it." They both wept so bitterly, gazed on each other so mournfully, interchanged such passionate promises, that their only consolation was the perfect confidence they had in each other's affection, and that nothing could ever alter such deep and tender feelings.
The time had passed so rapidly in this sweet conversation, that night had already closed around them before they thought of separating; but the Queen, wishing to consult the Prince respecting the equipage he would require, Mirtain hastened in search of him. He found him still at the feet of his mistress, holding her hand in both of his. When they perceived him, they were seized with such apprehensions that they could scarcely speak. He told his master that the Queen was asking for him. Her commands might not be disobeyed. The Princess retired alone through another part of the gardens.
The Queen found the Prince so melancholy and altered, that she easily divined the cause. She would not speak to him any more on the subject; it was enough that he should depart. In short, everything was prepared with so much diligence, that it seemed as if the fairies had had a hand in it. As to the Prince, he occupied himself only with what related to his passion. He desired Mirtain to remain at court, and send him daily news of the Princess. He left with him his finest jewels, in case he should be in want of funds; and his foresight neglected nothing in a matter of such moment to him.
At last he was compelled to go. The despair of our young lovers cannot be described. Constancia then first comprehended the whole extent of her misfortune. To be a king's daughter, rightful owner of immense dominions, and to languish in the power of a cruel queen, who banished her son for fear of his affection for her—a princess who was his equal every way, and whose hand would be ardently desired by the greatest sovereigns in the world! But her star had decided it should be so.
The Queen, delighted at the absence of her son, thought only of intercepting the letters that might be written to him. She succeeded, and discovered that Mirtain was his confidant. She had him arrested on some false pretence, and sent to a fortress, where he was subjected to a strict imprisonment.
