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 of Edward the Black Prince. 7   So in expectation you will relent, I reſt in hopes of enjoying that bleſſing I   ſo earneſtly wiſh for.

Your devoted love, tho' a King,

The Counteſs having weighed the con- tents of this letter, was troubled in mind: She knew the King was married to a fair and virtuous Princeſs, and that he fought by unlawful love to define her bed: this put her in a paſſion, conſidering, if he yielded, how much it would turn to her diſhonour: At other times ſhe conſidered ſhe was his ſubject, and knew not to what force his paſſion might carry him; yet careful of her chaſtity, ſhe returned him this anſwer,

THE COUNTESS'S ANSWER.

MY SOVEREIGN, COULD you but conceive what diſturbance your letter wrote in  my mind, you would ceaſe to afflict me, who ſo highly honour you in all virtuous ways: But in this matter, without a  violation of my honour, cannot conde- ſcend to pleaſe you, conſidering you are married to a virtuous Queen, who loves and honours you; ceaſe then, great Sir, to perſecute me with your love, that cannot