Free The Blazing World and Other Writings (Penguin Classics) by Margaret Cavendish

will you give me leave to place you?
    Your Highness, said she, will do me too much honour.
    So he called for a chair, and placed her next himself; and when she was set, she produced the same effects as a burning glass; 7 for the beams of all eyes were drawn together, as one point placed in her face, and by reflection she sent a burning heat, and fired every heart. But he could not keep her; for as soon as they began to dance, she was taken out, but not by the Duke, for he had not recovered as yet [from] love’s shaking fit. But the young gallants chose her so often to dance, for every one took it for a disgrace, as not to have the honour to dance with her, insomuch that few of the other ladies danced at all, as being creatures not worthy to be regarded whilst she was there.
    But the Viceroy, for fear they should tire her, and she not daring to deny them, by reason it would be thought an affront, and rude, or want of breeding, made the Viceroy call sooner forthe banquet than otherwise he would have done. Besides, he perceived the rest of the ladies begin to be angry, expressing it by their frowns; and knowing nothing will so soon pacify that bitter humour in ladies as sweetmeats, he had them brought in. But when the banquet came in, he presented her the first with some of those sweetmeats, and still filling her ears with compliments, or rather chosen words, for no compliment could pass on her beauty, it was beyond all expressions.
    At last, he asked her where her lodging was, and whether she would give him leave to wait upon her.
    She answered him, it would be a great grace and favour to receive a visit from him; but, said she, I am not at my own disposing, wherefore I can neither give nor receive without leave.
    Pray, said he, may I know who is this happy person you so humbly obey.
    Said she, it is my uncle, with whom I live.
    Where doth he live? said he.
    Truly, said she, I cannot tell the name of the street.
    He is not here, Lady? said he.
    Yes, said she, and pointed to him. And though he was loath, yet he was forced to leave her so long, as to speak with her uncle: but the whilst he was from her, all the young gallants, which were gathered round about her, presented her with sweetmeats, as offerings to a goddess; and she making them curtsies, as returning them thanks for that she was not able to receive, as being too great a burden; for she was offered more sweetmeats than one of the Viceroy’s guard could carry.
    But all the while the Duke stood as a statue, only his eyes were fixed upon her, nor had he power to speak; and she perceiving where he was, for her eye had secretly hunted him out, would as often look upon him as her modesty would give her leave, and desired much to know who he was, but was ashamed to ask.
    At last, the Duke being a little encouraged by her eye, came to her.
    Lady, said he, I am afraid to speak, lest I should seem rude bymy harsh discourse; for there is not in the alphabet, words gentle nor smooth enough for your soft ears, but what your tongue doth polish: yet I hope you will do as the rest of the gods and goddesses, descend to mortals, since they cannot reach to you.
    Sir, said she, but that I know it is the courtly custom for men to express their civilities to our sex in the highest words, otherwise I should take it as an affront and scorn; to be called by those names I understand not, and to be likened to that which cannot be comprehended.
    Said the Duke, you cannot be comprehended; nor do your lovers know what destiny you have decreed them.
    But the Viceroy came back with her uncle, who desired to have his niece home, the banquet being ended.
    But when the Duke saw her uncle, he then apprehending who she was, was so struck, that what with guilt of conscience, and with repenting sorrow, he was ready to fall down dead.
    Her uncle, seeing him talking to her, thus spoke to the Duke.
    Sir, said he, you may spare your words, for you cannot justify your unworthy deeds.
    Whereat she turned as pale