A3r 5

The
City Widow:
or,
Love in a Butt.

Bacchus and Cupid have always
been the most intimate of
all the Gods, and never fail to
assist each other’s Designs. Hymen
has a thousand times endeavour’d to
breed a difference between them; but they
not only rejected his insinuations, but likewise,
at last, drove him intirely out of their
Society. As soon as he approaches, the
amorous and jovial Deities quit the place,
and leave him to the reproachful complaintsplaints A3v 6
of his unhappy devotees. Bacchalia,
who, for many a long year, had languish’d
beneath his chains, being happily
deliver’d of the burthen, those friendly
powers resolv’d to take into their mutual
protection; and accordingly inspir’d her
with the nicest relish of those pleasures,
Love and Wine afford. She now indulg’d
herself in rich Tokay, Frontignac and Hermitage,
whose generous influence, renewing
that vigour the approaches of age
had somewhat impair’d, the bounteous
God, of tender languishments, presented
her with a swain, who wanted no requisite
to gratify her amorous fires. He was tall,
his limbs admirably proportion’d, his complection
sanguine, had very regular features,
and eyes, that bespoke his inclinations
of the warmest nature. She no
sooner saw him, than she became passionately
charm’d with him; but now alass!
the malice of Hymen began to show itself,
and he was resolv’d to be reveng’d on his
Antagonists Deities, in the person of their
favourite Bacchalia. He inspir’d the breast
of Sylvander, for so the lovely youth was
call’d, with desires vastly different from
those she was possess’d of. He burn’d, indeed,
he rag’d, he long’d for the enjoyment
of Bacchalia, but all his wishes tendeded A4r 7
to marriage, nor had a thought of obtaining
her, but by being her husband. He
made his addresses, therefore, in the most
distant and honourable fashion; testifying
by all his words and actions, that his passion
was accompany’d with the extreamest
respect and veneration; but these not being
the qualities she desir’d in him, she set
her whole wit at work to embolden him
to a more familiar behaviour.

A very few day after their acquaintance,
she confess’d a love for him, and
not only suffer’d him to kiss and embrace
her, but also return’d his caresses with an
ardency, which, had he not been strangely
blinded by his good Opinion of her,
must have made him know what sort of
sentiments she aim’d to inspire him with.
This, however, being insufficient, she proceeded
yet farther: she suffer’d him not to
depart from her house the whole night,
and shut herself up with him in a room,
having first sent all the family to bed, except
Betty, her Confidant, who attended
her Mistress’s call, to replenish the frequently-empty’d
glasses—They drank,
they kiss’d, they toy’d away the hours, yet
still Sylvander contain’d himself within
the bounds of modesty. This reserve more
augmenting Bacchalia’s impatience, she grew A4v 8
grew at last, quite wild with the ungovernable
flame, and resolv’d to omit nothing,
that might excite an equal desire
in him. She hung about his neck, press’d
his lips with such a fervency, as if her
very foul issu’d with her breath; then
kiss’d his eyes, and suck’d his cheeks, which
blush’d at her extravagant fondness, calling
him all the time, her Life, her
Charmer, the Angel of her Wishes, her
most enchanting, her most lov’d Sylvander.

It must be confess’d, that there are but
few men, whom such a behaviour wou’d
not have encourag’d to take all the liberties
such an occasion offer’d: but his was
a passion too much refin’d and pure to
take any advantage to the prejudice of her
virtue. He only judg’d she lov’d him with
an extremity of tenderness, and free from
all dishonourable thoughts himself, cou’d
not suspect her guilty of them, tho’ it
was not for once or twice, that she suffer’d
herself to be transported to these indecencies,
but repeated them evry night,
for the space of six weeks successively.
’Tis certain, that whoever had been witness
of their conversation, wou’d have imagined
they had changed sexes, and that
the modest Sylvander had been in danger of B1r 9
of a Rape, from the vehement extasies of
the enamour’d Bacchalia.

