Homais, queen of Tunis novel / by Sebastian Grenadine. — Homaïs reyne de Tunis. English

Homais, queen of Tunis novel / by Sebastian Grenadine. — Homaïs reyne de Tunis. English

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Title page

Homais, QUEEN OF TUNIS.

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Homais, QUEEN OF TUNIS.

SInce the Amorous Adventurers have been beyond Sea, the Discoveries of Love they have made in Africa, have been so Successful, that that Country (as Barbarous as it is) does [Page] now seem to be become an inexhaustible source of Galantry. Whole Fleets fraughted with Adventures are Arrived from thence; and Love, that was never thought to be the Province of those People, in whom, Cruelty is as Natural as Living, has a greater Influence there, than in any other part of the World. His most Secret Mysteries are Revealed to them; and there is no manner of Cunning, Stratagem, Delicacy, or Contrivance, for the Carrying on a Gallant Adventure, but what that Nation, which we have ever looked upon with some kind of Horrour, does put in Practice. In a word, Barbary, which in all other things is rightly called by that Name, is the most refin'd part of the Universe, in point of Love: as if this God had taken Delight to make Proselytes of so Barbarous a People, and so unfit to be His Votaries.

[Page] Ali Bashaw of Tripoly being Besieged in the very Capital City of His Territories, by a Famous Rebel called Sidi. Ackmet-Benoc, was reduced to the Necessity of having Recourse to Caragus King of Tunis; with whom, though His Brother in Law, His Correspondence for some time had not been very great. He Resolved to send Him a signal Embassy, for the engaging Him to free him out of so severe an Extremity. The Forces of that Rebel, who had Subdued almost all the Moors of the Country, were in such a Posture, as that He must necessarily have lost all, unless He received speedy Succours. But that His Design might have the better Success; He Fancied, His best way would be to give that Commission to the Sultana His Wife, who was that King's Sister; and being a Witty Woman, and having great Power over Her Brother, She might with the less Difficulty engage [Page] Him on His Side. All things were quickly prepared for this Voyage. Three of the finest Ships of Tripoly were Ordered to Convoy the Sultana; for only the Sea was open and free, and all those who were to attend Her in that Embassy, being imbarked, they set Sail in the finest Season imaginable; and Arrived in Five or Six Days at the Port of Mahometa, which is two Days Journey from Tunis. The King having had Notice of Her Coming, went to Receive Her in that City; their Interview was full of Joy and Tenderness. Caragus loved His Sister extreamly, and seemed unable to express the great Delights He took in seeing Her. The Sultana, being Naturally of a very Caressing Humour, and having no less Affection for Her Brother, was inclinable enough to make returns to all His Kindnesses, according as the Occasion of Her Embassy [Page] Required. There was no Talk of Business during the first Day; She was wholly took up with Civilities and Caresses, and in asking general News, that are the first Discourses that usually furnish Entertainment in such Occasions.

Mahometa is a small Town, something unfit to entertain Persons of that Rank; But the Grandees of that Country, who never Travel without their Tents, are alwayes well Lodged, wheresoever they come. The King had Caused One of the Richest and Finest that had been seen, to be prepared for the Sultana. He had no sooner learnt the next Day that She might be seen, than that He went to make Her a Visit. The Sultana having Notice of it, and being willing to make use of the good Dispositions She saw in Her Brother, had prepared (as is the Custome of the Country) the Presents She was to make Him; amongst which were [Page] two Slaves, the one a Jewess, the other a Christian, both of them were Young, very agreeable and perfect Beauties. The Jewess was the livelier of the two, and seemed to have a great deal of Wit; which made the Sultana fancy, that Her Brother would like her better than the Christian; who, though very Waggish at the bottom, and no less Cunning than the other had an Air something more serious.

Caragus coming thereupon to His Sister, found Her in an Extraordinary Magnificence in the midst of all these Fine and Rich Presents She brought Him, and which She offered Him at His Entrance.

The King after having highly Valued, and extreamly Commended them: Received them with all the Acknowledgement as became the Affection He had for His Sister: But She told Him, they were not the Finest, and that She had still [Page] something more rare to give Him: Whereupon She Caused the two Beautiful Slaves to come out; at the sight of whom, Caragus was immediately Charmed; being really what suted best with His Humour; and His Sister knowing His Amorous Complection, had not without Reason, kept this Present for the last. He Eyed them both for some time, without saying a word; and both extreamly pleased Him. The Christian, However contrary to the Sultana's Expectaon, Charmed Him most. They were Both of them Dressed very Magnificently, and after the Franca Mode: Insomuch, that the Beauty and particular Merit of each of them, could only determine the Choice. The King declared His mind immediately to His Sister, who could not forbear telling the Fair Christian. This Cruelly vexed the Jewess; but some time after, she had wherewith to Comfort [Page] her self, for the Happiness of her Rival, having been Chosen to be sent to the Grand Siegniors Seraglio, whose Favourite she was. Her Reign however did not last long, by Reason of a certain Defect, more usual to Fair, than Black Women.

Caragus would have been extreamly well satisfied with His Sisters Presents, and more especially with that of those two Charming Slaves, if He might have enjoyed it, as well as the others: But the Ascendant of His Amours, did not sute in His Birth with that of Marriage; and though Nature had endowed Him with Gifts, and Inclinations that were disposed to Pleasures; yet it had not given Him a Heart that could resist the Sallies of a Jealous, and an Ambitious Wife. He was Married to the Sultana Homais, who was insupportably Nice in that Point; and He knew not how He should [Page] make Her allow the Presents of those two Slaves, who were so Beautiful, as that they could not fail of making a Woman Jealous, who was so sometimes for no Reason at all. Not that She had too much Passion for the King; Her Mind was only filled with Ambition; and Glory had in Her the Effect, that Love has in the Hearts of other Women. Insomuch, that they were very much perplexed how to find out the Means, that that haughty Princess might suffer (without murmuring) those two Fair Creatures in the Seraglio. Rostan Bashaw a Witty Man, having been long in great Favour with the King, who was wholly led by his Counsels, was Consulted in this Affair; and his Opinion was, that the best Course would be that the Sultana Her self should offer those two Slaves to the Queen. But She knowing the Spirit and Humour of that Princess, excused [Page] Her self from it; and desired the King not to expose Her to be ill Received by the Queen, with whom She was altogether unwilling to have the least Dispute; and indeed, the King did not think it Convenient She should. Wherefore Rostan, promising himself a great deal of Pleasure in thus spighting a Woman whom he had Reason to hate, offered to present them himself, either as from the Sultana, or from the King. But neither did Caragus approve of this design, knowing the Aversion they had for one another; and said, He would Himself think of some other Means. Then they fell to Discourse of the Affairs of Tripoli; and Rostan being already Gained by the Sultana, seconded Her Designs, and made the King promise Her all manner of Succours, and that he would forget all the Reasons of Complaint, He had had against the Bashaw Her Husband.

[Page]Nothing of Importance was done in the Kingdom, but what the Queen would have a share in; and having had Notice as well as the King of the Sultana of Tripoli's Coming, and of the Occasion of Her Embassy, She resolved to Accompany the King to Mahometa, that She might oppose or favour the Bashaw's Design, according as the Sultana should Carry Her self to Her. But She no sooner learnt of what Nature one of the Presents was, that She had newly made Her Brother, than that She fell into such a Passion against Her, as promised no less, than to Second the Designs of the Rebel, that She might Revenge Her self on a Wretch; thus She call'd the Sultana, who came to Insult Her, even in Her own House, when She stood in most need of Her.

Caragus would willingly have Concealed this Intrigue from the Queen: But the Beauty of those [Page] two Slaves had at their first Coming made so much Noise at Court, that it was impossible to keep the Queen long in ignorance, and having People about the King, who were wholly at Her Disposal, and who gave Her account of all His Actions; She was quickly informed of what passed at the Sultana's. She fell into a Rage against the King, and besides what She called Him in Her Fury; She added Threatnings against His Sister, who going to justify Her self, and endeavour to appease Her, was refused Entrance into Her Tent. This too sensible Affront for a Person of the Sultana's Rank and Spirit, having put Her likewise into an angry Humour, all the Court was soon Divided: and both having their Partizans and Incendiaries, a great Disorder was upon the point of happening, for the Sake of those two Women. The Peace was at length made; and the [Page] Articles were, That the Sultana should carry Her two Slaves back with Her, and that the Queen should desire Her to come and see Her, that She might repair the Injury She had done Her.

Rostan Enraged at all this; could have wished the King would once have made use of His Authority with the Queen His Wife; and that the Slaves, as was Reasonable, should have stayed in spight of all Her Power: But Caragus a peaceful Man, if ever there was one, chose rather to deprive Himself of that Pleasure, than to see Dissention in His House. The two Princesses continued to see one another, but not without Coldness; which rendered the Feasts and Divertisements the less agreeable, that the King had prepared for His Sister. The Queen not being able to be at Rest, as long as She saw those two Slaves in Her Court, gave the Sultana as little Reason to be [Page] pleased as She could: and indeed, She found there but little Divertisement, being obliged to pay Civilities to an Imperious Woman, and whom She had Reason to hate; so that having obtained of Her Brother, what She desired, and having nothing more to do at Mahometa, She was very impatient to return to Tripoly. Insomuch, that the Wind was no sooner Fair for that Voyage, than that She took leave of the King, who did all He could to stay Her some time longer: But She alleadged to Him so many Reasons, as well upon the account of the Bashaw Her Husband, who doubtless, expected Her with great Impatience, to know the Succe [...]s of Her Voyage; as upon the account of the Queen, who did not Treat Her altogether with that Honour that was Her due: that at length He let Her go, and having accompanied Her to Her Ship, He took His Leave with a very tender Regret.

[Page] Roston, ever a declared Enemy of the Queen, and more concerned than any in the servile Complaisances the King had for Her, seeing the Sultana thus depart with those two Charming Slaves, He reproached Him severely with his faint-heartedness and irresolution. The Power he had always had over Him, made Him take that Liberty: And the King seeing He was in the Right, and that indeed He ought not to let Himself be thus Governed by a Woman, suffered all this very patiently. The Court returned to Tunis, where the haughty Queen entred as in Triumph, taking a Pride, and valuing Her self highly every where, that She had got the better of the fair Sultana of Tripoli, and of proud Roston; for thus she called them out of Contempt. But the Bashaw being a Person that never Pardoned any thing, could not [Page] long neglect to Revenge Himself. He knew Her, had studied Her, and was not ignorant, that though Her Heart contained a vast deal of Ambition, it had likewise at length a great deal of Love: And this was what He waited for, as a certain means to ruin Her. She was Obliged to Him, for what she was; 'twas He who made Her Queen, and being to recompence this Service with her Affection, she had only repayed it with Ingratitude. But to be Regular, it is requisite that I enlarge something more upon this part of the Story, that will be very satisfactory to the Readers Curiosity.

