Page:French convert.pdf/34

34 attempts of her honour, was variouſly toſſed, till, at laſt, ſhe came to a ſettled reſolution, prudently to conceal what had paſſed, at leaſt, till her Lord came home, for fear of ſcandal and diſturbance: yet Fronovius might well read in her countenance, whenever he came into her preſence, that ſhe had read his letter, and how ſhe reſented it, which made him ſtruggle to overcome his paſſion, but in vain: For like oil thrown on fire, the oppoſition his lewd deſires met with, made him burn the fiercer; ſo that he reſolved to find all opportunity to throw himſelf at her feet, and diſcover his paſſion to her by word of mouth; and, whilſt he waited for a convenient time and place to do it, he perceived the Gardener often to go in, and out very chearful, as highly pleaſed and contented; and tho' he only carried her fruits and flowers, yet his frantic paſſion and jealouſy made hin believe there was ſomething more in it. Antonio the prieſt had alſo obſerved the like, and had much the ſame ſentiments, which emboldened them the more to perſiſt in their wicked and unclean deſires, and to continue to perſecute the chaſte lady with their deteſted proffers of lawleſs love; concluding, That if one of ſo low a rank could be in favour, they, in time, could not miſs of obtaining what they fought; and, ſo blinded with paſſion, and purſuing what they aimed at, (though, as has been ſaid, unknown to each other.) they kept a watchful eye over the actions of Deidamia; whoſe mind was taken up in contemplating the divine perfections of Him, who is fairer than the children of men, being every day more confirmed in the truth of her religion, bleſſing and praiſing God, that by ſo wonderful and unexpected a mean, had brought her