In the assurance of being perfectly master
of her heart, he bought a ring, and
procur’d a license from Doctors Commons,
which, having shown her, she was so far
from refusing to make the proper use of
them, that, observing a letter of her Name
misplac’d, she advis’d him to have it alter’d;
the least mistake, said she, in a
writing of this nature being of a dangerous
consequence.

Who wou’d not now have sworn, that
a marriage wou’d not have shortly ensu’d?
None cou’d imagine that a Woman,
of common honour or reputation, durst have
proceeded so far with a man, and afterwards
drive him to dispair, by a conduct
altogether reverse! ’Tis certain, that,
from the beginning, she chose rather to
make him a Gallant, than Husband; but
perceiving that either his virtue, or extream
respect for her, wou’d not permit him to
make any criminal use of her condescensions,
she at last purpos’d once more to
reconcile herself to the nuptial bonds, in
favour of a Man she found scarce possible
to live without the enjoyment of.

He had no sooner left the house, than
she communicated her intentions to Betty; B but B1v 10
but that wench, knowing it to be infinitely
more for her interest to keep her Mistress
in a single state, perswaded her, by
many arguments, to the contrary. Bacchalia
had all the timidity incident to her
sex, and trembled when she reflected on a
huband’s power; which Betty did not fail
to remonstrate in the most arbitrary manner.
That subtil creature represented to
her, that, were his heart agitated with a
real passion for her, he cou’d not have refrain’d
taking liberties, which so many opportunities
must have inspir’d him with a
desire of. “No, Madam,” said she, “the love,
he is possess’d of, is for your fortune; your
person is the least happiness he aims at;
and when once (which heaven forbid!) he’s
that in his power, you will certainly have
the inexpressible mortification, to find the
other intirely neglected.” This way of reasoning
being exactly conformable to Bacchalia’s
own private sentiments, she very
much adher’d to; but when next she saw
the agreeable Sylvander, her wishes renew’d,
she forgot the resolution she had
form’d and again inclin’d to be his in the
way he desir’d, since she cou’d obtain him
by no other. The affair wou’d doubtless
have been speedily accomplish’d, if Betty,
who found all was in danger, had not privatelyvately B2r 11
acquainted some friends of Bacchalia,
whom she knew had a great ascendant
over her.

She insinuated to them, that Sylvander’s
dependance was wholly precarious,
and that besides he had been a Man fam’d
for intrigue. In fine, she gave so ill an
idea of him, that the persons to whom she
spoke, presently cry’d out, that their kinsWoman
wou’d be ruin’d, if she marry’d
him. To prevent which misfortune, they
all join’d to disswade her, adding, to what
Betty had told them, many other circumstances,
and indeed all they cou’d invent,
to terrify her from giving herself to a man,
they look’d on so unworthy of her, both in
character and fortune.

While they were besieging her in this
manner, with all the battery of arguments
which cou’d be brought against an unequal
match, Betty took coach, and coming into
Sylvander’s lodgings in a seeming concern,
told him, her Mistress’s kindred having, by
some accident, been appris’d of her intended
marriage, appear’d so greatly averse to it,
that, it was thought proper by Bacchalia, he
shou’d desist visiting her for some time. “But,”
said she, “she pretends not to deny herself the
pleasure of seeing you in private, and hearing
from you; to which end, you shall B2 come B2v 12
come to an adjacent tavern, and fend for
me, whose friendship you may depend on
doing you all the good offices in my power.
Don’t be melancholy, dear Sir,” pursu’d
she, perceiving he look’d somewhat surpris’d,
“all will soon blow over; we shall either reconcile
those to your interest, who are at
present so much against you, or bring the
diffident Bacchalia to a resolution, to regard
nothing they can alledge in prejudice of her
passion.”

Sylvander cou’d do no less than make
his acknowledgments for the seeming kindness
of these expressions; and the more, to
secure her good will, made her the promise
of a bank note of fifty pound, the moment
he shou’d become the husband of Bacchalia.
But she protested the pleasure of serving
him was infinitely preferable, in her account,
to any advantage she cou’d propose
by it. After this, she repeated her injunction,
that he shou’d not come to the house
till a proper season shou’d be nominated by
her; to which he consented, tho’ with an
extream reluctance.

