of his Journey, he appear'd all sullen and
out of humour. After having paid him his first Respects, and given him
an exact account of what he had done, he spoke to him about the Violence
committed against the Person of _Agnes de Castro_, and complain'd to him
of it in the Name of the Princess, and of his own: 'You ought to be
silent in this Affair, replied the King; and the Motive which makes you
speak is so shameful for you, that I sigh and blush at it. What is it to
you, if this Maid, whose Presence is troublesome to me, be removed
hence, since 'tis I that desire it?' 'But, Sir, interrupted the Prince,
what necessity is there of employing Force, Artifice, and the Night,
when the least of your Orders had been sufficient? _Agnes_ would
willingly have obey'd you; and if she continue at _Coimbra_, it is
perhaps against her Will: but be it as it will, Sir, _Constantia_ is
offended, and if were not for fear of displeasing you, (the only thing
that retains me) the Ravisher should not have gone unpunished.' 'How
happy are you, replied the King, smiling with disdain, in making use of
the Name of _Constantia_ to uphold the Interest of your Heart! You think
I am ignorant of it, and that this unhappy Princess looks on the Injury
you do her with Indifference. Never speak to me more of _Agnes_, (with a
Tone very severe.) Content your self, that I pardon what's past, and
think maturely of the Considerations I have for _Don Alvaro_, when you
would design any thing against him.' 'Yes, Sir, replied the Prince with
fierceness, I will speak to you no more of _Agnes_; but _Constantia_ and
I will never suffer, that she should be any more expos'd to the
Insolence of your Favourite.' The King had like to have broke out into a
Rage at this Discourse: but he had yet a rest of Prudence left that
hinder'd him. 'Retire (said he to _Don Pedro_) and go make Reflections
on what my Power can do, and what you owe me.'

During this Conversation, _Agnes_ was receiving from the Princess, and
from all the Ladies of the Court, great Expressions of Joy and
Friendship: _Constantia_ saw again her Husband, with a great deal of
satisfaction: and far from being sorry at what he had lately done for
_Agnes_, she privately return'd him thanks for it, and still was the
same towards him, notwithstanding all the Jealousy which was endeavour'd
to be inspir'd in her.

_Don Alvaro_, who found in his Sister a Maliciousness worthy of his
trust, did not conceal his Fury f