As they thus argued, one of the Princess's Women came all in Tears to acquaint _Don Pedro_, that the Princess was in the last Extremities of Life: 'Go see thy fatal Work, (said the King) and expect from a too-long patient Father the Usage thou deservest.'
The Prince ran to _Constantia_, whom he found dying, and _Agnes_ in a swoon, in the Arms of some of the Ladies. What caus'd this double Calamity, was, that _Agnes_, who could suffer no longer the Indifferency of the Princess, had conjur'd her to tell her what was her Crime, and either to take her Life from her, or restore her to her Friendship.
_Constantia_, who found she must die, could no longer keep her secret Affliction from _Agnes_; and after some Words, which were a Preparation to the sad Explanation, she shewed her that fatal Billet, which _Elvira_ had caus'd to be written: 'Ah, Madam! (cry'd out the fair _Agnes_, after having read it) Ah, Madam! how many cruel Inquietudes had you spared me had you open'd your Heart to me with your wonted Bounty! 'Tis easy to see that this Letter is counterfeit, and that I have Enemies without Compassion. Could you believe the Prince so imprudent, to make use of any other Hand but his own, on an occasion like this? And do you believe me so simple to keep about me this Testimony of my Shame, with so little Precaution? You are neither betray'd by your Husband nor me; I attest Heaven, and those Efforts I have made to leave _Coimbra_. Alas, my dear Princess, how little have you known her, whom you have so much honoured? Do not believe that when I have justify'd my self, I will have any more Communication with the World: No, no; there will be no Retreat far enough from hence for me. I will take care to hide this unlucky Face, where it shall be sure to do no more harm.'
The Princess touched at this Discourse, and the Tears of _Agnes_, press'd her hand, which she held in hers; and fixing Looks upon her capable of moving Pity in the most insensible Souls, 'If I have committed any Offence, my dear _Agnes_, (answer'd she) Death, which I expect in a moment, shall revenge it. I ought also to protest to you, That I have not ceas'd loving you, and that I believe every thing you have said, giving you back my most tender Affections.'