Homais was the Daughter of an Eastern Turk, of a very Noble and Antient Family, Her Person Abounded in the Gifts of Nature, but wanted those of Fortune. Rostan, being a Knight Adventurer, and having heard talk [Page] of Her Beauty, long'd extreamly for a sight of Her, which was not difficult for Him to Procure: For, besides that, She was something Related to Him, which was a pretence sufficient enough to make a Visit to the Father; the Title of a Princes Favorite is such a Pasport as will make Him who possesses it be every where, welcome where He has a mind to go. Whereupon he went one Day to Her House, and as Fortune would have it, the Father was gon out; and though the Laws of the Country do not suffer a Man to enter a house when the Master is not at home; yet it is long since Favourites have put themselves above all Laws: insomuch that the Porter knowing Him, and not daring to refuse Him entrance, He went in to the first Apartment, where as Fortune would still have it, He met with Homais; She would have run away [Page] at first as the Custome is, being the Honour of a Maid runs some Risque to be seen by a Man. But Rostan running after stayed Her, and lifting up Her Barnus, with which She had hid Her self, He was Charmed at the Sight of Her, and said to Her in that Moment, all that the most Tender, and Passionate Heart on Earth is Capable of Inspiring so Beautiful a Person. Homais deplored the outrage that Rostan had newly done Her, and though these Tears were more feigned, than Real, they quite Inflamed the too sensible Favourite with Love. He made Himself known to that Weeping Beauty, and fell to perswading Her, that he being a Couzin, might take the liberty He had done, without offending the Honour of a Maid. Homais believed Him, and was Appeased; for, she was not willing to Weep any longer, but she wanted a Pretence [Page] to be satisfied. Rostan had the most Wit, and was the handsomest Man of any in the Kingdom; few Women were able to resist his Passion, when He had been Charmed with the Beauty of any One, or that He seemed to be so: for, in Africa as well as else-where, Men are very expert in those Cases, and there is often more of Caprichio in their Amourous Designs than a real sence of Affection. However Rostan was this time Smitten in good earnest; and as there is no Crime but what must be Attoned for one time or other, Love outrages perhaps against Him, for so many Treacherous prancks as He had played him, prepared to Revenge himself by Homais means. He had heard much talk of this Illustrious Couzin, and had likewise often wished that he knew Her; but Ambition alone Influenced all her Desires, and She [Page] had not the least design of Galantry. Her Mother who had the folly of all those who have pretty Daughters had put it in her Head; That she was only born for a King: Insomuch, that she considered this Couzen, and wished to see Him, for no other reason than that He might be a means of Raising Her to that High Degree of Fortune. But Rostan only thought of Himself, and Love is a Jewel we never care any one should share with us in. He speaks, he sighs, he flatters, he promises; all this is kindly received; but she requires of Rostan other proofs of his Passion. He employs his Credit with the King in favour of the Father, and obtain'd for him the Office of an Aga in the Divan, under the pretence of being His Relation. This procured him a great deal of Acknowledgment from the whole Family; but was of little advantage [Page] to his Love. Homais made no Account of the Honour and Riches that were heaped upon her Father, and only thought her self obliged to People for what they did meerly for her. The Title of Sultana would have pleased her: Rostan, who daily became more and more in Love, forasmuch as that he found Resistance, lets himself be surprised, promises her that Title, goes Cunningly to work, and at length procures her it. Thus was her Family loaded with Honour and Benefits, and it seemed, that Love had nothing more to desire; for Homais being made Sultana, was Arrived at the highest point of Glory she could reasonably Aspire to. But who can content the Ambitious Heart of a Woman? Homais only considered the Dignity of Sultana, as a Degree towards the Royalty, and was unwilling to content her self with that. However she [Page] thought it the wisest Course, not to discover yet a while her Design to Rostan, for fear of frighting him at once; and lest He shou'd prevent the Snare she laid for him, she was something Complaisant, and bestowed upon him some Favours; so that if he was not altogether happy, so neither had he altogether reason to Complain. This State for a Lover, who is not yet Advanced very far in the Favour of a Mistress, has something very sensible in the beginning; because it seems as if he had but one step more to make, to Arrive at that Charming degree of Happiness, wherein we have nothing more to desire; but how Insupportable is it when we are stopped there too long! We are tormented Night and Day with vexations, impatiences and disgusts; and it is almost better to be altogether Unhappy. Rostan did nothing more than Languish and [Page] Complain of the heard h [...]tedness of Homais; You love me, (said he to her) or at least, you say so; but for my part, I see no appearance of it; How? (answered Homais to him) so much eagerness that I dayly make appear to see, and hear of you? So much pleasure that you see I take in your Company, are they not marks sufficient enough to prove my Affection? No, (replyed that Lover) all this is only a meer Amusement, and to make our selves the better known in the beginning of a Passion, but when we are or would be fully perswaded of the Affection we have for one another, we not only proceed further, but Consummate the business. How? (replyed Homais) is it nothing to love to that Excess that is so dangerous to a Maid? What other danger do you run, (interrupted Rostan,) than that of losing, and seeing me Dye, if you do not take more pitty of me.

This Conversation, had somethi [...] [Page] so tender, as would have melted any other Heart in favour of Rostan: but that of Homais, did but the more Animate this Ambitious Woman in the Resolution of pursuing her Design, seeing her Cozin so much in love with her as that he was no longer able to refuse her any thing: Insomuch that Rostan ▪ one day more Passionate than ever, haveing asked her, If she desired his Death, for a tryal of his Love? She answered him No, but that she still desired something of him, that was above all He had yet done for Her: That perhaps He would be surprised at it, and find it a difficult Task, That however She must necessarily obtain it of Him, if it was true he loved her as much as he said he did; and that her Heart was only to be given upon that Condition. Rostan, who would have employed his life a thousand times for Her sake, not believing there [Page] could possible be any thing but what he might do, and being impatient to know the business, He begged her to tell him without making Him Languish any longer, What service, what help, what hazard, what trouble, and in what he might employ his Life for Her sake; protesting to her already by way of Advance, That there was nothing but what he would do to please her, and make himself altogether worthy of her Heart. Homais having got this assurance from him, made no more difficulty to tell him what her Ambious Heart aspir'd to, and that nothing but a Crown could content it, and that he should be Master of every thing but that, in case he procured it her, and that then she would satisfy his Longings, & Sacrifice all things to him, when ever he desired it. Never did a Thunderbolt falling at the feet of a Man, cause such an Effect upon a Heart, as this Proposition [Page] of Homais did upon that of the amorous Rostan. He fancied his hearing failed him; and that he had not rightly understood what that Ungrateful and Ambitious Creature had newly said. He was near upon a quarter of an hour without being able to answer her, keeping his Eys fixed upon the ground, with an immovable Air, without once raising them up to her, who was no longer in any perplexity. Is this (said he to her, after some great sighs, with which he eased his Heart) what you desire from my Love? Is this, (repeated he once more) the recompence that I am to expect for my Services: Can I only be happy by rendring my self the most wretched of all Men? Cannot I please but by Destroying my self. Ah, too Fatal Destiny! Perfidious Love, Ungrateful Mistress! Saying these Words, he got up, all disordered, went away in a Pet, and withdrew [Page] to his own House, where probably he passed his time but very ill. Homais could have wished, that Rostan had not been so nice in Love, that he had been more Complaisant, and that her Design had succeeded better; but she could not Repent of what she had done: for her Ambition made her look upon all manner of Conditions as beneath her, except that of being Queen; she fancied her Heart deserved it, and that Rostan would but give her her due, though he Purchased it at that Rate.

This Desolate Lover passed some Days without seeing the Ambitious Sultana; and was so extream Melancholly, that it Amazed all the Court; and likewise Troubled the King very much, who could never learn the Occasion of it, though it had almost brought him to the Grave. But at length, after having Consulted his Heart again for some time, if it would not choose rather [Page] to Dye, than not be beloved, but by seeing what it adored, enjoyed by another, he was loath to leave this World; insomuch, that he resolved to Write to that ungrateful Creature, which he did in these Terms.

IF the sad Condition (too unjust Homais) your Cruelty has Reduced me to, has not yet been able to move you to Pitty: you will at least be touched with my blinded Passion; that to please you, forces me, not only to forget my self, but makes me Sacrifice all my Happiness to your Ambitious Desires. Why did you not Ask my Life? I should not have found it difficult to have satisfied you: I fancy, I should not have dared to have Murmured: But require Love to betray it self, to make my Heart help you to Stab me: Certainly nothing can be more Cruel or Unjust. However, you shall be Obeyed; and I will make this Sacrifice to your Beauty:[Page]Once Dying was not sufficient; and you have found the means of putting me to Death every Day. You shall have suddenly that Pleasure, for I am going to endeavour your Satisfaction: Adieu.

This Note, which he was about to put an end to, being delivered to the Sultana by a faithful Agent, she made him this Answer.

I Do not desire your Death. Heaven is my Witness, nothing is so Dear to me in the World, as you are: But if you have a mind I should excuse the Weaknesses of your Heart, why will not you excuse those of mine. You are Governed by Love, and I am by Glory; Our Ascendants are equally Powerful. Favour mine, and I shall take Care to Satisfy yours. What a Delight would it be to me to be Obliged to so Dear a Lover, for all the Greatness I can hope for in this World? How Great will your[Page]Joy be, to have made her Happy you Love; and to have fixed your Heart in the highest Place you could Mount it to. Never were these two Passions at so great a Distance; and never will they be so well United. You have made an excellent Beginning: You Love me as much as I desire; but Compleat what you have begun, and let Us make appear in Us two a Marvellous Example of two Real Lovers. I Repeat it to you here again, that I Love you; and as you are ready to do all for me, so you will likewise ever find me ready to do all for you: Farewell.

Rostan Trembled when he Received this Letter, and Read it with extraordinary Motions of Joy, and of Love. There was more of Glory in it, than Kindness; but all that came from that Beautiful Sultana Charmed him, he would have Loved it, though it had been Poyson: and indeed, nothing could be [Page] more Bitter to the Heart of a Lover, than what she exacted from him. He however Resolved to do it; and from that Day beginning to Recover, he made secret Practices and Cabals, for the bringing his Design to Effect; and the King knew not that it proceeded from him, and indeed the Marriage was Consummated in a very few days, and without his being the least suspected. Some of the Chief of the Divan, were deputed to represent to this Prince, that it was time he should think of leaving them Lawful Successours, that it would be the Glory of his Race, and the Benefit of his Kingdom; and that he needed only to choose which of the Sultana's he liked Best. The King having thanked them for their Zeal for the Good of the State, and the Affection they had for his Person, made them this Answer, That he had no other desire, than that of satisfying them; but that, [Page] as it was an Affair that demanded some Reflection, he could not give them a positive Answer at that time; but that he would in few days, and then dismissed them.

He then Consulted some of his Confidents upon the Choice he was to make, who being all gained by Rostan, to whom they almost all owed their Fortunes, made him cast his Eyes upon several Sultana's, but Extolled none of their Merits so much as they did that of Homais, who was the most perfect Beauty in all that Country. The King being very sensible on that side, was easily taken; and having likewise Consulted therein his dear Rostan, who was the Soveraign Arbitrator of all his Wills: He was confirmed more than ever in that Choice; this Favourite thanking him, that he Condescended of himself to do this Honour to one of his Relations, whom he was not Acquainted with, but whom [Page] he had heard talked of with great Admiration. This Prince being already in Love, upon the Reports of others, with a Creature he had not yet seen, impatiently longed to Content his Heart, as well as satisfy the desires of his People: and having called a Divan the next Morning, he concluded the Marriage, and Consummated it that very Evening. They go to Work in that Country without much Ceremony; and all Business is both quickly Resolved on, and quickly put in Execution. Thus is Homais Raised upon the Throne; her Ambition had nothing more to pretend to: and all she had to do more, was to satisfy Love. Though Rostan might now hope to be suddainly Happy, yet he was not Capable of Joy; and not being yet perfectly Recovered, the Remnants of his Disease served for a pretext to help him Conceal all the Torments of his Heart, while [Page] all others were full of Joy and Mirth. The King, who kept nothing concealed from him, took Delight in acquainting him as his Confident, with the secret Beauties of Homais, which had Charmed him: but which almost Madded the unhappy Rostan. In a word, never had Lover more Reason to complain of his ill Fortune, than that Favourite had; but his Sufferings were not yet at an end, and Love was preparing him some that were much more Stinging.

