le Love, after so long an Absence.
To which his Friend reply'd for her, That, doubtless, she had not Time
enough to attempt so great a Matter as a perfect Account of her Love;
and added, that it was Confirmation enough to him of its Continuance,
since she subscrib'd her self his entirely, and only his.--How blind is
Love! Don _Henrique_ knew how to make it bear another Meaning; which,
however, he had the Discretion to conceal. _Antonio_, who was as real in
his Friendship, as constant in his Love, ask'd him what he thought of
her Beauty? To which the other answer'd, that he thought it irresistable
to any, but to a Soul preposses'd, and nobly fortify'd with a perfect
Friendship:--Such as is thine, my _Henrique_, (added _Antonio_;) yet as
sincere and perfect as that is, I know you must, nay, I know you do love
her. As I ought to do, (reply'd _Henrique_.) Yes, yes, (return'd his
Friend) it must be so; otherwise the Sympathy which unites our Souls
would be wanting, and consequently our Friendship were in a State of
Imperfection. How industriously you would argue me into a Crime, that
would tear and destroy the Foundation of the strongest Ties of Truth and
Honour! (said _Henrique_.) But (he continu'd) I hope within a few Days,
to put it out of my Power to be guilty of so great a Sacrilege. I can't
determine (said _Antonio_) if I knew that you lov'd one another, whether
I could easier part with my Friend, or my Mistress. Tho' what you say,
is highly generous, (reply'd _Henrique_) yet give me Leave to urge, that
it looks like a Trial of Friendship, and argues you inclinable to
Jealousy: But, pardon me, I know it to be sincerely meant by you; and
must therefore own, that 'tis the best, because 'tis the noblest Way of
securing both your Friend and Mistress. I need not make use of any Arts
to secure me of either, (reply'd _Antonio_) but expect to enjoy 'em both
in a little Time.

_Henrique_, who was a little uneasy with a Discourse of this Nature,
diverted it, by reflecting on what had pass'd at _Madrid_, between them
two and Don _Sebastian_ and his Friends; which caus'd _Antonio_ to
bethink himself of the Danger to which he expos'd his Friend, by
appearing daily, tho' in Disguise: For, doubtless, Don _Sebastian_ would
pursue his Revenge to the utmost Extremity. These Thoughts put him upon
desiring his Friend, for his own Sake, to hasten the Performance of his
Attempt; and accordingly, each Day Don _Henrique_ brought _Antonio_
nea