heavenly Bridegroom which had been promised her, to separate herself
from the Embraces of a Spouse, to whom she was united by the most sacred
Ties, and endeared by the tenderest Affection.

The young King who had been extremely uneasy for some Days at this
misterious Behaviour, grew highly offended, when upon asking the Queen
to comply with his Affection, he was repulsed, under the Pretence of
imaginary Dispositions, from which she was known to be entirely free.
However, so far from taking the Denial, it only made him more urgent;
at which the Queen to free herself from what she call'd her Consort's
Importunities, sent him Word, and confirm'd it herself, that an
incurable Disorder had rendered her unfit for the conjugal Functions.

The Monarch was Thunderstruck at this. It threw him into such a
Melancholy, that he kept his Chamber for three Days. Even Hunting, which
had always been his favourite Diversion, seem'd to be banished from his
Thoughts. He never appeared in the Drawing-Room, and the most
distinguished Courtiers were oblig'd to put on a sorrowful Appearance
whenever they approached him. _Jeflur_ exulted at the Success of his
Scheme. He brib'd one of the Lords of the Bed-Chamber, whom the King
honoured with a particular Confidence, and having inform'd him what the
Arrow was which had pierced the King's Heart, he made him large Promises
if he could pluck it out.

_Kelirieu_, for so was this Lord called, readily embraced the Proposal,
and sought for an Opportunity of being alone with his Master. Nor was he
long without it. One Day as _Zeokinizul_ was negligently leaning upon a
_Sopha_, involv'd in melancholy Thoughts on the Alteration of his
Spouse, the Lord came towards him, throwing himself at his Feet.