The Haughty Homais being naturally Proud, found Greatness her Province, and easily Acted the part of a Queen. She had all her Lifetime promised her self to be so one Day, and except a certain Joy, for being Arrived at the highest Point of her Desires, there was not any Alteration in her. Rostan, whose Amorous Policy required he should behave himself so as to give no suspition, more especially in the [Page] beginning of this Marriage, when the King was all Flame, and would have been Jealous of nothing, shunned seeing her; and likewise, avoided the Occasions of following that Prince, when he went to the Queen's Apartment, where having nothing yet to do, it would have been a Torment to him, to have been there. But at length, some time being thus passed in these precautions, and without Summoning her to perform her Promise, Love spurring him on, told him, That the Hour was come, to put Homais in mind of it, and of the Acknowledgement she owed him. The Queen standing no longer in need of him, and fearing to subject her Grandeur to a Favourite, who acted the Master but too much already, was very far from having those Amorous Complaisances for him, that would render her his Slave. However, as her Authority was not yet so well Established, [Page] as not to be afraid to have him for her Enemy; prudence required she should dissemble, and she chose to weary him by much waiting. Insomuch, that she daily Entertained him with puts-off and delays, taking sometimes one pretext, and sometimes another. Rostan not wanting penetration, quickly discovered what all these Shifts tended to. He fell immediately into a Rage; but it was not yet time to make it appear. He returned to the Charge, he asked, he pressed, he sigh'd, talk't of Dying. All this did him no good: She pittied him; but was yet more afraid of ruining her self, and the King's Jealousy was a pretext she made use of, and which served for Answer, to all the Reproaches he made her; from Reproaches he proceeded to Threatnings: but she Laughed both at his Reproaches, and his Threatnings, and believed she had Reason to Treat him, as [Page] he did her; for being seduced by too much Vanity, and daring to aspire to Favours, that he ought only to expect from the meer Grace of her, who was above him. How great was his Despair, to see himself thus deceived: he was so outraged against himself, that considering himself as the main Criminal; for having trusted in the most Traiterous, and Ambitious Woman under the Heavens, he had like to have turned his Vengeance upon his own Person: but considering how great a Satisfaction, and Kindness it would be to that ungrateful Creature, to free her from such an Enemy as himself; staying him, he turned all his Choler against her, and prepared her all the Effects of an invincible Hatred. The Truth is, Nothing is so dangerous as a Lover outraged, to that point. He passes usually from one extremity to another. But Homais fancyed her self already above such kind of attempts. [Page] She begun to Rule the King, whose ordinary Weakness was to let himself be Governed, though he was Born to Govern others.

In the mean time, Rostan kept a watching Eye over the Queen's Actions. Caragus, whose strongest Passion lasted seldome above Four and Twenty Hours, began to have less eagerness and kindness for her. Her Pride, and her Haughty, and imperious Manners something displeased him; and Rostan, whom he told his Mind to in that Case, was very instrumental towards the disgusting him all together. He had often talked to him of Ozira's Beauty, the General of the Galeyes Daughter; and engaged him to make her a private Visit, which was followed by several others. The Queen was not long without observing this Change, or divining from whence it proceeded. The King was of the Nature of several People, [Page] who have more Will than Deed, and having got a Mistress, that pleased him better than the Queen; he was more than usually absent from her, which others would have been more troubled at, than Homais was: But her Heart had had a Destiny, that not only Comforted her for the King's Negligence; but made her find it to be her Advantage, not to have him so often near her.

Ibrahim, a young Favourite of the King had that Liberty in the Serrallio, that only a Man of Caragu's Humour was capable of giving to a young Man so handsome, and well made as he was, and in whom nothing was wanting, as is usually in those, who are encharged with keeping those Prisons of Love. He had leave to enter into all the Apartments of the Women; and even to have Adventures there, with which he every Evening entertained the King, who took a [Page] Delight therein it. Homais would not suffer him at first to come into her Lodgings, as he did into all the others; but the King not being able to Live without seeing him, and loving him with an extraordinary Kindness, begged her not to deprive him of that Satisfaction, which he obtained without difficulty; for what the Queen had done, was only to insinuate her self the more into the King's Confidence- She had seen young Ibrahim in two or three Occasions; she had found him very Handsome, and of a very Charming Wit; and the pleasant Stories the King told her of him, sometimes having extreamly Diverted her, she would willingly have had that Pleasure oftner, had she not been afraid of making the King Jealous. Wherefore, she made use of this Address, and seemed not to Care for this young Favourite, who might perhaps one time or other have told Stories [Page] of her; to the end, the King whose weak side she knew might interpose, and procure her Consent, that he might have free Access to her Apartment, as well as to the others of the Seraglio.

Ibrahim being not Cunning enough to penetrate into the Thoughts of such a Woman as Homais, bore her a grudg for the Contempt she seemed to have for Him, and notwithstanding all she could do afterwards, there still remain'd a Rancor in His Heart against Her, which He did not think He should be so suddainly Cured of. Rostan wanting such a Man as Ibrahim for the carrying on his Design of ruining the Queen, did not find it difficult to engage Him on his side, & still animating him more and more against her, he was well assured that having such a Spy, she could neither do, nor say any thing that might be turned to her Disadvantage, but he should [Page] be immediately informed of. That was true, if Love had not been stronger than Hatred; but where are those irritated Hearts that can resist a pretty Woman, especially when she makes use of Complaisance. Homais did not fail to observe the Effect, that Her seeming opposing of Ibrahims coming into Her Apartment had had upon his Spirit; and that he was too young to be able to unravel Her real Designes; but she was in hopes of making him return to her very quickly, and be at her disposal. The employ this Favorite had near the King in the Wardrobe, and all that concerned his Person, gave her opportunities enough, being often all alone in her Apartment: Insomuch, that she took delight at those hours to come up to him, and ask him very often useless questions; which served her for a pretext to take and indeavour to reduce him. All this however was [Page] not yet Powerful enough, & the Spirit of the haughty Ibrahim was too prepossess'd against her, for him to yield to such weak Baites; on the contrary the more Advances she made of that Nature, the more aversion he seemed to have for her, for Ibrahim without being wanting in the respect he owed her, seemed to be very hard-hearted. Nothing stings so much the haughtyness of a Beauty as Resistance. It often netled her to the very Soul; and she would sometimes have willingy been angry, had she not feared to spoile all. Insomuch, that she wholly employed her mind in Stratagems, and ingaging Artifices to soften the savage humour of this handsome young Fellow, sometimes she suffered her self to be surprized at the hours she knew he was to come, in postures that were capable of inflaming with Love the most insensible hearts in the World, and somtimes she imployed him to dress [Page] her, and sometimes to undress her under different pretexts, wherein she did not at all manage her self, that he might see Beauties, that are the true Poyson of the eyes, there is not a man whose heart is proof against these kind of Assaults. Ibrahim blushed, and sometimes grew pale on those Occasions, and when she asked him what he ailed, he knew not what answer to make, but Sighed.

Things were much in this posture when news came of the Sultana of Tripoli's voyage, and that the Court went to Mahometa, but Ibrahim did not go, having had some business that stayed him at Tunis. The Queen being extream uneasy by reason of his absence, impatiently longed to see him; but to see him in private, counting all the rest for nothing. Rostan had of late observed, that Ibrahim was no longer so exact in giving him an account of the Queens carriage; [Page] that he spoke of her with more Moderation, than he used to do; that he stayed longer, than was requisite in her Apartment, that he even passed whole Days there. All this I say, having caused him to make some Reflections, he fancied he was none of the Cunningest; and that so subtle a Woman, as Homais might easily have Corrupted the Fidelity of such a young Man as Ibrahim. He knew that though a Woman was Haughty, she might not be insensible, and that he ought not to Judge of her, by her Carriage to himself; that there are Hearts that love to stoop, as others do to mount; and that what he had not been able to Effect by his Services and his Love, another might have brought to pass by his Youth, and other Qualities that he had not; that every Woman had her weak side, and that the Secret was to find it out, or rather to be made for it, there being [Page] certainly Hearts that absoluetly depend on the Caprichio of the Stars. He would have the Pleasure of clearing this Point, he studied Ibrahim, who was not upon his Guard, not thinking he was so narrowly observed, and he found at length what he sought for. But he would make no noise of it, till he had wherewith to convict those, he would accuse; well knowing that in these kind of things nothing ought to be done by halfes. At the Courts return from Mahometa, He fancied that the juncture would be favourable enough for him, and that the Queen who had not seen her dear Ibrahim in a long time would not fail to seek for an oppertunity; wherein indeed she was not mistaken; for he was no sooner arrived, than that she let him know by a Mooress who was their confident that she must absolutely see him that evening, and that she was well assured the King [Page] would not lye in the Seraglio. Ibrahim made Answer, that he would not fail to come: he knew the Hour and Place of Assignation; those things having been long Regulated between them. Rostan having only that Affair in his Head, watched him Incessantly; and perceiving he did all things in hast that Evening, he did not doubt, but that there was some Design of an Amorous Interview: Insomuch, that the King having a mind he should be of a Party, that was to go Sup at the General of the Galleyes House, he desired to be Dispenced with all, having Affairs of great Importance to do; not being willing to lose so fair an Opportunity, as he fancied was then offered him. And indeed, she could not have escaped him, had he not had to do with the most subtle Woman that Heaven ever Created, and with the Blindest Prince that was ever upon the Earth. He caused Ibrahim [Page] to be watched, to know when he went into the Queens Apartment, and having learnt that he was there; he did not think of taking the ordinary way to surprize them, well imagining that the Door would be shut, and that Means would be found out to make the Gallant escape before it should be Opened; and that this would only make a Noise, and turn all to his own Confusion. He had too much Experience in those kind of things to undertake them so indiscreetly. The Queens Chamber joyned to a Terrass, which indeed could not be got upon, being it was Bordered by the Walls of the Castle, and was so High, that it was only to be Attained by a Ladder; but from the Garret that was over Homais's Chamber, one might come down by a Rope, yet not without Pain and Hazard; but when a Person is spurred on by Jealousy, and the Revenge of an outraged Love, he [Page] is willing to undergo all manner of Trouble, and ready to attempt all Hazards, provided he may bring to pass his Designs. Our Lovers fancied themselves very secure, not suspecting to be surprized on that side. All the other wayes were Locked up, the Terrass was a Place that was looked upon as inaccessible; and they had not so much as thought of shutting the Door, because there came a fresh Air from thence, which in those Hot Countrys is something very Charming. The Beautiful Queen, and happy Ibrahim had not been long together, when the enraged Rostan came down upon the Terrass. His impatience did not permit him to wait till they had Wantoned, and Toyed a little together: they were only at the Preludiums of an Amorous Interview, that are very sensible between two Lovers, after more than a Fortnights Absence. He was willing (however) to have the Complaisance [Page] of Listening to them a Moment, because he heard them Talk of him, and that he made part of the Conversation they had together. I never Diverted my self worse in all my Life (said the Queen) than I did at Mahometa; not only because you were not there my dear Ibrahim, but for that I was Constrained to suffer near me, and see dayly before my Eyes that Haughty Sultana of Tripoly; who in Concert with Rostan, had a Design to have plaied me a base prank by the means of two Slaves, she brought with her; and by whom they would have infeccted the easy Humour of poor Caragus, under the pretext of making him a Present of them. Thou knowest how little I care for my Husband, how little those two wretched Slaves could have Disturbed me; I would even Furnish him with Prittier than those my self, if it was necessary; but as they came from the Hands of my greatest Enemies, I was not willing [Page] they should Triumph over me. In a word, I got the better of that proud Sultana, and that insolent Rostan; she was obliged to return with her two Slaves, and he staid with shame, for having had such ill success in his Design. But Madam (Interrupted Ibrahim) who can assure me, That the Hatred you have Conceived against Ibrahim can last; for he is both the Handsomest, and Wittiest Man in the Kingdom, and has the most Power with the King: In a word, a Man you are Indepted to for all you have? Thou sayest true (Answered the Queen) but it is for all these very Reasons that I hate him: he fancies he Merits all things, and that there is not a Womans Heart that can resist the Advantages he has; and that all the World ought to submit to that Favour, which he unworthily Usurps over the King's easyness: And for my part, I am Resolved to let him see to the Contrary: I Laugh both at him, and all his Power; and [Page] my Affection, that he considers as the utmost Triumph of his Fortune, has not found in him, what it finds in thee. It is for thee Dear Ibrahim (Added she) that it has kept it self all intire. The King his Throne and Crown are not worth the Pleasure I take in seeing, and being alone with thee.

