The interest of this romance was presently intensified by the
introduction of a rival in the person of the Duke of Buckingham.
Probably from fear an intrigue with such a prominent figure
would, if indulged in, quickly become known to the king, she
refused to encourage Buckingham's love. His grace was not only a
passionate lover, but likewise a revengeful man; accordingly, he
resolved to punish my lady for her lack of good taste. It
therefore became his habit to speak of her intrigues before the
court, and to name the individuals who received her favours. Now
Wycherley, being amongst these, grew fearful his amour with the
duchess should become known to the king, from whom at this time
he expected an appointment. Accordingly, he besought his good
friends, Lord Rochester and Sir Charles Sedley, to remonstrate on
his behalf with the duke. These gentlemen undertook that kindly
office, and in order to make the rivals acquainted, besought his
grace to sup with the playwright. The duke complying with their
request, met Wycherley in a friendly spirit, and soon professed
himself delighted with his wit; nay, before the feast was over he
drank his health in a bumper of red wine, and declared himself
Mr. Wycherley's very good friend and faithful servant henceforth.
Moreover, he was as good as his word; for, being master of the
horse, he soon after appointed Wycherley an equerry, and
subsequently gave him a commission as captain of a regiment of
which he was colonel.
Pages:
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453