Incognita(隐姓埋名)

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Incognita

By William Congreve

TO THE HONOURED AND WORTHILY ESTEEM'D MRS.

KATHARINE LEVESON.

Incognita

Madam,

A Clear Wit, sound Judgment and a Merciful Disposition, are things so

rarely united, that it is almost inexcusable to entertain them with any thing

less excellent in its kind. My knowledge of you were a sufficient

Caution to me, to avoid your Censure of this Trifle, had I not as intire a

knowledge of your Goodness. Since I have drawn my Pen for a

Rencounter, I think it better to engage where, though there be Skill enough

to Disarm me, there is too much Generosity to Wound; for so shall I have

the saving Reputation of an unsuccessful Courage, if I cannot make it a

drawn Battle. But methinks the Comparison intimates something of a

Defiance, and savours of Arrogance; wherefore since I am Conscious to

my self of a Fear which I cannot put off, let me use the Policy of Cowards

and lay this Novel unarm'd, naked and shivering at your Feet, so that if it

should want Merit to challenge Protection, yet, as an Object of Charity, it

may move Compassion. It has been some Diversion to me to Write it, I

wish it may prove such to you when you have an hour to throw away in

Reading of it: but this Satisfaction I have at least beforehand, that in its

greatest failings it may fly for Pardon to that Indulgence which you owe to

the weakness of your Friend; a Title which I am proud you have thought

me worthy of, and which I think can alone be superior to that

Your most Humble and Obliged Servant CLEOPHIL.

Incognita

THE PREFACE TO THE

READER.

Reader,

Some Authors are so fond of a Preface, that they will write one tho'

there be nothing more in it than an Apology for its self. But to show thee

that I am not one of those, I will make no Apology for this, but do tell thee

that I think it necessary to be prefix'd to this Trifle, to prevent thy

overlooking some little pains which I have taken in the Composition of the

following Story. Romances are generally composed of the Constant

Loves and invincible Courages of Hero's, Heroins, Kings and Queens,

Mortals of the first Rank, and so forth; where lofty Language, miraculous

Contingencies and impossible Performances, elevate and surprize the

Reader into a giddy Delight, which leaves him flat upon the Ground

whenever he gives of, and vexes him to think how he has suffer'd himself

to be pleased and transported, concern'd and afflicted at the several

Passages which he has Read, viz. these Knights Success to their Damosels

Misfortunes, and such like, when he is forced to be very well convinced

that 'tis all a lye. Novels are of a more familiar nature; Come near us,

and represent to us Intrigues in practice, delight us with Accidents and odd

Events, but not such as are wholly unusual or unpresidented, such which

not being so distant from our Belief bring also the pleasure nearer us.

Romances give more of Wonder, Novels more Delight. And with

reverence be it spoken, and the Parallel kept at due distance, there is

something of equality in the Proportion which they bear in reference to

one another, with that betwen Comedy and Tragedy; but the Drama is the

long extracted from Romance and History: 'tis the Midwife to Industry,

and brings forth alive the Conceptions of the Brain. Minerva walks upon

the Stage before us, and we are more assured of the real presence of Wit

when it is delivered viva voce -

Segnius irritant animos demissa per aurem, Quam quae sunt oculis

subjecta fidelibus, & quae Ipse sibi tradit spectator.--Horace.

