Anonymous

The Secret History of the Duke of Alançon and Q. Elizabeth. A True History

London

Will with the Whisp

1691

"Madam, I have not stayed for the Advice you give me to oppose that Passion which I just now declared unto you: but in all the Combats I have had with it, I still found my Reason the weaker: If I had attackt it in its beginning, perhaps I should have mastered it; but having entertained it in my Heart, by reason of the Errour which concealed your Birth from me, it is now so well establisht there, that it is absolutely impossible for me to get rid on't."

The Duke, who had broke the Ice, and had prepared himself for much harder usage, grew bolder by the Princess's Answer; and not penetrating into all the Cruelty of her words, he said unto her; Madam, I have not stayed for the Advice you give me to oppose that Passion which I just now declared unto you: but in all the Combats I have had with it, I still found my Reason the weaker: If I had attackt it in its beginning, perhaps I should have mastered it; but having entertained it in my Heart, by reason of the Errour which concealed your Birth from me, it is now so well establisht there, that it is absolutely impossible for me to get rid on't: And perceiving that Marianna hearkned peaceably to him; I do not desire, Madam, pursued he, that you approve of my Love, much less that you give me any hopes; no, the remainder of my Reason does not permit the least to enter into my thoughts: Give me leave only to appear Melancholly in your Presence; and since I can hope for nothing, let me at least flatter my self, that you sometimes divine the cause of my Despair.
(pp. 80-82)

War::Combat

C-H Lion

Anonymous, The Secret History of the Duke of Alançon and Q. Elizabeth. A True History (London: Printed for Will with the Whisp, 1691).

06/14/2013