Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

London

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

1696

"All this is truth; but 'tis a Truth of such a consequence, that I must lay upon you wonderful Injunctions e're I venture to unravel it, your faithful Breast must lock this Secret up as safe as if my Life depended upon disclosing it; or if there is any thing you hold dearer, by that I conjure you, let not your own Father know the least Circumstance of this Discovery; and if you dare trust me wholly with the Management of your Fortune, which 'twould break my Heart to doubt; in earnest you shall suddenly appear the most glorious, as well as the most beautiful Princess in Europe."

'But methinks, said Olimpia, one recommended by me, should make a little deeper impression on that frigid Heart of yours. Behold here, added she, (taking out a gold Box, and opening it) your Picture which with much ado I obtain'd from the Amorous Prince for an hour or two.' Melora took it in her hand, and view'd it with wonder; nor could she chuse; for it was a dazling Object, being set Oval fashion in large Diamonds: Round the fairest, which was uppermost, these words were ingraven;

Dim, to the Lustre of her Eyes.

'Now, Madam, cry'd Melora eagerly, you must forgive my Curiosity, and permit me, like my Sex, to be wondrous inquisitive: For the Title of Prince, which you have given this unknown, and the brightness of these Jewels, strike me into amazement; I cannot believe your Goodness would abuse my Credulity with fictitious Stories; nor can I have Pride enough to imagine a Prince my Lover. What I told you before, I solemnly confirm, says Olimpia, he is not only your Lover, but Slave; yet over part of the World an Absolute Soveraign: All this is truth; but 'tis a Truth of such a consequence, that I must lay upon you wonderful Injunctions e're I venture to unravel it, your faithful Breast must lock this Secret up as safe as if my Life depended upon disclosing it; or if there is any thing you hold dearer, by that I conjure you, let not your own Father know the least Circumstance of this Discovery; and if you dare trust me wholly with the Management of your Fortune, which 'twould break my Heart to doubt; in earnest you shall suddenly appear the most glorious, as well as the most beautiful Princess in Europe.'
(pp. 21-3)

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Mary Pix, The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd. A Novel. Written By a Gentlewoman, for the Entertainment of the Sex. (London: Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin, 1696).

07/01/2013