think her self unfortunate in the Conversation of a Man so universally esteem'd . But that if he paid too great a price for that which enrich'd her , she would be so generous as not to urge him to so much bounty , notwithstanding of those advantages she might reap by it . This was indeed an obliging Compliment , but the fair Eriphile already lov'd him , and already knew it . She had too much wit therefore to lose so favourable an opportunity of engaging a Man , for whom the greatest Beauty in the Island would have dispenc'd with the out-gaurds of Modesty , or rather the superfluous niceties impos'd by Custom not Reason upon those of her Sex . On the other hand the Duke thought himself in Heaven . His excess of Joy almost deny'd him the use of his Reason , and if ever he was non-plus'd , let me suppose this the time . However from what she said , he guest his stay could not be altogether unseasonable . And after he had wittily acknowledg'd the Honour she did him , was about to begin Encomiums on her Beauty , when the Earl arriv'd and made the Number four . He told the young Lover , he was glad to find his absence supply'd by the Conversation of a young Lady , in whom if he found any thing agreeable he was doubly Fortunate . This too was a handsome beginning , and the Duke ( who had too noble a Soul not to be amorous ) that moment renounc'd his Liberty , which was repaid with hers . To have seen this lovely Pair , would have kindl'd flames in others , when icy Age had banish'd native Heat . The Earl himself curst grey Hairs , griev'd he was born so soon ; and to be again capable of loving , and fit to be belov'd , would have renounc'd the World's Empire , and that experience which his Years had brought him . Entheon's looks spoke the agreeable disorders of his Mind , and the charming Mistress of his Heart had so much of a languishing softness , and new born Love in her Eyes , they reach'd his very Soul , and hurry'd him into extasie . The calm Evening added infinitely to their Pleasure , nor did they think of parting till the falling Dew oblig'd them to 't .

The Duke was already divided from himself , his thoughts were wholly imploy'd on the Adventures of that Day , and he was surpris'd to find himself in Clusa , when he had hardly dreamt of his being on the Road. To inform you how he spent the Night , were a needless labour , if you have been in Love , you can easily form his Pains , his Hopes , his Fears , and the strange emotions of his Soul ; and if you have not , you would hardly credit the Recital ; as for the beauteous Eriphile , Albisinda , I leave her to your unerring Judgment , doubtless you can Divine her Thoughts , and if you never was a Prisoner to resistless Love , yet your fancy can easily paint her faint Joys , distant Cares , frequent Doubts , and disorder'd Thoughts .

Next Morning the Duke was at Court , e're the King had quit his Bed , and waited the Earl's arrival , with the impatiency of a young Lover . When he came , Entheon upon the first occasion told him how happy he was in being a Father ; and smiling ( said he ) Cisala , sure you need no more to make you Master of all your fellow Creatures , than to shew them what a Treasure you can dispose of . The Earl , who could ne're enough esteem a Man of his Merit , was much pleas'd with this piece of Raillery ( for so he would term it ) and told him , the World was indeed pleas'd to commend his Daughter's Beauty , and that he was heartily sensible of the Honour he did him , in heightning her Character . For his good Opinion must needs be much to the advantage of a young Lady , since no Man refus'd to pay homage to his Judgment and Choice in every thing else : From this minute let me date their Friendship . The Earl was no where to be found , but with the Duke ; and Entheon must be sued to by Cisala . The Lover thought Clusa no other than a Desart , or if a Ball at Court sometimes oblig'd his Mistress to wait upon the Queen , he judg'd himself in another World . He found a livelier Air in every Man's Face , and the transports of his elevated Soul were such , that with difficulty he abstain'd from giving publick Testimonies of his inward satisfaction . The happy Eriphile ey'd him with concern , thankt the gods for the blessing of his Love , and knew no real Cares , but when she dreamt she did not please enough . The Duke became the Object of her serious Wishes , and he ne're petition'd Heaven without a Clause for her . Thus some Months were consum'd , Love was an equal Friend to both , and mutual hopes encreas'd their growing flames . Each of them fear'd the loss of the other , and the Duke having obtain'd the Earl's consent , Hymen could not be wanting in his . In a word , they were marry'd .