Since all Traditions must indisputably give place to the Drama, and

Incognita

since there is no possibility of giving that life to the Writing or Repetition

of a Story which it has in the Action, I resolved in another beauty to

imitate Dramatick Writing, namely, in the Design, Contexture and Result

of the Plot. I have not observed it before in a Novel. Some I have seen

begin with an unexpected accident, which has been the only surprizing

part of the Story, cause enough to make the Sequel look flat, tedious and

insipid; for 'tis but reasonable the Reader should expect it not to rise, at

least to keep upon a level in the entertainment; for so he may be kept on in

hopes that at some time or other it may mend; but the 'tother is such a balk

to a Man, 'tis carrying him up stairs to show him the Dining-Room, and

after forcing him to make a Meal in the Kitchin. This I have not only

endeavoured to avoid, but also have used a method for the contrary

purpose. The design of the Novel is obvious, after the first meeting of

Aurelian and Hippolito with Incognita and Leonora, and the difficulty is in

bringing it to pass, maugre all apparent obstacles, within the compass of

two days. How many probable Casualties intervene in opposition to the

main Design, viz. of marrying two Couple so oddly engaged in an intricate

Amour, I leave the Reader at his leisure to consider: As also whether

every Obstacle does not in the progress of the Story act as subservient to

that purpose, which at first it seems to oppose. In a Comedy this would

be called the Unity of Action; here it may pretend to no more than an

Unity of Contrivance. The Scene is continued in Florence from the

commencement of the Amour; and the time from first to last is but three

days. If there be any thing more in particular resembling the Copy which

I imitate (as the Curious Reader will soon perceive) I leave it to show it

self, being very well satisfy'd how much more proper it had been for him

to have found out this himself, than for me to prepossess him with an

Opinion of something extraordinary in an Essay began and finished in the

idler hours of a fortnight's time: for I can only esteem it a laborious

idleness, which is Parent to so inconsiderable a Birth. I have gratified the

Bookseller in pretending an occasion for a Preface; the other two Persons

concern'd are the Reader and my self, and if he be but pleased with what

was produced for that end, my satisfaction follows of course, since it will

be proportion'd to his Approbation or Dislike.

Incognita

TEXT

Aurelian was the only Son to a Principal Gentleman of Florence. The

Indulgence of his Father prompted, and his Wealth enabled him, to bestow

a generous Education upon him, whom, he now began to look upon as the

Type of himself; an Impression he had made in the Gayety and Vigour of

his Youth, before the Rust of Age had debilitated and obscur'd the

Splendour of the Original: He was sensible, That he ought not to be

sparing in the Adornment of him, if he had Resolution to beautifie his own

Memory. Indeed Don Fabio (for so was the Old Gentleman call'd) has

been observ'd to have fix'd his Eyes upon Aurelian, when much Company

has been at Table, and have wept through Earnestness of Intention, if

nothing hapned to divert the Object; whether it were for regret, at the

Recollection of his former self, or for the Joy he conceiv'd in being, as it

were, reviv'd in the Person of his Son, I never took upon me to enquire,

but suppos'd it might be sometimes one, and sometimes both together.

Aurelian, at the Age of Eighteen Years, wanted nothing (but a Beard)

that the most accomplished Cavalier in Florence could pretend to: he had

been Educated from Twelve Years old at Siena, where it seems his Father

kept a Receiver, having a large Income from the Rents of several Houses

in that Town. Don Fabio gave his Servant Orders, That Aurelian should

not be stinted in his Expences, when he came up to Years of Discretion.

By which means he was enabled, not only to keep Company with, but also

to confer many Obligations upon Strangers of Quality, and Gentlemen

who travelled from other Countries into Italy, of which Siena never

wanted store, being a Town most delightfully Situate, upon a Noble Hill,

and very well suiting with Strangers at first, by reason of the

agreeableness and purity of the Air: There also is the quaintness and

delicacy of the Italian Tongue most likely to be learned, there being many

publick Professors of it in that place; and indeed the very Vulgar of Siena

do express themselves with an easiness and sweetness surprizing, and

even grateful to their Ears who understand not the Language.

Here Aurelian contracted an acquaintance with Persons of Worth of

Incognita

several Countries, but among the rest an intimacy with a Gentleman of

Quality of Spain, and Nephew to the Archbishop of Toledo, who had so

wrought himself into the Affections of Aurelian, through a Conformity of

Temper, an Equality in Years, and something of resemblance in Feature

and Proportion, that he look'd upon him as his second self. Hippolito, on

the other hand, was not ungrateful in return of Friendship, but thought

himself either alone or in ill Company, if Aurelian were absent: but his

Uncle having sent him to travel, under the Conduct of a Governour, and

the two Years which limited his stay at Siena being expired, he was put in

mind of his departure. His Friend grew melancholy at the News, but

considering that Hippolito had never seen Florence, he easily prevailed

with him to make his first journey thither, whither he would accompany

him, and perhaps prevail with his Father to do the like throughout his

Travels.

They accordingly set out, but not being able easily to reach Florence

the same Night, they rested a League or two short, at a Villa of the great

Duke's called Poggio Imperiale, where they were informed by some of his

Highness's Servants, That the Nuptials of Donna Catharina (near

Kinswoman to the great Duke) and Don Ferdinand de Rovori, were to be

solemnized the next day, and that extraordinary Preparations had been

making for some time past, to illustrate the Solemnity with Balls and

Masques, and other Divertisements; that a Tilting had been proclaimed,

and to that purpose Scaffolds erected around the Spacious Court, before

the Church Di Santa Croce, where were usually seen all Cavalcades and

Shews, performed by Assemblies of the Young Nobility: That all

Mechanicks and Tradesmen were forbidden to work or expose any Goods

to Sale for the space of three days; during which time all Persons should

be entertain'd at the Great Duke's Cost; and publick Provision was to be

made for the setting forth and furnishing a multitude of Tables, with

Entertainment for all Comers and Goers, and several Houses appointed for

that use in all Streets.