Such passionate Words as these were Accompanied as is easy to believe, with several sorts of Tendernesses, and followed, I shall not say by what, it is sufficient to have a Humane Understanding to Comprehend it, and a Heart something less sensible than Marble, to have a Sence of it. I leave you to Imagine what a Rage Rostan was in. I fancy, that though the most Complaisant of all Men had been in his place, he could not have forborne disturbing so agreeable an Entertainment: Neither did he wait till all was done; he entred, and found our Lovers in great disorder; [Page] and doubtless, very much surprized at the sight of him. Rostan took his Sabre in his Hand, and the poor Ibrahim fancied he was then a Dead Man; but the Queen being the boldest Creature that eever was, flew upon Rostan, not without being Wounded, gave time to her Gallant to Recover himself out of his Fright, and make his Escape; and she likewise, made a Thousand Reproaches to the insolent Rostan, for the boldness he had taken to enter at that Hour into her Chamber, and of his baseness to make use of his Sword against a Woman. Rostan, who was not himself in his Fury, was however stayed by the quantity of Blood, that he saw run down the Queen's Face, though the Wound was not very great; but seeing that the Gallant was Escaped, who was the most Essential Party, he would have Run after him, to have stayed him. However something too late, for [Page] the Sultana foreseeing his Design, was Nimbler than he, and having shut the Door she took the Key, and cryed out Murder withal her force. The King having for some Reason put off the Party he had made, till the Night after, being by chance in his Apartment, was much surprized to hear all this Noise, and Running in all hast towards the Queen's Chamber, he Knocked at the Door, and hearing still a Crying out, and they not Opening the Door, he caused it to be broke Open, and found the Queen all Disheviled, her Face all covered with Blood, and Rostan with a Sabre in his Hand. Never was Man so Amazed; but Fury succeeding Surprize at the sight of so strange a Spectacle. Ah Traitor! (said he to Rostan, and Drawing his Sabre) Is it thus that thou dishonourest thy King, or dost thou Attempt the Life of what he has most Dear? And Running on a suddain [Page] at him, one would have said that he was going to Cleave him in two; but the good Prince not being of a Bloody Humour, and having never done so much in his Life before, as to Draw his Sword, surprized to see with what indifference, and without moving Rostan stood him, though he might have Run away, or defended himself, stopped, and considering him from Head to Foot: What cam'st thou to do here? (Added he) and if thou art Guilty, as thou really art, Why dost thou not steal from my Vengeance? It is because I am not Guilty, Answered Rostan with a firm Voice) that I do not fear that Vergeance; for it is not upon me that you ought to vent your Fury: There is the Criminal (Added he, pointing at the Queen) and the Object of her Crime is so base a Subject, that I should not dare to name it. Homais, as soon as she had seen the King, seemed to Faint away, that she might Animate [Page] him the more against Rostan, Recovering from the pretended Swoon, just as the Bashaw had done Speaking: Ah Sir! (Cried she with a Languishing Voice) What an Abominable Man is that? He is not Contented with having endeavoured to Ravish from me my Honour; he would likewise Ruin me in your Opinion, which is more Dear to me than the Life he would deprive me of, for not consenting to his infamous Desires. Base Wretch! and thereupon a Torrent of Tears stopping her Voice, she gave the King time to vent himself in Injuries, and Reproaches against Rostan. The Truth is, that Women for the most part are very subtle Comedians, and that in some Occasions it is difficult to prevent, being deceived. Caragus was not much Enchanted by Homais, and in any other Incounter, Rostan would have had a Thousand times the better of her: But here all spoke against him, the Hour, [Page] Place, the Sabre in his Hand, the Blood that Ran still from the Queen's Head; and moreover, all her Grimaces and Postures: for she Acted her Part so to the Life, that it would have raised Pity in Tygers, & said not a Word to him: Nor would he give himself the Trouble to Accuse her; and much less to Defend himself. And indeed, what likelihood was there in what he said, that it was not he but another, who would have dishonoured the King, seeing he only was shut up in the Queens Chamber; and that poor Princess in the most pittiful Condition that it was possible to see a Woman in. And this was what the King represented to him; but he Answered, That it was not then a fit time for him to Clear that Mystery; and that it was Requisite that the Man he Mentioned, should be first Seized, and from whom he might Learn all that Adventure; that he would go use his [Page] Endeavours, and bring him to him as soon as he could. What Man will he bring? (said the Sultana) without it be some one that he had doubtless Bribed against me; and who is it that can enter my Chamber, he having the Key in his Pocket. I the Key, (Replyed Rostan, looking upon her with Indignation) I the Key of your Chamber? Yes you (Replyed she;) And Sir (Added she, turning towards the King) be pleased to Search him, and you will find it. Which the King being pleased to do, did not fail to find it in his Pocket; which was an Evident Proof of Rostan's Crime: but it was the Queen who striving with him had put it there. Well Rostan (said the King to him, with his Arms-a-Cross) What do you say now, and who are those People you can bring? who shall justify you for the most Horrid Perfideousness, and the falsest Attempt that such a Man as you could Commit. Be gone (Added he) your Head shall [Page]Answer for it. The Unfortunate Rostan, without being concerned at these Threatnings, lifting his Eyes up to Heaven, O God (Cryed he) can there be such a Wicked Woman upon Earth; having said these words, he withdrew to go seek out Ibrahim; but there was little likelihood he would stay the Issue. Men never Sleep when they have been Surprized in such an Action as that; and Fear is almost inseparable from Crime.

As for Homais, who had had the Happiness, and Address to turn the Advantage on her side, she had not so much to Fear; the King stayed with her to Comfort her, promising her no less, than to cause Rostan to be Hanged the next Day, at one of the Corners of the Castle, being the usual Place for such kind of Executions. Homais, I say, being willing to make use of the Conjuncture, for the securing to her self entirely the King's Confidence, [Page] cast her self at his Knees, and after having Obtain'd from him, that he would not be Angry with her, for what she was a going to tell him; she confessed to him, after what manner she came to the Happiness of being his Wife, what Rostan pretended to upon that account; and how that all the Rage, & all the Hatred he had against her, proceeded only from her refusing ever to Consent to so infamous a Proposition; and for that she had alwayes been Faithful to him. Caragus was so Astonished at this piece of News, that he could hardly believe the Queen; but she Confirmed what she said with so many Oaths, and added to it so many particular Circumstances, offering to maintain all this to his Face, and that he durst not, disavow it; that at length the King could not forbear giving Credit to her, seeing that all these Accusations suted very well with the Adventure of that Day. [Page] The Resolution of putting him to Death was already taken; and it was a thing certain, that he should be Executed the next Morning at break of Day. Thus you see Resolutions quickly taken, and Sentences as quickly past; but the Minds of some Princes, as well as of some other Men, cannot answer much for their Resolutions. And indeed, this was none of the most Just that ever was. He Condemned a Man without hearing him: a Man, who in Truth seemed to have Offended him in the most sensible manner; but whom he had ever Loved more than himself, who was the Master of his Wills; and to say all in a word, the King's King: As indeed happened the Day after, when he came to the King's Dressing. How dare you appear before me (said the King to him) after what you have done? Do not you know (Added he) that I have caused a Gibbet to be prepared for [Page] you? Yes (Answered Rostan boldly) but it will be for a Faithless Queen, and her Dear Ibrahim. Why Ibrahim? (Replyed the King) and what Concern can that poor young Man have in the Queen's Crime, if it is true that she is Criminal? Nothing Sir (Answered Rostan in derision) without it be, that last Night I found him in a fair way to do you a great deal of Honour; but I fancy it is not the first time, and you would not have had any Reason to doubt of this, had he not escaped from me; and that the Queen having shut the Door, seized on the Key, and Maliciously put it into my Pocket. The King, all easy as he was to Impressions, and especially in regard of things that Rostan told him, did not however believe it at first; but when he had Related to him all the Circumstances of that Adventure; and that he had learnt that Ibrahim was gone aside, he begun to suspect something; yet he had such a kindness [Page] for that Handsome Young Fellow, that he laid nothing so much to Heart as his Absence. He Asked Rostan, If he knew not whither he was gone; and if they had not sent in search after him: He Answered, That he had caused above a Hundred Spahy's to Pursue him; and that he hoped to see him Hanged before Noon. Why Hanged? (Replyed this weak Prince) How! Shall I put to Death for the sake of a Woman, a Man who perhaps has no other Crime than his Weakness? No, (Continued he) I should Condemn my self, who have much greater Failings in that kind than he has. If Ibrahim has injured me, it is without doubt the Queen who brought him to it: and what can we expect from a Woman, but all manner of ill, as Our Law tells Us? No, no, Ibrahim merits some excuse; and if the Queen is Culpable, we must make use of the Priviledge we have, which is to put her away, without staining my Hands [Page] in the Blood or Life of People, who would Accuse me before Mahomet of my own Crimes. Such Morals as these are owned by the Turkish Divinity; and I find them agreeable enough in what Concerns the Failings of others, and especially those of Women: but few Husbands in Europe would Comply with them, or be content to follow the Example of Caragus. They would have talked immediately of Daggers and Poyson; and there is no kind of Death but what they would have made use of, to have made away both the false Wife, and her Gallant. But this is but a Folly, and the greatest that can be Committed. A Wife is a Wife; and though her Husband be never so Prudent and Careful, if she has a Mind to Honour his Wife Pate with a fine stately Branch, she will find the means to deck him, notwithstanding all his Obstinacy and Precaution.