I hope , Albisinda , you 'll excuse me , if for the first Night I draw the Curtain , and hide her Maiden blushes , when the hasty Youth took her in his Arms , trembl'd with the apprehension of his coming Joy , spoke in soft whispers , yet scarce knew what he said , and the beating of his Heart exprest the eagerness of his Soul . When breathless on her panting Breasts he lay , strove to be again blest , and again sunk beneath the weight of the excessive Pleasure ; or better to express it , when Love ( too prodigally kind ) gave him Heaven by the bulk , without a strength of Mind adapted to the Blessing . To paint the Joys of both were too much , let this suffice , They lov'd , and were marry'd with consent of Friends . The Days now seem'd Hours , or rather lesser Scenes of happiness than the more welcome Night ; and in the morning ( tho' divided ) each of them thought they yet felt the fast embraces of the other , and could hardly think themselves unlockt ; so vigorously had the remembrance of the Soul 's past Joys imprinted it self upon the consenting active Body . But this fair Weather was not of perpetual Duration , a Cloud hover'd in the Air , thickned on a sudden , and in time eclips'd the shining happiness of both .

Fidelia , a Lady whose Wit and Humour had made her ( from a mean Station ) the exalted Mistress of a kind Monarch , had come ( as usually she did once a Day ) to see the young Dutchess . They were both addicted to gaming ( a Diversion , Albisinda , rarely known to the Ladies of your Country ) and having plaid some time at Cards , they resolv'd to visit the Centura , ( with us call'd a Play-house ) where desiring to pass Incognito , they drest for the purpose , and a little after the Play was begun , they appear'd in the side Boxes . Their Cloaths and Air drew the Eyes of a full Audience , and the Actors themselves were so much surpris'd , they scarce remember'd one Cue of twenty , and were oblig'd to the care of the Prompter for every Sentence they spoke , who himself had been incapable of rendering that timely Service , if his Seat had fronted either the Stage or Pit . The most daring of the Beaus advanc'd , and tho' they judg'd them of Quality , yet since they were Maskt , they thought that , without being guilty of ill manners , they might attacque them . Amongst those the Duke shew'd himself none of the least forward , and Fidelia ( who was freer than the more modest Eriphile ) was the one he assaulted ; she fail'd not to entertain him kindly , and the Dutchess ( who would not baulk the Adventure so oddly begun ) took up with the first that offer'd himself . He was a handsom Youth , and knew how to address a Lady as well as any Man in the World . The Dutchess was very well pleas'd with his Wit and Conversation , she already lov'd this invisible way of intriguing , and thought it within a degree of goddessship to be pray'd to unseen . The Duke ( who was young and naturally amorous ) spent the hours very agreeably , and form'd a Beauty to himself like that of his fam'd Eriphile , yet propos'd only this satisfaction to himself , that to see her robb'd of modesty would serve to endear that which himself possest , with constant Virtue joyn'd .

When the Curtain was dropt , the Dutchess ey'd Fidelia , as if wholly ignorant what to do ; she had rely'd on her ; and she ( who was all Gaiety and Mirth , and knew well enough how to come off ) gave the Duke her Hand , and having seated themselves in the Coach , drove to some noted Tavern not far off . When they enter'd the Room , the Duke humbly begg'd the Lady would unmask , Erinthus ( for that was his Name who waited upon the Dutchess ) did the same , and both their unknown Mistresses were almost forc'd to cry out in their own defence , or chuse to undergo a quick discovery ; but our Gallants perceiving they were obstinate , were at last fatisfied with their Fortunes . 'T was an odd freak on both sides , and enough to move any Man's smiles , had he seen how earnestly they talkt , swore , prais'd and lov'd what yet they had not seen . The Duke was charm'd with the wit of his unknown Mistress , and Eriphile felt those emotions which she ne're had known , but when she first saw the godlike Entheon . At last they betook themselves to Cards , where ( at Pickquet ) Erinthus won fifty Pieces from the Dutchess ; she readily paid him , and this confirm'd him in what he almost before believ'd , that she was of Quality . This put him upon his guard , inspir'd him with care to please ; he assum'd a new Air , and shew'd so much it seems of Gallantry , that the yielding Eriphile was perfectly charm'd .

