expected, it might have served as well in the dark at least?’ ‘Well said,’ replied _Octavio_, forcing a smile ‘----advance, pursue the dear design, and cheat me still, and to convince my soul, oh swear it too, for women want no weapons of defence, oaths, vows, and tears, sighs, imprecations, ravings, are all the tools to fashion mankind coxcombs: I am an easy fellow, fit for use, and long to be initiated fool; come, swear I was not here the other night.’ ‘It is granted, sir, you were: why all this passion?’ This _Sylvia_ spoke, and took him by the hand, which burnt with raging fire; and though he spoke with all the heat of love, his looks were soft the while as infant _Cupids_: still he proceeded; ‘Oh charming _Sylvia_, since you are so unkind to tell me truth, cease, cease to speak at all, and let me only gaze upon those eyes that can so well deceive: their looks are innocent, at least they will flatter me, and tell mine they lost their faculties that other night.’ ‘No,’ replied _Sylvia_, ‘I am convinced they did not, you saw _Antonet_----’ ‘Conduct a happy man’ (interrupted he) ‘to _Sylvia_’. bed. Oh, why by your confession must my soul be tortured over anew!’ At this he hung his head upon his bosom, and sighed as if each breath would be his last. ‘Heavens!’ cried _Sylvia_, ‘what is it _Octavio_ says! Conduct a happy lover to my bed! by all that is sacred I am abused, designed upon to be betrayed and lost; what said you, sir, a lover to my bed!’ When he replied in a fainting tone, clasping her to his arms, ‘Now, _Sylvia_, you are kind, be perfect woman, and keep to cozening still----Now back it with a very little oath, and I am as well as before I saw your falsehood, and never will lose one thought upon it more.’ ‘Forbear,’ said she, ‘you will make me angry. In short, what is it you would say? Or swear, you rave, and then I will pity what I now despise, if you can think me false.’ He only answered with a sigh, and she pursued, ’.m I not worth an answer? Tell me your soul and thoughts, as ever you hope for favour from my love, or to preserve my quiet.’ ‘If you will promise me to say it is false,’ replied he softly, ‘I will confess the errors of my senses. I came the other night at twelve, the door was open.-----’ ‘It is true,’ said _Sylvia_----’At the stairs-foot I found a man, and saw him led to you into your chamber, sighing as he went, and panting with impatience: now, _Sylvia_, if you value my repose, my life, my reputation, or my services, turn it off handsomely, and I am happy.’ At that, being wholly amazed, she told him the whole story, as you heard of her dressing _Antonet_, and bringing him to her; at which he smiled, and begged her to go on----She fetched the pieces of _Brilliard_’. counterfeit letters, and shewed him; this brought him a little to his wits, and at first sight he was ready to fancy the letters came indeed from him; he found the character his, but not his business; and in great amaze replied, ‘Ah, madam, did you know