_Don Alvaro_ was one of those ambitious Men, that are fierce without Moderation, and proud without Generosity; of a melancholy, cloudy Humour, of a cruel Inclination, and to effect his Ends, found nothing difficult or unlawful. Naturally he lov’d not the Prince, who, on all accounts, ought to have held the first Rank in the Heart of the King, which should have set bounds to the Favour of _Don Alvaro_; who when he knew the Prince was his Rival, his Jealousy increas’d his Hate of him: and he conjured _Elvira_ to employ all her Care, to oppose an Engagement that could not but be destructive to them both; she promised him, and he not very well satisfy’d, rely’d on her Address. _Don Alvaro_, who had too lively a Representation within himself, of the Beauties and Grace of the Prince of _Portugal_, thought of nothing, but how to combat his Merits, he himself not being handsome, or well made: His Fashion was as disagreeable as his Humour, and _Don Pedro_ had all the Advantages that one Man may possibly have over another. In fine, all that _Don Alvaro_ wanted, adorn’d the Prince: but as he was the Husband of _Constantia_, and depended upon an absolute Father, and that _Don Alvaro_ was free, and Master of a good Fortune, he thought himself more assur’d of _Agnes_, and fixed his Hopes on that Thought. He knew very well, that the Passion of _Don Pedro_ could not but inspire a violent Anger in the Soul of the King. Industrious in doing ill, his first Business was to carry this unwelcome News to him. After he had given time to his Grief, and had compos’d himself to his Desire, he then besought the King to interest himself in his amorous Affair, and to be the Protector of his Person. Tho’ _Don Alvaro_ had no other Merit to recommend him to the King, than a continual and blind Obedience to all his Commands; yet he had favour’d him with several Testimonies of his vast Bounty: and considering the Height to which the King’s Liberality had rais’d him, there were few Ladies that would have refused his Alliance. The King assured him of the Continuation of his Friendship and Favour, and promised him, if he had any Authority, he would give him the charming _Agnes_. _Don Alvaro_, perfectly skilful in managing his Master, answer’d the King’s last Bounties with a profound Submission. He had yet never told _Agnes_ what he felt for her; but he thought now he might make a publick Declaration of it, and sought all means to do it. The Gallantry which _Coimbra_ seem’d to have forgotten, began now to be awakened. The King to please _Don Alvaro_, under pretence of diverting _Constantia_, order’d some publick Sports, and commanded that every thing should be magnificent.