ut the fair _Agnes_, after
having read it) Ah, Madam! how many cruel Inquietudes had you spared me
had you open'd your Heart to me with your wonted Bounty! 'Tis easy to
see that this Letter is counterfeit, and that I have Enemies without
Compassion. Could you believe the Prince so imprudent, to make use of
any other Hand but his own, on an occasion like this? And do you believe
me so simple to keep about me this Testimony of my Shame, with so little
Precaution? You are neither betray'd by your Husband nor me; I attest
Heaven, and those Efforts I have made to leave _Coimbra_. Alas, my dear
Princess, how little have you known her, whom you have so much honoured?
Do not believe that when I have justify'd my self, I will have any more
Communication with the World: No, no; there will be no Retreat far
enough from hence for me. I will take care to hide this unlucky Face,
where it shall be sure to do no more harm.'

The Princess touched at this Discourse, and the Tears of _Agnes_,
press'd her hand, which she held in hers; and fixing Looks upon her
capable of moving Pity in the most insensible Souls, 'If I have
committed any Offence, my dear _Agnes_, (answer'd she) Death, which I
expect in a moment, shall revenge it. I ought also to protest to you,
That I have not ceas'd loving you, and that I believe every thing you
have said, giving you back my most tender Affections.'

'Twas at this time that the Grief, which equally oppress'd 'em, put the
Princess into such an Extremity, that they sent for the Prince. He came,
and found himself almost without Life or Motion at this sight. And what
secret Motive soever might call him to the aid of _Agnes_, 'twas to
_Constantia_ he ran. The Princess, who finding her last Moments drawing
on, by a cold Sweat that cover'd her all over; and finding she had no
more business with Life, and causing those Persons she most suspected to
retire, 'Sir, (said she to _Don Pedro_) if I abandon Life without
regret, it is not without Trouble that I part with you. But, Prince, we
must vanquish when we come to die; and I will forget my self wholly, to
think of nothing but of you. I have no Reproaches to make against you,
knowing that 'tis Inclination that disposes Hearts, and not Reason.
_Agnes_ is beautiful enough to inspire the most ardent Passion, and
virtuous enough to deserve the first Fortunes in the World. I ask her,
once more, pardon for the Injustice I have done her, and recommend her
to you, as a Per