This Account alarm'd the Spirits of our Young Travellers, and they

were overjoy'd at the prospect of Pleasures they foresaw. Aurelian could

not contain the satisfaction he conceiv'd in the welcome Fortune had

Incognita

prepar'd for his dear Hippolito. In short, they both remembred so much

of the pleasing Relation had been made them, that they forgot to sleep, and

were up as soon as it was light, pounding at poor Signior Claudio's Door

(so was Hippolito's Governour call'd) to rouse him, that no time might be

lost till they were arriv'd at Florence, where they would furnish themselves

with Disguises and other Accoutrements necessary for the Prosecution of

their Design of sharing in the publick Merriment; the rather were they for

going so early because Aurelian did not think fit to publish his being in

Town for a time, least his Father knowing of it, might give some restraint

to that loose they designed themselves.

Before Sun rise they entred Florence at Porta Romana, attended only

by two Servants, the rest being left behind to avoid notice; but, alas! they

needed not to have used half that caution; for early as it was, the Streets

were crowded with all sorts of People passing to and fro, and every Man

employ'd in something relating to the Diversions to come; so that no

notice was taken of any body; a Marquess and his Train might have pass'd

by as unregarded as a single Fachin or Cobler. Not a Window in the

Streets but echoed the tuning of a Lute or thrumming of a Gitarr: for, by

the way, the Inhabitants of Florence are strangely addicted to the love of

Musick, insomuch that scarce their Children can go, before they can

scratch some Instrument or other. It was no unpleasing Spectacle to our

Cavaliers (who, seeing they were not observ'd, resolved to make

Observations) to behold the Diversity of Figures and Postures of many of

these Musicians. Here you should have an affected Vallet, who Mimick'd

the Behaviour of his Master, leaning carelessly against the Window, with

his Head on one side, in a languishing Posture, whining, in a low,

mournful Voice, some dismal Complaint; while, from his sympathizing

Theorbo, issued a Base no less doleful to the Hearers. In Opposition to

him was set up perhaps a Cobler, with the wretched Skeleton of a Gitarr,

battered and waxed together by his own Industry, and who with three

Strings out of Tune, and his own tearing hoarse Voice, would rack

attention from the Neighbourhood, to the great affliction of many more

moderate Practitioners, who, no doubt, were full as desirous to be heard.

By this time Aurelian's Servant had taken a Lodging and was returned, to

Incognita

give his Master an Account of it. The Cavaliers grown weary of that

ridiculous Entertainment, which was diverting at first sight, retired whither

the Lacquey conducted them; who, according to their Directions, had

sought out one of the most obscure Streets in the City. All that day, to the

evening, was spent in sending from one Brokers Shop to another, to

furnish them with Habits, since they had not time to make any new.

