-Candles, that made the little
Place very light and splendid, which shone full upon _Miranda_.

After the little Preparation usual in Confession, she turn'd up her
Veil, and discover'd to his View the most wondrous Object of Beauty he
had ever seen, dress'd in all the Glory of a young Bride; her Hair and
Stomacher full of Diamonds, that gave a Lustre all dazling to her
brighter Face and Eyes. He was surpriz'd at her amazing Beauty, and
question'd whether he saw a Woman, or an Angel at his Feet. Her Hands,
which were elevated, as if in Prayer, seem'd to be form'd of polish'd
Alabaster; and he confess'd, he had never seen any Thing in Nature so
perfect and so admirable.

He had some Pain to compose himself to hear her Confession, and was
oblig'd to turn away his Eyes, that his Mind might not be perplex'd with
an Object so diverting; when _Miranda_, opening the finest Mouth in the
World, and discovering new Charms, began her Confession.

'Holy Father (_said she_) amongst the Number of my vile Offences, that
which afflicts me to the greatest Degree, is, that I am in love: Not
(_continued she_) that I believe simple and virtuous Love a Sin, when
'tis plac'd on an Object proper and suitable; but, my dear Father,
(_said she, and wept_) I love with a Violence which cannot be contain'd
within the Bounds of Reason, Moderation, or Virtue. I love a Man whom I
cannot possess without a Crime, and a Man who cannot make me happy
without being perjur'd. Is he marry'd? (_reply'd the Father._) No;
(_answer'd +Miranda+._) Are you so? (_continued he._) Neither, (_said
she._) Is he too near ally'd to you? (_said +Francisco+:_) a Brother, or
Relation? Neither of these, (_said she._) He is unenjoy'd, unpromis'd;
and so am I: Nothing opposes our Happiness, or makes my Love a Vice, but
you--'Tis you deny me Life: 'Tis you that forbid my Flame: 'Tis you will
have me die, and seek my Remedy in my Grave, when I complain of
Tortures, Wounds, and Flames. O cruel Charmer! 'tis for you I languish;
and here, at your Feet, implore that Pity, which all my Addresses have
fail'd of procuring me.'--

With that, perceiving he was about to rise from his Seat, she held him
by his Habit, and vow'd she would in that Posture follow him, where-ever
he flew from her. She elevated her Voice so loud, he was afraid she
might be heard, and therefore suffer'd her to force him into his Chair
again; where being seated, he began, in the most passionate Terms
imaginable,