where the abominations of the myſtical Babylon were pointed at: This he joyfully did, and gave praiſe to God, who had made him inſtrumental in ſo good a work; though he was not ignorant his life was liable to pay for it, if it was diſcovered. She likewiſe laid aſide her beads and crucifix, converſed no more with roſaries, or the legends of pretended ſaints; and, though ſhe found ſome temptations and fears at the beginning, yet, frequently praying to God, ſhe overcame Satan's wiles, and found abundance of joy and comfort enlightening her ſoul; ſo that ſhe could not forbear breaking out into raptures of praiſe and thankſgiving, for the wonderful change, (by ſo ſtrange and unexpected means) wrought in her ſoul.
Whilſt this virtuous lady and the Gardener held their private correſpondence, in diſcourſing of the things of God, and encouraging and and exhorting each other to perſeverance and ſtedfaſtneſs in the truth, Antonio and Fronovius, equally burning with luſtful deſire to enjoy the tender beauties of the fair Deidamia, were plotting and contriving how their lawleſs deſigns might beſt be brought about (though each plotted by himſelf, for as yet they were ignorant of each others paſſion. The villainous prieſt (as you have already heard) had been repulſed, with indignation by the chaſte lady, which inwardly tormented him, and brought him almoſt to his wit's end; but the other (Fronovius) had made no trial of her virtue, and wanted a favourable opportunity to do it: and therefore, he thinks, meditates, and caſts many things in his mind, till at laſt, his paſſion emboldening him, he was reſolved to break the ice with a letter, and, if ſhe took no notice of
that,