Having thus gain’d her point with the
unsuspecting Sylvander, the next step she
took to his undoing, was, to represent to
Bacchalia, that his absence was occasion’d
by his neglect, which, join’d to the continualnual B3r 13
remonstrances of her over-cautious relations,
made her resolve to give over all
thoughts of marrying him. One of the
executors to her deceas’d husband, in the
mean time, laid close siege to her; she gave
encouragement to his pretentions meerly to
amuse herself, and obliterate, as much as
possible the memory of Sylvander; but was
far from entertaining the least design of becoming
his wife, which Betty observing,
attempted nothing against him.

All this while poor Sylvander was every
day at the expence of treats and fine
speeches to this viper, by whom his dearest
hopes were stung to death: She still, by one
pretence or other, keeping him from seeing
into the delusion she put upon him. But
he growing impatient to renew his conversation
with Bacchalia, she at last permitted
him to come, and, to prevent that Lady from
discovering her treachery in the affair, told
her with an affected openness, that she had
indeed forbid his visits; but had acted in
that manner only for her good, because she
hop’d a short absence wou’d have cur’d her
passion for a man, whom she knew every
way to be unworthy of her. Bacchalia,
who cou’d not, whenever she consider’d it,
forgive his want of ardor, in omitting those
testimonies of it she desir’d, resolv’d to try him B3v 14
him yet once again on that score, which if
he then fail’d in, never to see him more.

Accordingly he was admitted at the
usual hour; all impertinent interrupters kept
out of the way; the Lady receiv’d him
with all the charms she was mistress of,
and, if it were possible to add to the freedom
she had before treated him with, she
now did so. She took his hand, and, on
the pretence of letting him feel the palpitation
of her heart, suffer’d it to rove as
far as her Twitcher wou’d give it leave.
Tho’ he had the most perfect love for her,
and as great a share of modesty and virtue
as any of his sex; yet here did his honour
a little recede at the strength of the
temptation, and desire getting somewhat
the better of respect, he returned her caresses
with a warmth he had never presum’d
to discover till that time. The impulse
of nature transporting him to actions
more fit to be guess’d at, then describ’d;
he was about to fulfil her utmost wishes,
when, perceiving the door was not lock’d,
he started up, in order to fasten it. Bacchalia,
now certain of being happy in her
long expectations, began to assume the
woman again, crying out tho’ very softly,
“What do you mean, Sylvander!”—“For
heaven’s sake don’t be rude”—“I won’t suffer B4r 15
suffer the door to be lock’d upon us—”
“You wou’d not sue offer any thing to the
prejudice of my honour”—She affected
to frown a little at these words: Whether
that deprived her of that agreeableness
which had excited his inclination, or that,
indeed, he was afraid of incurring her displeasure,
is uncertain; but nothing can be
more true, than that he immediately desisted,
and begg’d her pardon for having
proceeded so far. By what has been already
said of Bacchalia’s desires, the Reader
will easily imagine, she must be in an inexpressible
vexation and trouble of mind,
to find herself thus baulk’d, even in the
moment when her wishes were most high,
and every thing seem’d to assure her of an
immediate gratification of them. The discontent
which still hung upon her brow
was imputed by Sylvander to have been
occasion’d by the presumption he had been
guilty of; he therefore excus’d it in the
most eloquent manner he was able, vowing
he wou’d never repeat his crime, nor
attempt the least liberty, till Hymen shou’d
arrive, she only said, that she cou’d not,
just then, give him a positive answer, but told B4v 16
told him he shou’d soon be satisfy’d. Aurora,
with her glittering beams, beginning
ow to gild the eastern clowds, reminded
Sylvander it was time to withdraw, before
the neighboring apprentices shou’d come
yawning forth, and discover his nocturnal
visit.

