THO' nothing is more laudable than a Firmness of Resolution, yet there is no one thing more apt to bring us into Misfortunes, than too inconsiderately to form them: Whoever fixes a Determination to do, or leave undone any Action of Importance, ought to advise with Time, and deliberately weigh not only all apparent Obstacles, but also all that may possibly arise either to thwart the present Intention, or obligate Repentance if compleated. If the most lively and penetrating Wit that ever was known, a Wisdom wonderful in Youth, a Depth of Learning which scarce any of the Fair Sex could boast, an elevated Genius, and Sublimity of Thought, a Soul composed of Honour, Courage, Gratitude, Generosity, Fortitude, and all those Virtues which wear the Name of Manly, joined with Tenderness, Sweetness of Disposition, and every Grace with which the softer Specie attracts, and charms, could render the Person possess'd of them happy, the lovely Subject of the following Sheets had been as remarkable for her good Fortune, as the ill Influence of her Stars have made her for the contrary.

Emanuella, so she was call'd, was born in Porto-Rico, one of those Islands belonging to the Spanish West-Indies, the Government of which had been given to her Father, Don Alvarez, by his most Catholick Majesty. She had the misfortune to lose her Mother very young, but notwithstanding that, and the Disadvantage of being educated in a Place which could boast of but little Politeness, the Care and Tenderness of Alvarez, whose only Child she was, sufficiently compensated for all other Wants: