fettered captive, take ſome compaſſion on me, and eaſe my sufferings.' What ſufferings? (replied Deidamia frowning) or what can be the ſenſe of all this looſe ſtuff? 'Why then,' (replied he,) 'To be ſerious: In plain terms, I love you, and that ſo paſſionately, unleſs you condeſcend to make me ſuitable returns, I ſhall have no peace nor quiet; but muſt be miſerable and wretched eternally.' Then (ſaid ſhe) be you ſo; what have you ſeen of any looſe unbecoming behaviour in me, that you thould dare to ſpeak thus to me? This, like a thunder-bolt, ſtruck him mute; ſmoothing her brows, and growing a little calmer, (ſhe ſaid,) Come, come Antonio, I took you for another man; you profeſs ſanctity, and admoniſh others to lead a holy life: Is this pretention real, or, is it only feigned, to try my virtue? 'I proteſt, (ſaid he, holding up both his hands) it is real, and I cannot help it.' Why, (ſaid ſhe,) would you commit ſo great a wickedneſs, if you might, and make yourſelf guilty of a crime ſo heinous? 'Ah! lady, (replied he,) if that be all, I can abſolve you by the power given me by the See of Rome: Conſent, and let me enjoy you, your penance ſhall be always eaſy, will get a diſpenſation for your marriage vows from the Pope, with pardon, indulgences, or any thing for ſins paſt, and thoſe that are to come: Nay, I will do any thing, ſo I do not fall under your diſpleaſure: Let me alone for the reſt.' And—
This inſolence, ſo much diſpleaſed the virtuous lady, that she could hear no more, nor bear it any longer, but commanded him out of her preſence: yet, could not be rid of him, till ſhe threatened to call up the reſt of her ſervants: Whereupon he went muttering away, and, for
