" This Speech very much confounded _Amaryllis_; the Designs of
_Richardo_ she could not easily penetrate, whether against her self or
_Sempronius_ the Plot was laid, or whether it extended to both, she
could not determine: But at last she summon'd her Courage and her
Reason, and with a look of Indignation peculiar to her Sex, she answer'd
thus the malicious and designing _Richardo_: "What Crimes _Sempronius_
has been guilty of, is to me a Secret, but that _Richardo_ deserves the
Character now given of _Sempronius_ is very obvious, and needs no
Difficulty for me to affirm; your brutal Inclinations are not easily
satisfied: When you made your Addresses to me, your Designs were base
and dishonourable; you more than once attempted with force to violate my
Chastity, and for ought I know you are now come upon the same Errand:
What could make you approach me in this hostile manner, but to Ravish
_Amaryllis_, or to Murder _Sempronius_, under a pretence of Justice? But
let the Event be what it will, I'll not deliver up him who is dearer to
me than Life, but dare a Villain to his worst." This heroick Speech made
by _Amaryllis_ dash'd _Richardo_ for the present; but he being resolv'd
to prosecute his Intentions (which indeed were both to Murder
_Sempronius_ and ravish _Amaryllis_, as she had guess'd) he advanc'd
nearer to _Amaryllis_, and took her in his Arms, upon which she cry'd
out with violence, whereupon _Sempronius_, who had heard every thing
that had pass'd, open'd the Closet Door, and sallying out Sword in Hand
to defend himself and his Mistress, _Richardo_ rush'd from _Amaryllis_
and attack'd _Sempronius_; they fought sometime without any seeming
Advantage on either Side, 'til at length the Officer belonging to
_Richardo_ knock'd down _Sempronius_ and _Richardo_ ran him to the
Heart, _Amaryllis_, through the Negligence of the Officer, had an
opportunity of escaping to a neighbouring House, where, he acquainted
the Inhabitants with the dismal Tragedy; upon this Warrants were issu'd
from the next Magistrates for Apprehension of _Richard_, but took Post
for _Germany_, where secur'd himsef: in a famous Monastery.
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