Never had Bacchalia parted from him
more willingly; she was even sick of his
presence after this Disappointment, and
long’d to be alone, to indulge the spite she
conceiv’d against him. “He cannot, sure,
be a Man,” said she to herself, as soon as he
was gone, and have contain’d himself as
he has done, in such repeated opportunities.
“No; I’ve all this while been entertaining
a thing beneath that glorious specie.
The cold, the insensible Sylvander
but wears the God-like shape of Man; in
his soul, he’s an Eunuch! a Wretch! unworthy
the conversation or thoughts of a
Woman of my spirit and vigour.” Betty
took the advantage of the ill humour she
found her in, and heighten’d her displeasure
so greatly, that she swore, “Never to put
a man in possession of her Fortune, who
promis’d so little to oblige her Person.”

She saw him not for several nights after
this, but Betty still continu’d to sooth him
with a belief, he wou’d in a short time be happy, C1r 17
happy, laying the whole blame of her Mistress’s
behaviour on the perswasions of her
relations, and promising him she wou’d
some day get her abroad to a place, where
he shou’d meet them; “and then,” said she,
“it will be your own fault if she returns
home a Widow.”

The Subtilty and Treachery of this creature
is hardly to be express’d; but because
the reader may perhaps wonder to what
end she took all this pains, and did not rather
forward Sylvander’s designs, since she
might have been a gainer fifty pound, I
must inform him, that while her Mistress
continues in a single state, she is entrusted
in the while management of her affairs:
her gains in which, by a modest computation,
amounts to more than that sum every
year; so cannot expect to have the same
opportunity of cheating her, when marry’d.
The pretensions of Sylvander were
therefore of excellent service to her, because
the love Bacchalia had for him, kept
her from regarding any other, who address’d
her on that score, as did the disswasions
of her kindred, from rewarding his
affections in the manner he desir’d. Thus
it was Betty’s interest to retain him still in
play, to ward off the approaches of his rivals,
and whenever, by the many frivolous C puts- C1v 18
puts-off he receiv’d, he grew impatient,
and began to talk of giving over his assiduities,
she encourag’d him again, and
brought him, as already related, to her Mistress’s
presence. When, on the other hand,
she found her inclinable to listen to his entreaties
of marriage, she was never without
the means to make her alter that disposition,
by some stratagem, which had the
appearance of serving, while, in effect, it
ruin’d the happiness of both.

One of those times, when, to keep hope
alive, she had dispos’d her Mistress to receive
him, he appear’d more than ordinarily
pressing for the certainty of his fate,
representing to her the great disadvantage
it was to him to remain in town, where
he cou’d not live without being at very
great expences; and besides, had business
and near relations in the country, that
claim’d his return long since. The irresolute
Bacchalia, who still lov’d him to
Madness, and sometimes flatter’d herself
with the imagination, that he wou’d again
repeat that agreeable boldness she had so
unseasonably repuls’d, cou’d neither consent
to part with him, nor yet to secure
him to the tye of Wedlock; so deeply had
the lessons of her friends, join’d to her
own aversion to that state, work’d on her more C2r 19
more libertine inclinations. But he testifying
the necessity there was for him to
be settled one way or other, she begg’d he
wou’d give her the remainder of the night
to consider on it, protesting he shou’d
know her final determination the next
day, and appointed to meet, for that purpose,
at the house of a kinswoman of
her’s, call’d Hammonia, who liv’d about
four miles distant from London. Sylvander
departed pretty well satisfy’d with this
condescension; especially, when, as he was
going out, Betty took leave of him with a
smile and a nod, which seem’d to assure
him, the next day wou’d crown his labours.

