e were
they both left in the Dark, Hippolito groping about with his Sword, and
thrusting at every Chair that he felt oppose him. Aurelian was scarce
come to himself, when thinking to step back toward the Door that he might
inform his Friend of his Mistake, without exposing himself to his blind
Fury; Hippolito heard him stir, and made a full thrust with such
Violence, that the Hilt of the Sword meeting with Aurelian's Breast beat
him down, and Hippolito a top of him, as a Servant alarm'd with the
noise, came into the Chamber with a Light. The Fellow trembled, and
thought they were both Dead, till Hippolito raising himself, to see whom
he had got under him, swoon'd away upon the discovery of his Friend. But
such was the extraordinary Care of Providence in directing the Sword,
that it only past under his Arm, giving no Wound to Aurelia, but a little
Bruise between his Shoulder and Breast with the Hilt. He got up, scarce
recovered of his Fright, and by the help of the Servant; laid Hippolito
upon the Bed; who when he was come to himself could hardly be perswaded,
that his Friend was before him and alive, till he shew'd him his Breast,
where was nothing of a Wound. Hippolito begg'd his Pardon a Thousand
Times, and curs'd himself as often, who was so near to committing the
most Execrable Act of Amicide.

They dismiss'd the Fellow, and with many Embraces, congratulated their
fortunate Delivery from the Mischief which came so near them, each
blaming himself as the Occasion: Aurelian accusing his own unadvisedness
in stealing upon Hippolito; Hippolito blaming his own temerity and
weakness, in being so easily frighted to Disorder; and last of all, his
blindness, in not knowing his dearest Friend. But there he gave a Sigh,
and passionately taking Aurelian by the Hand, cry'd, Ah! my Friend, Love
is indeed blind, when it would not suffer me to see you--There arose
another Sigh; a Sympathy seiz'd Aurelian immediately: (For, by the Way,
sighing is as catching among Lovers, as yawning among the Vulgar.) Beside
hearing the Name of Love, made him fetch such a Sigh, that Hippolito's
were but Fly-blows in Comparison, that was answered with all the Might
Hippolito had, Aurelian ply'd him close till they were both out of
Breath.

Thus not a Word pass'd, though each wondred why the t'other sigh'd, at
last concluded it to be only Complaisance to one another.

Aurelian broke the Silence, by telling him the Misfortune of his
Governour.