ling to make the best of the
Design she had begun, consulted all her Womens Arts, and the Delicacy of
her Wit, to revive the Flames with which the Prince once burnt for her:
But his Constancy was bounded, and it was _Agnes_ alone that was to
reign over his Heart. She had taken a firm Resolution, since the Death
of _Constantia_, to pass the rest of her Days in a solitary Retreat. In
spite of the precaution she took to hide this Design, the Prince was
informed of it, and did all he was able to dispose his Constancy and
Fortitude to it. He thought himself stronger than he really was; but
after he had well consulted his Heart, he found but too well how
necessary the Presence of _Agnes_ was to him. 'Madam (said he to her one
day, with a Heart big, and his Eyes in Tears) which Action of my Life
has made you determine my Death? Tho' I never told you how much I loved
you, yet I am persuaded you are not ignorant of it. I was constrained to
be silent during some Years for your sake, for _Constantia's_, and my
own; but 'tis not possible for me to put this force upon my Heart for
ever: I must once at least tell you how it languishes. Receive then the
Assurances of a Passion, full of Respect and Ardour, with an offer of my
Fortune, which I wish not better, but for your advantage.'

_Agnes_ answer'd not immediately to these words, but with abundance of
Tears; which having wiped away, and beholding _Don Pedro_ with an air
which made him easily comprehend she did not agree with his Desires; 'If
I were capable of the Weakness with which you'd inspire me, you'd be
obliged to punish me for it: What! (said she) _Constantia_ is scarce
bury'd, and you would have me offend her! No, my Prince (added she with
more Softness) no, no, she whom you have heap'd so many Favours on, will
not call down the Anger of Heaven, and the Contempt of Men upon her, by
an Action so perfidious. Be not obstinate then in a Design in which I
will never shew you Favour. You owe to _Constantia_, after her Death,
a Fidelity that may justify you: and I, to repair the Ills I have made
her suffer ought to shun all converse with you.' 'Go, Madam (reply'd the
Prince, growing pale) go, and expect the News of my Death; in that part
of the World, whither your Cruelty shall lead you, the News shall follow
close after; you shall quickly hear of it: and I will go seek it in
those Wars which reign among my Neighbours.'

These Words made the fair _Agnes de Castro_ perceive that her