The more he consider’d on what had
past, the more he was confirm’d, that he
shou’d now be bless’d. He imagin’d Bacchalia
took that little journey on pretence,
not of seeing a relation only, but, in reality,
that she might marry him without giving
any suspicion of her design, till past the
power of any body to prevent it. The
joy, with which he went into the stage
coach, was far beyond what can be express’d.
Being arriv’d at the appointed
place, he found the punctual Bacchalia
there before him, and, in her eyes, read
nothing which cou’d give him room to C2 think C2v 20
think he had deceiv’d himself with a fictitious
hope. They pass’d some time in ordinary
conversation, after which Bacchalia
went out of the room, and left him and
her Cousin, the agreeable Hammonia, together.
That lady, who has a great share of
sense, spirit and good nature, but had been
impos’d on by the insincerity of Bacchalia,
address’d herself to him in this manner:
“I wonder,” said she, “that a gentleman, who
appears of the fashion you do, shou’d throw
away so much time in a fruitless sollicitation.
Tho’ Bacchalia were a woman of
more vanity, and less understanding than
she really has, she yet has friends capable
of advising her. And,” pursu’d she, with
a smile, “as the plainness of her person admits
no room to believe a man of your
age, and good taste of beauty, can be greatly
charm’d with any thing, besides her
well, that wou’d not disswade her from
disposing it, where there seems so small a
probability of a grateful return.” Sylvander,
in answer to this, said a thousand fine
things on the beauties he discover’d in
Bacchalia, protesting the world never produc’d
an example of conjugal affection
more elevated, than he cou’d make to
such a wife. “My Cousin,” resum’d Hammonia,nia, C3r 21
“is the best judge of your disposition, and
what her reasons are for proceeding in the
manner she now does, I shall not examine;
but I have a commission from her, to tell
you, she will never see you more as a
Lover, and desires you to take this, as the
final determination of her soul.”

These words were like a Thunder-clap
to the surpris’d Sylvander. He stood a
while, without having the power to reply;
but when he did, it was in terms
that made Hammonia see, either his love
or interest had render’d this disappointment
very shocking to him. As soon as
he had compos’d himself a little, he requested
to see Bacchalia, and to hear his
Doom pronounc’d by her own mouth; but
the other told him, “she had taken coach
for London, and had left her to inform
him of her resolutions.” Here Sylvander
cou’d not forbear uttering some complaints,
which seem’d pretty violent on the severity
of his fate, and the inconstancy and
little generosity of Bacchalia. The exclamations
he made, were equally astonishing
to Hammonia, as the account she had just
given of her kinswoman’s sentiments had
been to him. “I see no reason,” said she,
“for this virulence of temper: If all those,
who pursue my Cousin with declarations of love, C3v 22
love, were to be rewarded with her Person
and Fortune, they must be divided into
so many parts, that a very small proportion
wou’d fall to each Man’s share.”
“Heavens, Madam!” cry’d Sylvander, “do you
reckon me among the number of impertinent
and unincourag’d addressors of Bacchalia?
Are the Hopes, to which she has
rais’d me, and the Favours she has conferr’d
upon me, to be rank’d with those she
vouchsafes to others!” “I understand you
not,” reply’d Hammonia; “my Cousin never
confess’d to me, any more than a bare civility
for you; I wou’d therefore advise
you, Sir, neither to give yourself, nor her,
any future trouble, since nothing can be
more improper for her to alter her resolution,
nor scarce any thing less probable,
or likely that she will do so.” The rage of
Sylvander, at this treatment, grew now
almost too great for his patience to sustain,
and, in spite of him, burst out into expressions,
which plainly testify’d, somewhat
more had pass’d between them than Hammonia
was appris’d of, and very much added
to the consternation that Lady was in.
She intreated he wou’d relate to her the
whole truth, “which alone,” she said, “cou’d
make her able to judge, how far the conduct
of Bacchalia might be excus’d, or blam’d. C4r 23
blam’d.” Had Sylvander follow’d the first suggestions
of his ill-requited passion he wou’d
certainly have comply’d with her request,
and clear’d himself from the imputation of
an impertinent or troublesome pretender,
which he perceiv’d well enough, he had
been represented: But his generosity got
the better of all other considerations, and
after a short pause, “I beg leave, Madam,”
said he, “to refuse obedience to your commands,
at least at this time. Be assur’d I
have receiv’d encouragement from the fair
Bacchalia, such as I have too good an opinion
of her to believe, she ever granted
to any other Man; but of what nature,
or how far her condescentions extended, if
ever I repeat, shall only be in her presence,
that the truth of what I alledge
may leave no room for suspicion.” Hammonia
wou’d fain have perswaded him to
be more open, but he was not to be prevail’d
on; so took his leave of her, resolute,
however, to see Bacchalia once more,
and know from herself the motive, which
had engag’d her to behave so vastly different,
from what her former extravagance
of kindness had made him expect.

