Page:French convert.pdf/10

10 denies us to live together. And whilſt I in the field am fighting for my country: you ſhall ſtay here and pray for my ſucceſs: and if it pleaſes God that I return, (which I do not doubt at all, for Heaven I am ſure will hear your fervent prayer) it wil be a new addition to my joy, to lay thoſe laurels I ſhall win in battle, at Deidamia's feet. Poor Deidamia heard theſe heavy news with a ſad heart, but anſwered with piety and prudence worthy of herſelf, that ſince what happened was not of his ſeeking, but what the providence of God had called him to, ſhe thought it was her duty (though she could hardly do it without reluctance) to acquieſce in the divine diſpoſal of human actions, and would endeavour to ſtifle her reſentments, rather than give him any farther trouble. Alanſon being no leſs pleaſed with Deidamia's prudence than her kind affection, which he expreſſed by ſeveral tender things he told her, applied himſelf to the getting ready of his equipage, in order to his departure; and then ſettling the affairs of his family, ordered Antonio his chaplain, who was a Friar of the order of St. Francis, to ſay a ſolemn maſs for his ſucceſs in the field, and the protection of his lady and family in his abſence, recommending his deareſt Deidamia to the care of Antonio his chaplain, and Fronovius his ſtew ard to his houſehold, in theſe words: To your care, in my abſence, I recommend the ſafety and welfare of my beloved lady, the moſt virtuous and loving of wives: and charge you, as you expect to anſwer it to God and me, be obedient to all her commands; comfort and cheriſh her in her ſolitude, and ſee that all my domeſtics pay the like exact reſpects. This and much more, they faithfully promiſed to obſerve. Then giving liberally to