Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

London

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

1696

"He resolv'd a thousand Projects in his working Brain, which way to obtain access to her."

'I have describ'd her Garb (said Olimpia smiling, and pointing to a large Looking-glass that hung in the Closet) but you must look in yonder Mirrour to see her Person. Melora blush'd, and Olimpia went on.' The Prince, at this moment, banish'd from his Breast the Idea of all the Court-Beauties he had ever seen, and gaz'd on this Master-piece of Nature so long, till he had imprinted Cordelia's Image too deep for time ever to deface. Whilst the Ladies, far from guessing at an Observer, finish'd their Walk, and went in, leaving Alphonsus like one who had seen a Vision, all surpriz'd. When he began to think, he summons his rambling Humour to his aid, and the improbability of obtaining his desires. This, and much more, he thought, but all in vain; her Shape, her Mien, her charming Face; then her noble Mind surpassing all, secured him her Slave for ever. He resolv'd a thousand Projects in his working Brain, which way to obtain access to her. Sometimes he tormented himself, because he had not spoke to her when she was there; now pleas'd with the hopes she would return. In these restless Cogitations he spent most part of the day. As the Evening began to approach, Don Castro who had often visited the outside of the Wall, was in a great Consternation; he fear'd some mischief had befaln the Prince; and knew not what Method to take to be satisfy'd. At last not being able to remain longer in suspence of his safety, he went boldly to the Front of the House, and knock'd at the Gate: the Porter came, and when he had open'd it, says Don Castro; 'Pray, Friend, what is become of a Gentleman that came this morning into your Garden? If your have done mischief to him, all your Lives, even to the highest of your Family, must answer it.'
(pp. 35-7)

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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