ole is very mediocre
withal.]

To the Most Illustrious Princess,
The Dutchess of Mazarine.

Madam,

There are none of an Illustrious Quality, who have not been made, by
some Poet or other, the Patronesses of his Distress'd Hero, or
Unfortunate Damsel; and such Addresses are Tributes, due only to the
most Elevated, where they have always been very well receiv'd, since
they are the greatest Testimonies we can give, of our Esteem and
Veneration.

Madam, when I survey'd the whole Toor of Ladies at Court, which was
adorn'd by you, who appear'd there with a Grace and Majesty, peculiar to
Your Great Self only, mix'd with an irresistible Air of Sweetness,
Generosity, and Wit, I was impatient for an Opportunity, to tell Your
Grace, how infinitely one of Your own Sex ador'd You, and that, among
all the numerous Conquest, Your Grace has made over the Hearts of Men,
Your Grace had not subdu'd a more entire Slave; I assure you, Madam,
there is neither Compliment nor Poetry, in this humble Declaration, but
a Truth, which has cost me a great deal of Inquietude, for that Fortune
has not set me in such a Station, as might justifie my Pretence to the
honour and satisfaction of being ever near Your Grace, to view eternally
that lovely Person, and hear that surprizing Wit; what can be more
grateful to a Heart, than so great, and so agreeable, an Entertainment?
And how few Objects are there, that can render it so entire a Pleasure,
as at once to hear you speak, and to look upon your Beauty? A Beauty
that is heighten'd, if possible, with an air of Negligence, in Dress,
wholly Charming, as if your Beauty disdain'd those little Arts of your
Sex, whose Nicety alone is their greatest Charm, while yours, Madam,
even without the Assistance of your exalted Birth, begets an Awe and
Reverence in all that do approach you, and every one is proud, and
pleas'd, in paying you Homage their several ways, according to their
Capacities and Talents; mine, Madam, can only be exprest by my Pen,
which would be infinitely honour'd, in being permitted to celebrate your
great Name for ever, and perpetually to serve, where it has so great an
inclination.

In the mean time, Madam, I presume to lay this little Trifle at your
Feet; the Story is true, as it is on the Records of the Town, where it
was transacted; and if my fair unfortunate VOW-BREAKER do not deserve
the honour of your Graces Protection, at least, she will be found worthy
of your Pi