But it was far different with our Cavalier; he was the more
inflamed, by imagining he had made some Impressions on the Heart of
_Atlante_, and kindled some Sparks there, that in time might increase to
something more; so that he now resolves to die hers: and considering all
the Obstacles that may possibly hinder his Happiness, he found none but
his Father's Obstinacy, perhaps occasioned by the Meanness of
_Atlante's_ Fortune. To this he urged again, that he was his only Son,
and a Son whom he loved equal to his own Life; and that certainly, as
soon as he should behold him dying for _Atlante_, which if he were
forc'd to quit her he must be, he then believed the Tenderness of so
fond a Parent would break forth into Pity, and plead within for his
Consent. These were the Thoughts that flatter'd this young Lover all the
Day; and whether he were riding the Great Horse, or at his Study of
Philosophy, or Mathematicks, Singing, Dancing, or whatsoever other
Exercise his Tutors ordered, his Thoughts were continually on _Atlante_.
And now he profited no more, whatever he seem'd to do: every Day he
fail'd not to write to her by the Hand of the kind _Charlot_; who, young
as she was, had conceiv'd a great Friendship for _Rinaldo_, and fail'd
not to fetch her Letters, and bring him Answers, such as he wish'd to
receive. But all this did not satisfy our impatient Lover; Absence
kill'd, and he was no longer able to support himself, without a sight of
this adorable Maid; he therefore implores, she will give him that
Satisfaction: And she at last grants it, with a better Will than he
imagin'd. The next Day was the appointed Time, when she would, under
Pretence of going to Church, give him an Assignation: And because all
publick Places were dangerous, and might make a great Noise, and they
had no private Place to trust to, _Rinaldo_, under Pretence of going up
the River in his Pleasure-Boat, which he often did, sent to have it made
ready by the next Day at Ten of the Clock. This was accordingly done,
and he gave _Atlante_ Notice of his Design of going an Hour or two on
the River in his Boat, which lay near to such a Place, not far from the
Church. She and _Charlot_ came thither: and because they durst not come
out without a Footman or two, they taking one, sent him with a
_How-do-ye_ to some young Ladies, and told him, he should find them at
Church: So getting rid of their Spy, they hastened to the River-side,
and found a Boat and _Rinaldo_,