,
who has the Boldness, in my Court, to cherish a foolish Flame by vain
Hopes, and make us lose the most amiable Princess, whom thou art not
worthy to possess, shall feel the Effects of her Indiscretion.'

_Don Pedro_ knew very well, that _Constantia_ was not ignorant of his
Sentiments for _Agnes_; but he knew also with what Moderation she
receiv'd it: He was very sensible of the King's Reproaches; but as his
Fault was not voluntary, and that a commanding Power, a fatal Star, had
forc'd him to love in spite of himself, he appear'd afflicted and
confus'd: 'You condemn me, Sir, (answer'd he) without having well
examin'd me; and if my Intentions were known to you; perhaps you would
not find me so criminal: I would take the Princess for my Judge, whom
you say I sacrifice, if she were in a condition to be consulted. If I am
guilty of any Weakness, her Justice never reproach'd me for it; and my
Tongue never inform'd _Agnes_ of it. But suppose I have committed any
Fault, why would you punish an innocent Lady, who perhaps condemns me
for it as much as you? Ah, Villain! (interrupted the King) she has but
too much favour'd you: You would not have lov'd thus long, had she not
made you some Returns. Sir, (reply'd the Prince, pierced with Grief for
the Outrage that was committed against _Agnes_) you offend a Virtue,
than which nothing can be purer; and those Expressions which break from
your Choler, are not worthy of you. _Agnes_ never granted me any
Favours; I never asked any of her; and I protest to Heaven, I never
thought of any thing contrary to the Duty I owe _Constantia_.'

As they thus argued, one of the Princess's Women came all in Tears to
acquaint _Don Pedro_, that the Princess was in the last Extremities of
Life: 'Go see thy fatal Work, (said the King) and expect from a too-long
patient Father the Usage thou deservest.'

The Prince ran to _Constantia_, whom he found dying, and _Agnes_ in a
swoon, in the Arms of some of the Ladies. What caus'd this double
Calamity, was, that _Agnes_, who could suffer no longer the Indifferency
of the Princess, had conjur'd her to tell her what was her Crime, and
either to take her Life from her, or restore her to her Friendship.

_Constantia_, who found she must die, could no longer keep her secret
Affliction from _Agnes_; and after some Words, which were a Preparation
to the sad Explanation, she shewed her that fatal Billet, which _Elvira_
had caus'd to be written: 'Ah, Madam! (cry'd o