Thus when the thing is done, the best way is to Comfort ones self as the King of Tunis did. Rostan [Page] however was in a Rage; but notwithstanding all he could say to Animate the Spirit of his Master to Revenge, Ibrahim was too Dear to him; and he would rather have lost a Thousand Wives, than that Favourite. The Africans are strange People in certain Cases. They have Inclinations, and Humours that raise Horrour in all other Mortals. And yet it is but meer, Gallantry amongst them; and they make Songs and Romances, after the Moorish manner, as we do in Europe, upon a fine Mistress. Let us leave this Point which is too Odious for Rational People, and return to Rostan, who not being able to perswade the King to take a vigorous Resolution against Persons, who had so cruelly Offended him. Left him, to go know if there was no News of Ibrahim. He learnt that he was newly Seized. He caused him to be brought before the King, all Bound, and Fetter'd as he was; who was sensibly toucht [Page] to see him in that Condition; and falling into a Rage against Rostan himself: he caused him to be unbound, took him aside, and made him confess more things than he was willing to know, He returned to Rostan, and asked his Pardon for Ibrahim, though it belonged to him alone to Grant it him; and that the Offence purely concerned him, and not Rostan, who had no other share in it, than what his Jealousy made him take. Now all Rostan's Love being turned into Fury, he did not find it difficult to Comply with the King, in Pardoning Ibrahim, seeing he would have it so, expecting that he would at least give an example of Justice on the other Party; and that he would Revenge them both on the haughtiest, and most ungrateful Woman upon the Face of the Earth, which the King promised him to do; but more to pacify him, than with any Design to keep his [Page] Word; for he knew hemself well enough And indeed, he had no sooner seen the Queen, than that she got him on her side against Rostan, perswading him that there was Treachery in her Case, and that he had Corrupted Ibrahim, who ever having had a spight against her; for that in the beginning, she had refused him Entrance into her Apartment, had taken at length that Occasion to Revenge himself. The King after all, knew not what to think of it; he saw on all sides probability enough in what was told him, without knowing who had reason, and who not: But he still bore all the Burden; and therefore, could have wished that all Parties could have been as well satisfied, as he was. He desired the Queen not to speak to him any more of Rostan, and then Rostan to leave the Queen at Quiet; and that he would leave to him himself the Care of her Conduct, that [Page] he would have an Eye over her; and that it would be so much the worse for him if he was deceived. As for Ibrahim, he was expresly forbidden upon pain of Hanging, ever to enter the Seraglio, but with the King, nor to have any Commerce directly or indirectly with the Queen.

At that time Caragus being obliged for some Affairs of State, to send an Ambassadour to Tripoly; he gave that Character to Rostan, not so much to render it the more signal, being one of most magnificent, and pompous Men of his Kingdom, as to be then rid of him; and enjoy a little Repose for some time in his Family, hoping that this Absence might likewise in some manner, stifle the Hatred of those two irritated Spirits. Wherefore Rostan departed for Tripoly, and Arrived at that Court with an extraordinary Train of People, all well made, and with an Epuipage more [Page] becoming a Prince, than an Ambassadour. The Rebel was retreated towards the Mountains, whither the Forces of the King of Tunis joyned with those of the Bashaw, pursued him: Insomuch, that the City was open, and they only thought of Diverting themselves for that Happiness, which passed for a kind of Victory. Rostan's coming did not at all diminish the Divertisements; on the contrary they were Augmented for his sake, who not only Loved them, but whose Humour and Wit, was even proper to invent New Ones, as he did. At length, after having passed some Months in all manner of Pleasures, and dispatched the Affairs with the Bashaw, He was sent about, he took his Leave; and did not fail to take with him out of Revenge, which he was never wanting in, that Christian Slave, who had so Charmed the King his Master; and whom the Sultana his [Page] Sister, would have made him a Present of. Wherefore, he returned very well satisfied to Tunis; but not so much for the Glory he had Acquired in that Embassy, as for the joy he had upon the account of that Fair Slave, for whom he did not doubt, but that the King would take Fire more than ever, as soon as he saw her; and that by this means he should almost Mad the proud Queen. The Truth is, she did not expect such a blow; for having taken Advantage of her Enemies absence, she had made such progresses over the King's Mind, whose Destiny was to let some or other ever Govern him, that she fancied her self above all his Enterprises: she had likewise seen, contrary to his Order, her Dear Ibrahim; and this good Prince was so lulled asleep, or rather so insensible, that he did not see, or would not see what passed before his Eyes. At length Rostan Arrived; [Page] and as he never went by-wayes to Work in all he did, and that he Loved to do every thing so, as to be talked of; he had not the precaution that others would have taken, which was to have Concealed that fair Slave; and have shewed her to the King, before the Queen knew any thing of her. He caused her to enter with him into Tunis with a Queenly Pomp; nothing being more Rich, nor better Suted than his Train. Homais had no sooner the News of it, than being Transported with Passion, she ran to the King's Chamber, who knew nothing yet of this business, and so well perswaded him, and Represented to him the Malice of Rostan; that at length she obtained his word, that he would not see that Slave. And indeed, the King was so Resolved, if he had not had to do with a Man, who knew him better than he did himself; and who would have made [Page] him done things more difficult, than those that were according to his Inclination. He saw him enter his Chamber, coming to Kiss his Hand, and give him an Account of the Success of his Commission. Immediately the Affection he had for him, and which was as natural to him, having made him forget part of the things he had newly promised the Queen; he Received and Embraced him, with all the Caresses imaginable, Repeating to him several times, how tiresome his Absence had been to him; and that he had hardly Relished any real Joy: but then Proceeding from these Tendernesses to the News he had newly Learnt, that he had brought with him that Christian Slave; he represented to him as seriously as he could, the fault he had Committed, to seek thus for Occasions to fall out again with the Queen, that he knew very well, he Loved to be at Peace; and that [Page] he had desired him to Live in good Correspondence with her: and in a word, he might be assured that it was to no purpose, he had given himself the Trouble of bringing with him that Creature; for he had made an Oath not to see her. But Sir, (Answered Rostan) What Reason has the Queen then to Complain of me? What Injury do I do her? That Creature has Charmed me, as well as she did you; I offered her to bring her with me, and take care of her; and she was willing I should. How do I Wrong the Queen? And you Sir, Who desires you to see her? How! A Beauty whom I will make the sweetest Charm of my Life of, whom I only brought for my own use; and whom I am already Jealous of to Death; Should I desire so Handsome, and Amorous a Prince as you are to see her? Pardon me if I tell you, you are too Wise, and know me too well to have only such a Thought; but I perceive what your Address [Page] Aimes at. I am too good a Servant of the Queen, I will not make new Quarrels between you. She is a very good Princess, she deserves all your Affection; and even to Morrow, in Complyance to her desire, I will send my Beautiful and Dear Slave into such a place, as no Body in the World shall know what's become of her. The King, who knew Rostan as perfectly well, as Rostan knew him, perceived his Malice, and the Sence that was to be given to his Words. However, he could not forbear; and the thought that this Malicious Man was going to divert himself agreeably to his Costs, if he let him proceed, having brought into his Mind, all the Graces of that Charming Slave, whom he could not see without Grief, and Jealousy in the Arms of another, making him repent the Reproaches he had newly made him; he told him (not without Blushing) that he should not be so hasty, and that [Page] he would speak to the Queen, and endeavour to make her give her an Apartment in the Seraglio. An Apartment in the Seraglio (Replyed the Cheating Rostan) Why so? May not I have to my self (Pursued he) a Maid whom you Despise; and will you have it said, that it is alwayes I who put your Royal Family into Disorder; and have me bear the brunt of all the Queen's Anger, who has already but too great an Aversion for me. Ah! Send me back with that Slave to Tripoly: For I should choose rather to be unhappy the rest of my Dayes, with that Beautiful Creature, than to give you more reason of reproaching me, as you now do. The King was in such a Confusion, that he knew not what Answer to make him; for he easily perceived that he Triumphed over his Weakness. But at length, the Love he had formerly had for her; and which got Ground on his Heart by the degrees, that Rostan seemed to Oppose [Page] his Design, having made him break through all these Obstacles: He told him, That it was absolutely his Will, that this Slave should stay; that he knew very well, that it was for him he brought her; but that some Measures were to be taken with the Queen. Rostan Vowed, that what he had said, was the naked truth; but that he was his King, and the absolute Master of all that belonged to him; and that thus he might dispose of her as he pleased, provided he would Answer for all that should happen; and especially on the Queen's Account, whom he knew to be his Sworn Enemy, and that she would not fail to Accuse him, as soon as she should know the Amorous Commerce he had with that Slave. The King, having taken upon himself, the Care of all these Things, went at that Instant to find out the Queen; and told her, That he came again to Confirm to her the Protestation he had [Page] made her, not to see that Slave; but that for her greater Security, and their mutual Repose, it was requisite she should take her to her self, and give her some small Apartment, such as she thought fit in the Seraglio; because that as long as she should be in Rostan's Hands, he could neither see him, nor go to his House; but that she would fancy, and be jealous it was upon that Slaves account. The Queen was easily Trepanned; hoping indeed, that having that Slave at her disposal, and in her Eye both Night and Day, it would be more difficult for the King to see her, than at Rostan's; who having her in his House, would not have failed to make the King break his word at length. Insomuch, that she considered the Proposal he made her, as much to her Advantage; and she desired him, That if he was willing to set her Mind at Rest, he would let her come as soon as possible, and not stay till the maligne [Page] Perswasions of her Enemy, had made him change his Resolution again, as they already had so often done. The King promised her, That she should be in the Seraglio that same Day; and that he was going to give Orders for that end.

Clarice, (Thus was this Beautiful Slave called) was not one of those sparkling Beauties, that surprize people, as far off as they see them. Her Air was Sweet and Modest, the Face of a Child; but of a Child that has a Thousand Charms, Brown, fine Blew Eyes, and a Complexion Whiter than is possible to be Imagined. Her Shape more especially was extream Delicate and Fine. She had something Cunning in her Mouth, and which was sutable to the Character of her Soul; for, notwithstanding all her Innocence, which her Air of Youth was Accompanied with; she was more subtle and dissembling, than any Creature of her Age. She was then [Page] Twenty Years Old at least, and seemed not to be Sixteen. She was a Native of Chio, an Island in all Ages Fruitful in Beauties, and is at present under the Dominion of the Grand Seignior. Her Father, who was of a pretty Considerable Family in the Island; but whose Estate and Fortune was but small, Sold her to the Admiral of Tripoly, who made a Present of her to the Sultana. But now Clarice was sent to the Seraglio of the King of Tunis; where the Queen, to whose Disposition it was left to give her an Apartment, Lodged her as meanly as she could, and all the rest of her Equipage; and as her Entertainment was answerable to her Lodging, it is easy to fancy what kind of Life she passed, being a Stranger, and in a Place where she neither saw nor knew any Body. This Life was very different from what Rostan had promised Her at Tripoly, having given her hopes, [Page] That if she managed her self right, and made good use of her Charms, she would become absolute Mistress of the King; and that there could not be with such an Amorous Prince as he was, a more happy Creature than she. Rostan was not a false Prophet herein; but the time was not yet come, and Love has his Hours.

In the mean time, Clarice Lived with a great deal of Grief, and in a sad Melancholly in this Seraglio. Caragus, whose Prudence required, for the Curing the Queen's Jealousy, that he should dissemble, and not see (at least in the Beginning) that Slave, that he might have the more Liberty to do so afterwards, constrained himself for some time, not without Violence; but by much Constraining, he at length forgot her; being of a Humour, that such things as put him in pain, displeased him quickly; and the Flame of his Passion being only like a Fire of Straw; it was often [Page] almost as soon out as kindled. He hardly remembred the fair Clarice was in the Seraglio, when Rostan came one Morning into his Chamber, and shewed him this Letter that he had newly received from this Slave.

AM I then Condemned, My Lord, to Dye like a Criminal; and did you only bring me into this Country, to make me end my days in a Cruel Prison? for, it is thus I may call the sad abode I am Confined to; and where I have less Liberty, than the worst of Prisoners. But can you be Ignorant of this? And have you so far Abandoned me, as to take no Pitty of me? Rather cause me to be sent back to Tripoly, where I was Happy. You know it, and you ought not to abuse the Confidence a Young Maid put in you, who did not fancy you would have thus deceived her. You see how little the King esteems me: He hardly knows where I am Lodged; for I do not doubt if he [Page] did, he would be so Generous, as to take me from hence. Be so kind, as to represent it to him your self; and demand of him my Liberty, or at least, that he would suffer me to go to Tripoly; for considering the Melancholly that Oppresses me here, I do not believe I can live Three days longer.

