of this Accident, and two Nuns the Objects.  It is customary in that Country for young People in an Evening to resort to the Grates of the Nunneries, there to divert themselves, and the Nuns, with a little pleasant and inoffensive Chit-chat.  For though I have heard some relate a World of nauseous Passages at such Conversations, I must declare, that I never saw, or heard any Thing unseemly; and therefore whenever I have heard any such from such Fabulists, I never so much wrong’d my Judgment as to afford them Credit.

Our two Officers were very assiduous at the Grates of a Nunnery in this Place; and having there pitch’d upon two Nuns, prosecuted their Amours with such Vigour, that, in a little time, they had made a very great Progress in their Affections, without in the least considering the Dangers that must attend themselves and the Fair; they had exchang’d Vows, and prevail’d upon the weaker Vessels to endeavour to get out to their Lovers.  To effect which, soon after, a Plot was lay’d; the Means, the Hour, and every thing agreed upon.

It is the Custom of that Nunnery, as of many others, for the Nuns to take their weekly Courses in keeping the Keys of all the Doors.  The two Love-sick Ladies giving Notice to their Lovers at the Grate, that one of their Turns was come, the Night and Hour was appointed, which the Officers punctually observing, carry’d off their Prey without either Difficulty or Interruption.

But next Morning, when the Nuns were missing, what an Uproar was there over all the City?  The Ladies were both of Quality; and therefore the Tidings were first carry’d to their Relations.  They receiv’d the News with Vows of utmost Vengeance; and, as is usual in that Country, put themselves in Arms for that Purpose.  There needed no great canvassing for discovering who were the Aggressors:  The Officers had been too frequent, and too publick, in their Addresses, to leave any room for question.  Accordingly, they were complain’d of and sought for, but sensible at last of their past Temerity, they endeavour’d, and with a great deal of Difficulty perfected their Escape.

Less fortunate were the two fair Nuns; their Lovers, in their utmost Exigence, had forsaken them; and they, poor Creatures, knew not where to fly.  Under this sad Dilemma they were taken; and, as in like Offences, condemn’d directly to the Punishment of immuring.  And what greater Punishment is there on Earth than to be confin’d between four narrow Walls, only open at the Top; and thence to be half supported with Bread and Water, till the Offenders gradually starve to Death?