Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

London

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

1696

"Though, witness ye Powers (said she, looking up;) who, with ease can view the inmost Recesses of my Soul; and plainly see what's Acted there: Witness, I say, if I not rejoice, that Prince Emilius to Duty, and to Reason yields; quitting the Weight, the Burthen insupportable of Blind impetuous Passion; that sinks Lovisa down to Ruine."

He found 'twas she, and her Companion: Love made him curious to listen if their discourse related to him; and concealing himself, he heard the Lady, that was with her say, When, Madam, will these Destructive Griefs leave your disconsolate hours. You shun the fond Indearments of your Uncle, that you may take your fill alone of heart-breaking sorrow: Your Eyes have lost their wonted Vigour; and your lovely Cheeks, like gather'd Roses, Fade; and in their prime, forsake their Native Lustre. You promis'd, when the Prince obeyed his Father, and instead of burning Love, embrac'd cool Friendship: You wou'd mourn no more. His Letter assures you this is done; yet I behold no alteration. Still the days are tedious, and the Nights are worse. When (I beg to know!) will your Woes have End? 'With my Life (answer'd that Sighing Afflicted Fair.) Though, witness ye Powers (said she, looking up;) who, with ease can view the inmost Recesses of my Soul; and plainly see what's Acted there: Witness, I say, if I not rejoice, that Prince Emilius to Duty, and to Reason yields; quitting the Weight, the Burthen insupportable of Blind impetuous Passion; that sinks Lovisa down to Ruine. Mutual Love creates a pleasing Habitude of Joy; wherein the Mind transcendently is Blest: and which Time, that with Oblivion buries all things, can scarce blot out. 'Twas not with ease the Usurper got Possession here (went she on; pointing to her Heart) nor will he be with ease dislodg'd. All the Sighs and Tears it cost Emilius to gain this Virgin Heart, to bind it in the Inchanting Chains of Tyrannick Love; I must, with Interest, pay back, e'er I can set the Throbbing Prisoner free. Perhaps i' th' Conflict too the Rebel, ingag'd too far, may break. I have also a part of Falshood to Act: Think'st thou (continu'd she, looking on her Companion;) I design never to see Emilius more? No, no: spight of the Promises, wherewith I've flatter'd him; soon as he is happy in the Arms of Isabella; the Cloyster, to which I've only seem'd averse, hides me for ever.' The Prince, who cou'd no longer bear his Mistress shou'd think him guilty of breaking Vows, he left a Crown to keep, met her at the end of the walk, and falling at her Feet, he Embrac'd her Knees, and said, 'If Lovisa never became a Recluse, till Emilius is happy in the Arms of Isabella, the Church will lose its Fairest Votary.' Who can express the surprize of Lovisa and the other Lady! The Voice was the Prince's, but the Face, the Habit, contradicted that thought. 'Heavens! (cry'd Lovisa, in raising him) it cannot be Prince Emilius ! Why shou'd my Life (said he; looking passionately on her) wonder at the Metamorphosis? Was this the hardest Task my cruel Love injoin'd; My Fate revers'd, I shou'd only talk of Joys and Blessings. Ah! Prince, (said Lovisa in a moving tone and air) was this well done? Didst thou fear I shou'd too soon forget thee. Cruel Man, thus to interrupt the Peace I am striving for! Go to the Royal Nuptials, thy Fate prepares; and leave me! Leave me Emilius, to my Belov'd, and chosen Solitude. I do design to leave thee, (reply'd the Prince,) Thou Dear, thou only Charmer! Excellent Woman! The First, the Last, that e'er possest Emilius's Heart! I'm for ever going; push me not from thee, with precipitated haste; Let me but gaze a moment, grasp thy lov'd hand, and bear it to my trembling Lips; print my last Kisses there: I'll then pursue what, sure as Death and Fate, I have resolv'd. What, dear Bewitching Talker, (returns Lovisa, her Eyes swimming in Love and Tears) What hast thou resolv'd?
(pp. 187-90)

Architecture::Recess

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