dressing of Claudio's Wounds, which were many, though they hop'd none
Mortal: and leaving him to his Rest, went to give Hippolito an Account of
what had happened, whom he found with a Table before him, leaning upon
both his Elbows, his Face covered with his Hands, and so motionless, that
Aurelian concluded he was asleep; seeing several Papers lie before him,
half written and blotted out again, he thought to steal softly to the
Table, and discover what he had been employed about. Just as he reach'd
forth his Hand to take up one of the Papers, Hippolito started up so on
the suddain, as surpriz'd Aurelian and made him leap back; Hippolito, on
the other hand, not supposing that any Body had been near him, was so
disordered with the Appearance of a Man at his Elbow, (whom his Amazement
did not permit him to distinguish) that he leap'd hastily to his Sword,
and in turning him about, overthrew the Stand and Candles. Here were
they both left in the Dark, Hippolito groping about with his Sword, and
thrusting at every Chair that he felt oppose him. Aurelian was scarce
come to himself, when thinking to step back toward the Door that he might
inform his Friend of his Mistake, without exposing himself to his blind
Fury; Hippolito heard him stir, and made a full thrust with such
Violence, that the Hilt of the Sword meeting with Aurelian's Breast beat
him down, and Hippolito a top of him, as a Servant alarm'd with the
noise, came into the Chamber with a Light. The Fellow trembled, and
thought they were both Dead, till Hippolito raising himself, to see whom
he had got under him, swoon'd away upon the discovery of his Friend. But
such was the extraordinary Care of Providence in directing the Sword,
that it only past under his Arm, giving no Wound to Aurelia, but a little
Bruise between his Shoulder and Breast with the Hilt. He got up, scarce
recovered of his Fright, and by the help of the Servant; laid Hippolito
upon the Bed; who when he was come to himself could hardly be perswaded,
that his Friend was before him and alive, till he shew'd him his Breast,
where was nothing of a Wound. Hippolito begg'd his Pardon a Thousand