The Clock at last ( having struck twelve ) sounded a Retreat , and they began to think of their respective concerns . The Lovers begg'd they 'd allow them the Honour of waiting upon them to their Lodgings ; 't was readily granted , and the Coach being call'd , 't was as readily put in Execution . The Dutchess had given the Coach-man private Orders to drive to her House , and the Duke , whose mind was much imploy'd , ne're examin'd the place till he found himself in his own Bed chamber . As he was about to express his surprise , Eriphile and Fidelia unmaskt . Erinthus first begg'd Pardon for his rude mistake , and Entheon , ( after he had rouz'd his disorder'd Judgment ) smil'd , and askt the Dutchess if what he had done , gave her any cause to suspect his Faith , and hop'd Fidelia's Wit excus'd him for spending so much time in her Company , when he had thought his Wife at home . Eriphile smil'd too , and faintly answer'd , if Fidelia please she can easily Charm , for Wit and Beauty joyn'd can ne're assault a generous Heart in vain . The Duke was surpris'd with this cold return , and 't is certain the lovely Dutchess ne're had us'd him so before ; she was not now Jealous , nor had she any Reason to fear the loss . But Erinthus already appear'd too Charming , and truth is , it seems he had something about him very taking , and singularly agreeable , for he had before that time atack'd a Lady of the same Rank , and had not fail'd of the success desir'd .

You may wonder perhaps , Albisinda , why I am not more particular in my Character of this Man ; but to satisfie some part of your Curiosity , know , he owes his Birth to Burgoa , a Common-Wealth rais'd by Trade , their industry , and the easiness of their prouder Neighbours , to a height unlookt for , surmounting in Wealth those very States or Kingdoms , from whom some Years ago they kneeling begg'd Protection . Love and Gallantry are Strangers to the Nation , many of their Souls are as Phlegmatick as their Bodies , and most of them look like Machines or rather walking Tuns . His Parents were forc'd to pursue a mean imployment to purchase a livelihood , and the now fortunate Lover , when young , left his Country in a Post suitable to his Quality and Education . But having learnt in Armenis ( what was by no means to be found at home ) something of a better Air , and the easie smooth way of speaking peculiar to the Language of that more Polite Nation , he quickly found Preferment . They are naturally kind enough to Strangers , and the advantages of his Person ( which Nature it seems design'd not for a Burgoan ) conduc'd not a little to his good Fortune . That he was a lucky Gamester may appear from this , that in a very short time he purchas'd an Estate , and became a Companion to those of the best Quality in Sindalon . Entheon us'd gaming as a wise Man ought to do , that is , for his Pleasure ; he always play'd without Heat , lost Cheerfully , and rarely laid down too much to be dispos'd of by Fortune , remembring always how much of madness it shew'd , to put that to a hazard which before was his own .

This accidental meeting already mention'd , gain'd him the Honour of the Duke's acquaintance ; you may believe then , Albisinda , that for the future he was no stranger to his House ; they spent whole Days together , and Night her self could sometimes hardly part them . Eriphile was always pleas'd when he was present , and languish'd for his absence . 'T is true , her Virtue was yet strong , and she struggl'd with the growing Passion , hid her griefs with Art , and in her Eyes exprest an easier Soul . When she play'd , her thoughts even then were hardly fix'd on Game , nor could she truely grudge the fortunate Erinthus a double Victory .

The Youth already observ'd his coming happiness , and by his industry to please , advanc'd that Heaven he wish'd for . 'T is impossible , when alone to express her pains , she saw how much she lov'd , and from her yielding Heart could judge her Honour lost . Entheon still was kind , she knew his Merit , and fain would yet be just ; but powerful Love , with double force assails , and scatters virtue's Charms that stop his way . Nor can he walk with Judgment who was always Blind . — Oh Albisinda ! that this charming Fair , at last betray'd her Marriage Vows , is not be disputed . But to say , she fell without a noble Contest , were too much . No Woman e're knew more , or was Mistress of better Inclinations , she was sensible of her Errour , even when she drew the Guilt upon her ; and in his Arms ( although she lov'd ) could have wish'd her Soul fled to save her sinking Honour . The World has more than common Charity for the fair Eriphile , and some People scruple not to affirm , she yielded e're she knew she had done so . The Story , Albisinda , is in this place known to all , and ( even by those who pretend to an exact knowledge in the state of Affairs relating relating to this amour ) for a truth believ'd . And it runs thus ,

The Duke it seems had long profest a more than common tenderness for the lovely Daria , a Maid generously educated , and of a noble Spirit , to her Mistress just , nor to her self unkind . No allurements could prevail , no present found acceptance , and the weakness of her Nature was always supported by the strength of her Virtue . But the Duke growing at last importunate , and obstinately kind , she found it too hard to preserve Honour and his Friendship too . In this pressing juncture she resolv'd to abandon the Family , and after she had with Tears in her Eyes told the Dutchess , that an affair of Consequence required her absence , humbly begg'd she 'd make her happy in her Consent .