He went soon after to Bacchalia’s, in
pursuance of his design, but was receiv’d
only by Betty, who told him, with a well- counter- C4v 24
counterfeited sorrow, that her Mistress had
charg’d to refuse admittance to him; but
he insisted on speaking with her, and vow’d
he wou’d not leave the house till he had
seen her. Betty acquainted her with what
he said, and, after a long debate between
them, she consented to appear. It is not
to be doubted, but that he interrogated
her, concerning what Hammonia had told
him, with all the warmth and mingled
tenderness of a provok’d, but still ardent
Lover. To all which she answer’d with a
kind of stupid senselesness, being either not
mov’d with his reproaches in reality, or
affecting an indifference to them. ’Tis
certain, that, having given over the hope
of engaging him as a Gallant, she forbore
as much as possible, even looking on him,
fearing she shou’d not be able to refrain
relapsing into her former fondness. This
cool behaviour stabb’d him to the heart.
He repeated to her all the tender things
she had said to him; entreated she wou’d
call to mind the many happy hours they
had pass’d together; and begg’d to know,
why he was now depriv’d of the same enchanting
softness. Then perceiving she
made no replies, or such as were foreign
to the purpose, he resented, as he ought,
the Affront; and told her, that, as he found himself D1r 25
himself the object of her contempt, and
indeed the jest of the whole World, for
persevering so long in a vain hope, and
unavailing constancy, he wou’d take care
not to be the only person laugh’d at; and
tho’ his generosity had hitherto prevail’d
to conceal the encouragement he had receiv’d
from her, he wou’d now expose the
whole story in the Publick News Papers.
But these menaces being of as little effect
as his more tender arguments, he went
out of her house with an indignation,
which, for a time, stifled his affection.

Who knows not that rage, in lovers, is
short-liv’d? A very few days elaps’d, before
the truly enamour’d Sylvander languish’d
again for the sight of her, tho’ for
no other end, as he said, and perhaps believ’d,
than to take his last “adieu”; but,
alass! none, who are the least acquainted
with the force of that passion, can be ignorant,
that, had she consented to admit
him, and receiv’d with any tolerable shew
of regard, this interview wou’d have reviv’d
all the fires within his Soul, and only
serv’d to make him sue for another, and
another yet, and so on to a long & cetera.
She made not however the experiment.
All his entreaties had not the power to D bring D1v 26
bring her to a compliance, tho’ this was
in reality chiefly owing to Betty, by whom
he was oblig’d to send his messages, and
who deliver’d not the half of them, and
utter’d those she did vouchsafe to bear, in
such a manner, as she was sure wou’d be
successful.

Incens’d beyond measure at this last
proof of Bacchalia’s change, he wrote a
letter to Hammonia, from whose discretion
and good nature he imagin’d there was
something still to hope. Very few particulars,
relating to his amour with her Cousin,
were omitted in the recital he made
her. When the next day he went to visit
that Lady, in order to confirm what he
had wrote, she gave a proof of her good
understanding and generosity, in testifying
the utmost dislike of Bacchalia’s proceeding.
She told him, that on the Receipt of
his letter, she went immediately to the
Widow, and discours’d her on the affair,
as became a person, who had a regard for
her reputation; to which she receiv’d such
incoherent answers, as render’d it impossible
to judge of her humour; but cou’d
not avoid inferring from the whole, That
she had been highly blameable. This
obliging Lady added, that the late conductduct D2r 27
of Bacchalia had certainly been owing
to the counsel of some People, who
call themselves her friends; but in effect,
were only so to themselves, and had a
private view in every thing they did.

After a long conversation, Sylvander
departed, highly charm’d with the virtues
of Hammonia, and reflecting within himself
how happy he shou’d have been, if
Bacchalia had been of her disposition.
The truth of what she told him, concerning
the advisers of Bacchalia, was soon
after demonstrated; for he having said, he
wou’d appeal to any of her own friends,
(after having related to them what had
pass’d) whether his resolution of publishing
the facts cou’d be stil’d ungenerous or
base, Betty, with a Gentleman of the kindred,
if I’m not mistaken, of Bacchalia,
made him a visit at his lodgings; saying,
they were come to hear his accusations against
the Widow. On which, he recounted
every thing, as he had done to Hammonia,
desiring now no more than a return
of the expences, the fair Deceiver had
caus’d him to be at; but this being flatly
refus’d, they parted; one menacing, the
other rather daring, than insinuating.

