Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

London

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

1696

"Is your heart made of that impenetrable Mould, that Sighs and Prayers are vain Batteries; or doth some hidden happy Youth rob me of my desir'd Prize? She blusht at that, and he observ'd it."

The Prince was tenderly touch'd with the kind Doubts of his Beloved, and in a short time visited her, renewed his ardent Vows of Constancy, and Endless Faith. Whilst Lodowick, whose Glass told him he was not Unhandsome; who Danc'd well, Drest well, had all the Perfections of a Young, Empty, Airy Courtier; and Master of a vast Estate; raged to be Repuls'd in his first Amour. One day he grew so importunate to know the Cause of her Aversion; that she resented it; and told him sharply, he was Troublesome; and were it not for the Commands of those, whom Reverence taught her to Obey; she had, long e'er that, forbid him her sight. He Answer'd warmly, with an Air too haughty for a Lover: I see too well your scorn; but I fain would find (what 'tis said, we can't in Woman) a Reason for't. Is your heart made of that impenetrable Mould, that Sighs and Prayers are vain Batteries; or doth some hidden happy Youth rob me of my desir'd Prize? She blusht at that, and he observ'd it. Ah! 'tis so; (went he on) your conscious Blushes reveal it. If I blush (return'd she, with a look full of Anger and Disdain) 'tis at your Rudeness. Go--You are Insolent! Durst your conceal'd Lover call me so (said he, throughly nettl'd;) I cou'd Answer him. As he spoke the last words Emilius enter'd, and hearing 'em so loud, he stopt. When Lodowick turn'd to go away, Emilius came up to him, and looking fiercely on him, said, 'Is this like a Man of Honour, to be Noisy in a Ladies Chamber! I say 'tis Insolent, and Brutal.-- Now your Answer you threaten'd-- Not to my Country's Heir (return'd he, Bowing) nor dare I contend for a Jewel, my Prince lays Claim to.' Soon as he had said this, he went out. 'Ah! what have you done? (Cry'd Lovisa, looking with a Melancholy sweetness on him) this flies like Lightening, through the Court, and I must never see you more! Never see me more (answer'd he eagerly) Oh! I must ever see you; nor can it be conceal'd! My Eyes, my Tongue betray it. How often, unawares, I start; mistaking every Name for yours! My longing looks devour your Charms; my Sighs redouble at your sight; and every Motion shows the Fires of my Soul! Oh! I'll cast me at my Obdurate Father's Feet; nor leave his Sacred Knee, 'till he has given you to my Wishes. Flatter not your self with vain Idea's (said she, sadly;) The Duke, I know, will never yield; and my Foreboding Heart whispers, this is the last time we e'er shall meet in Peace.'
(pp. 148-51)

Uncategorized::Mold War::Battery

C-H Lion

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