Her Mistress was too sensible of her Merit , to lose her without Reluctancy , and said to her , that if she was any way disoblig'd she should have immediate satisfaction ; nor would she give her Consent , unless she were first acquainted with those Reasons that mov'd her departure . Daria wept , and on her Knees conjur'd her not to urge , what if betray'd would give her Pains unknown . This instead of satisfying , encreas'd the Dutchess Curiosity , and she was at last oblig'd to disclose the whole .

Poor Eriphile was Thunder-struck with the unwelcome Relation . Her Heart 't is true already was unfix'd , and she had those thoughts for Erinthus , which spoke him too much Master of her Soul . Yet she lov'd the nobler Entheon , or at least esteem'd him so much , that she could not even in thought consent to lose him . In this afflicting affair her Wit or Invention at last offer'd this relief , which she propos'd as the only means to confirm the Duke her own , and preserve her Daria too . The Maid was seemingly to yield , to make an assignation , and that done she was to leave what follow'd to Eriphele's Care and Management . This was as soon perform'd as projected , for the faithful Maid ( whose Beauties were better'd by her new Griefs ) was that Day more strongly assaulted than ever , and she could do no less than make an Appointment . Two in the Morning was the hour agreed upon , and you may easily believe Entheon thought it an Age till Night . In the Afternoon Erinthus came to see him , of whose Company he was at that time more than ever desirous . To Cards they went , where the pleasures of Love were for a while forgot , and Game and Wine the business of both .

In the mean time , the Dutchess ( willing to enjoy what was for her Maid design'd ) took possession of Daria's Bed , and with much impatiency waited the Duke's coming . The hour at last appear'd , but Entheon ( whither indispos'd by drinking , sudden conscientious qualms , or sitting up beyond his usual hour , I know not ) felt no great inclination to the Combat . This freak , Albisinda , is indeed unanswerable , especially if you weigh the Conduct of this great Man ; but 't is confidently affirm'd that he acquainted Erinthus with the Intrigue . Told him , he found himself at that time unfit for the Field , and that if he pleas'd , he might supply his Place . The forunate Youth was ravish'd with the kind offer , and told the Duke , that since he was only to fight for the first Blood , he was proud of the service enjoyn'd him ▪ In short , Entheon conducted him to the Chamber door , which stood open on purpose for himself , and there left him .

The Youth found the Bed in the dark , and I suppose ( without the help of a Candle ) found the Dutchess too . She receiv'd him , as she 'd have done her Husband , and if she found him richer in his Love , she attributed the Cause to liberal Fancy , that form'd her new , and of a stale Wife made a tender young Mistress . How e're it was , they remain'd not long in the state of Ignorance , and each of them wonder'd why the other was silent ; for tho' Erinthus would pass for Entheon , and Eriphile would for a time be Daria , yet the first Joys and transports fled , she began to distinguish the Lover from the Husband , and trembling said , My dear Entheon , why have you us'd me thus ? I have been Daria , and under that Name much happier than my own . Ev'n when she spoke she doubted the truth , and us'd these words , only to be confirm'd in her Opinion . The Lover was ravish'd , the place on a sudden was converted into a new Heaven , and he only griev'd , that much of his past Happiness was lost , by being so long ignorant of the value of that treasure he had possess'd . New Love , new Wishes , rouze him up to Life , and e're he spoke he would be blest again . Eriphile 'twixt fear and hope again receiv'd him , and even in his Arms could hardly know whether she wish'd him Entheon or not .

At last the fortunate Youth confess'd himself , told her that Chance and the Duke's kindness had made him happy , but she alone could keep him in that state . That he had long ador'd her , and bountiful love had now repay'd his pains ; that his happiness should be conceal'd from all the World , and her Honour was now as secure , as if in Entheon's Arms she fainting lay . A Crime when first committed is of greatest weight , and frequent repetitions render those things familiar and seemingly innocent , which we at first view'd with reluctancy and horror , for a small sin past without grief , speaks us in a fair way towards a greater . The Dutchess 't is true lov'd , and by his Voice knew the happy Man : But then she remembred the loss of her honour , saw how far she had fall'n , and trembled when she look'd back upon the frightful Precipice . She call'd to mind the Duke's past Love , those thoughts she had for him , when first he sound her lying in the Grove , and knew his merit nothing yet diminish'd . This my dear Albisinda gave the Fair One some pains , for tho' her Nature had given consent , her Soul was yet Virtuous ; and had Erinthus seen those Tears she shed , all thoughts of Joy had vanish'd from his Breast , grief had disarm'd his eager wishes , and impotency by pity brought , had supply'd the place of vigorous Love . But , Albisinda , 't was in the dark , the Curtains drawn , they were alone , both lov'd and both forgot their Cares ; you may easily believe he had his share ; for tho' he was a Burgoan that is , a Man whose Conscience would never baulk his business , if attended with pleasure or profit , yet he had some faint remembrance of that injustice he did to a Man , who had forgot his mean Birth , made him a Companion and sharer in his pleasures , and had ( or at least thought so ) bestow'd that Prize upon him , ( in the seeeming possession of Daria ) which he himself had sought for many Months . In a word , all complaints were hush'd ; the Dutchess forgot what once she was , what yet she ought to have been , and own'd her Love was stronger than her Virtue .

