The Moderation and Calmness of _Constantia_, served only to render the Prince more asham’d and confus’d. _How generous are you, Madam_, (pursu’d he) _and how unfortunate am I!_ Some Tears accompany’d his Words, and the Princess, who lov’d him with extreme Ardour, was so sensibly touch’d, that it was a good while before she could utter a word. _Constantia_ then broke silence, and shewing him what _Elvira_ had caus’d to be written: _You are betray’d, Sir_, (added she) _you have been heard speak, and your Secret is known._ It was at this very moment that all the Forces of the Prince abandon’d him; and his Condition was really worthy Compassion: He could not pardon himself the involuntary Crime he had committed, in exposing of the lovely and the innocent _Agnes_. And tho’ he was convinced of the Virtue and Goodness of _Constantia_, the Apprehensions that he had, that this modest and prudent Maid might suffer by his Conduct, carry’d him beyond all Consideration. The Princess, who heedfully survey’d him, saw so many Marks of Despair in his Face and Eyes, that she was afraid of the Consequences; and holding out her Hand, in a very obliging manner to him, she said, ‘I promise you, Sir, I will never more complain of you, and that _Agnes_ shall always be very dear to me; you shall never hear me make you any Reproaches: And since I cannot possess your Heart, I will content myself with endeavouring to render myself worthy of it.’ _Don Pedro_, more confus’d and dejected than before he had been, bent one of his Knees at the feet of _Constantia_, and with respect kiss’d that fair kind Hand she had given him, and perhaps forgot _Agnes_ for a moment. But Love soon put a stop to all the little Advances of _Hymen_; the fatal Star that presided over the Destiny of _Don Pedro_ had not yet vented its Malignity; and one moment’s sight of _Agnes_ gave new Force to his Passion. The Wishes and Desires of this charming Maid had no part in this Victory; her Eyes were just, tho’ penetrating, and they searched not in those of the Prince, what they had a desire to discover to her.