D2 Syl- D2v 28

Sylvander cou’d not consider the baseness
of the usage he had reciev’d, without
the exteamest indignation. He thought
he now hated what he once so dearly
lov’d, and resolv’d to do every thing he
had threaten’d; nay, look’d on it as a piece
of justice to his sex, that no more of them
shou’d be deluded by the artifices of Bacchalia
and her Maid, to waste their time,
their fortunes, and forfeit their more precious
peace of mind. These, however, were
but the intentions of an hour: a flood
of tenderness gain overwhelm’d all the
suggestions of his just rage, and he cou’d
have sooner spilt the vital blood that
warm’d his heart, than have been guilty
of any thing, to discompose that of his
still-lov’d Bacchalia. To heighten the
softness his faithful soul still retain’d for
her, he heard she was extreamly indispos’d,
and kept her bed. He imagin’d
that her illness was occasion’d by the confusion
of spirit he had given her, he wou’d
now have gladly thrown himself at her
feet; demanded pardon for his late abruptness,
and perhaps have commenc’d new
addresses on the old score; but the privilege
of seeing her was refus’d by her Maid
Betty. He therefore, at last, assum’d resolutionsolution D3r 29
enough to tear himself away
from a place, which had been so fatal to
his repose. He left London, and retir’d
to the place of his nativity, where, ’tis to
be hop’d, a hurry of long-neglected business,
the caresses of his expecting friends,
and a vast variety of new objects, may effect
what here neither reason, nor the
most false and ungrateful usage, cou’d
bring about, in prejudice of the influence
of Bacchalia’s charms.

But whatever discontented thoughts
he carry’d with him out of town, Bacchalia’s
were little less disorder’d. When she
reflected, that she had given her promise
to her friends never to see Sylvander more,
she was ready to dye with grief. She
cou’d not think of his constancy, his tenderness,
his honour, without being fill’d
with veneration and esteem. The charms
of his person ere ever present to her
eyes. She wou’d have given the World
to have enjoy’d one more embrace, once
more to have felt the melting pressure of
his lips, and was about a thousand times
to send Betty to his lodging, and not knowing
he was gone, to tell him, she wou’d
not only content to see him, but do every
thing he desir’d, rather than be depriv’dpriv’d D3v 30
of him for ever. This repentance
being no way agreeable to Betty’s designs,
that treacherous and unpitying Wench
still found pretences to evade the effect of.
To this day the fair Languisher remains
in the utmost uncertainty and grief; irresolute,
remorseful, timerous, and terrify’d,
between the imagin’d resentment of the
noble-minded Sylvander, and the bugbear
remonstrances of her unfaithful servant,
and some of her kindred.

How little is it, therefore, in the power
of riches to bestow true happiness! And
to what numberless inconveniencies is a
Woman of fortune expos’d! Those, who
have the least prospect of gaining by her,
scruple not to sacrifice the quiet of her
whole life, when it promises a gratification
of their mercenary wishes. Truth,
honour and generosity are esteem’d weighty
Virtues; but a small grain of Interest soon
turns the scale, and makes too frequently
the greatest Pretenders to them reject the
sentiments they inspire. At least, it prov’d
so here, and poor Bacchalia, by being
wealthy, became a fit prey for avarice and
hypocrisy to spread their snares for.

Extreamly D4r 31

Extreamly cautious ought a Woman
to be, in depending on the sincerity of
those about her! Every on has a guide
within, whose sacred calls, if follow’d
lead to Peace and Happiness; but when repell’d
or slighted, for the designing insinuations
of others, the Persons so bigotted
are insensibly conducted to precipices, from
which scarce any thing but a Miracle can
relieve them.

Finis.