Clarice.

The King was moved at this Letter, and looking upon Rostan with some Confusion, he declared to him how much he was concerned at it. But Rostan not Contenting himself with that, told him, That he desired him to restore that Slave; and that he did not see for what reason he had forced from him, as he might say, a Creature he Loved so dearly, if he had a Design to make her Dye with Grief. God forbid (Answered the King) that I should have such a Thought; her Death would cost me too many Tears. What Pleasure [Page]do you then take (Replyed Rostan) to have her in the Seraglio, where you see how she is Treated? The King falling to Excuse himself, upon the Measures he was obliged to keep with the Queen. O Heavens! Is it possible (Cryed Rostan) that you should have more regard for a Wife, than she has for you? For in a word, do not you know, that her Commerce with Ibrahim continues still; and has she blinded you to that point, as that you do not see, what all the Seraglio sees? The King Blushed at this Reproach, not but that he had some suspicion of what Rostan told him; but because, that indeed he almost made himself blind, that he might not see further, than was necessary for his repose into the Queen's Affairs. He cared not for her; and had on the contrary a very great Affection for Ibrahim, of whom he would have been more Jealous than of his Wife. And for this reason, he was afraid [Page] to be throughly Informed of this Affair, lest it might oblige him out of Honour to Punish, or at least to put away this Dear Favourite; and the one was almost as Cruel to him, as the other. Rostan came very unseasonably to acquaint him with more than he was willing to know; and quickly breaking off this Discourse, he told him, to Appease him, That he would see Clarice that Day without fail. The Queen being something indisposed, gave him a very fair Opportunity. He had been told before where that Slave was Lodged; and for the more Precaution, and that his Visit might make the less Noise, he resolved to stay till it was Night, and go thither all alone. He came thither, but was strangely disapointed; for entring the Chamber, he found the Queen there instead of Clarice. They were both extreamly Surprized; for as they sought not for one another, they [Page] did not think to have seen one another in that Place. They were both of this Opinion, that their coming thither, was not with design to have met together; and having been some time without speaking, and the Queen as the boldest, breaking Silence, I Imagined Sir, (said she to him) that I should Surprize you here, at one time or other. And for my part (Answered the King) the Truth is, I did not think to Surprize you here. How! What have you to say? (Replyed she) Is it a Crime to watch you, having such Reason to distrust you? No (Replyed he) but it is a very great one, to pretend to be indisposed in the Morning, and come to an Assignation in the Evening. I Sir, to an Assignation (Replyed she) O Heavens! Is it to save your self from my just Reproaches, that you begin thus first to accuse me? I perceive what your business is here. And I (Answered the King) suspect no less of [Page] you; but I shall Remedy it. Ah! I shall Remedy it too (Answered she, Rising up hastily to have gone away) I will not be played upon by a wretched Slave; and be looked upon more as a Cypher, than a Queen. No Body has a Right over my Actions, Madam, (Replyed the King with something a fierce Tone) but I have over yours. Over mine Sir, (Answered the Queen again) you have, 'tis true; but be assured, that I shall ever Regulate my self by you. You are too good an Example (Added she, as she was going away) not to be followed. The King weary of seeing, as well as hearing her, made her no Answer, and let her go; but not knowing where to find Clarice, seeing she was not in the Apartment that was given her, he was obliged to return to his own, and make inquiry after her. It was Ibrahim's Misfortune to meet with him in the way, as in all probability he was going to [Page] the Queen. He was Amazed to see the King, who Eying him with some indignation. You will at length weary my Patience Ibrahim, (said he to him) you abuse my good Nature; and you do not remember how often, and what I forbad you. This young Favourite not wanting Wit, seeing the King came from Clarice's Apartment, made use of that pretext to justify himself; and told him, That having learnt that he had a desire to make a Visit to that Slave, he came immediately after him to acquaint him, how that the Queen had, two dayes before, given her a better Apartment than the former. Though the King had no reason to give Credit to what Ibrahim told him, who could not divine his Design, being he had mentioned it to no Body but Rostan. He contented himself however with this Excuse; because he was not willing to have any reason to be displeased with him, and having asked [Page] him whither they had removed that Slave; he referred his Visit till the next day, for fear the Queen should come and disturb them.

It was not to oblige Clarice, that this Jealous Princess hnd given her another Apartment; but because that she had Being in a retired place, where there was no likelihood the King would come, and find her; without that he had a Design to see that Slave, which she did not expect; she fancied it would be more convenient for her Amours, than her own Apartment, where she was afraid of being Discovered; and did not enjoy in repose the pleasure of seeing her Dear Ibrahim, as she hoped to do with full Liberty in Clarice's Chamber. But she had but ill Success the first time, which did not however much Trouble her, being very glad to have found the King in a way to break the Oaths he had made her, of not seeing that Slave; fancying [Page] that this alone might serve her for an Excuse, if she for Her part, was not found so very Faithful.

Rostan was at the King's Rising, to know how that first Visit had passed. This Prince, who could not keep any Secret from him, not only acquainted him, that he had not found Clarice in her former Apartment, but that he had met the Queen there. Whereupon Rostan did not fail to Penetrate immediately into the Truth of this Change; and to Animate the King at the same time, both against the Queen, and for Clarice, whose Life he rendered him Responsible; for, if he did not go and see her, Caragus, who was already all disposed to it, was easily perswaded to follow Rostan's Counsel; and as soon as he was Drest, he went to that Slaves Apartment, whom he found at her Toylet, and in an Undress. She was (as I have already sad) a very pretty Creature; but more especially [Page] in a careless Habit, and never was Woman so Charming as she in that Condition. The King was in a Surprize; the Truth is, that considering the Complexion he was of, there needed not much to Charm him; but he was this time quite after another manner, than ever he had been before; and to that Degree, that he knew not what to say to her, in the perplexity that sight cast him in at first. Clarice not expecting this Honour, seeing the little Notice that Prince had taken of her; Blusht as soon as she saw him, and her Cheeks Glowed with a Red, so much the more Charming; as that it admirably well became the Whiteness of her Complexion, and that it was Natural. Is it for such a Person as you, Sir, (said she rising) to Surprize People? I come here (Answered the King) with a great deal of Confusion, to ask you a Thousand Pardons for my Negligence. I fancied, [Page] I had Reasons enough to justify my self; but since I have seen you, I know not any, but what Condemns me: For nothing ought to be capable of making me forget the most Charming Person upon the Earth. Clarice, who had Evidently observed the Effect that her Beauty had produced upon the King's Heart, was extreamly delighted to see him Confirm it by his Words. She Answered him with her tender, and innocent Air, That the Honour was too great that he did her: And in a Word, the Conversation proceeding much further, it ended by a New Apartment, which the King promised Clarice; and he only left her to go and give Order to prepare it for her that very day.

The Queen having had Notice from Ibrahim, of the Visit the King had made that Slave, was extreamly Allarm'd, to hear that one of the finest Apartments of the Seraglio, was Furnishing for her. She [Page] guessed what this tended to; and Attributing all to Rostan her Mortal Enemy, by whose perswasion the King did all things; she sent to desire this Prince to do her the Favour to come one Moment to her Apartment, that she had something to say to him. The King made Answer, He was something Busy then, and that he would see her another time. The Queen more outraged than ever, could hardly curb her Rage; but as it was not yet time to show it: and that she did not Despair of reducing the King. She resolved to Dissemble, and knowing that he was in the Seraglio, seeing that Apartment preparing himself: She without further waiting, went to find him out. As soon as she appeared, all the Company in the Room withdrew, and she cast her self at the King's Feet, with a sad dejected Look, and a very humble Countenance; but yet Majestick, Grandeur being [Page] as inseparable from all her Actions. She held a great Handkerchief before her Eyes, with which she seemed to dry up some Tears; and using the Tone of a very Afflicted Woman: May I Sir, (said she to him) ask you one Favour more? I am so Unfortunate, that having made all my Happiness consist in possessing you, I am not capable of procuring yours; and that you seek elsewhere, wherewith to Content your self; My Presence would disturb your Pleasures here: I cannot see a Blessing that belongs to me in the Armes of another. Give me leave to withdraw, and go pass far from hence the remainder of a wretched Life. The King, who had expected, and prepared himself for some Action of Fury from that haughty Princess; against which, he would perhaps have resisted, found himself Surprized with so much Humility; and was almost half Vanquish't with only seeing at his Feet a Creature [Page] of that Humour. The Truth is, that nothing has so great an Effect upon a Heart, as the Humble Returns of those Proud Spirits, because they are unexpected; and that they are known to be very Rare, and that they cost them Dear. The King (as I have newly said) wholly Changed with this only Action; and already forgetting Clarice, he spoke to her with so much Sweetness, as made her discover all his Weakness. The dissembling Homais did not fail to take Advantage of it, and told him all that was capable of Engaging him, and making him abandon the Design he had in Favour of the Slave, not ceasing to protest to him, That she had neither Titles, Honours, Estate, nor Life, but what she would willingly Sacrifice to him: but that he ought to Consider, that for a Moment of Pleasure he might have with a Slave, he was going to Render her the most [Page] wretched Woman upon the Earth, in the sight of all his Kingdom; though all the Divan had deem'd her Worthy of sharing with him his Crown. The King, as if it had been a great Crime, to have once wronged a Woman, whom he knew was not very true to him, denied he had ever had any such Design; and did all he could to set her Mind at rest. But the Queen still seeming very much disquieted, told him, That there was only two wayes to pacify her, which was either to send that Slave back to Tripoly, or Marry her to some one of her Religion. The King was Troubled at this Proposition; but not being able to Excuse doing it after the Advances he had made in that point; He chose rather to get her a Husband, than deprive himself all together of the sight of so Lovely a Maid. Wherefore he told her, He would Marry her; and that he would Endeavour to find some Christian [Page] that was a fit Match for her. The Queen satisfied with this Assurance, though it had been more safe for her, Clarice had been sent back: she only desired the King, he would once keep his word with her; and that for their Mutual Repose, this affair might not be deferred; to the end, that Slave might leave the Seraglio as soon as possible. Caragus promised her to do it; and parting, he went to Clarice's Apartment, to acquaint her with this News, and see how she would Receive it. But she could not fail of being Surprized, after the Obliging things he had said, and the Promises he had made her, to see so suddain, and so great a Change: She could not forbear shedding Tears, and desired the King, since it was left to her choise to Marry, or to return to Tripoly, she might have leave to go thither; not being willing to redouble her unhappiness, by Marrying a Man, [Page] whose Fortune was as much to make as hers. The King being moved with her Tears, and Charmed more than ever with her Beauty, was now much less willing, than before, to part from her. But means were to be found to Appease the Queen, or at least to stop her Furies: for he Dreaded her violent Spirit; and therefore, had occasion for Rostan's Counsel.