There was, it happened, but one to be got Rich enough to please our

young Gentlemen, so many were taken up upon this occasion. While

they were in Dispute and Complementing one another, (Aurelian

protesting that Hippolito should wear it, and he, on 'tother hand,

forswearing it as bitterly) a Servant of Hippolito's came up and ended the

Controversie; telling them, That he had met below with the Vallet de

Chambre of a Gentleman, who was one of the greatest Gallants about the

Town, but was at this time in such a condition he could not possibly be at

the Entertainment; whereupon the Vallet had designed to dress himself up

in his Master's Apparel, and try his talent at Court; which he hearing, told

him he would inform him how he might bestow the Habit for some time

much more to his profit if not to his pleasure, so acquainted him with the

occasion his Master had for it. Hippolito sent for the Fellow up, who was

not so fond of his design as not to be bought off it, but upon having his

own demand granted for the use of it, brought it; it was very Rich, and

upon tryal, as fit for Hippolito as if it had been made for him. The

Ceremony was performed in the Morning, in the great Dome, with all

magnificence correspondent to the wealth of the great Duke, and the

esteem he had for the Noble Pair. The next Morning was to be a Tilting,

and the same Night a Masquing Ball at Court. To omit the Description of

the universal Joy, (that had diffus'd it self through all the Conduits of Wine,

which convey'd it in large measures to the People) and only relate those

effects of it which concern our present Adventurers. You must know, that

about the fall of the Evening, and at that time when the aequilibrium of

Day and Night, for some time, holds the Air in a gloomy suspence

between an unwillingness to leave the light, and a natural impulse into the

Dominion of darkness, about this time our Hero's, shall I say, sally'd or

slunk out of their Lodgings, and steer'd toward the great Palace, whither,

Incognita

before they were arrived, such a prodigious number of Torches were on

fire, that the day, by help of these Auxiliary Forces, seem'd to continue its

Dominion; the Owls and Bats apprehending their mistake, in counting the

hours, retir'd again to a convenient darkness; for Madam Night was no

more to be seen than she was to be heard; and the Chymists were of

Opinion, That her fuliginous Damps, rarefy'd by the abundance of Flame,

were evaporated.

Now the Reader I suppose to be upon Thorns at this and the like

impertinent Digressions, but let him alone and he'll come to himself; at

which time I think fit to acquaint him, that when I digress, I am at that

time writing to please my self, when I continue the Thread of the Story, I

write to please him; supposing him a reasonable Man, I conclude him

satisfied to allow me this liberty, and so I proceed.

If our Cavaliers were dazled at the splendour they beheld without

doors, what surprize, think you, must they be in, when entering the Palace

they found even the lights there to be but so many foils to the bright eyes

that flash'd upon 'em at every turn.

A more glorious Troop no occasion ever assembled; all the fair of

Florence, with the most accomplished Cavaliers, were present; and

however Nature had been partial in bestowing on some better Faces than

others, Art was alike indulgent to all, and industriously supplyed those

Defects she had left, giving some Addition also to her greatest

Excellencies. Every body appear'd well shap'd, as it is to be suppos'd,

none who were conscious to themselves of any visible Deformity would

presume to come thither. Their Apparel was equally glorious, though

each differing in fancy. In short, our Strangers were so well bred, as to

conclude from these apparent Perfections, that there was not a Masque

which did not at least hide the Face of a Cherubim. Perhaps the Ladies

were not behind hand in return of a favourable Opinion of them: for they

were both well dress'd, and had something inexpressibly pleasing in their

Air and Mien, different from other People, and indeed differing from one

another. They fansy'd that while they stood together they were more

particularly taken notice of than any in the Room, and being unwilling to

be taken for Strangers, which they thought they were, by reason of some

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whispering they observed near them, they agreed upon an hour of meeting

after the company should be broke up, and so separately mingled with the

thickest of the Assembly. Aurelian had fixed his eye upon a Lady whom

he had observ'd to have been a considerable time in close whisper with

another Woman; he expected with great impatience the result of that

private Conference, that he might have an opportunity of engaging the

Lady whose Person was so agreeable to him. At last he perceived they

were broke off, and the 'tother Lady seem'd to have taken her leave. He

had taken no small pains in the mean time to put himself in a posture to

accost the Lady, which, no doubt, he had happily performed had he not

been interrupted; but scarce had he acquitted himself of a preliminary bow

(and which, I have heard him say, was the lowest that ever he made) and

had just opened his Lips to deliver himself of a small Complement, which,

nevertheless he was very big with, when he unluckily miscarried, by the

interposal of the same Lady, whose departure, not long before, he had so

zealously pray'd for: but, as Providence would have it, there was only

some very small matter forgot, which was recovered in a short whisper.

The Coast being again cleared, he took heart and bore up, and, striking sail,

repeated his Ceremony to the Lady; who, having Obligingly returned it, he

accosted her in these or the like words:

'If I do not usurp a priviledge reserved for some one more happy in

your acquaintance, may I presume, Madam, to entreat (for a while) the

favour of your Conversation, at least till the arrival of whom you expect,

provided you are not tired of me before; for then upon the least intimation

of uneasiness, I will not fail of doing my self the violence to withdraw for

your release. The Lady made him answer, she did not expect any body;

by which he might imagine her Conversation not of value to be bespoke,

and to afford it him, were but farther to convince him to her own cost.

He reply'd, 'She had already said enough to convince him of something he

heartily wished might not be to his cost in the end. She pretended not to

understand him; but told him, 'If he already found himself grieved with her

Conversation, he would have sufficient reason to repent the rashness of his

first Demand before they had ended: for that now she intended to hold

discourse with him, on purpose to punish his unadvisedness, in presuming

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