When the Youth retir'd , her Cares again encreas'd , she griev'd a loss she could not then retrieve , and wept and wish'd the business still undone . These indeed were the first motions of her primitive Soul ; but Love again brought it to a modern Constitution , she consider'd how securely she had enjoy'd the Man she lov'd , and flatter'd her self with the thoughts of being really innocent , because the World yet thought her so , and believ'd the manner in which it happened extenuated the Crime . In the mean time , the Duke had waited the return of his Friend , ( if now I may call him so ) and smiling ask'd , how happy he had been . Erinthus gave him a thousand thanks for that Testimony he had receiv'd of his Friendship , but told the Adventure with so much indifferency , that Entheon could hardly grudge that favour he had bestow'd upon him . When he went to Bed , he was yet insensible of his loss , Eriphile was all lovely , and that Crime against his Love he had almost committed , endear'd the Object of his wishes more , than all her wonted Charms , or native goodness . He found her melancholy greater than usual , and griev'd that she was not so kind as she used to be , earnestly ask'd the cause , and to comfort her , swore , that he had that Noble Love for her , which our first Father bore to his lovely Eve , e're Hell debauch'd her . She gave him feign'd returns , alledg'd she was indispos'd , begg'd his Pardon for her seeming indifferency , and faintly said , she did belive he Lov'd her . The kind Duke was satisfied , and in a few Minutes the Cares of both were swallowed up in sleep .

This account , Albisinda , is by some rejected , and your busie Medlers , or News-pimps , who pretend to know every thing , confidently affirm , that Erinthus had won so much from her at Cards , she was necessarily oblig'd to pay the Sum with a favour that might have been the price of Empire .

Next day he came to wait upon the injur'd Duke ( or rather the kind Dutchess ) and forgot not to improve every opportunity to the Advanvantage of his Love . In a little time he became too happy , or at least too often so ; and if the generous Entheon had in the least suspected the Fair Eriphile's weakness , or his Friendship , their guilt had been too obvious . His Noble Confidence made him too secure , till an Adventure that hapened some time after , taught them more caution , and him more of Jealousie .

The Duke it seems was oblig'd to attend the King , who then kept his Court twenty Miles from Clusa . The Dutchess knew of it the preceeding Night , and had therefore order'd every thing necessary for the reception of her Lover . Her Husband took Coach about Eight next Morning , and Erinthus was to wait upon her Grace at three in the Afternoon . She thought every hour had borrow'd from Eternity , and griev'd she had delay'd her happiness so long . She sighing lay upon the yielding Bed , and under the Modish covert of a sudden indisposition , occasion'd by a Cold she ne're had felt , avoided the unseasonable Visits of her troublesome Friends . Daria was alone privy to the intrigue , and tho' she had all that respect for the Dutchess , which her Duty in the strictest sense could exact from her ; yet she griev'd to find her Virtue so much weakned , and wish'd her innocent as when first she knew her . Eriphile had the goodness to excuse her self as handsomely as she could , Painted her Lover drest with all his graces about him , and show'd the power of subtle Love , in words that spoke her knowing in the Mystery . Poor Daria sigh'd as if she had felt those pains of which her Mistress spoke , and by her looks confess'd her inward griefs . The Dutchess carefully observ'd her frequent change of colour , and the flushing of her disorder'd Blood , and ask'd , if Love had ever led her Captive . The tender Maid blush'd , and by her silence confest the truth of what her Mistress had often much suspected . She charg'd her upon her allegiance , as she would preserve her esteem , and make her think she lov'd her , she would relate the whole and by the story of her Love divert her melancholy , till the arrival of the fortunate Erinthus . Daria excus'd her self from the performance as well as she could ; but seeing 't was not acceepted , she sigh'd , was some minutes silent , and addressing her self to the Dutchess , began as followeth .