His faithful squire, who had received his instructions before the battle, hastens to the princess, who, with all the court, is mightily affected at his death.
He presents her the letter, which she makes no scruple to receive, since the writer is no more. She reads it, and her whole soul is melted with compassion: she bewails his fate with the most tender and affectionate marks of grief.
Her confidante asks why she is so much affected, since in all probability, she would not have pardoned him for loving her, had he been alive?
She acknowledges the truth of her observation, takes notice that his death having cancelled his crime, his respectful passion alone employs her thoughts: she is resolved to bewail, as innocent and worthy of compassion when dead, him whom living she would treat as a criminal; and insinuates, that her heart had entertained an affection for him.
Her confidante treasures up this hint, and endeavours to console her, but in vain, till news is brought, that Artamenes, who had been carried for dead out of the field, and, by a very surprising adventure concealed all this time, is returned.
The princess is covered with confusion; and though glad he is alive, resolves to banish him for his crime.
Her confidante pleads his cause so well, that she consents to see him; and, since he can no longer conceal his passion, he confirms the confession in his letter, humbly begging pardon for being still alive.
The princess, who cannot plead ignorance of his passion, nor deny the sorrow she testified for his death, condescends to pardon him, and he is also permitted to hope. In like manner the great prince of Persia——
Does your ladyship consider how late it is? interrupted Miss Glanville, who had hitherto very impatiently listened to her. Don't let us keep the gentlemen waiting any longer for us.
I must inform you how the prince of Persia declared his love for the incomparable Berenice, said Arabella.