Tho' _Agnes_ thought she had perfectly known _Constantia_, yet she did not expect to find so intire a Virtue in her, which made her think her self more happy, and the Prince more criminal. 'Oh, Wisdom! Oh, Bounty without Example! (cry'd she) Why is it, that the cruel Destinies do not give you all you deserve? You are the disposer of my Actions, (continued she in kissing the Hand of _Constantia_) I'll do nothing but what you'll have me: But consider, and weigh well the Reasons that ought to counsel you in the Measures you oblige me to take.'
_Don Pedro_, who had not seen the Princess all that day, came in then, and finding 'em both extremely troubled, with a fierce Impatience, demanded the Cause: 'Sir, answered _Constantia_, _Agnes_ too wise, and too scrupulous, fears the Effects of her Beauty, and will live no longer at _Coimbra_; and it was on this Subject, (which cannot be agreeable to me) that she ask'd my Advice.' The Prince grew pale at this Discourse, and snatching the Words from her Mouth (with more concern than possest either of them) cry'd with a Voice very feeble, '_Agnes_ cannot fail if she follow your Counsel, Madam: and I leave you full liberty to give it her.' He then immediately went out, and the Princess, whose Heart he perfectly possest, not being able to hide her Displeasure, said, 'My dear _Agnes_, if my Satisfaction did not only depend on your Conversation, I should desire it of you, for _Don Pedro's_ sake; it is the only Advantage that his unfortunate Love can hope: And would not the World have reason to call me barbarous, if I contribute to deprive him of that? But the sight of me will prove a Poison to him--(reply'd _Agnes_) And what should I do, my Princess, if after the Reserve he has hitherto kept, his Mouth should add anything to the Torments I have already felt, by speaking to me of his Flame? You would hear him sure, without causing him to despair, (reply'd _Constantia_) and I should put this Obligation to the account of the rest you have done. Would you then have me expect those Events which I fear, Madam? (reply'd _Agnes_) Well--I will obey, but just Heaven (pursued she) if they prove fatal, do not punish an innocent Heart for it.' Thus this Conversation ended. _Agnes_ withdrew into her Chamber, but it was not to be more at ease.