The Queen had been so often deceived by the Promises the King had made her, that she would have had Reason to fear, he would have failed her again this time, if she had known the Passion he had for that Slave; but as the King had seldom seen her, she fancied it was only a slight Amour, which he would make no difficulty of Sacrificing to her Satisfaction: Insomuch, that she expected to see Clarice suddenly Married, which she thought would put a stop to his budding Desires, which might have [Page] been disadvantageous to her, if she had not bethought her self betimes of preventing it; for by removing that Creature out of the King's sight, and Marrying her with a Christian, was not only the means of making him slight her, but forget her altogether: the force of his Passion never Proceeding so far, as to Love People long, that were out of his sight. She was expecting with great impatience the Conclusion of that Affair, when she saw the King come into her Chamber, who told her smilling, That it was a thing Concluded on, that she should be satisfied; and that Clarice was going to Marry, not a Christian, but a Turk; because there being in that Country only wretched Slaves of that Religion, she chose rather to turn Turk, than be Reduced to so miserable a Necessity. The Queen, after having thanked the King for his Complaisance; and having declared to him, through a Zeal of Religion, [Page] the joy she had of that Conversion, asked him, Who it was he designed for her Husband? The King made Answer, That it was Ibrahim; and that Clarice, who had seen him two or three times by chance, having found him to her Mind, had made Choice of him her self; and that he had given her his Word that she should have him. The Sultana not expecting to be Attacked on that side, was in an instant so full of Grief, that she was not so much Mistress of her self, as to prevent shewing it in her Looks. She was even quite out of Countenance; and notwithstanding all the boldness of her Spirit, she remained mute, and without reply. The King, whose Design was to observe her, took great Delight to see her in that Perplexity; and that he might quite Confound her; I do not see, Madam (pursued he with a Rallying Tone, which however was not usual to him) how a fitter Husband [Page] for that Slave can be found. She is Pritty, Ibrahim is Handsome; and I am sure all the Earth will approve of so Accomplisht a Match. As for you, Madam, — For me, Sir, (Interrupted she) I shall not Oppose it: but I perceive your Design; you would give that Slave to Ibrahim, because that, being Master of the Husband, you might easily have the Wife at your disposal: Thus you are willing enough to Consent to it; because by this means, you Dispose of her so, as to see her with the more Conveniency: But Alas! All the Misfortune will fall upon me. Ah! No Madam, (Interrupted the King Her) If that Reason only makes you fear the Union of those two Persons; For your Satisfaction, I will send them both far from hence; and I will go this very Instant to make them Consent to it. The King, who never knew how to Dissemble, Acted his part so well this time, that he deceived the Queen, as subtle as she was; for [Page] all he had said to her, came purely from Rostan, who knowing the weak side of the Lady better than the King, had given him his Lesson; being assured, she would sooner Consent to all things, than this Match. And indeed, the Queen Loved Ibrahim with such a Passion, or rather such a Rage, that there was nothing but what she would have done, to have prevented losing him; and the King had no sooner left her, than that all Alarm'd, she ran to her Closet, to Write to that Dear Gallant; which she did in these Terms, in the Emotion and Trouble she was in.

WE are Ruined my Dear Ibrahim, if I do not see thee immediately. The King Designs to part Us, and give thee to a wretched Slave. Think but how great my Grief [Page]will be, and thy Misfortune. I should Dye of Regret, and thou wouldst not have any great Satisfaction with her; for it is not for thy sake that she is to be Married to thee. The King is in Love with her, and he knows that I Love thee. He makes use of thee, to Favour his Desires, and Revenge himself on me at the same time. Be upon thy Guard; I fancy that thou hast that kindness for me as not to quit me for another: But herein thou must shew Resulution, and be assured, that I will never abandon thee; and that I will sooner lose my Life, than lose thee. Farewel, I expect thee, that we may take together the Measures that are necessary for the Triumphing over our Enemies.

[Page]This Letter was safely Delivered to the most Dear Ibrahim; but came a Moment too late, because that Rostan, whose stirring Humour, when any Malicious Prank was to be undertaken, especially against the Queen, had already prevented her. He had spoke to Ibrahim, and secured all: Insomuch, that the Answer he made Her, was thus:

I Am the most Ʋnfortunate of all Men, Madam, for I see nothing but Death on all sides. I am ordered to Marry a Slave, and am Condemned to Dye, if I do not Obey; and yet how wretched shall I be if I Marry her: I lose you, and that is more than Dying. Alas! If I might at least see you one Moment, and take my last Leave of you, Death would seem less Cruel[Page]to me; but I am so strictly Guarded in the Prison of the Seraglio, that there is no way for me to come, and lay my self at your Feet. Nor can I imagine by what happiness your Letter came to me, nor how you could Bribe the Sentinal, who brought it me; and who likewise promises me, to Charge himself with my Answer; for the Guards have orders not to let any one speak with or see me. Endeavours must be used to procure him to help me out from hence, which is the only way for Us to have the better of our Enemies. Consider this, Madam, it is our Mutual Interest, and if Love inspires you with some happy Design, let me know it as soon as possible: for I impatiently long to hear what Resolution[Page]you will take as to my Misfortunes.

The Queen having read this Answer with the most tender Sentiments imaginable, asked the Mooress who had carry'd her Letter, and in whom she put great confidence; How she had procured it to be delivered to Ibrahim? Who told her, That not having been able to get to speak to the Prisoner her self, she had found the means of Bribing one of His Guards, being an acquaintance, that he had promised to deliver it faithfully into his hands. Whereupon a thousand designes came into to the Queens mind, without knowing at first which to stick to.

The Sentinal, who had served her so well, was a perfect Cheat, and a Creature of Rostan; who having instructed him with all he had to do, charged himself willingly with the Letter, and the Answer; [Page] Both which passed thro' the King and his Favourites hands, before they came to those of the Parties interessed.

This was a great Tryumph for Rostan, which the King bore all the burden of, & could not rejoyce as he did; but he comforted himself with the reprisals he had upon Clarice, whom he hoped to have suddainly an entire, and free possession of: Wherefore, having not the scruples and delicacies of other Husbands, and a Mistress being dearer to him than ten Wifes, he was not concerned for all the Queen could do, having even wished she might have done more, if more could be done, that he might have had the more Right to Reprizals. And indeed, so passionate a Creature as Homais, could not well stop in so fair a way, and the nooze was already so wide, that she could not forbear venturing through it.

[Page]As the King was discoursing about this business with Rostan the faithful Guard came in, & told them, That the Queen had newly sent for him; Whereupon they not doubting, but that it was upon some new Design, gave him leave to go to her; putting him still in mind, to behave himself according to his instructions, which were to grant her all she should require, and give them at the same time notice of all that passed.

The King had been that day at the Queen's to tell her, That he was going without farther delay, to marry Ibrahim with Clarice; and that the nuptialls would be about the Evening, which she was to prepare her self for. The Queen, who since the News of this Match, had been in fearful Apprehensions and Torments, and which had wholly changed her countenance, fancyed she had found a very plausible pretext to defer it, by telling him, That she was not very [Page] well, and that she desired him to stay some dayes longer, if he had a mind she should be at the Wedding, as for Decency it was requisite she should. But the cunning Caragus made Answer, that he was so earnest to satisfy her, that he had not the patience to wait any longer; and for the sake of so faithful a Wife as she was, he chose rather to be wanting in the Rules of Decency, than in those of the duty of a good Husband.

The Queen, who was too cunning to let her self be trepanned by words, which were too obliging for her, whom the King had no reason to be satisfied with, easily perceived, that there was malice couched under; and that the conclusion of so suddain a match, had other ends, than only to please her. But she thought fit likewise to dissemble: Nor indeed had she any apparent reason to oppose it, after what the King had said to her, without making known to him how [Page] much her Heart was interessed in it. How-ever, she prepared to set all at work, to prevent it; and to dye, rather than see her Dear Ibrahim in the Armes of that Slave. Insomuch, that the King had no sooner left her, to go give an account to Rostan of that Visit, but that she sent for the Sentinal, who had already so well served them in the business of their Letters; and begining at the first, by the Presents which the Sentinal still accepted, she Communicated to him her Secret, and the design she had of causing Ibrahim to escape; and that if he would serve her in that, she would give him wherewith to make his fortune elsewhere, much better than he could do with the King her Husband; and that the Presents she then made him, were only an acknowledgment for the care he had taken of her Letter, and bringing her an Answer.

[Page]The honest confident having made some profound Bows to the abused Queen, to thank her for the favours she heaped upon him; and more especially, for the Confidence she put in him, seemed to be extreamly grieved, that he could not serve her in that occasion; there being invincible difficulties to perform what she desired of him; because it was impossible, to let Ibrahim out of the Seraglio by day, and that by night she knew very well, that the Gates were all shut.

The Queen reply'd, That the difficulty of letting him out by day was easy to be overcome, by disguising him in some Moorish Woman's Cloathes, by which means he might easily get out of the Seraglio: The Keeper made answer, That that was true, if he alone had the keeping of him; but as there were others besides himself, who were continually coming into his Chamber to have an eye [Page] upon his actions, assoon as they should see he was gone, they would immediately allarum all the Castle; insomuch, that he could not fail of being taken again.

The Queen, Whose passion would have furnished her with a thousand inventions upon that Subject, found out quickly what was requisite to deceive the Keepers, by putting some Body in his place, who should put on his Cloathes; but the difficulty was to find this some Body, who would thus sacrifice his life for his sake, the danger being as inevitable: Insomuch, that she chose rather to run that risque her self, than lose that occasion; not seeing any surer means to free her Gallant out of so cruel a perplexity, and set her own mind at rest. She knew what answer to make in case she was surprized there: For the jealousy she had seemed to have of the King, for his Marrying that Slave to one of his Creatures, that [Page] she might be the more at his disposal, furnishing her with pretexts enough for all that she could undertake.

The Rogue of a Keeper, fancying the business to be come to the Point, that those who set him to work, were willing to have it, was immediately of the Queens Opinion; and told her what she had to do, that it was necessary she should put on the Mooresses Cloathes who carried Meat to Ibrahim; and that she her self should carry him his Dinner; and when she was come into his Room, she might give him hers, and take his Clothes at the same time, and act the part of a Prisoner till the Evening; and that when the Gates of the Seraglio were shut, and the other Keepers were gone, he would let her out, and she might return to her Apartment.

Things being thus regulated, they followed the measures they had taken; that is to say, this Rogue having [Page] left the Queen in the greatest joy imaginable, in the hopes she had of the success of her designes, he went immediately to the King, whom he found still with Rostan, and gave them a faithful account of all that had been concluded between him, and the Queen; from thence he went to dispose things to bring upon that poor Lady, the greatest affront she could have received. He fetched the Caiterers Cloathes; who being an under Cook, they could not smell very agreeably; and having dispensed her from carrying any thing that day to Ibrahim, he went immediately to the Queen; who, though used more then any Woman in the World to perfumed Robes, was not in the least disgusted with these, though they smelt so of Oyl and of Spices, as to have turned any ones stomach; and she put them on with more joy, than she did the Royal Robes on her wedding day with Caragus.

[Page]The Keeper, being the sole confident in this intrigue, helpt to dress her; after which, he put two Dishes into her hands; and walking first, he ushered her to the Prison; leading her through a Court where the King and Rostan, who would have the pleasure of seeing her, stood in a place where they could not be perceived. The truth is, it was something pleasant, to see the haughtyest Creature upon the Earth, in that Equipage.

The King who was naturally inclined to compassion, took pitty of her at first, but the share he had in that disguise, having made him recover from that tender sentiment; and Rostan, who managed to the utmost the least opportunity he had of revenging himself upon his Enemy, having raised his Choller to the higest point, he was fully resolved to rid himself of her.

In the mean time, our Adventerers pursued their way to the Prisoners [Page] Chamber; who was at first the most surprized imaginable, to see, that this Woman, who daily brought him his meat, hung about his neck, repulsed her two or three times to have got rid of her; But, How was he amazed, when he discovered it was the Queen?

Ah! Madam, (said he to her) to what end do you expose your self! must you reduce your self to this condition, in the behalf of an unfortunate wretch, and take so litle care of a Life, in whose service I would sacrifice mine a thousand times? It is for that very reason (Answered she him) My dear Ibrahim, that I ought not to make any difficulty of exposing that life which is wholly thine. I should be sorry (added she) that thou shouldst owe thine to any other than to me; But let us make use of the time, for we have not a moment to lose; and give me thy Cloathes, and take these I have here, and save thy self with the Keeper, who has wherewith to carry thee to a [Page] Place from whence I may hear of you, and come to you very suddainly: For I will quit all, to follow thee.

