Page:French convert.pdf/48

48 Fronovius counterfeited a letter in Alanſon's hand, ſo very exactly, that if himſelf had ſeen it, he might have been puzzled to diſtinguiſh it from his own; and having gotten two ruffians ready, one dreſſed in the habit of an officer, and the other like a ſervant attending him, Antonio and his companion in wickedneſs went to her with it, and falling on their knees, with ſome forced tears, humbly implored her pardon for the indignities they had offered to her; beſeeching her to be their good lady, notwithſtanding their follies, and they would never in the like nature offend, nor do any thing to diſoblige her; with many other proteſtations, and much feigned ſorrow for their rudeneſs and deſigns upon her chaſtity, entreating her not to diſcover it to her Lord.

Whilst Deidamia was wondering what that ſudden alteration, in thoſe who had lately ſo rudely treated her, might mean, Fronovius delivered her the letter; in which ſhe read theſe words:

"My dear Deidamia,

HOUGH I know, that the news which theſe lines will acquaint you with, cannot be acceptable to you, yet I conjure you, by our mutual affections, that you ſuffer not yourſelf to be diſturbed, but hear what I ſhall tell you, with that patience and ſerenity of mind which becomes you; as knowing it is our duty, in all things that happen to us, to ſubmit to the Divine Will. Know then, my lovely Deidamia, that, in a late encounter with a party of the enemies, I happened to be wounded by a chance ſhot, which my ſurgeon tells me is mortal; and fearing