_Henrique_ had seen her; he had gaz’d, and swallowed all her Beauties at his Eyes. How greedily his Soul drank the strong Poison in! But yet his Honour and his Friendship were strong as ever, and bravely fought against the Usurper Love, and got a noble Victory; at least he thought and wish’d so. With this, and a short Answer to his Letter, _Henrique_ return’d to the longing _Antonio_; who, receiving the Paper with the greatest Devotion, and kissing it with the greatest Zeal, open’d and read these Words to himself: _Don +Antonio+,_ _You have, at last, made Use of the best and only Expedient for my Enlargement; for which I thank you, since I know it is purely the Effect of your Love. Your Agent has a mighty Influence on my Father: And you may assure yourself, that as you have advis’d and desir’d me, he shall have no less on me, who am_ Your’s entirely, And only your’s, _ARDELIA_. Having respectfully and tenderly kiss’d the Name, he could not chuse but shew the _Billet_ to his Friend; who reading that Part of it which concern’d himself, started and blush’d: Which _Antonio_ observing, was curious to know the Cause of it. _Henrique_ told him, That he was surpriz’d to find her express so little Love, after so long an Absence. To which his Friend reply’d for her, That, doubtless, she had not Time enough to attempt so great a Matter as a perfect Account of her Love; and added, that it was Confirmation enough to him of its Continuance, since she subscrib’d her self his entirely, and only his.--How blind is Love! Don _Henrique_ knew how to make it bear another Meaning; which, however, he had the Discretion to conceal. _Antonio_, who was as real in his Friendship, as constant in his Love, ask’d him what he thought of her Beauty? To which the other answer’d, that he thought it irresistable to any, but to a Soul preposses’d, and nobly fortify’d with a perfect Friendship:--Such as is thine, my _Henrique_, (added _Antonio_;) yet as sincere and perfect as that is, I know you must, nay, I know you do love her. As I ought to do, (reply’d _Henrique_.) Yes, yes, (return’d his Friend) it must be so; otherwise the Sympathy which unites our Souls would be wanting, and consequently our Friendship were in a State of Imperfection. How industriously you would argue me into a Crime, that would tear and destroy the Foundation of the strongest Ties of Truth and Honour! (said _Henrique_.) But (he continu’d) I hope within a few Days, to put it out of my Power to be guilty of so great a Sacrilege. I can’t determine (said _Antonio_) if I knew that you lov’d one another, whether I could easier part with my Friend, or my Mistress. Tho’ what you say, is highly generous, (reply’d _Henrique_) yet give me Leave to urge, that it looks like a Trial of Friendship, and argues you inclinable to Jealousy: But, pardon me, I know it to be sincerely meant by you; and must therefore own, that ’tis the best, because ’tis the noblest Way of