Ibrahim had not the patience to let her make an end, and interrupting her at that proposition; He told her, He would never do so base an action; knowing very well, that the King would put her to Death, or cause her to be shut up in some place, from whence she could never get out; and that he would rather expose himself to the most cruel Death, than give the least occasion, that any mischief should happen to her for his sake.

But the Queen knew so well how to represent to Him, That she had nothing to be afraid of; that things were so well contrived, that there would not be the least appearance, that she had any way contributed to his escape; and that there was no going back in that business; that at length, this too generous Lover was perswaded to obey her: Insomuch, that he put of his Cloathes, [Page] and put on the Sultana's; in which, after mutual Caresses, Tears, and the most tender fare-wels imaginable, he went out of the Room, being conducted by the same Keeper. But they were hardly out of the Seraglio, e're he was seized, and likewise the Keeper for formes sake; and were carryed into another Prison, where Ibrahim had time enough to despair and complain, and accuse Heaven, Destiny, and even his Prophet Mahomet, of his misfortune.

The Queen drest in Ibrahim's Cloathes, and wrapt up in her Barnus, with which she hid her face, kept lying upon the Bed, that the Guards who came in and out, might not stand to look on her; and that she might with less trouble act the part she did, She already took an extream delight in imagining she had freed her dear Ibrahim, and that he was out of the Castle, gone from Tunis; and that [Page] he would be quickly secure from the designes of his Enemies; that she might go to him her self, as she was resolved to do, not being able to live without that Dear Gallant.

She thus employed her mind with a thousand agreeable thoughts, that the time might not seem Teadious, till the hour the Keeper had promised to come, and fetch her from thence, and conduct her to her Apartment.

But this Comedy was not to be yet at an end. One of the finest scenes was still to come, which she did not in the least expect; and wherein the King, Rostan, Clarice, and Her self were to be the Principle Actors. It passed about the Evening, and they all Three came into the Prisoner's Chamber. Ibrahim (said Rostan, who had Charged himself with that Adventure) here we are to Conclude the Match, you have been spoke to of; for you are [Page] not to come out of Prison, till you have Married Clarice: It being necessary for the Repose, both of the King and Queen, who both desire it, and will see it Finished this Evening; that Clarice may go out of the Seraglio to Morrow; and that you may depart together, and retire into some place out of the Kingdom. Come, Rise, and give me your Hand, Swear here before the King, that you receive this Maid for your Lawful Wife; and that you will never Abandon her, in what part of the World so ever you go.

It is easy to imagine, what a perplexity the unfortunate Queen was in, seeing her self upon the point of falling into the cruellest Confusion that could have befalled her. But as it was already Late, and there being no Light in the Chamber, she fancied, she might perhaps avoid it, and not be known: She Rose, gave her Hand to Rostan, for this pretended Marriage, and [Page] prepared her self no less, than to Stab that Slave with a Ponyard she ever carried about her, if for her sake she received any Affront; as indeed she had like to have put it in Execution; but she would have paid Dear for the Stroke.

Thereupon two Flambeus being brought in, to give Light to this Fine Ceremony; the King, who till then had walked in the Room without saying a Word, come near those that were to be Married, & seeing that the false Ibrahim hid himself under his Barnus, that his Face might not be seen, he bid one of the Guards take it from him, being People were not used to be Married without being seen. Insomuch, that they then discovevered the fair Queen in Ibrahim's Cloaths; who, all of a suddain Transported with Motions of Rage, Shame, and Jealousy, was going to Revenge her self with her Ponyard upon that poor Victime, if he had [Page] not Cried: Ah Madam! What do you do? It is Ibrahim.

At that Voice, fixing her Eyes upon him, she knew him; and her Ponyard falling out of her Hands, she had occasion for help to hold her up from falling upon the Floor, being ready to Faint, through such quite different Motions, after the Risque that this Dear Lover had Run, of Dying by her own Hands.

Rostan took a great Delight in all this Adventure; but the King, whose Nature was not so Cruel, though most Concerned, resolved to withdraw, after having given Order that the Queen should be Lead to her Apartment; and that Ibrahim should be kept more Narrowly than ever.

Rostan was extreamly Delighted with all this Encounter; but it had only filled Ibrahim with Vexation and Grief: yet as the King was one, who laid not things much to Heart; and besides the Treachery [Page] of Women, being not of so great Consequence to Husbands in Africa, where they are Acquainted with their Weaknesses; as in Europe, where they expect more Virtue, though Women every where, there needed no more than the sight of Clarice to put him in a better Humour. To that intent, he went to see her, and passed some Hours with her, with so much the more Joy, as that he did not fear the Queen would come, and disturb him. This Visit Augmented his Passion more than ever: He expressed it to Clarice in such passionate Terms, that she was not altogether insensible: And as there was to be a Feast the next day, at a Country House, of the General of the Gallyes, who was desirous to Treat the King, He desired her to be there, or otherwise he would not go himself, though he had given his word; not being able to pass an Hour, much less half a Day, out of her [Page] sight, without Trouble and Disquiet.

The fair Clarice consenting to it, the King told her, that the Chious of Tripoly's Wife, would carry her thither; a very Honorable employ for that Lady, and which she acquitted her self of, like a Woman of Wit and Courage. The Entertainment was very Magnificent.

Rostan who considered that day as a day of Tryumph for him, and the entire ruine of the Queen put all the Company in a way to divert themselves, there was nothing but Joy and Pleasures: The King was in the best Humour Imaginable; and with Reason, for it is said to be there, that he first gave Proofs of his Passion to his Dear Clarice, who appeared in a Pompous and Magnificent Dress.

The Desolate Queen did not pass her time so agreeably. She was not only to bear the Grief of seeing her Ambition overturned; and [Page] a Slave, who had at length got the better of her: but she was likewise to support the cruel Destiny of her Love. Ibrahim was in Prison, and she in fears of what would become of his Life: But that which Grieved, and Stung her most, was the Remembrance of the Affront she had Received, by the Prank that that Traitor Rostan had played her; and which she would willingly have been Revenged of, at the Peril of her Life. In a word, Glory, Ambition, Love, all was Ruined in her; and only Death, could Comfort her in so much Affliction. But she was not willing of her self, to give that Triumph to her Enemies, and she hoped, that as long as she should Live, she should be Powerful enough, or at least, Ingenuous enough to repay them sooner or later, part of the Ills they made her Suffer.

In the mean time, she had not [Page] that command of her self, but that the great Disorder there was in her heart, troubling extreamly the good disposition of Her Body, she fell sick; and in a few dayes, was reduced within an Ace of the Grave. The King not knowing what it was to keep Resentment against his greatest Enemies, could not preserve so much hatred against a Woman, whom he had in some manner loved; but that the pitty he had, to know she was in that condition, brought him back to her. He was even so concerned at the sight of her, and so moved with the sensible and pittyful things she said to him, that if this unhappy Queen had asked him to have abandoned his dear Clarice, he would without doubt have promise her he would; but I know not, if he would have kept his word Homais more discreetly, asked him only; If he would pardon what had past, and live with her in the same good understanding as they [Page] did together, for some time after their Marriage? Which the King granted her with more Goodness, than she could have hoped for; and likewise declared to her, in a very caressing manner, how extreamly he was grieved, and how sensible he was to see her so ill; and how joyful he should be, to see her recovered. And this assurance was so great a Cordial to that poor afflicted One, that since that Visit, her Fevour, as well as her Trouble of mind, diminished every day. The King came often to see her; but that was of no disadvantage to Clarice: On the contrary, she continually augmented in Authority and Favour; and though he had a great deal of Kindness for her, before he possessed her intirely; yet it seemed, that since this Union, his Love was become more ardent than ever; Contrary to the custome of all other Lovers, who are often sensible of the diminishing of their flames, by the degrees [Page] they continue to enjoy what they love; the Habit of Pleasures disgusting them from that of loving still the same thing. This Prince, I say, who passed for the most fickle of all Lovers, appeared now the most constant of all men: his Cares, his Assiduities, his Eagernesses for the faire Clarice, had no bounds, and he still found some new Charme in her: From thence may be concluded, that this Maid, with her little Aire of innocence, was the most subtle Creature that ever was to have found the way to fix the Kings heart, who nothing pleased but she. This did not fail to make some envy, and others jealous of her: But the Power she had got over the King having insensibly made her haughty, she came to have many Enemies; for she despised those she was most obliged to: she neglected Rostan, to whom she owed all she had; and having been made Sultana through the Intercession of the [Page] General of the Gallyes, who was her particular Friend, she fell out with him about a thing of small consequence; which caused several Rumours to run of her, which were not to her Advantage. There was a report, that the Admiral of Tripoly knew what stuff she was made of before he gave her to the Sultana; that an Aga of the Bashawes had found her as kind as that Admiral had been; and Rostan likewise had been payed for the pains he had taken, in bringing her to Tunis; yet all these Storyes, and all the other Tempests, which rose up against her, blew over, and rather turned to her Advantage. The King had not those Delicacies of other Lovers; He had declared more than once, that in point Mistresses, he loved them best at second hand, and that he ever found enough for him to do; that is to say, he loved to have way made for him, and to enjoy pleasure without pain.

[Page]It was the Queen, who countenanced most these Rumours, and fomented them by the means of her Creatures; She did all she could, to be reconciled with Rostan; whom she knew had reason enough to complain of Clarice; but she was never able to effect it: Rostan was not to be pacified after that manner; and he perceived what obliged the Queen to make those Advances she did. Insomuch, that this Princess, having intirely lost that great favour she had formerly been in, and the King never seeing her but out of Civility; the World considering her but as the shadow of what she had been; and having nothing more to comfort her, either in poynt of Glory, or in poynt of Love, Clarice having obtained of the King that Ibrahim should be banished to Tripoly; she asked her Husband leave to make a Voyage to Mecqua; which he not being able to refuse her, she took with her all the Jewels, [Page] and most precious Movables she had; and being imbarqued with some of her faithfullest Domesticks, she accomplished her Pilgrimage: After which, instead of returning to Tunis, she went directly to Constantinople; where her beauty, as well as her Amorous Intrigues, having at first made a great noise, the Chronicle sayes, that the Mufti, though notwithstanding his Character, and the Religious Life, he made Profession of, was no Enemy to pretty Women, fell in Love, and made Court to her; But the Memoires of this last Intrigue, are not yet come to our hands.

Thus you must be satisfied with these I put forth, as the most sincere that have been made Publick.

FINIS.

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§

§

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Homais QUEEN OF TUNIS, NOVEL.

By Sebastian Grenadine,

AMSTERDAM, Printed for Simon the Afrikan, at the Prince in the Sun, 1681.

Information about this book

Title statement

Homais, queen of Tunis novel / by Sebastian Grenadine.Homaïs reyne de Tunis. English

Grenadine, Sebastian.

Edition statement

1681

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A42088

ID [STC]

Wing G1935

ID [STC]

ESTC R41772

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

31360618

ID [OCLC]

ocm 31360618

ID [VID]

110751

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42088)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 110751)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1739:26)

Source

— Homais, queen of Tunis novel / by Sebastian Grenadine., Homaïs reyne de Tunis. English, Grenadine, Sebastian., Brémond, Gabriel de..

Extent

[2], 3-132 p.

Printed for Simon the Afrikan ...,. Amsterdam :: 1681.. (Sometimes attributed to Gabriel de Brémond.) (Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library.)

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