Pix, Mary (c.1666-1720)

The Inhumane Cardinal, or Innocence Betray'd

London

Printed for John Harding and Richard Wilkin

1696

"Sure (replies Melora calmly) you take me for some other Person, since I dare boldly say, my Conscience, my Soul's faithful Register, does not accuse me with so much Injustice, as ever to have an Inclination to Curse a Stranger, much less one who bears the Religious Show; which I, in all Persons, venerate."

Alas! Unhappy Beauty, said he, with a sigh; (as he had done reading) if thou art already sad, how wilt thou mourn with endless Wailings, when the bottom of thy Fate is known! all the woful truth discover'd. This, Francisco, Transported with his Passion, spoke so loud, that he wak'd the sleeping Fair; who seeing a Man so near her, starts up and cry'd, who art thou, that thus rudely pressest on my solitude, and disturb'st my quiet Moments? A Wretch (he answer'd, putting one Knee to the ground) that's born to Curse himself; nay worse, one whom you are bound to Curse, with direst Imprecations pursue, nor ever mention, but when an Invective of the bitter sort must follow. Sure (replies Melora calmly) you take me for some other Person, since I dare boldly say, my Conscience, my Soul's faithful Register, does not accuse me with so much Injustice, as ever to have an Inclination to Curse a Stranger, much less one who bears the Religious Show; which I, in all Persons, venerate. Is this Voice wholly a Stranger to you (he return'd passionately.) Oh that it were; or that the Name of Francisco had been blotted with Eternal Oblivion, rather than have reacht the Ears of the Ador'd Melora! Or that an avenging Bolt had struck me to the Center, before I had been made the detested Instrument of deceiving you! Why do you perplex me thus with Riddles, (says Melora; the Blood beginning to forsake her Cheeks) if you are Francisco, my Lord's Chief Favourite, whom he sent to Modena: what means this Habit? And why this strange Address? Your Lord (answers this feign'd Pilgrim hastily)--then all my fears are true; and you must prepare to hear a story, at which my Bleeding Heart sinks down, and my faultring Tongue almost denies me power to relate. What does Alphonsus then design to abandon me? (interrupts the fearful Creature, falling upon a Bank, her trembling Knees not being able to support her:) has he cruelly resolv'd (went she on, all in Tears) to deny his Marriage, and expose me, and his Off-spring to endless Infamy? [...]
(pp. 218-20)

Writing::Register

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