ess.

_Don Alvaro_, who had too lively a Representation within himself, of the
Beauties and Grace of the Prince of _Portugal_, thought of nothing, but
how to combat his Merits, he himself not being handsome, or well made:
His Fashion was as disagreeable as his Humour, and _Don Pedro_ had all
the Advantages that one Man may possibly have over another. In fine, all
that _Don Alvaro_ wanted, adorn'd the Prince: but as he was the Husband
of _Constantia_, and depended upon an absolute Father, and that _Don
Alvaro_ was free, and Master of a good Fortune, he thought himself more
assur'd of _Agnes_, and fixed his Hopes on that Thought.

He knew very well, that the Passion of _Don Pedro_ could not but inspire
a violent Anger in the Soul of the King. Industrious in doing ill, his
first Business was to carry this unwelcome News to him. After he had
given time to his Grief, and had compos'd himself to his Desire, he then
besought the King to interest himself in his amorous Affair, and to be
the Protector of his Person.

Tho' _Don Alvaro_ had no other Merit to recommend him to the King, than
a continual and blind Obedience to all his Commands; yet he had favour'd
him with several Testimonies of his vast Bounty: and considering the
Height to which the King's Liberality had rais'd him, there were few
Ladies that would have refused his Alliance. The King assured him of the
Continuation of his Friendship and Favour, and promised him, if he had
any Authority, he would give him the charming _Agnes_.

_Don Alvaro_, perfectly skilful in managing his Master, answer'd the
King's last Bounties with a profound Submission. He had yet never told
_Agnes_ what he felt for her; but he thought now he might make a publick
Declaration of it, and sought all means to do it.

The Gallantry which _Coimbra_ seem'd to have forgotten, began now to be
awakened. The King to please _Don Alvaro_, under pretence of diverting
_Constantia_, order'd some publick Sports, and commanded that every
thing should be magnificent.

Since the Adventure of the Verses, _Don Pedro_ endeavour'd to lay a
constraint on himself, and to appear less troubled; but in his heart he
suffer'd always alike: and it was not but with great uneasiness he
prepar'd himself for the Tournament. And since he could not appear with
the Colours of _Agnes_, he took those of his Wife, without Device, or
any great Magnificence.

_Don Pedro_ adorn'd himself with the Liveries of _Agnes de Castro_; an