’Twas at this time that the Grief, which equally oppress’d ’em, put the Princess into such an Extremity, that they sent for the Prince. He came, and found himself almost without Life or Motion at this sight. And what secret Motive soever might call him to the aid of _Agnes_, ’twas to _Constantia_ he ran. The Princess, who finding her last Moments drawing on, by a cold Sweat that cover’d her all over; and finding she had no more business with Life, and causing those Persons she most suspected to retire, ‘Sir, (said she to _Don Pedro_) if I abandon Life without regret, it is not without Trouble that I part with you. But, Prince, we must vanquish when we come to die; and I will forget my self wholly, to think of nothing but of you. I have no Reproaches to make against you, knowing that ’tis Inclination that disposes Hearts, and not Reason. _Agnes_ is beautiful enough to inspire the most ardent Passion, and virtuous enough to deserve the first Fortunes in the World. I ask her, once more, pardon for the Injustice I have done her, and recommend her to you, as a Person most dear to me. Promise me, my dear Prince, before I expire, to give her my Place in your Throne: it cannot be better fill’d: you cannot chuse a Princess more perfect for your People, nor a better Mother for our little Children. And you my dear and faithful _Agnes_ (pursu’d she) listen not to a Virtue too scrupulous, that may make any opposition to the Prince of _Portugal_: Refuse him not a Heart of which he is worthy; and give him that Friendship which you had for me, with that which is due to his Merit. Take care of my little _Fernando_, and the two young Princesses: let them find me in you, and speak to them sometimes of me. Adieu, live both of you happy, and receive my last Embraces.’ The afflicted _Agnes_, who had recover’d a little her Forces, lost them again a second time; Her Weakness was follow’d with Convulsions so vehement, that they were afraid of her Life; but _Don Pedro_ never removed from _Constantia_: ‘What, Madam (said he) you will leave me then; and you think ’tis for my Good. Alas, _Constantia_! if my Heart has committed an Outrage against you, your Virtue has sufficiently revenged you on me in spite of you. Can you think me so barbarous?’--As he was going on, he saw Death shut the Eyes of the most generous Princess for ever; and he was within a very little of following her. But what Loads of Grief did this bring upon _Agnes_, when she found in that Interval, wherein Life and Death were struggling in her Soul, that _Constantia_ was newly expir’d! She would then have taken away her own Life, and have let her Despair fully appear. At the noise of the Death of the Princess, the Town and the Palace were all in Tears. _Elvira_, who saw then _Don Pedro_ free to engage himself, repented of having contributed to the Death of _Constantia_; and thinking her self the Cause of it, promis’d in her Griefs never to pardon herself.